Veiled Trust

Year 11

~The rain can be seen pouring over the cove entrances making a sheet of water about halfway down before breaking into a light sprinkle below. Emma and Ariella are at the guild looking into their promotion to ‘E’ rank. A gnome receptionist is helping the two.~

Emma: Can we...

Ariella: We’re not eating it.

Gnome: Actually! If you could bring back the body it’s a common delicacy here, where do you think most of our crab comes from?

Emma: See, Kelly said it’s safe.

Ariella: Fine, but you're not cooking it until we get back.

Emma: Kelly. will you see if the kitchen will let me help cook when we get back? Hold a table for me…~Cool voice~ I’ll be back for seconds.

Kelly: So that’s a yes?

Ariella: ~Laughs~Yes we’ll take the quest. Unrelated, are any new parties looking for new teammates…

Emma: Nooo. I’m done being a goof!

Kelley:~Laughs~ If she ever leaves you I’ll adopt you.

Emma: Wait. When did I become the party pet?

Ariella: Mascot, Pet would insinuate I was responsible for your actions.

Emma: ~Sad~ I’m gonna stop talking.

Kelly: ~Laughs~ Well here’s the quest info, I’ll be waiting for your cooking Emma.

Emma: See, someone appreciates my cooking.

Ariella: I appreciate your cooking when it’s not made from weird, disgusting, or monstrous in size.

Emma: I’ll take my victory and go crab-catching.

~Lightning strikes across the ocean. Emma and Lily are dodging the footwork of a Crab 20 meters tall, its club-like right claw swipes at the two. As they dodge, freezing arrows strike the joints of the legs, slowing their movements. Ariella begins charging up a stronger shot while Emma and Lily continue to distract the Crab. Lily uses her jaw to break through pieces of the legs and Emma uses a pair of ice picks to climb the Mounsterous crab. Reaching the top Emma shoots a powerful gust of wind at her feet slamming the body of the crab down and cracking the top of its shell. Ariella releases the arrow, It breaks through the formed crack and freezes the entire crab. Lily catches Emma as she falls and lets her down by Ariella.~

Emma: The troll was definitely harder.

Ariella: Oh yeah absolutely, we’re also stronger.

Emma: Now! Let's get back to the guild before Dinner.

~At the guild Emma heads out with five different dishes.~

Emma: The first Is a Crab Bisque, I even used Elven white pepper just how you like it.

Ariella: I hate that I know what this thing looked like earlier today. It looks so good now though.

Emma: Next is Carb stuffed mushrooms, as well as the Crab cakes you like to get, yes I used extra Parsley.

~Ariella’s mouth begins to water.~

Ariella: Okay you win! Let me eat now.

Emma: Fine then I won’t share the Crab Risotto.

~A couple of other groups see what Emma cooked and are all just watching. Emma turns around to see them all.~

Emma: Looks like I gotta get back to cooking.

~Everyone cheers and Emma runs back to the kitchen. Emma and the guild cooks. The Cooks are Twin gnomish brother and sister, Basil(M) and Berry(F). Both with short pink hair and blue eyes.~

Basil: We’ve got it back here Emma if you want to join the others.

~Emma shakes her head~

Emma: I like cooking, how about I make Crab salad to go with dinner?

Berry: Oh, we’re running low on salad supplies.

~Emma looks in the food storage and finds a crate with an elven symbol on it. She brings it back out to the kitchen.~

Emma: I can make Elven Crab salad my Momma showed me how once. It’s nothing fancy and it tastes amazing.

—-----------------------------

~Flashback to Emma, when she was five, and Sarah sitting at a table at an inn, Elven purple carrots, golden beets, and Elven radishes, thinly sliced

Elven greens, Lemon juice, Olive oil, Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, mint, Elven salt, and black pepper. Sarah places a bowl of finely shredded crab meat.~

Sarah: our first step is to combine crab meat, elven roots, and greens in a large bowl.

~Emma follows the instructions while Sarah reads them.~

Sarah: Then In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss the salad with the dressing. And serve.

Hakhir: So you’re trying to trick me into eating greens by mixing in meat now?

~Everyone laughs~

—------------------------------

Emma: There see, quick easy and we should have enough for tonight.

Berry:~Takes bite~ Oh that’s really good.

Basil: We don’t order many vegetables because most of our adventurers are dwarves, demons, and beastkin, but with this, we can appeal to gnomes and elves as well we don’t have to worry about waste as much.

Emma: Does that mean you’ll order more elven vegetables?

Berry: probably not because the distance to any elven towns is too much for them.

Emma: Aw.~Sad~

Basil: We will still probably get some when it comes through here but that's only a couple times a year.

Berry: But aside from your party not many elves come through here and those that do tend to make their own meals.

Emma: Most elves aren’t fans of meat-heavy meals.

Basil: Exactly. Now. Go eat, you've helped enough.

~Emma leaves the kitchen with two salads, she looks out to see everyone enjoying the different meals and smiles. Ariella waves her back to the table, Valorin’s now there as well.~

Emma: Guess who found some Elven veggies and made crab salad?

Ariella: I hate you. I’m going to get fat.

Valorin: Fine I’ll eat...

~As Valorin reaches for the salad Ariella quickly snatches it away.~

Ariella: You can have your cake but keep away from my purple carrots!

Emma: There’s more than just purple carrots. Maybe I should’ve made it for Valor….

~Ariella glares at Emma. Valorin and Emma start laughing as Ariella continues to eat the salad as though it’s her last meal.~

Ariella: ~Finishes~ Okay I’m going to pop if I eat anymore. Thank you, Emma, it was amazing.

~Kelly calls the girls over to the reception desk after they finish eating.~

Kelly: We just finished your paperwork and you’re both now ‘F’ rank

~Kelly passes their updated adventurer ID and the two head back to the table to show Valorin.~

Valorin: So does this mean we’re off to our next location?

Emma: Yup, Ariella wants to see the whispering falls.

Ariella: Yes, but we agreed to stop in a few places for a month or so to avoid just one long boring trip.

Valorin: I’ll put in the job search request for anyone heading that way. Anytown we’d like specifically?

Ariella: Somewhere with a lot of monster quests.

Emma: why don’t we go through Ferry town. I know some people in the area and last time I heard they always have monster problems.

Valorin: Sounds good to me.

Ariella: Emma, before we have to start packing lets do some final shopping. There’s a spell shop I know you’ll want to visit.

Emma: I’ve been wanting to look into some new armor as well.

~The next morning Emma and Ariella head to the spell shop. Through large glass windows, you can see shelves of scrolls and tomes. A sign over the top “Gorzath’s Grimoires.” As they enter they're met by an older-looking demon with blue scales. He sits behind the counter hunched over.~

Gorzath: Mornin 'don't get many elves round here, what kind of magic are we lookin for?

Ariella: I’m hoping to find something more ranged ice or water spells.

~Emma starts wandering around and Lily pops into her smaller form resting on her shoulders.~

Lily: What spell are you looking for?

Emma(TL): Copy spells.

Lily: why?

Emma(TL): Because I’m looking for spells on how to create multiple copies.

Lily: What about that one?

~Lily nudges Emma’s head with hers pointing her towards an advanced spells book. Emma grabs the book and brings it to the counter.~

Gorzath: What’s this?

Emma: I was wondering how much for this Book of advanced spells.

Gorzath: That one. I’ll tell you what, if you can cast any spell in that book, I’ll give it to you for half off at 15 gold.

Emma: Well I can’t do 30. Can I look through it first?

Gorzath: Of course! I’ve always enjoyed watchin magic since I can only manage barrier magic myself. This whole shop is protected in an anti-thief barrier. That's why I don’t have to worry about the store layout.

Ariella: I was wondering about that.

Emma Thinking: Let’s see What’s gonna be the best and easiest choice?

Lily: Well what’s your magic level now?

Emma(TL): 158. Oh, this one.

Emma Thinking: Picture the air as your canvas.

~Emma waves her hand in the air and the store darkens. Stars begin to shine on the ceiling floor and look as though it’s floated away leaving them hovering in space. Gorzath smiles as lights stream across in different colors like a mist~

Gorzath: Aurora’s Ballet. It has a soothing effect as well. Alright, that show was definitely worth the discount.

Emma smiles and quickly grabs her coin purse. Ariella places down 3 different scrolls.~

Emma: What did you find?

Ariella: A couple one time scrolls for higher heal and one for understanding water magic better.

Gorzath: well I appreciate you, girls, Next time yer in the area see if I’m still here ~Laughs~ I be expectin another magic display.

Emma: ~nods~ We will.

Ariella: Hey Emma, I’m gonna take these to the Inn. I'll meet you at the armorsmith.

~Emma nods and the two split off. Emma walks down the road reading the newly bought book~

Lily: There’s three of them.

Emma: They’ve been following us since the spell shop. I noticed them before which is why I wanted to buy the book so badly. Bait and I’ve been wanting more spells.

Lily: So they’ll leave the princess alone.

Emma: Exactly.

~Robin appears in front of Emma and two other elves stand on the roof tops~

Robin: Good to see you’re still around Emma.

Emma: What? ~Annoyed~

Robin: Don’t be that way. I’ve got news from the higher-ups. Once you get to Ferry Town you’re to make contact with another one of us. They don’t know about us, so we’ll be using this as a trust exercise. You’ll take him with you when you leave town and bring him to the next town towards Whispering Falls where I’ll pick him up from you.

Emma: How will I know who?

Robin: Do I have to spell it out? Or have you not checked on another seer?

~Emma looks at Robin and his soul looks like a partially filled vessel.~

Robin: The more that fills the more powerful the seer. Try it on Archon next time, but be careful it’s a bit frightening the first time.

Emma: So it fills as you get stronger?

Robin: I guess it sounded that way, but no. That’s the souls of those unworthy. It feeds us. If you don’t get started collecting yourself, then you might get chopped.

~Robin and the other two disappear in the blink of an eye and Emma starts walking towards the armorsmith. When she gets there Ariella is waiting at the doors.~

Ariella: There you are. Get distracted reading again?

Emma: ~Nervous chuckle~ Yeah.

~The two walk in, Emma walks to the counter where a stout dwarf is Stamping on a leather shoulder pad.~

Emma: Excuse me, Dhurut? I heard you were accepting orders again?

Dhurut: Yeah, Had a large order come through and had to close the shop the last couple days just to finish in time. ~Laughs~ So. What brings you in?

Emma: I was hoping to get some light metal armor.

Dhurut: What kind of budget we talking?

Emma: I have 10 to start.

~Emma and Dhurut talk about designs and agree on a price after doing some measurements The two girls head off. A week passes and as Valorin and Ariella load the cart for their next client Emma comes out in her new armor. Intricate patterns of swirling vines and delicate leaves are etched along the edges of the leather. The metal chest piece is painted a matte black to help stealth. The gloves and twist in a way they look connected as one piece. The leather dyed a deep dark forest green which fades a few shades from the torso to the hands and feet.~

Ariella: You know I forgot that armor was just some training gear from home.

Emma: I was going to Buy some but Isabelle told me to save up for my own personal armor. I’ve never been happier!

~Emma twirls around laughing and smiling~

Valorin: Yup cute. Now help me so we can get moving.

~The two help Valorin and they head off after an easy week of travel the group reaches the Ferry. Upon reaching the other side The group parts ways with the client and goes into the guild. Emma Quickly spots Penelope behind the counter and starts walking over to say hi and turn in the quest~

Emma: Surprise! I heard Dad say to expect me?

Penelope: Emma! Is that you?! You’ve gotten so big. I didn’t want to believe it when Goren said you’d became an adventurer to train.

Emma: Yeah, we’ll be here for about a month, maybe more.

Grant: Valorin! Is that you? How’s it going?

~Grant comes over to Valorin. He’s slightly drunk~

Grant: Look who it is Peeps!~Hic~

Valorin: Classy as always.

Penelope: Not even gonna say hi to your niece?

~ Grant looks at Emma and remembers the letters.~

Grant: Emma! ~Hugs Emma~

Emma: ~Hugs Grant~ Hi Uncle Grant. Sorry about Valorin he’s grumpy.

Ariella: All that muscle and he still pouts for cake.

~Grant and Penelope laugh~

Grant: Come on you overgrown reptile, I’ll get you some cake.

Valorin: If I wasn’t so happy and angry right now I’d punch you for that.

~Grant and Valorin head off to a table.~

Penelope: So this is Ariella?

Ariella: Yes, Emma has been keeping you guys a secret. She’s been very excited though. I see why now though. Who knew she had beastkin family, it all makes sense now. ~Laughs~

Penelope: trust me it’s all from her dad.

Emma: I’m starting to regret coming this way.

Penelope: ~chuckles~ It’s all out of love. If it actually bothered you, I apologize.

Emma: No it’s fine. ~laughs~ I wanted to visit.

Penelope: Well, how about tomorrow you come visit for lunch? You can say hi to Shiela and Joey. I didn’t tell them you were coming in case you wanted to surprise them. Like..~ Penelope starts to cry.~ Sorry.

~Emma grabs Penelope's hand.~

Emma: She wouldn’t want you to cry she said she always wants to see smiles.

~Penelope chokes up again then smiles~

Penelope: You’re definitely her child. Thank you, Emma.

~The next day The group is walking up to Penelope and Grant's house. Joey is out front taking care of some animals when he spots them.~

Joey: Dad You’ve got guests!

~Grant and Penelope walk outside~

Grant: I guess it has been a while.

Penelope: It’s Emma, Joey. Don’t you remember her?

Joey: ~Nervous~ Emma? Wha What brings you by?

Emma: We’re gonna be in town for a while. This is Valorin and Ariella. We’re all part of a party together.

Ariella: Emma told me you were a beast tamer?

Joey: Yeah, I use it with the animals on the farm. The stronger the bond the better they produce.

Valorin: Speaking of which.

Grant: ~Laughs~ Come on inside Valorin, Shiela just finished baking a cake. She’s been thinking of starting a bakery with Joey when they get older.

Penelope: I’m gonna go get us some tea why don’t you two catch up in the mean time.

~Valorin follows Grant and Penelope inside. Lily enters her small animal form and rests on Emma’s shoulders.~

Joey: Woah. Who's this cutie?

~Joey reaches his hand out to Lily.~

Emma: This is my spirit, Lily.

Ariella: Wait have they not met?

~Emma steps on Ariella’s foot.~

Emma: Well he saw the totem before.

Joey: She’s so beautiful.

Lily: I like him.

~Emma laughs~

Emma: Well she approves of you.

~Joey turns red and backs up towards the stables.~

Joey: Come meet my friends.

~The two girls start to walk towards the stables~

Ariella: So, are you aware or are you just dense?

Emma: I’m dense, but not stupid.

Ariella: Shouldn’t you tell him then?

Emma: I’m not sure he understands the feelings. I’d rather not make things difficult. If he ever asks me then.

~Emma, distracted, walks into Joey. Joey catches her, then steps back embarrassed.~

Joey: Ask you what?

Emma: ~Sigh~ Joey why are you being so jumpy?

Joey: I don’t know. I always feel awkward around you.

Ariella: Like good awkward?

Joey: Kinda.

Ariella: Please help the poor boy.

~Emma smacks Ariella on the head~

Ariella: OW!

Emma: Ignore her she’s stupid.

~Ariella Rubs her head.~

Ariella: what about the troll?

Emma: We don’t talk about the troll!

~Penelope walks out with tea and sets it down on a table, Then walks over to the stables.~

Joey: Troll?!

Penelope: What about a troll?

Emma: One of the requirements for early admission into the guild was to hunt a monster of at least ‘E’ rank. We chose a troll.

Penelope: Well I bet Valorin made that easy.

Ariella: No he didn’t go with us.

Penelope: Wait you two beat it by yourself?

Emma: And I only broke a few ribs ~Proud~

Ariella: Why are you proud of that? It only happened because you were impatient.

Joey: don’t trolls require at least a team of five rank ‘F’?

Penelope: Goren said you had been training for a while now. Can I ask why?

Emma: So I can protect those around me. I’m nowhere strong enough.

Joey: Most adventurers who take on a troll are at least 30. Mom told me they won’t send anyone younger due to inexperience.

Penelope: ~Holds Emma~ She would be proud of you. You sound just like her.

Emma: Penelope, could you tell me if you know of any abnormal elves around my age in town?

Ariella: Where did this come from?

Emma: I can’t tell you.

~Ariella, understanding it must be linked to the seer's, chooses to stay quiet.~

Penelope: actually it’s funny you mention that. There have been reports of a younger elf thief. No one has been able to catch him. Were you sent to find him?

Emma: Kinda. I know some people who can be very persuasive and asked me to find him before he get’s himself hurt.

Penelope: Well if I find anything I’ll let you know.

~Sheila brings out a cake and Valorin follows, in tears, with a piece already half gone.~

Valorin: Can I live here?

Sheila: I figured others might want to try. Hi, Emma ~hugs~ How’ve you been?

Emma: I’ve been doing great. I have two amazing friends I get to go on adventures with.

~Grant walks out.~

Grant: Sorry girls I’m borrowing Valorin for a while.

Ariella and Emma: That’s fine.

Ariella: Until we can go on higher rank adventures Valorin normally helps others.

Valorin: No more like we’ll be here for the whole summer.

Penelope: You didn’t ask him about that dungeon did you? Emma said they’d only be here for a month or two at most.

Emma: It’s fine, I was only told to bring him with us to the next town when we leave so I have some time.

Grant: You heard the lady!

~Emma talks to Sheila and Joey about baking. Ariella Talks to Penelope about the guild. Valorin continues to eat cake while talking to Grant.~