#sweettemperedsludge

This was an extreme act of deference for her, to be dragging her snakes and the fringe of her dress through this sewer, but Gwyndolin knew the importance of showing respect to those she wished to ally herself with. The Flame that kept her in power might affect all lands, but this was a kingdom of humans, not one ruled by gods like Lordran. If she wished to extend her reach, she needed to forge connections with monarchs of all kinds, both above and below. It was difficult to deny the gods when one stood directly before you, but she knew plenty would try.

      " Dearest King! " The Goddess had found herself in quite the goddess of places — rather proud of this in fact. One of the few within her family who travelled so far without need of marriage titles. With both grace and sincerity, Rosaria gave a curtsy. Reverence befitting a King in earnest. " I found mine mind awonder; how dost thou fair? "

In spite of his discomfort, the King of Rats resigned himself to the embrace. Young Prince Lothric surely meant no malice, and he did not deserve to be scolded, not in his present state. Exhaling deeply, he twisted a little, laying one paw on the top of the prince’s head in a quiet show of acknowledgement.

“Here, rattie...” Lothric clicks his tongue, dangling a stale piece of bread into the hole. During slow times, he and Lorian would explore corners of the castle they had not been to since they were children, or ever, possibly. There was simply so much space, places they never had a reason or time to visit. 

It appears as if this was a supply room at one point, but the shelves have been emptied, the weapon racks bare. Either their knights or thieves had made off with it, the former still wandering as shells around the base of the castle and wall. Not that either of them needed armaments at this point. 

Lorian sits behind his brother, peering into the crumbling hole in the floor, leading to utter blackness. He could almost believe it let out into the same spot as the impossible space beneath their father’s garden. “You should have seen it, it was such a pretty rat,” Lothric says. “Do you think we could tame it?"

The first thing that rolled up her spine was.. discomfort. You don’t always come face to face with... well, a giant rodent. Still, Lochlan was respectful, this was a covenant she could join for protection.

 She honestly couldn’t believe she’d even consider such a thing. But, the Sweet Shalquoir, the blessed feline she is, warned her of a place like this. Truly she’d thought she was kidding. Talking Felines and rodents. Oh my. 

"When I was your age, we were happy to throw ourselves into the First flame!" "fOR THE LAST TIME, GRANDPA, IT'S NOT THE FUCKING '50s ANYMORE."