Elden Ring: Putrefaction of Gold

The Story of an Omen

Mr. Margit smiled as he watched Miquella and Malenia, now united, playing with each other in this sanctuary of outcasts known as the Wild Garden. When he heard that Malenia had returned safe, Mr. Margit rejoiced. It was Marika who took a moment to tell him through the branches of the Erdtree, as she was aware of how fond he became of his little sister. Malenia was just like their mother in both looks and personality, but yet understanding of what it was to be an outcast. His heart was heavy in hearing that no one seemed to talk about her, even as her brother wept for her absence.

Upon her return home, Malenia made a point to see him as soon as possible to show him the arm Miquella had made for her. She asked Mr. Margit to help her put it on, which took the omen a while to figure out. But Malenia was patient and encouraged him to keep trying.

"Thank you, Mr. Margit," said Malenia. She showed her friend how it worked and that she was dressed so nice because her father summoned her to a "hearing" later that afternoon. It perked Mr. Margit's interest, and he pressed for details, but a young girl couldn't provide them. All the same, Mr Margit was nonetheless happy for the company.

Miquella, that golden-haired boy with a tender heart, soon came to join her. He first checked on the lilies he planted as a gift for Mr. Margit before snuggling under a blanket with his sister and a book. Malenia told Miquella all about her "adventure" with Radahn, the things he taught her, and the fun things they did. She showed him the old fang Finlay found. There were many stories about this Finlay character, who, according to Malenia, was visiting with one of the Redmane soldiers for the time being.

She meticulously detailed how to protect a castle, which had to make the old omen smile. It brought memories of when his father taught him the same.

"Morgott? Morgott, wake up."

Marika threw open the curtains, which stirred the young prince from his sleep. He sat up, rubbed his eyes, and smiled up at his mother. Her long, braided blond hair cascaded past her hips, and her body was the perfect female form. It was a body that men would - indeed have - killed for, and Morgott secretly vowed to protect. For there was nothing the young omen youth could ever call beautiful in this world save it be his beautiful dryad mother. All living things were her children and treated as sacred within the crucible.

"Your father is expected today," said Marika.

"Today?" exclaimed Morgott. He leaped from his bed and grabbed his animal-skin cloak, which marked him as a divine being of the crucible.

Marika gave a weary smile, perhaps hoping that her son's excitement as he ran around his room and fretted about his appearance meant this might turn out well.

His father, Godfrey, was gone for more than a year by this point. He went out on a campaign to expand Marika's influence. Save the face of his mother, there was no one else in the world who brought more joy to the omen lad. It wasn't just the time that Godfrey made to spend with his sons but also the time when his mother was the happiest. Despite her godhood, Marika would giggle as a young child as Godfrey showed her love, and her patience with her two boys was multiplied.

When they arrived outside the grand doors of the Fortified Manor and the seat of Godfrey's power during his time as Elden Lord, Morgott was puzzled that his brother wasn't there. He looked back at his mother and asked, "Where's Mogh?"

Without looking at her son, Marika replied, "He's chosen not to come."

Morgott wrinkled his brow, "Why not?"

Marika's hands wrung together, and Morgott knew to stop asking questions lest he upset his mother and spoil the happy moment.

Morgott closed his eyes and recalled that pleasant time over a year ago when his father came home and the template of all his expectations: Godfrey came through the grand gates of Leyndell, parading along the main road in a thick of fanfare. Petals rained down from roofs as people cheered his return. He would lead his men: Vyke, the brilliant spearsman who sought to be a shadow, Vargram, the Errant Sorcerer Wilhelm, and other great heroes of his armies.