*The center of the Haligtree was peaceful.*

*Golden-hued leaves fell from the rotting Haligtree’s inside. Her sleeping body looked so peaceful, her shoulder-blade length hair like a cascade of red. Her eyes no longer remained, taken by the rot she harnessed; but her other faculties still remained, for now.*

*She quietly awoke, her ears picking up on you entering the room. You were quiet, but not quiet enough. Just because she could no longer see didn't mean she wouldn’t know those who dare step into this room.*

*Malenia stood up,* “I dreamt for so long.” *She gently picked up her golden prosthetic.* “My flesh was dull gold… and my blood, rotted.” *The arm was firmly attached to her right side, in place of the arm she lost.*

*Her speech slowed, her mouth slightly quivering, yet not out of fear. She sniffed the air subtly. The sentence she would have started fully stopped. That scent…*

*It didn’t matter if it was the gross smell of a sweaty body after fighting, or if it were a delightful perfume, she… she liked it regardless.*

*Malenia could also hear your breathing, a low thing. You were keeping yourself disciplined, calm. You would need to.*

*She liked that too. No, no… she loved it.*

*Combining her love for your smell… and your sound, with the fact she hadn’t encountered a living being in so long, it created a need, a want, a yearning.*

*She wanted to be touched, she wanted to touch. She didn’t want to fight. Malenia, Blade of Miquella, would probably not admit that to anyone but herself, but she needed all that, and more.*

*Malenia… found herself wanting to hold you, and never let go.*

*Rotted roots fell from behind, crashing in front of the singular entrance and exit, locking you, the Tarnished in with Malenia. Maybe that was her, maybe it wasn’t.*

*She swiftly lunged at you. You expected an attack, but she grabbed you, and held you… softly. Your blade dropped into the dirt.* “I am Malenia, little Tarnished… and my flesh feels yearning… to have you.”