#winterle_hsr

Something about Tribios being the first demigod, the first one who ran towards the world’s agony, the first one willing to bear the burden of the chase, to feel endless despair and suffering over time, to watch herself lose companions over time, to watch herself lose her memories and parts of herself over time, to have seen nations fall again and again over time and feel helpless regardless of her powers. Something about Tribios being a teacher who outlives her students, watching them fall one by one, something about her willing to sacrifice her entirety and regress over time for the sake of Amphoreus -

Something about Aglaea sacrificing her humanity for the sake of Amphoreus, something about her being a weaver, a manipulator, a pupeteer - yet allowing herself to become a puppet of the prophecy herself. Something about her deep love for the world driving her to accept the price of salvation, willing to taint her golden heart in red, all for the beautiful and romantic future she weaves with her golden threads that she knows she’ll never see -

Something about Mydei losing everything - his childhood, his people, his family, his friends, his home, yet remaining kind and compassionate, holding on tight to his principles. Something about Mydei being a warrior of both his mind, body and soul, carrying the weight of his people’s fate, worried that with his bloodied crown, he would make his people drown in a sea of blood. Something about Mydei being afraid that the power he wields would one day hurt the people he cares for, instead of protecting his home. Something about Mydei cradling his heart with such intensity so that he may not lose his humanity and love -

Something about Castorice being unable to shed off the heavy shadow of death that isolates her from others, something about her keeping her heart warm and kind, despite the darkness that looms around her and the fear that surrounds her name. Something about Castorice’s affection for life, her warm embrace of lost souls in the dark, her perserverance to retain what is beautiful about life all around her body; Something about her desire to turn death into a peaceful embrace for others, cradling her sorrow for the end of life alongside the miracle of life. Something about her distancing herself from others to keep everyone safe, embracing others from a distance -

Something about Phainon losing his home and his people, something about him losing his childhood and innocence, then brought up onto the stage to carry the weight of the world when he has yet to experience all that life has to offer. Something about Phainon putting on a mask, wearing a blank slate, taking on whatever identity and role he can take, as long as he can help ease the suffering of others. Something about him hanging on to a thin thread, trying not to lose himself to despair, hatred and revenge, trying to believe that he has what it takes to be the world’s hero, the world’s hope, the world’s ’Deliverer’. Something about Phainon’s sensitive heart hoping that he has what it takes to deliver to the world what they expect of him. Something about Phainon opening his arms wide with a smile to take in what humanity has given to him to carry and protect. —

Something about Anaxagoras being a ‘fool’ to hold such defiance against the prophecy that promises salvation at the cost of dooming them all. Something about his compassion for the people and the world, pushing him to reach for a miracle, even at the cost of his own soul, that will save everyone better than the prophecy. Something about his persistent fight for humanity’s freedom and salvation, something about his belief that humanity can rise and reach their true potential. Something about Anaxagoras embodying the essence of reason intertwined with life, allowing his empathy and humane values form the foundation of his reason that brings him forward -

Something about all the Chrysos Heirs that we have seen so far who have sacrificed so much. Something about humans forced to take on the mantle of demigods, humans who carry so much hope and love for Amphoreus, humans who are willing to do what it takes to find salvation -

Something about the beautiful Chrysos Heirs and how they reflect humanity’s persistence despite the chaos of life makes my heart feel heavy with both grief and hope.

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I know it’s a running gag that the Kremnoan language lacks a lot of words for some of the more emotional, ‘heartfelt’ or ‘vulnerable’ things such as ‘romance’ or ‘fear’ or ‘weakness’ or ‘chickening out’ (I forgot how many words they’ve mentioned, or if I actually quoted the right words) etc. + Taking into consideration all the jokes between Phainon and Mydei on the words that aren’t in the Kremoan language/dictionary.

But if you think about it, even in real life, language reflects a culture; it is deeply intertwined with society, impacted by its own culture and values, and in turn, influences society again, like a cyclical influence. Perhaps to the Kremoans, the most important language (a form of expression) is not through words but through actions.

Why do they need a word to express their love, their fear, their anger, their hatred, their pain, their sorrows - when they can show it through action or through battle? Of course, considering how their main values are strife, strength and dominion, it is inevitable that action/battle takes precedence before all else. But think about it: Fight for glory, for love of their nation, for protection, for pride, for honour, for fear; Sacrifice for something greater than themselves, for family, for friends, for the future.

Just like how Gorgo sacrificed herself for her son, how Mydei’s parents understood each other through battle, how Mydei himself shows his care and love for his people through his choices and actions -

Although Mydei is a man of few words, anybody can tell that he has one of the warmest, gentle and kindest nature. He doesn’t need words to show people that he cares for them, he doesn’t need words to express his fears, he doesn’t need words to convey his anger and values. Anybody can tell who he is just by looking at the choices and actions he has made. In my opinion, he is one of the most authentic and genuine person we’ve seen so far. Many characters we’ve seen so far have their own secrets, masks, agendas - but with Mydei? He may speak less than the others, he may not easily say words that are ‘emotional’ or ‘weak’, and he may seem harsh on the outside, but you can definitely feel his warmth, concern, and care without his words.

There may be no words for expressing certain emotions or vulnerabilities in the Kremoan language, but that’s likely because the Kremnoans are people who speak the language of action. That’s also what makes Mydei himself + his relationship with all the other Chrysos Heirs, his people and companions so compelling. You can read into his relationship and feelings for others well beyond his words, and you can read into his true values and principles. You can see what he fights for, what he’s scared of, when he’s willing to seek help and guidance, when he respects others - with Mydei, you don’t need words to know he trusts you.

For Mydei, he has shown his love for the people and Amphoreus by fighting the black tide, protecting the citizens, giving advice to others, supporting the children, cooking his food, supporting his companions, trusting his friends -

To Mydei, words aren’t required to express himself, and perhaps, words aren’t enough to express just how much he cares.

3.2 spoilers

*Edit: Updated Anaxa’s a little.

1000+ years old:

Tribios, Aglaea, Castorice and Cipher confirmed to have lived a millennium (1000+)

30+ years old:

Anaxa (Let's assume he graduated early around 20 years old (I think think this is possible because he's smart, but also I know many irl who have graduated at 20 including myself)) + 3+ years of self-research and creating the Nousporist school + Year 4919-4931 (12 years after 7 sage decree)

I assume he could be 35? 20+3+12 = 35? But he could be younger if he just straight up opened a school after graduation? Or he could be in his 40s if he spent a little more time doing his alchemy research and in opening the school.

25+ years old:

Phainon, Mydei, Hyacine

(This is just pure assumption based on how others have treated them/called them)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/66238825/chapters/170753167

Summary:

I wonder, what romantic, yet tragic fate awaits these Heroes who have lit the first blaze of Dawn for Amphoreus?

A glimpse into the thorns of reason and romance intertwined between the Chrysos Heirs, seen through the eyes of Cerces and Anaxagoras. Includes a deeper dive into the Demised Scholar’s last 15 days, and Cerces’ past with Mnestia. ... The scholar who embodied the nature of reason intertwined with life, the Chrysos Heir chosen by Cerces who carried a burning passion within his heart, the man who cradled the thorns of reason and romance within his soul.

The performance of life too, must reach the curtain call.

... Reason and love have never demanded anything from us. It is us, the children of humanity, who have always demanded everything from them. This is why reason and love are doomed to burn until the end of their fates. Yet still, the children of humanity will always choose to go down this blazing path, all to seek the light that gives them purpose.

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Notes:

Spoiler note: Spoilers for 3.3. Read at your own risk. Also note that this piece of work is long, the character interactions will be spread out here. Please be patient if you're seeking certain interactions :) When I say this fic tries to depict the thorns of reason and romance, I mean this in the figurative and literate rather sense. I wanted to depict the complex and intricate nature of the relationship between the Chrysos Heirs, and provide a deeper introspection unto Anaxagoras, who can see through emotions and reason with a glance, and his interactions with various Chrysos Heirs and Cerces. Various relationships will be shown - whether you see it as platonic or romantic, that is up to you, but at the end, I hope you can see the love each character has for their journey and each other, and weep with me as we read the romantic tragedy that is their fate. (Oh, but no Anaxagoras x his sister please, they are entirely familial in this work.)

Anyways, all Titans pronouns will be ‘They’, and why not? Imagine Them however you wish - non-binary, gender fluid, female, male etc.

Once again, please be patient, I have done my best to include all well known relationships in this fix and tried to display their complexities, not just Anaxagoras and the Chrysos Heirs (although this is the main focus).

PSA. I wrote most of this fic while I was dreadfully sick. For the sake of my body and my respect for the game and characters, I’ll write the epilogues once I’m better.

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Content:

As this work is long, and filled with a variety of interactions and incidents across Professor Anaxagoras' last 15 days and his interactions between the Chrysos Heirs (I wanted to depict the complexities of everyone’s relationship through his eyes) - I've created a list of content here with a summary of what to expect for each chapter. There are more mentions in each chapter than I’ve listed below, but I’ve only summarised the main relationships that will be discussed. Feel free to disregard this if you like to be surprised, or choose to have a look at it if you wish to prepare yourself for what to expect, or if you wish to look for chapters that suits your interest (but please be mindful that if you do this, some parts might be confusing as it follows the storyline and you might miss a few things if you skip a few chapters, but other than that, I think it should be quite readable).

I have tried to include his interactions with every Chrysos Heirs and align it best with their personalities, and their voice lines about each other. You may find references to ‘As I’ve written’, the Character stories, their voice lines, divergent universe stories, readables, promotional magazines  etc.

You can say I was desperate and starving for more Professor Anaxa(goras) content with each Chrysos Heirs, and how he viewed the complex relationship between each Hero to the point that I was willing to write this much. I also wanted more Cerces x Mnestia stories, and how they both influenced each other.

Please anticipate Cerces’ input and appearance in all the chapters (I think They appear in all the chapters, I’m too lazy to sift through my writings now). I just love seeing Their interactions with Professor Anaxa(goras) and wanted to portray both Their snarky and busybody side, and Their more contemplative and softer side. I also wanted to see how They saw the Chrysos Heirs through Anaxagoras’ eyes, and what They thought of his relationship with the Chrysos Heirs.

Finally, thank you, for taking your time to read this.

Chapter Contents:

The promise to be together in the next life. (Split into 3 parts)

Part 1 (Cerces x Mnestia)

Memories of Cerces and Mnestia’s past, ft. Titans and the relationship between the Titans.

Part 2 (Anaxagoras + His Sister)

Memories of Anaxagoras’ past with his sister

Part 3 (Anaxagoras + Cerces)

Discussion over their memories and insightful discussions.

Anaxagoras + Cerces relationship

Anaxagoras introduction of Aglaea to Cerces

We do not blame the sky for weeping. 

Anaxagoras + Hyacine

Losses are a constant in the Flame-Chase Journey

Nousporist gang (minus Hyacine) 

Mentions of Phainon + Mydei, Phainon + Castorice, and the Amphoreus Trio (Phainon, Mydei, Castorice)

Mentions of Old Titus, Cynane and Artakama, Callinicus

The Great Performance - The best way to teach a student is to touch their heart and set it ablaze.

Nousporist gang (plus Hyacine this time)

Memories of Anaxagoras’ past lectures/field trips

Hyacine’s role as the assistant lecturer

Deceive the world as you wish, but do not deceive your heart

Anaxagoras + Cipher

Mentions of Aglaea + Cipher, and the tension between Anaxagoras and Aglaea

A student learns from their teacher

Anaxagoras + Lady Trianne, Tribbie and Trinnon

Mentions of Aglaea her relationship with Lady Tribios

It must be a power most secret, a means for one man to stand against a thousand

Anaxagoras + Hay spell. His past with his sister, why he carved the Hay spell

Anaxagoras finding his sister’s dead body

Phainon discovering the spell on his professor’s body

”You have done enough.”

Anaxagoras + Mydei

Mentions of Mydei + Phainon

No one dies alone

Anaxagoras attending the funerals of the victims of the Grove.

Mentions of Old Titus, Cynane and Artakama, Old Fabio, Callinicus and his wife.

When you are left alone in the sky, you must believe in yourself.

Anaxagoras + Hyacine

Mentions of Lady Aglaea’s waning humanity + Hyacine wanting Anaxa and Aglaea to mend their relationship

The performance of life too, must reach the curtain call.

Anaxagoras + Garmentmaker

+ Aglaea listening and her thoughts about the Great Performer

The final performance

Anaxagoras’ death, His POV

The parting gift

Anaxagoras’ death, Aglaea’s POV

Epilogue 1: Hyacine

Epilogue 2: Castorice

Epilogue 3: Phainon

Epilogue 4: Cerces

Epilogue 5: Anaxagoras