Mira's Father Figure

Greetings, adventurers.

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A couple times, I've gone into my paladin Mira's backstory: village attacked by goblins, orphaned, raised by a church to become a Paladin. But today, I wanted to shed some light on Mira's hero and her real father figure:

Hejib Underbrook

Hejib Underbook is an Aasimar Paladin that helps run Terramore's biggest church/school for religious warriors. From a young age, he knew he was destined for great things, having the DNA of the gods and the resilience of humans. He dedicated his life to serving his ancestors and teaching the next generation to serve them as well.

During his time as Senior Paladin, he would lead a group of knights across the landscape of Avandria, saving lost souls and vanquishing evil in the name of the church. Of course, Hejib preferred to bless the gods themselves for their victory, but Terramore was very proud of their faith.

One day, his group had gotten word that a nearby farming village in Oceanfare was under attack, and Hejib and his men swiftly galloped to the rescue. By the time they'd arrived, the houses and fields were already set ablaze and falling apart, but they still had a job to do. Left and right, they swung their blades and brandished their terrifying lances, taking down goblin fiends by the dozen. It wasn't long before the minions began to retreat, and the men began to celebrate their victory.

However, with Hejib's sensitive ears, he heard the cry of a small child, and a sudden wave of premonition took over him. Without hesitation, he sprinted towards the sound and, just as he suspected, a huge hobgoblin was about to kill a small girl who was curiously attempting to wield a greatsword.

Hejib slayed the beast, the blood splashing against his flawless suit of armor and spattering on his face. He sighed from exertion, stabbing his sword into the earth so he could rest. But he eventually noticed that the little girl was clinging to his leg, crying softly. That same wave of connection filled Hejib's heart and he crouched down to give the girl a smile and a hug. "It's over now," he whispered. "You're safe."

The group of knights helped the surviving villagers give the rites to the dead and bury them, then help them rebuild in any way they could. They were there for almost two days, so soon a messenger was sent by the church to question why they were taking so long. Begrudgingly, Hejib began preparations to leave, and his men did the same...

...and the same little girl came marching up to Hejib, wearing a tiny backpack and a kitchen knife. She pointed at the paladins' horses, looking grim, or as grim as an eight-year-old can look. "I want to go with you."

Hejib stopped in his tracks, shocked at the sudden request. With a tentative smile, he responded, "Ah, no no, child. You need to stay here." Once more, that electrifying feeling of connection zapped him at his very core, but he tried his best to ignore it. The girl shook her head, pointing at the horses again.

"I want to go with you. My family is dead. Take me with you." Her voice was starting to lose its confidence bit by bit.

Hejib looked at her, eyebrow cocked and lips pursed as he pondered her offer. Something told him that if he didn't take her, he would regret it; but she was so small and fragile. Terramore was no place for her.

Finally, Hejib knelt down to her level, smiling gently. "You know what? I think you're right. But I must warn you, little one. Where I'm going is not safe and it will be very hard to live there. Do you understand?"

The girl sucked in her bottom lip to stop it trembling, scrunched up her eyebrows, and nodded curtly.

Hejib's smile widened. "Then...I'd be glad to take you with me." He held out his large, gloved hand and she grabbed it with her tiny, pale hand. As Hejib stood up straight and lifted her onto his white stallion, he asked her, "What's your name, child?"

And as he watched her, sitting on that horse with reigns in hand, grinning with only half her teeth, he couldn't help but look amazed as she responded. "I'm Mira. Mira Kulenov."

Happy Father's Day

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All art is credited. Below are the links in order.

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