Lord Verimon: The Paladin
Lord Verimon was at morning mass in the Temple of Tyr, god of justice. Not that he noticed, but he was a handsome man to the ladies. He was tall and had an athletic build. He kept his black hair short and very neat. He also had a mustache and goatee that matched the coloring of his hair. His eyes were a very dark brown. So dark in fact that they, too, almost looked black. He wore a red silk button-up shirt and black velvet pants. His heavy boots and gloves were made of black leather. He wore a golden holy symbol of Tyr about his neck suspended from a long golden chain. Finally, he covered his head with a long red silk bandana that reached to his waist.
At mass's end, he rose and walked up to the High Priest of the temple. The High Priest was straightening the altar, noticed that Verimon had approached, turned to face him, and then everything went dark. Verimon blinked for an instant and was suddenly face-to-face with an individual wearing a full suit of plate armor. His visor on his helm was down to hide his face, but Verimon looked him in the face regardless.
"Lord Verimon, Paladin of Tyr, god of justice."
"Hail and well met," said Verimon as he took a small step backwards. "Do we have business, friend?"
"We do now. Do not have fear for me, for there is no reason to fear me."
"I do not fear you, friend," said Verimon. "However, I do cautiously wonder what sort of business you have in mind this day."
"I am the Avatar of Helm, god of protection."
Verimon looked confused for an instant and then realized that the Avatar spoke true. Quickly, he knelt down on one knee and put his hands to the ground. "My humblest and sincerest apologies," he said.
"You have done nothing for which you need to be forgiven."
"I have spoken in a disrespectful manner to you," said Verimon.
"No, noble Paladin. It is I who has been disrespectful. I have approached you in a less than forthright manner."
"Again, not to be disrespectful to you my Lord," said Verimon still looking at the ground. "But why am I in your presence? I am not one of your followers."
"Do you need to be in order to gain my attention?"
Verimon honestly didn't know how to answer. "I cannot answer your question, Lord, as I do not know the answer."
"Then let me ask you another question. Would you refuse help to those who do not worship Tyr?"
"No, Lord," answered the Paladin truthfully.
"Then you have your answer to the first question."
"Then how may I serve you as well, my Lord?" asked Verimon.
"Serve me in the way you already serve all others."
"How would you like me to do that?" asked the Paladin.
"Stand, and I will tell you."
Verimon rose quickly to once again face the Avatar.
"The people of the kingdom of Tierellen are threatened by one of their neighbors. I would very much like it if you would go there and protect them in my name."
"It would be my honor, my Lord. Thank you."
"No, thank you."
To be continued...