Shaded Woods #1

After beating Lost Sinner I got a Fragrant Branch of Yore which cures petrification. I could only think of two human statues I could use it on, the one blocking the way in Majula and the one in the cells in the Lost Bastille. The former seemed of greater importance and I had literally no other path open to me (that I'm aware of).

The woman you revive is a pyromancy student who'll come in handy later when I feel the need to mix my attack up a bit. Upon opening the gate the's blocking I was immediately besieged by poison-inflicting mutants, so Souls! A quick death and on with the rest of the area which has the pleasant title: Shaded Woods (sounds like a nice spot for a picnic?).

The area is infested with more of the poison mutants who go down fairly easily as long as you don't get surrounded. I soon came to a crossroads, and mercifully a bonfire. One of the 3 ways was shrouded in an ominous white fog so I decided to leave that. One of the other paths leads to a Flexile Sentry mini boss who's protecting a Dragonslayer Crescent Axe and an excellent looking shield. Unfortunately the axe isn't all that powerful but it does do lightning damage.

Following that you arrive in the Shrine of Winter and come to a door which refuses you entry (needs large souls or something). The other path leads to another entrance which also demands a prerequisite for entry (Kings seal). Which just leaves the path through the fog which is littered with bloodstains...