Ple-Sen
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Sometimes Alaria felt as if time in Margel had slowed down, if not stopped altogether. Probably only the other Carneolians, and not even all of them, were immune to this strange lethargy that had gripped the capital of Velfern. A very mysterious phenomenon. Perhaps the Many-Faced Monogat had already made his first move and, using black magic known only to him, cursed the city's inhabitants? Turning them into living dead. Or perhaps it was just her imagination working overtime, fueled by the impending conflict. Either way, she took the opportunity to fill her journal a little.
"Portfolio
A bit of a strange section for a diary, isn't it? I decided to make a series of entries and notes regarding my skills. Partly as a reminder, but partly to stroke my ego. 😊 To think things through. Organize a little. Perhaps better formulate plans for future life. This will surely be added to; I am, after all, an ambitious girl with a restless spirit. 😉
Swordswoman
Truth be told, I've also been an axe-wielder, and now I'm even a bit of an archer. But nothing compares in beauty and elegance to a well-crafted sword, does it? I am a warrior, and an experienced one at that, despite the machinations of various scoundrels. As they say, we'll fix it and make up for it. I am certain of this. This craft was my bread, but now it is also a legacy. And so it is doubly important to reclaim it. But it's also important to stay alert for opportunities to hone my skills, or even develop my own techniques. You never know when your path might cross with a wandering sword master looking for promising successors. I myself dream of one day teaching my skills to others.
In the past, I would have said that I don't see the direct combat use of these skills as my bread, as something providing me financial and material stability, but it would be strange to write about that now. Despite my duties, I am a warrior no less than my comrades. It's not just a hobby, but my life. My art. A form of self-discipline. Something by which I defend my very right to exist and protect those dear to me. Sometimes I think my calling is precisely to protect the world from unclean forces and their accomplices. I liked these aspects of the craft back home. I continued doing this later, under the leadership of the SR. Now I do it here. In the end, I am an inquisitor. Something I need to burn into my memory so that no dark mage can erase it. All my mistakes... real or imagined... lead me to this. Perhaps some local theologian, upon looking at me, would even call me a sword guarding Anuzish! Or maybe I'm just flattering myself, ha-ha! So far, I've only heard a slightly different description...
Fiery Soul
I didn't know how to best name this section, so I settled on this variant. My affinity with the fire element stems from my homeland, originating at the same time as my warrior skills. At that time, I rarely stepped outside the established framework. It was a tool, pleasant and convenient, but nothing more. Something familiar, but given to me for a specific purpose. At least, that's what I thought then. As I began to move away from the dogmas drilled into my head, my views began to change. New applications for this affinity kept emerging, sometimes quite simple ones that I couldn't have imagined before. And then this flame was extinguished by dark magic. It seemed like I had "only" lost a useful tool, but my heart was filled with emptiness and despair. It took me a long time to recover from them, even after finding a way to rekindle the fire within myself. I haven't regained my old techniques, but that's only a matter of time. They too are part of my legacy.
Having restored my connection with the flame, I began to look at the world with new eyes. As if I had ceased to be "just" myself, but had gained a hitherto unseen degree of unity with the world. I was simultaneously myself, yet a conduit for something greater that permeates my very being. Sometimes I even doubt whether it's fair to call myself human. But then I look at wizards and push these strange thoughts aside. Now, the flame is an integral part of me and my nature, reflected in almost every aspect of my daily life. In every craft I undertake. And I continue to discover new ways to use my new nature. Sometimes I feel that after what I went through, I even developed a degree of obsession with fire, as a protective reaction to the trauma. Like a parent who once nearly lost their child and developed a tendency towards overprotectiveness. I would like to learn more about the nature and potential of my powers, be it through scientific treatises or cultural traditions that might carry a grain of truth. Unfortunately, the only source of knowledge in this field known to me is already exhausted. I can only rely on practice and luck. Unless Rufus suddenly materializes before me to give me a lecture. 😅
Instructor
Speaking of lectures, probably one of the most interesting crafts for me, in case I ever settle down. I've already given my comrades talks about undead and cooking, but I also want to teach swordsmanship. And ways of uniting with the elements. And I could tell interesting things about demons. Of course, some of this could be... no, even needs to be written down in the form of books. If a certain theologian ever changes his opinion about me, I would try to cooperate with him on this. I think additional literature on this topic wouldn't hurt the church library. Though that's closer to the craft of a writer, which also interests me...
Getting back to instructors, sometimes I still feel like I'm missing something. Perhaps experience in this matter? Ah, right now I could use a friend who is an instructor, who could instruct me on how best to give instruction! Maybe even just observing their working methods would suffice. And then maybe I'll get rich and even found my own academy of martial arts.
Dancer
Out of context, it sounds a bit wrong... but maybe that's just me! One of my hobbies, though I haven't practiced in a long time. Nevertheless, for an amateur, I am very, very good at it! Did I already mention that I've won prizes? Double-checked. I did mention it. But I'll mention it again. And again. That's how talented I am. 😎 I'm now gradually using my skills in rehearsals for an upcoming performance, albeit in a moderate capacity. Honestly, I should pull myself together and continue practicing; it's been a while since I've done this. Maybe I'll drag my friends into it too. They are an aristocrat and a gymnast, respectively, so they should also have some experience. Perhaps we can learn something useful from each other. Especially in case Beata decides to put on shows more often. I wonder if she knows that instigator from "Aquamarine," the one with the noodle arms? We could cooperate later on some activity.
Singer
It's a bit strange to realize, but I started developing my singing skills even before my combat ones. I sang in a choir and sang well, often praised for my strong voice. I later moved away from choral singing, though, and did it more for myself. I wanted to find some books on vocals in the local archive, but after a certain thief's stunt, those plans were dashed. Too bad. I still sometimes sing to myself, especially when soaking in the bath, but I have room for improvement. Especially if certain audience members who've had an ogre clan trample their ears are to be believed. Actually, I should get all of Carneol together sometime and sing our favorite songs in warm and friendly company.
Cook
The thing I am known and loved for. It overshadows many of my other talents in people's eyes, except for a couple of physical ones, hehe. Sometimes it's even a bit upsetting, even though I love doing it. It seems like just one of many hobbies. I started just to make sweets for myself. And then I turn around and, good heavens, I'm feeding almost half of Margel! I'm exaggerating a bit, of course, but I'm a little surprised myself at where I find the strength to feed both the Carneolian guys and volunteer at the hospital. It's an interesting word I chose, of course. As if I were the mother of a large family, and my squad mates were the children. But oh well, what's done is done.
I've sometimes thought about opening a pastry shop. I always found reasons not to. Honestly, I believe I could handle it. That the business would be profitable. But there would be less time to improve my warrior skills, which is one of the stopping factors. Still, there is something romantic about it, implying I would settle down. A kind of quiet, peaceful family business, where my abstract spouse and I would work tirelessly. As the children grew up, we'd get them involved too. They need to learn from childhood where things come from, so they don't grow up to be lazy good-for-nothings. But this would be in between training sessions, so they wouldn't grow up unable to defend themselves. And reading, of course, so the good-for-nothings would be educated. Ready for anything. Ah, it truly sounds very nice, despite the modesty of such a life. And why can't I split myself into parts to do everything at once?
Scout
Being an inquisitor, I've been doing this to some extent since I started service. Although by the time I worked for the SR, my old skills had gathered dust. Surveillance, information gathering, sometimes even espionage... I have knowledge in these areas. I have an aptitude for it. I know I can be good at this. But it's soul-destroying work that might require closing your heart. At least, if you dedicate your life to it. It won't bring me happiness. It's so strange to realize that I would make a very good legate now, even though I haven't wanted that for a long time. Nevertheless, with a responsible approach, these skills can be used for good. They can save many lives, avoid unnecessary sacrifices. I understand this perfectly well. Otherwise, I wouldn't have developed them in myself.
Engineer
I have a bit of skill, though my knowledge is scattered and I haven't practiced in ages. It's probably good that Erefir is nearby. She'll help me remember the past and channel this knowledge into a productive direction. The main thing is that she turns out to be a capable mentor, which I'm not sure about yet. I have ideas. I'm not sure if it's a sea of them and most are down-to-earth things, but they exist. I think the redhead will appreciate at least some of them, assuming my theories are correct and feasible in practice. Basics are basics, but I still have a lot to learn.
Builder
If the headquarters ever needs repairs, my comrades know who to turn to first, ha-ha! Not exactly the craft I'd want to do for a living, but something many people should know how to do. I firmly believe that these skills will serve me well, even if there's no dire need for them in everyday life. My promise regarding Cridear still stands. And I don't know what would have to happen for that to change. Nevertheless, I have ideas on how to develop. I could, for example, deepen my architectural knowledge. Or venture into another, related creative field. See what I'm capable of. What's more, knowledge of the hardships familiar to working folks could also help me in engineering, to lighten their burden. Though at the moment, I don't have any specific ideas. It's even a little strange."
Finishing the entry, the Tanarsian woman couldn't help but reflect that she truly was a well-rounded person. Familiar with crafts from the most diverse areas of life and capable of looking at life from different angles. And she hadn't even dared to add the profession of fire-performer to the list, thinking that first she needed to have at least one successful performance under her belt. The main thing was to survive long enough for that performance. Closing her journal, Alaria decided on that. Along the way, she also made another, unrelated promise to herself. She intended to one day write a couple more books, ideas she had decided not to mention in the journal. The first would be a collection of Reimian and Tanarsian folk songs, the legacy of two native cultures from her home world. The second would be similar in theme but dedicated to culinary recipes. In this way, elements of these cultures would continue to exist on Anuzish long after her death.
"Portfolio
A bit of a strange section for a diary, isn't it? I decided to make a series of entries and notes regarding my skills. Partly as a reminder, but partly to stroke my ego. 😊 To think things through. Organize a little. Perhaps better formulate plans for future life. This will surely be added to; I am, after all, an ambitious girl with a restless spirit. 😉
Swordswoman
Truth be told, I've also been an axe-wielder, and now I'm even a bit of an archer. But nothing compares in beauty and elegance to a well-crafted sword, does it? I am a warrior, and an experienced one at that, despite the machinations of various scoundrels. As they say, we'll fix it and make up for it. I am certain of this. This craft was my bread, but now it is also a legacy. And so it is doubly important to reclaim it. But it's also important to stay alert for opportunities to hone my skills, or even develop my own techniques. You never know when your path might cross with a wandering sword master looking for promising successors. I myself dream of one day teaching my skills to others.
In the past, I would have said that I don't see the direct combat use of these skills as my bread, as something providing me financial and material stability, but it would be strange to write about that now. Despite my duties, I am a warrior no less than my comrades. It's not just a hobby, but my life. My art. A form of self-discipline. Something by which I defend my very right to exist and protect those dear to me. Sometimes I think my calling is precisely to protect the world from unclean forces and their accomplices. I liked these aspects of the craft back home. I continued doing this later, under the leadership of the SR. Now I do it here. In the end, I am an inquisitor. Something I need to burn into my memory so that no dark mage can erase it. All my mistakes... real or imagined... lead me to this. Perhaps some local theologian, upon looking at me, would even call me a sword guarding Anuzish! Or maybe I'm just flattering myself, ha-ha! So far, I've only heard a slightly different description...
Fiery Soul
I didn't know how to best name this section, so I settled on this variant. My affinity with the fire element stems from my homeland, originating at the same time as my warrior skills. At that time, I rarely stepped outside the established framework. It was a tool, pleasant and convenient, but nothing more. Something familiar, but given to me for a specific purpose. At least, that's what I thought then. As I began to move away from the dogmas drilled into my head, my views began to change. New applications for this affinity kept emerging, sometimes quite simple ones that I couldn't have imagined before. And then this flame was extinguished by dark magic. It seemed like I had "only" lost a useful tool, but my heart was filled with emptiness and despair. It took me a long time to recover from them, even after finding a way to rekindle the fire within myself. I haven't regained my old techniques, but that's only a matter of time. They too are part of my legacy.
Having restored my connection with the flame, I began to look at the world with new eyes. As if I had ceased to be "just" myself, but had gained a hitherto unseen degree of unity with the world. I was simultaneously myself, yet a conduit for something greater that permeates my very being. Sometimes I even doubt whether it's fair to call myself human. But then I look at wizards and push these strange thoughts aside. Now, the flame is an integral part of me and my nature, reflected in almost every aspect of my daily life. In every craft I undertake. And I continue to discover new ways to use my new nature. Sometimes I feel that after what I went through, I even developed a degree of obsession with fire, as a protective reaction to the trauma. Like a parent who once nearly lost their child and developed a tendency towards overprotectiveness. I would like to learn more about the nature and potential of my powers, be it through scientific treatises or cultural traditions that might carry a grain of truth. Unfortunately, the only source of knowledge in this field known to me is already exhausted. I can only rely on practice and luck. Unless Rufus suddenly materializes before me to give me a lecture. 😅
Instructor
Speaking of lectures, probably one of the most interesting crafts for me, in case I ever settle down. I've already given my comrades talks about undead and cooking, but I also want to teach swordsmanship. And ways of uniting with the elements. And I could tell interesting things about demons. Of course, some of this could be... no, even needs to be written down in the form of books. If a certain theologian ever changes his opinion about me, I would try to cooperate with him on this. I think additional literature on this topic wouldn't hurt the church library. Though that's closer to the craft of a writer, which also interests me...
Getting back to instructors, sometimes I still feel like I'm missing something. Perhaps experience in this matter? Ah, right now I could use a friend who is an instructor, who could instruct me on how best to give instruction! Maybe even just observing their working methods would suffice. And then maybe I'll get rich and even found my own academy of martial arts.
Dancer
Out of context, it sounds a bit wrong... but maybe that's just me! One of my hobbies, though I haven't practiced in a long time. Nevertheless, for an amateur, I am very, very good at it! Did I already mention that I've won prizes? Double-checked. I did mention it. But I'll mention it again. And again. That's how talented I am. 😎 I'm now gradually using my skills in rehearsals for an upcoming performance, albeit in a moderate capacity. Honestly, I should pull myself together and continue practicing; it's been a while since I've done this. Maybe I'll drag my friends into it too. They are an aristocrat and a gymnast, respectively, so they should also have some experience. Perhaps we can learn something useful from each other. Especially in case Beata decides to put on shows more often. I wonder if she knows that instigator from "Aquamarine," the one with the noodle arms? We could cooperate later on some activity.
Singer
It's a bit strange to realize, but I started developing my singing skills even before my combat ones. I sang in a choir and sang well, often praised for my strong voice. I later moved away from choral singing, though, and did it more for myself. I wanted to find some books on vocals in the local archive, but after a certain thief's stunt, those plans were dashed. Too bad. I still sometimes sing to myself, especially when soaking in the bath, but I have room for improvement. Especially if certain audience members who've had an ogre clan trample their ears are to be believed. Actually, I should get all of Carneol together sometime and sing our favorite songs in warm and friendly company.
Cook
The thing I am known and loved for. It overshadows many of my other talents in people's eyes, except for a couple of physical ones, hehe. Sometimes it's even a bit upsetting, even though I love doing it. It seems like just one of many hobbies. I started just to make sweets for myself. And then I turn around and, good heavens, I'm feeding almost half of Margel! I'm exaggerating a bit, of course, but I'm a little surprised myself at where I find the strength to feed both the Carneolian guys and volunteer at the hospital. It's an interesting word I chose, of course. As if I were the mother of a large family, and my squad mates were the children. But oh well, what's done is done.
I've sometimes thought about opening a pastry shop. I always found reasons not to. Honestly, I believe I could handle it. That the business would be profitable. But there would be less time to improve my warrior skills, which is one of the stopping factors. Still, there is something romantic about it, implying I would settle down. A kind of quiet, peaceful family business, where my abstract spouse and I would work tirelessly. As the children grew up, we'd get them involved too. They need to learn from childhood where things come from, so they don't grow up to be lazy good-for-nothings. But this would be in between training sessions, so they wouldn't grow up unable to defend themselves. And reading, of course, so the good-for-nothings would be educated. Ready for anything. Ah, it truly sounds very nice, despite the modesty of such a life. And why can't I split myself into parts to do everything at once?
Scout
Being an inquisitor, I've been doing this to some extent since I started service. Although by the time I worked for the SR, my old skills had gathered dust. Surveillance, information gathering, sometimes even espionage... I have knowledge in these areas. I have an aptitude for it. I know I can be good at this. But it's soul-destroying work that might require closing your heart. At least, if you dedicate your life to it. It won't bring me happiness. It's so strange to realize that I would make a very good legate now, even though I haven't wanted that for a long time. Nevertheless, with a responsible approach, these skills can be used for good. They can save many lives, avoid unnecessary sacrifices. I understand this perfectly well. Otherwise, I wouldn't have developed them in myself.
Engineer
I have a bit of skill, though my knowledge is scattered and I haven't practiced in ages. It's probably good that Erefir is nearby. She'll help me remember the past and channel this knowledge into a productive direction. The main thing is that she turns out to be a capable mentor, which I'm not sure about yet. I have ideas. I'm not sure if it's a sea of them and most are down-to-earth things, but they exist. I think the redhead will appreciate at least some of them, assuming my theories are correct and feasible in practice. Basics are basics, but I still have a lot to learn.
Builder
If the headquarters ever needs repairs, my comrades know who to turn to first, ha-ha! Not exactly the craft I'd want to do for a living, but something many people should know how to do. I firmly believe that these skills will serve me well, even if there's no dire need for them in everyday life. My promise regarding Cridear still stands. And I don't know what would have to happen for that to change. Nevertheless, I have ideas on how to develop. I could, for example, deepen my architectural knowledge. Or venture into another, related creative field. See what I'm capable of. What's more, knowledge of the hardships familiar to working folks could also help me in engineering, to lighten their burden. Though at the moment, I don't have any specific ideas. It's even a little strange."
Finishing the entry, the Tanarsian woman couldn't help but reflect that she truly was a well-rounded person. Familiar with crafts from the most diverse areas of life and capable of looking at life from different angles. And she hadn't even dared to add the profession of fire-performer to the list, thinking that first she needed to have at least one successful performance under her belt. The main thing was to survive long enough for that performance. Closing her journal, Alaria decided on that. Along the way, she also made another, unrelated promise to herself. She intended to one day write a couple more books, ideas she had decided not to mention in the journal. The first would be a collection of Reimian and Tanarsian folk songs, the legacy of two native cultures from her home world. The second would be similar in theme but dedicated to culinary recipes. In this way, elements of these cultures would continue to exist on Anuzish long after her death.