A view of the waterfall where, as was described in the previous chapter, the Recusants-to-be are descending in the Abductor Virgins. This page's panels show the entire height of the waterfall.
The waterfall.
The bottom of the waterfall, where the Abductor Virgins have slammed onto the rocks, breaking open.
The bottom of the Ruin-Strewn Precipice. The Abductor Virgins are cracked; one thinks the inhabitants of them are dead.
Or...not. Hands push out from the gaps of the Virgins.
The Prophet pushes open the carapace of his Virgin, no longer functioning. He steps out.
The Prophet looks around him, realizing he is at the informal village at the bottom of the Ruin-Strewn Precipice.
Patches kicks out of his Virgin. Patches: Oh, Patches, what have you gotten yourself into?! Patches: Thrown down a waterfall, what fortune!
The Prophet approaches Patches. Patches: Stay away from me! I'm not associating with your lot anymore! Patches: I'm hightailing it out of here!
The Prophet points somewhere. Patches' eyes follow.
He is pointing to Diallos's Virgin. It is not yet opened. Diallos, banging inside of the Virgin: Help! Help me!!
Patches sighs, as he gets up on the rocks.
The Prophet and Patches pry open the Virgin's carapace, releasing Diallos. Diallos: Oh, oh thank the gods!
Diallos: What a crazy way to ride, but... Diallos: what a thrill, eh? Patches: So says you...
Patches: Alright. I'm off. Patches, to the Prophet: The lass isn't here. You left her?
The Prophet shakes his head.
Patches: I see... Patches: You'll wait here?
The Prophet nods his head.
Patches, under his breath: A dog, through and through...
Patches walks away, waving behind. Patches: See ya.
Diallos follows Patches. Diallos: Oh, what adventures lie before us! Diallos: And to fight, a GOD!
Patches: STAY AWAY FROM ME, MAN! Diallos: What's gotten into you?!
Patches and Diallos walk away, bickering; the Prophet watches.
The Prophet folds his legs and sits down, waiting.
He closes his eyes, meditating.
His eyelids close, shrouding the panel in darkness.
The panel is completely dark.
The light of grace, dim in the dark.
The light of grace.
The light of grace.
The light of grace, transforming into an arc of gold.
The Prophet opens his eyes; hooves can be heard around him, moving about the water.
The Prophet sees Hyetta and Melina coming in the distance. It is a completely different time, maybe night time; the Prophet has been meditating for that long.
The Prophet stands up. Melina: Sir. As I promised. Hyetta: Is it...truly...
The Prophet takes Hyetta's hand. Hyetta: Ah. I'm glad to see you again.
Melina sees the Abductor Virgins, broken, in the distance. Melina: I wondered where you ran off to. Melina: That's certainly a way to make it down...
Melina: Well, you want to take the reins? The Prophet nods, getting on Torrent.
Melina: Will you truly fight Radahn? The Prophet nods.
Melina: If that is your wish, then I believe you shall take his Rune. Melina: I trust in your ambition.
Torrent rides forth.
An overhead shot of the the Prophet riding through Liurnia.
Morrowe, Maleigh and their party have arrived at the back entrance of Castle Stormveil. They see, in the distance, two sentries posted by the entrance. Morrowe: Well, let's see if this works...
Tarnished: Halt, who goes there - Morrowe is removing his hood.
Tarnished: M-Morrowe? Morrowe: Ah, good. You recognize me.
Tarnished: I saw you capture Stormveil. Of course I recognize you. Tarnished: Who are they?
Morrowe: The girls are with me. Tarnished: Then, those two men? Morrowe: ...Also with me.
Tarnished: Forgive me...but the castle is quite...sensitive. We fought off an attack, recently. Morrowe: I just want through.
Tarnished: I must consult Kenneth. Morrowe: That ass?... Fine.
The Tarnished leaves. Morrowe, to Maleigh: Didn't think it'd be easy. Maleigh: Mmm.
Morrowe: You won't cause any trouble. Maleigh: Mmm.
The Tarnished returns. Tarnished: Kenneth wants to speak to you. We'll take your horses. Morrowe: Of course.
The Tarnished enter Stormveil, climbing through the catacombs. I don't know how where the horses would go.
They pass through the tunnel leading into the throne room.
They stand before Kenneth, with his new advisors, including the Leonine Misbegotten. The Misbegotten has a particular look on his face. Kenneth: Hail, Morrowe. Morrowe: Kenneth.
Kenneth: I heard you have...peculiar guests with you. Kenneth: I, of course, trust you. But please, vouch for them yourself.
Morrowe, gesturing to Millicent: We're heading east, for the war festival. Kenneth: Ah. Tragoth spoke of that.
Morrowe: Then I don't need to add more. This is Millicent, she is a fellow warrior.
Morrowe: This is Latenna, she is a...ah... Latenna: An Albinauric.
Morrowe: Right. She is my friend; she's attending me for... Kenneth: Comfort. Morrowe: In a way, I suppose. Latenna has a face.
Kenneth: These two. Morrowe: The big one is also a warrior, and...ah...
Kenneth: Morrowe. The one with the finery. Kenneth: When the sentry described it, I recognized it. Kenneth: He is an official of Leyndell, no?
Morrowe: Uh...well... Maleigh, stepping forward: Yes. Yes I am.
Kenneth: Morrowe, he cannot pass through. Kenneth: All else may.
Morrowe, looking to Maleigh sheepishly: Well. Maleigh: No.
Maleigh: Do you know precisely who I am? Kenneth: No. Maleigh: So this is a posture? Kenneth: Yes. Our very existence opposes Leyndell's.
Maleigh: I am Leyndell's executioner. Maleigh: My role is to hunt you Tarnished down.
Kenneth's advisors put their swords before Maleigh's throat. Maleigh: As expected. The only rational response, really. Maleigh: I don't deserve a more generous response, frankly. Such is the fate of Morgott's dog.
Maleigh: But, you know... Maleigh: I am provided many powers, compared to other Leyndell officials.
Advisor: So what? Maleigh: Your sword has all the brains you need, apparently.
Maleigh: I can negotiate on your behalf, for Leyndell.
Kenneth: Hold your swords back. Kenneth: What do you mean?
The advisors pull back. Maleigh: What do you think the history of Limgrave is? Advisor: We're at the southern end of the Lands Between. We're well-protected from any assaults from Leyndell.
Maleigh: What a naive point of view. Maleigh: If Leyndell wants to expend the effort, they will. Maleigh: We have sacked this castle, innumerable times.
Maleigh: We have slaughtered you Tarnished so often, it's no different than chasing away rats in the pantry. Maleigh: You eventually lose the vigor to do it everyday.
Maleigh: We have two options: Maleigh: Let me through, and I relay your conditions for armistice with the capital for however long. You build up strength, and then your castle and the capital have a proper fight.
Maleigh: The other option is, you kill me, preventing me from completing my official business, Maleigh: and Leyndell comes down to avenge me.
The advisor threatens Maleigh again. Advisor: Dog. Kenneth: Hold.
Kenneth: ...Is your business genuinely united with Morrowe's? Maleigh: Yes and no. In reality, Morrowe's business is mine, because Morrowe is my knight.
Kenneth: ! Morrowe: ! Maleigh: I have no dislike of the Tarnished. It's simply my role. I was given no orders to hurt anyone here. Maleigh: And I, frankly, could stand to do less of my job.
Maleigh: I understand the ... emotions, this situation evokes. Maleigh: I'm not insensitive. I would rather do you a favor than go for free.
Kenneth: Morrowe, is this true? Morrowe: ...Aye.
Morrowe: It's a relationship of convenience.
Maleigh: Truthfully, I only like convenient partnerships. Maleigh: We are all here for the War Festival.
Maleigh: I don't want to tarry. When we return, I want to speak to you on the relations between your castle and the capital. Maleigh: I think the monarch would prefer clarity than not.
Kenneth: ...You may go.
Advisor: Kenneth! As your advisor, appointed by Gareth, I cannot - Kenneth: There's no point in bloodshed, at the moment.
Kenneth: Frankly, we have had innumerable Tarnished pass by, on the pretense of attending the festival. Kenneth: We did not deny them, so there's no reason to deny these, regardless of their situation.
Leonine Misbegotten: Sir. If I may have a word. Kenneth: Go ahead. Please.
Misbegotten: You're Maleigh. Maleigh: ...
Maleigh: Yes, but I don't know you. Misbegotten: Do you know your way around Limgrave?
Maleigh, catching his hint: ...No, I do not. Misbegotten: Let me guide you.
Kenneth: Sir - Misbegotten: I will summon a replacement. I will not set a single foot from this castle until he or she arrives. Misbegotten: If they are not timely, then forget the whole ordeal.
Kenneth: That I cannot allow - Advisor: Then I shall go too.
Kenneth: Losing men left and right... Advisor: I will ensure this rogue's integrity. If I do not return with them, then you know what their character is.
Kenneth buckles under the weight of the pressure. Kenneth: Fine. Then, these are the conditions. Kenneth: Along the way, you can discuss what a possible relationship between Stormveil and Leyndell can be.
Maleigh: Alright. Maleigh and Elemer leave.
Kenneth looks at Morrowe with disappointment. Morrowe: ...
The advising Tarnished brushes against Morrowe rudely. Morrowe: Hey!
Maleigh, offscreen: Come along now, Morrowe!
Morrowe leaves. Morrowe: Oh, hang it.
An aerial view of Stormveil Castle, as Morrowe, Maleigh and their party make their way through the castle's courtyards.
The view moves eastward, through Stormhill.
The view passes over Stormhill to Stormbridge.
The view passes over Summonwater Village, where the Tarnished had fought the Tibia Mariner.
The view moves southeast, toward the Third Church of Marika.
The panel focuses on the Third Church of Marika. A rider has arrived here.
The panel zooms in; it's the Prophet and his party, consisting of Hyetta and Melina.
The gold of grace has guided the Prophet here.
Melina silently steps down from Torrent, hovering over the gold of grace.
Melina: Spoken echoes linger here. Words of Marika, who vanished long ago.
Melina, to the Prophet: If you wish, I will share them with you.
The Prophet nods.
Melina: In Marika's own words,
A flashback. The gold of Marika's hair, in the Third Church of Marika on a beautiful sunny day. Melina: "My lord, and thy warriors."
A view of the Third Church of Marika. Marika is at the head of the church; Godfrey and the future Tarnished are kneeling to her but, in spite of the beauty of the scenery and the brightness of the day, there is a tone of gloom and hopelessness among the huddled warriors, almost as if they know they are unworthy of forgiveness. Melina: "I divest each of thee of thy grace." Melina: "With thine eyes dimmed, ye will be driven from the Lands Between." Melina: "Ye will wage war in lands afar, where ye will live, and die."
Melina: ...Perhaps that might serve you in lieu of a maiden's guidance. The Prophet is somber. Hyetta has her hands on her mouth.
Hyetta: How... How horrible! Hyetta: To make all those men exiles from their homeland...
Hyetta: My lady, why did she do that? Melina: ...
Melina: I don't know, Hyetta. Melina: I can only read the emotions, of that pregnant moment. I myself wish to know.
Melina returns to Torrent's saddle. Melina: Well. Let's continue our journey.
The Prophet is solemn, understanding partially Marika's design. Torrent moves forward.
An aerial view of the Third Church of Marika, as the Prophet departs. In the next following panels, day and night change to convey the passage of time.
The view moves eastward, to the hill connecting Mistwood to the Smoldering Church.
The view moves northward to the Smoldering Church, where small figures can be seen.
The view zooms in. It's Gareth and Rhys on Stalwart; Blaidd is with them. It's up to the reader to imagine how Blaidd moves around; maybe Blaidd runs really fast, maybe Blaidd runs on all fours like Maliketh, maybe Blaidd transforms into a quadrupedal wolf, I mean he is a "shadow", whatever that means.
The trio pass the Smoldering Wall, entering Caelid.
They pass by the Rotview Balcony, with the famous view of the Giant Crow. Gareth: Cripes... it is a horrific sight.
They pass by the ransacked camp, next to the Abandoned Coffin. Notably, many Giant Dogs and Crows have been slain. Rhys: Wounds from swords, not bitemarks. Rhys: Some mighty Tarnished have passed by here.
They pass through Caelem Ruins.
They enter the Caelid Highway.
They are at the southern bend of the highway, where Ekzykes usually slumbers.
As seen in previous chapters, they enter the fork in the road, one leading to Sellia, the other leading to Redmane Castle.
They see, in the distance, a black figure.
The Night's Cavalry, at the opposite end of the road, is staring them down.
Gareth: These damned fellows... Rhys: You recognize them?
The Night's Cavalry slowly approaches them.
Gareth: Blaidd. You needn't be involved in this. Gareth: They look for us shardbearers. I know it in my bones.
Blaidd: Are you certain? Gareth: There will be a time where we must defend ourselves, alone.
Rhys: ...I didn't agree to this. Rhys: But, I see your point.
The shardbearers and the Night's Cavalry square off, on their respective steeds.
They charge at each other.
The Night's Cavalry swings their flail against Gareth and Rhys.
Gareth blocks the flail with his shield. Rhys is preparing with his staff.
A great, dark-blue sword is projected from Rhys's staff, knocking the Night's Cavalry from their horse.
The Night's Cavalry, fallen, recovers on the ground. Gareth and Rhys watch them patiently.
The funeral horse props their rider up.
The knights prepare to duel again.
The knights charge at one another again.
The Night's Cavalry aims for Rhys this time.
Gareth slams his shield into the Night's Cavalry, unbalancing them and shifting the momentum of the swing.
Rhys knocks the Night's Cavalry off their horse again.
The Night's Cavalry recovers, with Gareth and Rhys waiting patiently once more.
Time has passed. The Night's Cavalry has been knocked off their horse again.
The Night's Cavalry picks themself up. Gareth: Well?
The Night's Cavalry raises their hand up, in defeat.
They point to the south, to Redmane Castle.
Gareth: Wait... Gareth: Are you also particpating in the War Festival?
The Night's Cavalry nods.
Gareth: Why didn't you tell us? Rhys: More importantly, why should we believe you?
Night's Cavalry: ...
The Night's Cavalry lays themself bare, putting them in a position that makes them vulnerable.
Rhys gets off Stalwart. Rhys: Bastard.
He points his staff at the Night's Cavalry's heart.
Rhys: ...
Rhys: Fine! Who cares about killing a whipped animal!
Rhys gets back on Stalwart. Rhys: You ride ahead. Don't be clever.
The Night's Cavalry nods.
They get on their funeral horse.
The Night's Cavalry rides south. Gareth, Rhys and Blaidd follow.
The unusual group of riders continue southward.
In the distance, they see the fortification before the Impassable Greatbridge. There is a great commotion.
As they approach, they see what the hubbub is: a full view of the Redmane Soldiers and Knights, setting the monstrous fungi on fire and fighting off Giant Dogs and Crows. It's a savage sight; the Redmane warriors are so exhausted from fighting this endless war, and yet their rage motivates them to go on.
The Redmane warriors savagely beating back the Giant Dogs.
The Redmane warriors setting up the Smoldering Walls.
The Redmane warriors setting the landscape on fire.
Gareth: By the gods. Gareth: What a gruesome sight.
Rhys: Endlessly defending the same position for centuries. Rhys: Hmm... An excellent army, when looked at from that view.
A Redmane Knight approaches them. Knight: Hail. Are you here for the festival? Gareth: Aye. Knight: Then, follow me.
A Giant Dog pounces at Gareth and Rhys. Gareth: ! Rhys: !
Blaidd steps forward, with his colossal sword granted by Ranni.
Blaidd is pushed aside by the Night's Cavalry.
The Night's Cavalry, with their immense strength, pushes the Giant Dog on the ground.
They bring their great flail down on the Dog's skull.
The Dog is now surrounded by alert Redmane Soldiers, who cut the dog up into pieces.
Gareth, to the Night's Cavalry: ...Thank you.
Acknowledging Gareth's thanks, the Night's Cavalry rides on silently.
Gareth, to the Redmane Knight: You can't even protect your guests?
Redmane Knight: My duty is to make sure you aren't shot by my soldiers.
Redmane Knight: If you can't fend off the dogs, then you'll be ripped apart by the Battlefield's Lion.
Redmane Knight: Now, follow me.
The Redmane Knight leads Gareth, Rhys, Blaidd and the Night's Cavalry south, getting closer to the Impassable Greatbridge and the accompanying watchtower.
The Impassable Greatbridge, and a full view of Redmane Castle, which stands alone, proud and regal on the cliff overseeing the sea and the Wailing Dunes.
Gareth sees, in the distance, the many defenses for the bridge, particularly the catapults and other artillery the Redmane Soldiers have set up.
Gareth notes them warily. Gareth: Besides Leyndell, this is the most professional army I've seen in the Lands Between.
Redmane Knight: The man in Carian armor is the shardbearer? Gareth: I am one too. Redmane Knight: Ah.
Redmane Knight: We are. Radahn, even now, inspires many followers in the outer worlds. Redmane Knight: But we spend all of our time fending off the Rot.
Rhys: Can the Rot even be fended? Redmane Knight: No one knows. But we won't give up Caelid easily.
Redmane Knight: Someday, it will be the start of our conquest of the Lands Between.
Gareth: ... Gareth is pointing to the Wailing Dunes. Gareth: Is that where Radahn is?
Redmane Knight: Aye. Redmane Knight: Long ago, Jerren and the remnants of the Redmane army pushed Radahn onto those dunes, to contain him there.
Redmane Knight: That is where you shall go, to fight him. They continue along the bridge. Gareth continues to look at the dunes.
In that vast plain of sand is the legendary general, whose life Gareth has come to end.
They ascend to Redmane Castle.
They are at the gates of the Castle. Redmane Knight: Open up!!
The gates of the castle open. A commotion is happening in the great courtyard. Redmane Knight: I bring more hale and hearty knights for the festival -
A decapitated head is flung at the Redmane Knight. Redmane Knight: What the hell -
A view of the courtyard, where the many Tarnished champions have gathered. The champions are cheering or trying to stop the fight; in the center, Meilyr is fending off Elemer, who is trying to kill Goldmask. As a note, because almost all of our main cast has changed costumes, they're not recognizable to each other. For a refresher, Meilyr, Morrowe, and Reane are completely unrecognizable; only Meilyr and company know the Prophet is in the Tree Sentinel armor, and only Rhys knows Gareth is in the Banished Knight armor. Meilyr: Get off him, you big brute!
Morrowe watches, somewhat concerned but not lazy. Morrowe, to Maleigh: Should I interfere? Maleigh: No. If he can't handle this, that's on him.
Meilyr nimbly dodges Elemer's sword slashes; Elemer inadvertently cuts everyone but Meilyr.
Elemer chops down; Meilyr catches it with the shaft of his Treespear. Meilyr: Woah!
Meilyr deflects the blow, and prepares to counterattack. Meilyr: Strong man, aren't you?
Meilyr stabs forward, piercing Elemer's armor.
Elemer looks down at the stab wound, unfazed. Meilyr: ...
A scarlet glow overcomes Elemer's hand and blade.
He shoots the sword forward at Goldmask.
Yuina pushes the sword out of the way. Yuina: Hey!
Meilyr raises his spear to the sky, in the stance of Electrify Armament. Meilyr: Now is my time to shine!
Voice, offscreen: Oh no, oh no... Gareth looks toward the source of the voice.
It's Jerren, descending down into the courtyard. Accompanying him are Alexander and Freyja. Jerren: I recognize that stance. Spells bad news. Jerren: Break it up, you lot!
Jerren, pointing to Gareth, Rhys and Blaidd: You! You look like stout fellows! Jerren: Stop the big one!
Gareth: Well. Gareth and Blaidd press forth. Rhys halfheartedly follows.
Rhys, midway, just gives up and stops following. He is not a "stout fellow".
Gareth and Blaidd pull back Elemer.
Freyja and Alexander wrestle Meilyr to the ground. Meilyr: Let me go! Meilyr: REVENGE! I deserve vengeance!!
Jerren puts himself between Elemer and Meilyr. Jerren: Fellows, fellows! This is a festival! A time for celebration! Jerren: Let's set aside our differences, just this once!
Maleigh: There's an order from Leyndell to kill him and his companions. Maleigh: I've never heard of a festival superseding the law.
Jerren: Well, you haven't been to many festivals. Partygoing is sacred, you know.
Jerren: But you represent Leyndell, you say? Jerren is pointing up.
Maleigh looks up. A shadow is covering him.
Something falls very close to him; Morrowe just narrowly ducks away.
Maleigh turns around.
It is the Troll with the flaming sword. Jerren: We Redmane Knights have no respect for you cityfolk. Jerren: Not since the Shattering, and not now.
Elemer shoves aside Blaidd and Gareth with incredible strength.
He covers Maleigh with his shield, against the troll.
Jerren: Be good guests, now. Jerren: I turn no one away, but the sacred duty of the host is on my shoulders.
Maleigh: ...Very well. Maleigh: I'll have manners, just for this occasion.
Jerren: Splendid.
Jerren turns to Gareth. Jerren: You're the shardbearer?
Rhys: We two are.
Maleigh: The shardbearers? Maleigh: ...Ah, hell.
A particularly large Tarnished approaches Gareth. Large Tarnished: Excuse me. Large Tarnished: I came here for a Great Rune. Large Tarnished: Duel me.
Jerren: Now then - Gareth: I accept.
Gareth and the Tarnished square off. Jerren and everyone else watches in silence. Large Tarnished: Ready? Large Tarnished: One, two, three -
As Gareth had done to the Leonine Misbegotten before, he slams into the Tarnished with the Storm Assault, smashing them into a nearby building.
Gareth: Any other takers? More Tarnished approach Gareth.
Tarnished: Let's duel. Tarnished 2: I too. Tarnished 3: Me as well.
Maleigh: I petition - Gareth: No.
Jerren, to Maleigh: That's his choice. Which we Redmanes honor.
Gareth fights the other Tarnished, one by one. Jerren: Hotblooded fellow. Rhys: Knowing him, he's nipping any contests over the Great Rune in the bud.
Jerren: You won't join him? Rhys: No need to waste so much energy. And, I have no fear.
Jerren: Fair enough. You can rest on the honor of the Redmanes. Rhys: When will the festival start?
Jerren: Hmm. Soon. Some guests are due to arrive.
A red glow can be seen offpanel. Jerren: Ah. That must be them.
The Blood Star glows in the courtyard. A tiny puddle of blood spreads below it.
The puddle of blood grows larger and larger.
The Bloody Fingers - including Okina, the War Surgeon with the Executioner's Greataxe, and Reane - arise from the pool of blood. Again, recall no one recognizes Reane.
Old Knight Istvan, whom we haven't seen in a long time, shouts. Istvan: Bloody Fingers! Other Tarnished pull out their arms.
Jerren: Hold, hold. Jerren, to the War Surgeon: You're here for the festival?
The War Surgeon bows. War Surgeon: Castellan Jerren; we are.
They shake hands. Jerren: Mohgwyn never disappoints. War Surgeon: Heh.
Istvan: ...Feh! Istvan walks away, upset (understandably so - they've tried to kill him in the past).
The Prophet watches as Istvan leaves.
Reane sees Latenna and Millicent in the distance. Reane: ... Reane, thinking: Where's Morrowe?
Maleigh, to Reane: Hey, you.
Maleigh: That's my rapier. Reane: ?
Maleigh: Give it back to me. Reane, whose voice is altered in the mask: What makes it yours?
Maleigh: The hilt, the damned hilt. Maleigh: You stole it on Altus?
Reane: I reckon you're a connoisseur of sword-hilts? Reane walks away.
Maleigh snaps his fingers. Elemer presses forward.
Okina and the Bloody Fingers step before Reane. War Surgeon: Hey. War Surgeon: She says it's not yours.
War Surgeon: You have a receipt?
Maleigh: Yeah. Maleigh: Show it, Elemer.
Elemer raises the Executioner's Sword.
Okina has already cut him several times.
Elemer finishes the swing; Okina dodges backwards, but Elemer leaves an indentation in the ground.
Jerren whistles. Jerren: Corpse-Piler and Elemer of the Briar. Jerren: They certainly live up to their reputations.
The Bloody Fingers rush forward against Elemer.
Alexander stands before them. War Surgeon: Jar - ! War Surgeon: Get out of the way!
Redmane Freyja flashes her Golden Lion Shield.
She slams the shield into Elemer; the shield roars like a lion as it knocks Elemer backwards.
Freyja stands over Elemer as he recovers. Freyja: How many times must the good castellan say, Freyja: the Redmanes give sanctuary to our guests?
Freyja, to Maleigh: Regardless if they are thieves or not.
Freyja: Castellan, we've had guests more trouble than their worth, right? Jerren: Aye, my dear Freyja.
Freyja: What did we do to them? Jerren: Redmane Castle welcomes all, but to those who would rather fight their fellows than the general...
Jerren: We executed them.
Freyja and the other Redmanes glower at Maleigh. Maleigh is humiliated.
He sulks off. Elemer follows him.
Reane lingers around Latenna and Millicent, wanting to say something. Morrowe, who has a hood on, looks at her quizzically. Morrowe: You know, honey, that is his. Morrowe: Do you consider yourself a good liar?
Reane: Do you make a living not minding your own business?
Morrowe: I'm warning you, I might have to take that from you at festival's end. Reane: Try me.
Reane walks away. Reane: Blowhard. Morrowe: Smartass.
Latenna, who is far more sensitive than either of them, notices something is off with the War Surgeon's voice.
Back to Gareth, who has defeated a number of Tarnished. Gareth: Anyone else?!
Gareth: The Great Rune is mine - try to pry it out of my hands! Someone approaches Gareth.
It's Nepheli. Gareth: Nepheli! So this is where you were going. Nepheli: Aye. I didn't expect to find you here, either.
Gareth: I'm surprised, myself. I don't like all this blood and guts and glory. Nepheli: I see.
Nepheli: I seek a Great Rune. As I always have. Isn't that the purpose of the Tarnished?
Gareth: You don't mean... Nepheli: No. I don't intend to duel you for it.
Nepheli: I'll earn one on my own fortune - Yuina approaches Gareth, bowing. Yuina: Gareth.
Gareth: Yuina! He runs up to embrace her.
He pauses. Gareth: ...Are you participating in this festival? Yuina: I am.
Gareth: ...Why?
Yuina is surprised by this question. Yuina: ...What else would I do?
Gareth: You confessed to me, you can't use a sword. Yuina: Well, that's not entirely true.
Gareth: What would you do with a Great Rune? Yuina: I don't know. The rest will take care of itself. Yuina: We were told, simply, to get one.
Gareth: Yuina. Gareth: On my life, you will not step any further into this castle.
Yuina, offended: How dare you tell me what to - Gareth: YOU WILL DIE!
Gareth: They call the man on those dunes a god! Gareth: A god of war! A murderer, on a scale unimaginable!
Gareth: There's an end to playing soldier. Stand aside.
Yuina: I won't budge.
Gareth: Then you must fight me. Gareth prepares himself.
Alexander butts in. Alexander: Gareth! It's been a while! Gareth: Ah. Alexander -
Alexander: You've become quite mighty! No longer the wallflower I met, hmm? Gareth: Yes. If you'll excuse me -
Alexander, to Yuina: And you! You hardly spoke the whole time in Fort Haight! And your face always betrayed fear, in battle! Alexander: But now you stand tall, before all adversity! Yuina: Um.
Alexander, to Gareth: Gareth. Everyone who came here is a warrior. By their own merit, they arrived. Alexander: Isn't that enough proof?
Alexander: Unless, of course, you want to fight Radahn on your own? Alexander: Ha ha ha ha! Gareth: ...
Jerren: Alexander's right. Please, no more fighting. Jerren: I can't ask men of naturally hot blood to get along, but if you are to fight, fight the trophy of the festival.
Jerren, to Yuina: However...the shardbearer is right. Jerren: I'm not pulling your leg when I say, in his heyday, the general cut a knight in plate armor in half, like butter. Yuina is a little unnerved.
Jerren: I don't deny any warrior, but it doesn't help me if one fellow pulls the others down. Jerren: Are you fleet of foot? Any good at dueling?
Yuina is silent. Jerren: ...Why don't I put on you some heavier armor? More than those reeds. Jerren: Something thick enough to survive a blow from my lord, after so many centuries of weakening.
Jerren, to Gareth: This is good to you, too?
Gareth: ...Yes. Alright. Gareth: ...
Gareth bows. Gareth: Alexander. Jerren. Yuina. Gareth: My apologies. For causing trouble.
Yuina also bows; she wasn't entirely rational either. Jerren: No need. I would be more upset if you weren't passionate. Jerren: Let's go.
Gareth returns to Nepheli, Rhys and Blaidd. Gareth: Everyone from the march, that Gaer started. Blaidd: Indeed. It's nice to see how far everyone has come.
Gareth: How far...? Gareth: We only ever do the same thing. Over and over and over again.
Blaidd: Hmm. That's a viewpoint. Freyja passes by.
Freyja: Newcomers. You're free to enter the plaza, where food and drink are.
Blaidd: Thank ye. Freyja: Don't mention it. I wish you all good luck in battle.
The plaza of Redmane Castle, where the champions of the War Festival make merry with food and drink. As we have observed in the courtyard, these powerful people are still jostling with one another here. For the full cast, we have our regulars: Gareth, Meilyr, Rhys, Morrowe, Reane, the Prophet, with Yuina not entering the scene yet. For the secondary cast, we have the in-game characters Blaidd, Alexander, Tragoth, Lionel (not yet introduced), Okina, Finger Maiden Therolina; the others, Nepheli, Latenna, Millicent, Diallos, Patches, the Night's Cavalry, the Leonine Misbegotten, a Crucible Knight, Elemer, Istvan, the Bloody Fingers, Anastasia, Elemer, and everyone's favorite Leda, but let's not talk about her all too much. I forgot about Henricus, but he should also be here, watching over the Recusants-in-training (though he logically shouldn't be participating), and if you want some more flavor Rileigh the Idle is also here.
Gareth, Rhys, Nepheli and Blaidd are chatting pleasantly at their side of the table, though I do wonder if any of these individuals have much of a life outside of fighting.
Morrowe and Millicent are talking among themselves.
Latenna is attending to Maurice.
The Prophet is listening to Diallos and Patches who, I think, would have pretty interesting stories.
Meilyr, the Prophet and Goldmask are chilling out. This group actually seems like a fun group to hang out with.
The Leonine Misbegotten is catching a conversation with the Crucible Knight; maybe they recognize each other.
Reane is speaking among her fellow Bloody Fingers; I think this would be a fun conversation to have too, this seems to be a group of people with discerning taste.
Reane momentarily excuses herself.
Something catches her sight.
Alexander and Anastasia (remember her?) are over a pile of corpses; both are tearing the corpses limb by limb, Alexander is stuffing their flesh inside of himself and Anastasia is eating them. Anastasia, slightly infected by the rot, has grown her limbs back, but her body is patchy; she looks sick.
Reane is hesitant to expose herself.
Reane: Anastasia...?
Anastasia looks up, in recognition.
Anastasia: Reane? Reane: Shh. I don't want to expose myself.
Anastasia ignores her and hugs her. Anastasia: Ah! Reane: Oh.
Reane: You look...better. Anastasia: Of course! I ate that old general, and then good Alexander and I came to the castle to eat some more.
Reane: I'm surprised it works that way. Alexander: It does, indeed!
Alexander: We're all cut from the same cloth. Alexander: Take me, for example. I was created to be a warrior vessel.
Alexander: Many great warriors reside within me, ever dreaming of becoming a great champion. Alexander: It's my destiny.
Alexander: This is what Marika wants from us: Alexander: to test myself, to better myself, to fell ever greater foes.
Alexander: What do you think, eh? How do you rate my chances? Alexander: Ha ha ha ha!
Reane looks at Anastasia, with concern. She is scratching vigorously the patchy parts of her body, that regrew; there's something about her that seems off, unnatural.
Reane looks down; something has tapped at her ankle.
It's Latenna, crawling to her. Latenna, whispering: It's you.
Reane: It's me.
Reane bends down; both women clasp hands, barely able to contain their glee. I guess if there is anyone in the world Reane actually likes, it's Latenna. Latenna: Reane. I was so worried about you. Latenna: I thought... Reane: It's my fault.
Reane: I'm sorry I couldn't come back for you. I was...indisposed.
Latenna: Reane. Take me with you. Latenna: I don't care if you're a Bloody Finger. I don't care for the Tarnished anyway.
Latenna: Except for you. Reane: Don't flatter me so much.
Reane: I'll take you to Mohgwyn. Reane: ...Where's Morrowe?
Latenna gestures to Morrowe, subtly.
Reane: ...What a strange get-up. Reane: So he joined - Latenna: Yes. For Millicent's sake.
Reane: Ah. Reane: Please don't reveal - Latenna: Naturally.
Reane and Latenna continue chatting. Rhys sees this with a quizzical eye. (He recognizes Latenna, just not Reane. We can assume Morrowe doesn't care at all about Latenna to notice this.)
Someone in Fire Prelate armor lumbers by Rhys.
The person trips; the armor, being so heavy, causes the earth to shake. Rhys protects his drink from spilling over.
Gareth stands up, helping the person up. Gareth: Are you alright, man? Gareth: Ye gods! You're heavy!
Nepheli and Blaidd also jump up to help the Fire Prelate. Rhys, as is typical of him, simply observes. Fire Prelate: Ughh... Gareth: ! Gareth: Yuina?
Yuina: Yeah... Gareth: The castellan put you in this?
Yuina pats the midsection of the armor, which is very, very thick. Yuina: He said a cannonball would bounce off this. Gareth: ...I don't think he's wrong.
The Prophet's table. He's meditating besides Hyetta, as the Patches and Diallos bicker.
Patches quiets down. Patches: ... Patches: That's my man.
The party sees Tragoth. Patches: Same as climbed down that waterfall, by his many muscles.
Diallos: To be fair, we also climbed down that waterfall. Patches: True.
Patches, to the Prophet: What about you? You going to kill your man? The Prophet looks at Istvan warily.
Patches is completely puzzled by the Prophet's existence.
Patches: Well, maybe fortune is having these two die without our doing.
Diallos: Isn't that cowardly? Patches: From the king of cowards himself!
Patches and Diallos continue bickering; the Prophet seems a little lightened by this argument. Melina, as always, watches him with concern.
Morrowe, Millicent, Maleigh, Elemer and the Leonine Misbegotten. Maleigh and the Misbegotten are chatting. Morrowe and Millicent are staring at Hyetta, who is sitting next to the Prophet. Millicent: Do you see...? Morrowe: Yes.
Millicent: Should we ask? Morrowe: Are we going to inquire after every blonde, blind woman?
Morrowe: Besides, it can't be her... Morrowe: Or else... Morrowe gestures at Maleigh, who once swore to kill Hyetta for her beliefs.
Morrowe: And, well... Morrowe is staring at Melina, who is hovering over the table, not sitting with her party. Morrowe: Who is that piece, just standing there?
Reane is looking at Hyetta suspiciously.
Gareth is also staring at Hyetta with great perplexion, as he knew her as Irina. There are just some facts no one can make sense of.
Gareth then turns his gaze at the Leonine Misbegotten, who is seated next to Maleigh.
Misbegotten: ...As far as my ability to prove my bloodline - Maleigh: That's something the Erdtree can verify. I take you at your word.
Misbegotten: Then the question is, how to get to - The Misbegotten's eyes move over.
Gareth is hovering over the party, with a condescending attitude. Gareth: Sir. Gareth: Fancy seeing you here.
Misbegotten: This man is unfamiliar with these parts of the land. Misbegotten: Kenneth agreed to my guiding him.
Gareth: Ah. Gareth puts forth his stein. Gareth: Cheers, then.
The two press steins together. Misbegotten: Cheers.
Gareth leaves. Misbegotten: Do you see how royalty as we are mistreated? By these Tarnished?! Maleigh: Yes, yes, it's a shame.
Rhys: Is everything alright? Gareth: On the face of it, yes.
Finger Maiden Therolina approaches Rhys. Rhys: Ah. Rhys: Yes?
Therolina gives Rhys a Polite Bow. Rhys: Oh.
Rhys returns the bow as best as he can. Rhys: The same to you, Miss.
Therolina walks off. Rhys: ...The strangers drawn here.
Jerren walks out of the church of Redmane Castle, attended by Freyja and other Redmane Knights.
He enters the scaffolding over the plaza, ready to address the crowd.
He surveys the crowd.
Jerren: Champions, welcome!
The crowd of champions answers him back.
Jerren: The stars have aligned! The festival is nigh! Jerren: General Radahn, mightiest demigod of the Shattering, awaits you!
Jerren: Champions, prepare for battle! Defeat the General, claim glory, and grab that Great Rune! Jerren: A celebration of war! The Radahn festival! The crowd roars.
Jerren: And yet, before we begin, let me paint you the full picture.