The terrors of war had not changed; the effects could still be felt in the air. Valaria, formally part of Valeal from a few years back, now wanted their independence. The war to keep their territory was known to most, but they were also fighting within their own nation. Two noble armies were at each other’s necks for control of this nation as rulers. The third, much smaller army was the one of Sir Elric Grey. He was the one who desired a republic over the monarchy. Rightfully so, Nyirr was one of his supporters although he was not directly involved with this mess. He couldn’t do much until the Tower would allow him to do so or that he would do it against the rules. It was a decision he pondered for years now, and maybe this day was when he would turn and take a stand for what he believes.

The small group of four had been in Vespar for just over a week, responding to the Tower’s demand to rid Valaria’s capital of the feral mages making trouble for the near lawless place. They accomplished what was asked with swift efficiency, although it seems that the numbers were going down ever so lightly. It was clear that these places where war was springing, these people took pleasure in getting away with whatever they could. Now, they had to leave the place as it seemed too dangerous to stay there with their presence being known in the city. Nyirr had gathered near the exit, horseless. He had asked for his friends to show up ready to leave as soon as the sun rose on the horizon.

The Behemoth of a man was waiting for their arrival; stand right near the gates of Vespar. He bared his weaponry and his armor of the Tower, yet had not taken up his traveling pack or brought his horse. As soon as the three came in sight, Nyirr smiled lightly, approaching with a light foot. He could already tell that they were confused on why he wasn’t ready to leave. He came forth before them as they waited to hear what Nyirr had to say.

[b]“Well, my friends, I believe this is where our roads will now separate. I will be staying here to aid Sir Elric Grey.”[/b] He said with a calm, deep voice. Saying those words meant many things and not all good ones.[b] “I would request something of you all. I would ask if you would stay and do the same. I do not expect you to accept this as I know the consequences of this act.”[/b] He didn’t give off that he was forcing them to. It would be a shame for Nyirr to go into this without having his friends of the Tower by his side. Yet, he knew that they would probably depart.

[b]"Excommunication,"[/b] Sir Lazerous responded near instantly while Nitia and Vednusdi shot each other a confused glance. Nyirr kept his head high as Lazerous spoke of the fate that awaited him. There was a pause of silence before Sir Lazerous leaned forward in his saddle and gave Nyirr a somber look, [b]"Nyirr, I know you've been troubled by this, I could see it in your eyes at the mentioning of Valaria, and since we've crossed the border your anguish has become more apparent, but the Tower is your home. You're a great guardian and a better man, but the Archmage's won't show leniency: You will be excommunicated. Don't throw it all away for another war."[/b]

He pondered the thought a second, let his words sink in.[b] “The Tower will always be my home… But I can’t watch this nation fall. My family is in a constant threat and something needs to be done.”[/b] He responded to him.[b] “I have my duties with the Magi and will carry them through even if they decide to excommunicate me. They might give up on me for doing this, but I will not give up on them. I wish the Tower was more open to these cases, but those are the rules.”[/b]

[b]"I wish they were more open as well son,"[/b] Sir Lazerous acknowledged as he leaned forward. He gave Nyirr a firm shake of the hand and a small nod, [b]"You stay safe,"[/b] were his farewell words. The smile on Nyirrs face grew a little wider to the answer of Sir Lazerous. [b]“You too.” [/b]Nyirr answered back. Sir Lazerous beckoned Nitia and Vednusdi to the gate.[b] "Come on, we've got a ways to go yet before we're home."[/b] Vednusdi kicked his horse into motion and began to follow Sir Lazerous out

Nyirr glanced over to Ved who followed up behind the old mage, but Nitia had not moved from her position. Was she considering his offer? Her voice halted the men’s movement.[b] "I'm staying as well,"[/b] Nitia declared, meeting a stern look from Sir Lazerous as she dismounted.

[b]"War is not a trifling thing child; get back on your horse."[/b]

Nitia only proceeded to remove her saddlebags from her mount,[b] "As far as I know this is the first time in history people have been given a chance to rule themselves. No king, no nobles... just equals,"[/b] Nitia locked eyes with Nyirr who nodded to her, then looked back to Sir Lazerous,[b]" that's something I'll fight for, and I'll regret this forever if I leave. It's a genuine chance to serve people in a greater way."[/b] Nyirr understood exactly how she felt. Sir Lazerous looked to Nyirr for his reaction.

He turned and faced Sir Lazerous as he spoke[b] “I was but a child when they sent me to war with Malfear. If she has the will and determination, she will push through.” [/b]He said softly, adding a few comforting notes. [b]“I will take care of her. It is, after all, my duty as a Warden of the Magi to protect the mage I tutor.”[/b] His eyes shifted over to the young man he had trained for the past few years. [b]“Continue your training as usual Vednusdi. Have Rendal Terzeroth take over my role. He is another veteran of the war that will train you like I do. You will become a great Guardian, I am sure of it.”[/b]

The young man smiled lightly and nodded to his former mentor. Sir Lazerous too had nothing but a smile to answer back to the two who were staying behind. And so, with those final words, they left. Nyirr waved as the two men left for the road back to the Tower. Although he felt a little disapointment in their departure, it was for the best of those two that they were leaving. Vednusdi was still young and had a lot to learn from the mages of the Tower. Nitia, on the otherhand, needed to put her knowledge to practice. What better way to do this than to assist Sir Elric Grey in securing the capital. And so, as they left view, he turned to Nitia and approached her.[b]''I am happy you have decided to stay... I have to say that I am sorry if the Tower excommunicates you, but I believe this situation demands our help.'' [/b]

[b]"I believe the same as well, otherwise I wouldn't have stayed,"[/b] she replied with a playful smile. Nyirr started marching forth; back towards the Inn they had stayed. He took the reins of Nitia's horse and signaled her to follow. She followed up behind, not too far.

[b]''We get my equipment and then we are going to meet Sir Elric. I hope you are ready for what is to come Nitia.''[/b] Nyirr said. When he spoke of what was to come, a more unsettled look crossed Nitia’s face. [b]"I think so, but I'm nervous." [/b]Nyirr turned his head back to answer back to her. [b]“Being nervous is a good sign.”[/b]

[b]"I can't believe i've left the tower," [/b]she finished with a small laugh, as if the reality of what she had done was slowly sinking in. That reality had hit Nyirr in a different way. He didn’t think they had left, but simply become independent from them. He would still honor their rules outside of those walls. His smile stayed as they marched forth. [b]“You decided to follow what your soul tells you Nitia. Even if the towers expulses us from their walls, we shall continue following their doctrine.”[/b] It may be complicated to do so, but Valaria was a nation in need of stability. Hopefully, Sir Elric will be bolstered to have a Guardian and a Mage by his side, encourage him to push as far as he could.

The duo walked over to Inn and Nyirr made quick work in gathering his supplies and gear. He considered meeting Sir Elric with robes, but arriving in his Warden armor would carry a stronger message. And so, he attached the scabbard of his blade and the holster for Dawn Breaker to his belt. Sheating the blade away, he also attached his shield to the strap on his back and made sure he had everything he needed.

He came back out, Nitia having put the horse away for the time being. If they needed any, they could procure themselves other ones. The two then set of to go meet Sir Elric. Nyirr had asked around the soldiers still walking the grounds to know where he was. Some were surprised to see him, the Great Guardian of the Tower back in his lands… And most had been thrilled to see it being so. One of them pointed towards the walls, suggesting he was probably overseeing the forces outside the walls. Thanking them for their help, he walked off to go see the man.

It was remarkably easy to find the noble man as he was coming down the stairs of the wall. It had been a long time… Last he’s seen him was probably a little after the war against Malfear. He was a great man, courageous at that. He knew what he was doing, he knew what the people wanted. Their funding and numbers were low, but that’s because of the nobles fighting over for the place did not want a republic to be formed. 

Nyirr expression grew warm a gentle as he heard his name. He strode over casually towards him. [b]‘’Yes, Sir Elric. But I am not of the tower for the time being. My comrade Nitia and I are here to reinforce the People’s army.’’[/b] He came forward and stopped in front of the main, his hand coming up to exchange a firm handshake. [b]‘’I worried about this nation that is collapsing under this war… And your measures are the most reasonable there are.’’ [/b]

He turned and lifted his arm towards the young woman with him. [b]‘’This is lady Nitia, a Mage that has been under my protection and tutoring the past few years. She too wishes to see change in these grim lands.’’[/b] He beckoned Lady Nitia to come forward and present herself formally with him.[b] ‘’I personally thought that our mere presence would be enough to inspire your soldiers to rise and fight and make those beyond the walls rethink their game.’’[/b]