Elden Ring Rise of the Black Swordsman

8 - The Lords of Stormveil

"..." : Speech

'...' : Thoughts

**** :Time Skip

****

Darkness enshrouded this side of the castle. There were no guards and no torches lighting it up except Melina's lantern. They had walked down several flights of stairs and had dealt with all sorts of unpleasant pests, from giant rats to giant bats which (Y/n) was repulsed by. He cut them down with gusto, he swinged his sword stopping it abruptly to clear the blood from it. He sheathed it once again and commenced to walk up the stairs. Now at the bottom the only way was up. Melina followed behind looking around the castle, looking for any signs of life there. When they were almost back at the top levels after several flights of stairs, Melina shared the doubt her mind had been harbouring.

"For such a large portion of the castle to be abandoned... There must be a good reason."

(Y/n) turned to face her but before he could answer he caught a glimpse of something. He walked down the stairs past Melina and stood next to the edge while observing the figure he believes to be seeing. Once it clicked inside his mind he spoke.

"That must be your good reason."

Melina turned towards where (Y/n) was looking, and she understood immediately. From up there they could both see what looked like a giant face, melted or flaccid on the bottom floor of the castle. It was a dark colour of grey and its nose was missing, it clearly didn't seem like a good sign. (Y/n) looked back at Melina before saying.

"Let's get out of here. Godrick should be close."

Melina nodded as she walked behind her companion once again. Sparing one last look to the dead face far from her, which still drew her attention for whatever reason.

****

"What the fuck?"

(Y/n) stared at his latest target. This eagle had combusted the moment the dagger had tapped its helmet. (Y/n) examined his kill like a cat when he smelled the scent of burning oil and understood what had happened. This eagle was equipped with oil in order to burn its victims. However, the weapon had proven to be a double edge sword and the cause of the animal's death. (Y/n) smirked evilly at his enemy's corpse as he kept walking forward. He quickly killed two of Godrick's soldiers by ducking under one of their swings and slicing them both in one swift motion. The path then turned left on the right side there was an open door from which (Y/n) could hear fighting noises. He quickly approached the entrance and stood against the wall to peak into the room. As he did, the bottom half of a banished knights' corpse flew out the entrance. The clashing sounds ceased and (Y/n) peaked into the room once again. He cautiously walked in and face the tall, toned dark skinned woman. She was standing atop the top half of the banished knight with her axes in her hands. Speaking to the corpse.

"Be proud. You were a fine warrior. Your only mistake was your choice of master. Let the winds lift you, to a higher place."

"Feel much sympathy for his kind?"

"Well, who do we have here? Tarnished, are you? Clearly not one of Godrick's lot. I am Nepheli Loux... Tarnished and warrior, like you. I'm here by decree of my father. How utterly repellant this is... This "grafting" of Godrick's ill befits a Lord. He's tainted the very winds."

"Truly... Where is the bastard?"

"If you intend to challenge Godrick, I ask you call upon me. The winds run could with his deeds. I'm certain father would permit me aid the fight."

(Y/n) analysed her, her eyes showing determination and her posture exposing power. The answer was obvious, especially when facing such a fomidable opponent as a demi-god.