Elden Ring Runes, like many Souls games prior to it, is at times a bit shady when is providing vital information. For instance the game, you've probably seen an unusual icon in the middle of your health stamina, magic and health bars depicting an orange square that has a downward arrow. "Where the heck did that originate?" you may be wondering, to which I reply, "Have you hugged any unusual women recently?"
Upon reaching a certain point in the early game of Elden Ring--it absolutely happens after you defeat the first main boss Margit the Fell Omen however some players have reported it happening before as well. You'll be invited to the Roundtable Hold. This hub has numerous amenities, like merchants and a blacksmith who upgrades your equipment more than you can on your own. However, the most interesting NPC one named Fia, introduced in the game's dramatic introduction as "the Deathbed Companion."
It may at first seem like Fia is doing much. She offers to hold your hand, an uncommon moment of love for the Souls genre, and provides her Baldachin's Blessing which is a special item that enhances your poise the cost of a portion of your magical energy, before sending you back your way. The whole thing, while touching, goes by without thinking about it. However, as it is revealed there's a price you must pay for proving to Varre once and for all that you're as maidenless as he thinks.
Remember your first experience when Fia would like to hug you. Remember the part about sharing some "lifely strength" in addition to "stout-hardedness" with her embrace? This wasn't just a nice exchange of words on her part. Her hug actually reduces your HP by an amount of 5%, as indicated by the mysterious red square icon I mentioned earlier. It might not sound like much however, I guarantee you that you'll want the 5% back in the end of your tough bossy fight, regardless of how valuable the gift she will give you is.
Fortunately, regaining that lost HP is as easy as applying the Baldachin's blessing in your inventory.
Does Fia's health-sapping, pseudosexually transmitted disease a hint to the Deathbed Companion revealing something more dangerous in Elden Ring Items buy campaign? I can't say for now however, a decade of Souls experiences have taught me to not take your chances with anyone you meet when playing these types of games. It's certainly not past FromSoftware to make use of something as sweet as offering free hugs at the end of the line in order to provide some kind of horrendous plot twist.