Veiled Trust

Year 32

*The sound of clashing blades rings throughout the halls of the dungeon. A skeleton of a beastkin attacks at Ruddy’s shield while Levi uses magic to enhance his rapier, making it wider. As Levi smashes through groups of skeletons, Ariella fires arrows at their feet to slow down the large group of skeletons marching towards them with an ice arrow, causing them to slide around and fall over. As the lights dim from the drawn out fight, Falicia recasts light, brightening the room Enough to see the entire army and the Lich behind them.Emma uses her stealth to sneak around the room and fires an arrow at the lich from behind, but a Barrier blocks the attack and the lich turns towards her.*

Emma: We need to find his phylactery!

Ruddy: Well make it quick!

*Emma quickly unsheaths her blades as she protects Lily. Lily changes back to her smaller form and begins sniffing for the phylacteries location and Levi calls upon a spirit guardian to help, its large shield blocks the skeletons attack with ease. The lich begins shooting small fireballs after Emma. Emma glances over towards Lily.*

Emma thinking: I can't dodge it or it'll hit Lily.

Emma: Time to try it out I guess.

*Emma sheathes one of her blades and places her hand over the blade. As she moves her hand over the blade it begins to glow. Right before the fireball hits her, she swings at it. The fireball deflects into a group of the skeletons causing a small explosion, destroying them. As the Lich continues this back and forth with Emma, she notices the skeletons are reviving faster next to one of the pillars.*

Emma: Levi can you smash that pillar?!

*Levi looks over at the crumbling pillar and nods. The spirit guardian turns and charges toward the pillar causing it to collapse and destroying the lich's phylactery. The lich screams enraged as the skeletons all collapse at once. The Lich’s staff becomes a large reaper's scythe, the blade made up of magic and his eyes glow red. As the Lich flies towards Levi, the guardian struggles to blocks the attacks and Ruddy quickly runs over to help. As the Lich’s swings his blade the scythe a magic blade flies out as well. Emma places her hands on the ground creating earth spikes, the lich easily dodges them and swings towards Emma. Emma uses a clone to hide from the lich and runs along the wall using the earth spikes on the walls she created as steps. Lily jumps off Emma's shoulder, changing back to a bow and Emma jumps to the center of the room shooting her arrow through the ball of light Falicia had cast before. The arrow becomes infused with the light and pierces the lich’s skull. As the lich turns to dust the group lets out a simultaneous sigh of relief. *

Emma: That was a close one.

Levi: Yeah, who cast that earth spike?

Emma: I di. di. Don’t know. But whoever did gave me a clear shot.

*Ruddy kicks at some some rocks where one of the skeletons had collapsed earlier.*

Ruddy: Too bad we don’t get cores from his minions.

Falicia: I know, we’d be rich *Smiles*

*Ariella calls Emma over to fill their water skins.*

Ariella:*Whispering* What were you thinking?!

Emma: I was caught up in the moment.

Ariella: He knows elves. If he finds out.

Emma: Arie. I know. I’m sorry.

*Ariella pauses for a moment.*

Ariella: What’s up? You normally only call me then when you’re being serious.

Emma: It’s nothing, just tired. Worried about Kimmy.

Levi: Who’s Kimmy?

*the two look over at Levi as he stands in the doorway.*

Emma: My daughter.

Levi: Wait?! You have a child?!

*Ruddy and Falicia laugh as they walk up behind Levi.*

Ariella: Adopted.

Emma: It’s a long story. I’ve helped raise her since she was little.

Levi: I thought you said before you’re all around the same age?

Emma: We are.

Levi: Then in elven terms your still a child yourself aren’t you?

Emma: Yeah, I’m only 32. Even for beastkin that’s not that impressive.

Ruddy: Sorry to interrupt, but Levi.

*Ruddy looks at an old skeleton left behind.*

Ruddy: This isn’t your guy is it?

*Levi looks over at the skeleton.*

Levi: No that’s to much armor for him. He preferred more cloak and dagger attire.

Falicia: The last floor is just a boss right?

Ruddy: There's a couple of rooms with some small fry nothing we need to really worry about. but otherwise, yes, and it’s a lesser hydra. So we’ll properly rest up here then make a plan before heading out.

Levi: Thanks again for helping me look for my friend.

Emma: It’s been months. It seems weird for you too keep referring to him as just “Your Friend.” What’s his name?

Levi: His name? Oh. It’s. Caleb.

Emma: I don’t mean to be a downer but. If he isn’t here wouldn’t it be more likely he died to the boss?

Ariella: *Angry*Emma!

Emma: What? it's probably true.

Levi: No. She’s right. I already figure that’s what happened. But I won't be happy if I don't look myself.

Ariella: Still. You’re not normally that aggressive with people.

Emma: I told you. I’m cranky.

Ariella: Then you can have last watch so you can sleep properly.

Emma: Fine.

Emma thinking: For someone who's friend is missing you don't seem to bothered.

*Emma rolls over. She concentrates on the movement of the figure’s following them as she falls asleep.*

*A week passes and the party reaches the final room. The group peeks around the corners spotting a a Hydra with two heads. It’s large roundish body, about six meters in diameter. The room is lit by lava around the back of the room. Falicia points to a magic circle on an alter that can be seen beyond the hydra. Emma uses stealth to enter the room and the hydra hisses, flicking its forked tongues as it smells for Emma. The hydra slowly starts walking towards Emma when Ruddy throws a stone across the room. One of the hydra’s heads turns towards the noise and shoots a ball of acid. The stone and part of the floor melt immediately. Ariella fires an ice arrow at the head that fired the acid but it doesn't manage to pierce its scales. The hydra shakes its heads and turns towards the group and roars loud enough to shake some stalactite from the ceiling. The head from before starts breathing in, acid starts to drip from its mouth.*

Levi: Get behind me!

*Levi calls down a spiritual hand, blocking the acid. The two heads both begin to reach around both sides of the hand, but Emma uses her knives to cut down one of the stalactites. The stalactite dropping causes it to stab the head spitting acid and as the hydra recoils, it swings its tail and necks around violently. As the hydra backs up into the lava it gains a red glow. With it’s only head it dips its other head in the lava for a moment filling its mouth with the molten rock. Emma call’s up a rock wall to guard the party As the hydra shoots out a ball lava. Ariella starts firing ice arrows cooling down the hydra’s skin. After a few more molten balls The hydra starts to darken, as it leaves the lava it begins to harden until it final turns to stone.*

*Levi turns to Emma.*

Levi: So you did cast that earth magic before!

Emma: Yes.

Levi: That’s amazing! I thought green elves couldn’t learn elemental magic.

Emma: Some can. It’s just very rare. It’s why we don’t talk about it.

*Ariella calls out to Levi.*

Ariella: How did you know that ice would cause it to turn to stone?

Levi: I got some information before I headed down here. It only works on lesser hydras and if they’re standing in lava. The lava supper heats their body so the sudden chill causes them to harden.

*Ruddy picks up the core and Falicia calls the group over to the magic circle. As they walk towards her, Emma, Levi and ariella looks around for any remains of Levi’s friend until they reach Falicia.*

Falicia: Can we go now? I really just wanna leave.

Ariella: Sorry about your friend Levi.

Levi: It is what it is. Hey Emma can I talk to you?

Ruddy: We’re gonna head back, don’t take too long.

Emma: Okay, Arie can you take Lily?

Ariella: Suuure?

*Emma waves to the others as they teleport away, then her smile quickly fades. her eyes crackle with anger as she glares at Levi.*

Emma: *Irritated*What?

Levi: I can't do this. Lets just go quick.

Emma: No you want…

*Clapping echoes throughout the room as an elf slowly walks towards the two.*

Elf: Good job Levi. you can go now. We'll take care of it from here.

Levi: You won't hurt her?

*The elf smiles as he looks at Emma.*

Elf: That's not really your concern is it?

*Emma locks her gaze on the elf. Levi looks at Emma but her eyes start to change to purple. He starts to reach out to Emma.*

Emma: I'll talk to you after this. Just go Levi.

*Levi looks down in despair, then walks into the magic circle.*

Emma: What do you want?

Elf: You know it took a long time to track you down Emma Silvashade.

*Emma grits her teeth and her fist clenches.*

-*outside*-

*Ariella and Falicia stand waiting for Emma with Lily in her arms. Levi appears in front of them his face full of sorrow. Lily hisses and Ariella looks at him.*

Ariella: *Serious* Where is Emma?

Levi: I’m sorry.

*Ariella goes to hit Levi when Falica stops her.*

Ariella: WHY’D YOU STOP ME?!

Falicia: Because we still don’t know where she is. *Looks at Levi.* What happened to Emma?

Levi: I was never looking for a friend. I was helping some elves confirm elf was something called a seer? They never said they'd hurt her at first, but.

*Levi clenches his fist. Ariella and Lily start to run towards the dungeons entrance but are stopped by Falicia once again.*

Falicia: What are you gonna do? It took us how long to get there before?!

Ariella: She tired to tell me something was wrong! She never calls me Arie!

Falicia: But we have Lily. That means she’s still alive right?

Ariella:*Nods and calms down slightly.* She'll call for Lily if she needs her.

-*Inside*-

*Emma watches as elves slowly walk in filling the room. Two other elves walk out in front next to the leader with blue eyes, the others are one with orange eyes and another with green eyes.*

Emma: What do you want?

*The orange eyed elf tosses a head in front of Emma. She looks into Josh’s dead eyes.*

Blue: It took some time finding you Seer.

Emma: No.. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!....I'll... I'll.

*Emma’s eyes change to Purple and her voice changes the figures.*

Emma: I'LL KILL YOU ALL!

*Emma’s voice rings through the halls. the release of the figures strength pushes the front row on the ground and the others unsheathe their weapons. *

Blue: *Laughs* You really think you can take on all of us?

*Emma stretches out her hand.*

Emma: Then I’ll even the odds.*Smirk*

-*outside*-

*Lily turns to celestra*

Lily: Mama is calling me.

Celestra: Okay I’ll tell her.

*Celestra gets Ariella’s attention. Ariella turns towards Lily.*

Ariella: You bring her back. You hear me? Tell her to come back!

*Lily nods as she begins to fade away.*

-*Inside*-

*As Emma's hand reaches out the elves watch as: rubble, stones, old pieces of armor and weapons raise off the ground.*

Emma: For your sin. I'll allow you at least a quick death.

*Emma snaps her fingers and as her eyes pulse all the items begin shootings around at high speed. As the dust clears, the only elves left are the leaders as well as a few heavily armored soldiers. *

Emma: I don't know what tricks you implemented to kill a seer but they won't work on me.

Blue: This doesn't make any sense the information says she's just a scout. *Grits teeth* Clint!

*Suddenly the orange eyed elf interrupts her with a large club. She softens the blow with a shield of earth, but still gets sent back. The armored elves start to move forward when Emma uses darkness to blind them. The green eyed elf attempts to sneak up on Emma when Lily appears behind him her eyes under Emma’s influence. The elfs screams make the other two turn to see as Lily 's bloodied mouth drips onto their allies lifeless body. Lily walks over and stands next to Emma. Clint calls out in anger as her grips his club.*

Orange: Frederick!

Blue: Focus, we can’t afford to lost you to a seer as well.

*Clint angrily charges at Emma. The blue eyed elf shoots ice bullets at the two. Emma creates a wall of fire between the two elves causing the ice to evaporate. The orange elf swings down at Lily but she dodges, so he Singes up at her. Emma lands on the top of Clint's club she squats down before flicking a gust of wind at him. As the fire dies down the blue eyed elf jumps back as something flies towards him. He looks down to see Clint's head, his eyes cut out.*

Blue: Damn seers. *clenches fist in anger.*

*Emma’s eyes fade back to green and her voice changes back to normal as well. Lily calms down and presses up to Emma's body.*

Emma: It was clear you had no intention of letting me live. But I’ll be the better elf. *Serious tone* Leave.

*Emma snaps her fingers and the darkness clears.*

Emma: Take what you have and leave. *Emma starts to walk toward the circle.* Oh and tell your people. Emma Silvashade isn’t your enemy. I won’t call myself your ally after what you did to josh. But if you leave me be. Then I’ll leave you be.

Elf: You expect me to believe that? You’ll probably kill us the moment we turn around.

*Emma smiles as she stops at the edge of the magic circle.*

Emma: I’d avoid taking the short way out. I can’t guarantee my friends will let you live. Ariella is overly protective of me.

*As Emma turns and steps into the circle a cut appears on the elf’s face. the armored elves run over to check on him.*

Elf: General Gareth!

Gareth: I'm fine.*Wipes blood from cheek* Let's get out of here. We need to talk to the higher ups.

*Emma appears in front of the party with Lily in her arms. Ariella quickly tackles them both to the ground, in tears.*

Ariella: Emma! Lily! *Cries* I was so worried. What were you thinking?

*Emma looks at Levi, he sits next to some guards. Emma stands up and walks towards him.*

Levi: Emma I.

Emma: I know you were mislead. And because you know about me.

*Emma reaches her hand out to Levi.*

Emma: Welcome to the party.

Ariella: NO WAY NOT FUCKING HAPPENING!

Emma: Ariella.

*Levi looks at Emma then looks down and smile then speaks under his breath.*

Levi: I see why the spirits like you.

Ruddy: But how did you get out of it without a scratch?

*Emma looks down in disappointment.*

Ruddy: Oh.

Guard: So are we taking him in?

Emma: *Sniff* No sorry. He’s fine.

*The guards hand over Levi and the group starts walking out of the fort.*

Emma: Do you think we’ll make it back before dark?

Ariella: *Irritated* It’s already noon. What do you think?

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*Kimmy sits out front kicking her feet back and forth waiting patiently when she spots the Party.*

Kimmy: MAMA!

*Kimmy jumps into Emma’s arms. She turns to Levi.*

Kimmy: Who’re you?

Ariella: A jerk.

Levi: My name is Levi.

Emma: He helped us in the dungeon. He’s also going to be joining the party, because if he doesn’t.

*Emma grins sinisterly.*

Emma: Then I won’t stop Ariella.

Levi: I’ve never met a half elf that looked so much like one race.

Emma: That’s because she uses illusion magic. Apparently half elfs can learn the very basics of any magic. Their magic levels tend to stay significantly lower as well.

Levi: So do the moons not affect them?

Emma: Not all half elfs. Kimmy was born with green eyes like me.

Levi: So they’re all the looks not much of a show kinda ordeal?

Emma:*Irritated* If that’s how you need it described to you then fine yes.

*The group head inside and Sunflower prepares a late dinner. *

Sunflower: Well Kimmy did you ask her yet?

Kimmy: no.

*Kimmy looks at her lap bashfully.*

Kimmy: Mama. Can I stay here while you go to Inferna?

*Emma pauses between bites and without making eye contact continues to eat. After a moment she answers.*

Emma: I won’t be able to see you for multiple years. Are you okay with that.

Ariella: *Stunned* Are you okay with that Emma?

Emma: She wouldn’t ask if she didn’t feel safe.

Falicia: True, but are you okay being away from her that long?

Emma: No. But after the last few interactions I’ve had with people. She’ll be safer here than with me. So if she wants to stay. I’ll sleep better at night.

*kimmy runs over to Emma and hugs her.*

Kimmy: Thank you Mama!

Sunflower: The other thing as well.

Kimmy: Oh. Can you teach me to write?

Emma: Well that’s not even a choice! Of course. How else would you write me letters?

Ruddy: So are you going to come with us when we come back through?

Kimmy: Maybe.

Emma:*Laughs* We'll take about it later then.

Emma: Sunflower. How well can you write?

Sunflower: Anything above five letters starts to get difficult.

Emma: Okay. well how about this. *Emma stares at Kimmy.* I’ll teach you enough to write a basic letter. Then if Sunflower is willing, I’ll pay her to help teach you some more and I’ll include words to learn in my letters to you.

Sunflower: Oh you don’t have to pay. She’s been helping with cleaning while you all were away.

Kimmy: *Smiles proudly.* She taught me how to cut vegetables.

Emma: Then I'll find you both some gifts from Inferna.

Sunflower: Deal.*Smiles*

*After dinner Emma sits down next to Kimmy as she lays in bed.*

Emma: Can I ask you something?

Kimmy:*sits up* What mama?

*Kimmy looks at Emma confused. Emma looks proud as he holds back tears.*

Emma: Why did you decide to stay here? You normally never want to leave my side.

Kimmy: Thomas told me if I find somewhere I feel safe with or without Mama, I should try to stay there.

Emma: So you’re not mad at Mama?

Kimmy: No. Why would I be mad?

*Emma hugs Kimmy.*

Emma: But I’m serious. You have to write to me as often as possible.

Kimmy: Mama?

*Emma sniffles as she stands up.*

Emma: I’m okay sweetie. Just didn’t realize how fast you were growing.

*Emma leaves the room and heads outside, Ariella notices and she follows her. Emma goes into the woods where she reaches a cliff overlooking the forest around them. Emma pulls out a bag, she reaches in and pulls out some ash and using wind magic, she carries the ashes across the forest as the green moon’s rays shine down through them. As she sits down she turns her head slightly.*

Emma: You can come out.

*Emma’s voice cracks as she has been crying.*

Ariella: Emma… What’s wrong?

Emma: That was Josh… And now with Kimmy. I know it’s for the best but… Aire. I let her take over, I didn't even try to fight her at first… When I realized what I had done she had already killed almost all of them. She didn’t even fight me back for control. She just looked back, proud of herself. I know I need to control this but. She’s so evil.

*Ariella holds Emma. She sits next to her and places her hands on her head.*

Ariella: come here.

*Ariella places Emma’s head in her lap the two watch as the wind flows through the trees like waves.*

Ariella: Emma. You’ll always be you. I trust that you’ll be able to beat her. Like you said they’re your past life. Don’t let your past control you. I love you Emma. I don’t like seeing you hurt this much.

Emma: I love you too. You’re my best friend and my first partner.

*Ruddy and Falicia come from the bushes.*

Ruddy: We aren’t interrupting are we?

Emma: No. We’re just talking.

*The two sit next to Emma.*

Ruddy: We love you too Emma. You’re our family.

Falicia: What he said. But with more energy.*smiles*

*Falicia starts crying and hugs Ariella.*

Falicia: I don’t like emotional situations!

*The group laughs for a moment then rests in silence before heading back inside.*