# Varda #### The Calm Varda is the goddess of calm seas, the gentle wind, diligence and hard work. While many prayers are dedicated to Marlena to assuage her wrath, most are sent to Varda to ensure she sees the honest day's work that comes with a life at sea. Varda does not reward hard work so much as she ensures that hard work brings forth the results that are due.  # History  Varda first came to the Yagmaran during the fallout of the Great Cataclysm. While Marlena did battle with the host of Amaguirre, Varda ensure that the Yagmaran had the calm conditions required to build the Great Fleet on which the Yagmaran would flee. During the Era of Brotherhood, Varda grew dissatisfied with the idleness and lethergy that had settled into Varyag people. She initially agreed with Marlena that the covenant had been violated and as such the Varyag deserved punishment. Freji has urged forgiveness and indulgence on behalf of the fated people, for their lives were short and so too, naturally, was their memory. Varda decided that what was needed was a trial by which the Varyag could be judged. If they worked to redeem themselves and prove worthy of the Covenant, then it would be renewed. If not, then Marlena would exact her punishment upon them. Due to the valor and bravery of Jelmuro, Varda was convinced that the Varyag could indeed be trusted to keep to the Covenant, and provided them with the Articles of the Covenant, so that there could never again be doubt as to what was expected of the Varyag people. When Marlena demanded that further punishment be exacted for the sins of those who acted against the Covenant during Jelmuro's quest, Varda agreed. The Call to the Sea would ensure that the Varyag would never again be tempted into a life of idle decadence.  # The Temple of the Covenant Varda does not have her own temples, as she is an aspect of Artrya. There are shrines to Varda, both within Artryan temples and free-standing. Within the temples, the shrine to Varda is typically of a size with the shrine to Marlena, though slightly smaller. Free-standing shrines to Varda can be found near most shipyards and large ports.  # Clergy  Most of the worship of Atrya is centered around the veneration of the Varda aspect. Marlena may need to be placated, and occasionly her wrath may need to be born by the indolent or sinful, but for the most part, Varyag who work dilligently and don't ask for special treatment will be rewarded with the fruits of hard labor. There is an order of clergy who are focused