Elden Ring: Putrefaction of Gold

The Fall of a Prince

I am not the way I should be;

For I should certainly be purified

As I was in the human body.

In young and old, man and woman,

In fishes, metals, and all other things,

I can produce great wonders,

For I am the power, essence, nature, and quality of all things. ( Fabricious, 36)

Godwyn stood at the doorway and looked over at Ranni's sleeping form. Despite his best efforts, Godwyn stank. He smelled of blood, decay, and death itself that he helped bring about. He must have taken a dozen baths and yet that stench continued to linger.

It was the decayed stink that his father had from so many years at war and it was this intoxicating scent that dulled away all Godwyn's feelings. Sure, Godwyn remembered the feelings of presense of Ranni alone made him feel. How weak he felt whenever she walked in the door. He remembered the excitement and joy when learning she was pregnant.

But these feelings were only memories now. As he looked over at her, he felt nothing but indifference.

Marika laid a gentle hand on Godwyn's shoulder, "It won't be much longer."

Godwyn didn't reply with much more than a grunt.

"Godwyn?"

"How can I be a father to something so innocent?" said Godwyn.

Marika laid her head on his shoulder, "Come, my son. She needs her rest. You and her can talk in the morning.

Out over the ramparts, Marika walked somewhat ahead of her son. She smiled as her hand glided along the stone of the wall. From there, one could see the expanse of Leyndell's borders, but it was too far to see the individual people who both occupied and helped build the city.

It was hard to tell if Marika was even aware of, much less cared about them. Godwyn was more than aware, thanks to Tiche, that Marika already knew and even allowed Radahn to take Malenia. Yet, she said nothing to Godwyn or the others. She could have done a number of things to intervene and stop this problem before it escalated, but she did not.

"When I first told you father I was with child, he became as elated as a little cub. He danced like I hadn't seen him ever do before," said Marika.

"What about Radagon? How did he react?" Godwyn asked.

Marika frowned, "There is an understanding between Radagon and myself. Our relationship is more contractual in nature. But he was happy, nonetheless."

"Right. Because you were brought together at the behest of the Greater Will. Tell me, Mother, have you ever done anything of your own will?"

"Godwyn, being the Queen of this land and goddess to this world does not grant me freedom. It is a sorrowful position where difficult decisions must be made. It is best you remember that if you desire to make your bid for the seat of Elden Lord and to divinity."

Godwyn rolled his eyes, "You talk as though you even consider me for the seat of Elden Lord. But everyone knows that you and Radagon have your minds already made up and set on Miquella. And you would make up whatever petty scheme you can to see it so. Take away Ranni's destiny? Sure. Let Malenia whither away in decay? Anything for the Greater Will. It's almost sickening, Mother."

"Stopping the stars was to prevent a greater threat against us, Godwyn. You know this."

"You didn't even try," scoffed Godwyn.