A New Hunt Begins (Male Reader X Malenia)

As Above, So Below

There were often times where the calm, or as calm as one could attempt to be after witnessing horrors unfit for the perception of man, Hunter would find himself within the moonlit lake of Byrgenwerth. Often standing over the corpse of the Vacuous Spider. The infant kin of the cosmos. It was here where Y/N learned of the truth of his world.

In the spaces between dreams is where Y/N found a semblance of a rest. Or at least that's what he tells himself. When exploring the Lands Between, he feels the world around him. The hopes, the dreams, and the nightmares. Especially the nightmares. Communion with the unfathomable would do that to a man.

Last we left off, the stars were freed from their unending stagnation and the great General Radahn fell at the hands of the demigod Malenia. This chain of events led to the changed landscape of the southeastern portion of Limgrave. A vast crater opened the way to the expansive city of Nokron.

The unlikely pair took to exploring the city, having to descend via the city's spires. To Malenia, the city was yet another obstacle to get to her dear twin brother. But to Y/N? It felt as if he was back at that moment that brought him to the Lands Between, holding onto that tattered scrap of fabric that was branded with the echo of the Elden Ring. A city so old. So powerful. Yet so empty.

It was no secret that the gods of this world wanted to bury its past, the past without the influence of the Greater Will. Many spirits sought refuge from the world above, the Hunter could feel them watching as they explored the eternal city. The gemstone illuminated city has fragmented with great bridges and a aqueducts connecting the different portions.

It was upon one of these bridges where the two made camp for the night. A makeshift shelter made from a long abandoned canvas tarp placed over a small alcove. Y/N had disappated back to his workshop for a couple of bed rolls and other supplies. Upon his return, he started a small fire to prepare food. Malenia stood at the edge of the crumbling bridge, her eyes locked on something far into the distance.

Y/N stood from his spot before noticing the demigod. He knew that there wasn't much that he could do or say. Yet he still joined her. The Hunter handed Malenia a bowl of stew before sitting down. His feet dangling off the side.

"He's there."

The hollow tone of Malenia's voice cut through the silence between them. The Hunter only nodded, watching the grand temple across endless expanse. The red glow emanating from the temple was like staring into the eyes of a beast. His mind reaching out, hoping for a glimpse of what is to be found.

"I know."

Y/N responded as he finished eating, Malenia finishing soon after. They sat/stood in another silence before returning to the camp. The fire that Y/N made was still burning hot yet he still tended to the flame. He offered to take the first watch, though he felt the call of sleep tugging at his eyelids, and the demigod felt no need to argue as they had been walking and climbing for hours.

Malenia had turned in for the night, finding her place in the bedroll that her companion laid out. She felt the sweet call of sleep wash over her as she placed her head on the rather soft pillow. Her dreams would be filled with the memories of her and Miquella growing up.

Outside of the shelter, Y/N stood leaning against the wall reading from his book. He would sneak glances up from the aged text to the rest of the bridge ahead of him. Hours would tick by before he heard the slumbering demigod rise to take his place.

The next few nights saw a similar pattern. Eat, sleep, and fight. Nokron was teeming with those who fought against the Greater Will, most notably the Night Maidens of the order of Nox and their swordmaidens.

As the pair made their way through the city proper, they came upon a rooftop that was some distance away from a massive throne which held the skeletal remains of some figure. Y/N recognized the throne as he had seen a similar one in Sellia, the town of sorcery, in Caelid. Upon further exploration of the roof tops and a few close calls, the two made their way onto solid ground.