The Empire denies this narrative of course, because the "Hero" was meant to have been a magician themselves; and to paint a magician as responsible for ending the suffering would not fit their view of themselves as the superior nation, and magic as the root of evil and sin.

...turned on their allies, and began to hunt the remaining magician's down.

The mage war ended not because all the wizards died; the wizards were murdered because of the opportunity afforded by the Mage War.

...but others say that a great hero rose up and led the coalition army to victory against the Malachian enemy. That were it not for this hero and the power at their command, the enemy would never have been defeated — but that in the aftermath, the rulers of the Kingdom of Haugr...

This is, honestly, gorgeous. 🤩

I'd actually love to have a side story in the POV of the villain, or one of their henchmen; to really be able to dissect their actions and what drives them!
See the other side of the conflict, so to speak — hammer home how evil they truly are.

In short, Bronwyn is special simply because of who she is — her drive, her personality, her morals, her choice to do right in the face of the odds. Not controlled by fate, but choosing to do the right thing because that's who she is.

... because destiny is something individuals choose and take responsibility for. Bronwyn is seen by some as a "Chosen One", but there's nothing to set her apart from others who can use magic; she has no different powers or ability, no prophecy, not chosen by the gods.

I'm still debating it! She might stay dark brown or another brown shade instead, but I feel the name Bronwyn is more suited to a blonde for some reason.

I've not yet made decisions about her hair in Draft 3; Bronwyn, as she is now renamed, may be blonde! She may also cut her hair short, as I quite liked the symbolism of sacrifice there.

Later she did grow it back, but still chose to keep it relatively short (well above shoulder length) as a matter of practicality, but would still be considered unusually short for a young woman in Riviera.

Her hair has also changed colour between drafts - first dark brown, then maple brown.

Honestly exactly the same — if I didn't have a full time job and could dedicate myself to writing, I'd have 3 books out by now I'm sure!
As it is I'm wrestling through just finishing Draft 2 with how busy I've been the last few months; but I'm into the last 2 or so chapters, and a short epilogue!

Forewarning for those who follow my snips, one of the big changes I'm making may be to change Cassiel's name entirely. I'm going through some opinions on what to make it — I like a lot of names from the Mabinogion, Welsh mythology, so Bronwyn, Branwyn, Gwyndolyn and similar are competing in my head!

I have the feeling Reha's would start fun, but as she starts to throw heavier and heavier weapons with less and less accuracy, it would veer towards... Concerning 😂