Veiled Trust

Year 3

*Keya and Isabelle are practicing in the front yard while Emma is in the tree watching them.*

Emma (TL): Hey Lily

Lily: Hmm?

Emma (TL): I never asked but why were you able to talk so clearly immediately.

Lily: Hmmm.. I don’t know. I know when you first spoke to me it was clear. Almost like you’ve had practice.

Emma (TL): I know Auntie Belle said I needed to picture your voice.

Emma thinking: The first time I talked to Lily I remember the night before I had a dream of a voice. It sounded familiar, like an old friend.

Shrieker: Your mom is looking for you.

*Emma makes a caught expression at Sarah.*

Sarah: Get down from there!

Emma: *looking down* Sorry Momma.

Sarah: You’re only three years old, how are you climbing trees already? I know you’re from the green moon, but..

*Lilly changes into a hair pin that looks like herself as Emma climbs down.*

Goren: Normally I’d agree with you but it is Emma.

Sarah: *slowly turns to Goren glaring* and who taught her how to climb?

—-------------------

*flashback to Goren lifting Emma up to a tree and Emma scurrying away like some kind of insect up the tree.*

—----------------

Goren: I didn’t even teach her she just scurried away *chuckles*

Sarah brings Emma over to a table to study then turns to Goren*

Sarah: Since you’re home early you can help her study.

Goren: *kisses Sarah* Of course Love.

Emma: EW! Gross! *sticks tongue out in disgust.

Goren: Yeah kissing is gross so you shouldn’t do it, do we have an agreement?

Emma: *Gives a terrible salute* Sir yes Sir!

*Sarah and Goren laugh*

Goren: *pulls out a long wand like crystal* Keya come over here!

Isabelle: Take a break, go see your Dad.

*Keya nods then runs over to Emma and Goren*

Keya: Yes Dad?

Goren: Do either of you know what this is?

Keya: I DO! *raises hand* It's a tester wand. It tests which element of Magic you can use. Elves don’t normally use it because spells can coordinate with spirits so we tend to know our elements.

Sarah: So you are doing your reading.*pats Keya’s head.

Isabelle: So what’s up? Like she said, we don't need a stick to tell us Keya can use earth elements.

Goren: Well with everything that’s happened with Emma, Lily, Keya and Lazarus it took me some time but I got one to see what level of magic they’re at already.

*Goren hands it to Keya*

Goren: someone your age should be level 25 with your training with Isabelle. Focus your magic into the wand.

*After Keya begins focusing for a second the wand turn brown for earth and the number is 48.*

Goren: That’s Amazing! Well then, Emma should be five by now then.

Keya: *hands wand to Emma* No she’s gonna have like 100 or something!

Emma: *Emma takes the wand Excitedly, she then begins focusing and the wand turns Black.*

Goren: Illusion magic that makes sense.

*everyone stares at the number shocked.*

Sarah: Huh so she’s finally normal somewhere.

Emma thinking: one! My level is one!?

Sarah: I mean she’s never used it so she wouldn’t have any practice.

Emma: Practice?

Sarah: Yeah, I can use lesser elements like when I dry the laundry

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*flashback of seeing mom hanging laundry then casually blowing air on the clothes with hands*

---------------------------

Emma thinking: Wait… have they been casting magic all this time?

Goren: You know with all the Lily stuff we never talked to her about it. Normally we talk about it after you get your totem. I can use water/ice magic, so I use it to keep our food storage room cold.

--------------------------

*flashback of dad making ice cubes in moms drink in the summer.*

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Emma thinking: I never even thought about it!

Keya: I mostly practice by making dolls like the one I made for you

-----------------------

*flashback of Keya handing the doll to Emma*

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Emma (TL): Did you know too?

Lily: I mean I knew they had powers but didn’t know what it was since you never seemed to take an interest

Emma: *Looks at everyone* How do I practice?

Goren: Well I guess today you’re learning magic!

Emma: Yippee

Goren: *Goren walks into the house with Emma and grabs a book from the shelf *

Goren: It says here the beginner Illusion magic is painting your nails. “To first practice you need a brush. Take the brush and make a painting motion over your nails focusing magic into it while thinking of a color.”

Sarah: How long does it last?

Goren: It says “as long as the spell caster focuses on the spell it will stay active Magic drain is constant but low.”

Emma: Hmmm.

Emma thinking: what color.

Goren: “For first time casting try to focus for three second intervals to avoid Magic Illness.”

*Emma begins brushing her nails.*

Emma Thinking: Purple like Lily’s eyes.

*After a few more strokes her nails become the same purple as Lily’s eyes.*

Emma: Yay! *She loses focus and the color dissipates.* aww…

Goren: *Laughs* It’s okay just keep trying if you feel icky stop focusing okay?

Emma: *nods nods*

Emma thinking: let’s see, can I do different colors? *starts brushing*

Goren: *places bucket in front of Emma*

Goren: You’ll need this.. *whispers* I’m sorry.

Emma: For what?

*Goren ignores the question and leaves the house letting Emma practice alone.*

Emma Thinking: Okay?

Emma: What about Green and purple? *She paints her nails alternating between green and purple.*

Emma Thinking: What about patterns? li…*Emma starts to throw up into the bucket her father left.*

Emma thinking: Oh … That’s why you're sorry…

*Keya and Isabelle quickly get back to training while Sarah and Goren attempt to ignore the heaving of Emma.*

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

Magic burns off from the energy you have in your body. If your stomach is empty you can’t cast magic.

For elves Most can only learn from their Class.

Purple can either specialize in a class or learn up to advanced in multiple.

Orange normally gets brown and/or yellow for Earth/fire.

Blue normally gets blue and/or white for water/ice.

Green normally gets Black and/or Gold for Illusion/nature .

All elves can Learn ‘sun magic’ or Neutral magic as most races call it, but most find it more Magic taxing than others.

Neutral magic includes spells such as appraisal, body enhancing and Telekinesis.

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

*A blanket of snow covers the yard, the roads are empty, Emma is outside practicing magic while Isabelle is teaching her and Keya.*

Isabelle: So to elaborate a spirit weapon is only as deadly as you want it to be, when a Spirit is a weapon or tool they don’t feel physical pain but can still communicate with you.

And never use a spirit weapon against another spirit weapon, it’s one of few things that can kill them.

*Emma with purple eyes is playing with her nails with different colors and patterns raises her hand*

Emma: Then why would we want to use them as a weapon?

Keya: Yeah wouldn’t it be safer to use a Regular weapon.

Isabelle: Spirit weapons don’t need to make direct contact to hit their target. And a spirit weapon is only the handle The rest of the weapon is a mixture of your Magic and theirs.

So just like an accessory, think of an object while speaking to your spirit. Place your hand on them or hold them and then focus your magic.

*Isabelle demonstrates by placing her hand on Shrieker, who then turns into a handle of a massive hammer.*

Isabelle: You can change the size and look how you want but spirits will only form into a weapon they’re born under. For Orange it’s normally heavy weapons. Blues use things like staves or maybe a light sword. Most greens use bows and dual blades on occasion a sword is possible. Purple like always is a mix of everything so it depends on the Spirits willingness to change into different types.

*During the explanation Shrieker changes between an axe head and then a greatsword.*

Keya: My turn! *she raises her hand holding Lazarus up.*

Keya: Focus… FOcus…. FOCUS!!!! *Lazarus turns into a basic 2 handed hammer.*

Isabelle: Good good now try talking to Lazarus to make sure he’s comfortable in the forms he takes.

Emma (TL): *Emma watching Keya* What kind of weapons would you want to be?

Lily: Hmmm what kinds are there? I doubt they’d let you practice at your age.

Emma (TL): I don’t know, maybe we can ask dad for a book if we promise not to practice.

Isabelle: Emma if you’d like to go inside and practice *winks* your mom and dad won’t be home for a bit longer *She hands Emma a picture of a basic bow.*

Isabelle: *Whispers* Don’t push yourself so hard just focus on the handle for now it may be too much magic for the whole bow.

Emma nods she then runs inside and hops on her bed, lily transforms into her animal form.*

Emma: Okay Lily you ready! *determination activated!*

Lily: *chirp*Yeah!

*Emma holds Lily in her hands thinking about the leather handle on the bow, until Lily begins to transform.*

Both: WE DID IT!

*Lily changes back*

Emma (TL): What does it feel like to transform?

Lily: hmmm I Don’t know how to explain it. Spirits don’t really feel the same way you do.

Emma: Hmmmm maybe Auntie knows.

*Emma walks out of the room Isabella and Keya are warming up by the fire.*

HEY AUNTIE BELLE!

Isabelle: *Jumps* Gah! Oh yeah scared me *chuckles* What's up?

Emma: How do spirits feel things?

Isabelle: *Thinks* emotionally or physically?

Emma: Like touch and stuff.

Isabelle: That's a tough one. Spirits although can be seen and you can touch them don't technically have physical bodies like we do. They don’t have bones or blood or innards of any kind. From what we’ve come to understand, spirits' sense of touch would be best described as they can feel pressure or tightness almost like someone took our feelings and dulled them down to where you wouldn’t feel sharpness.

They can feel sharpness if they’re struck by a spirit weapon because it attacks their body on multiple planes.

Keya: But when you squeeze them they still need air.

Isabelle: Well if someone squeezes you tight enough the pressure would still make it hard to breathe. In the spirit world they can feel the pressures applied from this world. Actually in the spirit world it would probably be the opposite of this world where you’d be the partner.*thinks*

Goren: *Goren walks in kicking snow off his boots as he enters* I know that look. That’s your I’ve idea that ends up with getting us into trouble, look. How did you ever get to be Captain again?

Isabelle: I Had a wonderful boss who gave me a promotion as part of his going away party.

Goren: Yeah and from what I've heard you end up sending your newbies on these weird journeys.

Isabelle: Well I can’t do it anymore. Plus I use it as a initiation process *laughs*

Goren: *Sighs then looks towards Keya and Sarah* Okay well Mom will be home tomorrow so, you two, set the table.

Emma thinking: I hope Momma is okay, she's been gone for a week.

Keya: *looks at Emma* Hey don’t be sad Moms coming home and she said she wants big smiles when she comes home *smiles*

—-------------

*Flashback to Goren running out of the house one morning carrying Sarah quickly without explaining it to Isabelle. Then everyone visiting her at the doctors you can see Goren, Sarah and Isabelle acting strong holding back tears in front of the children.

Emma thinking: that night I had a dream I was looking over Mom but I was taller and in the mirror I had nobody. Almost like something was watching her.

Sinister Voice: Do you wish to help her?

Emma: huh?

Emma thinking: The words appeared in front of me over Mom, a simple question but it felt sinister.

Sinister Voice: Do you wish to help her?

Emma: Of course!

Sinister Voice: Can you Trust her?

Emma: *Sarah’s soullight quickly begins making her entire body glowing it’s shade now multiple shades lighter then when Emma first saw it*

*Emma looks in the mirror and she slowly comes into view*

*a single tear forms* I know I can!

Soon after that dream we got news momma was showing signs of getting better but still had to recover lost magic. Apparently she’s suffering from a curse like illness called spirit loss. I know they wouldn’t say it but I don’t think it ever truly goes away.

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

Goren: *picks up Emma* you know spirits feel your feelings if you’re sad Lily is sad.

Emma (TL): *looks at Lily* I’m sorry Lily!

Lily: *Shakes head* Feelings are okay I’m here so you don’t feel alone in them.

Emma: *smiles* Auntie, can you make dinner tonight

*Begs*please.

Keya: **Keya joins Emma begging Isabelle to cook*

Goren: Hey! I can cook.

Keya: *Over grilled fish is only fun so many nights dad.

Goren: *Defeated he sits down* Can I at least help then?

Emma: *Hands Dad forks and spoons* set the table *nods nods*

Isabelle agrees to cook, Emma and Keya help her. All three covered in flour while making the dough Goren in the background looking left out until bubba forcefully climbs into his lap crushing him with his weight. The Dough is then spread into a circle and then decorated with a red sauce decorated with leafy greens, onions and peppers, then placed in the oven. the light from the sun, now gone, They all sit down to begin eating. Lily and Lazarus fight over a crust Bubba still laying on Goren is now laying on his back while being used like a table.

—---------------------------------

*The door opens letting in the afternoon light.*

Sarah: Guess who’s home!

Emma and Keya: “MOMMA!”

*They run into her arms all hugging each other tightly*

Keya: *We missed you.

Emma: *smiles* I remembered to smile.

Sarah: *Smiles* good never forget how.

*picks up Emma* Now who wants to go see the Skylights tonight?

Emma: *confused* Skylight?

Sarah: They're the moon's way of celebrating the new year Light’s dance across the night sky.

—-------------------------

Multiple families are sitting on blankets in the field where Emma and Elwin played before The field still holds its spring like flowers and grass field by magic. The sky is filled with green, blue, orange and purple wave-like lights flowing.

Emma: *She notices Sarah crying while watching the sky. *Momma.

Sarah: *wipes away tears*

Yes Emma?

Emma: Smile, it makes your Butt tingle.

*everyone bursts into laughter*

Goren: Where did that come from?

Emma: I wanted to make momma happy.

Sarah: *Smiles and begins to tear up again.*

Thank you Emma. *pulls Keya closer*

I want you two to know Momma will always be watching you. Every time you think about Me I’ll be sure to smile so I want you two to smile when I think about you okay? *holding back tears smiling*

Keya: **hugs* Of course Momma

Emma: Yeah!*hugs*

Goren: *Crying Goren kneels down behind the three girls*

Goren: I love you three so much.

Isabelle: Sounds like a lot of butt tingling to me. *Laughs*

*Everyone laughs then continues to watch the lights*

Isabelle: *Rubs eyes* Hey I’m gonna get some work taken care of before bed I’ll meet you all back at home.

Sarah: Isabelle.

* Isabelle turns to look at Sarah*

Sarah: *hugs Isabelle* you need to smile more. *whispers into her ear*

Isabelle: *starts to cry* If it comes to that you have my word.

*She turns around heading back to the house.*

*After an hour of watching the sky Keya has passed out and Emma’s slowly losing consciousness.

Sarah: We should head home

Goren: *quietly* What did the Doctor really say?

Sarah: … I should probably prepare for the worst next time…

Goren: *tears up and grabs Sarah's Hand* Maybe we should go on that trip after all.

*Emma drifts out of consciousness.*

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

*The next morning everyone's just finished breakfast and Sarah and Keya begin cleaning the Table. Emma Starts heading to the corner where her book is.*

Sarah: So girls, The three adults were talking and we thought about going to visit an old friend of ours.

Keya: Who are we visiting? Is it gonna be hot or cold?

Sarah: *Laughs* It’s a surprise and It’ll be warm by the time we get there.

Isabelle: And Keya can help me on guard duty *Smiles*

Keya: WAIT CAN I ?!

Goren: As long as you listen to whatever she says, no questions asked.

Keya: *Deal!

Isabelle: Good now run around the yard Barking.

*Keya Laughs and looks at Sarah.*

Sarah: Hey, you agreed no questions asked.

Keya: *realizing and embarrassed at the situation she peeks out the door. *

*Keya Looks at Emma for help.*

*Emma gives a thumbs up.*

Keya: *She peeks outside again, makes sure no one is around, then runs around the house.*

BARK! BARK BARK!

As Keya reaches the front of the house a elven couple happens to be walking by and sees her and begins to laugh at the adorable situation.

Keya's face turns red from embarrassment. She then speeds up to get into the house Faster, right before getting inside she lets out one more bark.*

Keya: If I have to do stuff like that for guard duty I don’t want to anymore.*She runs to the couch, curls up and pouts.*

Isabelle: *Sits next to Keya.* Oh come on, it was a test to see if you’d actually listen. If you're in trouble we need to know you’ll run or hide if you need to.

Sarah: Now go pack your things. Dad will help you after he’s done chopping wood.

*Sarah heads to her room to start packing for her and Goren. Goren heads outside still chuckling.*

—---------------------------

In the room Keya begins laying her clothes out on her bed while Emma reads sitting on her bed.

Emma: Where you think we are goin?

Keya: I don’t know Isabelle said it was moms best friend growing up. Maybe they’ll be a dwarf or a human. She says she hasn’t seen them in a while.

Distorted voice: Humans

Emma thinking: that voice again

Emma: A Dwarf?

Keya: Oh yeah. We don’t see anything but elves up here so you wouldn’t know.

Humans and dwarves are different races Mom said she grew up in a town with dwarves and humans.

Humans are like shorter elves with short ears and dwarves are shorter but are covered in hair! And they stink like the inn.

There is also Gnomes, Beast race and *thinks* oh Demons. Gnomes are about as tall as me and are really mean. I’ve only ever read about the other two so I don’t know much other than they have tails.

Emma: I wanna see a tail person!

Keya: *Laughs* I don’t know if they’d like being called a Tail Person.

*Goren enters the room.*

Goren: What’s all the giggles about?

Emma: I wanna see the tails.

Keya: She means Races. I was telling her about the different races.

Goren: Oh that makes more sense. Well by tails I’m assuming you mean Beastkin.

Emma: And Demons.

Goren: Hmmm well I can’t say we’ll run into any demons on the trip but Beastkin I know a few on our way maybe we can visit them on the way back.

—---------------------------------

*Everyone steps outside the next morning, most of the snow already gone. Bubba turns into a larger, more adult version of himself. Goren places Emma and Keya on his back and then stares back at the house before heading off.*

Emma: Bubba’s Big!

Sarah: *Laughs* This is what Bubba really looks like.

Goren: Well ladies, wave the house farewell for now we’ll be back within 4 years, everyone excited?

Everyone: Bye house! *waves*