[Rena's Point of View]

...

I felt my shoulder being tapped. I turned around, only to see a young man with neat black hair, golden orange eyes, and tanned skin with a large scar visible over his right cheek. His winter attire seemed rather unique, it was fashionable yet provided warmth all the same; the materials seemed to have insulated him well. I spotted metal-like claws instead of fingers on one of his arms, covered by his coat. He seemed to have a Nasod arm installed. Wait, 'Nasod'... How was I familiar with that term? They were 'robotic' like creatures, but I've never met one before. Or have I? I don't recall the ancient elven books mentioning anything about the Nasod race, so how did I acquire such information? Thinking about it brought pain to my mind, so I quickly removed such thoughts.

"Hello. May I help you with anything?" I smiled. He obviously wasn't an elf, so perhaps he was merely travelling around?

The man seemed to have pondered for a moment before answering. "May I speak to you in private?" he asked. The pitch of his voice was deep, as expected of a fine adult such as himself.

I found the request rather odd, since we were strangers, but I willingly nodded. I had my bow and arrows and my martial arts to aid me in case he tries to do anything funny.

"I've never been to this village before, so you can lead the way, Rena." he said. 

"How do you know my name?" I asked, feeling a bit insecure.

"I'll explain when we get there." 

I nodded again, and started walking.

...

I stopped at a small, abandoned garden in the depths of a park. It was disappointing that the greenery couldn't be restored to a living state; the conditions in that tiny specific area were too harsh for plants, but no one knew why.

"My name is Raven." he introduced himself. 

Raven. It was quite a nice name, I quickly became fond of it. 

He started to explain that I was a part of this group, nicknamed the 'El Search Party', or 'Elgang' for short. Together, the group defeated enemies in various parts of the continent to save, restore, and protect the El. Since the objective was completed yesterday, the gang went their separate ways, and that was how I ended up back in the Elf Village. It seemed believable and realistic, but one thing seemed odd. How could I lose all of my memories of such events in a day? It was weird.

"But can I be sure you're telling the truth?" I asked.

Raven knelt down on one knee, turned his head to face the ground, and put his human hand over his heart. He seemed like a prince in that position. "Then, I swear that these words I am spouting from my mouth are not lies." he declared with an expressionless face. I couldn't deny that he appeared to be an honest person, so the story must have been filled with veracity.

"Is that all you wanted to speak to me about, Raven?" I asked.

"No. I am here to aid you on a new journey to recover your vanished recollections. Add, one of our comrades, and the one whom had spoken to you earlier today, conducted some research and reported to me that there was a forest located the outskirts of this hamlet, shrouded with magic. If we could enter and leave the woodland successfully, a potion with the ability to recover your memories will reveal itself. All you'd have to do is consume it." he explained.

That didn't seem too difficult. I was up for the challenge, to restore my faded memories. 

"Alright, Raven." I smiled.

"We shall leave tomorrow morning. It's becoming rather late now." he said.

"I suppose so. Do you have a place to stay for the night?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"I don't think the Elder has any other rooms available in the castle, it is pretty populated, after all. I would get too worried if you were to stay in an inn alone. So, you can stay in my room for the night, although you'd have to sleep on the couch." I offered.

"Are you sure I wouldn't be too much of a nuisance?" he asked calmly.

"No, no. It's fine." I beamed reassuringly.

Raven hesitated for a while. "Very well." he said.

We ambled back to the castle.

...

I opened the door to my room. "Go in." I instructed.

"Ladies first." he countered.

"No no, please, just do as I say." I smiled.

He sighed, then entered the room. He took off his coat, laying down and making himself comfortable on the couch.

I flopped down onto the bed, glancing at him. "Your winter coat is very fashionable." I complimented.

"Oh, this? I'd never thought of it as winter attire, but I suppose you're right." he replied.

I laughed. "Well, good night, Raven."

"Night."

...

---[CHAPTER 5 - THE PLAN : END]---