Paladin Hearts

Chapter 1 Zuripata

Hey I’m Zuripata, recently fallen angel, and boy do I have a story for you. And before you go off trying to guess what type of story it is. It’s a love story. I know “Uhhg, another love story” But this isn’t your normal love story, so just stick with me for a bit.

    First let’s get some background info down on our main character. Me! I was one of Sarenrae’s warrior angels. Things have changed since then. But my job back then as a warrior was to fight whenever called upon by my boss. So whenever one of Boss’s followers pray for help she sends one of us to go handle it. And since followers of Sarenrae believe in redemption and healing rarely are prayers a call to battle. And that ment there is never much need for me. Though I did come of need at one point.

    Our story starts here in the clouds of Narlock particularly above the continent of Hizok at my home. I was tending to the rain clouds as usual when Rayoth, my boss’s messenger, came to me with a scroll. And not any scroll a mission scroll. Finally! My first actual mission! I hastefully opened the scroll and read it.

Dear Zuripata,

    My newest paladin is in the heat of battle with a group of his compatriots and needs immediate help in the “Caves of Chaos.”

The Dawnflower,

    Sarenrae

    I squealed running back inside my home, my wings bursting from my back as I start to armor up and ready for battle.

    Once battle ready I set up my transportation sigil and in a matter of seconds I found myself in front of an injured adult red dragon with most of an adventuring party out cold at its claws. I didn’t hesitate to draw my greatsword from my back as the dragon roared in my face. I smirked dodging a bite with ease as I strike at its belly decimating that section of scales. Then out of the corner of my eye I see a minotaur rushing the dragon wielding dual axes howling out a war-cry. I heard the loud clash of metal on scales and then the sound of the dragon crying out in pain before it took off in flight. With that I shot up into the air along with it. Its tail flicked my direction almost whipping me from the air. Barely I caught my wits about me before I raised my sword and planted it directly between the dragon’s eyes. It let out a horrific screech drowning me in smoke and both the dragon and I fell to the ground.

    The fall took the wind out of me leaving me coughing and gasping for air. Suddenly the sound of hurried hoof-steps echoed through the cavern as the minotaur rushed to my aid. He reached a hand out and helped me to my feet, “Ma’m are you okay. You fell quite a ways.” His voice was deep and coarse but genuine and caring too. I took a moment to study him. He wore a symbol of Sarenrae around his thick neck along with studded leather armor, and an axe at each hip. His entirety was thick, muscular, and scarred like he had worked every day of his life, his coal black fur was mused from the fight, his iron nose ring stained with soot. When I looked into his eyes, his chocolate brown eyes, a calmness fell over me.

    A moment passed, “ I’m so sorry how rude of me. My name is Vatru-Kiba, but you may call me whatever your holiness desires.”, he bowed his head and stepped back the silence broken. I put my wings away and dusted myself off, “ Vatru huh? Well I’m Zuripata. Zuri for short. And I take it we need to bring your compatriots back to consciousness, correct?” Vatru stammered a moment, “ Y-yes. Absolutely.” He walked up to one of his people laying his huge hands on them and casting a healing spell. Light spued from the man’s wounds and injuries as they healed. I stepped up behind him tapping his ginormous shoulder. Vatru tensed turning around about to pull his weapon when he saw it was me, he relaxed, “You scared me! “ he paused and took a breath, ”What is it that you need ma’m.” It took everything I had not to roll my eyes when he called me “ma'am”, “First off call me Zuri. Second how do I know who your folk are and who ain’t?” He stood up and showed me to one of the very dead bodys on the ground,”See here,” he gestured to a large black symbol tattooed onto the corpse, ” That’s the mark of the Jensia. As long as they dont have that mark they are good to help.”

    “Thanks,” I started to search the bodies identifying who were Jensia and who were his people, “ you know you did pretty good and you must have some skill considering you’re the only one of your party that isn't unconscious or dead.. Takes a lot taking on a dragon and only the gods know how many of these goons were here.” I found one of his compatriots and brought him back with a simple healing spell.

    “You weren’t bad yourself if i do say so,” Vatru continued,” you basically one shotted the beast.” I chuckled now having brought back two more of his compatriots, “Please there is no need for flattery. Anyways what else would you expect from an angel” I struggled to keep from stuttering and holding composure as I spoke. I had never been so close to someone on the Prime Material Plane, let alone someone as good looking as Vatru. Suddenly I am knocked out of my train of thought,” Zuri, is everything ok? You seem to be staring at well … me. Is there something you need?” I stiffened realizing I had gotten lost in my own thoughts, ”Sorry, um I-I got to go back to my boss… Sarenrae and all. Uhh see you next time.. Maybe… Bye.” I released my wings from my back and use my transportation sigil to go back home.