Veiled Trust

Year 20

*Emma rides on the back of Lily into camp. As Emma hops off of Lily, Lily simultaneously changes to her smaller form and rests on Emma’s shoulders.*

Ruddy: any luck?

*Lyra shows up with Tilly followed by a group of kidnapped gnomes and a small human child.*

Emma: We didn’t get all the slavers but we managed to save these kids.

*One of the gnomes runs up to Emma and hugs her.*

Girl: Thank you.

Emma:*smiles* of course. We’ll be in Hawburg tomorrow so I suggest you all sleep after dinner.

Ariella: Anyone who wants a bath, I’m gonna head to the river.

*All the other girls except the Human child goes with Ariella.*

Emma: You want to help make food?

*The human child nods. Lily lets out a chirp and hops down next to the child.*

Emma: She wants you to feel safe.

*The child looks down to Lily then reaches out to pet her. She smiles as Lily presses her back into the girls palm.*

Emma: You don’t have to speak if you don’t want to. But, do you know where your parents might be.

Child: Gone…

*The child holds onto Emma Trying to hold back tears, Emma Hugs her then steps back and smiles.*

I lost my mom when I was around your age. You know what she told me?

*The child shakes her head no and starts to calm down a little.*

Emma: She told me to make sure to protect everyone’s smiles. I know I can’t save all of them but you still have yours. Lily sees it too.

Child: Hannah.

Emma: Is that your name?

*Hannah nods and smiles a little.*

Emma: It's a cute name.

Ruddy: I know a Hannah. She used to help out at the church when I was a child.

Hannah: I want my mama.*Sniff*

*Hannah starts to frown again. Lyra stands up with a look of disgust and heads towards the river.*

Emma: She’s never had family so she doesn’t know how to deal with happy emotions. Actually Ariella is the only one with both parents. I never met her dad. Apparently he’s always out of the country.

Ruddy: I didn’t think there was a king?

Emma: We don’t. Elves only have a queen. Ariella told me she only met her dad once before we met. They still write occasionally.

Ruddy: I wonder what he’s like.

Hannah: So she’s a princess?

Emma: Yup. so make sure you don’t tell anyone okay?

Hannah: Okay.

Emma: You wanna go to the river now?

Hannah: Yeah!

Ruddy: Go ahead I’ll finish dinner.

*Emma takes hannah's hand and they walk towards the river. A couple minutes pass and a male elf appears before Ruddy.*

Ruddy: You just missed her. They just went to the river.

*The elf sits down and waits for the group to comeback.*

Ruddy: You eating with us?

*The elf doesn’t respond. After a while the group comes back Hannah rests on Lily asleep from exhaustion.*

Emma: Haze. What are you doing here?

Haze: I found your next target.

Emma: Okay have dinner with us.

Haze:*Nods* It’s about 1 month from Hawburg. To the south close to the border.

Emma: Did you find that ring?

Haze: There’s a place in Stonebridge, That has the ring.

Ariella: okay, what’s the situation then?

Haze: It’s currently being used by a noble in the area.

Lyra: Why don’t you just ask *Mockingly* "Mommy"?

Ariella: *irritated*Because, I don’t want to rely on status.

*As everyone sits down to eat And the group starts making a plan on how to get the ring.*

Emma: So explain. Who has the ring?

Haze: *Smiles* You’ll like this. He’s one of the biggest buyers of slaves in Glimmerfell.

Lyra: Kyl.

Ariella: Kyle?

Emma: We keep over hearing them talk about him.

Haze: Word is he's going to be going to stonebridge for the opening of a new Arena. Apparently it’s fight to the death or the loser becomes a slave.

Ruddy: *Sarcastically* That adds up.

Haze: Winner gets a private meeting with Kyl himself. They can make one request of him.

*Emma looks out at all the girls, They all laugh while brushing each others hair. Emma looks down from brushing Hannah’s hair, Then back at The group.*

Emma: I guess I’ll just have to win. But I won’t be making just one request.

*Fireworks shoot off in the sky Emma as well as 63 other contestants stand before a large crowd. Kyl stands before them up above,His old wrinkled face and gold plated smile shines as he looks at the crowd.*

Kyl: Thank you everyone who could make it here today! This is the first of hopefully many competitions to be held here at the Stonebridge Arena!

*The crowd cheers.*

Kyl: Look upon these brave warriors and mages! Over the next 4 weeks They'll be battling for the opportunity to ask any one thing of me. And if it's in my power, I shall grant it to them!

Emma thinking: so I have four days. I guess I’ll look at the place we’re staying apparently it’s part of the arena?

*Emma and the majority of the contestants leave the arena.*

*Emma walks into an apartment, Hannah jumps up into Emma’s arms.*

Hannah: Your back!

Emma: Yeah, I’m the last fight on the fourth day, So I have some free time. I’m going to go train after dinner, Lyra?

Lyra: I’ll never pass down an opportunity to beat you. Even if it is with a handicap.

Ariella: So remind me why we can’t go full crazy?

Emma: Because My eyes could cause problems if they find me out.

Hannah: What’s wrong with your eyes?

Emma: I’ll explain it when your older.

Hannah: How old?

Emma: Hmmmm. How does 125 sound?

Hannah: I can’t live that long!

Emma: That’s too bad. *Laughs.*

Ruddy: Are you excited to meet your Aunt and uncle tomorrow?

Hannah: Yeah! My cousin Hailey has always been nice to me.

*As the group finishes their meal, Lyra and Emma head outside town to train. Lyra’s vessel now reaching the second ring she uses enhancement magic. She appears beside Emma, Emma manages to block the strike but gets pushed back. After multiple attempts Lyra successfully lands a kick in Emma’s side. Emma stands up.*

Emma: Again.

*Lyra smiles, then attacks Emma with a barrage of attacks. As the stars come out Emma and Lyra come back inside, Emma now covered in cuts and bruises Ruddy runs over to heal her.*

Ruddy: This is to much, you two.

Emma: I asked for it

*Emma Winces in pain. Ariella just crosses her arms and looks at Emma judgingly.*

Ariella: You’re fighting a strengthened Seer without any enhancements. Just blocking an attack should be fine for this shouldn’t it?

Emma: Something is off about the Demon’s. I can’t afford to lose.

Ariella: Well obviously.

*The next day the group is sitting at a restaurant when a young human girl runs over to Hannah and hugs her.*

Hannah: Hailey! Uncle paul! Aunt Katie!

*Hannah hugs Katie and paul walks over to the group.*

Paul: Thank you again for everything.

Ruddy: Of course.

*Hannah runs over to Paul and hugs him.*

Hannah: Can we stay to watch Emma fight?

Katie: I have to get back to the tailor, I’m sorry.

Hannah: What if you come get me after?

Katie: I’m not sure.

Paul: I can do it. She’s going to be safe with them so what’s the problem? That is if you all are okay with it?

Ariella: I’ll keep her by my side the entire time.

Katie: Okay, well we’re going to be here for a bit anyway. Traveling is difficult out of the town. If by the end of the week you change your mind you can come home with us then.

Emma: Sorry. If I knew she’d want to stay I would’ve Asked in the letter.

Katie: We’ve never met so I would’ve wanted to come anyway. We only live a town over Anyway so it's no issue.

Emma: Fair. She’s been wonderful though. She does still have nightmares though.

Katie: My brother was the same way. She’ll talk when she’s ready.

Emma: Do you have somewhere to stay?

Paul: Yes and we should probably be getting back soon.

*After some convincing to Hannah, she stays with her family until they leave. The next day Emma arrives to the arena looking at a Dwarf.*

Announcer: Ladies and Gents! For our final match of the day we have the Dwarf Durin Versus The Elf Emma!

*The crowd cheers.*

Durin: Tell you what. You’re cute. If you surrender..

*Before Durin can finish his sentence, Emma Appears next to Durin. using hilt of her shortsword she pushes him back.*

Emma: How about you leave.

Durin: You bitch!

Emma: Why do men always resort to calling me that?

*Durin swings at Emma, She dodges and kicks him hard enough to lose consciousness. The crowd shocked at the speed of the fight are silent in disbelief.*

Announcer: Amazing! Looks like Emma isn’t here to play!

*The crowd cheers. As Emma walks back inside a female Human waits for her in the changing room.*

Emma: Can I help you?

Human: you need to slow down.

Emma: *Irritated* Not my fault he was weak. Maybe he shouldn't insult people.

Human: You’ll get away with it this time but from here on out we need you to slow down. People paid for a show.

Emma: If I’m that much of a threat then you can just give me the reward.

*The human leaves and Emma changes. Afterwards she heads out to dinner with the group.*

Ruddy: Is it really celebrating if you destroyed him like that?

Ariella: Of course!

Hannah: I wanted to watch more.*sad*

Emma: I’ll give them a chance next time.*Smiles*

Lyra: Your next match is against a beastkin, She’s a Lioness.

*A week passes. Emma stand before a large female beastkin. The beastkin has a large shield and sword.*

Announcer: Okay ladies and Gents! Let’s hope Niala can get more of a fight out of Emma!

*Crowd cheers*

Announcer: If you remember last week Emma took our her challenger in under a minute! But, Niala also put up a really good fight in her last match!

*The crowd cheers. As the cheers die down Emma dashes after Niala. Niala blocks Emma’s attack the swings at her. Emma holds her side as she starts to bleed.*

Hannah: Is Emma okay?

*Another Emma Appears behind Niala. Niala turns bashing into the second Emma, sending her into the wall. A third Emma appears across the arena. All the copies start to speak in unison.*

Emma: If you can’t find the real one you won’t win. Whenever you’re ready to surrender let me know.

Niala: *Spits* Why so I can become some nobles slave? You’re going to have to kill me.

*Emma looks at Niala’s soul, it’s mostly white.*

Lyra: This is going to be interesting.

Ariella: Why?

Lyra: Because Niala isn’t evil. Emma has to many standards.

*Emma continues to try to wear down Niala as soon as she cuts down a copy another replaces it.*

Announcer: Looks like Niala's gonna need to find the real one if she wants to win this one folks!

*Crowd members start yelling out which one they think might be the real Emma.*

Niala: Coward come out and face me.

Emma (TL): I need you to have Ariella do me a favor.

*Lily, sitting with Hannah, runs up to Celestra.*

Emma: I won’t be killing you I’m sorry.

*Emma’s clones double and start to overwhelm Niala. Niala enters an enraged state sending all the clones across the arena. As the clones collide with the ground they turn into puffs of smoke.*

Emma: What do you want as your request?

Niala: Why does it matter to you?!

*Emma leaves stealth across the arena.*

Emma: If you genuinely think you’re going to win why does is matter?

Niala:*Irritated* I made a deal with our landlord. If I compete They’ll give us the house.

*Emma nods and starts to walk towards Niala.*

Niala: What about you?

Emma: I’ll tell you another time.*Smiles.*

Niala: Don’t mock me!

*Niala throws her shield at Emma. Emma manages to dodge the shield when Niala’s punches Emma in the gut the kicks her. Emma stands up.*

Niala: All out of magic are we?

*Emma smiles and spits out blood.*

Emma: Not quite.

*Niala’s body pulses in pain, then she vomits blood.*

Niala: Did you poison me?

Emma: No that would be breaking the rules. I applied spell to each of those clones. Each one you broke applied a level of counter on me. Every hit you deal to me deals 6 times the damage to you.

Emma: I told you I wouldn’t kill you.

*Crowd cheers.*

Announcer: Another amazing display of power from Emma! It seems all those clones had a purpose after all!

Niala: Fine! I’ll just have to kill you then.

*Niala draws a second sword and charges towards Emma. As the two clash swords, Emma lets Niala knick her causing large cuts to form on Niala over time. After Niala starts to slow down Emma her back.*

Emma: You won’t live much longer if you keep it up.

*Niala collapses to one knee breathing heavily.*

Niala: I told you.

*Emma sighs as she walks towards Niala, As Niala tries to stand Emma appears behind her. With a swift hit of Emma's hilt, Niala loses consciousness and the crowd cheers.*

Announcer: Amazing! Emma manages another fight without killing her opponent!

*Emma makes a face in disgust as she walks back to the changing room. The human from before stands inside waiting for her.*

Human: Was that tough enough for you?

Emma: I wasn’t delaying the fight for you.

Human: Well whatever it was here is your winnings.

*Emma shakes her head and someone knocks on the door.*

Voice: Kara.

Kara: *irritated*What?

*Kara walks outside the room and Emma changes. At the Apartment Emma walks into a sword being pointed at her face.*

Niala: Why did you do it?

Emma:Because you don’t deserve to die.

Ariella: I was surprised when Lily told me to get your money pouch from home.

Emma: How much did it cost?

Niala: 15 gold.

Emma: To answer your question from before. My request is to for a ring.

Niala: A ring? I got marked as a slave for a ring?

Emma: You got saved for a ring.

Niala: Then what purpose does buying me serve?

Lyra: She’s a push over is why. She couldn’t bring herself to kill you and she couldn’t justify sending you to slavery.

Emma: I figure you pay off the 15 gold I’ll remove the seal.

Niala: Doing what exactly?

Ariella: are you registered?

Niala: No I worked with the town guard then I got pregnant. After my husband passed we couldn’t keep up with bills. My mother is watching the kids. I told her not to expect me to make it.

Emma: Well write them a letter. We’ll mail it tomorrow. Get you registered and you can help us until you pay it off. Sound fair?

Niala:*Smiles and tears up.* Thank you. Yes that sounds very fair.

*Another weeks passes and Emma stands in the arena awaiting her challenger.*

Announcer: Sorry everyone it sounds like Fin won’t be able to make the fight. But, don’t go just yet! Because. it sounds like we already have someone lined up! Some may recognize her from her times as an adventurer. It’s Kara The Krimson Reaper herself!

*The crowd roars with excitement. When Kara walks out. Her helmet makes her eyes glow red as she spins a large scythe around herself, The hum silences the crowd.*

Ariella: Have you heard of her?

Niala: From back home. She would go solo so she didn’t have to worry about who she killed.

Hannah: Is Emma gonna be okay?

*Kara throws her scythe across the field and after a moment takes control using telekinesis. Emma Dodges the blade at first and manages to block the next strike. The scythe goes back to Kara.*

Kara: You know I thought you sounded familiar. But the reports said something about glowing eyes. Then I thought. Maybe she’s been holding back.

*Kara throws the scythe and as Emma tries to dodge she gets hit with the handle of the scythe, cracking her rib she stumbles to the ground.*

Kara: So let’s test that theory shall we?

*As the scythe spins around towards Emma she stands up right and closes her eyes. She swipes up with right blade, the scythe flies up into the air. Kara looks up then back down towards Emma. Kara takes control of the scythe and tries to hit Emma over and over to no avail.*

Announcer: This is unbelievable! Emma blocking Kara’s attacks effortlessly!

*The crowd talking amongst themselves wondering if the fight is fake since they can see Emma's eyes closed. Kara, visibly irritated, grabs hold of her scythe starts charging towards Emma. Kara lifts her arms but right before She swings down Emma opens her Eyes just enough for Kara to see the purple glow glaring into her soul. Kara stumbles backwards for a moment as if in fear.*

Announcer: What’s going on now it almost looks like Kara is a mouse looking down a lion.

Crowd 1: Were eyes purple for moment there?

Crowd2: She's a green elf they fake their eyes all the time.

Lyra: Those eyes!

Ariella: What?

Lyra: That’s the look she gave me.

*Emma raises her head to face Kara, her eyes shut again.*

Kara: *Irritated* Grr. I don’t what stunt that was but it won’t work on me!

*Kara removes the heavy plating armor she had on revealing leather armor for faster movement. She starts to dash around Emma causing a dirt cyclone.*

Announcer: Looks like we’re coming to a close Ladies and Gentlemen! It’s time for Kara’s Signature move, The Krimson Cyclone!

*The dust cyclone makes the two invisible from the audience. Emma focuses on Kara’s movements, following her until Kara appears right in front of her. Emma opens her eyes once more. As the viewers watch the cyclone it turns red before it dissipates. As the dust clears Emma stands over the scattered remains of Kara, Blood makes a perfect circle where the cyclone was.*

Announcer: And that does it everyone! Our winner of this fight is!

Announcer: Emma?!

*The crowd slowly starts to cheer.*

Ariella: The last time I saw that look she defeated a Doppelganger.

Announcer: It really seems like we may have found our champion already! Let’s Give another round of applause for Emma.

*Emma, somehow completely, unbloody smiles and waves to the crowd.*

Lyra: I’m not sure if I like this.

*Lyra notices movement up at Kyl’s booth.*

*The group goes out to dinner to celebrate.*

Hanah: You were extra amazing today!

Emma: Yeah? I was really worried the whole time.

Lyra: I think you were being to risky. There’s no penalty for forfeiting as long as you pay any fees.

Ariella: You’re actually trying to stop her from fighting?

Lyra: No, but my life is attached to her life currently. They’re also clearly trying to either out her or kill her, I’m unsure of which.

Emma: We can’t afford it now. Reaching the semifinals it would cost roughly 500 gold.

Ariella: That’s insane.

Ruddy: Well from what I saw of your next opponent he’s going to be a walk on the beach.

Ariella: Unless they change it as well.

Ruddy: No, that would be to obvious they were trying to kill her. They’ll double down on Drakar he’s going to be in the finals for sure. One of his fights he let his opponent wail on him until their axe broke. They say his scales make him untouchable.

*They all argue over what they might try to do to Emma, laughing in between into the night.*