#malenia could pick her up with one hand
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legs open pussy facing the world not a single thought in her head
#what’s that melina? torrent?#no thanks i already have a mount#god the size difference is killing me#tarnished is like a chew toy#malenia could pick her up with one hand#oh wait she already does that#elden ring
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gender essay anon thot again about the empyreans like. miquella being the only he/him empyrean!!! how the 5 divine candidates (ranni, malenia, miquella, marika, and radagon) all in some way have politics that in some degree reflect their gender dynamics
marika and ranni both feel the golden order is untenable and marika seeks to destroy it while ranni seeks to replace it with something hands ofd
divine masculine radagon feels the golden order is salvagable and seeks to repair the elden ring
miquella tried to follow in his fathers golden footsteps before seeing the golden order As Is could not help his sister and seeks to purify it of any polluting factors and impurities to create unalloyed gold whos only focus is establishing the guiding principles of the world and rejecting external influence and is self perpetuating
like hghghghhhh subtextual gender politics GOD
right there’s so much symbolism you can pick up on by digging into these dynamics…
Regarding Marika and Radagon, Marika is the persona that is worshipped as a god and under the Golden Order all faith stems from her (“Marika is the one true god”). But Radagon is the persona who is actively going out and accomplishing things and established the tenants and incantations of the Golden Order in the first place, not Marika.
Recently I noticed that when we look at the Scarseal and Soreseal talismans, both Marika’s and Radagon’s contain the exact same text, except Marika’s raise all mental attributes, and Radagon’s raise all physical attributes!
Marika’s Soreseal
“This legendary talisman is an eye engraved with an Elden Rune, said to be the seal of Queen Marika. Greatly raises mind, intelligence, faith, and arcane, but also increases damage taken by a similar measure. Solemn duty weighs upon the one beholden; not unlike a gnawing curse from which there is no deliverance.”
Radagon’s Soreseal
“This legendary talisman is an eye engraved with an Elden Rune, said to be the seal of King Consort Radagon. Greatly raises vigor, endurance, strength, dexterity, but also increases damage taken by a similar measure. Solemn duty weighs upon the one beholden; not unlike a gnawing curse from which there is no deliverance.”
Their gender dynamic is literally right in the game mechanics! We have Radagon portrayed as the physical body and Marika the brain; one acts on behalf of the other. Perhaps Marika became disillusioned with her prescribed role, and felt trapped and unable to act for herself? but Radagon was satisfied with his role and his illusion of autonomy and did all he could to preserve it?
This is also what makes Miquella and Malenia so interesting, because they are this exact dynamic but REVERSED… Malenia, the red-haired, is the physical body, the Lands Between’s most skilled warrior, and acts on Miquella’s behalf. Miquella, the pale-haired, is the brain, who inspires worship and devotion, yet is trapped in the eternal body of a child and cannot physically act on his own behalf. I wonder if their unique flipped gender dynamic helped allow them to see the flaws in the Golden Order in some way and informed their plans for a new order?
Ranni is unique because she isn’t really part of a dynamic, but I do think she saw how Marika essentially had power at the expense of her own autonomy and was determined to prevent that from ever happening to herself, or anyone else, by removing the gods from the equation entirely and keeping them far at bay. Which is interesting that it involves the rejection of her physical body!
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Ranni has always insisted on referring to Malenia as her "little sister." Never her "younger" sister.
Malenia has towered over Ranni since she was fourteen years old, she could pick her up with one hand, and Ranni introduces her like "Yes this is my LITTLE sister Malenia."
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#56: Malenia, Blade of Miquella [Elden Ring]
[Art Credit: Aleksandra Skiba on ArtStation]
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What's her name again?
This request comes from an anonymous reader. Surely, their goal was to give some of you lovely folks violent flashbacks. It is in fact time to venture into the world of Elden Ring and yet again face Malenia, Blade of Miquella. I'll be completely honest, I do not get the appeal of Souls games, so I never bothered to look into them, but you all very well know that your wish is my command. So let's step into the arena!
Next Time: GODDAMNIT, BARBARA!
Let's see what we need to equip for this fight:
I am Malenia
Blade of Miquella
And I have never known defeat
Um... okay... whatever you say.
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Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is a demigod, and specifically mentioned to be an Empyrean; in D&D terms, Empyreans are celestials so that will make her an Aasimar. Using the new rules from Mordenkainen's Monsters of the Multiverse, we get a +2 and a +1 to two abilities of our choice (let's get Dexterity and Constitution respectively), speed of 30 feet, Celestial Resistance to necrotic and radiant damage, 60 feet of Darkvision, the Light cantrip, and the Healing Hands ability that lets us heal a creature for [our proficiency bonus x d4] once per long rest as an Action.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella (this is the last time, I promise), is going to have the Soldier background, as we can definitely use those Athletics and Intimidation proficiencies. We also gain proficiency with one gaming set and operating land vehicles, and the Military Rank feature, which will make soldiers related to our former (remember, the concept is that D&D characters begin their new lives as adventurers) organisation recognise us, and may provide us with supplies, shelter, or help.
ABILITY SCORES
We'll start with Dexterity, as we need to be nimble with our moves and swing our weapon better than Benny Goodman. Constitution will be next, since we've never known defeat. Follow that up with Wisdom, for our Rot damage.
After that, we get Charisma - Malenia's got that intimidation skill perfected. Strength will be on the lower end, in case we need to switch weapons, and we're gonna dump Intelligence - we just need others things more.
CLASS
Level 1 - Fighter: We start with the classic, but a useful one. Fighters start with a d10 as their Hit Dice, [10 + our Constitution modifier] initial Hit Points, proficiencies in light armour, medium armour, heavy armour, shields, simple weapons, and martial weapons. Apart from her helmet and prosthetics (the latter of which you can also get, as described in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything), Malenia doesn't appear to use any armour, so we'll skip that for now, and grab her a rapier; it's not exactly a katana, but it's the best finesse weapon we can get for now.
Our saving throws are Strength and Constitution, and we get to pick two class skills from the list (Acrobatics and Perception).
Fighters get to pick their Fighting Style. You could consider picking Blind Fighting since Malenia has no eyes and doing so would make you aware of everything within 10 feet of you, but in this case we need to deal damage and a lot of it; we're going with Dueling. When we're wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapon, we get a +2 to damage rolls.
Fighters also get to tap into Second Wind. As a bonus action, we can regain [1d10 + our Fighter level] once per short or long rest.
Level 2 - Fighter: With Action Surge we can now take one additional Action on our turn once per short or long rest.
Level 3 - Fighter: We choose our first subclass, our Martial Archetype. Malenia uses a long katana/odachi, but because her spirit is essentially unbreakable (and she's never known defeat), we're gonna go with the Samurai archetype. We get a bonus proficiency in one skill from the list (Insight) and we gain Fighting Spirit; as a Bonus Action, we can give ourselves an advantage on weapon attack rolls until the end of our turn and gain 5 Temporary Hit Points. We can use this ability three times per long rest.
We also gain a racial ability - Celestial Revelation. We get to choose a form to transform into for 1 minute as a bonus action (once per long rest). To keep with Malenia's Rot theme, we're gonna get the Necrotic Shroud; creatures within 10 feet of us who can see us must make a Charisma saving throw or become frightened of us until the end of our next turn. Additionally, once per turn we can deal extra [our proficiency bonus] necrotic damage to a single target when making a weapon attack or cast a spell.
Level 4 - Monk: Let's jump classes for some faster and more nimble slashes. Multiclassing into Monk gives us proficiency with stuff we already know, so instead we jump straight into Unarmed Defense. While wearing no armour or shield, our AC becomes [10 + our Dexterity modifier + our Wisdom modifier]. We also learn Martial Arts. When benefitting from Unarmed Defense and using our bare hands or a monk weapon (which the rapier qualifies as), we gain the following benefits:
We can use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls of our unarmed and monk weapon strikes.
We can use a 1d4 instead of the dice used for our unarmed strikes and monk weapon attacks (the value changes as we level up).
When we use our Attack action to do an unarmed strike or a monk weapon attack, we can use our Bonus Action to make an unarmed strike.
Level 5 - Monk: We gain access to the Monk's resource - the Ki energy. We start with a pool of Ki Points (that we recover when we finish a short or long rest), which we can spend to achieve the following effects:
Flurry of Blows: Immediately after making an Attack, we can spend 1 Ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.
Patient Defense: Spending 1 Ki point lets us take the Dodge action as a bonus action.
Step of the Wind: Spending 1 Ki point lets us take the Dash or Disengage actions as bonus actions, and doubles our jump distance for the turn.
We also gain Unarmoured Movement. When not wearing armour or using a shield, our speed increases by 10 feet.
Level 6 - Monk: Here, we learn how to Deflect Missiles. Whenever we're a target of a ranged weapon attack, we can use our Reaction to attempt to reduce the damage by [1d10 + our Dexterity modifier + our Monk level]; if the result reduces the damage to 0, we catch the projectile and can use the same Reaction to throw the projectile (range 20/60) and make an attack.
We get to pick our second subclass, our Monastic Tradition. To get better with our only weapon, we're gonna choose Way of the Kensei. We can now make our rapier a kensei weapon, which will give it extra bonuses. We gain proficiency with either caligrapher's supplies or painter's supplies (choose either), and with Agile Parry, if we make an unarmed strike as part of our Attack, we can gain a +2 to our AC by using our weapon to defend ourselves. We also gain Kensei's Shot, but since we're not using ranged weapons, we'll skip that one.
Level 7 - Monk: Finally, we get our first Ability Score Improvement. We're gonna boost our Dexterity and Constitution, as it will be useful in the next level. Here, we also gain Slow Fall, which helps us when falling, reducing fall damage by [our Monk level x5]. I would also ask your DM if you can take the optional feature Quickened Healing from Tasha's (since we didn't get anything when multiclassing), which lets you spend 2 Ki Points to roll a Martial Arts die and heal the rolled number of Hit Points.
Level 8 - Druid: Time to make some things rot. Multiclassing into Druid once again gives us proficiencies we already have, so we'll jump straight into Spellcasting. Wisdom is our casting ability and we know cantrips and rituals. Druids have access to their full spell list, and they can prepare [our Wisdom modifier + our Druid level] spells each day. We start by choosing two cantrips (Infestation and Resistance) and two 1st-level spells (Jump and Longstrider). We also learn Druidic, a language unique to the druids.
Level 9 - Druid: Although druids gain their signature ability, Wild Shape here, we will not focus on that in this build (we will be using the resource for something else), so allow me to skip straight into picking our third subclass - our Druid Circle. There is absolutely no question here, we're picking Circle of Spores.
From the circle conntected to rot and decay, we pick up our first feature: Halo of Spores. We're surrounded by an invisible aura of spores and bacteria, which we can unleash onto a target. Whenever a creature moves into a space within 10 feet of us (or starts its turn there), we can use our Reaction to deal 1d4 necrotic damage (unless the target makes a Constitution saving throw) which increases as we level up (1d6 at lv. 6, 1d8 at lv. 10, and 1d10 at lv. 14).
We can also channel magic into our own spores to create a Symbiotic Entity. By sacrificing one usage of our Wild Shape, we can awaken the spores on our body and gain [4 Temporary Hit Points per Druid level], as well as the following benefits (which last for 10 minutes or until we lose the THP or until we use Wild Shape again):
When we deal damage from our Halo of Spores, we roll the damage die a second time and add it to our attack
Our melee weapon deals extra 1d6 necrotic damage to any target we hit
We can also get another spell; let's grab Protection from Evil and Good.
Level 10 - Druid: Halfway through the build and we don't unlock anything class-related, only 2nd-level spells. Enhance Ability may aid us in case of saving throws for abilities we do not excel at, and we pick up two spells from our subclass: Blindness/Deafness and Gentle Repose.
Level 11 - Druid: Time for another ASI. Putting two points into Dexterity, we now max our primary damage-dealing and evasive ability. We also collect one more 2nd-level spell, Wither and Bloom, and one more cantrip - Primal Savagery.
Level 12 - Druid: Once again, we do not unlock any class features but we get 3rd-level spells. Let's grab Plant Growth, and get Animate Dead and Gaseous Form from our subclass.
Level 13 - Druid: We get our second subclass feature - Fungal Infestation. We can now spread our spores to a recently killed person or beast. If a Small or Medium creature dies within 10 feet of us, we can use our Reaction to animate it for 1 hour (or until defeated or dismissed) with 1 Hit Point. We can use this feature a number of times equal to our Wisdom modifier per long rest. The Cleanrot knights will now serve us!
Level 14 - Monk: Time to get more sword strikes to our build. We get Extra Attack - we can now attack twice, instead of one time, during a single Attack action (plus unarmed strikes as a Bonus Action). We also get Stunning Strike; when we hit a target with our melee weapon attack, we can spend 1 Ki Point to attempt to stun the target. The target has to make a Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of our next turn. Additionally, our Martial Arts die becomes 1d6.
Level 15 - Monk: Our Unarmoured Movement bonus is now +15 feet. At this level, we can now deal extra Punchables™ with Ki-Empowered Strikes; our unarmed attacks now count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistances and immunities. From our subclass, we gain One with the Blade, which gives us the following benefits:
Magic Kensei Weapons: Our kensei weapon attacks now count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistances and immunities.
Deft Strike: When we hit the target with our kensei weapon, we can spend 1 Ki Point to add extra damage to our weapon equal to our Martial Arts die. We can only do so once per turn.
Level 16 - Monk: At this level, we get two really useful abilities to avoid harm. Evasion allows us to take no damage when failing a Dexterity saving throw would make us take half damage (and half damage if we'd normally take full damage). With Stillness of Mind, we can use our Action to shake off one charmed or frightened effect.
Level 17 - Monk: Time for another ASI. Let's put one point into Wisdom and one into Constitution.
Level 18 - Monk: We gain Unarmoured Movement Improvement. We can now effortlessly move across vertifcal surfaces and liquids without sacrificing any loss of movement.
Our Unarmoured Movement bonus is now +20 feet. With Purity of Body we are now sure that the Rot or any of its strains will touch us, as we're immune to poison and disease.
Level 19 - Monk: For the final ASI, we'll put one point into Constitution and leave the last one into Intelligence.
Level 20 - Monk: Our capstone is Monk 12, which gives us our final subclass upgrade: Sharpen the Blade. We can now imbue our weapon with Ki, spending up to 3 points to increase the weapon's attack force, damage, or both for 1 minute. Our Martial Arts die also changes into 1d8.
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And that's Malenia, Blade of Miquella, who has never known defeat! (I had to squeeze that last one in!). Let's see what we have here:
First of all, we have a lot of ways to deal damage, depending whether we with to attack with our weapon, our unarmed stikes, or our Rot powers. We have also several ways of sustaining ourselves, whether by gaining Temporary Hit Points, healing with Second Wind, or casting a spell.
Our AC is 17 (+2 if we use Agile Parry), we have 50 feet of movement, a +5 to our initiative, and the average of 163 Hit Points.
This build is also difficult to maintain because of a triple multiclass, which means a lot of resource management: Ki Points, Wild Shape, Spell Slots, Martial Arts die... plus, the many options of attacking and several versions of managing your Action, Bonus Action, and Reaction moveset, this may cause some confusion.
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Ho boy, that was something. It seems to be a satisfying build, but I also feel like I've spent a bit too much on it. I also had to reschedule the next build, but I'll explain why later. If you want to, I'll also provide commentary on the few controversies with Wizards of the Coast and D&D situation, but all in due time.
Remember that I love you and wish you all a good day or night!
-Nerdy out!
#dnd#character building#dnd build#dnd character#dnd5e#wizards of the coast#elden ring#elden ring malenia#i am malenia#malenia goddess of rot#malenia blade of miquella#fighter#kensei monk#druid#d&d druid#circle of spores
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chapter 4 from that elden ring fanfic (needed to post it on its own for a thing)
There was a rattling noise coming from the air conditioner in Radagon's car. No one could remember if it was Miquella or Malenia who shoved the folded up sticker responsible for the sound through the vent slats when they were four. The rattling and quiet purr of traffic filled the empty spaces of the car during the otherwise deathly silent ride.
Radagon kept his eyes on the road, his jaw tight, his grip at ten and two on the wheel. The tendons in the back of his hands flexed as his fingers twitched in their grip on the wheel. Tightening and loosening over and over again as Radagon picked through his own thoughts.
Miquella tried not to look like he was paying too much attention to the unconscious fidgit. It wasn't like he could divine his father's thoughts from the twitching of his fingers, but sometimes he wanted to believe he could.
The security guard in the little station by their school's fence didn't even look up from his book when he opened the gate for them. It always seemed a very blase response for a security guard to give a black car with heavily tinted windows driving up to a highschool on Saturday, even if Miquella knew they were an identifiable lot, Radagon with his massive build and bright red hair worn loose, and Malenia with hers tied back to make a point of not hiding the extensive scarring on her face, and Miquella... was there too.
When they parked Radagon cleared his throat before unlocking the backdoors to let them out.
"Mal, can you give your brother and I a moment? He'll be in right after you."
Malenia hesitated, waiting a beat for Miquella to give protest to the idea before nodding when none came. "Yes sir," She gives Miquella a tight half smile "I'll wait for you by the changing rooms," before grabbing her duffle and escaping into the parking lot.
The door closed with a dampened thunk that Miquella felt as much as he heard. Radagon was still staring forward. His hands still on the wheel. He sighs and lets his shoulders drop.
"I'm going to be gone a few days. But I was wondering if you'd want to do something when I got back. There's a suit shop in town, a proper one that tailors them to fit," he pauses, his eyes flicking up to find Miquella in the rear view mirror. "I wanted to wait until you were a little older to take you, to see if you'd get any taller, you know, but... with everything that's been going on, and your 16th coming up, I think it'll be a good thing for us to do. A proper father son bonding experience."
Miquella knew this was his vain attempt to make up for the dress, an olive branch being held out between them. He couldn't help but wonder what snakes were hiding in it or when it would be turned into a switch.
"Uh, I'll see what my schedule is like. Midterms are coming up and I don't want to lose too much study time-" Miquella tenses when Radagon's face hardens again.
"It won't take longer than any of your playdates do. I'll check your schedule and get an appointment set up for us, ok?"
"Ok," he knew when to let a fight be a loss, "Thank you but- Malenia- She needs help with suiting up. I don't want to keep her waiting too long," with that the door unlocked so he could step out into the late winter day. The light chill being a relief from the pressure of being alone with Radagon.
Miquella hurried to catch up with Malenia as his father's car pulled out of it's parking spot. Too focussed on willing himself into faux calm to notice the trio of boys from his grade loitering in the otherwise empty hall until it was too late.
The leader of the posse, a military brat who's name Miquella had never felt was worth learning, stepped away from his crew just enough to 'accidentally' hip check Miquella as he attempted to pass them.
"Hey what's the rush? Class doesn't start for another ten Euraidd," the brat sneered, clamping a hand on Miquella's bicep to make him freeze. Miquella didn't know when he learned that trick, or if he knew why it worked, but that never mattered when it happened. It always made Miquella stop dead like a deer staring down a semi's headlights.
"Probably just looking for her big sister," one of the lackies chimed.
"Weird to see them separated. Thought you were supposed to be the cripple's seeing eye dog," the third added on.
"Ptchssh, lay off her Ed," the brat steps around him to stand behind Miquella with his hands on his shoulders. The change in grip not at all helping when there were fingers digging into the flesh above his collar bones. "She's clearly a puppy, not a dog. I mean look at her! She's what, nine?"
They were trying to get him to be the one to start the fight, to escalate 'friendly teasing' into a thrown elbow that could justify proper aggression.
"Malenia is waiting for me," he tried to shrug off the brat's hands, taking a step to the side to escape the circle, but the grip only tightened as the larger boy dragged him back into place.
"Hey we're just playing Micky. No reason to go running off so soon. She'll be fine on her own for a bit. We had something we needed to chat about with you anyways," he lifts one hand from Miquella's shoulder to flick his braid back and forth over the nape of his neck. "Heard a nasty rumor and just needed to set the record straight with you so that next time we could defend him for you.
"A lil birdy said your brother knocked up some bitch before he killed himself."
Miquella bristled, for a moment loosing his temper and getting beat to shit before he was expelled didn't look like such a bad consequence for punching the brat. He was saved though, from cracking his teeth with the force of how hard he was clenching his jaw to hold his tongue, and from what would happen should he loose it, by one of the girls in their class shoulder checking the brat.
Finlay, Miquella knew her name because Malenia had once made a point of complimenting her skill, shoved the brat aside. She wasn't the biggest woman in the world nor was she the best fighter, but she had bulk to her and a stubborn fire that Malenia liked.
"Back off," it was a simple command, and one the brat moves to follow, holding his hands up defensively.
"Fuck sakes, Cleanrot. Don't spook a guy like that! I might have accidentally yanked poor- hey!"
Miquella took that as his cue to escape down the hall towards the girl's locker room. Though she was a bit shorter than the brat, Finlay had a foot of height on Miquella and, if he was remembering correctly, her father might very well be brat's commanding officer. Even if the trio felt comfortable going after him there wasn't a chance in hell of any of them touching her. Besides what help would he be in a fight like that.
The bickering faded as he rounded the last corner between him and the locker room, and with it he managed to breath a little easier.
Malenia was waiting for him just beside the door, her cane tapping against the floor along to the rhythm of the song playing in her ear bud as she typed away at a message to someone.
"We owe Finlay," Miquella said to her as he bent to pick up her bag, "The goons were bothering me and she stepped in."
"Why?" Malenia pocketed her phone and followed him through the door.
"Probably to make sure we owed her."
A few of the girls greeted them both, Miquella's use of the girl's locker room having not been questioned once in the time they've attended this class. As far as the other students knew Malenia needed help getting suited up, so of course her twin would follow her to the back corner and offer assistance while he got his suit on over his under clothes too. Everyone was fully clothed anyways, dressing in the locker rooms being more for convenience than modesty, and it wasn't like anyone of the young men and women that made up their class really saw Miquella as a boy equal to their peers. He was too... stunted for that.
"What held you two up? I was about to start texting Mal to ask if you two were breaking your attendance streak," one of the seniors, Tamra, asked.
"Our dad just wanted to talk to me about buying a suit," Miquella shrugged, not wanting to involve the others in whatever the goons had been attempting even if he was still simmering from the brat's attempted insult of Godwyn. It was a car accident. Miquella knew it was an accident. "He wants me to wear one to Malenia and I's birthday party."
"I can't imagine you in a suit... Either of you really," one of the other girls said as Miquella helped Malenia step into her trousers, she didn't need the help, he just needed to justify his presence.
"I could make a suit work," Malenia replied, leaning on Miquella's shoulder to brace herself.
"Yeah I mean you Could, but you're both so-" Tamra mimed doing a cute sway in a skirt "-You know? All graceful and pretty."
"My sister got married in this like, lacey dress suit thing. They'd both look good in that... Malenia especially. Like the lace plus the engravings she has on her bicep? Perfect look," the other girl chimed in as the door opened and Finlay stepped in. She was greeted much the same as the twins had been. Miquella makes a point of shooting her a smile.
"I don't think the place Dad has in mind will sell that kind. He wants me to wear a proper manly suit," Miquella directs the attention away from Malenia's looks with an eye roll. There's snickering at that idea from everyone listening. Miquella again bit his tongue to stamp down the feeling that came from the others finding the idea of him 'dresed like a man' comical. He was feminine and often he was a woman, but he was still a man most of the time.
"Why?" Tamra asks, "Also, who wears a suit to their sweet 16?"
"We do," Malenia sighs, "Same reason we're not inviting anyone we like. It's more for our mom and dad to show off how refined we are to their business friends."
"Yeah, It's all gonna be pageantry. But, since none of those people or their kids know us we do suspect we'll be making off with a good number of gift cards."
"We're hoping they'll try to outdo eachother to impress mom."
Some of the girls laugh, some who were closer to Miquella and Malenia's level and who knew what it was like to have their parties made into business meetings grimaced and offered quiet condolences. They were all done getting ready for the class now, their bags shoved in lockers and their helmets and sabers under their arms, so the herd moved from the locker room to the main gymnasium. The conversation between them drifting and breaking off to other topics amongst smaller groups.
After drills came the bouts. Malenia and Miquella found their usual spot on the bleachers. Low enough to have a good view, far enough away that Miquella's commentary wouldn't bother the other students.
"Tamra and Samira are up. Samira is stiff, I suspect her shoulder is still hurting her," the rhythm of narrating their fellows' fights was easy if dull for Miquella who didn't care much for the sport. Malenia loved it though and listened intently as she prepared to take her turn. Every described bout adding more and more notes to the library of strategy she had for taking on any one of their peers.
Though today it seemed they were destined to be interrupted.
"Finlay is approaching us from your side," Miquella warned as Finlay slid along the bench.
"Hey. Hi," she smiled awkwardly, sitting too straight as both twins turned their attention to her completely. "So, I heard what you were talking about in the locker room. Ok, and I just... Need a little favor. I need an invite to your party. I don't have to actually Go, but I need need need an invite."
"What?" Malenia raised a brow at her.
"You all will get this. My dad doesn't like my friends right, since you know, none of them are straight or-" she puts on a bad imitation of her father, "- of the right sort-" and immediately drops out of it to continue her ramble, "- So I thought if I could prove to him I was rubbing elbows with the Euraidd's it would get him off my back a little, you know?" There's a beat where they both just blink at her, she continues to run her mouth, "And You know, we're the only three out queers in our school, We should-"
"Stop. Who told you that?" Miquella interupted.
"We're not queer," Malenia tacks on defensively.
"Funny," Finlay snorts, "But I'm serious please- Wait you two are also being serious?"
"Yeah? We're both straight," Miquella lies and Malenia nods.
"Guys..." Finlay finally runs out of words, and takes a moment to gather more. "Listen, I won't tell anyone, but Seriously, everyone already knows. Or, they already know about Miquella being a girl. I think we all just, you know, assume you're into girls."
"I'm not a girl-" Miquella starts and then takes a deep breath, "Fine. If You're so sure about us, might as well let us be sure about you."
"She's a lesbian," Malenia answers his question before Finlay can.
"Bi but yeah, girls. Anyways. Invite?"
"You aren't going to drop that are you?" Miquella sighs, already forming a plan to get her off their back. She was stubborn and liked proving herself...
"Nope, not until I have it."
"Fine. A mat just opened up. Go beat Malenia in a bout and you can have an invite," it was a stupid bet and Miquella didn't actually care all that much if she was invited or not, but he resented her calling him a girl and so publicly bringing up the dirty laundry that was his and Malenia's atypicalities. Even if they did owe her.
"I can take you no problem -"
"I didn't say take me. I said take her. Besides, it's a segregated class boys and girls don't get to share the mats."
"I'll go easy on you," Malenia would have rolled her eyes. "C'mon Cleanrot. I haven't managed to get him to change his mind once, you aren't doing it today."
"But-"
"It's this or backing off." Miquella turned his attention to his nails with a huff, thoroughly being done with this argument.
"Fine. Fine, I get it, you two need to be like This about everything. Legally," Finlay stood and stomped after Malenia, her determination clearly winning out over her frustration with them.
Miquella didn't care for fencing, until it was Malenia holding the saber. Her modified prosthetic mimicked a real grip as best as the twins had been able to make it. To keep in line with unwritten regulations. But as she stepped to the mat and donned her helm it was easy to imagine her with a saber prosthetic actually made to compliment her instead of mimic others.
They were counted in. Finlay lunged first, Malenia countered easily. A fast exchange of swiping strikes and then the buzzer sounding as a strike finally found its mark on the other girl's vest.
Malenia held her saber too high in the final moments. It wasn't even a close miss. Miquella knows what it looks like when she throws, and aggravation boils his blood.
Finlay had won. Malenia let her perfect streak die to Give away a match.
Half sincere clapping spread through the watching students as the girls returned to where they had left Miquella. Malenia was a prodigy with no compare amongst them, even winning a thrown match against her was something worthy of praise.
"What was that?" Miquella hissed at her, letting his usual calm and sweet mask fall away into a bitter faced pout.
"Don't rub it in," Malenia's tone was utterly dry, "The first loss of the year always hurts the most."
"Invite?" Finlay's smug smile was the only thing more irritating than her victory.
"A deal ia deal," Malenia knew she didn't need to push it further than that.
"You're both the worst," Miquella pulled out his phone to find the text thread between him and the party planner, telling her to edit the invite for General Cleanrot to be for Finlay and company instead.
"Miquella, you're up." their teacher called. She let him slack off, knowing he was only here for Malenia's sake, but never did she let him escape a session without a bout.
He groaned, dropping his phone in Malenia's lap and sulking off to see who the least physically adept student would be facing today. Only to have someone volunteer instead of be assigned.
The brat sneered at him from the other side of the mat before their helmets went on. Miquella was just grateful he wasn't stupid enough to run his mouth while their teacher was right there.
They were counted in. Miquella fainted to the left before slapping his saber against the brat's right side. A quick and messy win that came only from the brat's muscle memory being developed against taller opponents, but a full win none the less. He disengaged the second the buzzer sounded. Stepping back and out of reach before he could be punished for lingering.
"Good job, both of you. Best two out of three?" the teacher pushed the idea of another bout, but Miquella was already unplugging his wires.
"Malenia needs someone to tell her what's happening," he lied, knowing the teacher didn't care enough to force him.
"It's not even a fair matchup, She should be in the kiddie league-"
"That is enough-" The teacher turned her full attention to the brat as Miquella trotted back up the bleachers to where the girls were now talking between themselves.
Malenia had moved into his seat to sit closer to Finlay so Miquella just took hers.
"We're going to Finlay's after this," Malenia says as he settles. "Her dad is out of town and she has the code to his sword room and wants to pay us back with a tour."
"That can be how she pays You back. You two can both pay me back by saying I was with you if anyone asks."
"Why?" Finlay laughs, "What're you going to be up too that's so cool you'll turn down a hands on look of some sick ass swords? Malenia said you were like, into making them and everything."
Malenia doesn't say anything now, Miquella notices how she stills though. She has an idea of where he'll be and he'll be hearing her disapproval of it the next moment they have alone.
"None of you business," he responds to them both as he begins counting down the minutes until Mohg would have someone come get him.
#im applying to be a writer on a zine and this is literally the only thing thats recent and im proud of that doesn't involve cannibalism#just bitchfitch things#that highschool au thing
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Miquella Hunt Part 12: Mt. Gelmir
1. Trina's Lily on the cliff to side of abandoned coffin sight of grace
2. Jelly wanted to be apart of the picture 😂 3 lilys found in front of the Sages Cave
3. Look at all those Miquella's Lilys 😭 There's 10 at least! This place is so so special I can feel it in my bones lol Considering that the Perfumers Ruins are right across the way, Miquella likely spent their formative days here. Before the Shattering the Perfumers Ruins was probably where the Perfumers would gather and practice medicine before their practice became a tool for war, and Miquella, determined to cure Malenia of her Rot, likely spent most of their time here, learning the trade and medicines of the Perfumers to try and help her. 😭 They also likely saw first hand the treatment of the Misbegotten and Omens considering you fight Perfumer Tricia in the catacombs beneath the ruins
4. Found off a corpse in the back of the Perfumers Ruins
5. Murdered this Wandering Noble who was protecting these Nascent Butterflies 😔
6. Wyndham Ruins Sacramental Buds
7. Sacramental Buds and the Iron Virgin that nearly killed me after taking this photo lol
8. Nascent Butterflies on top of this rock spire at the Mt. Gelmir base
9. Sacramental Buds amongst the corpses before the Corpse Stench Shack
10. These Buds can be found by the tower fort where you pick up the Pulley Bow
11. Miquellas Lily hidden amongst the rocks, you can see the Volcano Manor in the distance
12. Miquella's Lily hidden in the corner of the battlefield with the Grafted Scion, peering off into the distance. You can see the Consecrated Snowfield from here, and just barely the top of the Haligtree.
13. I think this is such a pretty shot lol Parent Tree and Baby Tree, right above nomadic merchant, and right below it is some Nascent Butterflies and Sacramental Buds. Also those puppets literally took out that Leyndell Soldier firing squad style, like damn
14. These puppets were literally staring at the Lily completely mesmerized by it. I don't know what that means but definitely an interesting note. And right above it is a Trinas Lily on the path that leads to the Volcano Cave where you get the Jar Cannon.
15. Nascent Butterflies right below the Falling Star Beast.
16. Sacramental Buds to the left of the Volcano Manor
17. Growing among the corpses on the Path of Iniquity below the Volcano Manor
18. Trina's Lily found in front of the burnt Minor Erdtree
19. A footsoldier sits in front of the Miquella's Lily right in front of Seethewater Cave where there are Servants and Kindred of Rot inside. You also pick up the Kindred of Rot's Exultation here. And found off the corpse to the right overlooking the collapsed great bridge
20. Sacramental Buds hidden behind Fort Laiedd. The Fire Monks are here, could Miquella have looked into the Flame of Ruin?
21. Miquella's Lily hidden in these craggy rocks just by the magma lake
22. Nascent Butterfly and a Trina's Lily behind the two Hermits Shack buildings overlooking the graveyard below
23. Miquella's Lily behind the Craftsman Shack. Miquella was here, Miquella was definitely here lol They used this place to create new things with their genius, you can pick up the Pulley Bow here which is one of Miquella's inventions!
24. Sacramental Buds after the Hermit Village and before Azur? Could Miquella have visited Azur in their quest looking into the Primal Current??
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I went feral on discord describing a fic I want to write about Cleanrot Knight Finlay taking Malenia back to the Haligtree. Note, I headcanon them as always having been in a romantic relationship, but this fic is about them falling in love.
Alternately, In Which I Have Very Normal Feelings About Malenia/Finlay.
Finlay starts off in Caelid right after the Radhan fight, fending off knights and sick dogs (no big dogs or birds yet) and Malenia is knocked out. They get to East Limgrave and Malenia starts waking up but can't even move. Finlay makes a better sled to drag her. They get to Limgrave proper, Finlay's getting sicker but doesn't put two and two together that it's the Scarlet Rot is advancing. they have their gay little moment. Malenia tells Finlay about the sneaky side passage around Stormveil. They travel up fighting their way through more difficult enemies as they make their way to the Haligtree.
They slowly break the ice, Malenia asks about Finlay's life, eventually getting onto family. Finlay flips the question, Malenia goes silent. Another night, she picks back up like "you asked about my family the other night" and explains her whole situation. More nights go by, she opens up why they attacked Radhan, so she could release her brother's fate, though it might doom her to get own fate (rotting away in this fic).
There's a moment where Malenia can finally stand on her own but not much else. Finlay is having none of it, telling her she needs to rest. Malenia talks about how indignant it is for her to be pulled on a sled by one of her followers, that she needs to defend Finlay, and that demigods recover quickly. Finlay stands her ground, holding back the Empyrean with a single hand. Malenia's temper flares, the patches of Scarlet Rot become slightly brighter, a crackling is heard, "you dare defy your goddess??" but she can't push through. She nearly collapses, holding herself up by leaning heavily on Finlay's shoulder and resting her head against hers, "what did a rotten being such as myself do to deserve such a loyal knight as thee?" Finlay thinks she's flushed cause she thought she was gonna die, but why is she more flustered after Malenia rested on her, hmmmmm?
Eventually during their nightly talks, Finlay asks if there's any way to stop the rot, which turns out to be a needle that, for the sake of this fic, is in the Haligtree. I'll figure out some reason why she couldn't use it before, maybe one of Miquella's servants finished it while she went on her crusade, ignore that you find it on one of her own commanders who might have been searching for her or something.
They have a big fight cause Malenia did something stupid trying to defend Finlay, even though she's an incredibly capable warrior. "You've spent your entire life caring for everyone else! Why can't you accept that someone wants to do the same for you?...Why won't you let me care for you?" (This'll be a much longer speech directed at not-me, a person who constantly shoulders the burdens of others) Cause I hate seeing others suffer "And how do you think I feel seeing you suffer?"
And so, Malenia learns she needs to accept help and be vulnerable with others and has wicked gay sex.
As for the finale, it'll revolve around the looming Scarlet Rot threat in Finlay. Malenia eventually finds out that Finlay is basically dying and doesn't know what to do. They're in the consecrated snow fields and she's rushing to the Haligtree, nearly at full strength herself (what are you talking about, her emotional healing isn't reflected in her physical self) but still suffering from Scarlett Rot, maybe decimating everyone in her path, maybe escorted by the wolf ladies. They reach the Haligtree and one of the servants remarks that the gold unalloyed needle is in her chambers.
They reach the chamber where we fight Malenia, they arrive just in time. Malenia grabs the needle, assures Finlay she'll be okay, when she gains some lucidity. Finlay caresses Malenia's face and whispers (while surreptitiously taking the needle) "why don't you ever think about yourself?" boom, jabs Malenia's chest with the needle. As it works its magic, Finlay starts to pass out and Malenia freaks out, grabbing her so tight that the other half of the needle pierces Finlay's chest. They stay there until the magic ends, and a little more after that. Finlay's heartbeat is soft, her breath weak, Malenia's grip is neither. A gasp from Finlay, relief from Malenia. They separate and the needle snaps (ayyy, sticking to the game lore) but remains lodged in their hearts (shut up, it's magic).
Cue the waterworks and come down. Malenia is both extremely relieved but also upset cause of how terrified she was to lose someone she grew to care for so much. Finlay, "Now you know how I feel." (Not the needle representing the heartache they feel when the other puts their life at risk)
There'll be a gay AF epilogue. Malenia will find out that her brother was kidnapped while she was gone, Finlay's heart will drop, but Malenia will assure her that she's no good to him dead. She'll take her recovery seriously while the Haligtree knights look for Miquella. In the meantime, she and Finlay have a lot to discuss, "knight of my heart".
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the reason Malenia choosing to bloom in order to achieve victory isn't actually damning is because the hell she made of Caelid isn't any different from what the warlords and Ranni made of the rest of the continent. It's just visually apparent how hecked up things are when she does it
Consider the state of society in other regions. everythings on fire and everybody is "wandering" or "mad" because war destroyed everything and by all indications it's only getting worse. The scenes at Castle Morne and below Leyndelle are so much worse than Caelid, it just doesn't look conventionally gross like the rot does
and Malenia wasn't the only one to choose to do what she did
Radahn didn't have to vie for the throne. why do people think he did??? hello. mans could just stay in his own neck of the woods. he chose the warpath all on his own. he's a big boy. he only got his rotten comeuppance at the end of the Shattering. he'd already dirtied his hands. he's not a wholesome chungus none of these people are that's the point
Ranni caused the shattering and then shirked or failed in the responsibility of looking after the people of Liurnia (her mom wasn't well enough to do it)
Morgott could have done away with the oppression and terrible terrible shit his mom's reign was doing but he didn't. he kept it going. he betrayed his people in favor of their oppressors. he is a fed
Godrick and Rykard are Godrick and Rykard nothing to say but i admire their grindset
the Scarlet Rot is just Miyazaki saying "yeah so here's what this all ACTUALLY looks like without a happy-go-lucky fantasy veneer". He tried to do the same thing with Chaos and Izalith in DS1 but barely anybody picked up on it and apparently it didnt work this time either so rip for him. anyway better luck next time my guy
#malenia blade of miquella#rotbrained posting#ill hide this part here but#i think we all know that the real core of the issue is#malenia isnt a cute moe girl#that you can marry#and she also isnt a man#a big strong manly man#so the stuff she does is a problem but oh well if the others indulge in a little war mongering
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Imagine all of the hugs from the shardbearers/demigods/whatevers
When Godrick hugs you, all of his hands pull you in for a tight hug, they don't grip hard, but enough to let you know that he doesn't want you to get out of this hug easily.
Rennala who would probably lay your head down on her lap, gently brushing your hair with her fingers, or I guess just petting your head if you don't have any hair. Also probably quietly humming or singing little lullabies to lull you into sleep.
Radahn, who's hugs are all-consuming, quite literally, he'd pick you up and squeeze you tight to his chest, though stopping if he doesn't feel you breathing and get's instantly concerned. (Godrick tries to do this and fails)
You'd probably have to instigate the hug from Morgott, and he just stands there, wondering why you're hugging him until you joke about him not hugging you back, then you him wrap his arms around you. If you don't let go for minutes you may eventually feel his tail creeping around you as well.
Rykard, who buries you in his uh body(?) snake-body, and wraps it around you tenderly. Maybe also giving you headpats with the red hands of his long-consumed victims family.
Mohg who would probably lift you a little off the ground while caressing you to his chest, his wings wrapping around you in yet another way to express his affection as he hums to you as well.
While she's sleeping, Malenia who holds your hand and gently links arms with you, to make sure you're still there, it's not like she can see you after all, so she'd have to be a little dependent on touch.
Millicent! She counts right, offshoot of Malenia and all. Gently caressing you with her non afflicted hand around your waist, and her prosthetic's touch is cold, though only temperature wise, against your back. Her head lightly resting against your chest, as if she wishes to get closer, but wants nothing more than you to be safe from the rot.
Miquella, who would request you cuddle him as he sleeps, your arm gently resting behind his head as he clutches onto your forearm. Alternatively, older Miquella who now dwarfs you and wishes to return the favor of a comforting embrace.
Ranni, who'd hug you with all of her arms, gently placing her chin on your shoulder as one arm comes up to caress the back of your head, another gently drawing shapes into your back, and the other two linking around your waist.
As if trying to hoist you as well, Blaidd would lie down with you on top of him while he gently scratches your back. Expects scritches in return of course, he scratches your back, you scratch his.
Maliketh as Gurranq, who'd lay down with you, his head taking up the majority of your chest and/or waist, enjoying the scritches you give to his head, behind his ears, and your caress.
Godfrey, who would pick you up and hold you close to his chest, Serosh nuzzling your head from his back. There also might be some quips from either to space management and trying to fit your head between theirs.
Knowing he could not go a night without you, Godwyn would clutch you against his chest, one arm under you, and another caressing your chin. As you drift, his hair is tickling your arm, and you start to hear him snore.
Marika, who'd wrap her arms around your form, one hand on your upper back, while another of your lower. Her face gently resting against the crook of your neck, and you can feel her breath against your skin. It wouldn't last long, but Marika's tits that was an experience.
Radagon, who unlike his other half, plans to stay with you for minutes or longer if the day deems it. He'd wrap his arms around you, one hand gently resting on the back of your head to push your face further into his chest, and his chin resting against the top of your head. Maybe cuddling with him and his many dogs too
The Elden Beast, who rather than simply hugging you, would drag you into it's body, though unconventional this would probably provide the most comfort. It feels as though you are resting at a sight of grace, the warmth that surrounds you as well as the gentle stirring of the Beast as it curls up with you inside. Weird? Yes. Comforting? In a weird way. Adorable? Just look past the possible vore of it all.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
#I love all of this anon.#elden x reader#crackcanon.#crack!magine.#just imagine someone chancing upon the elden beast curled up like that and staring at the person just sitting there. inside him.#nsfw-esque.
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Why do I want to hold Malenia's metal arm? Like lovingly hang onto the arm or just hold her hand. Or even just kiss that cold unfeeling metal. She won't feel anything physically but I think the emotional connection of that would feel good..
I dunno I just find her so beautiful in every aspect, her prosthetics included.
Oh that arm is probably so strong too.. she could probably just.. pick me up with that one arm alone.
Also her prosthetic legs are so beautiful. I feel like I'd want to touch and kiss them all the time.
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Returned From Slumber
"Remember, Perona... Malenia is mine dear sister. She will feel me, true, and acknowledge you. Please do not be frightened - she would never hurt you."
Despite the assurance, Perona clenches the bell tightly into her body. Finlay rests with the Albinauric woman and old Oleg in her pocket, prepared to defend her at a moment's notice. But, it doesn't feel right to use a Cleanrot knight against such a legendary woman, let alone their commander. Nevermind all that, Perona swears up and down with every breath that a fight will not happen.
After all, Miquella's design is to see himself and Malenia at the tree...
Stiffening her lips, Perona steps into the grove, glancing at the tree. It truly is where Miquella was plucked from, the way there are claw marks right at the core of it. With the mighty hand cradling a sleeping woman and a face in the serenity of slumber itself, it's such a beautiful tree... Could the storybooks ever replicate this?
Swallowing, her lips open to call out, but her foot's caught on a small stray root. With an uneven shriek she takes a tumble, faceplanting into a very unfortunately placed 'spring'. Hurriedly she pushes herself from the water, head snapped in the woman's direction... Hardly a twitch. Okay.
Brushing herself off, she shakily utters, "What do I do now, Miquella...?"
"Do you recall how we together helped dear Winnie?" Ah yes, Sogwyn. "Approach Malenia, and heal her. Do not be worried - I will help you."
Nodding, she picks up the pace, deciding enough's enough of being nervous. If pain or suffering must come, may it come quickly and pass even more so. Once she reaches the warrior's leg, she pauses, the prosthetic arm and helm laying not far nearby. Tilting her head she picks them up- Ah!
"Heavy-!" She strains, managing to lightly place them in Malenia's lap. Looking back up at her face she swallows, reaching and brushing the crimson hair behind her mighty shoulders before placing her hand over Malenia's one on the tree. For a moment she allows a sad glance at her face, before giving the bell a ring.
"Haligtree's Blossom."
The Haligtree's emblem glows upon her hand, and from beneath her palm dull gold, spiritual vines dance up Malenia's arm, little silver blooms flowering as they go. They go shoulder to shoulder, circling back to Malenia's neck and spreading across her face. Fragrant like cherry and peach they wriggle in the faint breeze, flowering as the rot tarnishing Malenia's face collapses in little brown-black flakes.
Just as they come, though, they too wither and crawl back to Perona, fading as their magic is done. Brow creasing, she whimpers unevenly.
"Of course... it's an incomplete spell, but at least the Rot's gone now." Miquella sighs, more disappointed in himself. "You've done well, Perona. I won't be able to restore Malenia's eyes right now... Hmm... I could ask Godwyn if he could help in this matter..."
... "Mi...quella?"
Tensing, Perona steps back as Malenia stirs. Her bones crack and pop audibly as she straightens in the chair, leaning back with a sigh. With a twitch of her leg she pauses, her one hand falling down to her prosthetic. Lifting it to her shoulder she snaps it into place, wriggling the brass fingers with the same ease as if they were her true, living fingers. Curiously, she raises her head, reaching out.
"Miquella?" She asks once more, brow furrowed in confusion.
Unsure what to do, Perona swallows, keeping her hands close to her stomach, fiddling with her robes. Sensing her unease, Miquella's voice wraps around her throat.
"Welcome back to us, Malenia," He greets, warm. "Dear sister... You will not believe the journey I have had - nay, we have."
"Oh, Miquella..." Malenia heaves slightly, a smile touching her faded lips as her palpable relief sees the life returning slowly to the grove. "Have you woken at last? The rot erodes me no more... You've done it."
"With a helping hand, aye," Miquella beckons Perona's hand forward. "Malenia, standing before you, well... This is my dear champion, Perona. She greets you in my stead, for I've been... delayed, but my awakening is nigh."
"Oh..." A soft sigh, but Malenia does not let her disappointment show. "Surely you've a lot to tell me. Where do you sleep now, brother?"
"At our Haligtree," He replies. "My egg is safe there... I would be happy to tell you more, but I wish not to strain Perona further. Please, be kind to her, and ensure she does not come to harm. A child she may be, and delicate as they come, but her strength and loyalty would see her a demigod herself."
Her smile grows a margin. "If it is as you say... I will make my way there, with haste."
"Godspeed, Malenia... Welcome back, again."
Released from his hold, Perona's legs buckle, and she falls forward - only for Malenia to instinctively kneel, catching her with both hands. Looking up, she meets the sightless woman's gentle expression and finally relaxes.
"Forgive me. I did not intend to frighten you, sweeting." Helping her stand, Malenia reaches and finds her sword and helm, donning them in preparation for the next trek to the Haligtree. "... Perona, is it? I am Malenia, blade of Miquella. As his champion, it is an honor to meet you." She pauses, the question of his employment of a child surely bubbling on her tongue. But then she simply reaches up, patting Perona atop the head. Walking closer to her she turns around, kneeling.
"Come now. Let us return to the Haligtree together. Fear not for me - it is time for you to rest."
#piggyback riding malenia yasss#my drabble#perona and malenia#and then she learns the flower incantation#verse: unalloyed cleric#Scarlet Rot Sister Acquired
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Dragonhearted, part two
As the warning echoed across the battlefield, the Cleanrots had no time to consider its implications. They had always known that the Scarlet Bloom was a possibility, the natural end result of Malenia’s affliction. The Unalloyed needles and the Cleanrots’s support were supposed to keep it under control, but the Cleanrots had prepared for the worst. As one, the army dropped to one knee and thrust their polearms into the ground, bracing for the inevitable shockwave. But who could ever truly be prepared for the unbridled wrath of an outer god?
Aelfric watched in horror as comrade after comrade fell to the ground, clutching their heads and abdomens as fungal growths burst from the cracks in their armor, and they were shielded from the brunt of the storm by armor of Unalloyed Gold. Their Lordsworn foes were not nearly so lucky. Those who were not blown away and into or off the surrounding cliffs cried out in excruciating pain as the Scarlet Rot consumed their entire being. Only those who had heard Aelfric’s warning and gotten behind cover had even a prayer of surviving the onslaught.
As the wind subsided, Aelfric raised his eyes to survey the carnage. Gimel and Beit Companies had been far closer to the bloom, and their melee with the Lordsworn had hardly afforded them the opportunity to brace themselves. There was hardly anything left of that section of the battlefield but an expansive quagmire of red liquid, the remains of those devoured by the Scarlet Rot. Even of his own company, scarcely more than two dozen knights had survived the gale, himself included. As he looked to the source of the bloom, he saw the colossal figure of General Radahn doubled over in pain, a scarlet growth embedded in his shoulder. To Aelfric’s shock, the General let out a pained howl, more an animalistic cry than the voice of a renowned commander and began to tear into the very landscape with his dual great-swords. In the confusion, Aelfric nearly missed the image of Commander Finlay, an unconscious Malenia on her back staggering away from the combat. She had just reached the scarlet bog when Aelfric saw forms moving within.
Aelfric let out a sigh of relief and called to his surviving soldiers. “Dalet Company, move out! There are survivors down there!”
The remainder of Dalet Company picked themselves up and began advancing down the hill, throwing caution to the wind to reach the survivors as quickly as possible. They weren’t sure how long Radahn’s madness would last, but he knew they wouldn’t stand a chance if he noticed them. As Aelfric reached the edge of the swamp, he noticed that the forms rising from the water, far more than he had initially thought, were by no means his comrades from Gimel and Beit Companies. Instead, he watched in shock as pale, grotesque creatures rose from the miasma. At first, they looked merely like large crustaceans. On further inspection, however, he saw that they had far too many limbs, limbs which looked eerily like human arms and hands. Finlay and Malenia were nearly halfway through the swamp now, but it didn’t appear that they had noticed the monsters yet.
The creatures began to form a semicircle behind Finlay and Malenia, but none dared approach the duo at first. The monsters almost looked as though they were in awe of the unconscious demigod, not presuming to approach her. Finally, as Finlay neared the edge of the swamp, one of the bigger creatures approached from behind and reached out a hand, as though to grab Malenia’s shoulder.
FOES! MONSTERS! PESTS! STRIKE THEM DOWN!
Aelfric’s arm rose as though it had a mind of its own and launched a discus of light from his scythe before he had time to react. The discus sailed through the air, barely missing the top of Finlay’s helmet, and cut into the pest’s neck. The creature recoiled in pain and retreated among its brethren, its pained cry finally shaking Finlay from her daze. The monsters seemed agitated now and scurried around in a panic. Aelfric knew this would not last, however, and whatever they were, he knew that he could not allow them to take Malenia.
Aelfric called to the warriors at his side, “Aldrid, Zethud, help the commander! Dyrmy, Shuhu, get us a barrier, now!”
At his command, two Cleanrot Knights dashed forward, each of them supporting one of Finlay’s armies, and began limping back to the lines, half-dragging their commander in their haste. At the same instant, two more knights raised their spears and swept them laterally across the field. Wherever the spears’ arcs intersected with the ground, the sigil of the Haligtree lit up temporarily and spawned a palisade of spears made of holy light. The gap between the two arcs filled right as Aldrid and Zethud crossed back over, Finlay and Malenia in tow. The Cleanrots set their leaders on the ground and took up defensive positions along the newly formed fortifications.
Aelfric knelt beside Finlay and asked, “Commander, what is our situation?”
Though both kept their helmets on, Aelfric could see hear the despair in Finlay’s voice. “General Radahn does not have Miquella. He did not even know Miquella was missing, but that did not diminish his desire to test hit mettle against ‘the undefeated swordswoman.’”
Aelfric looked back with disbelief. “But how could she have been wrong? Lady Malenia was positive that Lord Miquella was in Caelid!”
Finlay checked to ensure Malenia was breathing, then responded. “Before she engaged in combat with Radahn, she kept muttering, ‘Underneath?! What is underneath Caelid!?’ She didn’t have a chance to explain what she meant, and we don’t have time to wonder now. I have to get her back to the Haligtree’s healers!”
Looking back at the swarming crustaceans, Aelfric understood his Commanders meaning. “Go, get her to safety. My knights and I will hold them here.”
Finlay looked at him apologetically. “It is not like Malenia or I to leave soldiers on the battlefield.”
Aelfric looked back at what remained of his company. “So many have already fallen today. Every one of them was prepared to die when they took their oaths. Every one of them willingly took the scarlet rot upon themselves. The least we can do is die fighting.”
Finlay nodded and gave Aelfric a quick salute. Having said her goodbyes, she picked Malenia up from the ground and began the long journey back to the Haligtree. Not one of the survivors of Dalet Company dared say a word. Aelfric walked to the front of the lines and planted the butt of his scythe in the ground behind the palisade, the brilliant sigil of the Haligtree burst from its tip and lit up the battlefield with a golden light.
Aelfric turned to address his soldiers. “Warriors of the Haligtree, hear my words! The mission parameters have changed. Lord Miquella was not held by General Radahn. This is no longer a rescue mission: it is a fighting retreat. As we speak, Commander Finlay carries Lady Malenia back to the Haligtree. They stand no chance of making it back if we do not make our stand here! So here I will stand, and I will not take one step back! We are all that stands between Commander Finlay, Lady Malenia, the very Haligtree itself and the ravages of these rot-spawn monsters! I have seen centuries of combat, but there is no group of warriors I would rather die beside. Those who fear death may accompany the Commander, but know that every person who chooses to walk away is one less person holding this line! Will you stand with me?”
Of course, Aelfric knew that this last question was merely a formality. As he had told Finlay, every one of those knights would rather face death than abandon their comrades. A cry of affirmation went up from the knights, and they took up defensive positions on the palisade.
As for Aelfric, he knew that he had a far different battle to fight than the rest of his comrades.
BIG TALK! IF YOU REALLY MEANT ALL THAT, YOU WOULD DO WHATEVER WAS NECESSARY! WHAT WOULD YOUR SOLDIERS SAY IF THEY KNEW YOU WERE HOLDING BACK!? AND WHAT WAS THAT YOU SAID, “NO WARRIORS I WOULD RATHER DIE BESIDE”? WHAT WOULD YOUR HEART-DEVOURING BRETHREN SAY!?
The voice in his head took on an insidious tone.
WHAT WOULD THE GLOAM-EYED QUEE…
Quiet, worm. You are neither ally nor enemy. You are but a tool to be used and cast aside when you are no longer convenient.
WATCH YOUR TONE, BOY! ARE YOU CERTAIN THAT IS HOW YOU FEEL, OR ARE YOU PROJECTING YOUR OWN INSECURITIES? I WONDER…
Now is an odd time to wax philosophical. There is a battle ahead, and I will need every tool I have.
The voice quieted, and in its lull, Aelfric began to recite the Litany of the Dragon Ascendant.
The dragon is not my enemy
THAT WON’T BE ENOUGH!
Its scales are a shield to those behind me
YOU ARE OUTNUMBERED 50 TO ONE!
Its claws a sword to destroy those who stand before me
LET ME OUT! WE CAN WIN IF YOU LET ME TAKE CONTROL!
Its breath a cleansing fire to purify the world
BAH! YOU NEVER LISTEN! WHY WILL YOU NOT TAKE THE STRENGTH THAT IS RIGHTFULLY YOURS?
By the dragon’s might I claim victory
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Let me solo her.
Build details:
The Regalia of Eochaid is my favorite weapon in this game. I love the simplicity of the straight sword moveset, especially one-handed, and its weapon skill is one of Elden Ring’s most satisfying finishers. Uncharged, it’s a phenomenal mix-up and “get off me” move, but fully charged, it turns into a fucking nuclear meatgrinder. Additionally, the fact that its damage is split between physical and magic damage makes it feel more versatile than a standard straight sword. For this character, the unarmored warrior Kona, I beelined for the sword right away and fought the Grave Warden Duelist while tremendously underleveled to earn this prize, which carried me throughout the entire game.
What I learned over time is that the trick with the Regalia of Eochaid's corkscrew is that if you pick your opportunities perfectly for fully charged corkscrews, you can essentially stunlock enemies that go flying from the final hit. This is consistently useful throughout the game against armored knights especially, but is very high risk and high reward, since you’re a sitting duck both while charging and executing the move (especially in group fights, especially since Kona doesn’t wear armor). Still, this was vital to my strategy here of all but skipping Malenia's second phase. I did basically the same thing a while ago when I fought Mohg, but instead of immobilizing him in a stunlock like I did to Malenia, she's lightweight enough to get immobilized by knockback.
I achieved massive damage against Malenia through a combination of talismans, Physick, and frostbite.
The Blue Dancer Charm boosts physical attack power inversely proportional to your equipment load; with this current load-out it’s providing approximately a 6% boost.
The Rotten Winged Sword Insignia boosts your attack power for a brief period so long as you keep landing successive attacks, increasingly powering you up by 6%, 8%, and ultimately 13%; the corkscrew deals so many attacks in quick succession that it almost instantly reaches that +13% threshold.
The Shard of Alexander boosts the attack power of weapon skills in general by 15%
The Godfrey Icon boosts the attack power of only fully charged weapon skills by 15%
I began the fight by using frostbone arrows to afflict Malenia with frostbite, which increases the damage that she takes from all sources by 20%
Once I frostbit her, I drank my Flask of Wondrous Physick, which contained Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear and Thorny Cracked Tear, which each last two minutes and increase the power of all magic damage by 20% and the power of successive attacks by up to 20% respectively.
When you combine all of these factors, a fully charged Eochaid corkscrew is dealing 20% more than its usual damage output due to frostbite...plus 6% and 13% and 15% and 15% from the talismans, and then +40% from the Wondrous Physick. This culminates in dealing well over double damage, improved even more in the second phase by the Bloodboil Aromatic, which increases my damage dealt by even further by an additional 20%, but with the cost of increasing my own damage vulnerability by 25%, mandating its use in the second phase only and the necessity to not get hit by anything.
Now, I’m not usually a metagame number cruncher or anything. I don’t think about these numbers much at all in-game. People can absolutely get even higher, more mammoth numbers in other, much more efficient ways, or just shred through Malenia’s healthbar with Rivers of Blood’s Corpse Piler ability or something. But I didn’t want to use Rivers of Blood, I wanted to use my favorite weapon in the game, and I crunched these numbers just to see how hard this weapon could hit in conditions that are essentially optimal without being overly complicated; I’m not stacking incantations or using a whole arsenal of weapons for multiple different buffs, after all. It’s just me, my sword, my bow, my flask, and my aromatic.
Anyway, this build (plus: an offhand Blood-affinity Whip not present in this fight to make up for the sword’s relatively short range, and usually using the Ritual Sword/Taker's Cameo [for a more consistent damage boost at full health, switching out when possible to maintain full health] or Lord of Blood's Exultation [for a more consistent damage boost after proccing blood loss with the whip] instead of the Godfrey Icon [since fully charged corkscrews can be too inopportune to do consistently]) has been the most fun I've had with a video game maybe ever, for both dungeon crawling and boss beating.
You may be saying I got super lucky because she didn't Waterfowl, or didn't do X or Y, and it was definitely a little luck-reliant, but my distancing, arrows, and immobilizing corkscrews all served to force her own movement and make her attack patterns more predictable. Malenia is a surprisingly passive boss in her first phase, given that she’s supposed to be much more aggressive in her second phase, but spamming arrows could force her into approaching and attacking, which is where I could get most of my arrows in while evading. And, of course, the second phase’s increased aggression is kind of moot because she spends the entirety of it inside of my magic metal meatgrinder.
And lastly, what you don't see are all of the attempts where I got my shit handed to me because I missed the spacing or the timing of the corkscrew. It's still kinda cheese, not Rivers of Blood level cheese but definitely still a little cheesy, but to me felt more like a high stakes sniper's duel where we could each kill the other basically instantly. Seriously, if you think this was an unfair fight, remember that I have no armor and only 40 Vigor lol
#the virgin rivers of blood dex/arc build versus the chad regalia of eochaid dex/arc build#elden ring#malenia#malenia blade of miquella#lou's elden ring clips
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Unalloyed Epilogue part 2
The field just outside Elphael provided a peaceful escape, silent apart from the rustle of frosted grass and the crunch of snow beneath her boots. After a week, Millicent still found the level of activity around the Haligtree a bit intimidating. She felt welcome, certainly, but temporarily overwhelmed.
Still, she did not wish to be entirely alone. Casting about the field, she picked up a set of familiar prints in the snow and followed the trail. She crossed a trio of rolling hills with ease, and found Latenna and Lobo just over the third.
The archer guided her mount in a measured circuit, pacing briskly from one end of the valley to the other and back again. On the wolf’s every third step, Latenna notched an arrow. With unerring precision, she sent it to join its fellows in the birch stump serving her as a practice target.
Millicent waited until she emptied her quiver before she started down the slope, waving to ensure that she was noticed.
A smile brightened the albinauric’s pale features, and Millicent felt her breath catch. The idea of someone being truly, genuinely glad to see her was still a bit foreign. While Latenna retrieved her arrows, Millicent moved to sit opposite the target.
“Do you mind if I join you for a bit?”
“Not at all.” Latenna stowed her arrows and lowered herself down from Lobo’s back. “I was just about to take a rest.”
Millicent leaned back against the embankment, not minding the light dusting of snow. With her threadbare traveling clothes exchanged for a warm cloak and tunic, the chill was not yet uncomfortable.
She stiffened as Latenna settled in beside her. Millicent took a breath and consciously relaxed. Both her arm and the needle were safely in place, and it was doubtful that an albinauric could even catch the Rot. Still, she took a moment to check the unalloyed mesh that Miquella had pasted over her scarred cheek. No sense in being careless.
An hour passed in companionable silence. Latenna meticulously re-fletched a damaged arrow while Millicent simply enjoyed the moment. After spending her formative years in blighted Caelid, she never tired of taking in the beauty of unspoiled nature.
Latenna set the arrow aside. With a gentle nudge, she commanded Millicent’s attention. “May I ask what changed?”
Millicent blinked. “I don’t follow.”
“For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve had a sense of terrible destiny about you.” Latenna pushed her mail hood back, shifting so that she could look Millicent in the eye. “Something changed after you faced Lady Malenia, but I can’t say that you seem happier.”
She drummed her fingers against her knee, debating how much to tell. “I am happier.” True in some ways, false in others. With a rush of reckless abandon, she opted for the truth. Perhaps Latenna could understand. “I was born to be a weapon. If my father had his way, I would have been the death of the Haligtree and all who dwelt there. I was determined that I would die before I could be forced to fulfill my purpose.”
Millicent dared to look up. Latenna stared back with wide eyes. She took a deep breath and continued. “I thought that I would be cast out when Malenia and Miquella learned the truth. But...” Her fingers tightened, squeezing her metal bicep. “They helped me. They found ways to contain my curse.”
Latenna spoke up hesitantly. “And... You are not happy?”
“I was. I am.” Millicent fumbled. She’d never had a way with words, and now she struggled to put a name to her feelings. “I don’t know what to do myself. First I was intended to bloom. When I learned the truth, I intended to die. Now...” She waved her hand vaguely, giving up on clarity.
“Ah. I think I understand. Well, somewhat.” Latenna leaned back on her palms, face tilted toward the greying sky. “This is all a bit unfamiliar to me. The idea seems to trouble you a sight more than it does me.”
“How do you mean?”
Now it was Latenna’s turn to fumble for her words. “The idea of having to choose your own destiny, I suppose.” She gestured down at her withered legs. “My people were created to serve. Most would prefer that we faded away entirely. I suppose I’ve had more time to become accustomed to the idea that... Well, that if I want a destiny worth living, I’ll have to forge it myself.” She fell silent, seeming abashed at her own burst of eloquence.
Millicent chuckled softly. “I must sound terribly ungrateful, whingeing about getting a second chance at life.”
“Of course not. You were carrying a terrible burden.” The corner of her mouth twitched upward. “No one would begrudge you a bit of whingeing.”
She couldn’t help but smile in return. “Thank you for indulging. This helped.”
Latenna shifted, rolling her shoulders and working the stiffness out of her neck. With a twinge of disappointment, Millicent realized that she was preparing to get up. “Come find me if you wish to unburden yourself again. I’m out here most days.”
Millicent hesitated. As appealing as the idea sounded, she knew that Latenna was a solitary sort. “I don’t want to intrude.”
Latenna paused halfway into calling Lobo. “Why would your presence be an intrusion? After what you did for me, I would hardly spurn your company.”
Disappointment hit her like a shower of ballista bolts. “Latenna, you don’t owe me, I would never want--”
A cool hand encircled her wrist. “Forgive me. I phrased that poorly.” Latenna scooped up Millicent’s hand, holding it in both of hers. “I was not speaking of debts.” Earnest blue eyes stole her breath away. “I only meant that your kindness is still remembered, and appreciated.”
The archer leaned against her shoulder, her plans to get up apparently forsaken. Their fingers remained intertwined. “I would like to see you again.”
Millicent took a deep breath. She reminded herself that it was safe, that she didn’t have to pull away, that she was not being selfish by accepting Latenna’s affection. She summoned up her courage and shifted, changing position to allow Latenna to settle against her more comfortably.
“Tomorrow, then?”
Latenna’s head moved against her shoulder in an affirmative nod. “Hmm.”
For a long while they remained like that, Millicent holding perfectly still, unwilling to end the moment. A slight change in the other woman’s breathing alerted her -- Latenna had fallen asleep on her shoulder.
#elden ring#fanfic#unalloyed epilogue#latenna#millicent#hurt/comfort#latenna/millicent#do they have a ship name?
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So, Miq, tell me a little about your Haligtree. Where did you get the idea for it? What about the designs? Did you have any place in particular that you modeled it after?
Miquella laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head.
" Well, it was an accident, really..." The teenaged god patted the roots upon which he sat...or, rather, from where his legs dangled. Where he he physically sat was actually covered by plush blankets and pillows, and strings of small, magical lights were strung both inside and along the edge of the opening. It appears that the hollow where his cocoon once laid had been converted into quite the little nest--one fit for a creative, gentle, and youthful god.
" See, it was...well, it started when I was five, and Godwyn and Father were teaching us about plants in the royal gardens when I pricked my finger on a rose thorn." Miquella flushed at the memory. " I have always bled easily, and I must say, for such a small thorn, my finger bled quite a bit. By the time Father had bandaged it, quite a few drops had landed on both the rose's stem and its flowers. Then, the next morning, we discovered that the rose bush had grown from a short little shrub that only came to the top of my head to a behemoth of a bush that was almost as tall as Father! We were flabbergasted, of course, and Father took some of the flowers to be studied by the alchemists. The blooms he pick took weeks to wilt."
Miquella's dangling legs kicked excitedly, and his golden eyes were as big and bright as his grin. The joy of his discovery was still so sweet after so very long.
" Even then, I was a curious thing, and I wanted to know if my blood could make all things grow. The results of my juvenile experiments were beyond my expectations: not only could my blood act as a potent fertilizer and rejuvenator for all plant life--healing the most tenacious of potato blights, plumping droughted and withered plants in the blink of an eye, even drawing seedlings from the ground days before they were due--but when enough of my blood drips onto barren ground, a bud oftentimes emerges!" He laughed and bashfully rubbed the back of his head. " I fear the Lands Between are speckled with these sacramental buds, and not only due to willful experimentation; Malenia and I were up to quite a big of mischief in our youth, and a bit of spilled blood was occasionally the consequence. Father once threatened to wrap me in layers of cotton whenever we went on trips."
The god laughed again, albeit more wistfully, and his legs slowed to a gentle, rhythmic swing.
" Then, one fateful day--when Malenia and I were, oh, seventeen years of age in human terms--Mother took me and Malenia with her on a pilgrimage to the Erdtree's very roots. It was...certainly an experience, one that is a story for another time, but during our venture I discovered a strange seed. I had seen many Erdtree seeds and saplings by then, and I could tell that the seed that I picked up was different. The feeling I felt when held that seed for the first time..." Miquella sighed dreamily and clasped his hands to his chest. " The only way I know how to describe it is the power one feels whenever an Aspect of the Crucible is utilized, yet so much deeper and far more visceral. On a whim, I snuck the seed into my pocket and spirited it away to our room, where Malenia acquired a pot and some soil on the sly. You see...Mother was adamant that we neither touch nor take anything from the roots, and I knew--even when it was just a seed, I knew--that what I was doing was sacrilegious."
From her usual chair beneath Miquella's church, Malenia turned her attention away from her braille tome and 'glanced' at her brother, smiling wryly.
" How long again did it take you to realize that you had found a seed of the primordial Crucible Tree itself?"
" When I began to water it with my blood." Miquella answered. " For matter what we added to the soil or used to water the seed, it refused to sprout. We added blood meal, bone meal, compost, even a bit of Erdtree dew, yet the seed lay dormant. I believe it was in the middle of the night--when I was working on my thesis of unalloyed gold--that the idea came to me. My desk was covered with fine, unalloyed gold flakes--which I had devised were able to channel the primordial energy of the universe--so I made a draught with water, unalloyed gold flakes, and my blood, and fed it to the tree. On a whim, I used my prototype gold helix as a stake, and sure enough--"
" --the tree grew," Malenia finished, sounding awed even millennia later." It was so small and delicate at first: with as stem as translucent as spider silk and leaves that simmered almost iridescent. That was when Miquella realized--"
" --that what I had germinated was something that made the Erdtree itself look like the newest of seedlings: a living crucible of primordial energy." It was Miquella's turn to finish the sentence. " It took me time to voice what I discovered that day: that the only way forward--not only for Malenia, but for our world--was to rip the roots of the stagnant Erdtree out of the Lands Between and grow a new Crucible Tree in its place. With my blood, I would teach the tree to channel my energy and will, and I would be able to use so to one day hopefully purge the influence of all outer gods from the earth."
" I admit, I was skeptical," Malenia said with a wry smile. " But that was one of the last times I ever doubted my dear elder twin. With blood and gold, the sapling grew, and when it began to grow too big to hide in our rooms, we began to devise a way to plant it."
Miquella sighed sadly and tangled his fingers together in his lap.
" Father made the decision for us, in the end," Miquella said softly. " I admit, I was fearful that the cold would kill my dear Haligtree before it had a chance to set down roots, but Malenia warded away the frost with warm water, and shielding blankets, and eventually, the Haligtree grew tall enough to stand unassisted. Once it was large enough, Malenia and I began to build a new settlement underneath its boughs, leaving Ordina as its gateway town. Elphael grew with the Haligtree, yet it was not even large enough to house all those that began to emigrate from the Lands Between!"
" Fortunately for them, Miquella has always dreamed of a true treehouse, and he had drawn up countless whimsical blueprints of such structures over the years." Malenia pretended to not sense Miquella sticking out her tongue at her. " From those architectural plans came Haligtree Town, and now...we are here."
Miquella nodded and made a noise of agreement.
" As for designs...well, I had no set vision for what Elphael and Haligtree Town would look like, but I have always loved the architectural style of the coastal Numen towns Mother and Father always described. Sprinkle in a little bit of nostalgia for Leyndell, and...well, I think Elphael looks quite grand, doesn't it, sister?"
" Well, for a treehouse, I suppose." Malenia said, smirking, and she was unable to hold in her laugh as Miquella blew a raspberry loud enough to hear from the entrance to the roots.
#kingdom of the haligtree (milieu)#golden abundance and scarlet decay (headcanons)#about the abundance god (miquella)#answered entreaties (asks)
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☕️ + Marika
TW: Implied incest; implied marital rape; discussions of child abuse and neglect; discussions of eugenics and genocide.
Malenia chuckled huskily and rested her head against the back of her 'throne' in the roots of the Haligtree, staring with sightless, scarred eyes up at the sky. The red and golden orange of the coastal sunset bathed her face and caught the thick red hair spilling over her shoulders in a flame-like sheen. Miquella, curled up in his blanket nest in the hollow of the roots, slept blissfully on.
" Miquella is far more magnanimous when it comes to Mother than I," Malenia whispered harshly, turning her face towards her brother's nest. " We have discussed our family many a time, and when it comes to Queen Marika the Eternal, Miquella simply feels...sad. He neither likes her nor respects her actions and ideals--and how could he, once he learned of the atrocities and genocides she has committed in the name of the Greater Will. Yet he recognizes that she herself is trapped and mostly powerless in the face of her patron god; indeed, the Elden Ring is as much a shackle around her throat as it is the manifestation of Regression and Causality. The way Miquella looks upon Mother is the way one would look upon a starving, rabid dog in the rain: dangerous, yet so terribly pitiful. He considers the inevitability of stripping her of her Grace as a mercy."
Malenia turned her face back towards the canopy, humming in satisfaction at the faint warmth playing on her pockmarked skin.
" Miquella, as always, is the better of us...for he finds it in his pure, good heart to love her still, whereas my own love has long since wilted, choked in the thick overgrowth of my anger and...hate. Yes, I freely admit that I hate Mother with every inch of my rot-burned body, and every scrap of my weary will. It is a hate that is both personal and ideological. Idealogically, I hate her for the genocides she committed against the giants, the omen, the Nox, and the nomadic tribes. I hate how she has isolated the Lands Between from the rest of the world, converting visitors to our lands but sending none in turn, for who could possibly want more than the stagnant golden grace of the Erdtree? I hate her for cowing to the Greater Will and throwing her own children into the sewers to pitifully waste away. I hate her banishing Lord Godfrey and the entirety of his people from the Lands Between, all in the name of some grand task, some eternal grasping at more and more power and more and more strength. I hate how she has wielded fundamentalism as a spiked flail, forcing the demi-humans into either exile or slavery, and turning a blind eye to the slaughter and persecution of the albinaurics. Even if I was not her daughter, I would hate her for this alone."
Malenia's left hand clenched into a trembling fist in her lap, and she moved from leaning over the back of the chair to slumping forward, picking up her prosthetic arm from the ground with palpable weariness.
" Yet as her daughter, I hate her more." Malenia spat bitterly, resting the prosthesis on her lap and running the fingers of her left hand along the worn, grooved joints, crude gold patches, and hastily hammered dents. The act seemed to calm her somewhat, although her shoulders were still taught with tension. " I hate that she forced Father away from the woman he loved and into her bed without his consent. I hate that she broke both Father and dear Rennala--who will forever be a better woman, queen, and mother than Marika could ever hope to be--all in the name of an Empyrean heir of her own; for she could not let the Carian family line have control of the Elden Throne, now could she?" She chuckled bitterly and let her head hang low between her shoulders. " Is it any wonder that Miquella and I are cursed, having been born from such better designs, such selfish whims, and such...such violation? We would be cursed even if Mother and Father were not..."
Malenia trailed off, unable to admit her family's greatest secret and greatest shame, even to the most well-intentioned stranger. Finlay and Ranni had been the only two beings the twins had ever told, and they intended to keep it that way for the foreseeable future.
Even without saying it, though, the revulsion and bitterness of such a lie...such a blasphemy...such a crime against nature in and of itself...it made her want to vomit.
" I hate her for her hiding me away when I was suffering with rot." Malenia said after a moment of heavy silence. " For believing my pain would lead me to greater strength and power--and then, when I remained rotted and sad and not stronger through adversity, she grew disdainful. 'Should ye fail to be nothing at all, ye shall be forsaken.' That is always what she said to me when I was being too troublesome--too unruly--and I knew in my heart that it was a threat. She had thrown her newborns into a sewer simply because they were born 'cursed'; why would she hesitate with a miserable, unruly daughter disfigured by rot? Even after I grew my skill with the sword, she was cold, distant. I was simply a replacement champion for her--someone to wage her wars and fight her battles as her proxy when Father was too heavy with melancholy to move. Even being chosen as an Empyrean did not satisfy her...although she certainly was cross when I renounced my Two Fingers mere days later."
The memory of her mother's sour-lemon face brought a rueful smile to Malenia's lips. She shook her head and began to flex the finger joints of her prosthetic arm, checking to see if any needed oiling or smoothing.
" Yet even if she was naught but the sweetest, kindest, most devoted mother to me...even if she had not forced Father to lie with her to conceive my brother and I...I would still hate her, for I consider what she did to Miquella innumerably worse than what she did to me. She used his intelligence, his ideas, his brilliant creativity for her own aims, trotted him around like a show pony during political affairs and royal events, only to regard him with naught but cold eyes and stony silence when in private. She considered Miquella to be an eternally innocent, pure, meek little boy; and yet when it came to caring for that boy? The moment he stopped growing was the moment she stopped acting as his mother. He was as old as I was, she said, so he did not need any 'coddling'...and Miquella, so desperate he was for Mother's love, agreed, and tried so valiantly to make himself into an adult he could never be. Yet he was not an adult--still is not an adult--and he still so desperately needed his mother's love and touch. She knew this, but she could not be bothered with him, so it was up to I--his sister--to act as mother in her stead."
Malenia wearily rubbed her eyes with her left hand.
" I do not regret it. I have never once resented Miquella for staying young while I have grown older--for needing more from me than as a twin and a friend. 'tis not his fault, and we are so precious and dear to each other...it does not matter to me that I am younger twin, bosom friend, co-ruler, bodyguard, blade, and mother all at once. I cherish this unique, bewildering, yet beautiful relationship we share, and I would gladly strike this balance until the end of our days if need be. All I have ever felt about Miquella's stagnation is guilt--guilt that I, the younger twin, was forced to leave him behind."
Her lips curled into an almost feral snarl.
" Yet Queen Marika the Eternal, who abandoned her child when he needed her the most...I shall hate her until the stars fall and the sun melts into itself. I shall hate her until there is nothing left of me to feel such hate. And if it turns out the reason behind her disappearance is her death...even if it means that Father is also..."
Malenia swallowed, and when she spoke again, her voice was choked and cracking.
" ...if she has died...then I hope she died in a manner that she deserved: alone; abandoned; slowly; and howling in indolent rage at the Greater Will--the one being in the universe even colder than she."
#answered entreaties (asks)#fulgrantfirstborn#the goddess speaks (malenia answers)#golden abundance and scarlet decay (headcanons)#golden queen of stagnation (marika)#forge red hair and golden hammer (radagon)#cw: discussion of child abuse#tw: discussion of child abuse#tw: discussion of child neglect#cw: discussion of child neglect#tw: implied rape#cw: implied rape#about the rot goddess (malenia)
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