Oh, the Church...? I found it one day, I think I was about... ten? It was off in the woods, before the Forest became what it is today. It felt like the sun here was warmer than anywhere else. It was a lot more put-together, too. When I told Evan and then he told Aldric- his dad- the adults went to check it out and make sure it was safe. Aldric said that it was long-since abandoned and most everything was taken already, but some of the furniture was still around. I remember gold sun medallions and tapestries hanging around everywhere, too.

Since it was safe and... pretty much empty, we were allowed to visit it. I started keeping the potted plants I grew around there, like... a secret base! Just me and the sun... and some of the younger kids who'd follow me to help with my garden.

( there's a sleepy warmth as she talks about it, and once the water's at a proper heat she pours two mugs, sliding one to him. the tea is sweet and the spice provides a pleasant heat. )

... When everything started going wrong, I thought.... maybe we could appease the Forest. I know now I was being naive. Giving it more power- power over me... it just wound up hurting everyone. After it possessed me and started using me to sabotage the town- or worse- I decided it was safest to leave. And the Church always felt safe... so I made the building my home instead.

( a pause, in case he has any questions before she continues. )