Echoes of Forgotten

The Harrowing Journey Begins

A bright sunny morning shone over the town of Melset. The town was already bustling with activity; small stalls and big shops were open, and adventurers and travelers roamed the streets. It was a typical morning for the locals. Veoford, a man with an interest in history, ancient texts, languages, and old documents, arrived at the doorstep of the household of Fhaih, a second-rate noble family well-known throughout Melset. Veoford raised his hand to knock, but before he could, a voice from his right stopped him.

“The butler said we should wait. The Lord has important guests.”

Veoford turned to see a beastfolk woman leaning against a pillar near the entrance. She had dark cat ears and a tail, and wore light leather armor. She glanced at Veoford and added,

“He also told me to pass that message along to the other adventurer. Judging by your robe and armor underneath, I’d guess you’re one of them.”

Veoford nodded, then sat down on the entrance stairs. The woman sat next to him and said,

“You’re a quiet one, aren’t you? I’m Myfina, but you can just call me Fina. What’s your name?”

“Veoford. It’s the name they gave me,” he replied.

“Gave you? Who gave it to you?” Fina asked.

“The villagers,” Veoford responded.

“Villagers? Not your parents?” Fina asked, puzzled.

Veoford remained silent. Sensing the awkwardness, Fina stood up and walked towards a flowerbed by the entrance. While squatting to examine a flower, a large shadow loomed over her. She looked up to see a tall, muscular, blue-skinned man. Without thinking, she blurted out,

“A goliath?”

“No, I’m an orc,” the man corrected.

“A blue-skinned orc?” Fina asked, surprised.

“You’ve never seen a blue orc before?” the orc replied.

“They’re rare in this region. Blue orcs usually live in the west, surrounded by mountains. They seldom leave their villages. I assume you’re here for the new generation?” Veoford said confidently, still seated by the entrance.

The orc turned to Veoford and asked,

“You know about us, young man?”

“What’s the new generation?” Fina asked, looking curiously at Veoford.

“It’s an orc tradition. To put it simply, it’s a trial to determine the next clan leader,” said a voice from behind the orc.

Fina turned to see a woman with skin of a darker shade, almost like the deep ocean, and hair that flowed like water, reaching nearly to the ground.

“And you are? Another orc?” Fina inquired.

“Oh, pardon my manners. I’m Dianaim, a water druid, not an orc,” the woman said, bowing her head politely.

Fina bowed in return. “I’m Myfina, but you can call me Fina. The guy sitting over there is Veoford.”

Fina leaned in and whispered to Dianaim and the orc,

“I just met that guy today. He seems shy and awkward, probably doesn’t have many friends.”

“I can hear you, you know,” Veoford said calmly.

Flustered, Fina asked, “How?”

“Your whispering voice is the same as your normal voice,” Veoford replied, unfazed.