Posts from ☀️ Arselia and Akonia Auto-translated

– We’ll be grateful, – the redhead nodded in agreement. – Okay, I’ll go practice the dance, just in case that performance actually happens. I have an idea how to do it without a partner. Or maybe I should suggest it to Garrett? Hmm, three people in a royal battle, everyone against everyone: a fast and unstoppable Fury, an agile and light-as-a-feather cat girl, and an agent hiding in the shadows to deliver a sudden, poisonous attack. Maybe that would be even more interesting, although more challenging? What do you think, professionals? – she looks at Beata.

-- We would appreciate it, -- the redhead nodded. -- Okay, I'll go practice the dance in case that number actually happens. I have an idea how to do it without a partner. Or maybe I should suggest it to Garrett? Hmm, three people in a royal battle, everyone against everyone: a fast and unstoppable Fury, a nimble and light-as-a-feather cat girl, and an agent hiding in the shadows to deliver a sudden, poisonous attack. Maybe that would be even more interesting, although more challenging? What do the professionals think? -- she looks at Beata.

- While you were gone, I was just explaining that we don't want to unnecessarily stress the audience... But if it's theatrical and not too realistic, it will be great!

-- We all have agility above thirty, and I expected that none of us would take direct hits, only occasional blocks. And in general, the idea is that I can dance a little, and this is similar; you need to move dynamically, like waltzing, while portraying fistfights. But if you think it will look too dangerous, well, -- he shrugs. -- You're the organizer; it's up to you to decide.

-- We all have agility above thirty, I expected that none of us would take direct hits, only occasional blocks. And in general, the idea is that I can dance a little, and this is similar; you need to waltz dynamically, portraying fistfights. But if you think it will look too dangerous, then, -- he shrugs. -- You're the organizer, you decide.

- First, we need to watch and evaluate, - Beata said decisively. - Are Garret and Kilika aware?

– You’re asking if I have, of course not. Well, Gar probably hasn’t gone anywhere, so I’ll go to him to ask and create a prototype, – and if Beata had no objections or additions, I went to look for my older brother.

-- We would be grateful.

— Understood.

Once the rehearsals were over and Alaria was finally satisfied with the results of her work, the girl decided to take a short break and refresh herself by strolling through the evening streets of Margel, while she still had some time before preparing dinner. Of course, instead of walking around the city in a tracksuit, the inquisitor changed into a more familiar outfit. She chose the "Playful Rabbit," which had been mentioned earlier by Rapi, as her destination. He had reminded her of the existence of this establishment, so to speak. After all, she was somewhat curious to see what the place was like from the inside, especially after the stories from Baldur. She herself hadn't visited such places very often, and only as an escort.
"I remember Julian once mentioning that such places were very good for making connections. He said that you could meet a wealthy fool, strike up a conversation, and then butter him up to finance some kind of trade operation that would benefit both of them. 'For immature minds, it might seem like I'm wasting money, but in reality, it's an investment in the future!' " That's what he used to say. Sometimes, he was even right! He was quite a cunning fellow, if you think about it... but I don't really need to find some empty-headed moneybag. But I'm still interested to see how things are arranged in Welferne. Maybe I'll actually make some new acquaintances. Although I still find the idea of such establishments... questionable, let's say. Besides, it's not a fact that they won't be shut down after some time, as happened in Reims."

went to look for her older brother.

Let's bet on what will happen faster: Fragment will be ready to play, Kilika will return, or Aiyano will finish the quest.

Something made me think of jokes about a non-disclosure agreement for Frodo from the mafia.

I completely forgot whether he actually reached the mountain in that game or not.

- I will also pray that everything turns out exactly as it should. And believe me, I will do everything in my power to preserve your memory. - A servant approached the trio (the one who had been recording Kline's story) and handed him a pouch of money. - May these funds help you in your difficult mission.

—Thank you, your words truly mean a lot to me.
Without a doubt, the support from a fellow countryman, comrade, and companion meant a great deal to him, but only after receiving emotional validation from an unfamiliar person who was completely indifferent to Kridear's fate did the knight finally feel that he had filled in one of the missing links in the chain of balance. Only one thing remained, but that could wait.

Accepting the reward, he politely bowed to the blind maiden again, for some reason, and decided not to prolong her hospitality any further.
—It is I who should apologize. - wiping away a tear from Saneksa's cheek, he thoughtfully watched as the drop on his palm turned into an icy shard. - In my mind, this journey was supposed to have sad, but inspiring undertones, but I guess I got too carried away with the storytelling. Ah, if you had a cheerful and confident companion, you wouldn't have to shed tears because of him... Well, never mind. - looking around, he noticed with slight surprise that the day was still in full swing. It must be the work of some dead curse. - It seems that you usually have lunch around this time... We could go somewhere to have a snack, and then, for example, go to the SRI. - expressing this thought, he carefully looked at his companion's face. - But if I've ruined the mood again, we can go home...

Erefir thought it was a good idea. It wasn't worth letting Gar withdraw into himself: the further it went, the more it seemed that his otherworldly colleague was becoming increasingly introspective and preoccupied with gloomy thoughts. Of course, she might be wrong, and her brother was simply very introverted, enjoying sitting in his room and talking to himself, which was fine... But what if he was harboring something harmful to his mental health? Merel also kept silent for a long time, and in the end, Valis ate him, which the historian couldn't have failed to know. Nisho also didn't talk much, at least not sincerely, and in the end, she left in all directions, and then the story is well known. It's not good to let your Carnelian friends withdraw; you have to shake them up from time to time. And while getting Gar to participate in a question-and-answer session was a difficult task, it seemed he loved to fight. Otherwise, he wouldn't have joined the club. The same was true of Kilika, another quiet one, who seemed to enjoy simply being with her friends... No matter how many times they went to cafes together, she never really told them what she did at home in Heles, or anything else. Well, never mind, fists sometimes say more than words, much more. It was time to take advantage of that. Finding Garret: "Gar, brother, come look out the window. What do you think of what Beata is doing? I have a suggestion: join her as a combat dancer; it should be something we can handle. I'll suggest the same to Kilika. Even if Beata doesn't like the number, at least we'll warm up and fight in training, so come on... It'll be fun.) I'll give you some time to think and change into something sporty, and in the meantime, I'll do the same on my own." Having said that, Erefir quickly changed clothes herself, as it was clearly inappropriate to be in armor and with a lot of gear, and returned to the courtyard. There, she came up with a good exercise for herself. The wind was whipping up the last autumn leaves, making them swirl in a whimsical dance, and in such conditions, the girl only had to choose one specific leaf at a specific moment... And then their "duel" began: leaf up, strike with a fist underneath it. Leaf down - the fury raises her leg and, with a turn, sweeps it from above over the leaf. You had to feel your opponent very well so as not to touch the fragile and unpredictable opponent, even if only by chance, due to gusts of wind... But at the same time, the blows had to be very close. Also, when the wind blew the leaf in Erefir's face, she should not step back, but at the last moment bend, arch, make as if a "bridge," or roll over on outstretched arms. In general, nothing new, beyond what was always used in battle or training, but from a completely different angle, because the redhead had never treated her opponent with such reverence. All that remained was to wait for someone to join in... Well, if not, at least she would sweat a little, and then she could get on with other things

Having said that, Erephir quickly changed her clothes herself, as it was clearly inappropriate to be in armor and with a bunch of gadgets, and returned to the courtyard. There, she came up with a good exercise for herself.

All that remains is to wait for someone to join...

Dachs appears again in the Carnelian courtyard, having waited a long time for the tin can to take off her armor.

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.

- It's simple: "miss" is used to address an unmarried woman, and "mrs" is used for a married woman.

- Then, "miss" it is.

- I understand, thank you!

Kiu.

- Well, you should still think about it, because many of us don't have anyone, but you definitely have many close people who would be upset if something bad happened to you.

- I've had enough time to think about it, An-chan, and I will be no less upset if something bad happens to your mentor or her students, who have invested so much effort and bright hopes. And as I said before, it's not worth judging people by numbers, whether it's close ones, characteristics, the amount of gold in your wallet, or anything else – this approach can eventually lead to a gradual hardening of the soul. Even if you don't have close people today, it doesn't mean they won't appear tomorrow, and vice versa. However, some of my close ones are coming with us, so by working together, we will all be able to achieve the best result and avoid the worst.

- I see, I understand.

An approving kiu for the pleasant conciseness.

- Well, like, once we free them and return them to civilization, they'll have to bear the offspring of their tormentors... That's not good, so I'm thinking – maybe we should show them to some underground doctor so that he can...? Well, remove them with forceps or whatever they use. What do you think?

- I think that this is definitely not something we should be concerned with, and besides, we shouldn't worry about such details too early and divide the body of an uncaptured kayanka. We cannot know in advance what physical and psychological state they will be in, and how many souls they will have, if any at all. But even if we assume that everything will turn out exactly like that, none of those present here has the divine right to decide such a question, not to mention the simply legislative right to challenge the emperor's will. We will hand over the victims to medical and psychological care – SUPRA-ground; and depending on their number and condition, it will be clear situationally where exactly. The rest is up to the specialists and the decision of these women themselves, if they are capable of it and the chance for some "solution" is possible in the legislative field under such circumstances.

Clapping her hands to round off the thesis, she continues.
- Okay, let's move on. You will be guided in battle by a familiar face from your mentor, so I will only outline the main conceptual points. During the excursion, no one goes anywhere on their own – neither to "check out this room," nor to "press this lever," nor to "pick up and read this diary/unidentified drink/unclear chest," etc. What may be permissible within certain limits may be fraught with any complications in our case. In addition, we should not forget that you are not "explorers-adventurers," but Her Highness's combat squad, which imposes a special status and requirements for maintaining discipline. Although, I believe that you have already understood this yourself in recent months. All of the above applies to the trip as a whole – we will not be able to avoid standing out within our group, so we do everything quickly, clearly, and organized. You should always be in the field of vision of your comrades, and they – in yours. No wandering off to the side, flirting with the locals, and so on, especially since the enemy may be hiding not only in our complex. If we do well, then on the way back – either in another, more peaceful setting – you will have time for such leisure, but not now. And, although it doesn't make sense to say it separately for such worthy young people, – do not forget that ultimately you are Her Highness's soldiers, which means that in any situation you must maintain a dignified appearance, and your actions must be measured and such that they do not reflect negatively on her.

- ...perhaps that's all for now, – she nods to Sonata, so that she can say her part.

If neither Creon nor the doctors have anything to say, Gillon goes home, taking a detour to Ornament on the way back and asking when he can pick up the order.

- Thank you, buddy, - said the injured man at the end, - without your help, I would have been limping here all day.

She chose the already mentioned "Playful Rabbit" as her destination.

Arriving at her destination, she sees an employee of the establishment standing at the entrance, lost in her own rabbit-like thoughts.

- It's my fault. - wiping away a tear from her cheek, Sanexy thoughtfully watched as the drop on her palm turned into an icy shard. - In my mind, this journey was supposed to have sad, but inspiring undertones, but I guess I got too carried away with the storytelling. Oh well, if you had a cheerful and confident companion, you wouldn't have to shed tears because of him... Never mind. - looking around, he noticed with slight surprise that the day was still in full swing. It must be the work of some dead curse. - It seems that you usually have lunch around this time... We could go somewhere to grab a bite (or two), and then, for example, to the SRI. - having expressed this thought, he carefully looked at his companion's face. - But if I've ruined the mood again, we can go home...

... And what's in the SRI? - Her eyes were still teary, but it was clear that she had recovered. - Let's go, but give me a minute to get myself together.