Last modified: Autumn 1218 (late)
Helena Ciezki ex Merinita is one of the younger members of the covenant, having been apprenticed to the well-known Kasina Popovich at the age of eight. Prior to that, she had been raised by the fay from shortly after birth - at first by White Court fay, and then for much longer by Golden Court types. As such, she has little experience of mundane society. Her upbringing has left marks on her physically and spiritually - she has the typical slender faery appearance, and seems to be strongly effected by the presence of Christianity - so much so that she dislikes entering Christian towns and cities.
Magically, Helena specialises in Herbam and Imaginem, the latter of which she makes great use of in her day to day life. She excells in the use of spontaneous effects, and in the casting of spells without excessive words or gestures; however, she has less knowledge of the Arts or of formulaic spells than the other magi.
Helena dislikes suffering and violence - although of late she has developed some strength of character through necessity. Prior to the arrival of Roderick, she has been the main medic of the covenant, helping several of its members to recover after fending off a German raid. She has also experienced Johanna's nightmare about the destruction of her faery home, although her memories of the event are hazy, due to her taking a magical flower provided by Queen Eliada to dim her memories of the event. She also spoke at the 1218 tribunal, reminding them of the threat from the East seen in the visions of Yannes ex Criamon, Megaera ex Bonisagus and Bruno, perhaps helping to maintain some sembelance of unity in a tribunual otherwise bitterly divided by the actions of the Pripet Maior and Thousand Caves covenants.
Helena gets on reasonably well with other members of the covenant - although some of the other magi (and Mishek) worry her a bit. She is fond of Cahiramee, and has recently been accepted by Johan and Johanna. The inhabitants of the valley regard her as a minor deity, and seem quite puzzled by the way she turns up to various feasts and other such events.