Elden Ring: Putrefaction of Gold

The Fade of Joy

Ranni felt numb. The only sign of emotion she gave was when one of her little ones whimpered in her arms, and she went to comfort her with a gentle kiss. The seconds felt long and short with the growing dread of what came next.

She had but only one eye now, with the other shut permanently. As Renna explained, once one sees death, that eye must be shut forever.

With a sigh, Renna said, "The preparations are complete."

At first, Ranni nodded, attempting to remain stoic, but tears welled up, and she could no longer hold herself.

"Oh, my dearest one," said Renna. She embraced her young protege letting Ranni weep in her arms.

"Please, don't take them. Please, I beg of thee," cried Ranni.

"I know. I know it hurts. They will be safe. That is what matters. Where they will be going will be a good place for them. They will know the stars as you know them," said Renna. "No shadow will find them there."

"I can't..."

"Ranni, my dear girl. Yes, you can. You must."

Can and must... It was with those words that Ranni let them go. She kissed the first's head, "Goodbye, Auriella." Then, the second, "...and Aureliette. My precious little ones. I love thee and shall always. But thou will find safety."

More tears as she cradled them before she looked at Renna and nodded. The witch and Blaidd then took them to where the carriage waited.

Ranni's arms still felt heavy with the memory of holding them.

The realization that they were no longer in her arms and the knowledge that she couldn't stay away from Leyndell forever put Ranni into a stupor. Rykard, who was usually quick to quip something to get everyone to laugh, sat in the carriage next to her, holding his sister's hand.

Leyndell looked cold and empty when they managed to reach it. She threw up several times on the journey as her body felt the gravity of her injuries and the heaviness of her heart.

People tried to pretend that they didn't notice as Ranni struggled out of the carriage, still sore from childbirth, while she tried to stand tall. Their efforts only made it apparent that they did. There was no way to remain discreet.

"Ranni?" said Radahn when he saw his sister. "What happened?"

"I'll explain later, Brother," said Rykard.

"No! You explain now," demanded Radahn.

"You go back to your little paradise of Caelid for causing most of this," said Rykard.

"Me? I didn't do anything!"

"Next time, you do things my way. That's all I'm going to say to you, Brother."

Out of the corner of his eye, Rykard saw the twins hiding behind the fountain. His harsh words must have startled the little ones, and he felt guilty as the two had done nothing. They were probably more excited about becoming an aunt and uncle than anyone else and were now confused about the situation. Rykard promised himself that once Ranni was settled, he'd make it up to the two and explain that he wasn't upset at them. Or even at Radahn.

It was hard to know who to be angry at. Not Marika who had been nothing but supportive and not the slightest hint she wanted anything more than to see her two grandchildren. Not Godwyn for he struggled with his suspicions and rightly so. Not even that mindless animal Maliketh, for all dogs bite, as is their nature.

Rykard helped Ranni into bed and asked if she needed anything to eat. Of course, she said no, despite having hardly anything at all. He asked if she wished to be alone, and Ranni clutched his hand.