Elden Ring: Putrefaction of Gold

Testament of the Flame pt 2

 "Messmer? Messmer!" said Guais.

Messmer lifted his head.

"I'm sorry, old friend. I must have been lost in thought," he replied. "How long has it been?"

"Hours. Rellana is nowhere to be found," said Guais.

"She said she had another matter to attend to, and Mother told me to wait until she returned."

"I see. And how long will she be gone? The rituals will only last a few days. We don't have long to take advantage."

"I'm well with waiting. Or never at all. She wants an era of peace and prosperity but will sanctify it with the blood of those she hates," said Messmer. "I think you and I have an issue with this campaign."

Guias nodded, "I was always taught to fight with honor. I suppose that doesn't matter."

"Perhaps Marika knows too well that those determined to live without grace cannot be persuaded otherwise."

When Messmer opened his eye, he was met with a guest—a blond-haired man with his hands behind his back. His hair had a cut of a bowel, and he smirked to show his arrogance.

"And who is this man to speak to me as though I needed his council?" said Messmer.

"Forgive me, Messmer. I am Queenlign. I am of one of the noble families of Leyndell. I have heard a rumor that there is to be a great happening about to occur. One where Queen Marika will ascend to godhood."

"So they say."

"So it is. I know she orchestrates the former ruler ousted from Leyndell and supplanted her Great Tree with one of her own. A towering, golden one full of life and magnificence," said Queenlign. "Truly looking to be the symbol of a great order. And I have come here to pledge myself to this cause."

Messmer looked at Guias, and Guias back at Messmer. Neither were impressed with this man and the manner in which he spoke. Sure, there was a great promise that came with this thing that Marika dubbed the "Erdtree." It would serve as the seat of her might. And, in many ways, it was her. At least, it was made from her own flesh, which she grew until it towered over all the Lands-Between.

Messmer bore no love for the Hornsent, but he did not despise them either, as did his mother. And so, as the eve of the great plan came about, Messmer hesitated. What was to come here was death itself, now controlled by Marika.

"This is no holy war," said Messmer.

"You're joking. The Hornsent are heretics to the fullest, and you won't consider their purge an act of righteousness? Are you certain you could even call yourself worthy of this act?"

"And who would come and do it for me? You?"

"I don't know who you are, Messmer, or why Queen Marika came to favor you so, but I do understand that there are many who have not nearly the power and influence as you and would not hesitate one moment to send their armies rushing over those fields in a red wave of fire," said Queenlign.

Messmer's hand was around Queenlign's throat, squeezing it until the arrogant knight was to his knees.

"Who I am is the son of Marika. You wish to join my ranks, then I suggest you learn some respect," said Messmer.

"Forgive me... I didn't know. I swear," said Queenlign.

Messmer let him go, "Now you do. I'll accept you in my ranks, but show me no more this face of disrespect. Now, get out of here."

"Ready the men. There is no way we can avoid doing this much longer," said Messmer.

"Of course," said Guias.