Nepheli continued to guide Lucian through the Roundtable Hold, her voice carrying a mix of pride and reverence as she spoke of its history.
"The Roundtable Hold was founded long before we Tarnished were stripped of the Golden Grace. It was a gathering place for heroes."
"They say it was even more prosperous in those days, ho to knights so mighty they were favored by the Ancient Dragons."
Her expression softened as she ntioned her adoptive father.
"My foster father, Sir Gideon Ofnir, was one of the Hold's founding mbers… and now, he is its leader."
"Unlike , he is a scholar of vast knowledge. He took in when I was a child — the guiding light before . If he were not occupied at the mont, I would certainly introduce you."
Lucian nodded. In the ga, Gideon would one day orchestrate the massacre of the Albinaurics in the Village of the Albinaurics, he sent his n to ransack the village in search of a secret dallion that would open the path to the Haligtree, and even stand in the way of the player's ascension to Elden Lord — the very definition of a scher.
Still, his knowledge was undeniable.
Yet one thing had always puzzled Lucian: Why did Gideon ultimately oppose the player's rise? He had never sought the throne himself. His pursuit was knowledge, not power.
Marika's guidance had always been for the Tarnished to claim the Elden Throne. But Gideon, also guided, had said before their battle: "Queen Marika has high hopes for us. That we continue to struggle. Unto eternity"
Was that a lie told to protect his own immortality and endless search for lore? Or was the guidance he received not from Marika at all?
The questions were distant ones. Lucian pushed them aside — there would be ti to seek answers later. For now, Nepheli's tour continued.
They walked the long corridors, passing many small chambers. A Tarnished could pay runes to rest here; others hawked their gathered materials and tools from makeshift stalls.
Then a voice called out:
"Nepheli, showing a newcor around again?"
Lucian turned to see a Finger Maiden seated at an empty stall.
Nepheli smiled and walked over with him in tow.
"That's right. He startled half the Hold the mont he arrived, so I decided to show him around."
The maiden studied Lucian with widening eyes.
"From his stance alone, I can tell — this warrior is terrifyingly strong."
Nepheli slapped Lucian's armor with a laugh.
"Told you. This is Sorceress—"
The woman interjected, "Sorceress?" Nepheli paused, chuckled.
"Ah, no — this is Finger Maiden Therolina. Without a warrior of her own, she remains here in the Hold, awaiting a worthy companion. In the anti, she helps warriors without maidens channel runes into strength — for a small fee, of course."
Therolina rose and gave a slight bow.
"Lucian, was it? A newcor, yet already remarkable."
The na struck Lucian. He rembered her fate — a Finger Maiden without a warrior, ultimately turned into a puppet by Seluvis. For now, she was offering "level-up" services. He hoped Seluvis never crossed her path again.
She glanced at him aningfully.
"I couldn't help but notice… you have no maiden at your side?"
Lucian blinked. Wait… is she about to ask—
"If it's not too forward," Therolina said, "might I serve as your maiden?"
He shook his head quickly.
"Sorry to disappoint you. I already have a maiden — she just isn't with right now."
No way I'm giving up traveling with lina, he thought.
Her expression fell.
"I see… forgive my presumption."
As they left her stall, Nepheli offered an apologetic smile.
"Please don't take her amiss. She only wished to fulfill her purpose — and you are a powerful warrior."
"No offense taken. My maiden's absence makes such misunderstandings inevitable," Lucian replied.
Curious, he asked,
"Are many here in the Hold accompanied by maidens?"
Nepheli shook her head.
"A few dozen, perhaps — but compared to our full number, that's quite rare. I don't have one either. Therolina has helped often, and in ti we beca friends."
They stopped before a door radiating intense heat. Inside, Lucian saw a great furnace, anvil, and countless smithing tools. A large figure hamred at a weapon — Master Hewg, the blacksmith.
Unlike in the ga, Hewg here had his own small workshop. Nepheli didn't interrupt his work.
"That's Smithing Master Hewg. Don't let his mixed-blood heritage fool you — his skill is unmatched. We'll co back when you need a weapon strengthened."
They moved on. From a nearby room ca the sound of ragged breathing. Nepheli's expression soured.
"That one belongs to Fia. She… lacks propriety," she muttered, moving quickly on.
The rest of the tour included the quest board, the Twin Maiden Husks' shop, the kitchen, Brother Corhyn who taught incantations, the ever-suspicious D, Hunter of the Dead, and Diallos searching for his missing servant.
No sign of Sorcerer Rogier — perhaps already in Stormveil… or perhaps those sounds from Fia's room were his.
Nepheli led him past Gideon's chamber. The door was shut, with Ensha striking an idle pose outside. She decided against introducing them.
Lucian was struck by how much livelier the Roundtable Hold felt compared to the ga — more like an adventurers' guild from another tale.
Finally, they returned to the central hall. Nepheli gestured toward the great, heavy doors.
"Beyond them lies the Two Fingers. The door is closed for now — only certain people may be summoned. Envoys of the Fingers, my foster father, and warriors who have claid a Great Rune. But… as of yet, we have not felled even one demigod who holds one."
Her voice was grave.
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