[center][h2][color=fff79a]Aleria Lancaster[/color][/h2][/center]

The few days Aleria spent on the accurately dubbed “Stinkboat” were absolutely miserable. Never had she been out so far from the pristine, albeit lonely monastery walls. At first it was the smell. She couldn’t handle the stench and subsequently hid away from the others due to it. She couldn’t handle feeling dirty, hygiene to her was of utmost importance. She liked looking clean and light and she felt so very far from that. Then came the sea sickness. She could barely stand for a bit until she also slowly adjusted. She didn’t have much of a choice of course, she was stuck here. There was no turning back from this adventure and she was here for the long run. And this was only the first few hours of their journey.

After adjusting a bit, at least enough to function on her own she started writing in her pocket book she carried. She hid it in the layers and layers of dress she had on. Mostly she scribbled poetry into the pages, just to fill the loneliness she felt. She felt homesick, very homesick. Ashley was a nice solution for her though. She found herself bumping into her and then eventually Aleria just naturally followed her around. Time spent together felt less empty, and she felt very comfortable around her. Maybe it was because of her nobility, maybe it was because she felt this inexplicable draw towards her. Either way it helped. 

[color=#ff39d6]"I remember you said you were a healer, but are you comfortable defending yourself? I'm not much of a healer, but I have supervised medical in mass casualty events before. We may be walking into one, so please, don't hesitate to ask me anything." [/color] Ashley asked, one of the times they were alone together. 

Aleria blinked, unsure how to respond for a second. She hadn’t given that aspect too much thought. The thought of war..she just did what she was told. The reality of this all was very humbling and grounding for her. 

Coming back she responded, [color=fff79a] “I’ve practiced and worked with offensive spells but I must admit I’m more talented with helping others then hurting. I’d appreciate the help, of course. I would never decline an opportunity to learn from such a talented mage.” [/color] She smiled softly, staring down at the floor. 

The times Aleria left Ashleys side she quietly observed the others. She wanted to know the others but the side they show when they think no one is looking. It says more about the person than words could ever. Actions are everything to a person's character of course. Kavius and Sam seemed conjoined at the hip, a partnership that couldn’t be separated. She thought it was sweet, how much he tried to help Sam out. She didn’t quite know how to help, and the usual herbs she kept for salves and medical uses were back at the church. That’s the first thing I’m finding when I get off this wretched boat. Then there was Tonka and Troe who seemed to be studying magic. She almost asked to join but then decided it would be best to not interfere and quickly retreated off to be alone again. She didn’t want to admit it, but she was stupidly shy. She felt a burst of confidence due to her backing and abilities when she first talked with everyone but now? The nausea and the sudden realization of just exactly what she was doing made her want to hide. At least for now. 

She tried helping above deck but was quickly denied. Perhaps due to the way she looked like a small porcelain doll, ready to break at the smallest bit of pressure. She tried to insist but it seemed as if they already had all the hands they needed. Instead she opted to watch over the others, offering food and water where needed and fetching small things. Just enough to help but out of the way. 

However Ashley was the exception for the shyness she felt.[color=#ff39d6]"It feels safer with two of us here, doesn't it?"[/color] She had remarked during a time in which they enjoyed each other’s company. She nodded in agreement with her statement. It felt peaceful, Aleria felt no pressure to push herself or assert her place around Ashley. 

[color=fff79a] “I appreciate the company. It certainly does feel safer just with us. Quiet, peaceful.”[/color] 

She tried to savor those small moments, especially as they came to shore. She was in unfamiliar territory and had no idea how to react. Curious though, she followed the others off, watching first. Aleria watched as Ashley was swarmed by a mass of women. Honestly she couldn’t help but laugh at first before how invasive these women were. Before she could run out she saw Nitonka approach. It was amazing how quickly she swatted off all the unwanted women. Being menacing has its perks she supposed. 

Aleria swallowed, and looked around. First of all she had no idea really where they were. Secondly she was afraid of being tugged around like Ashley was. She had barely any patience from the last three days and all she wanted was a shower, and some plants to play with. And a good drink maybe.

She quickly chased off after Tonka, attaching herself close enough that she would be shielded from any onlookers. Trying to keep up she piped up[color=fff79a] “Where are we going? And please don’t turn me away. I don’t know this area very well and you seem very capable.”[/color] She smugly smiled, knowing full well she would follow anyway. She would be quiet, she just wanted an escort to find things. And she heard Tonka mention a bookstore, that would be a good place to start.