The longer I spent at Ranni's Rise the further I found myself enthralled by the mysteries of lunar sorceries, and more importantly, Ranni herself. With each passing day, as I deciphered the stars under the tutelage of mistress Ranni's tomes, the pursuit of restoring the Elden Ring became increasingly less important than my greater service to Ranni.
Even as I had pledged myself as her apprentice, the two of us seldom spoke face-to-face. In the isolation of private chambers would I honor mistress Ranni; would I prove my worth.
Despite my best efforts, several towers of thick, leather tomes remained untouched. With each completed work another would take its place. Time passed strangely here and the ever-growing library of Ranni's Rise was not yet complete; my understanding of the witch's existing works remained fractional.
"Tarnished, hast thou slept of late?" In an ethereal haze of glimmering, cerulean embers, Ranni materialized in the center of the room. The witch's porcelain exterior was marred by the slightest of cracks; her current 'doll' a shadow of its former self. Nevertheless, she was beautiful as the day we'd met and was bathed in transient moonlight. Two of her arms were clasped beneath her bosom while the upper set traced the edges of my erdtree desk; a wild mane of resplendent, blue locks fell along her shoulders. Ranni wore a shimmering white gown, draped in a heavy pelt of slate colored furs and an enormous alabaster witch's hat topped her crown.
"I have slept well enough," I replied, "but no more so than usual."
Ranni leaned forward, pressing her lower set of hands together as if praying for my wellbeing, though I knew that wasn't the case. Ranni's eyes darted about the room, lingering on my overstocked bookshelves and empty vials.
"A sorcerer is never truly asleep," she said, "as he knows himself to be awake within his dreams."
"Then I am a true sorcerer, for I can no longer tell my waking hours from my sleeping ones; how may I serve you?" Ranni wasn't one to waste time, even if she did enjoy a bit of verbal mincing; I got to the point.
"You are still quite young, Tarnished, and I believe you have been laboring under a misconception concerning your studies."
I nodded my head but was somewhat unsure of Ranni's meaning. "I only do so in service to you, Lady Ranni...to restore your corporeal form...to ensure your ascension."
She smiled, pleased with my answer, "Indeed, this is what it means to serve me. Your dedication is noted, fair Tarnished, but thou lacks direction — guidance — and most importantly purpose. You exhaust yourself fruitlessly.
Sleep had indeed eluded me, or perhaps I'd failed to give it chase. There was no way that I was effectively deciphering the works of my lady in this current state, or taming the celestial heavens for her ascent; arrogance had been my folly and shame swelled within.
"Tsk. Tsk." Ranni moved closer, bathing me in her transcendent glow, "Mine form is but a fleeting one, a shell that is only as advantageous as its utility" the one-eyed witch cooed, placing a hand upon my shoulder. "Thou art wise, Tarnished, and thou has seen much since thy arrival here, yet I fear thee lacketh perspective. Shall I impart mine own?"
My mind raced. How often had I sought out Ranni's wisdom? "And what is your perspective, Lady Ranni?" I'd never been so close or felt her bluish-tinted, ivory fingertips meet my body. The witch's touch moved along my shoulders, gliding its way to the crux of my neck, where she began to gently caress my skin. My heart beat faster. I shivered.
"Knowledge is power," Ranni whispered, "and sorcery is the key to unlocking all doors. Allow me to assist you, as thoust have assisted me, in removing thine own barriers." The dusk-eyed queen's fingers ran up my spine, until they rested just above my crown. A soft, warm sensation spread throughout my scalp, like electricity. I gasped.
"Bestill thy tongue, Tarnished, and bequeath thine senses unto me." Another set of Ranni's perfect digits met my abdomen, cloying at the fabric of my robes. T Then another left my shoulder and grasped my chin, tilting my face upward.
Her gaze pierced into my soul, the flames of her cerulean eyes burning a hole through my skull. I could feel her presence inside my mind, like a pair of hands moving through my thoughts, rearranging the contents. She was everywhere.
"Relax, dear Tarnished," a small, delicate hand worked its way to the hem of my robes, "your release will come soon."