Nowaru

Evening had fallen. The bright light of the campfire illuminated a group of warriors sitting silently around it. The silence was broken only by moans of pain emanating from a nearby tent. Most of those present tried to ignore what was happening, spending their time on the evening meal or offering silent prayers. However, for the young girl sitting with her knees hugged to her chest, this was difficult.
- Tirza, it's better not to think about it, - one of the warriors approached her. He looked to be about forty years old. A black beard streaked with gray, thick eyebrows, and a scar running across half his face gave the man a formidable appearance, - He is far from the first victim of this war, and certainly not the last.
- You say that in a tone as if Johan won't survive, - the girl answered barely audibly.
The man sighed heavily and shook his head, then sat down next to Tirza and embraced her fatherly. She did not resist and only tiredly lowered her head onto the warrior's shoulder.
- You must understand yourself that no one survives after such a thing. The best we can do is bring justice to other heretics so that no one else perishes. Let the memory of fallen comrades serve as motivation for you.
- I'm not even sure if we ourselves will survive this war. Recently, too many in our detachment have died. And some of them I've known since childhood.
- In my life, I have been in many situations, and believe me, it could have been worse. In my youth, I also often thought that it was the end for me. But look at me—here I am, alive and well. Everything will work out; their sacrifices were not in vain.
- But Elon, you yourself said when you first met us that the command had completely lost its mind sending green recruits to the front lines.
- Yes, I did say that, - the warrior sighed heavily, - but you are managing better than I expected. Even despite recent events.
- Thank you, I feel better now, - the girl said slightly louder than usual, - you would have made a good father.
- You are already like children to me, - Elon smiled faintly, - why bother having my own.
- Thanks again, - Tirza smiled back, - perhaps I'll even manage to sleep.
- That would be quite timely; tomorrow another difficult day awaits us.

Although Tirza managed to fall asleep, the sleep was restless and quite short. At night she was tormented by dreams of fallen comrades, and at dawn she, along with other sleepy and exhausted soldiers, was summoned for some urgent matter.
- Sal has disappeared somewhere, - Elon explained, - and apparently, he's been gone since yesterday evening.
- A deserter? - one of the warriors asked, barely suppressing a yawn.
- Let's not jump to conclusions, Gideon. Right now, the main thing is to find Sal. Scouts reported that they found fresh tracks leading to the site of yesterday's battle. You, Tirza, Obed, and Abraham will come with me; the rest stay in camp.
- Yes sir! - the warriors responded in chorus. The remnants of sleep were blown away as if by a wind.
Despite this, not all members of the detachment were eager to go on the search. Gideon, for instance, as soon as Elon turned away, grumbled something about his unwillingness to return to that god-forsaken little village.
After brief preparations, the group set out following the tracks found by the scouts. They traveled to the village in silence; few had any desire to be distracted by conversation in the current situation. Even Elon was completely focused on the mission, not looking back to encourage the warriors.
Finally, the warriors reached the abandoned village. Half-rotten houses ready to collapse at any moment brought only thoughts of death to the soldiers. It was hard even to imagine that life once flourished in this place resembling a cemetery. The situation was not improved by the bloodstains remaining on the grass, reminding them of the recent battle. It was easy to understand why none of the soldiers expressed a desire to make camp in such a place.
- Now we split up, - Elon broke the silence, - inspect every building. Even if we don't find Sal here, there might be some clues inside.
No one contested the order, and the warriors silently dispersed. Only Tirza lingered for a moment to look back at the commander. He responded with an encouraging nod, after which he himself began inspecting the village.
Unlike her comrades, who decided to start their inspection with the nearest buildings, Tirza preferred to inspect the village from the other end. Her first choice fell upon a relatively intact shed on the outskirts of the village. By a twist of fate, this choice proved correct, as soon as a most curious sight appeared before her eyes: sitting next to a wounded orc woman, Sal was methodically treating her injuries. Tirza didn't know how to react—what was happening was clearly the result of some black magic. Hoping that this would help save her comrade, she decided to quietly approach the pair and then quickly close the distance to the sorceress. But the girl's plans were not meant to be, as a treacherous creak of the boards gave away her presence to Sal. To Tirza's even greater shock and amazement, the fugitive's face reflected not the mindless determination of a person under black magic, but fear.
- I can explain, - the youth muttered fearfully, - don't make hasty decisions, I beg you.
The confused girl had no idea what to answer, so she only nodded distractedly in response. She did not want to raise her weapon against a comrade.
- Thank you, - Sal sighed with relief, - it's good that I can rely on you. You see, Drega... the wounded orc woman... she is just like us. It may be hard to believe, but it's true.
Still in a state of shock, Tirza remained silent again.
- She is also a soldier fighting for her homeland... - the deserter continued; one could notice droplets of sweat trickling down his forehead, - just a soldier, not a monster as we were taught. A soldier... oh, how hard it can be to express thoughts... she also lost comrades. To them, we look the same as they do to us, but... but we don't even take prisoners from their people.
The youth swallowed nervously, awaiting Tirza's reaction.
- And... and what next? - the girl asked confusedly; it was now hard for her too to express her thoughts with her friend, - What are you going to do?
- I... we... intend to escape, - notes of confidence appeared in Sal's voice, - I can't do this anymore. I am losing friends for nothing. I am killing people for nothing. This is not saving the locals, Tirza; we lost many comrades pursuing retreating detachments... and that is not what I want from life. And I know that you share my emotions, so I suggest you run away with us... or at least, I hope you will let me and Drega escape. You could take my talisman as proof of my death...
Still digesting the flood of information that had fallen upon her, the girl took a deep breath. Almost immediately after, with a sharp movement, she tore the infamous amulet from Sal's neck. He was right about Tirza sharing his feelings. He was right that she also didn't want such a life. However, she could not force herself to leave her comrades. These were the closest people to her; without them, only loneliness awaited her. And she did not want to impose herself on Sal and his new acquaintance, Drega.
The girl's reflections were interrupted by a strange reaction from Sal, who for some reason became suddenly frightened and tried to shield Drega behind himself. To Tirza's horror, in the next second, a crossbow bolt pierced the youth's throat and, choking on blood, the failed fugitive slid to the floor. Soon a similar fate befell the wounded orc woman.
- Tirza, are you okay?! - Elon's voice sounded from behind. Now it was strange for the girl to hear concern in the voice of a man who had just cold-bloodedly shot his former comrade. And now she wanted to escape even more.
Coming closer, the man shook Tirza by the shoulders.
- Are you unharmed? Did they immobilize you with some black magic?
- Yes, - the girl barely found the strength to answer, - fortunately, they didn't have time to harm me.
- Thank God! - Elon exclaimed, hugging Tirza tightly. She used this opportunity to inconspicuously hide Sal's talisman in her pocket.
Soon the commander came to his senses and let the girl go.
- I think it's better for you to leave this place. I will order that the bodies of the traitor and the non-human be burned.
Without saying a word in response, Tirza left the shed and set off along the path leading back to camp. Now she wanted to be as far away from this village as possible. Even more so, she wanted to be far from Elon, who now inspired not confidence, but fear in her heart. Therefore, halfway there, she intentionally turned off the usual path.

Over the past few days, Tirza had regretted more than once that she hadn't taken supplies with her. She had to feed on berries, risking poisoning, and drink stream water. She comforted herself with the fact that such an impulsive escape gave her a head start over Elon's detachment. The girl wasn't even sure if they were still looking for her. Moreover, she hoped her former comrades had abandoned the search. A second comfort for Tirza was that she had finally made it out of the forest and onto a beaten road. Here she could finally meet someone rational. Rational and, preferably, not a fellow countryman.
To great regret, throughout the entire day, Tirza didn't encounter a single soul on the road, and night was already falling. But the girl continued to move forward, ignoring the rumbling in her stomach. And after a couple of hours, luck smiled upon her—she saw smoke from a campfire in the distance. Disregarding all caution, Tirza quickened her pace to reach the source of the smoke as soon as possible.
The fire that attracted Tirza's attention, as it turned out when she approached at a sufficient distance, belonged to a detachment of Elulu-Suen warriors. The Elulu-Suen warriors, in turn, found that the ragged woman watching them was dressed in armor with symbols of the Kalevrit faith. Contrary to the ragged woman's fears, they did not shoot her, although some of them aimed their weapons at her. Instead, a man stepped out from the crowd—a detachment commander judging by his uniform—and asked a simple question:
- Deserter? – the accent revealed the commander to be a Nozenrot.
Tirza tried to answer, but her parched throat was barely capable of making sounds. Therefore, instead of a normal answer, she silently nodded.
- In that case, you are coming with us, - the commander signaled the warriors and two of them, separating from the group, stood by the girl's right and left shoulders. The Nozenrot himself took the lead of the procession and led the formed group to the largest of the tents.
Inside, the commander offered her to sit on an improvised stool in the form of a barrel and handed her a flask of water. He sat on a barrel opposite her and, waiting for the girl to finish drinking the water greedily, spoke:
- I have a business proposal for you, Miss Deserter. It consists of this: you tell me all the information you know about your detachment and renounce your Kalevrit nonsense in favor of the teaching of Elulu-Suen. In return, you will be sent to our nearest city, where you will have a chance to become a full member of our happy society. In case of refusal, my mages will pull the information out of you anyway, but you can only count on the fate of a wretched Tresy.
The Nozenrot expressed his "proposal" with a polite smile on his face. In another situation, it could even have been called sincere.
- Sounds like an ultimatum, - Tirza answered dryly. She had neither the strength nor the desire to seem polite. However, she had a desire to start life with a clean slate. A desire to start life with a clean slate and resentment toward Elon. Therefore, feeling Sal's talisman in her pocket, she continued, - but it suits me.
- It is a pleasure doing business with you, Miss Deserter.


Several years have passed since Tirza's betrayal. The events she experienced, coupled with the acceptance of the teaching of Elulu-Suen and its trials, significantly influenced her perception of the world. She spent most of this time in Elutan, deepening her understanding of Elulu-Suen and honing her mastery of the sword. Except for participating in military campaigns, she left the city only once a year. She visited the place of Sal's death. And this year was no exception.
The abandoned village still resembled a cemetery, only there were more and more surviving buildings with each passing year. Walking through it, Tirza relived the events of that day. But with every visit, the pain from these memories was increasingly replaced by gratitude to Sal for opening her eyes. All this was familiar to her and no longer caused surprise. What did cause her surprise was the appearance of a new ruin in the village. A ruin clutching a two-handed sword in its hands and having a black, gray-streaked beard.
- Rumors reached me that some woman appears in this village every year, - Elon shouted to Tirza, - and appears, characteristically, on the same day when one little brat ran away from us!
- And rumors reached me that you were killed. One shouldn't believe everything they hear.
- Eh, - the man sighed heavily, - I really did perceive you as a daughter. Although I didn't think you would act this way. It happens that it seems to you that you know a person, but in reality, they turn out to be a monster.
- I cannot disagree; I have known such a person myself.
- But today I will correct my mistake, Tirza. I will kill the monster that I failed to recognize several years ago.
- We have much in common, - the warrior smirked, - I will also correct one mistake today. I will kill the monster whom I considered dead for several years.
With a wild roar, Elon, two-hander at the ready, rushed toward Tirza. However, it cost the woman nothing to parry the warrior's strike with her sword and then deliver a counterstrike. Not expecting this, Elon lost his balance and crashed to the ground.
- You are weak, old, and live in a world of illusions, - Tirza pronounced triumphantly, driving her sword under the warrior's rib, - oh, and you would have been a terrible father.
- And my breath smells, what a pity, - he answered, suppressing the pain, - but you are worse than me. You are a small, cowardly traitor, unable to accept harsh reality and be content with little.
- You are wrong, - the warrior shook her head, - I have accepted this reality. And I realized why many of my comrades died. The world is simply arranged so that only worthy people, having ambition and strength for self-improvement, can claim the full same of life. All others are doomed to failure if luck does not smile upon them. Neither I nor my fallen comrades realized this, nor did we have particular ambitions. They fell, but I was lucky, and I was able to see the truth.
- Do you hear yourself? They are heroes, true heroes. They died for the good of our homeland!
- Exactly, they didn't die for what I wan... - Tirza didn't have time to finish her phrase; convulsions went through her entire body and, unable to resist the pain, the warrior fell on all fours. When she next turned her head toward Elon, he could notice striking changes in the appearance of his foster daughter: her eyes glowed yellow, her skin acquired a gray tint, and a pair of small horns graced her forehead.
- Good Lord! - Elon exclaimed, - I didn't think I'd ever see a human turn into a non-human! This is the essence of your faith, Tirza, to walk the path of sin, casting aside everything human...
- Shut up, - standing on her feet, the woman growled. Picking up her sword from the ground, she brought it to her face to see the reflection.
- Do you see what you've become?
- I see, - Tirza answered in a calmer tone, - I am on the right path. Gray skin, a pair of horns, yellow eyes. So what? Many non-humans live longer than you. Especially longer than you.
Gripping her sword more comfortably, the warrior headed toward Elon with unambiguous intention. He, it seemed, had already accepted his fate and only prayed quietly.

After the events that occurred, Tirza concluded that if she planned to continue self-improving, she needed to get beyond the borders of Teios. For the goal of her first journey, she chose Illinar, a country that is the main opponent of Teios and the homeland of some Namhani.

Nationality: Kalevritia (The cost of talents in the "Paladin" branch is reduced by one.)
Religion: Elulu-Suen
Origin Bonus: Elutan (Parrying Mastery: while holding a weapon, the character is able to parry enemy strikes and shots. REQ: Reflection)
Characteristics:
Strength - 40
Endurance - 50
Agility - 5
Perception - 29
Consciousness - 11
Magic - 3
Skills:
Knight

Armor Proficiency
Movement penalty in heavy armor is reduced from three to six. (1)
Tank
All resists except neutral damage +20% (2)
Two-Handed Weapons

Two-Handed Weapon Technique
Penalty when using two-handed weapons is neutralized. (1)
Harbinger of Death
Strength=+% ACC
Strength=+% DMG (2)
Concussion
Strength-15=chance to paralyze the opponent with each strike. (1)
Paladin

Fanaticism
+2 attacks (one-handed/polearm weapons), +1 attack (two-handed weapon), +5 MOV.
Style (3)
Righteousness
Paladin restores 15% health every turn (1)
Suen

Reflection
If the warrior has a weapon in hand, they can reflect a spell directed at them back to an enemy of their choice.
1. ACC*2 against SP.
2. ACC against dodge. (3)
Parrying Mastery
If the warrior has a weapon in hand, they can parry a strike or shot directed at them.
REQ: Reflection ✓
Inventory:
Two-handed sword of the Elulu-Suen paladin - Tirza's weapon closely resembles similar weapons of Kalevrit paladins, however, the symbolism of the Kalevrit faith is replaced by the symbolism of Elulu-Suen.
Armor of the Elulu-Suen paladin - like the sword, this armor resembles equipment used by Kalevrit paladins, with very obvious differences.
Old talisman - a reminder of the catalyst for Tirza's rebirth, once belonged to a soldier named Sal.
Travel bag - includes everything necessary for a traveler, including their savings.

Remember I promised you a neutral? In short, when I started writing, it turned out that I wouldn't be able to keep the promise. I wrote some of the scenes not as I originally planned. Two-fifths of the planned quest were cut entirely, and those showed Tirza's life in Teios and her Nozenrot friend. Not to mention Hugen's cameo, an Assarian cutting off heads with a spoon, and the demonstration of more positive qualities of the fallen paladin? In short, I cut out all the best parts and left all the crap. You're very welcome.
P.S. Tirza has no wings, despite the picture.