Do you believe in destiny?
That you were born for a certain need
A certain path you are told to follow
Which you've no choice but to heed

I was born to be a hero
To protect those who are weak
I'm the one that will come running
When others begin to shriek

I jump in the way of battles
And protect the young from pain
Seeing the people that I love be happy
Is what I hope to attain

Sometimes it gets lonely
Standing out amongst the pack
Sometimes it gets scary
Having a target on your back

When people see great power
They want to make it their own
The fact that one day I might lose
Is something I've always known

But knowing I've done some good
And that I might've saved a friend
Every single sacrifice I've made
Was worth it in the end

So it's with a smile on my face
And with a kiss, I say goodbye
Don't you shed a tear my love
'Cause sometimes heroes die

--- Poem "Warrior by Willow-Anne" (with permission, https://hellopoetry.com/poem/1652017/warrior )

This wonderful commission by the incredibly nice Akineza shows my character Rakan as he is ridding into battle. Judging from his grin, it looks like he is very much looking forward to the fight...