Veiled Trust

Year 22

*Emma flips a page with one hand while eating with her other. She’s reading about a bat-like creature called a Nocturnis. Ariella and Ruddy walk up to the table.*

Ruddy: So how many in a group again?

Emma: *Muffled with food* Ish saysh fou or fie.

Ariella: *Sighs* four or five. Stop talking with your mouth full.

Emma:*Swallows.* Sorry. Are we sure this a good idea? Their voice is really dangerous to elves.

*Lyra places down a bag*

Lyra: Mandrake hearts. They double as ear plugs. They work so well you’ll hear your heartbeat.

Ariella: Just remember to take them out after 15 minutes or you risk confusion.

*Inside a large cave the group faces off against three Nocturnis, The use their sonic waves to keep the group pinned. Ruddy manages to break the wing of one when it gets close. Lily hops on it’s back finishing it off. Ariella manages to hit the wing on one with her ice arrows, as it crashes into the ground Tilly finishes it off. Emma uses telekinesis on her knives to shred the wings on the other two Nocturnis, Lyra and Celestra swiftly finish them off. As the group heads back the run into Mike and Tyler on the road.*

Mike: How’s it going?

Ruddy: Just finished a hunt, how about you two?

*Tyler holds up a group of dead snakes.*

Mike: Hey that noble I mentioned before. We’re actually headed that way for our quest. Emma did you still want to go?

*Emma looks at Ariella, Ariella nods.*

Emma: Come on Lyra.

*Lyra rolls her eyes then follows Emma. Upon reaching the large estate Emma sees two dog like creatures playing.*

Mike: are those the spirits you were talking about?

*Emma looks at their soul lights.*

(Spirit's soul lights are throughout their whole body unlike every other thing that has a sphere like soul.)

Emma: Yeah, That’s good.

*An adult female human walks up to the group her dress suggests she’s a lady of the house.*

Tyler: Lady Susan, We’ve brought the snakes your father asked for.

*Susan looks at Emma and Lily on her shoulders.Susan then Quickly walks up to Emma.*

Susan: I don’t believe we’ve met. Would you be willing to talk to me while they met with my father?

Emma: I. uh. Hi, I’m Emma.

*Mike laughs*

Mike: that’s just how The Ficus family is. They admire elves.

Emma: Oh, well I don’t mind talking I guess.

Susan:*Claps* Yay!

*Emma and Lyra follow Susan to a table under a tree overlooking the yard on a hill. One male and one female Elf stand behind Susan. Emma looks at them both with a guilty look on her face as they poor tea.*

Susan: This is Juniper and Stephan. There like my second mom and dad.

Juniper: You don’t need to worry about us. We’re treated better than some hired help.

Susan: We’ve always given them the option to be free. We use the slave contract more as a means to communicate with one another.

Emma: I’m confused.

Stephan: I was the first elf slave bought by Richard Ficus, The reason most of us stay is because unless you’re an adventurer *Stephan gestures to Emma.* You’re a target for slavers.

Emma: Oh.

Susan: By the way may I ask your name?

*Susan looks towards Lyra. Lyra puts on her maid act and curtseys.*

Lyra: Lyra, my lady.

Susan: And are you Emma’s?

Emma: It’s a long story. But, Lyra’s life was spared in exchange for becoming my slave. I didn’t want either one but I had to choose the lesser evil.

Lyra: And I’ll be eternally grateful.

Susan: I see. That’s sad to hear. But couldn’t you break the contract?

Emma: This one was an experimental Slave collar, at the moment we don’t know how and any attempt at removal may cause death.

*Susan looks at Lyra*

Susan: That’s terrible. But you’re okay though right?

Lyra:*Nods* Emma is a very nice person. Sometimes too nice.

Susan: *Giggles* Well that’s not always the worst thing. If you two ever want to stop by feel free. We offer free lodging for elves so always keep an eye out for one our houses.

(The emblem is an oak tree, its branches and roots extending outward to form a perfect circle, symbolizing strength, longevity, and connection to nature. The leaves of the tree are delicately shaped like elven ears, emphasizing the family's respect and affinity for elvenkind.)

Emma: We’ll be sure to stop by at any houses to say hello then. *Smiles*

Susan: Please do! We know we won’t live long in your eyes but we want the house to be a safe haven for you for all of time.

*Mike and Tyler walk up to the group.*

Mike: All ready to go?

Emma: Yeah, I’ll have to bring Ariella next time I come.

Susan: Is that another elven friend?

Emma: Yeah, We grew up together.

Susan: Well I look forward to meeting her as well. Emma, Lyra, It was a wonderful time meeting both of you. Feel free to stay with us anytime.

*Susan waves the group off as they leave.*

*As the four reach the guild Emma notices Haze in the corner of her eye.*

Emma: you two can go on ahead Lyra and I need to make a quick stop.

Tyler: Okay see you later then.*Waves*

*Mike waves them goodbye.As soon as they're out of view Emma and Lyra use stealth and meet with Haze in an old abandoned building.*

Haze: You called?

Emma: What do you know on the Ficus family?

Haze: They’re known for being obsessed with elves. Not necessarily in a bad way. Their is one of the ficus family that people avoid. They say he’s a little ‘too’ obsessed with elves. Goes by Hopkins Ficus. He's a nephew of the current family head.

Emma: Well both sound not great honestly. Are they a threat?

Haze: Most the family no. Hopkins, has had some questionable rumors about himself. He has been known to get a little too rough with his slaves. Not out of malice but out of greed. But he makes all his elven maids wear what he thinks is "Authentic" elven attire.

Emma: Okay, weird. We’ll check him out. Where is he located.

Lyra: Shouldn’t we relax a bit longer. We don’t need another country targeting us. Archon already said next mess up we’re coming home.

Emma: Don’t worry I have a plan. We’ll need to bring Ariella in on it though.

Haze: But outside help is forbidden.

Emma: Both Ariella and Ruddy know about the seers. Not so much of the full going ons. But, Archon knows I tell them things.

Haze: And they don’t punish you?

Emma: I was friends with the queen before I met Archon. Honestly you probably know more of the inner secrets than I do.

Lyra: So when do you want to head that way?

Emma: Haze keep an eye on Hopkins. If you find anything let me know. I’d like to get to know more about Valoria before we attempt anything. Lyra, learn about the other nobles in your off time please.

*Emma and Lyra head back to the guild, Lyra excuses herself and Emma goes over to sit with Ariella and Ruddy.*

Emma: Sorry, I thought I saw a haze coming in. hey Ruddy what do you know of the Ficus family?

Ariella: Mom talked about them before. “They’re allies to elvenkind.” she said.

Ruddy: Yeah, I didn’t take us there because Ariella. They’re good people well most of them.

Emma: I met Susan Ficus today she seemed very “friendly” *laughs*

Ruddy: I heard Susan is one of the nicest ladies of the family. But in the far east Hopkins Ficus. He only accepts female elves, There are rumors of rape and other allegations.

Emma thinking: Why didn’t Haze say anything?

Emma: I’m thinking of looking into it.

Ruddy: We just got here. Please don’t start something.

Ariella: Mother said if it happens again I’m coming home for the next thousand years.

Emma: Not right now. I want to learn more about human history.

*Ariella and Ruddy both sigh, knowing Emma's already getting in things.*

Emma: Ariella, would you like to meet Susan?

Ariella: Is it a good idea?

Ruddy: Now that we have a place to stay sure. If we visited them first they would’ve wanted you to stay and with your family, well you know.

Ariella: Yeah. But, yeah. We can go tomorrow.

*The next morning The group arrives at the Ficus estate. they wait in the entry hall*

Susan: Emma! Lyra! I didn’t expect to see you again so soon. And who’s this?

Ariella: *Curtsies* Princess Ariella ClearGlade.

Ruddy: *Bows* Ruddy Hopewell.

Susan: Emma you didn’t tell me you were friends with one of the princesses.

Emma: Of course I did. I said Ariella. *Giggles*

*An older male human walks down the stairs.*

Male: My I didn’t know Seraphina was sending any of her children this way. I do apologize.

*He kneels down before Ariella.*

Richard VII: Richard the seventh. And what do we owe the pleasure?

Ariella: You can relax. This isn’t an official meeting of any kind. Emma just wanted me to meet Susan.

Richard: Well if you ever need anything, you just need to ask.

Emma: I do have a request actually. Lyra was wanting to do some studying. Would you happen to have a Library she could go to?

Richard: Of course! I’m headed that way now if you’d like to join me Lyra.

*Lyra nods and follows Richard. The rest of the group heads out to the yad they sit down for tea.*

Susan: I’ve heard about you from my father. He mentioned you were an adventurer. He even said you would come through but I wasn’t expecting you until I was closer to fathers age.

Ariella: We decided to come to Valoria. Glimmerfell and Mithrun aren’t the most Elf friendly. It’s not their fault, they’re just well, shorter.

Susan: *Giggles* I understand. It’s hard to explain without someone feeling offended.

Emma: I prefer “The cultural differences were too much for us.”*laughs*

Ruddy: I prefer, I wanted to go somewhere I didn’t have to eat or drink competitively.

*Everyone laughs*

Susan: Well whatever the reason, I’m glad I got to meet you before my gray hair started. Ruddy, what’s it like traveling with elves?

*Everyone looks at Ruddy.*

Ruddy: Their concepts of time are very different. Emma sometimes they go days without eating.

Emma: We have dinner every night!

Ruddy: When we’re traveling together. You came back once after leaving for a week. You said you forgot to eat.

Susan: That’s her green eyes. Green elves can go longer without eating so they can be better scout and hunters. Or so father said.

Emma: No, that’s correct.

Ruddy: The only thing I wish for is that they couldn’t hear as well.

Susan: Oh? I feel like there’s a story there.

Ariella: Let’s just say he’s now shy when it comes to restroom breaks.*Giggles.*

Susan: Oh!

*Susan and Ruddy’s faces turn red.*

Ruddy: But aside from Babysitting Emma.

Emma: HEY!

Ruddy:*Laughs* I enjoy it. We’re all about the same age so we get along.

Susan: Well I know who Ariella’s mother is. Do I know yours as well Emma.

Emma: My dad is Goren Silvashade and my mother was Sarah. I don’t know her family name.

*A servant drops a cup. The group looks to see an adult female elf, her hands trembling.*

Elf: Did you say Goren Silvashade?

Emma: Yeah. Why?

*The elf drops to her knees. She begins crying. Juniper kneels down to help her.*

Juniper: Sorry Mistress, She’s new.

Emma: What’s your name? And why Do you know my dad?

Gemma: Gemma Silvashade. Goren Is my son.

Emma: So then. You are my.

Gemma:*Nods* Your grandmother.

Emma: Dad said he lost his parents when he was young.

Gemma: He would’ve been about fifty at the time. Bandits attacked and the last I saw of him was him laying on the ground. *Tears up.*

I thought he had died.

*Emma shakes her head.*

Emma: He has me and my older sister Keya.

Gemma: Keya, that was his sisters name. What’s your mother like.

Emma: She passed from spirit loss.

Gemma: Oh. I’m so sorry.

Emma: It’s okay. She passed happily. *Smirks.* She never liked to see sad faces.

Gemma: She sounded like a wonderful person.

Emma: And Dad works at the Capitol. Would you like me to ask him to write you?

Gemma: That would be wonderful. Yes, thank you.

*Emma and Gemma end up talking until the sun begins to set.*

Ariella: Hey Emma, We’re gonna get ready to go.

Susan: Oh please at least stay for dinner.

Emma: Yes please! Will your dad be there? I just remembered something I needed to ask.

Susan: If he’s not busy he will be.

*At the dinner table everyone sits down, Richard sits at one end and a woman sits at the otherside. Lyra stands behind Emma.*

Richard: Allow me to introduce my wife, Kenzie Ficus.

Kenzie: It’s a pleasure to meet you all. And an honor to meet one of the princesses of queen seraphina as well.

Ariella: Please, I’ve never cared for semantics. Just call me Ariella.

Kenzie: Then feel free to call me Kenzie.

Emma: Actually, Richard. I had a request. Could you not tell anyone you met Ariella today?

*Everyone sitting pauses.*

Richard: Of course. We don’t disclose our elven guests to anyone.

Emma: This includes any other Ficus family.

Richard: May I inquire as to why?

Emma: It’s safer if you don’t know at the moment.

Ariella: Emma!

Richard:*Laughs* I understand. Whatever your reasons are Im sure they have her in your best interest.

Kenzie: I’ll be sure to keep Richard from gloting. Juniper can you go get the outgoing mail.

*Juniper bring out a basket full of letters.*

Susan: Were you telling the whole family?

Richard: Of course! I wanted them to properly represent the family name.

Emma: We probably won’t meet most of your family to be honest. But the less people who know we are here the better.

Kenzie: Well I hope this doesn’t mean we won’t be seeing you again.

Emma: Well My grandma works here so I’ll have to visit regularly.

*The Group finishes Dinner and heads home that night Emma writes a letter to her dad.*

Dear Goren,

Hey Dad, I know you just got a letter by the time this reaches you but I found someone. Does the name Gemma Silvashade mean anything to you? They claimed to be grandma. You never talked about your parents but she said Keya was named after your sister. She works under the Ficus family. They just brought her in. She has had it rough since she lost you it seems. I didn’t want to give to much information, but I did tell her about Mom.

Love, Emma and *Lily's paw print.*