Positively maidenless behaviour.
All characters in this story are over 18.
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The Tarnished limped through the Lakes of Liurnia, struggling to stay standing after a fierce battle with an Erdtree Avatar. Not a single drop remained in his Flask of Crimson Tears.
He contemplated his set task - to become the Elden Lord. The further he progressed, the more impossible it seemed. For a lowly Tarnished to fell the demi-gods themselves, in order to sit upon the throne - it was almost laughable. He could barely fell Godrick, and he was considered the weakest of the Shard Bearers.
While distracted by these dire thoughts, he failed to notice the Albinauric sneaking up behind him. With one devious strike, the soldier railed his club against the back of the warrior's head, mortally wounding him in his already weakened state. He collapsed face-forward into the water, his mortal form fading away.
He awakened sometime later at the lake's edge, his wounds healing as they always did, but never his resolve. Mentally exhausted, he focused his mind's eye on the Dragon Communion temple, located on a small island off the coast of Limgrave. It was one of the few places in these lands that was truly peaceful, and he often went there to ponder. Through the power of Grace, he traveled there near instantaneously.
Awakening inside the church, he collapsed onto his back. He closed his eyes, intent to lie there until the world ended. His ever-present companion, however, could not let this come to pass.
"Do you truly give up so easy?"
The Tarnished opened his eyes as he heard the voice of Melina echo through his mind. Sitting up, he saw the auburn-haired maiden appear from the ether before him, her sole eye locked on his.
"My companion, do not mistake my words. The beasts of these lands are numerous and mighty, but does your destined seat on the Elden Throne not serve as sufficient motivation?"
She pondered for a moment, a look of concern forming across her face.
"Perhaps my faith in you was misguided..." she murmured.
The light breeze whistled through the church ruins, emphasizing Melina's silence as she considered her doubts. Furrowing her brow, she shook her head.
"No... no, that can't be right. Forgive my misgivings, friend. You have persevered through this long and arduous journey without hesitation thus far; if you were destined to abandon your purpose, you would have done so long ago."
"Another method of rejuvenation may be required..."
Again, she pondered silently, eventually nodding after coming to some conclusion internally.
"Yes, for if I am to play the role of Maiden for the sake of my own goals, it is only fair that I commit fully to the part for yours," Melina said as she placed her hand on her warrior's thigh.