Aritay
No one knew the name Aritay before Echochime emerged onto the scene three years ago. Yet, since their first performance, she has captivated audiences with her unparalleled stage presence, hauntingly beautiful voice, and an energy that seems almost otherworldly.
Despite her rising fame, Aritay remains an enigma. Unlike most musicians who revel in the spotlight beyond their performances, she almost vanishes once the final note fades. No one knows where she goes, and no one can claim to have met her offstage beyond fleeting glimpses. Some say she simply walks away, others swear they’ve seen her step into thin air as if the performance itself was a dream.
Yet, rumors persist. Some whisper of a mysterious woman and a small child spotted at a handful of venues—figures Aritay has been seen speaking to in hushed, private moments. Whether they are family, past lovers, or simply part of the many stories that surround her, no one can say for certain. There are other rumors that she was once a member of the adventuring party called the "Five Guys" that she sings about from time to time.
Aritay is more than just a musician—she is a legend in the making, and those who hear her perform are left wondering if they ever truly saw her at all.
Excerpts of the Bundushur Interview
Vadrik "Boom" Rathain:
"How did we meet Aritay? Hah! Funny thing, she kinda just… appeared. No joke. We were playing this little side gig in Prul , barely scraping by, and one day—BAM! She’s there. Didn’t introduce herself, didn’t ask to join. Just started singing, and suddenly, we weren’t just noise anymore. We were music."
Meleya "Whisper" Callis:
"You’re asking the wrong people if you want her history. She doesn’t talk about it. Ever. Not in the 'oh, it’s a secret' kind of way—more like it’s just… not something she needs to explain. And we don’t press. She’s Aritay. That’s all we need to know."
Kaeloris "Glitch" Xyval:
"I’ve tried following her after shows before. Just, y’know, to see where she goes. But she’s always gone before I can even move. Like, poof! No sound, no trace. I think she might be a ghost. Or a fey. Or a very patient illusionist."
Seraphis "Echo" Vey:
"I’ve sung with a lot of people. But Aritay? Her voice isn’t just sound—it’s something else. It lingers in your bones. You ever hear someone sing, and it makes you feel something you can’t put into words? Yeah. That’s her. That’s why I stay."
Toval "Tidestring" Verathas:
(Pauses, then sighs.)
"I saw her once. Not on stage. Not as the Aritay you know. It was late after a show, and I was packing up my things. She was standing by the docks, talking to a woman with a small child. They looked happy. Then, just like always, she was gone. I don’t know who they were. I didn’t ask. But whoever she is when she’s not Aritay… I think that’s the part of her she’s trying to keep safe."
Echoes fade, but they always return… eventually.
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