Veiled Trust

Year 17

*Emma and Ruddy are training in the guild with a mock battle when Ariella runs in.*

Ariella: Emma! We got a problem.

Emma: What? What’s wrong?

Ariella: My Mom’s going to be passing through.

Ruddy: Why’s that a problem?

Emma: Because for her that means she has to play dress up. *Emma turns to ariella* What’s the special occasion?

Ariella: she’s going to Glimmerfell to re-sign a peace treaty. But, she wants to meet Ruddy.

Emma: Okay?

Ruddy: I’ll be fine I’m sure of it.

*Ariella’s face turns red.*

Ariella: I might have told her we were dating to get her to stop talking about marriage candidates.

Emma and ruddy: You what!?!

Ariella: Just pretend Ruddy. Please? We’ll just have to hold hands, maybe hug.

Ruddy: I’m not helping you lie.

Ariella: Emma, help me convince him. I’ll never bring up the troll again!

Emma: Ruddy, it’s not so bad. You could tell your future kids you dated an elven princess. Bragging rights! Big time!

*Ruddy smacks them both over the head and walks away.*

Emma: I think that’s a no. I thought your mom was okay with the adventure thing?

Ariella: I don’t know.

*two months pass, Emma, Ruddy and Ariella all await the queen's carriage, Outside a large house in the snow. The carriage comes through the gates.*

Emma: You can breathe you know.

Ruddy: Also. No, I still won’t pretend. I’m not a liar.

Ariella: Please Ruddy! I’ll do literally anything.

Ruddy: Okay, Tell your mom the truth.

*Emma laughs as the carriage pulls up, both Ariella and Ruddy kneel down. Ruddy smacks Emma on her head.*

Emma: Ow!

*Emma walks up to the carriage open the doors and hugs seraphina as she steps down. Ruddy makes a shocked expression. The guards have a mix of panic and smiles amongst them.*

Ruddy: Emma!

*Emma turns around while hugging Seraphina.*

Emma: What? I told you she’s nice.

Seraphina: Emma! *Hugs* I’ll want an update on things in a bit. But First, where’s this Ruddy?

*Ruddy stands upright.*

Ruddy: That would be me, your majesty. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

*Seraphina looks at Ruddy then looks over at Ariella, Ariella shivers. Seraphina looks back to Ruddy.*

Seraphina: Ariella what color are his eyes?

*Emma laughs as Ariella panics.*

Seraphina: Ariella, if you had a problem with talking about marriage say something to me don’t lie.

Ariella: Yes mother.

*The group heads inside and sit down for tea in the parlor. Emma sit’s next to Seraphina causing Ruddy to tense up.*

Seraphina: You can relax Ruddy. Everyone in this room knows what Emma is and Ariella is the only one in trouble. Speaking of.

*Seraphina claps and two maids appear they drag off Ariella as she screams.*

Ruddy: I told her it was a bad idea. But, I’m more bothered by Emma’s actions.

Emma: Why? I know I can trust her.

Ruddy: That’s not the issue!

Seraphina: I don’t know what kind of person Ariella might have told you I am but I assure you she’ll be punished for it later. As for Emma All the guards here know her, they know she's not a threat.

Ruddy: She never said anything bad about you, your majesty. It’s just.

Seraphina: For humans disrespecting a noble could mean death.

Ruddy: Exactly.

Seraphina: The only reason I brought up marriage to Ariella is so that she knows I care about her future still. Most elves don’t just adventure all their lives. The eventually find a more fitting carrier. Or join the military. Most of her siblings work somewhere in the capital.

Ruddy: What’s wrong with if she stays an adventurer?

Seraphina: Nothing, if it wasn’t for Emma i’d be more worried.

Emma: I think part of her problem is you never brought up marriage to her sisters.

Seraphina: That’s because that was all they talked about until they were in their 100’s.

*Ariella walks in. all dressed up; with makeup on. While Emma holds back a laugh.*

Ruddy: Why don’t you wear dresses more often?

Ariella: *Embarrassed* You can both shut it.

*Ariella sits back down keeping space between her and Ruddy as she pouts..*

Seraphina: Ariella, I’m sorry I made you feel you needed to look for a relationship.

Ariella: *Irritated*Where is this from?

Emma: I undid years of wasted letters and told her.

Ariella: WHY!

Seraphina: Ariella!

*Ariella quickly sits upright.*

Ariella: Yes mother!

Seraphina: I didn’t know you still weren’t interested in relationships.

Ariella: Of course i'm not! I still stand by what I said before. I wanna see the world! I wanna make friends and when I’m done I want to come home and train others so they can do the same.

Emma: You never told me that last part.

*Seraphina starts talking to Ariella, but then turns towards Emma.*

Seraphina: *Smiles* All I ask is you have a plan if that falls through.

*Seraphina turns to Ruddy.*

Seraphina: Now, without anymore sneaking around. Who is Ruddy?

*Ruddy stands up right*

Ruddy: Ruddy Hopewell, I was raised by the church. I’m 18.

Seraphina: Nice to meet you Ruddy.

Emma: Not to be rude, but, did you get that letter for the uncle?

*Seraphina hands Emma a letter.*

Emma: Marcus!

*Marcus appears in front of the group making everyone to jump. Emma hands him the letter and Marcus disappears.*

Ariella: You wanna explain that!?

Emma: What? I told you about Marcus and the others.

Ruddy: So has he been here the whole time?

Seraphina: No, he was waiting outside.

Emma: I told him you’d probably know, But, he insisted.

Ariella: why did you need that letter?

Emma: Oh, I asked your mom to offer him land near the capital since he’s a farmer. His son if an evil child. If he’s around the boy when he turns ten he’ll likely be killed.

Ruddy: Are you sure they’ll move though? They have family here.

Emma: I’ve explained it to the boys parents. They’re to convince the uncle into pursuing it. I told them if they move before he turns ten there son might be able to stay with them longer.

Ariella: You’re terrifying when it comes to this seer stuff.

Seraphina: If you need anything else just ask.

*Ariella spends the night in the house with her mom. Ruddy walks Emma back to the guild.*

Ruddy: Emma.

Emma: Yeah?

Ruddy: Aren’t you scared? Of all this stuff with you and well you know.

Emma: Of course. I have nightmares some nights. But When I do, Lily comforts me.

Ruddy: I just want you to know you can talk to me about anything.

Emma: *Smiles* I know.

*Emma and Ruddy say their goodnights and Emma heads up to the room, Lily lays on Ariella’s bed in her medium animal form. Emma Lays down on her own bed.*

Emma: Lily, wanna learn a new spell? Tomorrow we can go look at a spell shop. I want to find a spell to remove smells.

Lily: Smells?

Emma: Yeah, Stealth only blocks sight. Anyone whose trained their stealth more than me can see right through mine. but , what if I remove me scent, add muffle maybe even add a layer of disguise.

Lily: You’re still not planning to break into the ruins are you?

Emma: I need to know more about the voice and maybe find the full legend.

*The snows of winter have mostly melted. Emma is walking through the woods just outside of town with Lily resting on her shoulders when Robin appears.*

Robin: It’s been a while Emma. How’s our boy?

Emma: He’s fine. Why are you here? I’ve never been late on any of my reports.

Robin: Just checking on my favorite Coworker.

Emma: Uh huh. What do you want?

Robin: Long story short, I need some help with one of the brats I’m watching. He won’t even talk unless he meets someone “nice”

Emma: What makes you think I’ll help you? I’m busy with all my own stuff.

Robin: I heard you want to leave the country.

Emma: So?

Robin: They’re not going to let one of us leave the country. *Laughs* We are all only born in Elven territories. So! I’ll help you if you help me. Just know if you leave the country. I won’t be responsible for you family or anyone they send after you.

Emma: If they’ll attack my family after I leave. In what world do you think I’d help you?

Robin: Maybe! Archon has been talking about sending a spy to check the other areas before everything happens. Maybe! I’ve been given the option to pick out a few others to compete for the chance.

Emma: Compete how?

Robin: Just a simple free for all battle. It’s not meant for us, but I think I…

Emma: Deal. I’ll meet your kid. But! Only after.

Robin: *Irritated* I don’t have to let you in at all.

Emma: But if your kid doesn’t join willingly you won’t get your reward.

Robin: *Irritated* Fine! I’ll come get you in one month.

*One month passes. Emma and Robin enter the ruins and go to an arena where Emma sees three other elves each with a grey soul light. She looks up to see Achron stand with three other elves with blue eyes, two male one with red hair one with blue hair, a female elf sits in the back with pink hair. The one with red hair stands up.*

Red: Archon! What kind of joke is this?

Blue: We never limited who could join Ifrit.

*Ifrit clicks his tongue out of irritation.*

Ifrit: If that's the case I’m changing my submission.

*Ifrit yells out to one of the elves who he exchanges with a female elf she has vessel half as full as Robins.*

Pink: how about a 2v2 then. Haku and I will have ours compete as their assistant.

Haku: If Amara is okay with it I’m fine with this. Archon?

*Archon stands up beside Ifrit.*

Archon: Plans have changed! Emma and Lyra will be competing for the position of scout captain. As for Haku and Amara’s choices they’ll be competing to be their assistant. That being said.

Ifrit: This will now be a fight to the death!

*The crowd cheers. Emma spots Robin, he flashes an evil grin and waves to her.*

Amara:Ready!

*Emma equips the midnight fangs and robins grin starts to fade. Emma looks at Lyra.*

Haku: Get set!

*Emma’s eyes start to flicker.*

Emma: I have to do this. For Ariella. For Ruddy. For dad, Keya. Everyone.

All four of the bosses: Fight!

*Lyra appears in front of Emma, before Emma can respond Lyra sends her flying into the wall with a single kick.*

Lily: Momma!

Emma(TL): No! It’s to dangerous.

Lyra: That’s all you have? All that energy and you can’t even use it?

*Emma looks at Lyra her eyes are shining a hint of green. Lyra starts swinging her two blades at Emma toying with her laughing. She kicks Emma again sending across the field. Emma starts to get up.*

Lyra: I’ve heard about you from Robin, Clearly letting your family live has just weakened you.

Emma: Shut up.

Lyra: *Laughs* Did I strick a nerve? I killed my parents. Want to know why? *Smiles* Because they didn’t take me to the store like they promised.

*Emma looks up at Lyra. Emma’s eyes start to turn into a purple galaxy like pattern. She stands up and the three bosses sit up in their seats. A drop of sweat forms on robins face. Emma Jumps at Lyra her strikes getting faster and faster. Lyra looks at Emma’s Vessel, it’s contents boiling making it hard to read the actual amount. Emma lands a kick breaking some of Lyra’s ribs as she flys away. Lyra gets up and starts to laugh, holding her chest in pain. Archon and the other three watch the fight standing at the edge of the balcony.*

Lyre: *Irritated* Just because you got a blow in doesn’t mean you’re gonna beat me.

Emma: Have you ever met someone you could trust?

Lyra: Trust? *chuckle* Why would I need to tru..

*lyra's mouth floods with blood she looks down and blood pours out of her mouth she turns to see Emma standing behind her. Emma stands holding Lyra’s tongue.*

Emma: Those who don’t know what they’re talking about, shouldn’t speak.

*Lyra clenches her teeth. A burst of fire forms in Lyra's mouth as she burns her tongue to stop the bleeding. After overcoming the pain Lyra begins to runs towards Emma. Emma continues to block every attack Lyra throws at her. Lyra’s attacks appear slower and slower to Emma. Finally the two step back from each other, blood spurts from a cut on Emma’s arms and cheek. Blood then starts to flow from Lyra’s legs and she collapses.*

*The crowd dies down for a moment then cheers. The other two elves pay no attention while they fight in the background.*

Ifrit: Quiet!

*Ifrit jumps down. Emma looks at his Vessel. The shear pressure of his vessel only ½ full causes Emma to struggle to hold her ground, she keeps her blades drawn as she looks at Ifrit.*

Ifrit: I said to the death. Now! Kill her!

Emma: No.

*Ifrit punches Emma she flys into the wall in a fiery explosion.*

Ifrit: Do it! Or I’ll kill you both!

*the dust clears and Emma stands in the center out of breath she struggles to stand still. Ifrit sees her and gets even more irritated when Robin yells out.*

Robin: I apologize for intruding, but why not make Lyra work for Emma too?

*Right as Ifrit goes to strike Robin his hand stops as Amara speaks.*

Amara: It’s not a bad idea Ifrit! We didn't want to kill any of them if we could avoid it.

*Ifrit gets more irritated before Haku and Archon chime in.*

Haku: It would make a decent Punishment.

Archon: Well Ifrit? They’re yours to decide.

*The two other elves manage to finish their battle a male elf with purple eyes, he turns to watch the rest.*

*Amara walks up to Lyra and places a collar on her. Then walks up to emma with a paper that has a magic circle drawn on it.

Amara: This is a slave pact.

*Amara removes Emma’s glove then places the paper on her hand. It burns the circles into Emma’s hands in an instant without pain.*

Amara: With this you control her life. Now Ifrit? How’s this? I’ve needed to test these collars for you for a while. Until I find a way to remove the collar she'll wear it.

Ifrit:Grr. Fine!

*Emma starts to calm down and as her eyes fade back She looks down at her hand.*

Amara: You should be able to use simple illusion magic to hide it. It also allows for telepathy like how we talk to spirits. The only downside at the moment is if you get too far from each other the slave will start to burn up until the turn to ash.

*After the fight Emma, Lyra and Robin all leave the ruins together.*

*Emma, Lyra and Robin walk to a house a young elf walks out with orange eyes.*

Robin: Here she is Gideon, is she nice enough?

*The elf stares at Emma.*

Robin: She was in a fight to the death with Lyra there but refused to kill her in the end.

Gideon: Fine, But only if it gets me the medicine for my sister.

Emma: Sister?

Gideon: Yeah, our parents passed and everyone tried to recruit me for their underground groups. I said if you can prove they have good people in their ranks I’ll join.

*Robin quickly finishes talking to Gideon and sends Emma away. On their way back Emma attempts to talk to Lyra now that her mouth has finished healing.*

Emma: So Lyra. What do you like to do?

*Nothing*

Emma: what did you do outside the ruins?

Lyra: I worked as a maid.

Emma: Okay, well I don’t have need for a maid.

Lyra: I’m not going to do whatever you want! Got that? I’ll let this collar kill me before I listen to some weakling like you.

Emma: I’m not asking you to do anything. I’m trying to see if I can find something you can do and smile at the same time.

Lyra: Smile? Why does it matter if I smile or not?

Emma: Because I promised I mom. I’d protect the smiles.

Lyra: That’s stupid.

Emma: I don’t think so. She wants me to help protect others happiness. In doing so I’ll also protect my own happiness.

Lyra: *Mumble.* I like cooking.

Emma: Hm?

Lyra: I like cooking!

Emma: okay. Whats your favorite thing to cook?

Lyra: you’re not gonna make fun of me?

Emma: Why would I?

Lyra: Because, everyone else laughs when I say that.

Emma: Maybe it’s because it makes sense.

Lyra: Because I’m a girl?!

Emma: *Laughs* no. because, I like cooking. I knew we had to have something in common. I’m not the best at it though.

Lyra: I’m not talking about making soup or roasting meat by the fire. I’m talking about in the kitchen not out in the sticks.*

Emma:*nods* Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with liking to do something.

Lyra: My favorite thing to make is cinnamon rolls.

Emma: Cinnamon rolls?

Lyra: They're more common West of here in Glimmerfell.

*. When They get back Emma introduces Lyra to Ariella and Ruddy. They decide to have Lyra to act as Emma’s personal aid. They spend the Summer saving money in hopes to rent a house for the ever growing party.*