Vlakeja

Vlakeja is a rural village in the fictional nation of Veridia, located in the northern Veridian highlands on the southern shore of Lake Vlake. As of the early 2020s, its population is around 420. Administratively, Vlakeja belongs to the municipality of Lorsk within Veridia's county framework.

Name and etymology: The toponym Vlakeja likely derives from Veridian terms for lake and settlement; local tradition points to a lake-adjacent origin, though historical records are sparse.

Geography: Vlakeja sits on a flat to gently rolling shoreline with mixed conifer forest inland. The lake provides fishing and recreational value, and the surrounding hinterland is used for small-scale farming and pasturing.

History: The settlement is first documented in mid-modern records from the 16th–17th centuries, with a small parish church established in the 1650s. The 19th century brought timber activity and road building; the 20th century saw rural depopulation followed by modest tourism development around the lake.

Economy and infrastructure: The local economy combines dairy farming, cereal production, and small timber crafts, with guest accommodations serving visitors in the summer. Vlakeja is connected by regional roads; the nearest railway access and larger services are in the regional capital, about 30 kilometers away. The village has a primary school and a community health clinic; secondary schooling and larger hospitals are in nearby towns.

Culture and landmarks: The village center includes Vlakeja Church (17th century) and a preserved wooden windmill. A lakeside promenade hosts an annual Lake Festival featuring local music, crafts, and harvest meals.

Notable people: The village has produced a handful of artisans and farmers who are known locally.