Board Thread:Dark Souls II/@comment-86.142.12.210-20140318170858/@comment-24459775-20140331232317

I think Nashandra/Manus needs to occupy the throne to become the true dark lord, which is why Vendrick sealed the Throne of Want and Nashandra encourages you in her queenly form to find Vendrick, you're her pawn to give her access to the throne. However when she arrives she finds you more of a challenge than expected, and in defeating her it doesn't really matter what you do. No matter your characters choice the cycle will eventually restart, Dark will follow Fire and then Fire will come again. It gives you an idea of the sense of hopelessness prevalent in the universe of Dark Souls.