Maric stayed next to Nimue on the ground as she wept, letting her cry into his chest freely. No matter what he said, it did not seem to comfort her which caused his heart to ache. It tormented him to see her like this.<br/>When Layla finally arrived, Maric gently lifted Nimue up and onto her back, handling the woman like she was a fragile and precious gem. Though he hated flying himself, the knight climbed aboard and sat himself behind Nimue, wrapping his arms around her waist in a tender embrace. After signaling Layla that they were ready, the dragon took off to where he guessed Avalon was. He couldn't really tell what direction they were headed as his eyes were squeezed shut.<br/>To distract himself from thinking about how high they were, Maric turned his thoughts to other things. He may not be able to work as an official paladin now, but he could technically still work like one. He'd just do odd jobs protecting people and defending justice how he could and accept whatever they could pay him. It would basically be the same as what he did now, but without payment from the guild. There was the chance though that they may not kick him out. After all, it was only the one particular religion that was wanting him gone now. Most of those in the guild didn't even have that particular patron.<br/>But how could he continue to work as a man at arms? Doing so would mean putting his life on the line while Nimue stayed safely wherever she may be. He did not wish to put her through losing another spouse in that manner. It could break her heart, and the poor woman had already been through so much. Maric considered a few other things he could possibly do instead. He could become a smith, as he knew of a few simple smithing techniques. Or a tutor. That often paid well and he was well learned. Maybe he could go back to his roots and start a farm with Nimue. Sell his house and other belonging he had no need for in the city, buy some land out in the country and build a house. Perhaps buy some workhorses and hire some farmhands. They would still have plenty of money left over, and with the size of the farm he could afford have a very good income. They could have a long and wonderful life together. He could put down his weapons of war and never have to pick them up again. They could be safe. Happy.