**INCLUDES CUT CONTENT** >[!quote]+ *You're [[Tarnished]], aren't you? I welcome you, to the [[Church of Vows]]. I am [[Miriel]], steward of this sacred chamber. My apologies, for the unseemly state of affairs. Do you know the origin of this place? How it came to be known as the Church of Vows?* >[!quote]+ *Well, that is a shame. But who can blame you? [[The Shattering]] has caused us - all of us - to lose sight of something very dear. It is here, at the [[Church of Vows]], that the great houses of [[Erdtree|the Erdtree]] and [[Moon|the Moon]] were joined. By the matrimonial bond between [[Radagon|red-haired Radagon]] and [[Rennala|Rennala of the Full Moon]]. And so, our church holds in view the monuments of both houses. [[Erdtree|The Erdtree]] of [[Leyndell|the Capital]], and the [[Raya Lucaria|Academy of Raya Lucaria]].* >[!quote]+ *Oh, was there something you needed? You are free to show yourself around. I would serve as your guide, only my legs aren't what they used to be... If you find anything of use, you are free to take it with you. Unless perhaps you are in search of instruction? In which case, I will share all that I know. Whether it be [[sorcery]] or [[incantations]], learning should not fetter you to one side or the other. This is, after all, [[a church]] celebrating the union of two such opposed practitioners.* >[!quote]+ *Is there something else?* >[!quote]+ *Greetings. Do you need anything?* >[!quote]+ *Do you possess any [[celestial dew]]? Then I would like to share my knowledge with you. Concerning the miracle of this [[Church of Vows]]. [[Radagon]] once cleansed himself with celestial dew, repented his territorial aggressions, and swore his love to [[Rennala]]. The Order of [[Erdtree|the Erdtree]] and the [[fate]] of [[moon|the moon]] were conjoined, and all the wounds of war forgiven. This miracle blesses the church to this day. And so, you need only follow Radagon's example, to restore any bond, however strained or severed, to its rightful state of harmony.* >[!quote]+ *My faith does not waver. The miracle rooted in these grounds will, once again, mend the world. And this time, its bounty will not be squandered. If you would be [[Elden Lord]], [[Tarnished]], I hope that you, too, will share my faith.* >[!quote]+ *Are you taking the sword with you? Oh, fear not, I don't wish to chide you. Clearly, you are no conniving thief. The sword is telling us something, no doubt. Rather than collect dust in the shadows underground, it yearns to be wielded by your rightful hand. Ah, now I recall. As the priest of the Church of Vows, I undo the sword's seal, and bequeath it unto you. May you hold it high and proud.* >[!quote]+ *Are you quite finished? Take this opportunity to learn to master your emotions. Worry not, I take no offence. But others are not always so forgiving. Some take to anger, others sorrow... Bonds are fragile things, wont to break under strain. And once they're broken, everything is lost, with naught to gain.* >[!quote]+ *Are you quite finished? I suppose my ample frame must have given you quite the fright. Allow me to introduce myself. [[Miriel]], steward of this sacred chamber. My apologies, for the unseemly state of affairs. Do you know the origin of this place? How it came to be known as the [[Church of Vows]]?* >[!quote]+ *Are you quite finished, now?* >[!quote]+ *To experience the miracle, kneel in the basin at the back, and cleanse yourself with [[celestial dew]]. Absolution will be yours. Any bond, no matter how strained, or even severed, will be put to rights.* >[!quote]+ *Ah, I see you have undergone absolution, the miracle that blossoms from these grounds. Good. As such, the bond you may have strained or severed... Has been restored, to its rightful state of harmony. Be mindful, not to take for granted... the serenity restored by this miracle. And take care. Never to break a bond again.* >[!quote]+ *You wish to know more of [[Radagon|Lord Radagon]]? Lord Radagon was a great [[champion]], possessed of flowing red locks. He came to these lands at the head of a great [[gold|golden]] host, when he met [[Rennala|Lady Rennala]] in battle. He soon repented his territorial aggressions though, and became husband to the [[Carians|Carian]] Queen. However. When [[Godfrey]], first [[Elden Lord]], was hounded from the [[Lands Between]], Radagon left Rennala to return to the [[Leyndell|Erdtree Capital]], becoming [[Queen Marika the Eternal|Queen Marika's]] second husband and King Consort. Taking the title...of second Elden Lord. The mystery endures, to this day... As to why Lord Radagon would cast Lady Rennala aside... And moreover...why a mere champion would be chosen for the seat of Elden Lord...* >[!quote]+ *You know, it's said that [[Radagon|Lord Radagon]] harboured a secret... A famed sculptor of the [[Leyndell|Erdtree Capital]] was once summoned to render Lord Radagon's likeness in giant stature. When he glimpsed the skeleton in Radagon's closet. And as such, it's said the great statue harbours his secret too.* >[!quote]+ *You wish to know more of [[Rennala|Lady Rennala]]? She is Queen, head of the [[Carian royal family]], and governor of the [[Raya Lucaria|Academy of Raya Lucaria]]. The great and beautiful [[Full Moon]] Witch. Sadly, her heart was broken when Lord Radagon left her. And then, when the academy rebelled against the royals, she was locked away in the [[grand library]].* >[!quote]+ *In the end, [[Rennala|Lady Rennala]] was left alone, cradling the [[amber egg]] [[Radagon|Lord Radagon]] bequeathed her. Now she devotes herself to it through [[forbidden rite]]; the grim art of [[reincarnation]]. You would do well to remember... Severing a [[vow]], strongest of bonds, has consequences ever more dire.* >[!quote]+ *Why, this is nectar, is it not? And you're giving it to me? Oh, wonderful, just wonderful. Truth be told, I'm rather fond of the stuff. I'll happily take it off your hands!* >[!quote]+ *Oh, what have we here? Very well, let us both learn together. [[Heresy]] is not native to the world; it is but a contrivance. All things can be conjoined.* >[!quote]+ *Mngh!* >[!quote]+ *Stop it, please. My flesh is akin to stone.* >[!quote]+ *I cannot be wounded. I cannot die. But nor will I cause any harm unto you. Cease your futile efforts.* >[!quote]+ *Well, aren't we determined. ...* >[!quote]+ *Aaa...aaargh!* #source #dialogue #miriel #church_of_vows #Liurnia