Veiled Trust

Year 13

* As the sunsets and the leaves fall, the girls and Josh are sitting down having dinner when Valorin walks in.*

Valorin: Emma! Ariella! I’m back!

*Valorin hugs both girls and sits down.*

Valorin: So is this the boy you were looking for?

Emma: Josh this is Valorin.

Josh: I’ve heard a lot about you.

*Josh wipes his hand off on his pants and reaches out to Valorin, Valorin Grabs his hand and smiles.*

Valorin: *Evil grin*Nothing happened while I was away?

Ariella: *Slight sarcasm* No. Nothing worth reporting about.

Josh: Why are you talking funny?

*Valorin nods*

Emma: I got a job lined up for Amberhollow. They gave us until the end of the week before they put in a request with the guild.

Valorin: Sounds great. I’m gonna head up to the room to relax.

*After Dinner the Elves head up to speak with Valorin,Summarizing the events during his absence.*

Valorin: Did they not look into the bodies?

Josh: Those to were hated by everyone in the town. If anything they were glad someone did it.

Ariella: Some people think someone put a hit on them from how the bodies were left.

Valorin: What do you mean by that?

*Valorin Looks at Emma, Josh and Ariella look at each other.*

Emma: *Annoyed* One was gutted, The other had his feet cut off where he stood.

Valorin: Kid.. are you okay?

Emma: I’m fine. I was gonna have to do it eventually… I’m tired. I'll talk to you all tomorrow.

*Emma storms off and Ariella follows after her.*

Josh: Should we check on her?

Valorin: Nah. She'll be fine. She's going to need to past this trauma of she wants to survive at life.

—------------------------------------------------------

*As the Team makes it to Amberhollow the town is a mix between elven and dwarven architecture. Emma and Josh head off to an abandoned building in the woods. Robin walks out*

Robin: I’m surprised. I thought for sure you were gonna run.. Oh. So you’ve finally hear them?

Emma: Heard who? Who is the voice I heard?

Robin: *Laughs* Judging on the amount you got they must have been pretty evil.

*Robin focuses on Emma, Her vessel has just enough to make a thin layer across the base. He gestures towards Josh.*

Robin: Come on Josh.

Josh: First tell us who that voice is.

Robin:*his smile fades.* It’s all your past lives hatred to the evils of the world manifested. I don’t know what happened before we were born but whatever happened in our past lives was enough to create us here. Now Let’s go Josh. If you want more information you can come with and as Archon yourself.

Emma(TL): Would you?

Lily: I’ll let them know. Be careful.

*Lily runs off in stealth to go tell Ariella and Valorin. Emma and Josh follow Robin. After the sunsets the three reach a tree Robin lifts his bracelet and the door becomes visible. After Josh meets with Archon Emma is called in. Archon continues looking over papers without even looking up to acknowledge Emma.*

Archon: What do you want to know?

Emma: What are the voices?

Archon: Did Robin not explain?

Emma: They did, but, why can they control us?

Archon: They only control those who won’t submit. Each one of us is a soul who was wronged. We’re given a chance to fix the world we live in now. We’ll remove Evil from the world. Distrust, Disloyalty, Cheater, Liars. *Archon looks up.*

Archon: We are here to show the world how to live peacefully and together.

Archon: Now. Since you’re here. Go down the hall and you'll find your reward.*Smiles.*

*Emma Walks down the hall and enters a dark room, the door closes behind her. She scans the area and detects someone sitting down in the room. The lights turn on and Emma see’s an elf in the chair before her. Through the door Robin yells.*

Robin: Lucky you Archon Don’t just give out Free fodder of that quality. Heard that guy was in slavery and selling children. Why don’t you take a look?

*Hearing Robin she Emma unintentionally looks at the elves soul. It’s at least as dark as the two humans souls combined. The voice from before begins.*

Voice: Show Them how it feels.

Emma: No.

*Emma closes her eyes and sees a shadowy female figure.*

Shadow: Being Nice only got me jerks in my life. The all just used me.

*Emma’s Eye’s start to show purple and a single tear falls down her cheek.*

*Emma returns to Valorin and Ariella the next day. She acts as though nothing happened. And just tells them about the conversation with Archon.*

Ariella: Well after all the excitement the past year. I think we’ve earned a proper day off.

Valorin: We could go visit the Amber forge. It’s the only forge ran by elves and dwarves.

Emma: If you both don’t mind I think I’m gonna take a quest to blow off some steam.

Ariella: Oh. Okay.

Valorin: Don’t push yourself.

Emma: *smiles* I will be. I promise. I’ll have Lily with me. She’ll be in charge of judgement calls.

*Emma Gets her armor on then, with Lily, heads downstairs. After looking through the quest board she chooses a quest for a Thornsorrow. A Humanoid Monster made of thorns.*

*The Thornsorrow strikes the ground sending thorns through the ground Emma jumps back and starts to cast a fireball. When she decides to push more magic into it. The Fireball grows to a meter in size, Emma shoots it at the Thornsorrow, It attempts to create a wall but is overwhelmed by the size. Emma starts to get sick to her stomach and calls Lily over to hold her up.*

Lily: Careful!

Emma: Sorry I was wanting to test the strength of my magic. Still, I wasn’t expecting that.

*Emma and Lily look at the charred remains of the Thornsorrow, a monster core is all that remains. Emma and Lily head back and turn in the quest to the female dwarven receptionist.*

Dwarf: You already beat that Thornsorrow? I’m impressed.

Emma: Actually I was wanting to check on my magic level.

Dwarf: Sure.

*She pulls out a tablet Emma Places her hand on it and the Number appears. 265.*

Dwarf: You elves. I swear your magic levels get higher everyday.

*Both laugh.*

Emma thinking it doesn’t seem to have made my level higher. It’s more like it gave me a larger amount. In the end I was too afraid to look at Archon. But if this is just from three people. How strong are the others?

Emma: I had an amazing instructor.

*At the end of the day Emma meets Ariella and Valorin for Dinner she decides to tell them everything she discovered.*

—--------------------------------------------------------

*Inside a cave Emma and Ariella are fighting two Gloomfangs, a large bat-like creature. Ariella continues to fire ice arrows at one of the gloomfangs as it flies around trying to get at Emma. Emma is chasing and swinging at the other gloomfang. Lily jumps from the shadows and lunges at the flying gloomfang. In an attempt to dodge Lily the gloomfang gets hit by an ice arrow, its wing freezes and shatters as they crash into the ground and Emma jumps on them with the snap of their neck They turn their attention to the other gloomfang. Emma continues to swipe at the gloomfang. It’s wings now shredded. The Gloomfang rips of the flaps of skin and fling them at Emma and charges. It jumps at Emma when Lily collides midair and begins clawing and tearing into the creature.*

Ariella: I forget how gruesome Gloomfangs can be but that’s the last two.

Emma: Sorry about the end there I got distracted thinking about how I can fight monsters and never flinch, but people.

Ariella: That’s a good thing. It means you’re better than them. If you can utilize this power without losing yourself. You’re much stronger than the average person. We’re just surrounded by a lot of stronger people.

Emma: I know. Honestly, it’s more dangerous that I don’t try to control it.

*The two finish gathering any materials from the Gloomfangs and start walking back.*

Emma: I know it was the last one, but Lily really got aggressive with that last one.*Laughs*

Ariella: *Laughs* at least she had fun.

Lily: It went after you. I took it personally.

Emma: I know, I’m just glad no one got hurt.

Ariella: So are you ready for our Promotion quest?

Emma: it’s weird it’s just a fetch quest.

Ariella: There's definitely a trap or something planned, but it seems like that’s part of the test.

*The two get to the guild in town, Rochdale, A smaller more homely town. The snow covers the rooftops and smoke flows from the chimneys.The girls find their favorite cake enthusiast already indulging. After the two turn in the quest they sit down.*

Valorin: I’m glad the cake here is good. I’d be bored this next month otherwise.

Emma: Honestly, if that does happen we can meetup at Rivertown if that happens.

Ariella: It’s only a few days away from here and then we get to head to the falls after.*Excited*

Valorin: I probably will after a week or two. Depends if any bigger jobs come up. Do you two know what you’ll be up against?

Emma: we’re getting mithril.

Valorin:*Nods* Pack something warm.

*The next day the girls wave to Valorin as they head out. After a week the two find themselves in a field of snow and crystals. Emma starts collecting while Ariella keeps watch. The two end up spending the night in a cave they found in the area as a snowstorm picks up. After the two get settled in they feel the ground start to shake. Ariella quickly casts create water to put the fire out. The two look out and see a golem at least 100 meters in height.*

Ariella: That would explain why. If that thing sees us we’re dead.

Emma: that makes sense. Titanstone’s are nocturnal.

Ariella: Titanstone?! I thought those were fake.

Emma: Nope. They become more active when people mine their stones. If we were greedy it would’ve found us. We stopped in time. The downside is he’ll patrol for up to two weeks. Then we can leave.

Ariella: We don’t have the food for more than a week at the moment.

Celestra: Lily and I can hunt. If we get seen we can teleport back.

Emma: The problem with that is it will delay their leave.

*Emma looks further into the cave.*

Emma: Until then we should head further back. It’ll be warmer and we can use fire if we go far enough back.

Ariella: When we get back I’m taking my own quest. I feel like both you and Valorin have a higher chance of living out in the wild than I do.

Emma: just like you remind me how strong I am. You’re a better shot. You’re also better at making plans. Valorin has more practice because of his age.

Ariella: Thank you.

*Squeaks come from deeper in the cave, around a corner Ariella spots a Glowmole, A small mole-like creature with a glowing bulb on it’s head that makes it it look like a headlamp.*

Emma: Well, that solves the food issue.

Ariella: Hey, Emma.

Emma: yeah?

Ariella: no matter what happens with the viel seers. Promise we'll still go on adventures when it's all done.

Emma: of course. We'll take brake save the world and go kill some slimes.

*Ariella starts to doze off.*

Ariella: that's all I ask . *asleep*

*Emma spends her time reading while Ariella rests. After four days the The Titanstone has gone back to hibernating and the two make it back to town. After they get their promotion they head off to catch up to valorin in the next town. Finally making it to the next town they find Valorin yelling at a gnome. A crowd has started to form*

Gnome: If you want better proportions then go somewhere else!

Valorin: You limit people to two orders per person. But don’t account for anything above a gnome. That’s not very inviting!

Gnome: You came to a gnomish town!

*Emma and Ariella run up. Ariella attempts to calm Valorin.*

Emma: Sir, if I ordered a cake in advance would you make me one?

Gnome: Of course.

Emma: I’m sorry about the big baby. He gets cranky with out cake.

Gnome: Oh I’m, very much aware of Valorin. He’s why I moved to this town. He almost ate me out of a bakery before. Name’s Pillwin Doughburrow.

Emma: Emma, It’s a pleasure to meet you.

*Emma walk’s into the bakery with Pillwin. Most the customers are elves and gnomes.*

Pillwin: I don’t hate the Giant lizard.

Emma: He just has no self control. We’ve been telling him.

*Pillwin takes out a paper and slides it to Emma.*

Pillwin: Fill this order form. We’re slow today so it should be done a little after dinner. I’ll even stay late a little extra today if you can keep him out of here.

Emma:*Laughs* We’ll do our best.

Pilwin: So what brings two young elves and a demon together?

Emma: Valorin was our instructor. After we graduated he agreed to go with us. For now we mostly just travel together. Actually I’ve heard gnomes are bakers. I have a question.

*Emma passes the paper back. Pillwin looks down and scoffs*

Pillwin: He still enjoys the extra chocolate? Question? Go ahead.

Emma: I know a couple of beastkin who are wanting to start a bakery in Ferry town. Would you be willing to spare any recipes? I promised the sister I’d find her a good one.

Pillwin thinks hard for a moment.*

Pillwin I’ll tell you what. I’ll give you the recipe for my Choco-fudge cake. But they have to give me credit and have to come pick up the recipe in person.

Emma: I’ll Send them a letter. They are around my age so even if you can help them it would be appreciated.

Pillwin: We gnomes might get a bad wrap for being grumpy but we all have a soft spot for children. I’ll drop the cake off at the guild for Valorin tonight.

Emma: Thank you.

*Emma head over to the guild to find Valorin pouting while Ariella is getting rooms settled at the desk.*

Emma: You’ll get a cake all to yourself after dinner.

Valorin: Really!

Emma: How are you the adult? Yes, and he’s gonna maybe give the recipe to Sheila and Joey.

Valorin: Tell Grant I’m moving in.

Ariella: Okay I got our room. I’m assuming you worked out cake since the Bulwark Boohoo’s are over?

Emma: As long as he promises to avoid Pillwin and his bakery.

Valorin: worth it if the squirts can bake.

Emma: Your gonna abandon us for cake?

Valorin: I’ll wait until we can go on an adventure.

Ariella: 1 full year.

Valorin: Fine.

Emma: and at least one ‘S’ rank.

Valorin: I’m not even very comfortable going on those now. Most quests above ‘B’ Require a party. That or they’ll supply one. By ‘A’ rank you should have an established team. I know you girls want to keep me around, but.

Ariella: Just having you with us these past few years has been amazing.

Emma: Yeah we want you to stay, but your happiness is important too.

Valorin: I’m not leaving now.

Emma: But you want to go kidnap sheila and joey? At least wait until they’re adults. Maybe you can save up and help fund the bakery. Valorin’s Victory cakes has a nice ring to it.

Valorin: That leaves about a year or two.

Ariella: We don’t want you to go. But, we want you to live your best life too.

*Valorin stands up and hugs the two girls.*

Valorin: I probably won’t have my own spawn. But if I did. I’d be happy if they were even a fraction of you both.

Emma: We’ve actually talked about it before. We can’t imagine playing babysitter has been fun all the time.

Valorin: Did you two talk to Grant?

Ariella: No we’re just smart. For now we’ll finish the trip to the falls. I think I may wanna stay there for a while.

Emma: I might go with Valorin just to introduce Joey and Seila to Pillwin on the way back.

Ariella: You’re gonna leave me too?

Valorin: I appreciate it Emma, but I’d much rather enjoy the Solo time. I was gonna take the scenic route. Maybe stop by the capital.

Emma: That answers your question?

Ariella: You’re leaving her with me valorin?

Emma: HEY!

*The three spend the rest of the day exploring the town. The houses all have the same style of doors with a 2nd smaller one for gnomes to reach. In the gnomish houses they tend to have smaller windows. After checking the town they head back to the guild where Valorin gets his cake. After winter the group heads to their next location.*