=A New Hero=

Chapter 3: Challenge

Approaching the stronghold, Felice and I are met by what seems to be a watchman in a wooden tower, Who tells us not to pick too many fights or steal anything, or else we die. He's uncomfortably casual with that death part, but he's probably just gave that warning so many times that he's desensitized to it. Felice sticks close to me as we enter, Orcs going about their day, some going in and out of what looks like a mine, or at least whatever else a hole in the ground could be, some using a mortar and pestle to make either food or medicine I can't tell, some making weaponry such as spears or wooden clubs. I can see an important looking Female orc sitting on top of a giant creature skull, looking off into the distance. She can clearly see me and Felice, but she doesn't look like she really cares, only just glancing at us.

Just sorta wondering around the stronghold, I see what seems to be the center of the settlement with a FirePit in the middle of a cleared out area, with a Grizzled old Orc with white hair sitting next to it, grilling some meat. I make the oh so wise decision to approach him and ask him some stuff.

(Y/N): "Hey there old timer."

Old orc: "Who are you calling old?"

(Y/N): "You."

I guess my forwardness caught the old Orc off guard, and he chuckles a bit.

Old Orc: "heh, you got balls, kid. Talking to the chieftains father like that."

So, this is the grandfather of that Urthak guy. Probably.

(Y/N): "It's one of my better traits I like to think. Anyway, I need some information about this place."

Old Orc: "Whoa there kid, You haven't even introduced yourself. What's your name?"

(Y/N): "(Y/N). This girl hiding behind me is Felice. I'm kinda...stuck with her, I guess."

Felice waves from behind me.

GunThak: "Names GunThak, Good to meet ya."

He offers a handshake and I accept it, only to feel Him trying to crush my hand. I return the gesture, and we give each other the "We know EXACTLY what we're doing" look. He gives up his iron grip first, and we share a laugh. Much to the Confusion of Felice.

GunThak: "BWAHAHAH! You got the strength of an orc!"

(Y/N): "You're no slouch either, Old man."

GunThak: "Well, you've got my respect. What do you want to know?"

I should ask where an elven settlement that worships the god of life and death and whatever else Willow was the god of is, but Willow did say that the elves believe in godS, not god, so that could be literally every single one for all I know. I don't really see the need for armor right now, since I'm not a wondering adventurer like Felice, and I don't have a pack to carry any supplies. I could ask where a human settlement is, but that seems kinda racist. I mean "Hey I just got here, where's the humans?" I don't know how fragile an orcs ego is. I guess for now I should ask if they got any bars or something like that. Do Orcs have decent booze?

(Y/N): "Where's the chieftain? Is it that lady on the skull?"

GunThak: "Yup. That's Voltha, my daughter."

(Y/N): "She looks...uh..."

GunThak: "You can't marry her. She's already got a husband."

(Y/N): "Not what I was gonna say. She looks distant. What's up with her?"

GunThak: "Oh, she's been like that ever since her husband left for the arena in Goldhorn City. Mans one hell of a fighter and couldn't resist the call of a tournament. He's still alive and keeps in touch, but he's been gone for a month. She just misses him."