Her job complete, Mara bowed her head slightly and responded to Wyeth's comment. [b]"A leader shouldn't be determined by popular vote. I'll follow whoever is most effective at saving lives."[/b] With that, she gave a cursory nod to her companions and went on her way to the temple. 

While Mara was no longer in the services of the temple as an acolyte, she still retained a small residence within the building. She had quite a few keepsakes, and it would be impossible to travel with them. From time to time, she would return to sort out affairs, restock, and go through her things. Today was no different, and Mara spent a good half hour looking through some of her father's things. She did not dare spend much longer than this for fear of stirring up old memories. Mara settled whatever expenses were owed to the temple out of her meager holdings, and returned back to the main vestibule.

Mara went to work restocking her satchel with healing supplies and having her staff appraised for repairs. Thankfully the temple was well equipped for this sort of thing, as they saw plenty of healers each day. What Mara wasn't expecting, though, was company. Actually, she was quite pleased to see a familiar face here (well, outside of the clergy she knew). Looking up from her satchel, Mara smiled briefly at Riley. Truth be told, Mara was not all that familiar with Riley, as the cleric spent most of her time with the sick and the wounded. Mara tried the best to hide her surprise when she spoke. [b]"Oh, I didn't think I'd see another Sacred Blade here..."[/b] she looked away, [b]"Oh, help? No, no I'm fine."[/b]

Mara was silent for a few moments, but rather than pushing Riley away, she decided to look back and continue. [b]"Actually, Riley, I was wondering... What are your thoughts on the Sacred Blades?"[/b] Mara traced her fingers along her gnarled healing staff, [b]"I haven't been with them for that long, and I guess I just want to know if we're really making a difference. I've seen so many die in just the last month. Will it always be like this?"[/b] Mara had no idea why she decided to seek console with a fellow Sacred Blade, but perhaps now was as good a time as ever.