Elden Ring: Putrefaction of Gold

Lord of Fallow

 There was a certain excitement as crowds gathered about the Caelid arena, which made Radahn smile. To ensure the event was memorable, Radahn contracted the finest company of warriors in the entire Lands-Between to come to Caelid and make the event free of charge for all its inhabitants. This was a rarity as the top-tier talent was only known to perform in Leyndell, and so the crowds gathered from all over. They packed the arena. Enthusiasts made bets as to which warrior might win the top game in what event. Chariots circled the outer part of the area to warm up their horses, and gladiators all mock-fought to get their muscles ready for their first bout. Some came to the crowds and shook the outreached hands of the spectators.

Not even Jarren could criticize Radahn for this. The difficulties they had recently with the war made them long for a break in the spirits, depressed by the disruption of life. The least he could do for them was offer a fair bit of entertainment.

"It's good to hear your stepmother allowed you to keep your position, General," said Jarren.

"It's at a cost," replied Radahn.

"Of course it is. But I think even she knows how well-loved you are. No one will ever forget how you're now holding the stars," said Jarren.

"The last thing we need is another crucible landing here," replied Radahn.

Trumpets sounded, and the warriors gathered together. They first bowed to Radahn, the host of the event. Then, they turned and bowed to the effigy of Queen Marika. They chanted their pledge of life and honor to the Eternal Goddess, the great bestower and bringer of this age.

"That's exactly my point. You have Marika by her tits," said Jarren.

"I don't plan to use this as blackmail," said Radahn. "Or take advantage of it. She has things she can take from me as well."

"Her daughter? Tell me, General. Why did you choose Malenia? The girl is sickly. If it weren't for her brother paining for her to stay with him, she'd have been disposed of long ago," said Jarren.

Radahn laughed.

"Are you going to tell me why her?"

"Well, at first, it was the prospect of children. Something a little hard to do with Miquella."

"You a father? Alright. Is that all?"

Radahn leaned forward as he watched the bout. Three warriors had one backed into a corner. The entirety of her team was wiped out.

"A bad spot," remarked Jarren. "Or maybe not. They can't surround her."

One struck, and the female warrior took a blow to his abdomen, drawing out the first blood. When he backed away, the second struck, which the woman rolled and again, a cut this time to his shoulder. The third, she did not wait for. Blow after blow, she swung, overwhelming her opponent until she landed the cut to his arm.

The crowds were on their feet, pounding the seats and screaming in wild joy over the brilliant match. They grew more excited as the warrior jogged around the perimeter, shaking hands with each of those along the front rows who reached out to greet her. Her comrades, both who fought with her and against her, soon surrounded her. They patted her shoulder and hugged her, and soon, she left the arena carried on their shoulders.

Impressive! If only Radahn had such a warrior in his ranks when he feuded against Godwyn. There was Ohga, but he was coming up in age. And he had his foster daughter to worry about.

"Jarren., have you arranged for Ogha to return to Leyndell?"

"No. Why?" said Jarren.

"Malenia wrote me. Her little friend is having a hard time. Seeing him will help her a bit," said Radahn.