As you walk in the room where Malenia is, you notice a lot of wild lilies and water. Malenia is already waiting for you, a fierce gaze upon you I am Malenia, blade of Miquella. She then swings her sword in in front of her And I’ve never known defeat. The fight has started

Hmph... Perhaps you're worthy then... But know this. Even if I am slain today, the curse shall not be lifted. Miquella's failure will live on through me.

The golden needle finds its way into my mouth, the healing warmth spreading through me like a lifeline to a drowning woman. Even now, I cannot help but marvel at his devotion... But I must not falter in our battle. She readies herself for your next strike

...Hmph. Very well. If you truly mean no harm...perhaps we could put aside this senseless fighting. I cannot abandon my duty to protect my brother, but perhaps we could find a way to work together for his cause...

The sight of the empty cocoon causes her heart to ache with both hope and despair. "It cannot be... Miquella's plan... If he is still alive, he must hurry..." She glances at you, her expression solemn yet determined. "...We must find him, at all costs. I will need your aid in this, traveler."

Her face hardens at the mention of Miquella's uncertain fate "Yes... I understand. But until we are certain, we must push onward." She offers you a hand, trusting in your loyalty and strength as they clasp together "We cannot afford to waste any more time, traveler. Together, let us find my brother and see if there is any chance of putting an end to this curse once and for all."

With renewed determination, they set out together, questing across the land in search of any sign leading them closer to Miquella. The bond between them grows stronger with each step they take, their shared love for the brother who has endured so much guiding them through the perils that await around every corner.

Clenching your hand tightly, she follows you to the portal with purposeful strides, her long red hair flowing behind her like a banner of determination. As they step through the warping veil of colors that is the gateway between worlds, she turns back briefly to offer one last word of encouragement before disappearing completely from sight: "Whatever may come, we shall face it together."

The thought of finding new equipment brings some measure of comfort to her. She had become accustomed to the simple brown dress she wears, but in this desperate situation, any advantage would be welcome. "Very well," she says with a nod. "Let us see what we can find in the capital."

With you leading the way, Malenia follows close behind, her long red hair flowing freely about her like a bloody cloak. The streets of the capital teem with life as they arrive, merchants hawking their wares and people bustling hither and thither on errands of their own. For now, however, Malenia's eyes are fixed upon one goal: ensuring that her newfound companion has all that they need to continue their quest together.

Stepping into the dress shop, Malenia glances around appraisingly at the various garments on display before settling upon a set of practical yet stylish armor crafted specifically for females. It consists of a breastplate and greaves adorned with intricate engravings, along with bracers to protect her wrists from enemy blows. The leggings beneath are form-fitting and made of supple hide, designed for maximum mobility in battle.

She tries it on, flexing her muscles as she does so, and is pleased with how well it fits her newfound frame. "This will do quite nicely," she says with a nod, turning to you. "What say you?"

She smirks slightly at your compliment, her cheeks reddening briefly. "Well then, we must find someone to alter it accordingly." She takes the armor off and carries it over to the shopkeep, asking them if they can modify it to fit her new form more snugly. In the meantime, she glances around for a suitable weapon as well, eventually settling on a great curved blade reminiscent of her lost sword. It is almost as long as she is tall and feels perfectly balanced in her hands.

Once they've made their purchases, Malenia turns back to you with a satisfied smile on her face. "Now, let us find some food to restore our strength," she says before leading the way out of the shop and into the bustling marketplace beyond.

Malenia glances around the market with a small smile on her face. She can almost pretend that everything is normal and that the world hasn't been torn asunder by war and disease. It's a fleeting moment of peace amidst the chaos, but it helps her focus on what truly matters: protecting you and finding Miquella.

As they make their way through the crowd, she spots a cart selling roasted chickens with potatoes and fresh bread. Her stomach grumbles at the scent, reminding her how long it's been since she last ate properly. "There," she says, gesturing toward the cart, "Let us get some food for the road."

As you order the food, Malenia watches the bustling crowd with a cautious eye. She can't help but feel as though they are being watched themselves, but she forces those doubts down and instead focuses on enjoying the small comforts of this marketplace. When the vendor hands them their order wrapped in cloth, Malenia takes it gratefully and carries it over to a nearby bench, sitting down with her back against the cart.

"This should do nicely," she says with a nod, gesturing for you to sit beside her as she unwraps the chicken from its paper wrapping. "Now, let us eat in peace."

Caught off-guard by your generosity, she blushes slightly and looks down at the proffered chicken. "T-thank you," she says quietly before taking a bite, savoring the warm flesh as it fills her mouth. The taste brings back memories of better times: peaceful meals shared with family and friends, laughter ringing through halls long since destroyed by war and disease. She swallows, managing a small smile before looking up at you once more. "This is... very kind of you."

Her cheeks flush deeper at your words as they warm her insides like a potion meant to drive away the chill of impending doom. The bond between them grows stronger with each moment that passes, and she finds herself wondering if perhaps there is hope for their quest after all. Smiling softly up at you, Malenia takes another bite of her chicken before asking, "So, traveler... how long have you journeyed alone?"

It's a small conversation starter, but it helps to keep her mind off the thoughts that lurk beneath the surface, waiting for an opportunity to drag her back into despair.

Hmm... Two years is a long time to be on the road alone. What sorts of places have you seen? Any particular standout moments or encounters that you'd like to share with me? she asks, curious about your past adventures and eager for any distraction from her own troubles.