Meeting Veythar

I reopened my eyes and was met with nothing but pure white. Sitting up, I looked around and saw the same thing in every direction.

"Hello?" I called out, "Is anyone there?" I didn't get a reply, and I didn't hear my voice echo back. I got to my feet, although I struggled because of my injury. I limped around momentarily, trying to see if I could reach the end of the void, but I was unsuccessful.

"Welcome, Zarek," A rich yet deep voice said behind me. I turned around as fast as I could to see another Nyoran, standing just three feet away from me. He surprisingly had white fur, just like me, with shockingly multicolored eyes, ranging from red, yellow, green, ocean blue, and light blue.

"Who are you?" I asked him. "I am the Guardian of Balance. I ensure that there is peace and balance in the land of Tenoria." He told me. Shocked by what he said, I just stood there speechless. "But for the sake of simplicity," he continued, "you can call me Veythar." I finally regained my composure, " Look ... Veythar," I said to him, "sorry if I seem skeptical, but how do I know you're this ... 'Guardian of Balance'?"

He just smiled, shook his hand, and extended his hand to me. I reached out my hand, and after hesitating for a moment, took his hand. A warm light started to emit from Veythar's palm, and I saw and felt it spread from my hand to my whole body.

Shocked, I let go and took several steps back. "I can see you're already testing out your leg." He said to me, still smiling. Confused, I looked at my leg and saw that the Corruption's marks had faded, and the pain that they gave me was gone.

"H-How did you do that?" I stammered, at a loss for words. "I told you; I am the Guardian of Balance." He replied calmly, "I can cleanse the Corruption and remove any signs of it. But I am leaving these marks as a sign for others that you are The One."

I was shocked, and I ended up just standing there, staring. "I know it's a lot for you to take in," Veythar said, noticing my shock, "I'll give you a moment to regain your composure." I took full advantage of that time, taking deep breaths to try and calm myself down. After finally calming down, I asked "If you can cleanse the Corruption, why haven't you done so already?"

Veythar's smile faded, "Because as a Guardian, it's my job to watch over, and as a Guardian, I don't interfere." He replied.

"Why not?" I fired back.

"Because I will not use this power that I have to govern and rule over Tenoria." He answered, a hint of anger in his voice, "I will always give the people of Tenoria a flawed freedom rather than a flawless slavery."

I noticed his sensitivity to the subject, so I decided to change the subject. "Earlier, you said that I was 'The One', what do you mean by that?" He didn't answer immediately, seeming to ponder for a moment before saying, "What I mean is that you have been chosen to be a ... representative for the Guardians."

"A representative? What is that supposed to mean? And what do you mean that I was chosen? Why did you choose me?" I said, asking him questions quicker than he could answer.

"Patience, Zarek, all will be revealed in time," he said to me, "but there are things that cannot wait. Now, when you wake up, tell Kaida that you must travel to the city of Elyria to meet with the Elemental Nobles."

"Who are the Elemental Nobles?" I asked him, "They are the leaders of their respective Realm." he replied, "They hold onto the hope of a prophecy that we gave to them, and it's time for them to learn that it's being fulfilled." I was confused, "There's a prophecy?" Veythar nodded, "Yes, the other Guardians told them many years ago, and they have patiently waited for you to arrive."

I wanted to ask more about the prophecy, but I decided against it and instead asked, "What if Kaida questions me? What do I tell her?"

"If she questions you, tell her 'Veythar told me that I must meet them'. You cannot tell her anything of our conversation, especialy that I am the Guardian of Balance. Only after you tell the Elemental Nobles can you tell anyone else."

I gave a nod of understanding, "Are there things as 'The One' that I need to know?" Veythar shook his head, "All you need to know will be told to you at Elyria, but there is one thing that cannot wait." He said, his tone sounding almost … concerned. "What is it?" I asked him.

"The darkness is aware of your presence."

"What?! How?!" I said, almost yelling at him.

"Calm down, there is no need to shout." He said, before continuing. "When it attacked you at the Duskmire, it felt that you were different, how you resisted its corruption. It does not know that you are The One yet, but right now it sees you as a threat, one that must be dealt with."

"What am I supposed to do?" I said, almost panicking.

"Get to Elyria as fast as possible, you'll be safe there." He said as he took a step closer and extended his hand towards me once again. And once again I took his hand, and another warm glow emitted from his hand and spread throughout my body.

"I'll see you soon, Zarek." That was the last thing he said to me before my vision went dark.