Veiled Trust

Year 33

*Emma reads a letter from Kimmy, as the group sits in another guild hall. The place filled with Demons, as well as a few human’s gnomes and dwarves. Ariella reads a book on local flora of Inferna when Levi walks up to the table.*

Levi: So what’s the plan for the day?

Emma: Nothing that I'm aware of.

Ariella: *Turns page* we could probably due with a day off honestly. I can't remember my last real day off.

*A Female Demon receptionist calls over to the table, Emma notices and walks over.*

Receptionist: Yes, I never got the chance to tell your party.

*Ariella and Levi walk over behind Emma.*

Receptionist: Starting next year the guild is going to start requiring names for parties ‘C’ rank and above.

*Emma crosses her arms and makes a pouting face.*

Emma: But team names sound so stupid.

Receptionist: I kinda agree, but It’s for legal issues with the guild. I don’t know all the details but it’s related to the war in Valoria.

*Ruddy and Falicia walk up behind Emma.*

Ruddy: *Imitates Emma*Stupid Humans. And their stupid wars.

Emma: One! I don’t sound like that! Two, *calm and confused* when have I ever called humans stupid?

Falicia: The day we left Valoria you had some kind words to say as we passed those Human bards.

Emma: Because they were singing a about elves in a derogatory way.

Ruddy: They did? Is that what that was all about?

Receptionist: *Giggles* Anyway. If you all could decide by the end of the year that would be splendid.

*The party sits down at a large table than before.*

Levi: You can all decide.

Emma: Noooooo. You have to help. I finally got you and Ariella to not yell at each other. So now you’re required to help. *Nods*

Levi:*Laughs* Is that how it works? Okay hmm…

*Everyone goes into deep thought for a moment.*

Falicia: Let's just make a list of names we can go over together.

Ariella: Okay, but we have to all approve *Looks at Emma* of the list at least right?

Emma: Why did you look at me like I can't name things?

Ariella: You showed up to training when we were kids one day talking about Duty talking.

Falicia: Duty talking? You mean shit talking?

Ariella: No. she meant talking about chores.

Emma: It made sense in my head. and that was almost twenty years ago.

Falicia: Give us an example of one now then.

Emma: Well I was gonna say something with wings or spirits but now it sounds stupid.

Falicia: *Laughs* Anyway. Yes, of course we’ll all have to approve. The rule will be it can’t be absolutely hated.

Emma: And we have to come up with at least twenty each.

*Everyone pauses. just staring at Emma.*

Ariella: How about five to ten each?

Emma: Hey!

*Everyone Ignores Emma.*

Levi: I think I can manage to make up five.

Emma: Fine. But I’m still gonna keep knights of the Ice queen.

*Ariella rolls her eyes as she ignores Emma and begins to stand up.*

Ariella: Well. I’m going to go shopping with Celestra.

Falicia: Oh! Can I come? Emma you should come too. We should have a girls day!

Emma: Yes! And can we stop by somewhere to get my armor looked at. It’s getting tight in the chest.

Ariella: Oh, I want to see about getting my own set made. I finally decided on how I want it to look.

Emma: Oh Ruddy. Can you mail this.

*Emma hands two letters to Ruddy.*

Emma: one is for Kimmy the other is for Katrina, She said she wanted to join us in Inferna. So I wanted to write her.

Ruddy: Didn’t she say she had family out this way?

Ariella: No it was a boyfriend and his family owns a store in the capital. I don’t think she ever told us his or the stores name though.

Ruddy: Well hopefully she can come and *looks at Emma* yes, I can mail it for you.

*Emma nods and signs for thank you as the girls head out, Ruddy and Levi wave as they leave. Walking through town, Ariella points at a shop with a magical set of leather armor waves to customers. Emma runs over excitedly, waving for the others to follow her.*

Emma: Come see this. what do you think it's for?

Armor: Looking for a new set of armor? A bag? Maybe a new stuffed toy? Come in and make an appointment today. We’ll have your armor ready by the end of the month or it’s free.

Falicia: Amazing. Ariella didn’t you say you wanted some custom armor?

Ariella: Yeah. But I’m not sure If I want to make everyone wait an extra month.

*A Male elf walks out with Orange eyes and glasses. Emma starts to look at his soul,but then notices his ears are ever so slightly shorter than most elves.*

Emma: *mumbles* You're a half elf.

Elf: Excuse me?

Emma: Sorry. I was just surprised. I have an adopted half elf child.

Elf: *Surprised* Oh. But how did you know?

Emma: Your ears. Sorry for calling it out. I was just surprised

Elf: *Smiles* I'm not ashamed of it so no need to apologize.*Pause* Well, how can I help you ladies? Names Jason by the way, I’m the leatherworker here. Are you looking to make an appointment?

Ariella: Maybe, it depends. How long is the wait at the moment?

*Jason adjusts the shoulders on the magic armor before it turns off and collapses.*

Jason: I’m currently free. Depending on the work I could be finished in a week.

* Jason picks up the armor and the girls follow him inside. Ariella she crosses her arms, thinking.*

Falicia: How did you make the armor do that?

Jason: It’s required for anyone working with the Lucius Leathers company.

Emma: what’s the Lucius Leathers?

Jason: It’s Run by Lucius, His dad was known as the best leatherworker in Inferna, some argue the world. When his dad Passed Lucius took over the business and they now require someone who has enough magic to power these suits, they have magic circle that store small amounts of magic to work. They only work for a few hours and the weather can break them regularly so we have to know how to fix it as well.

Emma: Then why require them?

*Ariella raises her hand*

Ariella: Do you have something to write down what I'd like?

Jason: For custom or sizing?

Ariella: Custom.

*Jason smiles and hands Ariella some paper and a stick of charcoal from under the counter.*

Jason: We offer custom bags and other things. The armor helps attracts children *Gestures to the girls* and people from outside Inferna love them as well.

Emma: And I can imagine the children then beg their parents to go inside.

Jason: Exactly. It works. Most my sales are custom bags and stuffed animals, but I prefer working on armor myself.

Ariella: Here!

*Ariella hands the paper to Jason.*

Jason: *Nods* I could get that made up in a week.*Looks at Ariella* Do you want any special leathers? or colors?

Emma and Ariella: Special leathers?

Emma: What makes a leather special?

Jason:Just recently a new Profession called magesmiths has been discovered. they're people who've learned how to pull out the inner magical traits of hides. Kind of how Mythril already has enhancement applied to it's weapons and armor. The only difference we have to manually pull it out. I've been practicing to become one myself actually. A couple of examples here in the store are the bags that are made from Wind serpents which make items inside lighter and for armor it can add a extra level of stealth.

Ariella: What about for Ice. I use a bow and shoot Ice arrows.

Jason: You’ll want Frost newts, they're blue and white which would look really good for you armor as well. But just applying it to a bow adds a chilling effect, if you add it with your spell it should make them stronger as well.

Ariella: What would you recommend for ‘A’ rank?

Jason: ‘A’ rank?! Oh.*Rubs chin* Honestly anything here isn’t gonna cut it. Especially right now for anything ice related.

*Jason pulls out a book of monsters, notes are written on each page talking about uses and ranks. *

Jason: This one. If you can bring it in. I'm confident in my abilities that I can make you a set out of it.

*Jason turns the book towards Ariella*

Jason: Scalehide Behemoth. They are very tanky but if you want armor for ‘A’ rank and above that’s your best bet for ice. It's also surprisingly light while still holding the defensive capabilities. They're big enough to let me practice before making your armor as well.

*Ariella scratches her head as she thinks.*

Emma: While she thinks about that can you look at my armor?

Jason: Sure.

*Emma places her armor on the counter. Jason makes a face of concern of the many patch jobs done to the armor.*

Jason: You sure you don’t want to replace this? I'm not even sure it has the original leather anymore.

Emma: *Embarrassed* Yeah, I kinda just repair it myself as of late. Would you be able to make something similar?

Jason: well what kind of Enhancements would you want?

Emma: What about that wind one. Or something that would help with Telekinesis.

Jason: Same rank? That would be a mix of Gale serpents and for the Telekinesis. What’re you trying to lift?

Emma: Well right now I can lift probably ten people for about half an hour. I’d like to at least increase the length of time.

*Falicia turns with a bag in her hands towards Emma.*

Falicia: Wait really? Then why do we walk?

Emma: Because I’d have to eat the difference. We’d have to stop for lunch more often. And I'm not wanting to gain weight.

Falicia: Fair.

*Falicia turns back to looking at the bags.*

Jason: well I can add a couple of magic stones from Mithhrun into the gloves for that.

Emma: Just a rough cost how much would all this be?

Jason: If you can bring in the hides and some extras for me to practice on I'll do it for free. I'm hoping to one day start my own business and need the practice.

Ariella: *Concerned* But you'll be able to make my armor right?

Jason: Yes. I can manage one or two but it takes me a little longer. Most Magesmiths can do it in half my time.

Ariella: *Excited* Then we're happy to help!

Falicia: Wait if we brought the leather for some bags, would you make us some?

Jason: Tell you what you bring me one Behemoth and 5 Gale serpents. And I’ll throw in some bags.

*Emma places down a picture of a hand drawn Lily.*

Emma: would you also make a stuffed animal out of the scale hide? it doesn't need to have any traits.

Jason: Is it for your daughter?

Emma: Yeah, It’s her favorite animal from home.

Falicia: If we bring in a few more of those gale serpents would you be able to make the bags from them and would it be stronger? We have two others in our party.

Jason: *Laughs* Deal, but in return can you bring me any extra hides you get in the meantime? The more practice I get now the better the armor will be by the time you bring in the scalehide and such.

Emma: Ariella, we might be staying here for the year sorry. *Smiles*

Ariella: Hey, if I can get amazing Custom gear without going broke. Dinners on me!

*Jason turns to a page in the book with an Infernal Tiger.*

Jason: If you can bring me back all that and one of these. They're hard to kill in good condition but are surprisingly an easier hide to learn with, so they'll be great practice before your armor. I'll need to find a place to store all of this.

*Falicia hands Jason a paper.*

Falicia: If you want to fill this out we can get it put in at the guild. That way you can use their store rooms while you make things.

Jason: And I could probably sell the meat to them as well.

*The girls leave the store so excited about the custom bags and armor they head straight to the guild looking for the boys. After looking for a few hours the girls find Ruddy and Levi walking out of a hot springs.*

Falicia: Hey! You told me we’d come here tomorrow night!

*Ruddy looks over at the furious Falicia.*

Ruddy: Wait it’s not.

Levi:*Smiles* It was my idea. He needed to relax and I didn’t give him a choice.

*Emma stares at Levi’s ears. Levi's ears are extra fluffy from the steam of the baths. *

Ariella: You good their Emma?

Ruddy:She’s like hypnotized.

Emma: *mumbles*Fluffy.

Ariella: Fluff?

Falicia: I think she said fluffy.

*Levi’s ears twitch and Emma shakes her head, breaking out of her trance.*

Emma:Bags!

Ariella: Oh yeah bags. We’re gonna get custom bags!

Ruddy: That sounds expensive.

*The group head back to the guild. On the way The girls explain the deal they made with Jason. upon reaching the guild hall they sit down at a table and order drinks.*

Ruddy: Okay but you just sent a letter to Katrina inviting her out this way. Where did you tell her to go?

Emma: I told her I'd meet her here. I figured I'd come back, but with all these jobs. We can just stay here for a while

Levi: If Ariella's armor is for ice. wouldn't we have to wait for winter?

*The group quickly opens a book to the Scalehide Behemoth.*

Ruddy: It’s only awake during the colder season.

Falicia: That’s why he still offered to fix your armor.

Emma: *Disappointed* I’ll head over tomorrow to clear things up. Are we still good to stay?

Ruddy: I don't mind.

Levi: A new bag would help.

Ariella: So I guess we’re not leaving anytime soon?

*Emma crosses her arms on the table and rests her head, tired from the long day.*

Emma: Does this mean we can rent a place?

*Falicia turns to Ruddy and begs.*

Falicia: Please?

Ruddy: *Sigh* Yes we can find a place.

*The girls all join hands jumping in place.*

Ariella: We’re gonna have our own bath again.*smiles*

Falicia: I can have a closet.

Emma: I can have my own room.

Ruddy: Maybe on the rooms. Just because we’re saving money doesn’t mean we should spend it all somewhere else.

Falicia: *Beggingly* But Roo.

*Ruddy’s face turns bright red. Everyone else just looks at Ruddy in confusion.*

Ruddy: I asked you not to call me that in public.

Falicia: And I said I won’t as long as you let me have my way. *Sticks out tongue.*

Ariella: Aw so we’ve upgraded to pet names. What’s Falicia’s?

Falicia: Ruddy’s not really one for pet names. He hate’s Roo, but the one I like the most is.

Ruddy: *Panicked* I think! that's enough.

Emma: Okay, Roo. We will stop it if you give her a pet name.

*Ruddy looks at everyone then turns to Falicia her eyes sparkle like gold as she smiles bashfully at him.*

Ruddy: Goldie.

Emma: Eh. seven out of ten.

Ruddy:*Irritated* do you have something better?

*Falicia grabs Ruddy's arm and hugs him.*

Falicia: No. No. No I like it.

*Falicia smiles as she hugs and kisses Ruddy. The elves smile as they look at the two.*

*The next morning Emma walks into Jason’s store. Jason's talking to a customer, but waves at Emma as she walks in.*

Jason: I’ll be with you in just a moment.

*Emma nods as she walks around looking at the different display bags. A note sits in front of them saying “Display only.” After a moment Jason walks out the customer he was helping, he waves to them as they walk away.*

Jason: Thank you again, I’ll have that bag restitched by tonight so stop by later.

*Jason closes the door and walks towards Emma.*

Jason: I know you all didn’t find a behemoth yet because it’s too warm. So what’s up? Decided to get your old armor replaced?

*Emma just pauses for a moment then shakes her head.*

Emma: Sorry, You kinda answered all my questions at once. I did want to get it replaced and I was gonna ask you more on that request.

Jason: Yeah, I just have a couple other jobs before it.

*Jason grabs one of his tools as he walks into the back of the store.*

Jason: If you don’t mind talking while I work, then you can follow me.

*Emma follows Jason and looks around. On a workstation sit a couple bags, a stuffed dog and someone’s helmet, all sit on matching piles of leather. Jason grabs the stuffed animal and starts by adding more stuffing to the toy. *

Jason: You can sit anywhere. Sorry, it’s kind of a mess right now.

Emma: Trust me. I’ve seen worse.

*Emma sits down on an empty counter kicking her feet back and forth as she rests her hands under her outer thighs.*

Emma: When we talked yesterday about the request none of us thought to ask about a time limit. We didn’t realize Behemoths were a seasonal monster.

Jason: Yeah I wondered about that when you didn’t want to leave you armor. But my offer still stands. I’m 347 years old waiting another year won’t bother me.

Emma: I genuinely thought you were about our age.

Jason: Well half elves only live for 1000 years.

Emma: How old do you think I am?!

Jason: That sounds like a trap if I’ve ever heard one.

*Jason picks up the toy inspecting his stitch work before turning to Emma.*

Jason: Pass me your chest.

*Emma pauses and holds her chest for a moment before Jason walks over to her and grabs her chest piece from beside her.*

Emma: Oh sorry.

Jason: What did you think I meant? I need to find a match for it.

Emma: I. Uh. Um. I don’t know, I was spacing out.

Jason: *Smiles* If I’m boring you, you can go. I won’t be offended.

Emma: No. Just a lot going on. But I want to confirm. You’re willing to wait until next spring?

Jason: Yeah.

*Jason studies the armor the place it down on a stack of leathers.*

Jason: I have another deal for you.

Emma: Oh? Okay.

Jason: would you be opposed to using wind serpent leather?

Emma: I’d rather not p.

Jason: My treat. And in return. How about I take you out to dinner. I’ll replace this big stitch mess for a peice of wind serpent. If you don’t mind the color green.

*Emma's face starts to turn red.*

Emma: I like green.

Jason:*Laughs* So is that a yes to dinner?

Emma: Sure. *Smiles*

Jason: Then it’s a date. I’m free tomorrow night if that’s not to early for you.

Emma thinking: A date?!

Emma: *Nervous* No th..That’s fine with me.

*Emma hops down from the counter.*

Emma: If you don’t have anymore questions though, I have to go talk to my party about a place to rent. We wanted to confirm the job before making a decision.

Jason: No and if I did. They can wait until tomorrow.

*Jason puts down his tools as he walks Emma out towards the front door.*

Jason: The store closes at dusk so if you want I can meet you or you can come meet me.

Emma: I can meet you here.

Jason: Okay. *Smiles.* I’ll see you then.

*Emma walks back to the guild where Ruddy and Falicia are talking with Levi. Emma sits down, spacing off.*

Falicia: How have you never been to a church?

Levi: I’ve never had a reason to go.

*Ruddy turns to Emma.*

Ruddy: Everything good? Should we go look for places?

Emma: *out of it* Yeah. We can.

*Falicia stops to look at Emma.*

Falicia: Oh. I know that look. *Smiles*

Ruddy and Levi: What look.

Falicia: Come, follow me.

*Falicia grabs Emma and takes her up to the girls room.*

Falicia: Did he ask you out?

*Emma refocuses her eyes, breaking her trance like state.*

Emma: How’d you kn.

Falicia: Girl. It’s written all over you face. The excitement and panic.

*Falicia Starts looking through her outfits when Ariella walks in.*

Ariella: Is Emma okay?

Falicia: Yeah she’s fine just looking for an outfit for a date.

Ariella: Oh okay, a date….A Date!? With who?

*Ariella’s expression is filled with both surprise then anger.*

Emma: Jason. He offered to upgrade my chest piece for a date.

*Ariella and Falicia look at each other.*

Ariella and Falicia: Uh huh.

Emma: It’s not like that!

Ariella: It might be like that for him. But if you need an outfit the thing. It even made me think about you when I got it.

*Knock*Knock*Knock*

*Ruddy slowly opens the door to speak*

Ruddy: Hey. So are we finding a place to rent or?

Falicia and Ariella: NOT NOW!

*They slam the door shut. Ruddy looks at Levi and they both shrug before heading back downstairs.*

*The next night Jason closes the store when Emma walk up behind him. Jason turns to look at Emma and smiles. Emma’s outfit is a forest green short sleeved top The longer skirt reaches just past her knees and has hints of purple around the waist.*

Emma: Well?

*Emma’s face turns red.*

Jason: It looks beautiful. *Pauses* Well we should get going. I think you’ll like this place.

Emma thinking: I was hoping for more, but oh well.

*Jason leads Emma through the town until the reach a building with an amazing aroma flowing from the windows. Laughs spill out filling the back road they’re walking on. As they enter they’re met by a dwarf with cat ears.*

Dwarf: Welcome to Half way there. How can we help you today?

Jason: Table for two please Cathy.

*As the two sit down Emma looks around.*

Emma: are they all?

Jason: Yeah, They built it back here because Halflings had to hide years ago. The original owners were an old Demon couple.

Emma: So you brought me here to.

Jason: Well with your daughter being a halfling. I thought you’d like to get to know the culture more.

Emma thinking: Oh.

Emma: I mean I do have a lot of questions. But most are half human half elf related.

Jason: I could answer any questions you’d have but you’ll notice. If you talk to others here. Any half elf or half human, they get specific traits from a race. Half elves get a longer lifespan than other halflings. Half humans can cast holy magic. Luckily being a Magesmiths don't need a lot of magic strength, it's mostly skill.

Emma: Wait what? you can heal?

Jason: Yeah, There are other traits for each race. And Not all halflings get equal amounts. I can only heal minor cuts and bruises. I tried to train it but after 4 years and no progress I gave up.

Emma: That’s more than I can do.

*A male half gnome, half dwarf, drunkenly stumbles over to the table.*

Gnome: Jason, who’s your lady friend?

Jason: Emma this is Chance. We grew up together.

Chance: Nice to meet you Emma, what flavor of halfling are you?

Emma: I’m just an elf.

*Cathy calls out to Chance.*

Cathy: Chance let Jason and his friend enjoy their dinner.

*Jason and Emma laugh.*

*After Dinner Jason walks Emma back to the guild hall and they hug.*

Jason: I had a good time. If you ever want to hang out again let me know.

Emma: Okay. I need to ask. Are you aware you asked me out on a date right? not just to "hang out."

Jason: *Looks at emma concerned.* If I did. I'm so sorry. *Waves hands* Not to say you aren't pretty or anything. you are. but. *Embarrassed* I'm uh gonna go.

Emma: *giggles* Okay. be safe.

Jason: You too. goodnight.

*Jason waves to Emma as she enters the building. When Emma enters the room, she finds Ariella sitting up in her bed, watching the door.*

Ariella:*Irritated* How was your date?

Emma thinking: Okay.... what's your problem?

Emma: I'll explain in a second. We mostly just talked about different halfling traits. Like did you know, half beastkin can use beast handling, but only on small creatures?

*Falicia flips over her blanket as she sits up.*

Falicia: That’s it? Did you at least hold hands or hug or something?

Emma: He hugged me goodnight. But then I asked him. The man didn't even mean to ask me out on a date. he meant it as just hanging out as friends.

Falicia: Did he call it a date?

Emma: Yes! When I brought it up he seemed embarrassed. *Smiles* Then he called me pretty and then left. his face was so red it was cute.

*Ariella glares at Emma until she turns around*

Ariella: So when's the next date?

Emma: I'm not sure. I think it would be better to stay friends for now though.

*Falicia crosses her arms as she turns to Ariella.*

Falicia: When's the next date?

*Falicia looks at Ariella, judgingly and Ariella looks flustered as she answers.*

Ariella: What? I can't ask a question?

Emma: What happened?

Falicia: Ariella was pouting all night.

Emma: Pouting? About what.

Ariella: I wasn’t pouting!

Emma: Well either way, I have important information. For you see, I, have an idea for a party name.

Ariella: Oh no. Okay we can talk more about your, not, date. If it means you'll give up on naming things.

Emma: I mean it this time. how about Ruddy's Vanguard?

*Ariella and Falicia pause before nodding slightly.*

Emma: We're gonna follow him until he retires. Why not take that name and when he retires we retire the party name?

*The two look at Emma, stunned.*

Ariella: That's not terrible.

Falicia: I know. I like it but I feel biased.*Smiles*

Ariella: I like it too. hey.*Whispers* What if we change it before letting them know?

Falicia: Oh our anniversary is coming up. Can we surprise him then?

*The girls spend the rest of the night talking and laughing until falling asleep. The next day the party sits down for Dinner where the girls reveal their new name.*

Levi: I don't hate it. and Emma thought of this? *turns to Emma.*

Emma: Yeah. Got a problem with it?

Levi: No. just asking.

*Ariella starts to laugh but stops herself, but Emma notices and glares at her.*

Ruddy: Well it's too late to change it now anyway. I thought we all had to agree?

Falicia: Levi said he doesn't hate it. So Roo? Do you like it?

*Falicia looks at Rudd, beggingly.*

Ruddy: I mean no. But.

*The girls all throw up their arms in excitement.*

Girls: Yay!

Emma: I figured we could retire it when you retire. That way if Ariella and I are still adventuring we can have options later.*Laughs* I wanted a way to properly thank you for joining us all these years.

Ruddy:*Smiles* Thank you. *Looks at everyone* Seriously, you four are the best party members I could ask for.

Emma: I guess we'll just ignore Lily and Celestra?

Ruddy: I mean they count as you and Ariella in my eyes. I thought it was like a package deal.

*Ariella and Emma look at each other.*

Ariella: I mean he's not technically wrong.

Emma: You can have that one human.

*Emma squints her eyes at Ruddy and smirks. Both elves then cross their arms before the party start laughing*