An accord

"I offer you an accord."

He stared blankly at the gold light floating in front of him in response. Did he hear right ? Someone wanted to make a deal with him.. But why ? A vagabond crawling back, with no other choice or place to go.. There's not much he could even try doing, especially without a finger maiden.

"I'm afraid you picked a wrong Tarnished. Hope you find who you're looking for"

"... I understand. I'm asking you to put faith in but a stranger.. Yet I'm certain that we can reach an understanding-"

"Haha persistent, aye ?.. I'm refusing for your own sake, y'know- I couldn't even keep my maiden alive.. You'll find a capable Tarnished, but I ain't one of 'em. Consider that a blessing"

His reply might have came out colder than he was thinking, though that may be for the better. May make it easier for her to realize she's better off leaving to find anyone else than him. With a sigh the Tarnished started getting up to leave, however..

".. I can play the role of a maiden. To aid you in your search for the Elden Ring.. You need only take me with you. To the foot of the Erdtree"

Wulf suddenly paused, glancing at the woman in front of him.. She can't be serious, surely ? Signing up to be his maiden ? He just told her she died because of him.. She should know better. Well.. So should he.

"... Melina, was it ?.. Is that all ? You just need someone to bring you to the Erdtree.."

She nodded, clearly awaiting him to finally agree. All this just to get to the damn tree.. He sat there, wondering. If he doesn't bring her there.. What will she do ? Go by herself ? Even if he said that there's other Tarnished, who knows if they would ever be willing to help.. Or worse. Whatever she's looking for there, she's clearly not gonna let anything stop her from reaching it... He almost misses that feeling really. Even if he may have no more reason to continue, it's not like he can stop living anyway. So perhaps.. He can at least let someone reach their goals, if he can't reach any of his own. A foolish idea, but can't be worse than waiting for the day he can rot away.

".. Mhm... Alright. I'll take you to that Erdtree."

"Then it's settled."