Scrofa ("Boar") is the bastard son of a minor Prince of Barrak, by Ashwin ("Joy from Ashes"), a peasant woman of a small Lorenai village. When the prince fell in battle, Ashwin and her son were taken in by Barrak as Scrofa's father had been their only support, they having been ostracized by their village. Scrofa grew tall and strong and was trained in the ways of the bestial protectors, having the gift imparted at his coming of age to become a boar in form as well as name.

A few years back, Scrofa saved the life of a young Pirkas princess and her retinue, who were beset by ambush. Scrota was instantly smitten with the Princess Aithne ("Little Fire"), when she took up a blade and with her slender arms fought off their attackers by his side. Aithne took Scrota to the treetop hall of House Pirkas, where he was accorded all honour, which raised him standing with the Barrak warband as well.

However, all was not well. Though Scrofa, feeling little worthy of such a boon, would not speak of his love for Aithne (and it is uncertain how much she may have guessed), the girl's father, Camlin ("Crooked Line") read it in the youth's face, and is not pleased. All well and good that rough and hardy Barrak should protect the forest floor while Pirkas defends its roof. . .but to think that one of those savage brutes might marry a daughter of the Fey. . .this to Camlin is unthinkable. There are others among the treedwellers who share his sentiment, and he has stirred up no small unrest among the petty nobles over this scandal. Though it now only simmers, such has it grown that it threatens to tear asunder the great alliance of Beastmen and Fey.

In the meantime, Camlin has used his influence through that alliance to have Scrofa given the most arduous missions, especially far-ranging ones which will keep him from Aithne. To the leaders of Barrak, this is merely a great complement and evidence of Scrofa's great promise as a young champion. And so Scrofa suffers in silence. . .as does his patrol companion, Yerti ("Spring"), for she too bears a love in secret, for Scrofa, but would not for that see his happiness denied. . .