Veiled Trust

Year 26

*Susan and Kimmy are playing in the yard while Emma watches from in Hopkins study from a table overlooking the grounds while hopkins paces the room.*

Hopkins: How are Kimmy’s lessons going?

Emma: Good, but, she keeps asking to go play in the forest nearby. I’ve warned her multiple times but she attempts to escape whenever your eyes are off her.

*Hopkins starts rubbing Emma’s shoulders.*

Hopkins: I’ve been thinking as a thank you, while Susan is here maybe I could treat you to a night out.

Emma: I don’t think that would be very safe given the current situation. The war has already passed here but most people in town look down on elves.

Hopkins: I know somewhere you’ll be safe.

Emma: *smiles* If you’re sure we’ll be safe. When did you want to go?

Hopkins: How about tomorrow, Go meet Misty about an outfit.

*Emma curtsies and leaves. Emma reaches a door.*

*Knock...Knock, Knock…Knock.*

*Emma enters the room Haze is sharpening his blades.*

Emma: I need a few things from you.

*The next evening Susan and Kimmy wave to Emma and Hopkins getting in a carriage. Emma wears a boring looking dress ana a veil covers her face and ears from prying eyes. They are taken to a brothel where They enter the back door and Hopkins gets a private room.*

Hopkins: I know it’s not the best place to thank you.

*Emma walks around the room looking at an array of ropes and blindfolds hung on the wall, for play.*

Emma: It’s fine. I’ve been meaning to thank you as well, after dinner of course.

*After eating about half her dinner, Emma stands up and grabs a blindfold. Emma ties the blindfold over Hopkins eyes and helps him over to the bed. Next she ties his wrist to the bed frame.*

Hopkins: Oh Emma! I’ve wanted this since I’ve met you.

Emma: Oh I’ve been very aware of it. I just wanted to wait for just the right moment.

*Emma tightens the other wrist and walks towards a closet in the corner and quietly opens the doors, letting a female human prostitute let out, Emma sits down and enjoys her food quietly while the prostitute has her way with Hopkins. His cries of pleasure go on and on.After some time passes and Emma removes the Blindfold from Hopkins, then the ties on his wrists He reaches for her and she stops him.*

Emma: You can’t touch without the blindfold.

*Emma walks towards the door, followed by Hopkins with a creepy grin, happy from what he assumed was a victory. When they reach the house she goes to Kimmy’s room to check on her. Petunia sits in the room reading her a story. Upon seeing Emma the two get out of the bed to greet her.*

Petunia: Don’t tell me you did what I think you did.

*Emma kneels down and hugs Kimmy.*

Kimmy: Mama!

Emma: Course not, but if he asks, yes. I got someone else to take care of him.

Petunia: How did you manage that?

Emma: I had Misty help me.

Kimmy: Is Mama and Dada happy?

Petunia: Susan told her he was taking you out to make you happy.

Emma: Good, She doesn’t need to know more.

*Emma stands up and walks Kimmy over to her bed.*

Emma: Now should we finish your story?

Kimmy: Yeah, I want to learn how they saved the princess.

*Petunia leaves the two and Emma lays next to Kimmy and reads the story.*

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

*As Fall reaches the estate Emma, Kimmy and Hopkins see Susan off in her carriage. Hopkins heads inside quickly after the carriage passes the gate.Emma looks down to Kimmy.*

Emma: Are you ready for your lessons today?

Kimmy: But, Auntie left.

Emma: And how does that stop us?

Kimmy: I’m upset.

*Kimmy bounces playfully as she talks.*

Emma: Oh, Really? Well what would it take to make you not upset?

Kimmy: I wanna camp. Like the stories you tell about the adventurers.

Emma: Tell you what, you can ask you father about it at dinner. But we would only go out in the yard okay?

Kimmy: *Sad* Okay..

*The next night the two set up a tent in the corner of the yard under some trees. They sit next to a fire Emma pulls out a cattail like plants.*

Emma: These are called sweet tails.

*Emma hands one to Kimmy.*

Emma: Now hold it tight and place it just over the fire. Not in it. Like this.

*Emma places the top of the plant in the heat of the flames.*

Kimmy: Like this?

*Kimmy struggles to hold her’s over the fire so Emma sticks a stick in the ground to act as a support of the handle.*

Emma: is that easier?

Kimmy: Yeah, what’s it taste like?

Emma: It tastes sweet, when the outside turns white it’s done, The insides are soft and squishy.

*Kimmy bites into the plant. It’s consistency that of a marshmallow. She smiles as she continues to quickly eat it. Emma eats half hers before offering it to Kimmy as well.*

Kimmy: So what else do we do?

Emma: Well we could tell stories or play a game.

Kimmy: Games!

*Kimmy hops up and down clapping and Emma draws a couple of circle's in the ground. She walks back to Emma and hands her a handful of stones.*

Emma: You want to toss the stone into the circle. The further circle you get the more points you get.

*After playing for a while Kimmy stoarts to nod off and Emma lays her down to sleep. She sits out by the fire thinking of the party.*

Emma: I wonder how They’re doing.

*Crack*

*Emma turns thinking Hopkins is attempting to sneak up on her.*

Emma: You’re gonna need to be more careful then.

*Emma sees a massive Bear towering over the tent, In the blink of an eye, the bear stomps on the tent. Emma holding Kimmy, her eyes turn green. Purple starts to come into her eyes. The loud boom from the stomping bear awakens the house the lights in the far distance can be seen turning on as the bear lets out a deafening roar.*

Kimmy: Mama!

*Emma spits blood, her left arm crushed from protecting Kimmy, She stands up. And in a very serious stern voice.*

Emma: Kimmy. Close your eyes.

*Emma casts darkness blinding the three. Lilly changes to a blade attached to a chain and the bear roars again, the gusts from his roar causes the darkness to clear. The bear spots Emma as she turns Kimmy to face the house.*

Emma: Don't turn around.*Smiles* Mommy will protect you.

*The bear starts to charge at them, Emma turns to the bear. Emma's eyes glow purple, Her face screams fury as she lifts her hand in a whipping motion. as Lily stretches out ,In a quick swipe the bear drops on both sides of them split in two.*

*Misty arrives to see Emma comforting Kimmy, They quickly use healing potion on Emma’s arm and helps her towards the house having Kimmy follow. Reaching inside the house Misty brings Emma to her bed, after placing the arm in a brace Kimmy lays next to her. Hopkins starts to barge in but is stopped by Misty as they explain what happened claiming they protected the two instead of Emma. *

Emma: Are you okay?

Kimmy: Yeah. are you okay mama?

Emma: *Smiles* Yes, I’ll be just fine. I’m tougher than I look.

*Petunia walks in with some medicine.*

Petunia: Misty said they’ll get a cleric first thing in the morning.

Kimmy: Does it hurt Mama?

Emma: I’ll be fine, I’m gonna get some sleep. Can you go to bed sweetie?

Kimmy:*Shakes head.* I wanna sleep with Mama.

*Emma looks at Petunia.*

Emma: I guess we were going to camp together, but just tonight.

*Kimmy cuddles up to Emma and Petunia leaves the room.*

Kimmy: I'm happy you're my mama.

Emma: Why do you say that?

*Emma looks at Kimmy. Kimmy's already fast asleep the next morning Emma asked Kimmy but all she could remember where the sweets.*

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

* The spring flowers are in full bloom, Emma’s watching over Kimmy as she runs in the yard from Hopkins office once again.*

Hopkins: So I was thinking about having Kimmy visit Susan for the Summer.

Emma: When would you like me to start packing?

Hopkins: Well I thought we’d get some free time.

Emma: As Kimmy’s personal maid and instructor I don’t think that would be a good idea.

*Hopkins gets irritated remembering he no longer controls Emma’s full habits anymore.*

Hopkins: Well I haven’t mentioned it to Uncle yet, Maybe he’ll give us the time.*Smiles*

Emma: Well let me know what he says. *Awkward pause.* Shall I take my leave?

Hopkins: Yes and send in Misty.

Emma: Yes, Master Hopkins.

*Emma sits on a dresser talking to Misty. in one of the guestrooms*

Emma: So yeah, Just convince him to add the words war in there somewhere. I’m sure richard will send someone then.

*Emma stands up and walks towards the door, stopping in the doorway.*

Emma: Oh and have my grandmother hand it to richard. She knows but she’ll stay quiet.

*Misty nods and Emma heads to the foyer where she meets a tall armored male human soldier.*

Emma: Master Hopkins will be out momentarily. Is there something I can help you with?

*Kimmy runs over to Emma.*

Kimmy: Can we eat outside today?

Emma: *Smiles.* If that is what you’d like. Shall I bring it out?

*Kimmy nods. Emma offers for the human to join them he follows them to the Pavilion and Emma brings out a platter of bite size sandwiches for the Soldier and Kimmy. Hopkins soon arrives.*

Hopkins: General Liam. What brings you here today?

Liam: I heard one of your elves took out a greater bear last fall.

Hopkins: Oh that would be my personal aid, Misty. I just sent them off on a Errand they’ll be back in a week. May I ask what you need of them?

Liam: There’s been reports of an Elf messing with Fort Harrisfjord every night for the past month. I’m thinking They might be responsible.

Hopkins: Well They won’t be in the area for at least a couple days.

Liam: How convenient. Listen, I’ve done a great service sending the elves we capture your way. If I find out you’re sabotaging our forts.

Hopkins: When they get back you can take them in for questioning. But I can assure you I know nothing about what you’re talking about.

*A week passes and Misty returns, Liam brings some troops with him to detain them.*

Kimmy: Is misty bad?

Emma: No, I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding.*Smiles.*

*Hopkins reads the letter from his uncle.*

Hopkins: What?!

Emma: Is something the matter master Hopkins?

Hopkins: He said he has enough going on with the war and can’t entertain right now.

*Liam turns to the group before taking his leave.*

Liam: If everything turns false We’ll bring her back tomorrow afternoon.

*As Liam takes his leave Hopkins storms off irritated at the situation, Emma and Kimmy head to Kimmy’s room. As Kimmy sits down at her desk Emma reads off words for her to spell when the windows blow open. Emma closes the windows and turns to see Lyra, burn mark covers part of her face.*

Emma thinking: Is that from Ifrit?

Emma: You could’ve met me in my room.

Lyra: He said.

Emma: She.

Kimmy: Mama who's that?

*lyra looks down to Kimmy. Then back to Emma.*

Emma: She’s Mama’s secret friend. Do remember what Mama taught you?

*Kimmy pretends to button her lips.*

Emma: Good now keep spelling. I’m going to go talk real quick.

Kimmy: Kay!

*Kimmy smiles as she writes and Emma steps out of the room with Lyra, quickly hiding in another room.*

Lyra: Haze said you wanted some help.

Emma: Yes, I was going to wait until right before you needed to head north but I kinda need the help now.

Lyra:*irritated* I needed to head north before Haze got me. But passing those forts is hard.

Emma: Exactly!. So I need your help with Harrisfjord.

*As night falls over Fort Harrisfjord the two elves stand above the the fort on one of the four towers. The guard lays unconscious and tied up..*

Lyra: I’m sure this is going to be more difficult, half of them aren’t dark enough for you to kill.

Emma: I don’t need to kill any of them. But I need them to not think it’s Haze.

Lyra: Whatever. You said I could go crazy.

*Lyra’s eyes glow purple and they turn their back to the wall they drop. Two guards are talking when Lyra drops down cutting one in half. As she stands the guard turns to look at her. Her intimidating purple glow causes the man to turn and run.*

Guard: Intruder!

*Lyra quickly quiets the screaming guard.*

Lyra: *shrugs* Oh no. what am I to do?

*A group of soldiers storm out and surround Lyra an Alarm is sounded.*

Emma: Well, you never did like to stay quiet.

*Emma pulls out her blades using telekinesis she uses them as stairs to walk down to the group, Lyra laughs as she playfully dodges the attacks taking out the guards in between their attacks. The archers take aim at Emma. and General Liam steps out.*

Liam: If you’re here for your friend, you’re not leaving here alive.

Emma: *Laughs.* Who are you talking about?

*Emma falls down to the ground and looks at Liam’s soul.*

Emma thinking: Grey.

Liam: The elf from Hopkins Ficus, That’s who you’re after isn’t it?

Emma: Who? I just come here to get out my stress.*Stretches and smiles*

*Six of the archers drop collapse. Liam pulls out his sword and charges Emma, She dodges the blade. As the blade hit the ground; the ground shakes. Emma’s eyes start to turn green as she smiles looking at the general. A soldier goes to charge Emma but lyra quickly interrupts them.*

Emma: Tell you what, how about a one on one. I’ll even have them leave.

Liam: You seem pretty confident you’ll win. What’s to stop her from getting help?

Emma: You think keeping her would stop help from arriving?

Liam:*Irritated* Let her through. This bitch is mine.

*Emma’s smile fades to a scowl, her eyes start to crackle. Lyra salute’s Emma as she leaves.*

Lyra: Thanks! I owe you one!

Liam: There. Now tell me what you want? Why have you been attacking this fort?

Emma: Like I said. It's a good stress relief.

*Liam attempts to swing his sword towards Emma she barely manages to dodge the blade as it strikes the ground again. The earth shakes causing Emma to lose her balance. Liam punches Emma in the chest, sending her across the courtyard, some guards dodge her as she crashes into some boxes. Liam goes to swing his sword down on Emma discovering she’s missing. After the ground stops shaking, Emma stands behind Liam holding some papers.*

Emma: So what’s this about about an elf?

Liam: *Smirks* So you’re interested in them too?

Emma: Maybe. Depends on if your reports are correct.

*Emma the papers across the courtyard. It begins to rain covering the papers in mud.*

Liam: Where did you get those!?

Emma: From you office, last week. Umm a little after your midnight piss.

*Liam’s face twitches in anger as he charges Emma, He reaches for the sword but the blade gets caught in the rubble, he starts swing his fists at Emma. Emma dodges Liam with ease, further irritating Liam.*

Emma: *Laughs* All this trouble to hit one elf? I thought it was all. *Deep voice* “Humans are superior!”

*Emma jumps back up on the roof of the stables.*

Emma: Fine I’ll stop asking about them. But This was fun.*Blows kiss*

Liam: Shoot her!

*The arrows strike Emma, as the clone disperses Emma calls out from the top of the tower.*

Emma: I thought we said one on one?!

Liam: Says you! Quit running you coward!

Emma: Says the one who ordered a firing squad!

*Emma runs off into the night as Liam screams in anger.*

*The next day back at the Estate Liam arrives with Misty early in the morning. Hopkins greets him and the guards.*

Hopkins: I see everything went okay?

Liam:*irritated* I don’t know if it’s one of your slaves or not but I’m stationing Wallace here to keep an eye on things.

Hopkins: Did something happen?

Liam: The elf that’s been bothering us had a friend.

*Liam clenches his fists.*

Liam: But they didn’t seem to have any idea on your slave. So we brought her back early for you.

*After the general takes his leave hopkins brings Wallace in to join him for breakfast. Misty walks into the kitchen, Kimmy sits next to Emma as she kneads dough.*

Misty: *Whispers* We have a guard problem now.

*Emma shrugs and Misty heads to their room.*

Emma: Kimmy sweetie. Do you remember when I told you needed to stop calling me Mama?

Kimmy: *Sad*Yeah. Do I have to?

Emma: We’re going to have a guest for awhile.

Kimmy: How long?

Emma: It doesn’t matter. You promised me you’d try, because other people might take you away if they know your mama is an elf.

Kimmy: Can I call you Mem-ma?

Emma: If you can say it without messing up.

Kimmy: Mem-ma.Mem-ma.

Emma: Good. Thank you.

*Kimmy hugs Emma and runs to the dining area to her seat.*

Hopkins: There’s my ray of sunshine! This here is Mr. Wallace.

*Kimmy curtsies introducing herself. As the meals are brought out Emma stands behind Kimmy. Wallace stares at Emma.*

Wallace: You there Elf. Why do you look familiar?

Hopkins: Emma? She was showed up here before the war started. She’s Kimmy’s personal maid.

Wallace: Does it speak?

*Emma looks over towards Wallace.*

Emma: I’m unsure why I look familiar. If we met before I lost my memories before living here.

Wallace: No. your voice is different but you kinda looked like the elf that hits the fort.

Hopkins: Emma?! I don’t think she’d have the time.

Kimmy: Mem-ma sleeps in the room next to me.

Wallace: Mama?!

Emma: Mem. Ma. Since I helped raise her. And she lost her mother she tried to call me mother when she was learning to speak. We couldn’t get her to stop completely but worked on it this far.

Wallace: Well She'll get over it eventually *Laughs*

*Wallace spends the day learning the schedules of all the slaves. Over time he talks to the elves more casually but still sees them as lesser beings.*