The Sunset City

A modern era Dark Souls 3 story. Drawn by Tav.

[annun-londo]

# 22

It’s ok

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

5 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: Lothric is sitting on the living room floor in front of the couch, blotting the stain on the pillow with a paper towel. There’s a bowl and a roll of paper towels next to him, and there are feathers on the floor. His hair is tied back. He looks pensive. He’s still wearing a v-neck t-shirt and a necklace, but his skirt is gone & he’s wearing boxer shorts, and it’s shown that there are washing machine sounds coming from the other room. Washing machine sounds will be indicated in every panel.

Panel 2: A closeup of Lothric’s face. He’s startled and tense.

Lothric (thinking): Yhorm. I was talking to Yhorm. Shit.

Panel 3: Lothric is reaching out and grabbing his phone, which he’s teleporting into his hand. He’s making a ‘yikes’ face.

Lothric (thinking): Is he like. Still there. Shit.

Panel 4: Lothric is on the phone. He looks like he’s ready to be nervously friendly.

Lothric: (is about to say something)

Yhorm (on the phone, with his text written in its usual stylized capital letters): Lothric? Hello?

Panel 5: Lothric is on the phone. He has a blank expression.

Lothric: Hello?

Yhorm (on the phone): Oh! Hello! Please forgive me, I was lost in thought. I am glad you are still there.

Lothric: (pause)

Lothric: It’s ok.

[starlitmemes]

Worldbuilding Starts With You!

Made for muns building their own setting, this collection of questions is meant to help muns and their followers further their setting(s) as per their followers’ curiosities.

A: Locations

Are there any notable capital cities? How large are they in comparison to other notable cities?

How many continents exist? How many oceans?

Are there any first-, second- or third-world countries? Or is it an apocalyptic setting?

What are is one of the most dangerous areas in your setting? How so?

Are any locations given great significance whether magical, religious or otherwise?

Are there any places that people actively make pilgrimages to?

Do any ruins exist that are frequently explored, researched or sought after?

Are there any locations that are taboo to visit? If so, why?

Are any areas set aside for magical, religious or cultural reasons? What are they like?

Are there any places that are utterly unlivable? How so?

B: The Living

How many species or races exist thus far? Share a little about them if you’d like!

Does the supernatural exist throughout the world? If so, are they kept hidden from the majority or are they well-known?

What race or species dominates the world? If none, is it an equally-dominated realm between the major races and/or species?

What’s the most dangerous animal life that exists?

What’s the most dangerous plant life that exists?

Are there any insects that don’t mirror our own? What sorts are they?

What sorts of animal-, plant- and insect-life exists that are endangered or extinct?

Are there any major groups that are at odds or at war with one another currently?

Are there any taboos that exist for the major races or species? What are they and what consequences does one suffer for dabbling in them?

What’s the dominant race or species currently?

C: Magic v. Science/Technology v. Religion

Is the world ruled more by magic, technology and science, religion or a mixture of them?

What sorts of magic exists in this world, if any? Are there any severe limitations to magic use?

What methods of transportation are most common?

Is there a prominent religion or several equally practiced religions?

Do any religious figures help govern the lands and people?

Do any magical figures help govern the lands and people?

Do gods exist? Tell us about a god or goddess that resides in the world.

Does religion play a role with how laws are developed or is it geared more toward science/technology or magic in mind? If magic exists, do any laws govern over the use of it?

Is medicine further advanced than our own or is it less so? If magic exists, does it play a part with healing the sick or injured?

How far has technology advanced in this setting? Or has it regressed due to some apocalyptic or cataclysmic event?

D: Culture

Are there any unusual traditions among the people and species that exist?

Is there any supernatural phenomena that coincides with folklore or legend?

Are any plants, animals, or locations given great significant meaning? If so, why?

Is information and education evenly spread or is it more of a privilege?

What’s a well-known myth or legend? Is there any truth to it?

What are marriage ceremonies like? Do they differ between the major groups of races or species?

What are funeral rites consist of? How do they differ between the major groups of races or species?

What sort of holidays exist? Do they mirror our own, or are they vastly different?

What sorts of government or ruling systems exist? Are they independent based on the species or race in questions?

What sort of currency or bartering system exists?

[annun-londo]

#21

Never change

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

7 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: It’s dark. Lorian is sitting up urgently in bed holding his right hand, with a star drawn nearby to show that he can feel that Lothric got hurt. There are three question marks drawn next to his head.

Panel 2: Lothric is sitting on the couch with his hands folded in front of his face, praying with his eyes closed. His left hand is flat, his right hand is more relaxed. There’s a star coming from it. There’s blood on his skirt, his hand, and a small dot on a couch cushion. His phone is in his lap. Three sweat drops drawn by his head show he’s anxious.

Next to him is a thought bubble that looks like a scroll of old paper, with three feathers resting under it, to show prayer. This style of thought bubble will represent prayer from here on out.

Lothric (thinking): Lorian, go back to sleep, it’s fine, it’s fine.

Lothric (praying): Divine hosts, protectors and beloved companions, I feel your radiant presence and delight in it. ...I hurt my hand. Please help. [Written in messier hand writing,] ow it hurts i’m gonna cry.

Panel 3: Lothric is sitting on the couch. A miracle circle has formed around him, & he’s being showered in light and feathers. His hands are still folded in front of his face.

Lothric (thinking): Lorian go back to sleep you have work tomorrow. 

Lorian (thinking from the other room, with his text written in capital letters as usual): Tomorrow is saturday.

Lothric (thinking): Shut the fuck up.

Lothric (praying): Oh this is everything, thank you, thank you, it doesn’t hurt anymore. I witness your blessing as grace manifested.

Panel 4: Lothric is cleaning the blood off of his hand with his skirt. His phone is on the couch next to him, and there are feathers around him.

Lorian (thinking): Lothric, what do y -

Lothric (thinking, cutting him off): Fuck fuck fuck there’s blood on one of the couch cushions. It’s ruined, it’s broken, you hate that. Go back to bed, I’ll clean it up before it -

Lorian (thinking, cutting him off): Lothric [emphatically]. What do you need from me right now.

Panel 5: Lorian, looking pensively forward in the dark.

Lorian (thinking): If you want me to help, I’ll come. If you need to figure it out, figure it out. I don’t care about the couch cushion as much as you’re afraid that I do.

Panel 6: Lothric, looking pensively forward with a similar posture.

Lothric (thinking): Could you stay up just a little longer and... I dunno, model being calm like you are? So I can feel it across the connection? My hand doesn’t hurt anymore, but it scared me. [as an afterthought,] Part of me still believes that I’m supposed to be hurt. [back to normal dialogue,] I’d feel smothered, like this is your living space and not mine at all, if I couldn’t solve this myself. But modeling calm could help a lot.

Lorian (thinking from the other room): Okay.

Panel 7: Lothric closing his eyes and focusing on breathing and trying to relax.

Lorian (thinking from the other room): And this is [underlined] your living space. You can break things and make messes. That’s part of life.

Lothric: Yea. Just please know that I never do it out of disrespect. I know you like everything orderly. I’ll throw out the soda can too.

Lorian (thinking, with inner conflict): S...Soda cans go in the recyclin-

Lothric (thinking, cutting him off): Never change, asshole.

[annun-londo]

#20

Differing ideas

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

9 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: Yhorm is holding his phone to his face.

Yhorm (in stylized capital letters, a pattern that will continue for his dialogue): Ohh. [an empty speech balloon]. Lothric, forgive me, I thought we were having a different kind of conversation. You did say that it was not a social call. Oh, you are quite good at politeness.

Panel 2: Lothric looks uncomfortable and pensive. He’s shown remembering his mother, Gwynevere, looking down at him cheerfully and pushing up the corners of her mouth to tell him to smile. There are flowers drawn around her to show the attitude she’s modeling. 

Lothric (in small text in a large speech balloon): Okay...

Panel 3: Yhorm is holding his phone to his face.

Yhorm: I do not know what Siegward might have told you about my struggles. In my past life, I was a king. I may have preferences, but it will not destroy me if we do not connect! Has this conversation been uncomfortable for you?

Panel 4: Lothric is sitting on the couch holding his phone to his ear. The scene is zoomed out to make him look small. He’s huddled up with his knees against his chest. The soda can is still on its side on the table next to the couch.

Lothric (in small text in an even larger speech balloon): Yes.

Panel 5: Lothric is holding the phone to his ear. His eyes are wide, but he looks tense, too. The scene is zoomed in so his eyes are the focus of the drawing.

Yhorm (on the phone): Is it our differing ideas of duty? That would stand in the way of a friendship?

Panel 6: Lothric is on the phone. He looks coldly angry.

Lothric: ‘Duty’?? Stab me with a kitchen knife next time. You wish you’d turned yourself in. When your actions align with your highest ideals, you support a cause that obligates me to die. Your closest friend was ready to kill me personally. His other friends are ilk like him. 

Panel 7: Lothric is making a fist in his lap with his right hand. Blood is trickling from it, from his claws digging into his palm.

Lothric: If someone wants you for another [underlined] ritual, go embrace death or not as you please, it doesn’t affect me. There are five thrones for five Lords of Cinder. And I will never [underlined] wear a crown. And there is nothing else about me with which to be friends.

Panel 8: Yhorm is looking at his phone. There’s an empty speech balloon next to him.

Panel 9: Lothric is looking at his bleeding right hand in surprise and alarm, holding the phone away from him. Stars are drawn near his hand to show that it hurts.

Yhorm (on the phone): I understand. Thank you for your honesty.

[annun-londo]

4, 15, and 16? :O

tysm!!!

4. Share 3+ images that give a feel for your novel

Here’s a quick moodboard! [image ID: marble statue, ball python, drawings from the comic, a city at sunset, & a scene with pencils where most are drawing gray boxes & one is drawing a read heart. End ID]. Images are from Pixabay.

The statue is for the energy of the Old Gods. They don’t want to be actively awful to people most of the time, but they do expect to be, you know, a bit above other people, to varying degrees. Which. Hmmmmmm.

It honestly surprised me at first, how often snakes turn up in the story, but then I remembered that snakes in Dark Souls symbolize greed, and now I’m pretending I was intentional about it from the start. There are so many snakes bc a snake can be a reclaimed symbol for healthy self-love.

Ok so the pencil thing sure does have some energy like ok this person is DIFFERENT and NOT LIKE OTHER PEOPLE etc. but this isn’t a scathing abasement of ‘sheeple’ i swear. Lothric’s the guy who wouldn’t be a human sacrifice, even when the whole world expected it from him & tried to pressure him into doing it & was ready & waiting to call him evil & misguided & all kinds of things for not doing it. So he’s going to be that same person everywhere he goes, now that he has legal protection from being seen as a sacrifice. He does his own thing & stays rooted in his own authenticity, even when no one else does the same or wants that from him, even when he’s scared. I rlly look up to Lothric as someone who stands his ground, & I’ve needed more of that in my life tbh to be honest, so I like to write about that.

The sunset city is just the name of the city, & also catches the apocalypse vibe. I read that ‘Anor Londo’ got ‘Anor’ from Tolkien Elvish (’sun’), so I borrow more words from Tolkien Elvish sometimes. ‘Annun’ is ‘sunset.’ ‘Annun Ri,’ the Nameless King’s current title, is ‘Sunset Crown.’

15. Do you know how it ends?

I basically know how the Yhorm arc ends! The Yhorm arc has been important to establish some really basic things about the setting, & how the DS3 storyline translates to this modern AU, & after that I’ll have a lot more freedom to just ‘play’ with it all. Having a space to ‘play’ in is honestly the goal, rather than to develop some long and cohesive plotline where some specific Thing gets accomplished, at which point the story Ends. The next arc, in monster-of-the-week fashion, involves the Curse-Rotted Greatwood, & I’m fucking VIBRATING bc I do have a solid idea for that plot too, and I’m incredibly satisfied with my plans. Lothric does magic, Annun Ri makes an appearance in person, & a very unhappy tree has a really bad day. I can’t wait to draw it & share it. 

I also know about a secret that Annun Ri has, & I’ll develop that as it makes sense to :3c 

This project is almost definitely doomed to be the fanfic that goes and goes & goes & just... stops bc the author got super busy & then bought a new video game & then got a kitten or whatnot & the fic just isn’t a priority anymore. So if I can get to the end of the next arc before that happens I'll be happy! If I get past the next arc, who knows what it will look like. It might even go back to the vibe of the first few comics, just kind of happy chill slice of life stuff, with enough exposition to have plenty of fuel for lots more interactions. 

16. What is the theme?

Hmmm some recurring themes are authenticity, self love, connection, & power and responsibility. And the thing where if you look out for yourself, it’s more helpful to other people & your community than if you minimize all your needs & authenticity, even if you inconvenience or surprise some people throughout the course of it all. I’ve been reading. A lot of self help books lately. lmao

[annun-londo]

#19

Very different 

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

10 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: Lothric is lying on the couch with his right arm hanging down to the floor & his left hand holding his phone to his ear. He looks thoughtful, and what could be tired, from context.

Lothric: (sigh). You know. I think it’s taken me so long to understand you because when the news outlets said that you legitimately wanted to die for the world and saw it as a personal failure that you protected yourself, I was convinced [underlined] they were spinning the story. I was actually disappointed on your behalf. My own narrative is so central to my being that it starts to feel universal.

Panel 2: Yhorm is lying on his back in his bed holding his phone to his face with both hands. His cat is curled up next to his shoulder.

Yhorm (in bold, upper case, stylized speech that’s repeated for his dialogue): Ohhh. When I heard of your choice to defy and escape your role, I thought it a distortion as well. ‘He is afraid,’ I thought. ‘And how natural, to fear death. Do not frame this as a clear-eyed dismissal of a world in need.’

Panel 3: Lothric is holding his phone above him, scrunching his eyes closed, grinning darkly, and shaking with laughter.

Lothric (laughing harshly): Stop. I’m gonna dislocate something.

Panel 4: Yhorm is propped up on his elbow looking at his phone in concern. His cat has scooted away, and it’s chirping urgently and unhappily at him, with its ears back and its back hunched.

Yhorm: What was that. Are you alright?

Lothric (on the phone): Laughter?? Oh please, don’t do this. You know [underlined].

Yhorm: You sounded... scary.

Lothric (on the phone): I am [underlined] scary, motherFUCKER.

Yhorm (small text in a large speech balloon): Oh.

Yhorm: Oh, we are very different, yes.

Panel 5: Lothric is tiredly talking into his phone, relaxed again.

Lothric: Well. I feel very strongly about human sacrifice being wrong. If some Unkindled wants to make a target of either of us? I care about that. But it sounds like Siegward is... actually your friend. And your’e both okay with that somehow. I didn’t call to judge. It’s pretty late. I don’t want to keep you up. Thanks for getting into all of this with a stranger.

Panel 6: Yhorm is sitting up and holding his phone in both hands.

Yhorm: Oh. A Lord of Cinder is no stranger. Lothric, it has been a pleasure. You must call again sometime. It has been a blessing to speak of these things openly.

Panel 7 and 8 are next to each other. Lothric is looking ahead pensively, then he looks away, troubled.

Panel 9: Lothric is lying on the couch and grimacing. The scene is zoomed out more. The soda can on the table by the couch is on its side.

Yhorm (on the phone): Hello? Are you still there?

Panel 10: Lothric is sitting up carefully, with effort. A star is drawn by him to show that it hurts. His bangs cover his eyes, and he looks grim.

Lothric: (grunt) Yhorm. I have no motivation to cause you pain, but I can think of no way to say this that might avoid it. Please excuse my bluntness, but. I don’t expect that I will. Call again. I wish you all the best.

[alecjmarsh]

Novel Prep Asks

With National Novel Writing Month coming up, I know a lot of people are planning their novels. I’m a planster (halfway between a plotter and a pantser) so these asks are aimed at us!  

First Look  1. Describe your novel in 1-2 sentences (elevator pitch) 2. What is your novel’s aesthetic?  3. What other stories inspire your novel? 4. Share 3+ images that give a feel for your novel 

Main Character 5. Who is your protagonist? 6. Who is their closest ally?  7. What do they want more than anything?  8. Why can’t they have it?  9. What do they wrongly believe about themselves?  10. Draw your protagonist! (Or share a description)

Plot Points  11. What is the internal conflict?  12. What is the external conflict? 13. What is the worst thing that could happen to your protagonist? 14. What secret will be revealed that changes the course of the story?  15. Do you know how it ends? 

Bits and Bobs  16. What is the theme?  17. Where is the story set? (Share a description!) 18. Do you have any images or scenes in your mind already?  19. What excited you about this story?  20. Tell us about your usual writing method! 

[annun-londo]

#18

Exchange

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

5 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: The moon in the night sky. The right side of it is partly in shadow.

Panel 2: Lorian is sitting at a table eating dinner and looking at his phone. Scars are visible on his arms, as well as the usual scars on his throat. He’s looking at his phone intently. Dialogue from the comic where Lothric recorded his college lecture is playing:

Lecturer: Hello? Who are you??

Lothric:  H-hello, sir, I’m just here to record the lecture for Lorian, he couldn’t make it...Lorian and anyone else who needs it, really...

Panel 3: Lorian is watching intently. He looks more relaxed now. Squares and light are behind him, the visual shorthand from a previous comic to represent understanding math.

Panel 4: Lorian is facing Lothric, who’s still on the couch talking on the phone. Lothric’s snake is curled around his arm. He’s looking at Lorian appreciatively. He’s also holding his hand in front of his drink, with some urgency, and there’s lettering above him that starts at his arm: I’m not done with my drink yet don’t take it

Lorian: There’s spaghetti in the fridge. I’m going to bed. Do you need me to put the snake back in its cage?

Lothric: (nod nod!)

Panel 5: There’s a closeup of Lorian’s hands taking the snake, a ball python, from Lothric’s hand. The snake is flicking out its tongue.

Lettering above Lorian’s hands: I needed to come closer to make sure you’re alright

Lettering above/around Lothric’s hand: I know. And I’m fine

[annun-londo]

#17

A dear friend

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

A 6 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: Lothric is on the phone. He looks pensive. His snake is coiled around his neck, and its head is going questing behind him.

Lothric (thinking): I had some doubts about whether I was talking to Yhorm or some Unkindled using software to change his voice somehow. I wasn’t going to ask outright... The awkwardness I feel here is so real I’m tempted to make an excuse and hang up. I’m finding it hard to believe someone trying to lure me somewhere would allow that...

Lothric: Yhorm...

Panel 2: Lothric’s expression has softened and shows some measure of genuine warmth. The snake has decided to travel back around.

Lothric: I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable. That was a brisk way to start a conversation with someone I’m connected to. How have you fared these past eight years?

Lothric (thinking): I honestly don’t know that much about Yhorm, but from what I have heard, and from how this conversation has gone, I could believe he’s an earnest and sincere kind of guy. I have no interest in the role of bully. I can do friendly... for now...

Panel 3: Yhorm is holding his phone to his face (a hole, for those not familiar with Dark Souls giants).

Yhorm (in stylized bold speech, all capital letters, a pattern that will be repeated for all of his dialogue): Oh... the matter was... is... urgent, I take no offense. Life has been... strange. And lonely. Resurrection returned life to me, but not my dearest ones. Only one good friend remains.

Panel 4: Lothric looks nervous and is forcing cheer. The snake's head is traveling downward.

Yhorm (on the phone): ...But what can be done? Thank you for hearing my story. I know you are being polite; we need not continue small talk when you are worried for your life.

Lothric: B-both [underlined] of our lives, to be sure!

Yhorm (on the phone): ...True.

Panel 5: Lothric looks sympathetic. He’s petting his snake’s head.

Lothric: That sounds. Impossibly lonely. I can’t imagine. My story - the thing that happened today - isn’t long. I was recording a class lecture for my brother Lorian at Annun Londo Tech. A human Unkindled stopped me after class, introduced himself as Siegward Von... Something, as Siegward, and told me he was your friend and that he wanted us to meet because we have... similar trauma. I said I was busy, and he gave me this number.

Panel 6: Lothric looks startled. The snake is resting its head partway under one of its own coils. 

Lothric: What’s scary [underlined] is -

Yhorm (on the phone): Oh! Siegward! My dear friend! That is so like him, isn’t he wonderful? When I first moved into my new home, he introduced me to all of my neighbors.

Lothric: ...wwwhat.

[annun-londo]

#16

“I”m mean to people”

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

10 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: A giant wooden door with two latches, one at giant-height and one at human-height. There are some bushes to the side as landscaping. 

Panel 2: Yhorm is dressed in a t-shirt and capris. He’s starting to bend down to feed a comparatively tiny cat. He isn’t drawn to completely fit in the panel, his head isn’t visible, to further communicate how big he is. The cat is rubbing against his leg and making excited noises. The floor is messy; there’s a book, some papers, a sock, and a jumbled shirt lying around. The area by the cat food has stray pieces of food all around it, and there are specks here and there to represent various debris.

A cell phone is ringing from off-screen. There’s a speech balloon that just says “?” coming from Yhorm.

Panel 3: Yhorm is holding a phone to his face (for those not familiar with Dark Souls giants, his face is just a hole). 

Yhorm (in huge bold capital letters, a style that will be repeated for his speech throughout the comic): Hello. Yhorm here. Who are you?

Panel 4: Lothric is reclining on his couch surrounded by pillows. His left leg is crossed over his right. There’s an open can of soda on the table nearby. He has his snake in his lap, and he’s talking on the phone. He looks moody and impassive.

Lothric: (Sigh). The coolest [underlined] Lord of Cinder.

Yhorm (through the phone): ...Lothric?

Panel 5: Lothric is holding the phone away from his face a bit and looking at it with a complicated expression, and surprise.

Yhorm (through the phone): Oh, Lothric, this is an honor. I have always meant to reach out. I am finding motivation for so little these days, you must forgive me.

Panel 6: Lothric is talking on the phone, looking ahead darkly, and very seriously.

Lothric: I’m. Flattered. I’m an evil hermit. This isn’t a social call. A human gave me this number. I found out he’s Unkindled and supported our little ritual eight years ago. Naturally, I’m suspicious of anyone who wants the Lords of Cinder in the same place. Have you seen anything lately that’s made you feel unsafe?

Panel 7: Lothric is picking up his snake and moving it backwards before it explores too far.

Panel 8: Yhorm’s cat is curled up against the side of his right foot, purring. More debris and clutter is visible (a stack of dirty plates and silverware and a mug with a tea bag string hanging out of it, a pencil, a crumpled piece of paper).

Panel 9: Lothric looks is smiling tensely and looks uneasy.

Lothric: H-hello?

Yhorm (through the phone) Are you upset with me?

Lothric (thinking, “Oh boy”): OH! Oh, oh, no!

Panel 10: Lothric isl smiling very tensely.

Lothric: I’m compulsively authoritative as a control thing, but let me guess, you’re much more harmony-seeking than competition-seeking, so you’re [underlined] compulsively cordial and expect to see that in others?

Yhorm (through the phone): What [in the bottom corner of a large speech balloon]

Lothric: I’m not upset, I like talking to you

Yhorm (through the phone): Oh! Well thank you.

[annun-londo]

#15

Claws

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

10 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: Lothric is angry and shaking.

Lothric: I recognize people who have tried to kill me in his friend list. It’s like he made friends with every single Unkindled before the ritual was banned. His posts from eight years ago are... I can’t even read them.

Lothric: He followed [underlined] me after class. I even let my guard down during [underlined] class and looked at some memories in the headspace.

Lothric: Now I’m just angry.

Panel 2: Lothric’s hand is resting on the table tensely, and his claws are digging into the table slightly. 

Lothric: I don’t even care [underlined] yet, if he was genuinely, thoughtlessly being friendly, or if he’s one of those people who wants to try the ritual even without Aldrich’s soul and the Yhorm story was bait to try and trap me somewhere and kill me.

Panel 3: Lothric’s hand is pressed against the table, and his claws are digging deep into it.

Lothric: He [underlined] doesn’t decide when I die! I’m a Lord of Cinder! I’m the most powerful Lord of Cinder! I’m a fucking nightmare! 

Lothric: No, I am FURIOUS that I couldn’t just go somewhere in public without rethinking my fundamental foundation of safety. 

Lothric (in a smaller speech balloon): Is that his ‘fault’? Fuck him! This isn’t about him!

Panel 4: Lorian is handing Lothric a pillow, which Lothric accepts. Lorian looks grim. Scars are visible on his arms. Lothric looks really upset, and he’s shaking. His bangs cover his eyes. A computer mouse and keyboard are visible on the table in front of Lothric. There are five dents in the table from where his claws were digging in.

Lorian (in a series of thought balloons): I could get angry too, but that’s a lot to put into our headspace at once. You’re the one people hunted. Feel what you need to. Scream into this pillow, if it he-

Panel 5: Lothric is holding the pillow in his lap with his right hand and scratching five deep gashes into it with his left hand.

Lorian (in thought balloons from off-screen): Oh. Okay.

Panel 6: Lothric is massaging his left wrist with his right hand, and there’s a floating star nearby to indicate pain. He looks moody and angry.

Lothric: I don’t deserve to feel anything I’m feeling right now. I went outside by myself, which is hard for me, to help you, Lorian. Now I’m thinking about existing in a sub-human role to some people.

Panel 7: Lothric is massaging his right hand and wrist with his left hand. There are two floating stars by his right hand, and he’s closing his eyes and grimacing. 

Lothric: Those don’t connect. I didn’t do that. My choices didn’t do that. I don’t take responsibility for it. I’m going to. Get back to the practical matter of safety soon, I just need. A moment to live in a world where human sacrifice is immoral and unthinkable BEFORE an ancient exiled god kicks out the establishment and makes it illegal

Panel 8: Lothric is looking off into the distance with quiet anger on his face. He’s shaking a little and snorting a sigh. There’s a “...” speech balloon by his face.

Panel 9: Lothric is looking down, and his hair is falling across his face. He’s frowning like he’s crying or about to, and he’s shaking more, with more wobbly lines. There’s a “...” speech balloon by his face.

Panel 10: Lothric is holding his face with his right hand and has recently wiped tears from his left eye with his pointer finger. He’s looking off to the side thoughtfully.

Lothric: ...Fuck, though. We don’t know anything about Siegward. If he’s anything more sinister than a friendly guy who wasn’t critical of politics once upon a time... Yhorm could be in trouble.

[annun-londo]

Don’t tell anyone, but...

[Image description: Gwynevere is whispering to Gwyndolin in front of a plain blue background. Text behind them reads, ‘Annun Londo/ The Sunset City.’ Gwyndolin looks curious and invested in the story, and they’re holding a hand to their chin. End description.]

[annun-londo]

#14

Human (unkindled)

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

9 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: Gwynevere is looking at Gwyndolin.

Gwynevere: Yes, I suppose trust in general must be a factor... thanks for the reassurance. -Sigh.- I wish they still lived here [underlined]. We’ve all had our sense of trust shaken, one way or another. I told myself, I’m going to give peace a try, and I haven’t regretted it. We live like gods. We could all [underlined] live like gods.

Panel 2: Gwyndolin is laughing cheerfully.

Gwyndolin: Ha ha! Your Lorian is quite the prideful individualist. Anything he didn’t earn himself must belong to somebody else! I would love to see more of them, but I am not surprised that they left.

Gwynevere (from off-screen): Hmm...I think it’s more than that.

Panel 3: The lower half of Gwynevere’s face is visible.

Gwynevere (small text in a large speech bubble): I think they don’t entirely trust Annun Ri [the name is larger than the rest of the text].

Panel 4: Gwyndolin looks up in surprise.

Gwyndolin: Oh? Our brother!

Gwynevere (from off-screen): Yes.

Gwyndolin: Well, I certainly remember all three of those beautiful big personalities clashing here and there - but do you really think they see him as... as dangerous [underlined]?

Panel 5: Gwynevere is looking down unhappily.

Gwynevere: I don’t... know. I know it bothered a lot [underlined] of people that our brother took power for himself so blatantly, even though things are so much better now than they were when my ex husband was in power. More than that... it’s just a feeling.

Panel 6: Lothric is looking into the distance with his eyes narrowed. He’s wearing a circlet, a necklace, and an outfit with a shawl over it. His hair is less unkempt than usual. Gwynevere is behind him wearing a matching circlet and a solid color shirt or dress. She’s wearing a necklace and a bracelet. She has a drink in her hand, and she’s trying to talk to him, cheerfully. The scene is meant to be a memory, and it’s grayed out a bit.

Gwynevere (in the present): When Lothric was a child, he tried to bring his troubles to me a lot. Usually, I couldn’t help. The thing upsetting him was part of his father’s goals. But I saw him in distress, feeling unsafe. A lot. He’s less of an open book now, of course. And of course we’re meant to relate differently as adults. But I still... Hmm. One time our brother walked past several yards away, and Lothric just got quiet. Studied him until he was out of sight. I tried to ask him about it, and he brushed it off. I want to be there for him. I’m ready to try again. The moment stands out because I think it’s the first time I realized how much has changed. 

Panel 7: Gwynevere and Gwyndolin are facing each other, still talking.

Gwynevere: After that, I noticed that Lothric would grow a little quieter around our brother all the time. I still don’t know what it means.

Gwyndolin: Wow. I have very strong faith in our brother’s character, personally. Very curious.

Panel 8: Lothric is holding his hands to his face, and he looks scared. There are tears in his eyes. He’s shaking. Lorian looks angry, and he’s holding Lothric’s shoulder supportively.

Gwyndolin (in voice-over): Gwynevere, I still keep coming back to, I don’t know what it’s like to be marked for death and hunted by unkindled warriors. Their fears and precautions are shaped by a world I just haven’t experienced.

Panel 9: Siegward’s social media profile is visible. There’s a picture of him (smiling), his name, his birthday (January 3rd), his location (Annun Londo) and his heritage: ‘Human (unkindled).’ His friends list shows the names ‘Anri’ and ‘Horace.’

Gwynevere (in voice-over): Of course. I just wish they’d let me in.

[annun-londo]

#13

Trust

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

8 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: A large snake is seen slithering across a tile floor, flicking out its tongue.

Panel 2: Gwyndolin catches Gwynevere’s attention with a hesitant raised hand. Gwyndolin has 5 snakes instead of legs & is wearing dark clothing: a skirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a shawl/poncho. Gwynevere is wearing a long dress and has a bracelet on her right arm. Her hair is tied back in a bun. She’s sitting on a bench in front of a deck. She’s looking up and holding her phone. She’s drawn with a heavier build than her Dark Souls 1 appearance.

Gwyndolin: Gwynevere, there you are! I - 

Gwyndolin: Is something the matter?

Panel 3: Gwynevere looks tired and disappointed.

Gwynevere: No, no... the shadow will pass, and there is nothing to be done. What is it, Gwyndolin?

Gwyndolin (from off-screen): Well, my matter was not urgent in the least. What troubles you?

Gwynevere considers, then sighs.

Panel 4: Gwynevere continues to look tired and disappointed. Gwyndolin has come to sit next to her on the bench.

Gwynevere: Lothric called today.

Gwyndolin: OH. Was he... upset?

Gwynevere: Oh, no, no! No, he, um. I think he wanted a distraction. Then something happened, he didn’t say what, and he... didn’t want to talk anymore. I don’t think he’s going to call back any time soon.

Gwyndolin: ...Ah.

Panel 5: Gwynevere looks tired and disappointed.

Gwynevere: I... raised him as a sacrifice. I cooperated with that ritual that cursed his soul. I would [underlined] have cooperated with killing him. Oceiros put a lot of pressure on me, but those are my memories, not Lothric’s. I know it will take time to build trust. I know I can’t expect him to want to share his life with me right away. So there’s no point complaining, right?

Panel 6: Gwynevere is steepling her fingers and pressing her face against her hands, with her fingers touching the bridge of her nose. She looks anxious.

Gwynevere: What scares me is that... What scares me isn’t [underlined] that he doesn’t trust me right now, what scares me is that he doesn’t seem to see me as someone he could ever [underlined] trust. What I experience as knocking on his door, he seems to experience as... it’s like he’s watching a fish in an aquarium. Like he already has me sorted into my category, and... and that’s where I’ll live, f-forever. If I knock harder, he’ll spook. If I let him set the pace, he won’t.

Panel 7: Gwyndolin is looking up at Gwynevere supportively.

Gwyndolin: That is a lot to carry. And it is hard to trust in time when we may have so little of it. Neither Lothric nor Lorian have warmed up to me overmuch, though my reserved nature certainly does not speed such things. Maybe you are in a fish bowl; but did they build it for you? Who can say how a life of being used and hunted shapes trust?

Panel 8: Lorian looking ahead (at a computer screen) with skepticism and distaste. Lothric is hunched over looking at what he’s looking at, with his eyes narrowed.

Lorian (thinking): Ugh. Siegward sent me a friend request.

Lothric: Well, go on... accept it and go through his profile to see if he’s a serial killer.

[annun-londo]

#12

Driving home

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

9 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: Lothric is sitting in a car looking ahead nervously. He’s holding his hoodie in his lap, and he’s wearing the v-neck shirt and necklace he was seen wearing before he left. His hair is messy from wearing the hoodie.

Lothric: So... um... did I ruin your life at all? Siegward and the teacher don’t hate you now, do they?

Panel 2: Lorian is driving the car. He looks tired, but not upset.

Lorian (thinking): That teacher’s not the worst there is, but he treats students who are struggling in the class with more suspicion and contempt than I appreciate. 

Lorian (thinking): I don’t lose sleep wondering what he thinks of me.

Lorian (thinking): From what I could read watching through your perspective, I thought Siegward thought well of you.

Lorian (thinking): If anything, you probably just made me more popular with the other students.

Panel 3: Lothric and Lorian are sitting next to each other in the front passenger seat and the driver’s seat of the car, respectively. They’re both wincing, and the word ‘WINCE’ is written above them in large letters.

Panel 4: Lothric’s hand is shown holding out a piece of paper with a phone number written on it, visible as (###) ###-####.

Lothric: I wonder if this is really Yhorm’s number. What would Siegward have suggested if I hadn’t been so cold? It was like he was ready to drive me out of the city, almost.

Lothric: There are people out there who still think I should sacrifice myself, to give the rest of the world more of a guarantee that they’ll survive that apocalypse thing. I see them post thoughts like that online.

Panel 5: Lothric is steepling his fingers and pressing his face between his hands, with his fingertips touching the bridge of his nose. He looks frustrated.

Lothric: The social pressure to be agreeable is powerful; I’m [underlined] not immune, and I’m evil. It’s scary how natural it would have felt to just... [the last few words are hanging ominously outside of the speech balloon]

Lothric: I hate that I even have to worry about that.

Lothric: The sick fucks of the world owe the golden retriever people of the world an apology.

Lorian (in a thought balloon from off-screen): Mm Hmm.

Panel 6: Lothric looks surprised, and he’s digging around in his pocket.

Lothric: OH. I should text Mom.

Panel 7: Lothric is using the phone. He sends a text that reads, “Hi! Sorry. Everything’s fine.” Then he says, “Ok. There.”

Panel 8: Lorian gives Lothric a look. There’s a speech balloon with “...” next to his head.

Panel 9: Lothric looks up at Lorian defensively and innocently.

Lothric: ????

He sends a text that reads, “Love you.”

Lothric: ?????

[annun-londo]

#11

Stay safe

[Premise] 🔆 [Please read before reblogging] 🔆 Transcript below the cut

8 panel black and white pen drawing comic:

Panel 1: Siegward is putting out his hands reassuringly.

Siegward: N-not to worry, my friend. It moves me to see your care over the quality of support you could give, but please do not think of it as all-or-nothing! I thought to reach out simply because I saw someone who had gone through a similar hardship. Perhaps we could arrange a conversation? You can never have too many connections!

Panel 2: Lothric has a hand over his face. Siegward is holding out a piece of paper with something scribbled on it, looking hopeful.

Lothric: I [underlined] can.

Siegward: Well. I didn’t approach you to cause you distress, and I see that you like your privacy. Would you at least take Yhorm’s number and consider [underlined] reaching out?

Panel 3: Lothric is looking at the piece of paper dubiously.

Lothric: (Sigh). And he doesn’t mind you giving this out to strangers?

Siegward (from off-screen): I am not so sure he will think of you [underlined] as a ‘stranger.’

Lothric: How do you know I won’t just be mean to him, too?

Siegward: But you won’t, will you?

Lothric: Ohh that’s pressure. Don’t like that.

Panel 4: Siegward is waving goodbye and looking over his shoulder. He looks friendly.

Siegward: That was a very kind gesture you showed in class. I did not know that you and your brother were struggling; I must say, you both hide it well. Don’t worry about Yhorm if it’s an effort you can’t spare, of course. Perhaps I’ll say hello to your brother on Monday. Have a good one!

Panel 5: Lothric is watching him go, looking exhausted.

Lothric (thinking): Did he follow me because he thought I was... friendly?

Lothric: Yeah ok. Next time you need to talk, don’t [underlined] follow me, just talk to Lorian in class! Bye. Stay... safe.

Lothric (thinking): Fuck. No. Too personal.

Panel 6: A view of Lothric’s hand holding his phone. The words “Call Mom back” are repeated behind it, as a background.

Panel 7: Lothric is holding his phone up to look at it and closing his eyes, looking overwhelmed. It’s indicated that he has 11 new messages. The words “Call Mom back” are repeated behind his head, but this time much closer together, sometimes overlapping.

Panel 8: Lothric is huddled in his chair with his knees pulled up to his chest, his hood up, his head bowed into his lap, his arms folded across his knees, and his hands inside his sleeves. He’s moved the feathers from his teleport miracle under the chair. Lorian has finally arrived. He’s reaching out a hand to touch the arm rest of the chair.

[annun-londo]

‘Cover’ art

[Image description: Lothric, Lorian, Yhorm, and Siegward are interacting in front of a plain brown background. Text behind them reads ‘Annun Londo/ The Sunset City.’ Text in the lower right corner reads ‘drawn by Tav.’ Siegward is cheerfully running towards Lothric and reaching out his hand to shake. Lothric is shying away defensively and frowning. He’s also holding a snake. Behind Lothric, Lorian is looking up from some papers to frown protectively at the situation. Behind Siegward, Yhorm is sitting hunched up, looking contemplative. End description.]