The air was thick with ash and stillness as the Ashen One pushed open the great doors to Firelink Shrine. The ruin hummed faintly with the whisper of forgotten prayers, its walls lined with empty thrones and cold stone watchers.

She stood alone by the bonfire, as if she had always been there—still, blind, aglow with quiet purpose. Her hands were folded before her, and though her eyes were veiled, she turned her head toward him with perfect awareness.

"Welcome to the bonfire, Unkindled One. I am a Fire Keeper. I tend to the flame, and tend to thee. The Lords have left their thrones, and must be deliver’d to them. To this end, I am at thy side."

She inclined her head ever so slightly, the firelight catching on the silver crown at her brow. The flame between them crackled softly—as if answering her vow.