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Author's Announcement

To make this short. No. The FanFic will not be the same as it is in the game. Certain requirements to wield equipment, spells, etc are also disregarded and replaced with severe consequences instead of being unable to use it when it doesn't meet the requirements.

Lastly, the main character is strong. Not overpowered. It is the case, because how could it be Dark Souls if everything could be one shot? I intend to deliver the same atmosphere DS presents and the feeling of difficulty to an extent.

If games were easy would we really enjoy them? The same goes for stories. (Imagine Gandalf just calls an eagle to fly Froddo to Mount Doom and yeets it to the fire)

|--Dark Souls--|

As the Ashen one enters through the wooden sturdy door, a loud creak announced his presence. In turn, by hearing the noise, the Fire Keeper turned to whoever it may be with a cloth once again wrapped around her recovering eyes.

The scene presented to the Ashen one somehow made it seem just right, how it should be;

The Fire Keeper sat by a fireplace as she ever so sat in a dignified way with her back straightened and the orange warmth from the fire radiating on the side of her profile.

"Is that thee… Ashen one?"

Awestruck by the view, he had to shake himself out of the trance as he took small gentle steps toward the Fire Keeper. As he walked in a slow manner to announce he was not a threat, he eventually reached her from where she sat and;

Knelt in front of her as he carefully took up her hand and bowed his head.

In a moment of clarity, the action the stranger performed made the Fire Keeper allows a small and nearly unnoticeable smile as she recognized the stance.

To those moments back in the Firelink Shrine, the Fire Keeper could vividly recall all the occurrences where he would kneel and reach out his hands as she turned the souls he's collected to be used for his own embodiment. The sovereignless souls he has claimed in his long quest to rekindle the flame.

It was a long quest indeed.

With a soft sigh of contentment, she wrapped both her hands around his own as she nearly whispered. "Ashen one…

Let these souls, withdrawn from their vessels,

Manifestations of disparity

Elucidated by fire,

Burrow deep within me,

Retreating to a darkness beyond the reach of flame,

Let them assume a new master,

Inhabiting ash, casting themselves upon new forms."

Her words and her voice were always soothing, and the Fire Keeper could sense he needed it. Therefore, she said like a mantra, for the Unkindled to find strength and resolve. Also, because, she was someone who could provide relief to the Ashen – as her role and duty, but also mainly as his companion.

At the closure of her speech, he retreated his hand respectively as he stood up, becoming once again captured in a state of trance as he looked at his companion. This was what he wanted, at least for the Fire Keeper. To be in the comfort of a room, of a house, by a fire as she sat in peace. Not a scene where she is forced to engage in a battle. That scene was not meant for a Fire Keeper, especially not someone like her.

Then those eyes…

Those eyes and how she impressively carried herself in that engagement. With those blue icy and piercing eyes filled with a hint of resolve and… worry?

But regardless, the sight of the Fire Keeper in combat is something he wished to avoid. Further, her attire was not fit for such a condition as he remembers that she had to slightly pull up her long skirt to be able to run while she charges a spell with her other hand.

Trapped in the moment of silence, of recollection of thoughts and contemplation on events that have transpired a knock interrupted the peace of silence as both turned to the noise as the door creaked open. Upon entering, the same lady gave a courteous bow before she met the Unkindled's gaze. "Your presence is called, if both would allow me to guide you?"

With no other choice, the Ashen one relented as he offered his arm for the Fire Keeper to grab and hold on to as she stood and kept her hands wrapped around his arm guards as the lady began to lead them through the same large corridors.

Ever with observing eyes, he looked around the condition and state of the fortress with its occasional cracked marbled floor and barricaded windows. It must have been quite a long time since it must have been in this state if it could nearly fit and blend right in with the atmosphere and look of the place.

Then with a loud thud as the lady pushed the big double door open to what could possibly lead to a meeting hall – the Ashen one and the Fire Keeper simply followed.

"Well, well, this is a surprise. A Black Knight armor from an Age that has just expired. What a surprise indeed."

An old voice that sounded like an aged man with wisdom and knowledge spoke, almost knowingly about the armor's origin and to whose lord it belonged. There sat on the end of the long table, a man with gray hair and a beard who sat in a manner that told him as the leader of this decrypted town.

Silence shrouded the hall as the mayor became quiet as he eyed the guest with scrutiny. It was for assurance as well as examination – to preserve security and to learn more about their guest.

"A Black Knight scorched with the Lord of Light, would not travel with none other than their fellow. So, I ask, are you a Black Knight? Are you a companion to this woman?"

Two questions were presented, but only required a single answer to know whether these guests were trustworthy. Should the knight answer yes, then it is a lie. The woman is as clear as how important she was based on how he watched over her. If he answers that the woman is indeed a companion. Then he is not a Black Knight. A simple enough question he gave, but enough for the mayor to distinguish them.

"I am a not, and she is my companion."

The answer was what the old man expected, but somehow, he could sense the knight was making use of the trap he has set – to answer as little as possible to his specific questions. Alas, he could not push them further, otherwise, it would be no more than interrogation in disguise of a greeting and introduction.

"I see. Then I welcome you to our small but humble town. I am Holy Knight Godfrey, a low dutiful servant to the Truth Covenant assigned mayor and warden here."

Rising up from his seat, the armor he donned were then on display as he stood proudly as both his role required of him. A white cape that draped behind him and a shoulder pauldron protected his shoulders. Other than that, he wore a chainmail that was worn behind the white clothes that he wore with an 'X' cross to it.

With basic courtesy, the Fire Keeper responded to his greeting and welcome, followed by the Ashen one who did the same. Although it would have been more appreciated if both would have introduced themselves, however, the resident of the fortress did not push it. But suspicion was still in the air.

Ever since the Unkindled's grand betrayal, as both watched the fire fades. At that moment, as it was their affair, the Ashen one and Fire Keeper silently understood to keep it a secret to whomever it may be. As it was their private affair.

Before the warden did dismiss them, however, he just had to warn them.

"The creatures that attacked you – creatures of the dark – are growing ever since the fire faded. I would suggest you take some time here and recover before you go along with your journey. But that would be up to you to decide, wandering knight."

As a knight of chivalry and virtue, the Ashen one yet again gave a small undignified bow as it was more like a nod than it was a real bow. But the action never offended the warden, especially when he just merely smirked at the gesture.

Leaving the hall and returning back to the Fire Keeper's room that have been offered, the Unkindled carefully guided the Fire Keeper to the chair before she noticed the fireplace has already diminished as felt by the lack of warmth. At the hint, the Ashen one went on ahead to the unlit fireplace as he knelt. With what little mana he has restored over his rest, he used the minimum to cast a fire.

"Ashen one…"

The Fire Keeper never needed to say the whole question that she wishes to ask, because on point the Unkindled knew what she was referring to, and judging by their condition it seemed most favorable to accept the shelter and security generously offered to them.

"Rest."

With that as his answer to the Fire Keeper, she simply nodded and began to relax. Without wanting to be intrusive despite having no protest to be alone in a room with him, he took on the liberty to let himself out. Before he could close the door behind him though, he could hear intently the low and slow breathing, indicating that the Fire Keeper has taken to slumber while still maintaining her dignified stance.

"Going somewhere?"