Veiled Trust

Year 27

*Wallace watches Emma and Kimmy as Emma uses flashcards, having Kimmy guess what’s on each.*

Emma: And this one?

Kimmy: House.

Wallace: Gods, this is boring.

Kimmy: What do you like to do?

Wallace: What I’d really enjoy is a good spare session.

*Kimmy looks up at Emma confused.*

Emma: He means practice fighting.

Kimmy: But fighting is bad.

Wallace: See that’s what the soft elves would have you think.

Emma thinking: Soft?

Emma: Haven’t you found the elf bothering you guys?

Wallace: *Irritated* No. But we can’t prove she’s not one of you.

Kimmy: But you watch Mem-ma all the time. Shouldn’t you watch the others?

Wallace: the only two’s schedule that change all the time is that one *Points at Emma.* And Hopkins little helper. We know that one couldn’t have done it. So that just leaves her if it’s someone here.

Emma: Why not spare with Misty then? They practice regularly.

Wallace: Yeah the general did mention that. Thanks elf.

*Wallace heads off to go find Misty.*

Kimmy: I don’t like him.

Emma: I know, but we have to play nice okay?

*Thomas runs over to Emma.*

Emma: Where’s the fire Thomas?

Thomas: *Breathing heavily.* I finished my morning tasks and Misty said to come find you or her after.

Emma: Did we finish getting tomorrows cart ready?

Thomas: Cart?

Emma: Yes, the one for transporting slaves.

*Thomas, realizing what to do, runs off.*

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

*As the clouds darken; The sky rumbles. Emma walks up behind Kimmy, watching Misty and Wallace having a mock battle.*

Emma: Who’s winning.

Kimmy: Mr. Wallace.

*Kimmy turns to Emma.*

Kimmy: Mama can I practice fight too?

Emma: You’re a little young for that.

Kimmy: How old do I have to be.

Emma: If you’re so interested, ask your dad. I’ll even teach you if he says yes.

Kimmy: Really?!

*Kimmy starts to run away before Emma stops her.*

Emma: You can ask him at dinner.

Kimmy: Okay..Wait a minute.

Emma: What?

Kimmy: You said only misty knows how to fight.

Emma: When did I say that?

Kimmy: Back when Mr. Wallace wanted to fight.

Emma: you mean during the summer? I’m pretty sure I just said something else.

Kimmy: So why don’t you fight with Wallace.

Emma: Because I wouldn’t win.

Kimmy: How do you know if you don’t try.

Emma: well who do you want to teach you?

*Kimmy thinks hard for a moment.*

Kimmy: *sad* Mama.

Emma: *Scoffs* Why do you sound so sad?

Kimmy: Because you don’t practice.

Emma: That just means I can practice at your level.

*At dinner, Kimmy waits until Hopkins and Wallace are done talking.*

Kimmy: Daddy.

Hopkins: Yes sweetie?

*Kimmy looks back to Emma, then back to her father.*

Kimmy: Can Mem-ma teach me how to fight?

*Hopkins spits out his drink.*

Hopkins: Sweetie, Ladies shouldn’t need to ever raise a blade.

Wallace: It’s not terrible to learn the basics, I taught my girls. I can teach you if you’d.

Kimmy:*Shakes head.* I want Mem-ma.

Hopkins: I’ll talk to her about it after dinner. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow.

Kimmy: Plea..

Hopkins: I said WAIT.

*Emma's eyes spark for a moment and Liam quickly turns to look at her. After Kimmy leaves the Table Hopkins asks Emma to wait.*

Hopkins: Why is she asking for training?

Emma: She’s mentioned it a few times now. I told her to ask you if she was so serious.

Wallace: But why does she want you, an elf, to teach her.

Emma: I assumed because I was already her tutor. And she’s not very fond of Misty or Mr. Wallace.

Hopkins: *Sighs* Well if it’s the basics I don’t see a problem. Will you be able to?

Misty: She's practiced a few times with me. Nothing past practice swings though.

Hopkins: Well for now just add that to her lessons then.

Emma: Yes, Master Hopkins.

*Emma goes to leave.*

Hopkins: Emma, That does mean we’ll have to go over her lesson plan again. I’ll meet you in my study, so just wait there.

*Emma waits in Hopkins study. As the door opens Hopkins can be heard wishing Wallace a good night before he enters the room. Closing the door behind him. Alcohol can be smelt from his breathe as he sits next to Emma on the couch.*

Hopkins: *smiles* How about we skip the formalities and you be a good little slave.

*Hopkins forces Emma using the collar to move towards him. She quickly stands up, moving away from him.*

Hopkins: Where do you think you’re going.

*As the collar glows Emma’s glare gets more intense. Hopkins goes to stand before The wood of the couch grabs his arms and legs. A vine covers his mouth stopping his screams. Emma’s eye fade to their normal green and her demeanor relaxes.*

Emma: You really make this difficult.

*The rune on Emma’s neck disrupts the collar and it’s collar fades.*

Emma: Now I’m going to release your hand you’re going to sign this form. Saying you okay Kimmy’s training.

*Hopkins nods. As the wood loosens from his hand he signs the paper. The wood wraps back around his wrist.*

Emma: You can relax. I’m not going to.

*Knock* *knock*

Misty: Master Hopkins. Kimmy is requesting Emma’s presence.

*Misty opens the door, When they see what’s happening the enter closing and locking the door behind them. Hopkins eyes seem to relax for a moment with relief.*

Emma: Can you go get the powder.

Haze: I told you I keep some in here.

*Haze grabs a book and opens it revealing a vial with a powder in it. Hopkins starts to struggle again. Emma puts a blade to Hopkins neck.*

Haze: This is the next to last dose.

Emma: I know. It's just easier for it to work if he's already drunk.

*the door rattles.*

Kimmy: Mem-ma! I want my story!

*As haze splashes the powder in hopkins face he slowly falls asleep. Emma quickly answers the door. Taking Kimmy back to her room.*

Kimmy: What did Daddy say?

Emma: I’ll tell you tomorrow. That way you’ll sleep.

Kimmy: But I can’t sleep if I don’t know.

Emma: *Laughs* Well we can’t do any lessons if you don’t get your sleep.

Kimmy: Wait I didn’t say goodnight to Daddy.

Emma: You father fell asleep after talking. He was very tired.

*The next day Emma and Kimmy start their day doing practice swings until Kimmy’s arms got tired. Wallace comes over to the two as Kimmy sits down.*

Wallace: You’ve got proper form. Who taught you?

Emma: Misty taught me some after we had a bear attack.

Kimmy: They saved Me and Mem-ma. *Smiles.*

Wallace: I could believe it. Hopkins said you lost your memories. Do you know what you did before?

Emma: My I ask what brought up the sudden interest?

Wallace: *irritated* I still think you’re linked to that elf.

Emma: Didn’t they stop bothering the fort?

Wallace: Yes, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t live here. I’m waiting for you to mess up.

Kimmy: But you said The elf had Green eyes.

*Wallace glares at Emma.*

Wallace: Yeah but elves with green eyes like to hide in plain sight.

*Wallace sits back.*

Wallace: I'll be there if you slip up and when you do.

Emma: I mean no offense. But, if I was this alleged elf wouldn't you be dead the moment you found out.?

*Emma's eyes peirce Wallace and he jumps slightly.*

Emma: I don't like fighting anyway.*Smiles softly*

—------------------

*As the summer heat starts to hit the house, Wallace interrupts Emma training with Kimmy. He tosses a wooden sword at her feet.*

Wallace: Come on, The other ones gone and you’re the only one who knows how to fight.

*Emma picks up the sword. Before she can respond She blocks Wallaces strike.*

Wallace: Oh?

*Wallace starts swinging at Emma, She lets some of the hits go through leaving bruises on her arms.*

Kimmy: Leave Mem-ma alone.

*Kimmy reaches for Wallaces arm. Her swings his arm to get her to let go. Before he reaches her Emma strikes at him and he barely manages to block.*

Emma: Apologize.

Wallace: Excuse me?

*Wallace turns back to Emma her gaze locked in on him. Hopkins steps outside. Kimmy runs over to him.*

Kimmy: Daddy, He won’t leave Mem-ma.

*Crack!*

*Wallace's sword flies out of his hand. Emma point the blade at his neck. *

Emma: Apologize.

*Wallace walks over to the sword laughing.*

Wallace: That’s a dangerous look. Actually.

*As wallace reaches for the sword he gets sent 10 meters back. Hopkins and Kimmy turn to look at Emma, her eyes fade to green. Wallace stands up. He pulls out some rope.*

Wallace: I knew it. You’re the elf that was in the Kyl arena. Word is there’s still a pretty big bounty on your head. I’ll tell you what I’ll leave them be if you go willingly.

*Wallace steps towards Emma. Emma changes her stance showing she’s not going without a fight.*

Emma: Why do you care about an elf fugitive in Glimmerfell?

Wallace: I think you’re also the one who attacked the fort. It’s not like you have a choice.

*Emma blinks and her eyes turn purple. Hopkins and Kimmy look at Emma in disbelief.*

Wallace: So you are her.

Kimmy: Mem-ma?

Emma: I’m sorry Kimmy.

*Emma unsheathes two hidden blades from her person.*

Emma: Hopkins. You have two choices. Either step down as the head of this estate or you’ll end up like The fat lard.

*Hopkins attempts to control Emma to submit. Emma stumbles for a moment and Wallace charges into Emma breaking the wooden sword as he strikes her. She falls back to her knees and Wallace unsheathes his sword.*

Kimmy: Daddy no!

*The collar shatters as Emma stands.*

Hopkins: What how?

*Emma’s eyes glow purple locking onto Hopkins. Lily arrives and grabs Kimmy running off with her. Emma's voice echos with the Figure's in the background.*

Emma: I really did want to avoid killing more than Hopkins there.

Wallace: What makes you think you’re leaving here?

*Hopkins drops to his knees a cut form on his chest. He collapses and blood pools around him .*

Emma: Now. Are you going to apologize?

*By the time Wallace lifts his blade the life from his eye fades. His body collapses. *

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

*Emma, Lily and Kimmy arrive at Richard’s estate.Kimmy rests in Emma’s lap asleep*

Richard: Emma? Kimmy?! What’s going on?

Emma: It’s a long story.

*Emma Decides to tell Richard slavers attacked the estate. The grounds were burnt down to ashes.*

Richard: What about all the elves?

Emma: Most got away.

Emma thinking: I managed to get petunia a cart with all the others they should be close to the border by now if they followed the path I told them.

Richard: How’s Kimmy? Wait. Emma, you’re not "Emma" are you?

Emma: Richard, I respect you. All I’m going to say is this is a blessing in disguise. I’m not sure how Kimmy will be. She’s been quiet since the events.

Richard: Well Ariella and the others were stopping by tomorrow. Why don’t you two come rest.

*Emma changes to her regular outfit. Kimmy rolls over from the bed and stares at Emma.*

Kimmy: Ma. Emma.

*Emma turns to Kimmy, Her eyes full of tears.*

Kimmy: Where’s daddy?

*Emma looks at Kimmy she smiles through a frown.*

Emma thinking: That’s fair.

Emma: Sweetie. I need to talk to you about your father.

Kimmy: No. You’re not mama.

Emma: Kimmy I.

*Emma sighs.*

Emma: Kimmy. I’m sorry.

Kimmy: Give me back Daddy! Go away!

*Emma leaves the room she closes the doors and falls back against them. She falls to the ground and starts crying. Gemma arrives to comfort Emma.*

Gemma: Emma. Are you okay? What happened?! I heard you were here but didn’t get all the details.

Emma: I messed up Grandma. I never wanted her to..

Gemma: What are you talking about. Where’s kimmy? They said she was with you.

Emma: She won’t talk to me. I don’t blame her. She lost her home and father… and her mother…

Gemma: Doesn’t that mean you’re the best person to help her?

*Emma looks into Gemma’s eyes.*

Emma: I killed him. I mean I didn’t have a choice. The man was trying to rape me everytime he had the chance.

Gemma: but I thought they said something about a fire.

*Emma just goes silent processing everything for the first time since the fight.*

Gemma: I’m sure she’ll talk to you eventually.

Emma: It’s not like she has a choice. I’m not going anywhere until she at least hears me out. I know she’s young but.

Gemma: I have an idea. Aren’t her actual eyes green like yours?

*At dinner time Emma walks in carrying Kimmy’s food and places it down. Kimmy sits curled up as she looks outside.*

Emma: I don’t need you to respond. Just listen.

Emma thinking: I hate lying to her, but If I leave her like this she might turn against elves.

Emma: I met your father, before he changed. Before you were born he was a very kind and caring man. After the war started he started to change into the mean person. He started hurting people. I know nothing I say will make you see me differently. Kimmy, I know we told you I wasn’t your mother but the truth is.

Kimmy: But daddy didn’t know you.

Emma: Your father was taking medicine as well. It caused his memories to be fuzzy so I decided to pretend to be another slave. So I could still be close to you.

*Kimmy slowly turns to Emma. Emma’s face covered in tears from crying.*

Emma: I lost my mother when I was around your age. I don’t want to lose you too.

Kimmy: Mama!

*Kimmy runs over to Emma they hold each other tightly. After a while Gemma walks in.*

Emma: Kimmy this is your great-grandma.

*Kimmy’s eyes have started to change back to their green.*

Gemma: You certainly have your mothers eyes.

*Kimmy looks in a mirror and smiles the green partially visible. Susan barges in the room.*

Susan: Are you two okay?!

Emma: Shaken, but we’re fine.

Susan: Father told me about what happened. But he never told me why you were there.

Kimmy: She’s my mama.

*Susan looks at Emma confused.*

Susan: I thought. Wait Emma.

Emma: Susan, don’t. Even Ariella will tell you it’s better without the questions.

Susan: well Father said the estate will probably get written off as a war loss.

Kimmy: Whose Arie.

Emma: She’s the one who guarded us last time we came here. But I’m sure you’re too young to remember. You’ll like her.

Susan: Emma, Father wants to see you before it gets too dark.

Kimmy: Mama, can I come?

Emma: Kimmy, sweetie. This time I’m gonna need to go alone. But, I promise I’ll be back.

Gemma: I’ll stay here with her.

Susan: Me as well.

*After prying Kimmy from Emma, she leaves the room and reaches richards study. Her footsteps echo the empty hall*

Richard: Come in.

*Emma opens the door.*

Richard: Unofficially, what happened. I’d like to report it to the queen.

Emma: If I tell you. She’s the last person you can tell. Ariella will be forced to leave if she found out.

Richard: If it won’t come back and get us in the end. Fine.

*Emma tells richard everything that transpired in the estate. From the day she met hopkins to how she made the fire look like bandits and made wallace look like a hero.*

Richard: I knew those children were his...

Emma: his sons are going to be raised by Petunia, I gave her enough money to hopefully get out of the country.

Richard: So we’re saying she’s your child then?

Emma: I think it would be best for her.

Richard: What about when you leave?

Emma: She won’t be safe in Valoria.

Richard: Why not go to Inferna?

Emma: Why Inferna?

Richard: The Demons don’t interact with elves much. Most don’t know about your eyes. They’re also one of the few races that don’t care about cross breeds. But, are you really going to be okay taking her in?

Emma: I have to now. *Shakes head.* Even if it was a choice. I’d still take her now. I planned on just leaving her thinking I had been killed. But, seeing her like that. I think this worked out best for her. How will the rest of the Ficus handle this?

Richard: *Scoffs.* Believe it or not. No One liked Hopkins. Losing a house out there hurts but with the war it was inevitable we’d lose at least one.

Emma: *Laughs* Why do they let you help slaves anyway?

Richard: Because those idiots just see you all as pets. They don’t want you to have rights, they could care less how someone else treats them.

Emma: So this whole war is because he doesn’t want elves to have rights? Who told him no at a young age? An elven vendor?

Richard:*Laughs* Yeah, only problem is the ones who want that have money and political power.

Emma: Well I should get back to Kimmy.

Richard: Emma, Remember. You’re her personal helper.*smiles*

*Richard dismisses Emma, She smiles as she walks away.*