Chapter Text
It had been a long time since their last visit to the Three Sisters. After Ranni had departed, Blaidd had journeyed with Serena to Volcano Manor, hoping to find allies against the Greater Will. Rykard had been a trusted friend to Ranni and Blaidd, so much that she had bestowed her brother with the Blasphemous Claw on the night of the dire plot. That rock was now in Blaidd’s possession once more, Rykard having fed himself to the goddamned snake. Instead of joining together again, the serpent desired to consume more warriors, and they had no choice but to end him.
When they approached the gates to Lyndell, Blaidd finally told Serena of the ever present voice that was demanding that he find Ranni. It had tortured him. He had tried to ignore it, fearful that indulging it would bring about the baleful fate. But it was tearing him apart. The nights of passion he had with Serena were when it spoke loudest, the solace and love he found in her seemingly ripped away and replaced with unwanted, intrusive thoughts. He could almost focus when his cloak was wrapped around him, his feelings and personhood pushed down inside him.
Serena had been deeply concerned, hugging him tight, promising him that all would be well. However much he may have wished it though, her love and her words would not end the voice. So she suggested they do it. They would find Ranni. Perhaps Blaidd needed to aid her, one last time. And if not, well, they were together. They vowed to be together no matter what. They would discover the cause of this voice and end it.
“Renna’s Rise…”, the sorceress said absentmindedly as they entered the third tower, their search coming up empty so far, “I could almost pretend it’s mine.”
“Renna was her mentor, I believe,” Blaidd explained, “Quite the coincidence with your names, eh? Wait, you’re not actually an old crone are you?”
Serena laughed, “Would you still love me if I was?” The half-wolf nuzzled her face, giving her cheek a small lick. There would be no doubt, he would love her no matter what. They explored the old tower, finding a set of robes that once belonged to Ranni’s mentor, the same style that the doll she possessed wore. They disturbed the dust with their steps, the wind howling at them from broken windows, as if screaming at their intrusion. The top of the tower hid the true prize: a small monument with a hole at the top. Looking through the whole was like a window to somewhere completely different, a dark cave, sounds of water. The pair looked at each other, and nodded. They were on the right track.
With the activation of the magic, the two felt themselves fall to the ground, their vision gone black. The smooth stone beneath them was replaced by uneven rock and dirt, the cold night air now stale, gone was the sound of the howling wind, a waterfall in its place. They stood, dizzy and disorientated from the teleportation, trying to find their bearings.
Despite being underground, they were surrounded by plentiful green plants, small and large trees growing by the river, their reflections a portrait of life. The water was shallow, clear and pristine as Serena waded through it, keen on investigating a curious coffin that lay open in the middle of the river. She laughed upon seeing the contents of it, and Blaidd was bemused to see her pull it out - a miniature Ranni doll. She was small enough to fit within her hands, but was still extremely detailed, not a thread out of place from the doll she had inhabited previously.
“Thou hast finded me,” Serena said, attempting to imitate Ranni’s voice, moving the doll up and down with each other word, “I trust thou arte feeling better now?”
“Good try,” Blaidd laughed, but his head was still pounding, the shake of his head causing Serena to sigh, “Let’s see if we can’t find anything else, deep down.”
They continued down the river, reaching what seemed to be ruins of some kind of civilisation. Protecting it was a strange insect-like creature of rock-like matter, with a horrific human skull with pincers for a head. It was skilled at gravity magic, but Serena and Blaidd were a formidable force together, their synchronicity an unparalleled match for the strange creature. Soon enough, Blaidd had smashed the weak skull, and they continued further on, through caverns filled with giant ants, until they reached familiar looking stone walls, with a backdrop of breathtaking beauty.
“Another nebula… An Eternal City,” Serena stated, her eyes reflecting the twinkling stars in the distance. They passed through the entrance to the city, the large buildings silhouetted against the underground night sky. They sat, recovering from their fights and enjoying the view. The sorceress brought out the doll again, trying to perfect her Ranni accent.
“Oh? A dogged fellow, aren't we?”
Blaidd raised his eyebrows, “Mate, that was actually pretty good.” He didn’t appreciate being called a dog, but the voice sounded spot on.
“Ranni?” Serena asked, her voice her own but concerned.
“I hadn't expected any soul to recognize me in this guise,” the half-wolf realised that the miniature doll was actually speaking of her own accord, as it sighed, continuing, “Whatever shall I do with thou…”
“Mistress Ranni,” Blaidd began, his eyes closing in pain as his head began to develop an even worse throb on both sides, “Ranni… I, we… You need us?”
The doll paused. Serena turned her around to face the half-wolf, who through squints could see the spectral face accompanying her side. “Perform for me a service, as recompense for the dishonour, and for thy disobedience,” her words seemed harsh, but Blaidd could tell the frozen persona that said them was actually glad that they were here, “Eliminate the Baleful Shadows that prowl these lands.”
Baleful Shadows, that was what Iji had wanted would become of him. Perhaps disposing of them would break his own curse, and remove the horrible feeling in his head. “What even is a Shadow? How do they become baleful? I don’t understand.” Serena said, sitting the doll down so that they could both see it. She wrapped herself around Blaidd’s arm, sensing that he wasn’t feeling well, and he was glad for the touch.
“Then let us speak of the past, a while. I was once an Empyrean. Of the demigods, only I, Miquella, and Malenia could claim that title. Each of us was chosen by our own Two Fingers, as a candidate to succeed Queen Marika, to become the new god of the coming age.” She paused as Serena took in all the information, a finger on her mouth. After a nod, Ranni continued, “Which is when I received Blaidd. In the form of a vassal tailored for an Empyrean.”
“I was created by the Fingers?” Blaidd asked. After what Iji and Seluvis had said, he already knew the answer deep down. He hadn’t known his parents, or anything about his past before Ranni. He literally was created with one purpose in mind.
The doll locked eyes with him, still and unnerving, “Indeed. But I would not acquiesce to the Two Fingers. We stole the Rune of Death, slew mine own Empyrean flesh, casting it away. I would not be controlled by that thing.” The Night of Black Knives. When Iji and he had vowed to serve Ranni. He had defied the Fingers, his creators, as much as she. “I turned my back on the Two Fingers and we each have been cursing the other since. The Baleful Shadows... are their assassins. There is but one left, who will surely kill me before I reach my Two Fingers.”
“Then we’ll find it,” Blaidd said, forcing himself to stand, “And give the Fingers one last show.”
Serena took the doll, placing it safe in her satchel once more, as the group departed on the trek through the Eternal City. The Tarnished had to take the lead in exploration and fights with the eternal inhabitants and thunderous slimes, as each step they took seemed to bring more pain to Blaidd. An assault on his senses seemed to occur every minute, a force trying to penetrate his mind. He could feel a protective shield against it, his own will perhaps, and he could only hope that it would last. He would not fall prey to becoming a bale to Ranni. He would not listen to that voice telling him to kill her.
Blaidd found himself collapsing while they were on an elevator taking them far below the city. Serena rushed to his side, a healing incantation at the ready, but his wounds were not physical. They decided to take a break after reaching the bottom, Serena ensuring the area was safe. The half-wolf held his head as it began to pound, as if his brain was trying to burst out of his skull. The Shadow must be near, that had to be the reason.
“Even when I turned my back upon the Two Fingers. Blaidd remained my loyal ally,” he heard Ranni speak to Serena, he could imagine the smile on her lips as she continued, “Heh, though he was created a vassal for an Empyrean, he was a colossal failure, on the part of the Two Fingers.”
“No matter his creation, he is his own man,” Serena praised, “Nothing and no one should have a choice over another’s life.” It felt strange, listening to them talk about him.
“Blaidd, and Iji both... Art willing to give too much to me. Yet they both understand. What lieth beyond the dark path…” Ranni continued, “That I must betray everything, and rid the world of what came before.”
“They give you everything, because they believe in your cause, in your convictions.” Serena paused, and Blaidd could almost hear her smile, wishing his head wasn’t hurting so much that he could see it, “They want to see the world be free as much as you do.”
“Ah,” Ranni replied with joy, “Should I add thee to the list? Another one, kind of heart. As kind of heart as they. Perhaps even worthy of…” his mistress abruptly stopped, returning to her colder voice, “Ach, this form hath loosened my tongue. I've let slip too much. Forget what thou'st heard. Forget.”
Without any more words between the women, Serena came over and stroked Blaidd’s fur, trying her best to soothe him. “I could go on alone, if that would be best?” she said softly, her concern clear in her voice.
“No, I need to be there,” Blaidd managed to growl out. He had to face the other Shadow, and had to show that he would not betray Ranni. Leaning on his sword to stand up, he pushed through the pain once more, “Let’s get going.”
They continued along the bottom of the Eternal City, a flooded area that seemed to be a graveyard, emphasised by the large dead trees, open coffins and abundant fungi. The nebula sky was red, and with the scarlet reflections in the water, it gave a sense of dread and doom. Sitting on a rock was a half-wolf, very similar to Blaidd himself. His fur was black, the red refraction highlighting his sword, teeth and armour.
A low growl filled their ears as they approached him, and he branded his greatsword. With a flick of his arm, the Shadow imbued the blade with a dark flame. He dragged it along the floor, parting the water as he stalked Serena. The sorceress stuck her staff into the ground, preparing her spell, when the wolf leaped towards her. Blaidd jumped to her defence, the swords of the two Shadows clashing, as he pushed the other back. Their foe went to leap again, when the portal that Serena had conjured produced a series of meteorites, bashing the Shadow down, forcing him to the ground.
As he stumbled to get up, Blaidd charged, piercing sword at the ready, sending baleful blood into the waters. He rolled backwards to avoid the counter attack. The Shadow slashed upwards, hurting only air, but his body was following his giant sword’s movements, and now he was leaping down at Blaidd.
It was Blaidd’s turn now to be on the ground, the water drenching his fur, stifling his breaths. He fought the attacker, trying to push him away. Serena aided him, sending a series of magical stars at the wolf, bashing him away from her love. She conjured a set of magical blades to give chase, as she helped Blaidd to his feet. He cursed himself, his condition was causing them to falter.
As the skirmish continued, Blaidd’s head seemed to pound more and more, no mercy given. Yet he continued through it, determined not to be a detriment to the fight. He focused on protecting Serena from the wolf’s assaults, letting himself get battered. Finally, Serena had managed to shatter the Shadow’s armour with a well placed spectral arrow, and Blaidd took the opportunity to deliver the final blow - a stab through the poor wolf’s heart.
The Baleful Shadow fell to the ground, his life fading with a final whine. “O Shadow, thou'rt the last,” the voice of his mistress rang out, “Tell the Two Fingers, that Ranni the Witch cometh, to rend thy flesh,” the true form of the doll had appeared, pointing the Fingerslayer Blade upon the dying wolf, “With a fateful wound, ne'er to heal.”
But Ranni was wrong. That was not the last Shadow. The voice had returned louder than ever before, penetrating all of Blaidd’s barriers. His shield had shattered. Kill her . “No, no, no, no…”, he muttered, his hands clawing at his head. Kill the betrayer . “I’m part of her very being! No!” He shouted. He felt Serena’s presence over him, yet even her touch seemed far away. “I could never betray her! No matter-” Kill. Kill. Kill . “-what might happen…” He had fallen to the floor, his sword buried in the ground beside him. “Ranni…” Serena’s face was blocking his view of the empyrean. She was whispering something to him, or perhaps she was shouting and he just couldn’t hear. All he could hear was a high pitched tone.
“Serena…” He tried to focus on her. He had promised to be with her. To keep her safe. He brought a hand to her face, her radiant smile and blue eyes streamed in tears, willing this portrait of love to stay with him forever. Blaidd tried to remember the feel of her skin, the smell of her hair, the taste of her flesh. He hadn’t even realised he had stood up, holding her high above him, her struggles not registering as a thought.
“Blaidd…” Her stuttered syllables cut through him like a knife. He dropped her, shaking with rage. What was happening to him, how could he stop it? She holds the betrayer . Blaidd looked around in a panic. Ranni was gone. His vision honed in on Serena. Kill her . No, he wouldn’t. He couldn’t hurt her. He tried to shout at her, to warn her to get away, but only wolfish growls echoed. His screams left for only him to hear.
He felt his hands lift the sword out of the dirt. His body hunched over, a predator seeking his prey. His heart broke as he leapt towards her, snarling, rabid. She conjured a shield, the magical protection stopping his weight, allowing her to twist and let the rest of his momentum fall away from her. But he was quick, once more at her, swinging his greatsword down, as if she weren’t a pillar of his life’s reason.
Serena’s spectral sword blocked his weapon, yet he kept pressing, able to overpower the woman, who had to stagger backwards. The perfect opening for a slash, and he tore part of her flesh, the blood of his love staining his blade. He leapt again, his body relentless and unfeeling, sending his mind and soul deeper into the pits of despair. But Serena had conjured a storm of fire, the flames scorching and burning. His body crashed into the ground, he could not feel the pain or the heat, but his body was at least reacting to it.
The sorceress was shouting again, but her words fell on deaf ears. A flaming whip appeared from her staff, as she sent it towards the wolf. He dodged out of the way, but she swung it again, the fire piercing his arm. The snake-like flames came down upon him again, but he rolled just before the tip hit him once more, leaping at Serena while her staff was down.
The impact of their collision forced her to drop her staff. They were sent tumbling over the ground, how Blaidd wished he could have been holding her, protecting her, but instead his claws went to strike at her. Her blood literally now on his hands, he wondered, if they were able to get through this, would she ever be able to forgive him? Could he forgive himself? An explosion of golden light repulsed his body, sending him into the cavern wall.
Serena was able to retrieve her staff, and he could hear her voice now, begging him to challenge fate. He tried to tell her that he was fighting, reassure her that it would all be okay, but his mouth did not obey his commands. The rabid animal body of his growled, charging once more at her. But she conjured shards that halted his assault, bashing into his body, forcing him down. Was this how things would end? Had he fallen in love with her, wrapped her in his life, only to force her to put him down?
She rushed to his body. His eyes were his once more, and he could see her clearly. She knelt, brushing his face, tears falling down onto him. He screamed at Serena to leave, but still no voice came from his mouth. Suddenly his body rose, spinning as it jumped, falling on top of the woman, pinning her to the ground. She struggled, trying to touch her amulet, but he reached it first, tearing it away, discarding it far into the darkness.
Serena’s eyes opened wide, as Blaidd could hear her say his name. Acceptance and devotion in her final word. His claw raised high, he could end her in one last strike. But he held it there, refusing to let go, refusing for this to be the end. With every inch of his will, he would refute his creator. Serena took this time to struggle, but his body was still on hers, she couldn’t escape. He tried to move, but his strength was sapping by just preventing the attack. The woman battered at his chest, pushing at his amour, before taking the golden needle that held his cloak together. Her only weapon, she found his neck and pushed it inside.
Blaidd wasn’t expecting such an instrument to have a magnificent effect on him, but there he was, flailing backwards, hitting into the wall as his body snarled and screamed. He no longer felt the connection to his body, could no longer feel that passenger influencing him. Yet he still wasn’t in control. It was almost like he was a passive observer. If he closed his eyes, he realised he could be somewhere else. A tranquil place, with the stars overhead, the beautiful moon bestowing its grace upon the field of water he was lying on. Did he die? He could still think, so probably not.
“Tis more of a challenge than I envisioned,” Ranni’s voice echoed in that starlit meadow, “Especially so, should thee continue lazing about.”
He had control of himself here, that was nice. He rose to face his mistress, “Ranni, what, where am I?”
“Focus, Blaidd,” she replied, “Your beloved continues the battle, even now.”
“Serena…” She was fighting him, he could see it in his other body. But she was tired, and he was unrelenting, unpossessed of feeling. “How do I save her?” he asked desperately.
“That needle was imperfect… but there is another weapon thy could use to sever thy connection.” Ranni produced the Fingerslayer Blade, the vile item suddenly in his hands. He didn’t understand. Whatever magic this was, how would he be able to sever the connection from his actual body, the one attacking Serena? He shook his head in bewilderment. “Act Blaidd, or she shall die.”
The vision of the moon's environment ceased. He could see himself, once more pinning Serena down. She was bleeding heavily, her body broken, her face full of despair. He refused to let her die. He stabbed himself with the Fingerslayer Blade, the moment it pierced his skin, he felt himself return back into the body, feeling the pains of the battle endured. He fell, turning so as to not have his weight crush Serena.
They turned to face each other, their eyes meeting. She knew that he was free. Despite it all, she showed him her radiant smile, the beam of starlight washing over him. He reached out, brushing her arm, delighted that he could feel her, as his vision began to go dark. “My dear ones…” Ranni’s voice was uncharacteristically shaking, “Thank you… I love you…” were the only words Blaidd was able to hear, before succumbing to the darkness.
-~-
As his eyes shot open, he had no idea where he was. It was dark, but he wasn’t in an underground cavern. The moon shared its light through a window, the beam quietly illuminating a small bedroom. He was alone. But there was no voice, no passenger, telling him to do something, or controlling his body. He sat up, definitely able to feel that throbbing pain on the back of his torso. He was also able to feel something cold and metal in his hand. A key.
Telling himself that the pain at least meant he was in control, he stood up. He was presently topless, bandages were wrapped around his body, but he found his shirt and pulled it over his head. His sword, armour and cape were nowhere to be found, but he wanted to know where he was, so proceeded through the only door.
He was greeted by a hallway of bookshelves. Recognition immediately came to his mind. The Grand Library of Raya Lucaria. Blaidd stumbled forward, finding his mother in the centre of the room, cradling her amber egg of rebirth. Renalla looked at him, the softest of smiles briefly appearing until she returned her focus. “Ah… thou... Is it thy wish to be born anew?” she asked him nonchalantly.
“No, my lady,” he replied sadly, wishing he was able to speak to her normally. It was painful to see her in this state, a shadow of her former self. He had to turn away from her. Then his eyes fell upon an ornate chest, containing the imagery of the Carian royal emblem. He looked once more at the key he was still holding, a perfect match. He wasn’t sure what really compelled him, but he inserted the key into the chest, a satisfactory click as he turned, and found a ring inside.
The silver ring depicted a leaden full moon. This was Ranni’s ring. One she was to bestow to her Lord. Why did he have the key, had she given it to him? Is that why he was here - had Ranni saved him? If she had rescued him, then surely she would have done the same for Serena. He pocketed the ring, and with renewed energy he turned and faced his adoptive mother once more.
“My lady,” he swallowed, “Ranni… was she here?”
The woman’s hands stopped their movements on the egg. “My dear Ranni…” she turned to look at the half-wolf, her eyes no longer glazed over, a look of recognition washing over her, “Blaidd? My child..?”
He knelt, as his heart felt for her. Renalla had been through so much. “Yes, mother,” he wasn’t sure what to say, “We’ve… missed you dearly.”
“Hush little culver. All will be alright,” her voice was calm, melodic, as she spoke practised words, “I can birth thee anew, a sweeting fresh and pure.”
“No, I…” he sighed, “I need to find Serena. Make sure she’s alright,” he said mostly to himself, making sure he was focused on what was important.
“Tell my darling little daughter…” the Queen said, her face portraying a true smile, one he wasn’t sure he had seen before, “... to weave her night into being.” Blaidd looked at her, smiling at the mother he once knew, before she eventually returned to her previous state, humming softly. With renewed vigor, he strolled around the library, looking for his beloved.
Nestled within his blue and white cloak, against one of the bookshelves with a candle lighting her book, Serena sat, reading. She slammed the tome shut as she noticed his approach, and was about to stand up, but he got to her first, lifting her into the air, pressing her into his chest. She was alive, that’s all that mattered. “Hey, hey, you’re still badly injured,” she laughed, but she did not resist the embrace, nuzzling her face into the fur on his neck. “Oh Blaidd,” her voice broke as tears leaked from her eyes, “I really feared the worst.”
He knelt down, placing her back on the ground, hoping to reassure her with his face. But his own expression was one of worry and disgust. Her beautiful face was marred with pink lines, evidence of his attack on her. He feared what marks he had left on her body. His hand hovered over her face, wanting to touch it, to apologise, but it was the same hand that had caused such damage. “Sorry, I…” he stammered out.
Maybe he should take Renalla’s offer of rebirth. He could take a form more suitable for her, not a monstrous Shadow. Perhaps then she could forgive him. “Don’t be so daft,” she said. He hadn’t realised he had voiced those thoughts. He really was badly injured. “I don’t blame you for anything. You fought back, you never gave up. You succeeded.” She placed her hand atop his, guiding it to her face, letting him touch her and feel the warmth she radiated. “I love you, Blaidd, and not despite of anything.” Starting at his snout, she washed her caring caress over him, the parting of his mouth, the bulge on his left eye, bending his ear back with her stroke as she scratched the fur at the back of his head. “Everything you are, makes you you . I wouldn’t want anything different.”
The half-wolf couldn’t help his smile. She was truly a magnanimous spirit, if not a strange one. “I’m a lucky man to have you by my side.” They kissed, and Blaidd wished they would never have to part. Reluctantly, as even lovers need air, they sat back down into his cloak, with the half-wolf nestling his head on hers. “So what do we do now?”
“No more voices in your mind?” Blaidd shook his head. It was pleasing to be back to normal, after so many weeks. “Good. Well then, I suppose we can do whatever the hell we want then.” The half wolf let out a grunt of approval. It would be nice to spend time in peace with Serena, but he knew that they wouldn’t be able to do that. The Tarnished was determined to continue her journey to Lyndell. Ranni too would need to depose Marika and the Elden Ring, for her ambitions. Their journey was not over.
He fumbled in his pocket, feeling the Dark Moon Ring once more. Should he return this to Ranni? But then, if she had been the one to give him the key, and she had intended he would receive it. Or should he bequeath it to Serena… Ranni really could be too cryptic sometimes. “What happened to mistress Ranni?” he asked, not remembering much of what happened when they fought.
“She thanked us again for our aid. She was… very worried about you, very regretful.” Serena replied. He was proud that Ranni had remained resolute in her convictions, but elated that she loved him. “She helped transport us here, and Torrent aided in bringing you to safety too,” Blaidd thought that he’d definitely have to thank the steed properly, “Ranni said she could finally stand before them now, her Two Fingers. She told me to take good care of you, and that she loves you and Iji.”
Blaidd brushed Serena’s hair while he thought. Ranni was to weave her night into being… Could the Fingers have hid on the Moonlight Altar? The Cathedral of Manus Celes - its name was literally of the hidden hand. It was a divine place, one where only the Carian royal family and those closest to them would set foot. The royalty believed themselves to be descendants of the original inhabitants who drew power from the moon that they revered, and by tradition, it is where they would exchange ring and sword. The first location that Blaidd could remember, from when he was first given life. All the pieces were fitting together, creating a pleasingly simple path. “I want to go to the southwest of Liurnia. To the high plateau of Moonlight Altar.”
“Oh?” Serena raised her eyebrows, “I have always wondered how to get there.” The half-wolf laughed, it never did take much to convince her of anything. “Just promise to take it easy, alright?”
Blaidd nodded, “I promise.” Still recovering from their injuries, they spent a whole day in the academy, taking the moment to appreciate each other's company in peace. Blaidd wasn’t sure if his weakened state was due to the loss of his connection to the Greater Will, or if he would just simply recover when the wound from the Fingerslayer Blade healed, if it ever truly would. Still, he was very keen to leave as soon as they were able to.
They took the journey as leisurely as they were able to, avoiding the monsters and Albinaurics that roamed the waters. They took extra time to set up camp when they reached the various islands providing solace for them, enjoying the sunsets and sunrises, with the nights spent in each other's arms.
The stars were shining bright once more, when they reached the cliffside of the plateau. Blaidd tried to remember the secret path upwards, but it had been a long time since he had taken it. He rubbed the ring in his pocket absentmindedly while he thought, not wanting their entire journey to have been a waste. And then he could see it, a barely visible path, the reflection of the moonlight the only sign of its presence. He tentatively took a step upon it, seeming to Serena as if he began to float on air. He reached down, taking her hand, and together they ascended to the top.
The view from the Moonlight Altar was breathtaking. Auroras were painted in the night sky, their colours weaved through their canvas, bestowing bands and folds of blues and greens among the backdrop of the shimmering stars. The swirling rivers reminded them of Siofra, as if telling the duo that they were on the right track together. The night chill had begun to bother Blaidd, deep down, he had never liked the cold, so he brought Serena into his cloak, hoping to protect her and at least share his warmth with the much smaller human. Without the needle holding the cloak together, Serena had returned the Carian brooch. It only felt right that they shared the cloak then.
Each step as they continued their midnight rendezvous on the plateau felt wondrous and divine. They seemed to be the only ones here, one of the few to disturb the blades of grass. Serena’s eyes were on the masterpiece that was the sky, her eyes reflecting their sparkle, her smile offering its radiance when she caught Blaidd looking at her. As they made their way to the cathedral, the dragon Adula revealed herself, falling from the air, causing the two to brace. But she was not here for battle, at least not against them.
Her presence indicated that Ranni was here, Blaidd was assured. Adula stared them down, their nostrils flaring. As her eyes locked on to Serena, the half-wolf remembered how she enjoyed devouring sorcerers. But there was no need for growls, as the glintstone dragon bowed its head towards them, allowing them to pass. They climbed the stone stairs to the ruins.
The cathedral had been battered by falling stars, shards of which littered the ancient building, illuminating that stone and flora that was reclaiming the land. The large windows were all bare, if they had stained glass, it was lost to time, but the light from the aurora and moon shone through, producing art of natural means. They moved through the building, appreciating the quiet beauty of it all. Serena reached the altar, climbing the steps to take a better look at the destroyed walls, which produced the perfect opening to see the full moon in its entire glory.
Seeing her silhouetted by the celestial body, Blaidd’s heart and mind were set. He knelt, and now with her on the steps, she was finally taller than him. “Serena, I…” he produced the ring as she turned, her eyes and smile all the encouragement he needed, “I offer you this ring, to cement my oath. My devotion to you. Now that I am free with my own will. Please, let me stay by your side for all time.”
“Blaidd, of course,” the half-wolf held her hand, carefully fitting the ring onto her finger, sliding it into place. She brought her other hand around him, as he lifted her into his embrace. Their smiles quickly joined in a kiss, warm and caring. They had no fear for the future now, this moment was all that mattered. As they parted, setting Serena back down on the ground, they found that they had an audience.
The blue doll lifted her white hat slightly, her two faces full of joy. “Thou'rt a fitting choice for Blaidd,” she said to Serena, “By tradition, the lady who receives that ring must bestow a gift in kind.” Ranni conjured forth a sword, the blade seemingly made of dark ice, the hilt of the moon itself. She gave the weapon to Serena, “I have no need of a lord myself, so this will do for thee.”
Despite its size in comparison to Serena, for Blaidd it could be wielded as a normal longsword. He nodded at his sister, once more resuming the kneeling position. “Thank you, Ranni,” Serena said, before continuing the ritual, “Then for you, my beloved wolven lord, I bestow your sister’s Dark Moon Sword. May its beam of light bequeath a new dawn.” Blaidd took the sword as she presented it, sheathing it to his belt.
Two pairs of hands clapped, as they once again embraced into a kiss. “I am pleased, I have at least brought some happiness to the world.” Blaidd looked upon Ranni. The doll was bloody, but alive. She had fought with the Fingers then, and had evidently won. He brought his arms over her, hugging her close, her large hat falling to the ground. A few weeks ago, he would never have dreamed of such an insolent act, but she was his sister, they had been through so much, and he loved her dearly. For her to give him these artefacts, she had abdicated having her own spouse for him. For him and Serena.
Blaidd felt four hands stroke his back. “My dear Blaidd,” she gave his cheek a kiss, before parting, restoring her hat to the correct position, looking as perfectly delicate as a bloody doll could. “I shall go to the night sky. It is there I shall find mine order.”
“You’re leaving again?” the half-wolf said, knowing the answer to the question. He had hoped they could all travel together, but Ranni was truly free now to complete her ambitions. “Your mother, she wishes you to weave your night into being.” The look that Ranni gave him now was the most vulnerable he had ever seen her.
“Is there anything we can do to aid your order?” Serena asked.
“The order I envision will be of the stars and moon of the chill night,” the doll said, staring past them toward the shining light parting the windows, “As it is now, life, and souls, and order are bound tightly together, but I would have them at great remove. For too long, the Gods have sought power to control. Which is why I would abandon this soil, with mine order.” Serena nodded in agreement, her convictions aligned. “Wouldst thou come to me still, my dearest brother and sister?” Blaidd and Serena looked upon one another, not needing to know what was in their hearts, as they shared a smile. “Then, I bid thee both travel the path of the Lord. And once all is done, we shall see each other, once more.” Ranni was pleased with the outcome, offering her hands out to them. They joined in touch, the moon, star and shadow together in freedom and love. Ranni gave one last smile, before leaving as soon as she had appeared, disappearing into the sky, sparkling moonlight left in her place.
“Well then, my lord,” Serena said with her radiant smile, her eyes sparkling as she observed the purple nebula of his, “Shall we dethrone a God?” Blaidd chuckled, what a sick way to spend their honeymoon.