Herala Sunbirth's page

I liked it, but unsure what to do

Herala looks to the others, and from a moment stops and says " I do not trust this. This seems very easy for a trapped location. Friends, you saw the slimes where in here exactly? What drew them out to you?"

" Did this clan fight for the true Goddess or did they follow one of those demons? I... I can not help but feel there are forces here to work more than we think. I wish I was more powerful, this place needs a blessing of both good fortune and good health for those mining it. Something had to drive them out, yes? The mine does look like it has more to offer, so why leave?" Her voice shook some, because she was looking around for slimes, and trying to hard to not feel uncomfortable in the shadow of this statue. It creeped her out, as the smiles and eyes seemed to follow her, and she really did not need more reminding that not everyone was a good person, and some creatures may not always be good by nature. She still held the fear that perhaps she was not a good person herself, even if there was little proof otherwise.

Herala looks to her friends for support and courage, the cleric clearly having never really fought anyone before, outside of a few fist fights when younger, and having fought against Freya a few times. Which meant she had little experience for combat against an opponent that would harm her seriously. But she does follow Kardin's lead into the shrine, reading her mace to hit the first slime she was able to.

Herala grips her mace tighter, but there is a clear air of nervous energy and unease from her. What if the slimes where guardians of some vengeance spirit? She didn't know how to deal with spirits. She barely understood how to deal with Freya, let alone something that was restless undead spirits that summoned spiders and slimes.

"Maybe, maybe you got them all? I mean... Surely there isn't that many left..." She does stand ready, but she wasn't showing any signs of being truly ready.

I'm enjoying it very much to be honest. I just wish more posting time really lol

"Master dwarves, we shall fight them with you, but first, let us rest, that way no one is tired and unable to fight yes? At first light we take them on, together, as business partners and friends."

Herala takes a moment to warm up to the dwarves that came in, but after a few moments she seems to get into the idea. They were just honest workers, and she always prefered the honest kind. Much better than those store owners they had met, they rubbed her the wrong way. She greets them, though she tries to make sure her horns are well hidden in her hair first. " Hello, I am Herala, also from Hommlet. I would much leave you to both your profit and the metals, but it seems you have a jelly problem. How about we help clear out the jellies, say for a 75 percent stake in your claim? And you can even show me this... shrine? Right a shrine?"

Everyone in the group knew Herala had zero interest in the metals, given her bigger interest in this shrine the dwarves both mention, but she was not sure what all these brothers would know of it, nor its true purpose. Best to keep her interest on the down low for now. She turns to Freya to even booster her position " You never mentioned any working mines, are you trying to surprise me one day with a mine of my own?" The words said one thing, but she was fishing for information on what could be in the mines they didn't know, even rumors would work.

Herala is a bit to close to the fire, clearly using it to keep any spiders from her. They didn't like fire, at least she lived under that theory. She was a bit too close though, likely her abnormal heritage to give her some advantage to avoid to much heat from it. She was not a fan clearly of the spiders, despite her ability to see in the dark. " Perhaps we should, but I am not sharing my fire. Well... I will share it, but we must make it bigger. Let to keep out the eight legged fri... the cold. Keep out the cold." She mutters something about spiders being good for torching and nothing else.

Herala face drains as the thought of spiders, and while she tries to hide it, Jairdan and Terion both know she is afraid of them, and the others probably do now too. Freya might even remember, because there was one time Herala set fire to a barn outbuilding because a spider dropped in her hair, and she threw a torch at it. She swears she had been attacked by the queen of all spiders, but that was a bit hard to believe.

" So you are saying it is much safer outside? Well that is just a shame, but I suppose it can not be helped. I think we should set a big fire ring around us tonight, to ensure nothing will sneak up on us, and we will be able to see anything that will approach us." She stammers out, while she had elected to look first, she hadn't looked at the one containing spiders, just the empty cavern really. She wasn't experienced enough to look into the tunnels, just the main room. A mistake she hopes to not make again, as something could have came out the tunnels and she miss it.

She is however slightly backing out of the tunnels, clearly not wishing to be near spiders.

Herala perks up, and says a bit sheepishly, not wishing to be judged to harshly for it, but she speaks saying " I.. I can see in the dark. You promise to show me that magic trick you did with that cleaver okay? I'll be back, but if I come running out, perhaps be ready to attack whatever follows. Though hopefully nothing to bad."

Herala would then shift from her crossbow to having her mace out, and would try her best to move to the mine without making all the noise in the world, but she was not the most stealthy person they had. But with a set of her shoulders, and ensuring that her curls were tied back as best she could manage, she would creep towards the entrance, and hope she isn't the loudest thing.

first roll due to disadvantage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
second roll due to disadvantage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Herala would call out, knowing she had some standing with the older woman, if from village rumor. " Aunt Agnes, please be careful okay? We only care about your safety, so any information you can give us may be beneficial. If you want, and do not mind, perhaps we could trouble you for the tea now, and take care of the manticore also? Is it a big one? It could pose a danger to us traveling, any help is nice."

Herala tries to get her point that if the manticore tries to attack this house normally, it should be nearby and a danger to them currently. Best to take it out now while they can, then fight bandits. It would not hurt to get some experience together either. She would tell the others " If it comes at us while we deal with bandits, we all may die. Best to get it here where we know it comes, rather than at night in camp."

As the group makes to check the house, Herala will check the surrounding area, as it seems something was trying to get in, and that meant whatever it was either got in, or was still out here with them trying to get in. Either way, they needed to guard against it, because Aunt Agnes was supposed to be a pretty resilient older woman, so for her to not be ready seemed strange.

Herala follows the group, somewhat near Freya, but also in the back as she was able to at least defend herself with her mace. She tries to keep an eye out, but when they get closer to the tower, she is a bit confused. Something seemed out of place if the tower seemed more home than it did for bandits. She would venture a question " Are we sure the bandits are really here? This seems much nicer than simple bandits. Maybe the giant would have been nicer."

Herala smiles and softly squeezes Freya's hand, glad for the support, but also for not being overly serious. However, her eyes did cloud a bit as she says " So Elmo is not only an experienced adventurer, but a wise one. I think we perhaps should have him look over the plans we have, and tell us which will work, or will not work. If he can survive the undead and orcs, he is smart enough to fool a village into thinking him drunk and lazy. Let us endeavor to all return, and use the experts we have. Agreed?" She spoke steady, but Terion and Jairdan knew she was afraid, because if they lost someone it would be mostly due to her not healing them quick enough.

She finished brushing out her hair, and switched a few earrings, going for a few muted grey pieces to ensure nothing reflected, and got her pack ready. Afterwards she would get some of the breakfast, and enjoy the coffee and rabbits with a sigh. She had a preference for the bean juice over tea, and says " This is the part they always talk on, but never the worst parts. I imagine soon we will not have many chances to enjoy morning coffee." As she does so, she will look over the tins, puzzling out what she can about them. She doesn't learn anything new, but as she gets ready she will turn them over to Jairdan, in case Jair knew anything more about them than she did. She clearly trusted their opinion when it came to magical items.

Int Check: 1d20 ⇒ 10

" An adventurer? Why have you never shared that Elmo? You must have a great wealth of knowledge to share with us. And the stories you could tell! I understand not all are glamorous, but surely some of the stories you have may be well to speak to other people, it can not all be bad."
Herala seems to get a bit interested in the stories Elmo may have, but she also looks over to Freya for her to share as well. The idea of old tombs however would give her an idea that perhaps some of those unrested spirits would be found there, and hidden gnomes may be a source of either knowledge or help, if nothing else something to help their question ot remove the giant.

" We could even ask the gnomes for any assistance in removing... Bork? He doesn't seem like that much of an issue, but they may know a weakness, or at least something to help. They may even need us to remove him so they can trade more. WE could help out other people, not just line our pockets!" Herala looks excited about the idea of helping the community, even if she had a bad experience with some of the other members. Freya was not the only one who had been awful to her, but was one of the few who had apologized, and yet she was still trying to help them.

Herala was not a morning person, because despite her generally sunny and cheery nature, she was for sure not put together enough for the day. She rolled from her bedroll, her curled hair clearly matted and needing to be combed, along with her headband being tangled in it. She fumbles around for her glasses, and blinks a few times after placing them on. Everything seemed different in the daylight, and she was not sure exactly if what happened last night was a dream or reality. This mystery was solved after she had taken care of her morning routine, at least most of it as she comes back from the nearby stream trying to comb out her curls and miss her horns when Boram asked about the cans.

" I... I do not know. I think we should take them with us, and perhaps bury them in a place of honor, to remember those who died and give them something. I was thinking that was all a dream, but it seems we have many problems to address. Bandits, Giants, Cults, and other various evils... This is something that I am called to care for and remove, but I would not fault any of you for leaving me to it." She seemed to get lost in thought for a few moments, her mind clearly focusing on something long ago, or at least not on her current task because she stops brushing at her curls.

After a few moments she blinks and pushes her glasses up, hair and horns still askew, before saying " I think perhaps if the giant is on the way to the mill, taking out both will benefit trade to the area. The cult.. the cult I think we will need either me stronger, or another spellcaster. We get that if we return Auntie Agnes. We could, could, if we could figure out how, lure the bandits and giant together, let them fight it out, and then take out the remaining one?" Herala puts that idea forward, knowing they may not be able to take on a giant themselves, but the allure of gold and treasure may drive the bandits out, or the giant could get greedy and go after the bandits.

Herala would keep everything seperate afterwards, and would tell the ones eating she shall care after their trash, not realizing anything was special about it. She was just trying to help the unrested rest, as they have clearly needed it. Putting spirits to ease was part of her duties, but she does wonder about these new words spoken. She rubs at her eyes, a bit tired but also excited to get out on the pathway again. She was however aware she was not alone anymore, but she had feelings on the issue.

" We shall have no issue regaining your sword and honor, and ensuring these evils are being put out. We are... well, I at least will. The Goddess blessed me with the ability to help others, and while I was unable to help you in life, I shall help you to pass and rest easy, along with your men here. No one should have to suffer from evil cults." There was a bit of a tremble in her voice, as the idea of cults growing strong was a bit terrifying to her. The rumors of her birth came from the cult in the first place, and so the idea of those horrible people coming back, subjecting more kids to the horrors and whispers and teasing she had endured, and continued to, made her a bit angry. Angry and stubborn.

" I think the both shall be needed to be seen about. Treasure would be nice, but horrors... horrors we can not.. I can not allow to live. We must protect the innocent, and put these souls to rest. May I inquire if there is anything else you need from us? Surely just a simple task of this is not all you need? Can we help with anything else?" Herala focus on the information the man gives, adjusting her glasses and tries to find a notebook, hoping to take some notes to ensure that nothing is missed.

Wis Saving: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Con Saving: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Medi check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
History Check: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Herala seems to not be bothered by any of the wounds the man showed off, and compared to the rest of everyone, her lack of reaction may be more telling of the healing she has had to deal with than any actual strong stomach. She knew some of the man before her, surprised to see him, but more surprised that he even could speak to her. She was briefly aware of most of the party awakening, but she would finish her task of heating the food before addressing the man, or rather, one of the Mordant line.

"You are of an ancient and noble line, but the fact you seem to notice me and can respond... you also know your fate and what happened. It is no small trouble to prove rest and well meaning to even those who have passed. Even in death must kindness be shown, especially for those who seem to be troubled dead. The Goddess teaches many things, but you who died in the pursuit of justice deserve respect and rest. Tell me, what happened to them, and share some of your story as well. Perhaps a final rest can be given? Or is your task keeping you here?"
Her tone was gentle and understanding, because the idea of these younger ghost, who never saw the next sunrise gave her pause. She may not know their exact history, but based on the dead one's words, they never did make it to battle, and never awoke after some nights sleep. Something stole them away in the night, and putting them to rest would be a good deed, even if no one but those gathered knew about it.

Herela would take their food, and would help them to heat it. She seems surprised by this behavior, but not every spirit was evil it seemed, and without them harming them, there was nothing else.to be done. And they did not seem to be troubled by her appearance either, so perhaps they were people who they could help.

After making sure their food was heated, even if it was rotten and smelled awful, Herala would return it to each one, saying ""May the Goddess bless you, and guide you back home to your family safely and securely, with much glory. Please, tell us more of your story. I was not aware of any cult or fighting around here. Do you need help?"

Herala was sleeping pretty deep and struggled to watch up as Terion nudged at her. She woke up a bit tired, unsure what was going on and fumbled around for her glasses, as strange shapes were around the fire and Terion and Elmo for that matter. She squints but while searching for her glasses calls out, as there was not a issue she saw, " Hello there friends, are... are we expecting you? Please give me a moment to dress, is there something we can help you with?"

Herala was not sure these were bandits given there was no combat and she had been awoken not by violence but foot nudging. After a bit she put her glasses on, but that only confused her more as Elmo was able to somewhat touch the men, but she was positive she was also looking through them. Perhaps spirits, but she knew not of any spirits that haunted the area, but that did not mean anything, outside of perhaps they were not harmful spirits.

"Can we warm your food up perhaps? Tell me a bit of what you are doing here, perhaps we can help?" She tries to appear peaceful, which outside of her dagger and underclothing, the priestess did not seem armed, unless her horns would be considered a weapon, given she had her hair down.

"Depending on the length, I can get up early and watch the last part. I just need 8 hours, and I can see in the dark. Remember that time you swore I was sneaking out? I was, but without needing a light you never could see me to catch me."

" I thought we were going to take her with us, but... but I also have no reason to put her in danger. I am fine with her coming with us for later issues, not the current one. Let us be on our way, before the bandits take anymore people from our homes. Or adopted homes." Herala was in agreement, as Terion knew the pathing better than she did, and she had no reason to object to the better thought out plan. She did rub at her horns though, as something seemed to bother her about some old woman being alone in the woods, almost like it was some horrible image of her own future, if things went bad on this adventure and she lived. Why would no one have moved the woman in if she was so feeble?

As they depart towards the agreed meeting place they had made with Elmo and the others, Herala did think of a few things to ask the new addition when she met with her. She was not blind that she would turn a follower of the old ways to hers, and would not try, but she was a bit curious on her healing methods. Did they differ? She would even mutter slightly to herself about different theories of how the both magic energies would work together, or even separately. It was completely unknown to her, but there was to be some research done, at least she would think so.
" Do you think she reads books?" Was really all she did ask Freya and Jairdan as they walked.

I try to met a once a day, just because I do find it helps as well. Sometimes I get busy with work, but I do try like I said for once a day, because it does flow better. And I'm greatly enjoying this game. It's awesome.

Herala indulges Freya in the food offered, being polite but also because why not? Freya was not a bad looking woman, and she could do worse, she had seen some people on her path here that made her question the demons people fought. Not everyone was blessed to be good looking, even as many others gathered here where.

" Traps may be something we have to do however. We may be outnumbered, but on the same hand we are going to be careful. Though you have to show me some of those fighting moves. Many different fighting styles existed within the church, though I prefer my mace and crossbow. They are the best thing I have, though I know some of the clergy use shields and maces."

Herala would then follow Elmo out the door when he goes, brushing her hand across Freya's shoulder as she leaves.

"I was sent away to study at 14 as well remember Terion. I can not say it is our place to restrict her, her father better can. Freya, when did you start doing trapping and other things? Perhaps it is time for her. I will be against her rushing into danger and opening doors first, but as far as her joining... I suppose I must vote she come if she can help. Her magic is different from mine, but I also vote she stays in the back." Herala seems to not be completely convinced of the druid going, but she also was not given a choice at 14, which Terion and Jaer might recall. Given all three had known she would go to study at a larger church after she showed a talent for magic, the being dragged away from friends and frankly family had left a scar not easily forgotten.

I say.... both survive! Now the third we may be getting? Ehhh.

Herala blushes as Freya comes in, the cleric much less sure of herself than the warrior woman. But it was clear she didn't object to it, given her own options had somewhat been limited to start with. She does liven up a bit at the mention of the mead, saying " That does sound like a good combination. I often wondered about mead, but it seems popular around here. I remember one time that Terion got hold of some when he was... I think 10. He got sick everywhere, and was talking quiet strangely about how the sister was not that bad looking. I do not have that fond of a memory of her."

She does seem to enjoy the time spent with her new friends and girlfriend, fiancee, fiance, whatever Freya was to her now. She certainly was not a childhood bully though, that was clear. But when the topic of the younger woman comes up, she says clearly, " I have no issue with her coming, but again, we are experienced at least to some degree. I may not have killed many things, but I have had to heal and stabilize a few dying or almost dead people back during training. What is the worst she had to deal with? A broken arm? We must be careful with what she sees."

After a few moments of shared gossip with Jairdan about the past and how she was probably blind to how Freya had always looked at her, she had missed some of the talks the rest had on the splitting of the gold. This caused her to ask when it came up " A healer? I can somewhat heal, that is something most all priestess can do, so do we need to risk exposure of someone young to this? At least with Freya and Elmo both have experience. I mean I don't have much, but I did get some on the trek here. How old is she Elmo? Can she arm herself?" Herala questions upon hearing this news.

Herala would then take a seat at the table with Elmo, ordering a tea, given they still had none of the coffee yet she preferred. Life in the small town was certainly less exciting, or had been growing up, but maybe she can get some of the small luxuries moved here. She was after all going to maybe be married. A strange thought, given she had always thought Freya disliked her. After a few moments, and awaiting a lull in the conversation, she would quietly ask Elmo, given he may have overheard something her friends had not, " Elmo, has anyone said anything of my parents? I know I've been gone a long time, but you may remember something of them, maybe? Who they were? Maybe one of the older soldiers you fought with?"

" I think both Terion and our Kardin could probably handle whatever we face, but the wizard may be helpful to support Jairdan. Unless someone has issue with arcane, it should not cause the Goddess any offense, so really it just matters how thin we wish to spread our earnings. With Freya that makes.. six of us correct, for how much coin again?" Herala focuses some as they walk, but she clearly was of the opinion to go and wait. What was the good of gold if they had to split it so much they did not have enough to live on? When was their next adventure anyways after this? There was no guarantee they would live.

Herala was surprised, shocked, and well, frankly that was her first kiss by a woman! She doesn't seem repulsed by it, given her Goddess and their particular branch was not one of strick roles, given she was able to rise up to become a starting powerful cleric, but she was certainly confused. How did Freya go from picking on her to marrying her?! This was clearly too confusing as Herala never had anyone really flirt with her that she didn't know, or at least that she was aware of. When the group finally moved away, her brain starts moving a bit more, and looks at the group to ensure that really happened.

" I am a demon born... only one parent was a fully elf. The other is unknown to me." Her words were soft, clearly not focused on the question, as she tries to puzzle out Freya's actions. Since when would ANYONE want to be with this bookish cleric? She didn't feel she was that attractive.
" Terion, why didn't you tell me she had a crush on me for all these years?!" Herala whispers, a bit panicked as ideas swirl through her head. What else has she missed reading books?!

Insight: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Herala seems nervous and glances at the boys, but she was blushing a color of red than seems like it should not naturally work against her skin. She doesn't move though, trying to figure out if Freya was serious, but truth was, they needed the help, and what harm would come if they tried it? She was unaware of anything against it, so she says. " Freya, I.. I mean.. I'm not.. I've never really kissed anyone, and I mean.. you want kids, how would I do that? I mean sure there may be a spell or something I don't know, but I mean... Maybe we should see if we even like each other? What if I snore?" She was not convinced, but she did not really have a good argument against it. Freya was a good woman, even if she had been a bit rough in her youth.

I don't think Herala would notice enough, given her own nervousness and awkwardness lol

Herala blushes a bright red when Freya calls her horns, and then flushes deeper with the kiss. It was was more clear she was confused on how to approach Freya more than anyone, given their past together. Well, it seems clear to anyone but Herala there was some feelings there on both sides, but neither knew how to approach it.

What makes it worse, the group knew Herala to be somewhat confident, so when she stammers and proceeds to stumble and talk a bit too much would be really revealing on how she feels. It might even confuse the boys because she had readily handled the shopkeeper with confidence.

" It's really good to see you Freya, yes I am a priestess now I took training, I'm back to help out and we are going to attack the bandits and I remember you were really strong back in the day and we need help and you seem like someone who would be really good at helping and I mean I'm not sure if any of the boys would like date you or anything but I would I mean if you wanted you could maybe help I don't know they say you are really really good at hunting and tracking things and your still really strong I mean who can pick up a priestess in full armor and weapons that's really strong." Her cheeks are flushed as she talks, and she doesn't really look up at Freya, each time she does she goes a bit more red. Which was strange, considering as dusky skinned as she was, she was almost like the opposite of Freya, a bit shorter, darker hair, though still pretty not as obvious as Freya was.

Herala stays strangely quiet during this talk, the flashbacks of Freya dunking her when younger were still fresh, even of other pranks and gags that made Herala the butt of the joke for months causing the cleric to be more withdrawn. Freya's behavior had confused her for months and years when younger, because unlike the other kids bullying, it never harmed her, but was more like what an older sister would do to harass a younger sister. Or maybe because Herala had always been close with two of the town's most well respected men, but both Terion and Jairdan didn't really get known until later.

Herala was clearly taken back by the cursing she had heard coming from the house, and was busy making a sign of good fortune for the home when the door opens. She looks to Jairdan or Terion really to lead this discussion, given they both knew Freya better than she did. At least to her memories she didn't know her, but it had been a few years, and people do sometimes drift in and out of town. Look at their two new friends, they were new.

That and now she thinks about it, haven't the Cages always been here? That would mean Freya could be around the same age as her and the others, and Herala has a distinct memory of a much stronger girl dunking her head into the water trough a few times, and some much confusing feelings about her when she was growing up. Sure it came from her not exactly telling the Sister how she had gotten her dress wet, but why she never snitched in the girl was a mystery. She should have asked Terion because this house seemed familiar, but she couldn't place her fingers on why.

"Lady please bless me on this venture." she mutters softly, hopefully this encounter goes well. At least better than the store man.

Herala blushes a deep and dark red, and looks away muttering and seeming flustered about, " Stupid jokes, we have things to do." It seems for all her travels, someone actually flirting with her was a new thing she still didn't seem to get. Both Terion and Jairdan would remember she didn't date anyone, as as far as either knew she had never even kissed anyone, despite the other two having vastly more experience. Even Jairdan had more romantic experience, and Herala couldn't even say they had ever done anything. Still, she was flustered, and that meant she would lag a moment behind when everyone left, making her awkwardness even more pronounced.

"Hey now, do we... well did we tell Elmo where to met us at? Or what time? Shouldn't we leave from Freya's house in the first place?" She stumbled, clearly trying to move past the earlier remarks as if she was a worldly and experienced person.

With copies of the maps all complied into a roughly newish an properly updated to a degree map, Herala looks at her friends to figure out if they had any suggestions. If they didn't she would push for finding out more on Freya, and seeing her, if nothing else to get her ideas and information on the bandits and their locations. She does keep a note to come check the histories, as some seemed different from when she was a child, but that might be due to her now being a cleric of some standing in the clergy.

Yes I think I will.

Using the local information she was able to gather, Herala checks on the maps against anything she may know herself, and consults the others with their local knowledge. But she still can not shake the feeling that Freya may be the best bet they have to get through everything quickly, and would mention it. " I just can not help but think we need Freya. She knows the area better, and she actively hunts. I can not move around in the forest that well."

Herala did mostly reading, her copying ability was not the best, and she was not overly skilled with any tools that would be helpful here mainly because i can figure out if i have any tool proficiencies. She does sniff at Kardin when he mentions tea being addictive saying " Tea and coffee are not addictive. They are both wonderful drinks that are needed when one is praying or studying the mysterious things the Goddess has left us to figure out. Besides, it can have nice mugs!" She does not admit it, but the cup she had was one she had personally brought, because it had written across it something in celestial. May the Goddess bless you

" Maybe we are going the wrong way on this. That Freya may be a good choice. Why have you never spoke of her before Terion? Are you hiding something? Got a crush? She sounds lovely."

1d20 ⇒ 14
1d20 ⇒ 8

"We will take then your blessings you can give, and a quick copy of the maps. Then we will seek out the advice you have given, clearly blessed from the Goddess to have such information as we can receive." Herala seems to brithen a bit as he compliments her training progress, but knows their paths had split. She was not one to settle down just yet and led in any capacity, but she could help save and heal her friends on the pathway around town. She also seemed to be excited to quickly peek at the maps, as that would give her a good idea of any changes she hasn't noticed about the town yet, which means.she may spot something useful for the group.

She was interested in this Freya woman, but with Terion and Jairdan having not spoken of her, makes her a bit hesitant to voice that opinion until later. Something seemed off about her, but it could just be she was an ambitious woman. Maybe. Or just scary.

" Lodgings perhaps later. We are here to see if you may have any maps or better routes to the locations where these bandits are making lairs, and any better information you may have. Along with... well if any of them perhaps can be redeemed. They can't all be bad people can they?"

Herala remains silent as they walked, as Jairdan answered the question of the paid apprenticeship. It was a sore subject even all these years removed, and while she was not always one to argue, she would give Boram a sad look that would convey the years of hearing a different version of what he said. She would not argue she was innocent, but a small part of her still hidden by her scarf meant she did not feel truly accepted, even in the town she grew up in.

That did not mean she regretted going to the main temple, but it had been many years since she had been home. " Greetings Father, may the Goddess smile on you this day." Her greeting seemed very formal despite the clear warmth she said it with, giving a clue that she was familiar with the Father despite the difference of power and blessings they had. She was not as learned as he was, but perhaps more traveled.

" We seek assistance, may it be had here?"

I would think given the complexity of feelings she has towards the former Sister and the fact she isn't exactly a wanted child... May have affected how she views herself in relation to the truth. At least the other orphans seemed normal growing up, but she never was

Herala watches Boram try the cheese to see how it was, and if it was even edible, because based on what she saw of it, it was going to be some tough eating for any of them, but mostly hard like a rock. She did not envy him the task of trying it first, but it would help them survive this journey. She ponders his question for a good while, playing with one of the tails of her head scarf before replying a bit strangely " I am... not fully a half anything. I look like a half elf mostly, but I am a.. umm... well frankly I am a demon. I am nothing good or holy. At least that is what the Sister said when I got in trouble. My nature would always show, and no amount of holy water or prayer would save my soul." She then focuses more on what he said about being an elf, giving a bit more information on it. "Though based on what Terion and Jairdan have found out, one of my parents was a full elf, given the ears, but truthfully both may have been. I am the product of some ancient evil one of my ancestors did. But the stories tell of people like me being born to even normal humans, dwarves, truthfully anyone who had some ancient evil bargain in their family."

Those words try as she might seemed to be a reminder that while she was carrying the powers of the Goddess, she was not fully of that world, as if she always felt something more could be done to include herself or if she was never fully worthy.

The church as well

Herala eyes the man and the boy as they leave, not liking someone trying to take advantage of someone new, which worries her for any guest that come by, but given that they didn't see that many, it was maybe the best. She follows the group out muttering about snakes and what they could do with their offerings, but tries to stay civil. She has grown up an orphan of the church and was blessed to be called to service. Not everyone got that chance.

Walking to the church now, she hopes it will have a much more respectful interaction, but everyone would probably notice she seems.to hesitant to go back in, almost as if she wasn't really ready. Jairdan and Terion would know the last time they saw each other was the last time she had been at the church.