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☀️ Arselia and Akonia

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Distracting herself from describing her former life, Alaria decides to also make some notes about the School of Eight Paths while her memory is still fresh.

"Baldr Memorial
An architectural monument and a place of power, telling of distant lands and undistant heroes. Some walls of this place are inscribed with ways of mastering the elements. Others bear stories of people dear to the founder. Stories of love, broken fates, and cats. Stories of Baldr, a barony quiet and peaceful at first glance. Such a pity I didn't have a diary with me at the time of my visit to write down the coordinates. I fear this place has every chance of being buried under the sands of time.

Characters:
Eir von Walravn — the storyteller, a sword master, and the founder of the place I visited. An energetic and ambitious young woman who overcame the hatred boiling in her heart. Well-versed in the nature of the fire element. A Sorceress, apparently, of some sort. A curious surname as well.
Jan Dere — the founder's mentor. From the description, a talented swordsman and a handsome man. Aware of this and not shy about mentioning it in conversation. At the same time, he is willful and prone to using his fists. Gives the impression of a man who thinks he has conquered life and is now trying to entertain himself by any means possible. Strange he never thought of accursed manors.
Veserod — an unsociable young man. Supposedly young, but the description gives the feeling he was around forty. Served as a pillar of support for his brothers and sisters, inspiring them with his courage and strength of character. For the same reason, he was popular with women. Described as a talented archer, and ironically, he died by an arrow himself.
Gungnir von Brekkendorf — the adoptive father of Baldr's wards. With a sword slung over his shoulder, he is mighty and fearsome as a storm. Described as one of the greatest warriors of his lands and an extremely talented commander. Apparently, having decided to settle in the wilderness, he did not seek such fame and prefers a quiet, measured life. Somewhat similar to Veserod, likely having had a strong influence on the latter's personality. It's hard not to envy his students for having such a worthy father figure in their lives.
Emilia von Brekkendorf — I'll admit, when I read about 'kind-hearted witches who treat children to tasty food,' I immediately become wary. I've read too many fairy tales. But in this case, it turns out the image is truthful and hides nothing sinister. Just a kind-hearted woman of many talents. I wonder... did she use magic in her recipes? I probably would have given it a try. I definitely used the fire from my abilities for cooking — it would be foolish not to use such a convenient tool. Sigh.
Claudia Acham — although this girl is completely innocent in all of this, her name inevitably reminds me of a certain greedy scaly face. A very unfortunate surname, I must say. Not the most interesting character in Baldr's stories, but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be curious to visit the 'Amber.' Maybe I'd ask for a couple of recipes and share my own. But I definitely wouldn't make comments about her surname. At least she got her happy ending and changed her surname to a more fortunate one.
Gregor Filanemo — Claudia's fiancé and Veserod's mentor, though he looks young enough to be the latter's son. I can't say whether he was that lucky with genetics or Veserod wasn't. Renounced his title to follow a dream, which seems admirable, but the title then passed to his decadent younger brother. I can understand the reluctance to rot away in an unloved place doing unloved work. And I'm not one for excessive self-sacrifice myself. Still, I'm curious how he lived with the knowledge of the fate he had condemned the inhabitants of his native county to.
Aisen von Mariendorf — another aristocrat, but stripped of his title under different circumstances. In contrast to his 'colleague by trade,' he is a responsible and selfless person. Possessor not only of noble blood but also of a noble spirit. It's hard not to respect such a person. At least, based on the few stories I managed to read.
Cecilia von Mariendorf — strange to see someone like this living in the wilderness, far from big cities. Otherwise, not the most interesting or notable person. Even a bit ironic, given her field of activity.
Matthias Kessler — one-eyed, apparently. A bandit, apparently. Yet doesn't give off the feeling of a bastard devoid of any positive human qualities. And he turned out better looking than that thug.
Almandina Arkadia — strange culture in this world, indeed. And the analogs to choral singing are unusual. Though, I suppose it would be a bit curious to see it all with my own eyes. But the problems are the same. I hope she ultimately found a path more comfortable for herself.
Victor Slimegate — it feels like Baldr is some kind of shelter for exceptional individuals. Want to live somewhere in peace? Gungnir von Brekkendorf will welcome you with open arms! An eccentric professor, however, went further than the others and decided to settle somewhere truly remote.
Amelia Slimegate — the reason the professor settled in the wilderness. Another exceptional individual, but a swimmer this time.
Virgil from Stingelheim — to be honest, when I first read about the 'purity and innocence' of such a comely knight... my thoughts went a bit in a different direction, hehe. I got rid of those thoughts afterward, though. A tragic figure, really. In a way, his situation was similar to mine, but much worse — there was no chance to make up for lost time. And then he seemed to have found a cozy place. Managed to come to terms with the realities of fate. Then his friend shows up, whose machinations break the poor man's spirit as well. And with the participation of his beloved student. Honestly, he should return to Baldr, but it's not for me, with my tendency for self-destruction, to talk about that.
Theodahad Bors — a friend who makes enemies unnecessary. At least according to what is written. Only visited Virgil when he needed something from him, and then, through his machinations, simultaneously destroyed several lives, including his own. A very instructive story, actually.
Rutger Rivelstein — probably the strangest character out of the four warriors. That says a lot. He became an invalid, apparently, but resigned himself to it like Virgil. And then he still went along with his wife, who started weaving bloody intrigues in hopes of curing her husband. A strange decision for a warrior who once risked his life to save innocents. It feels like *his* spine was broken, not Virgil's. Or perhaps human life had lost all value to him. Given his line of work, not the rarest shift in values.
Hecate Rivelstein — setting aside her questionable methods, the willingness to take risks and defy fate for a loved one commands respect.
Tyros Rivelstein — not a pointy-eared twerp, apparently, but still a traitor. A curious coincidence.
Gulveig — that student of Virgil. Reminds me of heroes from fairy tales. Kind and brave, but hapless and not too competent. Very clumsy, everything slips through her fingers. But behind all that lies a brave heart and an iron will. A naive girl, but courageous. It's hard not to respect such resolve. Especially when people around you are running away, and their lives are going downhill. I hope she managed to straighten out her betrothed's brains. And his spine.
Calenthia — according to the records, Gulveig's closest friend and sister, as well as the 'brains' of the squad in battle situations. Seems like a well-read girl. Strict, serious, and disciplined. But Baldr's isolation didn't work in her favor. As a result of her upbringing, she turned out to be no less naive than her kind-hearted sister. And then she faced the realities of her world. All her plans and dreams either fell apart or were turned upside down. In the end, her brain overheated. In trying to keep her footing, she began clinging to any chance to hold onto her sanity. She became fixated on an idea — to protect her family and Baldr at any cost, from any threat. In general terms, it's also a manifestation of love. But I just hope she doesn't find herself, at the end of her path, alone on the ashes.
Anselm — at first glance, a knight in shining armor. Brave, courteous, and noble. But also a shrewd businessman with an entrepreneurial streak. Probably would have achieved a lot, if born into an aristocratic family.
Imelda — the lady of the knight in shining armor. Fragile, defenseless, gentle. Plays the violin. Tries to get her lover drunk with potions stolen from slavers. Sent to compulsory treatment. A classic love story.
Renold — an extremely talented duelist. Got the impression he kept trying to become the squad's leader, but lacked Veserod's authority or Calenthia's tactical cunning. Apparently took out his anger on opponents. Has a very suspicious dynamic in his relationship with his blood sister.
Ilva — a beauty, artist, swordswoman, cook, and also a Sorceress. Constantly fussing over her little brother. As I already wrote, their dynamic is strange. Maybe I translated something wrong.
Alessia — a bitchy fashionista once called a witch. Decided to spite the offender and became a real witch. She'll fleece you dry, say something nasty, and burn you to the ground. A difficult personality, but not lacking in assertiveness. Earns a certain amount of respect. But I wouldn't want to be a captive when Alessia is called on a rescue mission. Though, in general, I wouldn't want to be a captive at all.
Anders — when people describe cat-loving guys with a dark past, they usually mean stately dark-haired men with chiseled features. Anders doesn't fit that description at all. Also, these guys with a dark past don't consult their cat on every little thing. And the cat doesn't answer them in human speech. Setting aside all the oddities, he's basically just a shy guy who wasn't lucky in the looks department. Kind-hearted. Stands by his family through thick and thin. And he even managed to find a girl. It's hard not to be happy for him. Though I, in his place, would hope the children take after their mother in appearance.
Ryohei — a guest from distant lands. A ninja by calling, yet he saved his comrades' lives more than once. Described as handsome. Very much so. His beauty is noted in almost every appearance. More and more as the story goes on. I can guess why. Too bad nothing ever worked out between him and the founder.
Yua — I don't know how I would react if I suddenly found a little girl in a tree hollow at the edge of a forest. I understand the Baldrians' concerns — the girl was clearly not as simple as she seemed, even though she later showed herself to be a loving sister.
Daniel — the most mysterious of the wards. Got beaten by dendroids. Then got beaten by Hans. And after that, never mentioned again. As if he vanished into thin air.
Bouvardia Milano — yet another person with a difficult fate. At least her story ended on a high note. Perhaps she will yet fulfill her dream.
Hans — alcohol will lead to no good, Mr. Landsknecht. Although you know that perfectly well yourself. But you put that annoying trio to good use.
Shino — reminded me of a girl I once crossed paths with. Not entirely sure why."

33 entries, it seems. Depending on whether you count the descriptions of certain events within the character descriptions as entries for those events.