Helia, Goddess of the Hearth

Helia is the Goddess of the Hearth. She was created by Neket when he attempted to impose order on Vocan. She is one of the four Elemental Goddesses.

Origins and Creations
During the First Era, the Elemental Lords waged war over the realm of Somara, each desperate to gain as much control as possible. Fearing that their wars would eventually destroy or at least seriously damage the world, Neket attempted to impose order upon each of them. This failed, however, and they all split into two beings: the Lords, who embody the chaotic side of their element, and the Elemental Goddesses, who embody the more orderly aspect. Helia is the ordered counterpart to Vocan, and the two have a tumultuous relationship, mostly due to Vocan's temper and brashness.

Helia represents controlled fire, and the warmth that comes along with it. She is believed to have brought the secrets of creating fire to mortalkind. Helia's domain has also expanded to cover the home and comfort, and her name is often used to bless houses and provide magic thresholds.

Appearance
When Helia appears in mortal form, she often takes on the appearance of a warm, kindly, middle-aged woman with fiery red hair and light blue eyes. She often wears drab clothing, similar to that of peasants, and is often seen in the company of several children (demigods). Helia often appears near an existing controlled fire (such as a fireplace or campfire) or creates one when she stops to converse with others.

When Helia appears, she will often banish feelings of cold or chills in those around her. Her presence brings comfort, no matter how cold or extreme the temperatures around her are.

Helia also has been rumored to have access to powerful fire magic, though it is rare that she enters into combat with a foe.

Personality
Helia is calm, friendly, and peaceful. She has motherlike care for her followers, and will oftentimes appear to those deserving of warmth and comfort to deliver both.

Though normally kind and gentle, Helia will explode with rage and passion if pushed, or if her followers are endangered.

Worship
Helia is one of the most-worshipped deities in Somara. Many families and common folk worship her in hopes of being granted warmth and comfort, especially during the colder seasons. Her clerics tend to be a part of the Light Domain, but clerics of Helia have also been known to utilize the Life, Nature, Peace, Protection, and Twilight domains. Rarely, she will also have paladins who swear an Oath of Devotion.

The Church of Helia is a widespread but very loosely organized organization that maintains minor churches and shrines in many towns throughout Somara. Helia's followers are often encouraged to partake in charitable acts and care for those who lack comfort.