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Okay... I know that most of you will probably be disappointed that it's not more turians coming your way but this is how it is. I haven't been in the writing mood much since I last posted on here and with real life issues knocking at the door it's been hard to force myself to do anything smart or creative. This little story here was written completely one a whim and inspired by a good friend of mine.

I just love Dark Souls. And Solaire, as I imagine the case is for many others, is my absolute favorite so this, essentially being a self-indulgent self-insert, is written in first person, so that's something to keep in mind.

Either way, please don't hit me too hard. I needed to do this and I really wanted to, so here it is!
Hope you enjoy.

Edit: I don't know what I was thinking before but I have now fixed some of the more glaring mistakes here and there. Sorry about that.

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Seeking The Sun

“Ah, hello! You don't look Hollow, far from it! I am Solaire of Astora, an adherent of the Lord of Sunlight.
Now that I am Undead, I have come to this great land, the birthplace of Lord Gwyn, to seek my very own sun!”
…
“Do you find that strange? Well, you should!”
…
“No need to hide your reaction. I get that look all the time!”
“Hah hah hah!”



I still remember our first meeting with stunning clarity. I had kept quiet, not from the lack of wish to talk, no… Hardly. I had simply been too confused at the time. A chance to escape the Undead Asylum, the struggles I endured right after, my first death, another one following very shortly and the sheer shock of it all...

Back then meeting a person who was neither dismissive nor hostile was simply too unexpected. Moreover, I didn’t have much I could really say at the time anyway. Even still, Solaire was quite willing to chat despite my temporary inability to do so. He even went so far as to give me a gift, a white sign soapstone' he called. He mentioned it would allow me to engage in ‘Jolly Cooperation’ if I had ever found myself in need of help.



But another chance meeting happened before I really had the time to figure out this peculiar gift of his. Up on the roof of the Undead Church as we fought off the gargoyles neither of us really had any time for idle chit-chat.

Before we even had a chance to speak however, we were forced to part ways once more. I realized of course, even back then, that he had saved me. I’m sure that were it not for him… I’d have gone hollow ages ago. Not just because of his help in that fought either. Ever since meeting him I’ve felt this urge, this… force driving me forward despite all of the hardships I’ve faced. I kept going, if only for a chance to meet him just one more time.

At the very least I wanted to thank him.



Now however... Things were a bit more complicated. I had just found another one of these bonfires in Anor Londo a little while ago but then I got sloppy. Two silver knights managed to corner me in some sort of cellar with barely enough Estus left in my flask to sustain myself and even that ran out faster than I expected. In pure desperation I grabbed the closest thing to an Estus Flask I could find -- a glowing bottle stood which stood among some others on a nearby shelf. I don't know why I ever thought it would work but knowing that each death brought me one step closer to insanity I would try anything to avoid it, the worst thing that could happen is that I'd find myself waking up at the last bonfire I rested at anyway... Or so I thought.

Almost immediately I felt dizzy but that barely lasted a couple of seconds. A silver sword pierced through my chest easily rupturing my insides. Mere moments later my body collapsed onto the floor, lifeless, as my consciousness faded into nothingness yet another time.



When I came to, I felt the familiar warmth of the bonfire. My eyes still closed, I internally chastised myself for getting caught out like this, I had to be better than that. With great effort I willed my newly reformed body to move. Just like always I started with simple movements.

With each death came an unnatural numbness throughout my entire body, one I could never quite overcome right away. Slowly I raised my hand up to my face and gave my forehead a rub before I attempted opening my eyes.

There was still a mild blur at the edges of my vision but right away I sensed that something was… off. Before I could figure out what the issue was though a deep rumbling sound pierced the warm soothing silence of the room. With a quick twist of my head I turned to its source and felt a pulse of shock run down my spine, an unsettling shiver.

It was… Solaire. But there was a problem, the difference being glaringly obvious yet still utterly astonishing -- he was absolutely massive in comparison to me. From the spot I occupied I could very clearly see just how much he towered over me. He was laid down on his side, sleeping by the bonfire, his peaceful snoring echoing across the single safe room in this hostile place. Even still, I found myself utterly puny in comparison to him as well as everything else in the room. As my eyes traced his arm to his hand, slightly outstretched in my general direction, I saw that I was barely even taller than his wrist.

His fingers twitched slightly in his sleep, making me flinch as the reality of my predicament dawned on me. There’s no way I would be able to move forward like this. Immediately, as I to complement that sobering thought, my mind came up with the gruesome picture of my body being effortlessly squashed under the heavy metal boots of one of those silver knights and ground into the floor with sickening dedication until there was nothing left of me but a tiny stain on the floor.

My hand slid upwards away from my forehead and within my hair as I desperately tried to take this all in. It had to have been that potion, I reasoned as I followed Solaire’s body with my gaze, all the way down to his feet. I was a little surprised to find his boots taken off and put aside, soft-looking wooly socks adorning his feet instead. Despite the situation I found myself breaking a small smile, somehow he looked cute, especially as his legs, much like his hand, twitched slightly in his sleep every once in a while. It was when I realized I was just happy to see him again, even if the circumstances were troubling. Perhaps I could find some way to gain his attention. I was sure he’d help me out.

He was, however, sleeping and I doubt that I could wake him up even if tried. And what's more important I had not the heart to disturb him, I knew he needed rest so I decided to simply wait it out instead, I could try to get his attention when he'd wake up.

So I sat down by the bonfire, a reasonable distance away from it anyway. It was more akin to a gigantic pillar of fire from my new perspective so I had to exercise caution.

Some time had passed as I sat there, thinking what to do. My mind struggled to come up with something but drew a blank. I sighed lowering my head in defeat before looking right back up and glancing at Solaire. The bright light of the flames reflected off of his armor, flashes of red and orange were dancing gracefully along the edges and curves of the metal plates. The symbol of the sun, one of his distinguishing features, was strewn across his chest as the finish touch of this scene.

I let out a relaxed sigh and moments later the corners of my mouth turned up in a gentle smile. Of course I knew I was still in trouble but sitting by one of the bonfires would always make me feel at ease. And with Solaire resting so close by… I simply couldn’t help myself.

Suddenly I felt a slight chill and shivered. A gust of wind blew by, probably Through the gap under the door. I wasn’t sure if it was my puny stature that made me so susceptible to it but I hardly cared as my first instinct was to get somewhere warmer. I rose up from the floor and looked around for somewhere to move to. I could try moving closer to the flames but somehow that idea just didn’t quite seem safe enough. A moment more and my gaze settled on Solaire. Maybe I could probably cuddle up against his chest? No... that wasn’t a good solution either, if he turned over in his sleep I’d just find myself dying again. The rest of his armor suit, mostly hard metal plates, seemed even less inviting.

It was then that my gazed happened upon his socked feet again. It wasn’t my first thought, but it could certainly work, still a risk but… those socks looked so soft and fluffy. I pictured myself lying down on top of one of them, much like on one of the luxurious beds I’d seen earlier. After a moment’s hesitation I made my mind up and stepped forward. In a just few seconds I was standing right in front of the socks. Solaire hummed in his sleep, his toes curling and uncurling slightly as if to invite me to cuddle up.

I hesitated again… This was an odd, even somewhat disgraceful position to put myself in after all. But after thinking about a little, I found that it didn’t really worry me as much. I had only seen Solaire twice before that but I already respected him more than anyone I'd met here. And frankly, I actually found myself drawn to his feet even as their soft yet distinct musky scent wafted over me.

A couple more steps and I reached my hand forward, touching the slightly damp surface of the sock, patting it. It shifted a little at my miniscule touch. Settling myself down beside Solaire’s foot I pressed myself against his sock, the warmth radiating from it was just enough to keep me cozy. The knight himself, of course, did not notice me in his sleep.

I lowered myself down on the floor beside the sock. I pressed my back against and let out an exhausted sigh before closing my eyes. I felt a lot more comfortable now, I had to admit. It was warm, soft and the occasional movement coming from Solaire made my new resting spot even better.

And so there I was… incredibly tiny and tucked against Solaire's socks as he breathed evenly in his sleep. The fluffy wool I was cuddling against reminded me of the time back before I was taken to the Undead Asylum, back when I had something to live for. It felt strange... so far this moment alone brought me more joy than my entire journey had up to that post.

Slowly I closed my eyes and yawned. I wondered if maybe I could sleep for a while too? And with that thought, before I even knew it I was sound asleep.



Some time had passed as the two of us slept. When I woke up it was from a sensation of something pushing me. I heard a yawn and opened my eyes. It was Solaire. He had just woken up and seemed to be stretching his arms and legs effectively pushing me along the floor in the process.

“Oh.” The knight seemed to realize there was something next to his foot as his gaze settled on me. To his credit, he didn’t seem shocked by the realization that this something was actually a human. “And so we meet again.” He said, his voice fond as I could almost ‘hear’ the smile in his voice. “You seem to have found yourself in quite the predicament, have you not?” He asked, carefully pulling his feet away and instead moving his hand closer as if to invite me onto it. “I do wonder though, what is it that made you so small?” He tilted his head slightly as he brought me closer to his face.

I noticed that he didn’t seem too surprised by this, though it could just be that he wasn’t showing. Solaire was a good man, but an odd one as well, I had to admit. Either way, I did not see it as a reason to worry. It couldn’t have been him, who placed that potion there could it? And even if it was, he’d have now way of knowing I’d ever find it, much less pay attention to it or drink it.

I had just managed o settle in his hand, sitting down with my legs crossed, and the question put me off a little as I shivered.

“I…” I hesitated, a little afraid to seem like a fool but I had to be honest with Solaire, I owed him that much. “I was cornered.” I admitted. “I had no more Estus left within my flask and in my desperation I ended up grabbing the closest similar thing and gulping it down.” I let out a bit of a sigh as I looked up at Solaire. His face was still hidden behind his helmet and the inside, as viewed through the eye slits, seemed dark. I did not mind that. “It seems foolish now but I had seconds to decide at the time. So that is how it happened.”

He rubbed his helmet at the spot where his chin was. “I see.” A short moment of silence fell over the room before he spoke again. “Do not concern yourself with this, every one of us makes mistakes at times.” The kind man reasoned, managing to cheer me up. “If you allow it, I would be glad to assist you.” He offered.

“Y-you would?” I asked, clasping my hands together. This was, after all, what I wanted to ask of him.

“Of course.” He nodded. “You have proved yourself a formidable ally. I’d be honored to help you out in the time of need.”

He really was an amazing person, wasn’t he? So willing to help, so cheerful, even in the face of all the horrors that he faced on his quest. “Solaire… Thank you.” I smiled. “Thank you so much.” I said reaching my arms around one of his fingers and giving it a hug.

“Oh dear me.” He seemed a little caught off guard by this, but unable to really do much about it as he didn’t want to hurt me on accident. I was, rather fragile at that moment, after all. “Think nothing of it, really.”

Realizing that I may have expressed myself a little bit thoughtlessly, I let go and sat down in his grasp once more. “Sorry about that.” I apologized before continuing. “But really, thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“There is no need to thank me. I am simply doing what any warrior of sunlight would do.”

“But…. But that’s exactly it!” I exclaimed quickly standing up in his palm, the leathery surface indenting slightly under my weight. “Ever since meeting you, I admired your kindness, your optimism and your dedication. You were… a ray of sunlight for me in this dark land. You gave hope… And the will to keep going forward.” I smiled up at the man. “That is why this means so much to me. Because… Because you are the one who offered me help when I need it most, because that means I could… stay with you for a while.”

“You really are fond of me, aren’t you? If I didn’t know any better I’d think you have feelings for me. Oh no, dear me, pretend you didn’t hear that. Hah hah hah.” He laughed again. I could feel the slight shaking as he did, being situated in his hand.

I let out a short laugh of my own as I sat back down in his hand. “I guess I actually do.” I admitted. “I don’t think that the nature of my appreciation is romantic, but I do admire you and I find myself feeling at ease around you, Solaire.”

He seemed to hesitate a moment before bringing me a little closer to his face. “I have to say your words truly flatter me, my friend. May I ask your name though? I don’t believe you’ve mentioned it at all.”

“I apologize for that, I was still getting my bearings in this kingdom, I was far too confused and found difficulty speaking. I’m Markus. Markus Veller.” I responded with a respectful bow. “And it is a pleasure to meet you, Solaire.”

“Likewise, my little friend.” The knight said with nod before recoiling in sudden realization. “Oh, forgive me, I did not mean to offend.”

“Oh do not worry about such trivial a thing.” I tried to reassure the man. “If anything, I somewhat enjoy my new… perspective on things. Even being held in your hand it… a strange, but pleasing experience. Of course things would be much different if you weren’t here but as fate would have it, you are.” I lowered my head in respect again. “And for that I am immensely grateful.”

“I’m glad I am.” He responded giving a slight nod. “I’d hate for you to be stuck here all by yourself. Hah hah hah.” He laughed again and I found myself feeling even better about the whole situation I got myself into. With Solaire around, I could find a reason to keep going even if I’m stuck like this forever.

“I do have to ask though…” He spoke up again, thoughtfully resting his hand on his chin. “Why was it that you ended up next to my feet? I can’t imagine the smell is so pleasant. Hah hah hah.”

“I… felt a little cold and I simply thought that this was the best option.” I gave him a genuine smile. “And I don’t mind the smell.” I added with a chuckle. “It’s not all that bad.”

“Hmm… I see.” He nodded in understanding.

“A-and actually I’ve quite enjoyed it.” I added.

“You have?” He seemed to be rather surprised by this as he moved his hand away from his chin and focused on me instead.

I nodded firmly in response.

“Oh dear me, you are serious aren’t you?”

“I apologize if I’ve been… too invasive.” I looked away slightly ashamed. “I did not mean to be a bother.”

“Ah, do not worry. I simply find it unusual. I did not expect that your admiration would make you willing to rest down at my feet. But I actually find this dedication quite flattering. Hah hah hah.”

“Oh.” I breathed out in relief. “Goodness me, and here I thought you might find this strange.”

“A lot of people find me strange. But that’s hardly a reason to worry, now is it? Hah hah hah.”

“That’s actually a fair point.” I nodded.

“You don’t seem to mind my oddities, so why would I mind yours?”

“You are correct. But does that mean you wouldn’t mind if I asked…”

“To be placed back at my feet, little one?” Solaire asked, seemingly quite pleased with himself when he noticed the slight blush lighting my cheeks. “I would not. Go right ahead, if you wish.” He let out a slight chuckle as he carefully lowered his hand back towards the floor. He really was quite perceptive, wasn’t he?

I hopped off and headed towards his feet at a reasonably fast pace. “Thank you, Solaire.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

I nodded in response and came up to his socked foot again, giving it tight hug, another thing I wanted to do when I finally saw the sunlight warrior again. And being this small hugging his foot seemed like a reasonable substitute. “Are you sure, you’re okay with this?” I asked just to make sure, backing off for a moment.

“Quite.” He responded simply before moving his feet in my direction again, pushing them up against me.

Taking his wordless offer I hugged his socked foot with renewed resolve and proceeded to push my cheek against it, nuzzle it… Solaire… I was just so happy to be next to him… I wasn’t just willing to spend my time at his feet, I actively craved it and he seemed to be very much of aware of that and, in fact, actively embraced it.

“It is still amusing.” He remarked, gently curling his toes and brushing the top of my head with them. “I doubt many would wish to be at my feet, much less rest near them as you did.”

I chuckled nuzzling u p against the toes as they ruffled my hair, those soft wooly socks making it all so much more pleasant. “I really do admire you, you know? You… you gave me hope when I needed it most.”

“It… It may seem trivial to you but… Our meeting meant the world to me, Solaire.” I closed my eyes leaning against his socked sole, he seemed to have already taken note of my fondness as he moved the other one closer, effectively ‘hugging’ me back, I couldn’t be more grateful. “This whole time, I’ve been moving forward just to see you again.” I couldn’t help myself as I leaned in closer to one of the soft wooly walls that pressed on me and took a deep audible whiff.

“Oh?” He seemed a little confused.

“Your kindness… willingness to help, your attitude… They sparked something within me, something I wasn’t sure I had anymore -- the desire to live, to advance.” I held out a pause as he kept looking at me. “You spoke of the sun, of its brilliance but… Without even meaning to, you have become a shining beacon of hope for me, Solaire, my very own sun.”

“You flatter me, truly.” He responded modestly, even though he seemed quite pleased with praise. “I am glad I was able to assist.”

“You did more than that.” I nodded. “And, even though I can’t do much at this size I would like to repay you somehow. Would you perhaps want a footrub? It is not nearly enough to repay you for what you’ve done for me bur it’s a start, is it not?”

“I am unsure if there is a reason for you to do such a disgraceful thing for my sake, but if you truly don’t mind, who am I to decline your kindness? Hah hah hah!” Solaire concluded before sliding his feet apart and letting me roam a little between them.

I took that as my sign to start as I put both of my hands on his large sole and began carefully and methodically massaging it. It didn’t seem to have any effect at first, but eventually I heard a slight pleased hum coming from the sunlight warrior prompting me to keep going. He was leaning against wall as I kept working, little by little rubbing more and more of his sole.

“I do not mean to be ungrateful but…” He spoke up after a little while. “Would you be against me taking my socks off? They’re a little thick; I can barely feel your tiny hands.”

“Not at all.” I responded.

“You have my thanks.” He said as he moved his feet away from me for a moment, taking his socks off, one after another and placing him next to his boots before sliding his now-bare feet right in front of me.

I approached them once more and put my hand on one to feel it. It was still warm from within the sock and just a little clammy. Solaire let out a quiet chuckle at the touch.

“I sincerely appreciate your dedication, my petite friend.” He said as I got back to work, my tiny hands rubbing against the warm flesh of his enormous feet, his toes wiggling just above as he observed my actions from way up above. A moment passed and he realized something. “Oh, forgive me. I seem to have done it again.”

I let out a short chuckle of my own. “Like I said, there’s no need to apologize. I actually… liked that.” I admitted. “Petite friend.” I repeated before giving his warm bare sole another nuzzle, putting my hands on the ball of it and moving them circular motions.

“You are certainly an unusual one.” Solaire stated again. “But I do appreciate your presence. It has been getting a little lonely on my quest.”

“Just as I appreciate yours, Solaire. And actually…” I stopped working for a moment. “Would you mind if I… joined you?” I asked.

“I did intend to help you, of course. But are you saying you wish to travel with me?” He asked, seeming a little bit surprised.

“Yeah.” I exclaimed as a smile spread across my face, at this point it didn’t even bother me that I was down at the man’s feet, rubbing and nuzzling what essentially was the lowliest, dirtiest part of his body. It even felt humbling somehow. I felt dedicated, I felt like I finally belonged somewhere. “I’m not good for much at this size but maybe I could help you relax with these foot massages now and then? I wouldn’t even mind if we never find a way to get me back to normal so long as I’m with you.”

“Dear me, that is very selfless of you.” He pointed out as he slid his feet away for a moment and instead moved his whole self closer.

“I just want to help you out like you helped me, Solaire. I enjoy your presence, I enjoy spending time with you. I realized that much in the time since our last encounter.”

“Well…” He paused and then gave a nod. “If that is the case, I would be happy to take you with me, little Markus. And, of course, I will do what I can to help you regain your stature, you have my word.” He reached a single finger down for a ‘handshake’ or something akin to it.

I happily reached my own hand for the massive digit and shook it. “Thank you, Solaire, for allowing this, for giving me a purpose again. I will do everything in my power to help you.”

“As will I, little Markus.” He assured before lowering his palm down for me to get on. “Hop on now, I think it’s high time we finally got moving.” Without so much as a word I did exactly that, climbing onto his warm palm. The leathery seat of it indent ever-so-slightly under my puny weight again as Solaire moving carefully positioning it over a small satchel hanging from his torso. “Do you suppose you can settle in here quite fine?” He asked.

“Sure thing!” I said getting off of his welcoming hand and into the satchel. I found it surprisingly comfortable in there. Some piece of cloth stored within it made for a rather comfortable resting spot and I could just look out over the edge of the satchel at my height. “This spot is perfect.”

“Splendid.” Solaire nodded and in a couple of moments his socks and boots were back on his feet as he took one last look at the bonfire before standing up. “I do hope I will make for a good companion. Hah hah hah.” He laughed as he moved onwards.

“You already have… My glorious sun.” I bowed my head slightly to show my respect and appreciation one more time. “You already have…” I whispered, Solaire’s finger giving me a light pat before the two of us set out on our journey. Together.