"Are you sure about this, Lily?"

Lily stopped just outside the door to the Inn. She turned to regard Grace, the sunlight reflecting off her silver armor. A couple feet away, Gwyn stood with his blade clipped to his back, a Sunlight Talisman at his hip. Lily nodded to the dark elf, "Indeed I am, Grace. Now that my Lord is healed, it is my duty as a Knight to go wherever he may."

Grace stared at Lily, before her gaze moved to Gwyn. The man stood a bit away from the entrance while watching their conversation. He was tall enough to cast a shadow over the two of them without even trying. No matter where he turned the sun seemed to follow his every movement. She shook her head and turned back to the armored woman, "Alright then. Thanks for staying with us for so long."

"Thank you for allowing Lord Gwyn and I to take lodgings here," Lily said with a slight bow to the dark elf, "I dread to think what would've happened if you had turned us away."

"Oh, you probably would've been fine. Doubt anyone would want to mess with someone in full armor and a giant," Grace chuckled at her own words. Lily joined her but only for a few seconds. The dark elf went quiet, one of her hands falling to the white, glowing stone she had at her hip. A nervous frown came over her face as she asked, "Are you sure this thing will work the way you say it will? Not that I'm ungrateful, but..."

Lily placed a hand on Grace's shoulder, "That Soapstone has served me well throughout my travels. However, I have the strangest feeling that I will not need it in the future. Thus, I shall bequeath it to you. If you ever require assistance, merely write my name out on any surface then touch a finger to the lettering. I shall appear by your side and help however I am able."

She gives the dark elf's shoulder a firm, confident squeeze, "I promise."

Grace looks between the armored woman and the Soapstone clipped to her uniform's skirt. She shakes her head but smiles at Lily, "If you say so. I'll see you later, Lily."

"As will I, Grace. Please tell Anne the same," Lily let go of Grace's shoulder and walked to Lord Gwyn's side. She nodded to the Lord Of Sunlight, "Thank you for letting me say my goodbyes, my Lord."

Gwyn frowned at Lily as the two began to walk away from the Broadside Inn. After Gwyn had paid her debt, Lily had spent little time gathering everything she needed for the trip. Most of it was already present in her Bottomless Box, but she did have a few items hidden beneath the beds that she insisted on getting back. Primarily knives, daggers, and more knives.

Gwyn didn't ask why Lily needed that many small blades. Considering what she had been through, he was shocked she didn't constantly have a weapon clearly visible on her person. Though it would do little to change the way the two of them stood out amongst the citizenry. Many of the people who filled the streets of Baskerville stopped to stare or gasp at the two of them. Whether it was men and women who stared at them with a combination of reverence, fear, and surprise, or children who would rush up to Gwyn's legs and ask to ride on his shoulders. Which he gladly obliged.

"My Lord," Lily asked, watching Gwyn as he lowered a young boy to the ground, "is there anywhere in particular you wish to go before we leave town? While I do not possess complete knowledge of the town's layout, I assure you that I can guide you wherever you wish to go."

"Thank you, Lily, and there are a few places I wish to visit. But before that, I have a question for you," Gwyn stood up and looked down at Lily, "Have you felt the need to eat or drink at all?"

Lily was hesitant, but soon nodded her head, "Yes, my Lord. I have experienced the feeling recently."

"As have I," Gwyn stated plainly.

The two were silent as the implications of that fact settled in. If they felt hunger, that meant that the Curse no longer held sway over either of them. But it also meant that should they die, that their lives would end there and then.

A few moments passed before Gwyn spoke up, "Well then, our first objective should be gathering supplies for the road ahead. Is there a market place where we may purchase such things?"

Lily smiled beneath her helmet as she reached into her Bottomless Box, "I already considered that, my Lord, and took the appropriate precautions. Prior to our departure from the Broadside Inn I took the liberty of asking Anne to give us non-perishable supplies for our travels."

She pulled out the top of a hefty gray sack from the Box, waited to confirm that Gwyn had seen it, then put it back in.

"Well done, Lily. Though, where did she obtain that quantity of food?"

Lily turned her head down and quietly said, "From the kitchens of the Inn."

Seeing Gwyn's upturned eyebrow, she quickly added, "But Anne assured me that they wouldn't be missed! She said her husband always brings in enough food to get them by for months and...I knew we would need it so..."

She went quiet under what she thought was Gwyn's judging gaze. The Lord of Sunlight stared down at his companion. Then he replied, "Well then, if Anne is certain and you trust her, then I shall as well. Did she give you any water-skins?"

Lily felt the apprehension leave her as she readily replied to him, "Unfortunately, no. She said they didn't carry any. But I believe I know someone who could get us some for our travels."

Gwyn smiled, "Do you speak of the blacksmith or tailor?"

"The tailor, Velina. You know them?" Lily said, beginning to walk towards Clamor's place of business. It was a short walk from there to Velina's Shop, and she wished to bid the old blacksmith farewell and give thanks for his services. So, they could kill two birds with one stone.

"In a sense," Gwyn replied, "Clamor was in his forge when I arrived, and Velina happened to be there as well. They seemed to be having a conversation that I interrupted. Afterward Clamor cleaned the ash from my Crown, I took a piece off to pay him for his services to both of us, and then I returned to the Inn."

Lily looked up at Gwyn, a shocked expression hidden behind her helm, "Lord Gwyn...I still don't understand. Why treat such an important relic of yours in such a manner?"

"As I said, Lily; That crown was no longer the symbol it used to be," Gwyn said with a stoic expression on his face.

"Why would you say that? It is proof of who you are. Of how you are the King Of Anor Londo."

"A place that doesn't exist in this world. My Kingdom is now lost to time and darkness. In the face of that, what good is a crown?" he spoke with a grim finality to his voice that made Lily's reply die in her throat. The two walked in silence, the air heavy about them. It wasn't until the sound of a hammer striking metal began to ring across the street did it lift.

The two looked up to see Clamor's forge, the muscular owner sitting at his anvil while a younger man with similar features to the older man sat nearby. The young man was sitting a good distance away, watching Clamor work on the metal with wide emerald eyes. He hung off the edge of his seat as he beheld the sparks bursting from the anvil with each hammer strike. His red hair was cut short and he wore similar attire to Clamor but not blacked by soot and ash.

The blacksmith stopped working as he heard Lily and Gwyn approach. He looked up and waved at the two, "Lily! Good to see you! And your rather large friend. Gwyn, right? You back to tell me about that crown you had me clean up?"

Gwyn remained outside the forge and shook his head, "I'm afraid not, Clamor. We have come to bid you farewell before we depart from Baskerville proper."

"Depart?" Clamor asked, looking to Lily as she ducked into the forge. He took note of how his son's eyes moved from the forge to the giant of a man standing outside their door.

Lily nodded to the blacksmith, "Yes. Now that my Lord Gwyn has recovered, he wishes to begin exploring the land. Travel from place to place, meet new people, and see what there is to see across that horizon."

"Ah. So you're gonna be Adventurers, huh? Well, at least you both look equipped for it," he chuckles then stands up from his seat. He places his hammer down on his workbench, then holds a hand out to the young man, "If you're both leaving, then mind if I introduce you to my son? Artur, this here's Lily and Gwyn. A Knight and her King."

Artur's eyes widened further, head switching between the Silver Armored woman in the Forge and the large man standing just outside of it. Lily, pride filling her at being called Lord Gwyn's Knight, failed to see the Lord in question shaking his head just behind her. The young man stood up from his seat and held out a hand to Lily. Clearing his throat he did he best to speak in a calm, controlled manner, "Um, hello there...Ms. Lily?"

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Lily took his hand and, gingerly, shook it, "You can just call me Lily. It's good to finally meet you, Artur. Your father's told me a lot about you."

"Really?" Artur scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously, "Good things I hope?"

"Well, not exactly. Though it's nothing too bad. Just that you have a problem paying attention."

Clamor laughed, "Ha! We're working on that. No, what' he's got a problem with is thinking with his head up here."

He tapped his son's head with a gloved finger. Artur sighed in frustration, "Father, please."

"I'm telling you, son. That girl ain't good for you. The moment she's bored of you, she'll stop coming over and leave you high and dry," Clamor replied while crossing his arms.

"No she won't. She's not like that."

"How do you know?"

"Because!"

"Because, what?"

"Because, I just do, ok!"

Lily looked between the father and son, the two beginning to stare each other down in anger. She wasn't sure what to do. She had just come to bid Clamor farewell. Now she was witnessing a familial dispute. She shook her head and bit her lip in frustration. If only she had spent more time with her siblings. Maybe then she would know what to do here. But, as it stood...

She only noticed Gwyn had stepped into the Forge when the Lord moved in front of her. He knelt to be level with father and son looking between the two of them with wistful eyes. He hadn't said a thing, but his sheer presence made the two give him their full attention.

"Forgive me, for speaking out of turn. However, I believe the two of you should try to find some common ground between you," he said with a nod.

He turned to Artur, "You, young Artur, need to take your father's advice into serious consideration. I can tell you have a kind soul. And the unfortunate truth is that there are people out there who will take advantage of that kindness. Use it to make you give them things that you otherwise wouldn't. Then, when they have taken all they can from you, they will toss you aside without so much as a word. While I am not suggesting that Velina is as Clamor says, I do believe you shouldn't place so much faith in a woman you hardly know."

Artur looked to the ground, eyes furrowed as he mulled over Gwyn's words. Clamor had a smug grin on his face, until Gwyn turned to him and spoke, "And you, blacksmith Clamor, must be willing to listen to your son. He is young and foolish, yes. But do not hold that against. Try to understand where he is coming from, and see what advice you can offer. Not orders, not admonishments, and not damnation. Advice. As his father, you should be willing to teach him. And only lecture him when it calls for it."

Clamor grit his teeth but didn't say anything. He focused his attention on Gwyn as the Lord turned to regard both men. He spoke one last time, "Always remember; Family can't be replaced. If you lose it, it will gone for good. And if you are the reason for this loss, then you will never forgive yourself for as long as you live."

A hint of grim acceptance entered Gwyn's voice near the end of his speech. Lily could only remain silent and watch as her Lord got to his feet. He began walking out of the Forge, the two of them sharing a knowing glance.

"Hold on, Lord Gwyn," Clamor's voice made Gwyn pause in his stride. The Lord of Sunlight turned to the blacksmith. Clamor clicked his tongue then waved to his anvil, "You're gonna need something other than that sword to protect you while you're out there. How's about I get you some chain-mail to wear? Free of charge. Though, I'll need some time to fit it.."

"I...I'll do it, father," Artur spoke up, surprising Clamor as the young man ran to grab a tool for just that purpose.

Gwyn turned around and walked fully into the Forge. He stood by Lily's side, the two sharing a warm smile as he spoke, "I'd be happy to accept. Thank you, Clamor."

----------------------------------------

"You're both LEAVING!?"

Lily flinched as Velina's high pitched voice echoed through the main room of her shop. Gwyn seemed unaffected, eyes roaming the various dresses on display in the room. The new chain-mail beneath his brown shirt made no sound as he moved. Evidence of how well-fitted it was to him.

Once her ears stopped ringing Lily responded to Velina, "Yes. My Lord Gwyn wishes to explore the land. And to do so, we'll require some water-skins for the road. Preferably filled, but we will take whatever you can give."

Velina, eyes already wide from hearing that the Knight was leaving Baskerville, nearly bulged out of her head at Lily's words, "Wait, my Lord? He's a King?! Your King?! So, you're a real Knight? Like one with Titles and lands and stuff?"

"Not exactly," Gwyn said in response, "Our Kingdom is far from here. And we have not been back in a long time."

"And, if we were to ever return, I'm not sure if it will be to such a grand welcoming," Lily stated, head looking down in despair. She shook it off and turned back to Velina, "Either way, do you have any water-skins we could use?"

Velina's shock lessened as the businesswoman in her asserted itself. She leaned over a counter while tapping a finger to her chin, "Hmmm, I think so. But I'm guessing neither of you have any money to pay for it, do you?"

Both Gwyn and Lily looked away in shame.

"Thought so. But that's alright. I'll let you have three of them...if Silver here does something for me," the woman's lips perked up in a mischievous smile.

Lily looked to Lord Gwyn, silently asking for his agreement. The Lord Of Sunlight tipped his head, "You are who she asked for. It is ultimately your choice whether you listen to her request or not. While having a way to obtain water for our journey would be preferable, you should not do anything you would regret to get them."

Lily nodded at his advice. Then she turned to Velina, "As you say then, Velina. What do you wish of me?"

Velina walked around the counter until she stood directly in front of Lily. She placed a single hand on her breastplate and spoke, "Oh, it's nothing too bad. I would just like a kiss to remember you by."

"A kiss?" Lily did what she could to remain calm and stoic at Velina's words. Inside she was wracking her brain as to why, of all things, the tailor would ask for that.

"Yes, a kiss. After all, what woman doesn't dream of being kissed by a charming, honorable Knight such as yourself," Velina purred while lifting a hand up to the side of Lily's helmet.

The two's conversation was interrupted by Gwyn coughing into his hand. His gaze fell on Velina as he spoke, "I believe there is a misunderstanding here. Lily, would you remove your helm please?"

One of Velina's eyebrows rose in confusion. She turned back to see Lily removing her helmet...and just in time to see the very feminine face hidden behind it.

Velina's mouth gaped open while her eyes widened in shock. The two women silently stared each other down for a few moments. Then, Velina nervously spoke up, "Yo...You're a girl?"

"Yes," Lily nodded as the tailor stepped away from her, "I have been since we first met. I make a habit not to let others know as it seems to affect their treatment of me."

Velina didn't respond. Her eyes narrowed, a hand went to her chin, and she looked at the ground deep in thought. Lily tilted her head, "Is something-"

"Hold on," Velina raised a hand to interrupt Lily, "I'm thinking right now. Hmmm. OK, you two stand side by side for me. Do that I'll give you the water-skins free of charge."

Lily and Gwyn shared a confused glance, but complied with the woman's request. Velina stepped up to Lily, got on her tip-toes, then kissed Lily's cheek. She moved to Gwyn and bade the large man lean down before Lily could react. When Gwyn was close enough she did the same to him.

Velina stepped away from the two. Then she nodded with a confident smile on her face, "Yep. Still into guys. I'll get you what you need in a moment." With that statement she walked deeper into her shop.

Lily was speechless. She stared after the Velina as the tailor walked away. She lifted a hand to the cheek that Velina kissed while saying, "What...what was that?"

"I am not sure either," Gwyn said as he straightened his posture, "However, I feel that she has confirmed something for herself. What that is only she knows."

"I see," Lily placed her helmet back on as the two waited for the tailor to return.

----------------------------------------

"We have everything we need?"

Lily finished rummaging around in her Bottomless Box and looked up at Gwyn, "I believe we do."

Gwyn nodded then turned his head to the dirt road that lead out of Baskerville. The mid-morning sun illuminated the path before them while a strong wind rustled the trees the surrounded the road. Gwyn breathe deep of the fresh air, a smile on his face as he said to Lily, "Then is there anything else you wish to do before we leave?"

Lily shook her head, "No, my Lord. I am ready to depart when you are."

Gwyn frowned and turned to Lily, "Lily. I have been meaning to say this, you don't have to call me your Lord anymore."

"Of course I do. Because that is what you are to me, Lord Gwyn," Lily states with a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

"But, as I have said, I am no longer a King. I rule over nothing. I have no people to defend. There is no reason to call me your-"

"Lord Gwyn," Lily interrupted. She stepped into his path, turned to stare into his eyes, then fell to one knee. She spoke with absolute conviction in her voice, "As I stated, I wear this armor as I believe it is perfect for someone who wishes to be a Knight. Your Silver Knights were an inspiration to me. They stood tall against all odds, they defended the innocent, and they traveled the lands striking down all who would bring darkness and evil to the land. I still remember watching three assist Astorian Knights against a horrid demon that managed to break its way into our lands. They not only defeated the beast, but ensured that not a single person more fell to its foul hands."

Lily bowed her head to Gwyn, "When I asked one why he had done so, he said it was to protect the people of Lordran and to bring honor to your name, my Lord. For that was the most important thing in their lives. Such noble men would become Saints for the sake of honoring you. I swore to myself that I would do everything in my power to follow that example. To defend those who can't defend themselves, and to honor your name wherever I go."

"Now, you are here once again. And I have the chance to make good on my words. So, please, my Lord," Lily couldn't stop her hands from shaking. She desperately hoped that he would listen to her plea. Her head remained bowed as she awaited his judgment.

Then she felt a firm hand fall upon her shoulder. She heard him speak, "Rise, Lily."

She did so, staring up into his understanding gaze as she rose. Gwyn nodded his head, "If that is what you wish, then I shall allow it. However, in return, I would ask that you allow me to give you a title of my own."

"What would that be, my Lord?"

"My Silver Knight," Lily felt a shock run up her spine as he spoke out her new title. Gwyn continued, "If your wish is to live up to the example set by my Knights, then I feel it is only appropriate that I call you as such. Would you allow me to do so, Lily?"

"Of course!" Lily shouted, sounding far more eager than she intended to, "I would be honored, Lord Gwyn!"

Gwyn nodded and gave her pat on the shoulder. Then he turned his gaze to the road in front of them, "Now then, shall we get going, my Silver Knight?"

"Yes, Lord Gwyn. Lead the way," Lily stepped to the side and allowed Gwyn to begin the trek. She adjusted the Bottomless Box on her hip and began to walk after him.

And so Gwyn, the Lord of Sunlight, and Lily, the former Ashen One, began their adventures through Eostia. Unaware that their actions would change the land for years to come.