The Forsaken Hero

Adventurers approached us from all sides, creating a tight bubble around us. Fable growled menacingly, keeping them from getting too close, but the sudden circle of noise and light was overwhelming. My tail twitched anxiously as I rubbed my horn, the beginnings of headache groaning like a storm on the horizon.

"That’s enough, everyone," Dyson said getting to his feet. "We’ve had a long night, and my companion is exhausted, so we’d appreciate some space. I’d love to tell you about our latest adventures, but that will be another time. We’ll be around the city for a while, so please be patient."

As the noise quieted down, I peeked out around us, noting the crowd was filled with mainly young, bright-eyed adventurers. The older, gray-haired folk sat at their tables, calmly sipping ale or conversing in low tones. Some of them rolled their eyes at the excitable younger generation, and a few called their companions back from crowding us, shooting Dyson apologetic glances.

Once most of them had gone, Dyson sighed and returned to his seat. "Sorry about that. This town’s filled with dreaming farm boys with more ambition than they know what to do with. After this last mission, I won’t be surprised if the Guild master promotes us to Gold Rank, something many of them idolize above all else."

"Is it really that impressive?" I asked softly.

"It is. There are only two other Gold Rank parties in the area, and one of those took a high-paying job to do a month-long escort quest to Brithlite."

"Oh. I didn’t know."

"There’s no shame in that," he said, chuckling. "With your extraordinary ability, it’s only natural you’d look down on the rest of us lowly peasants."

"It’s not like that," I protested, "I’m just...you know..."

"Beautiful?" he guessed, smiling, "Graceful? Talented? I’m sure there’s more, but that’s what comes to mind, at least."

"...Thanks." I blushed, awkwardly stroking my horn. His words were far better than the ones that came to my mind, namely lonely, lost, and afraid.