Orphel

You know sometimes you make a friend, and one day you think back on how you met, and the times you shared, and realised how special that friendship was? Well, Orphel was one of such friends I met.

Rookbourne Basin is one of my favorite places in Haranya. But for some time after Jeon left, I made a living running quests by myself in Rookbourne, always feeling a little down ...

... until one fateful day.

I was making my way down from the mountain. The blue dusk slowly descended, and a chilly mountain wind began to blow, but I had yet to complete my errands for the day. Rubbing my hands together, I walked briskly with my head down, eager to return to town before it was completely dark. Skimble followed quietly, as if we were of one mind.

We came to a narrow bridge connecting two sides of a ravine, and were about to cross it without a second thought when we noticed a well-dressed Haranyan lady on the opposide side. Startled, we quickly retraced our steps to let her across, but to our amusement, she did the very same thing at the same time. 

"Hello!" I said, "Please, after you, m'lady."

"No, no! You must be tired from all that fighting. After you!"

The lady took out her flute and played a lively little ditty, as if to encourage. Skimble and I finally crossed the bridge first, to her insistence.

"Hiya, Firran swords lady! Where're you headed?" She greeted us when we got to her side. If there was any gloominess in my heart, her warm greeting dispatched of it quickly. 

"Hello! I'm Luka and I am off to run some errands for the mountain people. How about you?"

"I'm Orphel! I was supposed to meet my friends, but they aren't in town yet, so I am just walking about killing time. I dare say I am a decent healer and song bard, I'm sure I'll be of some help. I'll go with you!"

As if knowing that I'd be more than glad to have an additional companion, Lady Orphel hopped onto Skimble's back. Bringing her flute to her lips again, she started playing a light-hearted tune. Our mood lifted, and we felt refreshed and light as a feather, as though we could run twice as fast. Upon Skimble's back, we galloped away like the wind, with no fear or worry about the coming twilight. 

From that day on, Orphel and I became fast friends, and we went on to fight, explore, and befriend many others together. Like a sister, she taught me many things, and listened to me when I shared my thoughts. Despite her well-dressed appearance, she was an incredibly spunky, indomitable healer and song bard who wouldn't refuse a good fight!

Thinking back, I had never once thought or felt like I needed to ask if it wouldn't be dangerous for her to be wandering alone in the mountains that evening. I guess somehow, I could already sense how strong she was, even though she didn't carry a sword like I did!

Over the months, I've gone on plenty of adventures with Orphel. Here are some memories that er collected :D

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"Hey Orphel, I'm going to Karkasse Ridgelands to get my final quest armor. Would you like to come along?"

"I already have something better, but I'll go with you anyway!"

"Waaaa Luka, you look awesome!"

Even though she already had equipments far better than quest ones, she went with me and got a set too.

And of course, you gotta dance a little when you get new armor. 

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Orphel introduced me to two of her friends. Elyrion and Mintrovat. Elyrion was quieter, and Mintrovat was totally chipper. The two of them would banter with each other, and it was always hilarious to listen to them. Till now, I kept in touch Orphel, but I don't know where Ely and Min has gone. I miss them very much! It was with them that I discovered my love for dangerous gliding! 

"Can we really get to that cliff from here?"

"Yes! Just follow Ely, he's a pro!"

We made it to the other side, and discovered an abundant fruit orchard.

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"Luka, do you know what the Rookbourne falls are?"

"No, but I want to find out!"

"Come with us today and you'll find out!"

"Alright, two to a rowboat, let's go!"

As we approached the waterfall, I began to wonder if I had made a bad life choice.

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We went to Growlgate Isle together, and stole pirate uniforms from the pirate barrels. 

"We are pirates now! Let's go sailing and terrorise the seas!"

"Actually, our own armours feel a lot better..."

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Orphel also showed me how to do trade runs from Rookbourne to Falcorth through the rocky mountains. It took us a long time!

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We explored Auroria together, too!

Here we rode her reindeer through the mountains of Exeloch ...

And we found our way to the burning forest! 

Since it is not every day that you get to stand in the middle of a perpetually burning forest, you gotta strike a pose and take a good photo, right?

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 Orphel's family run a business, so she has plenty of opportunities to hone her people skills. She would often share her insights and experience with me. She always stood up for me, and would always look for me to make sure I wasn't alone. Once, when she found me sad and frustrated after a harsh training and some sharp words from Finny, she had even gone to look for Finny by herself to "have a word".

After spending several months together, Orphel had to return to her homeland to help with her family's business.

Before she left, she took me to one last place - The Misty Well in Hasla. On our way, we met a few meddling elves, which we dispatched off quickly by joining forces. She was an excellent healer and kept me alive throughout the fight!

We finally made it to the well. We sat side by side, and had a good talk together. I told her about things that made me happy, and things that made me sad.

Because I was often impulsive and hot-headed, she reminded me to be cautious about putting too much emotion into things. And if others got upset, we mustn't be influenced by negative emotions and get upset along the way, but instead keep a cool head and resolve matters.

"Remember, Luka, ladies must be strong, but gentle at the same time." 

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Recently, I received a rare letter from her. She seemed to be doing well, and we had a quick catch-up before both of us had to go on our separate ways.

Orphel is far away now, accomplishing plenty of things. But no matter what, she will always have a special place in my heart.