Before the warrior, atop the crucible of a smoldering yet mighty flame, was a golden tree, its highest branches soaring into the clouds. Though the tree was distant, its massive size created the illusion that it sat right beside the snowy mountains.

Cygnus’ pensive gaze was fixed on the brilliant pillar of The Lands Between, the symbol of all that is great and terrible of the continent. Like a statue, they remained utterly still as though fearing the slightest movement would chase away the one whom they were waiting for.

Their grip, clutching on the handle of their straight sword, tightened when a wispy, magical sound appeared near them, which was then followed by footsteps. Each step was light, yet all sounded dull, as though the world itself had grown legs.

Then, silence, the steps ceasing by Cygnus’ side. A subtle gulp, and Cygnus resisted the urge to turn their head. Was it awkwardness that prevented them from speaking? Perhaps, but it could not be compared to the fear that clutched their racing heart. A fearless warrior, they were, who slayed a mighty giant capable of conjuring a ruinous flame mere hours ago. Yet, they found no courage to utter a word.

“You have inherited the Frenzied Flame. A pity.” Alas, it was the person whom they awaited spoke first.

Arduously, Cygnus shifted their sight to the woman, with a tattoo on her closed eye, beside them. Relief filled their heart and poured out of their lips. “Not when this will save you.”

“My life is of my own, not for you to dictate.”

Biting their lip, Cygnus lifted their heavy feet off the edge of the crucible, turning their body toward the woman. “Melina, please, heed my words.”

The woman, holding a dagger of faded sunlight, faced the warrior, too. “And what words shall the Lord of Frenzy depart onto me?”

“That I am yet to be, nor will I be.” Cygnus lifted their hand, attempting to hold Melina’s shoulder, but withheld the desire when the latter leaned away ever so slightly. “I’m doing this for you. It will ensure your survival as I reach the end of my quest.”

“And you will extinguish the world to that end?”

“There is a way to quell the Flame of Frenzy once I incinerate the Erdtree.”

Melina was visibly taken aback. Then, she shook her head.

Upon removing an unalloyed gold needle from their pouch, Cygnus presented it to Melina. “I ventured into the chamber of The Severed, defeated her, and repaired the treasured relic of the prodigious empyrean. According to Gideon, upon the burning of the Erdtree, I will be transported to the floating city we witnessed back at the Four Belfries. There, within the heart of the storm where time stood still, I can expel the Flame of Frenzy with this needle.”

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A faint sigh slipped Melina’s lips. “The All-Hearing is not to be trusted.”

“It’ll work. I promise.” Cygnus returned the needle to their pouch.

“Your assurance amounts to nothing.”

“I researched--”

“The Frenzied Flame is not to be trifled with!” The sudden rise of Melina’s voice stunned the warrior. “None survived the journey to the storm, and none still with the needle. Your confidence in the All-Hearing is misplaced.”

“All of time exists in the same moment with the eye of the storm, and the needle wards off the influence of gods. This will dispel the Flame of Frenzy.” Cygnus set their unwavering gaze on the woman. “I know you’re aware both facts are genuine, so this combination will work.”

“And what of my purpose?” Melina narrowed her eye. “I’ve imparted upon you my thoughts on the matter during our journey. Did my words fall on deaf ears?”

“No. As I understand it, it is the reason for your being, but should it need to be forever?” Cygnus’ trembling fist pressed on her chest. “I… I’ve enjoyed our journey together, Melina. I was a stranger in a strange land, unsure of my calling in my renewed life. You were my guide, my companion, my light. The despair of my defeats would’ve overtaken me if not for your encouragement and comfort. I could only press forward because you were by my side. Does my companionship mean nothing to you in comparison to the burden thrust upon you?”

“No. Your… company has sparked a joy I did not know I yet possessed.” A faint smile danced on Melina’s lips as memories flashed past her eyes. “Our chatter, at times benign and occasionally profound, has delighted me to no end. I relished our every moment, but…” Light faded from her irises as she aimed her indifferent look at her companion. “The Frenzied Flame cannot be relied upon.”

“Then trust in me.” The warrior stretched their hand. “I’ve slayed all the demigods and achieved what all others thought impossible. I’m not one to place my faith blindly, and you know it. You’ve witnessed my wariness. Please, be assured, the Frenzied Flame will not follow me to the seat of the Elden Lord.”

Silence befell the scene with hesitation thick around the robed woman.

“Do you remember the night we spent in Liurna, where we had stew and bread with Boc?”

Slowly, Melina nodded.

“You spoke of your journey in discovering hope and believing in your mission. That day, you spurred me to trek on the same path as you, and as I arrived at the end, I saw you.” Gently, Cygnus reached their fingers toward her cheek. “You have become my reason to endure in the quest to save this world.”

Melina widened her eyes in surprise, her countenance tinged with conflicted emotions. “I had assumed the Lunar Princess was your drive to press forth. Was I mistaken?”

“Not, you’re not, but my heart is big enough for you two, especially you who watched my every fall and victory. Without your support, I would’ve perished, one way or another.” With enough courage, Cygnus laid their palm on Melina’s cheek, which the latter did not reject.

“I…” She lowered her head but settled her coarse hand on their wrist. “Becoming the purpose of the Elden Lord to be… It is an outcome I did not foresee.”

“Do you dislike it?” A fragile fear swirled in Cygnus’ eyes.

Gently, Melina shook her head. “I don’t, but I am… uncertain. Of the path lies ahead of us.”

“That’s life, my dear.” Abruptly, the warrior pulled her into their embrace. “I wish nothing more than you and the Princess’ happiness. Please, allow me to bear your burden so we may view another sunrise together.”

Wordlessly, Melina closed her eyes. Various thoughts zipped past her mind, but in the end, they all converged on the same destination.

Minutes later, she opened her good eye and tenderly pushed Cygnus away. “Should you break your promise, I won’t hesitate to take your life. My fate does not hold greater importance than all other life in the Lands Between.”

“It won’t come to that. You have my word.” Finally, the warrior smiled. “Now, are you ready to watch me commit a cardinal sin?”

“Destined Death awaits you, My Lord.” Melina grinned, too.