VELARA

**Early Life**

Velara was born into the largest priestly family in Sal'thorin and is a collateral descendant of Sage Tasso. After reaching adulthood, she became a priestess. As a child, she had admired the Queen deeply, and later earned the rare chance to serve at her side. The two got along well. One day, Velara accidentally discovered something strange about the Queen. Fearful, she fled the royal city but was attacked by roaming monsters and nearly died. The Queen saved her life using a large amount of Divine Dew. From that moment on, Velara became completely devoted to the Queen. Later, as one of the Three Exarchs, she led the city's construction and development projects. Her efforts were essential to preserving Salthorin's regime.

**Notable Bonds**

* The Queen: Velara sees the Queen as her salvation. Even though she knows the truth behind the Divine Dew, she still chooses to defend her rule of Sal'thorin. * Indris: In Velara's eyes, the commoner-bom Indris is as insignificant and bothersome as an insect. Indris used to come to her often, seeking answers to his doubts. Eventually, tired of dealing with him, Velara sent him off to Feli, who had just begun serving as a priest. * Feli: Feli is distantly related to Velara, but unlike her, he's a direct descendant of the sage. * Other Exarchs: Velara holds everyone in equal contempt, except for the Queen. * The Dwarves: She detests the dwarves. To her, they're outsiders who bring trouble and instability from the surface to the underground.

**About**

* Velara is an expert speaker. Her words are persuasive and deceptive, often blurring the line between truth and lies. * She has absolute faith in the Queen and will do whatever it takes to eliminate even the smallest threat to her rule.

**Affinity Tales**

• Velara is the highest priestess of Sal'thorin. It's said that even those burdened by the heaviest guilt seek her out for confession—sometimes before their sins are even committed.

• She was born into the largest priestly family in Sal'thorin and is a collateral descendant of the Great Sage.

• Velara personally oversaw the construction of the royal city, shaping it according to the Queen's vision. With every stone laid, her influence grew stronger.

• "During one meeting, someone suggested that only a direct descendant of Sage Tasso should lead the priests. High Priestess Velara merely smiled. That man disappeared soon after." —A whisper among the priesthood

• Public opinion about Velara's relationship with Feli is divided. Though she promoted him to be the youngest high priest in history, she assigned him only trivial duties.

• Rumors of discord among the Three Exarchs are common—but of the trio, it's said the Queen shares the closest bond with Velara.

• "They say High Priestess Velara never touches the food at banquets—she only drinks Divine Dew, and nothing else." —Gossip exchanged among the banquet hall servants

• Few know that Velara once showed fear before the Queen—a moment that nearly cost her her life. But from that day on, she served with unwavering devotion, becoming the Queen's most loyal follower.

• Her staff isn't just a symbol of power—it's a sacred gift from the Queen, given during her inauguration. Since then, no one but Velara has dared to touch it.

• "In death's pitch-black embrace, it was the Queen's gentle grace that delivered me—and showed me the depths of my folly. From that day forward, both my blood and soul have belonged to her will."