**INCLUDES CUT CONTENT** >[!quote]+ *A pleasure to meet thee, [[Tarnished]]. I am the witch [[Renna]]. I'd heard tell of a Tarnished hurtling about atop [[Torrent|a spectral steed]]. And upon looking into the matter, the talk, I surmise, is of thee. Thou'rt possessed of the power, no? To call forth the spectral steed named Torrent.* >[!quote]+ *Ah. As I had hoped. I was entrusted this, for thee. By [[Torrent|Torrent's]] former master. Tis [[a bell]] for calling forth [[spirits]]. Summon them with it, from ash unreturned to [[Erdtree|the Erdtree]]. The spirits will obey thine command but briefly, as they recall battles past. Now it is thine. To do with as thou wishest.* >[!quote]+ *Forgive mine intrusion, [[Tarnished]]. I doubt we shall again meet. But all the same, learn well the [[Lands Between]]. How long will it be, I wonder... Before the Tarnished tire of obeisance to the [[Two Fingers]]? ...* >[!quote]+ *This way, [[Tarnished]]. May I have a word?* >[!quote]+ *Trifle not with me, Tarnished. Or didst thou merely forget? The name of [[Torrent|the spectral steed thou callest]]?* >[!quote]+ *I will ask thee again. Thou'rt possessed of the power, no? To call forth the spectral steed named [[Torrent]]. Quite the stubborn one, aren't we? Wise, in a way. The [[Lands Between]] are home to liars and cheats aplenty.* >[!quote]+ *Quite the stubborn one, aren't we? Wise, in a way. The [[Lands Between]] are home to liars and cheats aplenty. Perhaps thine ample mistrust will be to thy benefit. I shall leave [[this]] for thee, at the behest of [[Torrent|Torrent's]] [[former master]]. Take it, shouldst thou overcome thy suspicion. ...* >[!quote]+ *What hopest thou to profit? ... No sense in arguing, I see. Thou'rt a wild one, indeed. [[Torrent]] hath quite the ruffian chosen... ...* >[!quote]+ *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 the Eternal|Queen Marika]], to become the new [[god]] of the coming age. But I would not acquiesce to the Two Fingers. I stole the [[Destined Death|Rune of Death]], slew mine own Empyrean flesh, casting it away. I would not be controlled by that thing. The Two Fingers and I have been cursing each other ever since... And the [[Baleful Shadows]]...are their assassins.* >[!quote]+ *Oh, again we cross paths. I believe I said my name was [[Renna]], when last we met. It pleaseth me to see [[Torrent]] hale and hearty... But [[Tarnished]], what business hast thou here? I have no memory of inking thee an invitation.* >[!quote]+ *Mm? a [[Tarnished]], here? Thou must have some business in mind, to come all this way. Though I have no memory of inking thee an invitation.* >[!quote]+ *I see. Quite the sleuth, aren't we. Indeed, I am [[Ranni|the witch Ranni]]. I stole a fragment of the [[Destined Death|Rune of Death]], and used it to forge the godslaying [[Black Knife Assassins|black knives]] through [[fearsome rite]]. I did it all. But sadly for thee, the [[cursemark]] thou seekest is not to be found here. I have slain the body I was born into, and cast it away. And it is upon that flesh the cursemark is carved.* >[!quote]+ *Hah! And why should I reveal that to thee? I performed the act not to bury the past, nor in shame of the deed, but all the same, thy begging compels me not a jot. The [[cursemark]] thou seekest is not here. That is all I will say. Now, begone.* >[!quote]+ *The [[cursemark]] thou seekest is not here. That is all I will say. Now, begone.* >[!quote]+ *Oh, is that so? Thou wouldst render me aid, is that thy proposal? Affording thyself opportunity to grope about for the [[cursemark's]] location, no doubt? ... Very well... There's nothing wrong with a well-laid scheme. What's more, if my past and past wounds beckon to thee, I am curious enough to see what thy [[destiny]] portends... I'll allow it. Enter my service. And good hunting to thee.* >[!quote]+ *Hah! No reason in particular, thou claimest? Intriguing. Then mayhaps [[fate]] hath steered thee to this reunion. Intriguing. Then mayhaps fate hath steered thee to this encounter. ... Wilt thou enter into my service? I am [[Ranni|the witch Ranni]]. I stole [[Destined Death|Death]] long ago, and search now for the dark path. That I might one day upend the whole of it, and rid the world of all that came before. Well? Has that roused thy interest?* >[!quote]+ *I see. A choice well made. Thou'rt a rare sort. Not many would have accepted the offer. But I require as much of those under my command. I anticipate good work from thee.* >[!quote]+ *I see. More's the pity. Come to me again, shouldst thou change thy heart. Surrendering thyself into the service of a [[Puppets|doll]]-witch... Is not as frightful as thou fearest...* >[!quote]+ *Ah, art thou persuaded to my cause? Then, again I shall ask, wilt thou enter into my service?* >[!quote]+ *Good, then I ask we proceed with haste. There is, in my service, a [Blaidd|[half-wolven warrior by the name of Blaidd]]. I would have thee join him in searching for the hidden treasure of [[Nokron|Nokron, the Eternal City]]. I have called for Blaidd to greet thee below. Take from him the particulars. Ah, and there wilt thou find [[Iji]], my war counselor, and [[Seluvis]], preceptor in the [[Glintstone Sorcery|sorcerous arts]], also. Heed not their peculiarities; feel secure in gaining from them what advantage thou canst. I am sure the others will be doing just the same.* >[!quote]+ *Speak with the three who await thee below. Thou needst not indulge them unduly, but they too wish to appraise thy worth. It hath been a passing long time since a newcomer entered my service, after all.* >[!quote]+ *Good, then I ask we proceed with haste. Art thou aware of [[comets|the star]] that struck [[Limgrave]]? It left a vast crater, and through it lieth the [[Nokron|Eternal City of Nokron]]. Go there to find the city's [[Fingerslayer Blade|hidden treasure]].* >[!quote]+ *Ah, yes. [[Iji]], my war counselor, and [[Seluvis]], preceptor in the [[glintstone sorcery|sorcerous arts]], can be found below. Like thee, they are in my service. Heed not their peculiarities; feel secure in gaining from them what advantage thou canst. I am sure the others will be doing just the same. Speak with the three who await thee below.* >[!quote]+ *Speak with the three who await thee below. Thou needst not indulge them unduly, but they too wish to appraise thy worth. It hath been a passing long time since a newcomer entered my service, after all.* >[!quote]+ *Ah, allow me to forewarn thee. I shall soon enter my slumber. And it will be some time before I wake. This [[Puppets|doll's]] body is not without its hindrances... Still, I have high hopes for thee. I look forward to the good news when I arise.* >[!quote]+ *I shall soon enter my slumber. And it will be some time before I wake. I have high hopes for thee. I look forward to the good news when I arise.* >[!quote]+ *Ahh...It was thee. Not [[Blaidd]], it seemeth. Even in my slumber, I sensed it. It is in thy possession, is it not? The [[Fingerslayer Blade|hidden treasure]] of [[Nokron]]? My thanks. Finally, all the pieces are in place. Soon must I begin my journey. Upon the dark path only I may tread.* >[!quote]+ *Ah, but before I leave, I must entrust thee with [[this]]. Take it. My discarded flesh lieth beyond the seal unlocked by it. Upon which is carved the [[cursemark]] of thy desire. I can fathom what thy purpose might be. Neither of us is welcomed by the brighter path, I see. You may leave now. It was but brief, but thou gavest me fine service.* >[!quote]+ *What is it? Thy purpose in approaching me was to obtain [[the cursemark]], was it not? You may leave now. I, too, am to depart on a journey. Upon the dark path only I may tread.* >[!quote]+ *Ah, but before I leave, I shall entrust thee with this. My thanks, for thy sterling efforts. A strange gift, perhaps, but a rare sort such as thee would welcome it, I am sure. I am certain now, fate steered us to our (reunion/first encounter). I must thank [[Torrent]] too, for his part. You may leave now. It was but brief, but thou gavest me fine service. What is it? You may go. I, too, am to depart on a journey. Upon the dark path only I may tread. ... ... ... Oh? A dogged fellow, aren't we? Or is it merely thy habit, to talk to dolls? Fine...fine. I hadn't expected any soul to recognise me in this guise. But now the cat is out the bag, I cannot allow thee thy freedoms. Perform for me a service, as recompense. Eliminate the [[Baleful Shadows]] which prowl these lands. The name of [[Ranni|Ranni the Witch]] is already sullied by thee. I will not brook disobedience in this matter.* >[!quote]+ *Perform for me a service, as recompense. Eliminate the [[Baleful Shadows]] which prowl these lands. The name of [[Ranni|Ranni the Witch]] is already sullied by thee. I will not brook disobedience in this matter.* >[!quote]+ *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 the Eternal|Queen Marika]], to become the new [[god]] of [[the coming age]]. Which is when I received [[Blaidd]]. In the form of a vassal tailored for an Empyrean. But I would not acquiesce to the Two Fingers. I stole the [[Destined Death|Rune of Death]], slew mine own Empyrean flesh, casting it away. I would not be controlled by that thing. The Two Fingers and I have been cursing each other ever since... And the [[Baleful Shadows]]...are their assassins.* >[!quote]+ *I turned my back on the [[Two Fingers]] and we have each been cursing the other since. The [[Baleful Shadows]]...are their assassins.* >[!quote]+ *Even when I turned my back upon the [[Two Fingers]]. [[Blaidd]] remained my loyal ally. Heh. Though he was created a vassal for an [[Empyrean]], He was a colossal failure, on the part of the Two Fingers. [[Blaidd]], and [[Iji]] both... Art willing to give too much to me. Yet they both understand. What lieth beyond the dark path... That I must betray everything, and rid the world of what came before. Ah, should I add thee to the list? Another one, kind of heart. As kind of heart as they.* >[!quote]+ *Ach, this form hath loosened my tongue. I've let slip too much. Forget what thou'st heard. Forget.* >[!quote]+ *O [[Shadow]], thou'rt the last. Tell the [[Two Fingers]], That [[Ranni|Ranni the Witch]] cometh, to rend thy flesh. With a fateful wound, ne'er to heal.* >[!quote]+ *Beautifully fought. My thanks. 'Twas more of a challenge than I envisioned. Now I can finally stand before them. This is farewell, my dear. Tell [[Blaidd]], and [[Iji]]... I love them.* >[!quote]+ *So, it was thee, who would become my [[Lord]]. Perhaps I needn't have warned thee. I am pleased, however. Thou'rt a fitting choice. I go now, to the [[night sky]]. It is there I shall find mine order. I bid thee travel the path of the Lord. And once all is done, we shall see each other, once more.* >[!quote]+ *I take it thou'st noticed? I shouldn't be surprised. I thought I might expound a little further... Upon the order I envision. Mine will be an [[order]] not of [[gold]], but the [[stars]] and [[moon]] of the [[chill night]]. I would keep them far from the earth beneath our feet. As it is now, life, and souls, and order are bound tightly together, but I would have them at a great remove. And have the certainties of sight, emotion, faith, and touch... All become impossibilities. Which is why I would abandon this soil, with mine order. Wouldst thou come to me, even now, my one and only [[Lord]]?* >[!quote]+ *Mine will be an order not of [[gold]], but the [[stars]] and moon of the chill night. And I would abandon this soil, with [[mine Order]]. Wouldst thou come to me, even now, my one and only [[Lord]]?* >[!quote]+ *Well, this is a most unpleasant awakening. The depths of wickedness never fail to surprise me. I am saddened. That thou wouldst succumb to such depravity. Led astray by [[Seluvis]], with [[devious tonic]] in hand, Didst thou think to have thy way with me? Be gone. Hapless scum. I won't have another whiff of thy rotten breath.* >[!quote]+ *I have spoken. Away from my sight.* >[!quote]+ *This is the third time, fiend. Enough of thy unbearable breath.* >[!quote]+ *What hopest thou to profit? ... To think such was thy plot. Well, I refuse to indulge thy fantasies. I relinquished a natural [[death]] long, long ago. ...* >[!quote]+ *What hopest thou to profit? ... Hmph. So, this is the measure of my [[Lord]]? Perhaps it is precisely what I deserve. …For surrendering myself to delusion. ...* #source #dialogue #ranni