Radahn looked out over Leyndell and gave a heavy sigh. In a sense, he had realized things couldn't be worse. The lives lost in the senseless war with Godwyn. His men lost comrades. Ogha lost his foster child and surrendered to Marika and her Golden Order. That same Golden Order now considering his fate.
All to achieve nothing.
When his father joined him, Radahn pretended he did not see him. He continued to stare out into the abyss.
"The Golden Order has decided there shall be no punishment to you," said Radagon.
"Huh?" replied Radahn.
"Understand, this means there shall be no punishment for Godwyn either. This is done in good faith and by the Grace of the Greater Will. In the trust that you and Godwyn will settle your differences and not squander your chances this time," said Radagon.
"I don't see how I can," said Radahn.
"Then leave it alone!" said Radagon as he raised his voice in frustration. "This is your final chance, Radahn. Marika's patience for you has worn thin. And though all our beginnings and ends are made eternal through the Erdtree, your war is still a waste. Why can you never accept that things can and must change?"
"I lived in Sellia," said Radahn. "I've come to see the lives that normal people live. To end this for them? They would be the only ones who suffer."
"Is that why you chose Malenia instead of Miquella? Because you're that determined to see the world stay as it is, you will risk stagnation?" said Radagon.
"She'll be cured well before she's old enough," said Radahn.
"You can't be certain of that. I think, my son, you ought to reconsider."
"I know what kind of world I want. You and Marika may be quick to crumble the Golden Order so you can repair all its flaws, but I am not! Your obsession with perfection will gain you nothing. How do you plan to achieve it without destroying the Elden Ring?"
Though Radagon stood stoic, deep within him, he was seething. And it wasn't anger at the fact that his son dare speak his mind—Radahn had always spoken his mind—but the anger came from the realization that Radahn very well might be right. Of the hopes they pinned on Miquella, none was more concerning than what it would take to ascend him to Godhood.
As divided as Radagon and Marika were, at the very least, they could agree on that.
"You and Marika might pretend you challenge one another's views, but in the end, you're both the same," muttered Radahn.
"The Elden Ring will not be destroyed. That I will assure you," said Radagon.
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Elden Ring: Putrefaction of Gold
FanfictionGodwyn is slain. The Elden Ring is broken. Queen Marika is nowhere to be found. Left on their own, Queen Marika's offspring struggle to come together for the sake of the Lands-Between. Each has their own understanding of Marika's last wishes and mu...
