[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/MViak7v.png[/img][/center]


There was no motion of acknowledgement, no word spoken. Saber moved. The further unnecessary commands that were given lost to the gale that was left reeling in the wake of Saber’s unrestrained passage roared out like a beast, torn apart by the man and left clinging to the memory of his presence. 

“Don’t worry about me, don’t think about it.” The words were almost greeted later by Saber’s mind with an amused scoff. There was no need to say that to him of all people. Among heroes there are those who are the greatest at slaying evil, those who are the greatest at bringing wisdom and blessings to their people, those who bring ruin to nations, those who would twist destiny and fate, those who would break gods and mountains in their wake.

His legend was more human and humble, ironically so perhaps with the grand stature and appearance it gave him. It was a story, short and small, yet it gave the chance for the greatest tale of all to grow. It was not by his hand that the sapling grew to become the tree that spread across and became synonymous with the world, with man. He was not the seat of divinity and authority to which all the world flowed towards. He was not the blessed progenitor who planted the seed, who also planted all the rights and blessings of the emperor. 

Yes, he was a momentary shield, like a transient snowflake. He was not the only protector of Roma but it was the brightest most important detail to his life. Even as a blade he was the Scutum. Although it was likely that a class such as Shielder would suit him better and fulfill his role as the protector even greater. Bringing not just the inspiring figure of the lion, but also bringing forth into form the mentality of one who was courage, and the virtue itself.

But that was an irrelevance. He was not the first, he was not the last. But it was most definitely thanks to him that the sapling in its cradle was not uprooted. With pride he beared his scars even as they brought pain and lameness. Ah, this body, this damaged body was proof of the survival of Roma. 

There was one attribute he claimed without equal among men, and that was to be a protector. So long as Saber exists then Roma is safe, so long as Saber exists so too will his master be under his protection. Perhaps there are gods, those who reached heaven, or were extinguished that could rival or exceed him. But among normal men, among those who counted themselves as mere mortals and heroes he would fulfill that one duty better than all of them.

If that was the case… why was there no hesitation in leaving his master? His attribute was to protect his master, not to be a dutiful hound who obeyed like a hero of charity. He was the one who protected without fear, and he was the shield of his master. The notion that so long he existed his master was safe was not one born of a boast, or an allegory for his unwavering drive and courage that would not compromise. So long as he existed his protection extended to his Master. No matter what time or space separated them he would be able to be her shield. It was because of that ability that he had no fear in leaving her. For even if he was not by her side his body would bear all for her. There was no need to hesitate, no reason to worry. Not about her, not for him. The river was already gone from sight when he finally allowed himself a moment to respond through their link.

“Survive? Even if I am not the one who walks by the side of your sister there’s hardly a need to ask me to do so. I am the shield who lives to see the glory that awaits at the beginning of the end. Ah, if we are making requests however…”

Faster, faster, faster. Unrestrained by the limits of humans in his own body, nor restrained by the burden of man in the form of his master, freed completely to enact the illusion and relic of the past, the speed exceeded the travel of the modern world even with him not being the swiftest of servants.

He was fast, fast as he could ever be. But would it be enough? He had no fear for his master, but he wondered if he would arrive in time to protect his ally. But whatever adversity awaited him at the manor his path was clear, unchanging.

“Trust in me. There is no need to worry, for I am here.”

A Nation was not simply a land, a nation is not simply the lives of the humans within. It is the whole, the culture, the convictions, the dreams and virtues of a people. To protect a nation is to protect their values, lives, property and way of life. It is to hold it sacred and to prevent it from being despoiled and stained.

He would protect his master, and leave her to grow without blemish. As a master, as a magus, as a human. 

No matter the opposition that awaited him…

He simply need work towards that one task.