Tess was impressed by the generous reward, as well as the newcomer. The warrior woman was much taller than she was, and her body almost radiated raw, primal power. Nonetheless, she excused herself now that the briefing was done, and she was sure the monk found her resolve again. She blushed somewhat as the blond hugged her, not being used to skinship very much. She just smiled at Naia, who was like a cheerful little sister to her, and let her go with a nod.<br/>"Forgive my departure, but I have some work for the smithy, and must head to the temple to pledge my oath and prepare myself for the coming hardships."<em>To cleanse my body of this lingering filth</em>- she wanted to say, but was careful with her words around her new friends, who didn't get away as easy as she did.<br/><br/>After commissioning some items from the blacksmith including the sharpening of her sword, she did indeed head for the temple, checking on the sorceress in the convent. She wouldn't be surprised if she was disgusted by her own powers enough never to use them again. The paladin hoped Lyra would learn to come to terms with herself, and bury her accursed ancestry for good, or at least keep from ever harming anyone.<br/>In the temple that evening, the redhead pledged herself to the cause of defeating these vile monstrosities, and ritually cleansed her skyclad form with holy water. She received the blessings of the deities of goodness, strength flowing into her through her birthmark. She felt more protected against evils influence now, with a new, protective blessing watching over her. She could also feel that previous power burning inside her, the power to mend body and spirit in others, or herself if she so chose.<br/>At the end of the ritual, she stood proudly once again, a holy knight and priestess of goodness, dressed in the purest white gown, ready to don her armor again and take up the fight for those who couldn't.<br/>She gave up on her glaive though. When she rushed into close combat with the many-tentacled monsters, there was very little room for her to use it, and her armoring made her a better candidate for front lines than others. Even if she was captured, the armor would hold the monsters at bay long enough for her to get free.<br/><br/>Her duty done for the day, she headed to the inn, looking forward to a soft bed waiting for her, wondering who her roomate would be this time.