Elden Ring: Putrefaction of Gold

The Vassal of Rot

When Radahn invited Malenia out for a walk, it was long overdue. He needed to understand Malenia's thoughts on the upcoming wedding without Miquella's brooding influence. Miquella didn't seem always aware of how much weight his abilities carried or understand the consequences of causing people to act against their nature. While Radahn understood her twin meant well, Malenia had a right to her own opinion.

While beautiful, Miquella's vision of an age of abundance and compassion was both short-sighted and impossible. There needs be opposition in all things. An Age could only exist parallel to another age, one that actively worked against it to prevent those who labored under Miquella's world not to become idle, but instead, grow strong in the face of resistance.

Malenia was that twinned Age—opposition that would create genuine compassion, spur true gratitude, incite purpose, and build strength in the individual. Miquella needed Malenia, not healed and restored, but as she was—perhaps more than she needed him. Radahn needed Malenia to understand this, regardless of how much she was afraid of her disease. His Age of Fallow, that he built his army to create, needed a goddess with the power to destroy and make a world that could be rebuilt.

Malenia accepted General Radahn's invitation, and she insisted they walk together through the Wild Garden. This concerned Radahn when he met with her, but found Malenia hadn't arranged a proper chaperon. She assured Radahn everything would be fine. So long as they were in there, she would be safer and more comfortable than with any person the Golden Order might appoint.

It seemed she had part of Miquella's power to persuade, because Radahn accepted. While he wanted Malenia somewhere she was comfortable, the Wild Garden? Marika forbade anyone from entering there, though the twins often ventured there when they were young. Radahn had no idea that Malenia still held this place for herself or how she could feel comfortable there. Even with the lack of a paths and so little eyesight, Malenia knew the area well. Her hand moved over each tree's trunks and felt the texture of the bark, then glanced over the brushes, letting her fingers feel the shape of their fruit. She loved this place, in fact.

"I'm told you've gained quite the reputation," said Radahn.

Malenia smiled.

"My Knight Freyja is a former champion in the arena and mentioned wanting to show you a real challenge," said Radahn. "Medjai had done well for you. Him and Miquella."

"I'm not sure how much can be done," said Malenia. Her voice was soft and void of any hope as she clutched her shoulder where her artificial arm connected.

"Have you considered fighting this battle isn't what's meant to happen?"

Malenia paused in a small grove in front of a bed of lilies. The grip on her artificial arm tightened and looked as though she was about to tear the thing from her shoulder. The grass that grew with the lilies was rich and green, and the flowers above continued to flourish year after year. She placed her hand on the bed and closed her eyes as she realized the bed had been nurtured with her putrid blood.

Radahn came from behind and pulled her long red hair gently away from her neck.

"Don't fight the pain. Don't deny it's there. Feel every moment of it. It's the only way to heal," said Radahn. His hands moved from her hair to over her shoulders and then her hand to relax it away from her prosthesis.

"I don't want this," said Malenia. "I just want to live as myself... This that afflicts me is a curse and not to be meddled with."

"Then let me, Miquella, and everyone you call friends carry you like wings through the fight. So you can live as your own self," said Radahn.

Their first kiss was chaste, and it was followed by a second, more passionate one. But then soon interrupted by the rustling of leaves, which only Malenia, with her keen hearing in the absence of her sight, picked up.

"I just want to be alone for a moment," said Malenia.

Radahn respected Malenia's wishes. He had gotten what he wanted from the conversation: an understanding of Malenia's thoughts. With his hand under her chin, Radahn promised to check on her later that day.

As Malenia sat alone on the stone bench, Mr Margit appeared, which Malenia identified by his unique scent. He placed a friendly hand on Malenia's shoulder. She took it with a smile and closed her eyes.

"Remember when I asked why I couldn't marry you?" she mused.

"Thou were but a child," said Mr Margit.

"I was a child when it was arranged for me to marry Radahn. I was so angry to learn that," said Malenia.

"That thou was as it was not thy choice. But how doth thou now feel?"

Malenia leaned forward with her hands folded under her chin. She frowned, "I am well to be with Radahn. I think, I do love him that way. All that he provided me has shown his concern for my well-being, but I fear for his life if we were to... I feel this blight every day, writhing within me," she looked up at her friend with tears in her eyes. "I'm in pain, Margit... so much pain... everyday, it's like my blood burns. I wish this rot would never have come to me and cursed me with its disease."

Mr. Margit embraced her, resting his cheek on her head.

"I know, Fair Lady. I know," said Mr. Margit.