Veiled Trust

Year 34

*Katrina walks in through the town's gates. Emma waves to her as she sees her in the distance and runs towards her.*

Emma: Hey! You made it.

*The two hug.*

Katrina: Yeah, I told you I’d come. So where’s this place we’re staying at?

Emma: This way.

*Emma grabs Katrina's hand and leads her to the house. A basic stone house with a wooden roof.*

*Emma and Katrina enter the house and Ariella jumps up to hug Katrina. Ruddy then comes over with Falicia. Levi sits across the room drinking.*

Ruddy: This is Falicia, Falica this is Katrina. We all met in the whispering falls in Sylvndor.

Falicia: Nice to meet you. Emma wouldn’t stop talking about you and the quests you joined them on. It's all she's talked about for the past week.

Katrina: I didn’t join you all that often.

Emma: So I can't reminisce over the times we did? *Smiles*

Katrina: I mean you can. *Laughs*

Emma: *Laughs* Okay then. I'm glad we got that established. *Points at Levi.* And back there being antisocial is Levi.

*Levi waves towards the group.*

Levi: I’m tired and my head hurts.

Emma: He hurt his head when we were fighting gale serpents.

Katrina: Well I can take us out to eat if it would be easier on your head.

Ariella: We could go to that noodle place you liked. Bring you some back?

Levi: If you do I would greatly appreciate it. I’m going to lie down.

*Levi heads to his room holding his head. The group heads across the street to a restaurant*

*Katrina laughs while trying to speak.*

Katrina: Is this, really, the place?

Emma: Yeah. It’s part of why we chose to move here. That and it was the closest to the guild hall.

*The group enters the restaurant and finds an empty table to sit at.*

Katrina: I miss Demon food. Every time I asked for extra spicy in Whispering Falls they never added enough.

Emma: Yeah, you mentioned that once. I don't like spicy.

Ariella: I don’t mind a little.

Falicia: So Katrina, are you going to join us on our hunts?

Katrina: Depends. What’re we hunting?

Emma: Well we've been hunting Gale serpents as of late, but next week we’re planning to get an Infernal Tiger.

Katrina: I hear those are for 'A' rank parties. I'm not sure I'll be of much use.

Ariella: We were hoping to get it done before you got here. That was until Ruddy ruined some of the hides and delayed us.

Emma: Apparently, using holy magic on certain hides can remove the magical elements.

Falicia: He felt so bad. But we had no way of knowing.

Ariella: *Shrugs* It happens. I'm just glad we still managed to finish.

Emma: We've been doing it in our off time since the hunting isn't making us any money. *Looks at Katrina* So, What do you want to do for your first day here?

Katrina: Actually, I was hoping to stop by a store. That guy I was talking about before, he owns a store here and he told me to stop by.

Emma: How about we go after lunch?

Ruddy: I’ll take Levi his food.

Falicia: You don’t want to join us?

Ariella: Or is it too girly for you?

Katrina: I mean it’s a custom leatherworking store. You’d probably find something you’d like.

Emma: Wait what’s the name of this place?

Katrina: Lucius Leathers. Why? Did I not tell you Lucius’s name?

*The party shakes their heads in unison.*

Katrina: Have you been? Lucius said the guy running the store's name is. I think it started with a J.

Emma: Jason? Half-elf?

Katrina: Yeah! So you've met him?

Ruddy: Emma went on a date with him.

Katrina: Oh, and how’d that go?

Emma: We went on one more but decided to stay friends. He's very kind but we wanted different things.

Katrina: You'll have to tell me more later.

Ariella: *Snarky*He took her to a halfling pub and just talked about halflings all night on their first date.

Emma: And the second date was amazing. We saw a play and had dinner. But he wants to find a place to eventually settle down, and I very much want to keep traveling.

Katrina: Speaking about traveling. I have a gift from some people.

*Katrina hands a group of letters to Emma.*

Emma: Letters? From who?

Katrina: Well I stopped by a few places to…

Emma: Wait! These are letters from Elizabeth, Keya, and my dad?! *looks at Katrina.* How did you find my dad and Kimmy?

Katrina: Keya just happened to be in the same area as me when the letter you sent arrived. She told your dad and he met me halfway to give me that letter and a gift. As for Kimmy. You told me what town she was staying in Take Village and I just asked around there until I found her.

*Katrina places a small box carved out of wood with swirls and leaf patterns.*

Falicia: That’s pretty what’s it mean?

Ariella: That means.

Emma: He got remarried? I’m sure it’s Isabelle but.

*Emma reads the letter in a panic as tears begin to form. After a moment she exhales a breath of relief.*

Emma: Thank goodness.

Katrina: What’s wrong?

Ariella: That box is a symbol of two elves getting married. Some elves believe they should only marry if one of the partners is dying. Because committing to a full life as elves isn't realistic for one thousand-plus years.

Emma: My dad is that way. He married my mom because she was dying from Spirit Loss. He said it’s because they both work dangerous jobs the reason he agreed.

Falicia: Spirit Loss? What's that?

Emma: When an elf's spirit dies we become mortal, and depending on how old you are it's faster, but you begin to get sick until you pass away. It's what happened with my mom.

Falicia: Wait we met you Uncle and Aunt though.

Emma: Yeah, they're another example. Some elves get married until the children turn 100, sometimes longer. I heard someone describe it closer to a contract. You're agreeing to support one another until the end of the contract. Sometimes there is still love involved.

*Both Ariella and Emma laugh.*

Ruddy: Wait your dad agreed? Does that mean he didn't propose?

Emma: Oh! Oh. Your right?! I've gotta give him a hard time about it.

Katrina: Well, that explains the sudden panic.

Emma: Yeah, I knew they were together now but I didn’t expect them to marry.

Katrina: That just means you can celebrate!*Smiles*

Emma: Yeah. Exactly! Let's have another round!

Everyone: Cheers!

*After lunch Ruddy heads home Waving to the girls as they head to see Jason. When they reach the store a carriage is stopped in front, The Emblem shows the wings of a dragon with a diamond in the center. Emma turns her head towards Katrina as they stand outside, two large Demon guards stand in front of the store*

Emma: Do you know that Emblem?

Katrina: No, But the diamond means upper nobility. If it had gold as well it would be royalty. The wings mean they're the royal couriers though.

*A Female Demon with Deep Purple scales exits the store laughing with Jason before getting on her carriage. Jason turns to see Emma and everyone.*

Jason: Hey. *Smiles* I have a request for your party. Come on in and I’ll explain.

*As the party enters the store Jason closes the store and the group heads into the back.*

Emma: Firstly, This is Katrina.

*Katrina waves.*

Katrina: I was just stopping by. I’m Lucius’s girlfriend and he told me I should come see the store. He said you’re his favorite store at the moment.*Smiles*

Jason: *Blush* That’s an honor to hear. I didn’t know he thought so highly of me, I thought since he didn’t visit, it was because I wasn’t doing a good enough job.

Katrina: Not at all. He says it’s great that he can let you work without having to come to check on you. I’ll tell him to come thank you properly.

Jason: That would be really nice, thank you. I wanted to ask him a few things but I’ve been too busy as well.

*Falicia clears her throat.*

Jason: Oh right. You saw the Demon who just left?

*The group nods*

Jason: She’s Duchess Violet. She is holding a banquet and is ordering a large supply of smaller bags to give out as gift bags. I was going to put in a request at the guild hall tonight. I need at least 10 wind serpents within the next three days.

Emma: We were going to go after the Tiger soon.

Katrina: Wait what rank are the serpents?

Jason: only ‘C’ rank and unless there are more than four you don’t need a party.

*Katrina turns to Emma.*

Katrina: Why don’t I go do that? I’m ‘B’ rank now so that’ll be a breeze.

Jason: That would help a lot. I'm just not sure how I feel asking my boss's girlfriend to do a dangerous quest. I understand you're 'B' rank.

Katrina: He likes that I go on adventures. He sends me some of his trial pieces to test out. I even avoid the more dangerous quests to make him feel better. We both get what we want.

Jason: If you're sure then, Will you please?

Katrina: Of course!*Smiles* I can bring a form later...

Falicia slams down a form on the counter in front of them.

Falicia: Already ahead of you.

* Katrina looks at Emma surprised.*

Katrina: She really, just has that in her back pocket at all times doesn't she? *Laughs*

Emma:*Laughs* Yeah, We had an issue with a person not wanting to pay for an agreed amount so now Falicia always carries a few.

Falicia: It hasn’t happened since. It’s great to see the faces of people when they realize they can’t scam you. *Smiles*

* A week passes.*

*An ever-burning field, a few charred trees still hold small embers in spots across their bark. Emma hides behind a large rock using stealth. A Large Tiger made up of fire steps slowly towards Emma, its chest flares up with sparks as it lets out a low Rumble that leads into a roar; a warning. Ariella’s arrows fly across the field, melting before even reaching the creature. Ariella turns towards Ruddy and the others.*

Ariella: My arrows can’t touch it.

Ruddy: Well how do we soak it? We can’t fight it while it’s ablaze.

Ariella: Emma would normally be able to create enough water but the air is so dry up here.

*Emma sneaks away from the tiger, slowly to not brake her stealth.*

Emma (TL): Can you see what’s taking them so long?

Lily: Yeah just a sec.

*Lily shrinks down and sneaks over to Celestra.*

Lily: What’s going on?

Celestra: The air is melting her arrows before they can reach it.

*Emma peaks around a tree as the Tiger stalks the area looking for her, smelling her.*

Emma(TL): Tell them I’ll take care of it just keep shooting.

*Emma breaks her stealth and stands before the tiger. It roars before charging towards Emma. Emma uses magic to create a small dust tornado. Ariella watches the creature through the light it gives off and fires her arrows. Emma watches as the tiger recoils in pain as Ariella fires five arrows rapidly. The tiger's side turns to a golden brown, its stripes turn white as the flames die out.*

Emma: It’s out!

*As the others surround the creature, Ariella focuses her shots. Every time its flames begin to spark Ariella shoots another arrow. After repeating the process multiple times, they eventually exhaust the Tiger. As the tiger finally drops to the ground a final time Ruddy nods. Falicia and Levi use their blades to piece its neck, confirming the creature no longer suffers. Emma Drops to the ground, sitting on some heated rocks.*

Emma: Finally! That. Took For. EVER!

*Ariella runs over to catch up with the rest of the party.*

Ariella: Doesn’t that hurt?

Emma: Huh?

*Emma jumps as she notices her armor sizzling from the heat. Everyone laughs as she hops around.*

Emma: Ow! Put it out! Put it out! Put me out!

Ariella: Stop moving!*Laughs* I’m almost out of water.

*Ariella uses the last of the water from her waterskin to extinguish Emma.*

Ariella: Oh I’m for sure telling Everyone at home about this one.

*Emma puts her hands together beggingly and drops to her knees in front of Ariella.*

Emma: Please don’t. I’ll do anything.

*Ariella looks at Emma with a sparkle in her eyes.*

Ariella: Really?

Emma: Except running around the house barking. Keya taught me that one.

Falicia: Huh?

Emma: My sister said she’d do anything and then they made her run around the house barking.

*Everyone laughs*

Ariella: That sounds like your sister all right. Okay fine, I won’t tell anyone. That story is better anyway.

*Emma lets out a sigh of relief*

Lily: Keya’s not gonna forgive you for that.

Emma (TL): She can take one for the team. *Smiles*

*Ariella looks At Emma's armor. Emma turns to attempt to look for herself.*

Emma: *irritated* Jason is gonna give me a hard time if I ask for another patch job.

Falicia: It's even shaped more to your butt.

Ariella: I can patch it for you *Raises hand*

Emma: Really? What's it gonna cost?

Ariella: *Guilty* Nothing at all. Can't I help my favorite Elf out?

*Emma jumps around excitedly.*

Emma: Thank you. Thank you! I've been trying to save money, but the enemies in Inferna just tear right through most of our armor. I can't wait for that new set.

Falicia: *Looks at Ariella.* I'm sure that is the only reason why.

*After resting The group places the tiger on Celestra’s back with a large piece of fabric placed between them. Leaving the barren field and heading back to the guild hall.*

Emma: This hide Jason let us borrow is really useful. Maybe we should see if we can buy one later.

Falicia: Maybe show some skin and get us a discount. *grins*

Ariella: *Irritated* Emma wouldn’t do that.

Falicia: I thought you weren’t bothered by her seeing Jason anymore.

Ariella: I’m not. It’s just.

*Emma steps next to Ariella as the group continues walking*

Emma: Just what? You also seemed overly eager to fix my armor instead of having Jason do it.

Ariella: It doesn’t matter. Do whatever you want.

*Emma stops Ariella and waves for the rest of the group to keep moving. Celestra stops for a moment then follows the others.*

Emma: You used to be one to give me shit for blushing at a guy. Now a guy acts friendly towards me and you get defensive what is it?

*Ariella refuses to make eye contact. Her eyes hold back tears as she grits her teeth.*

Ariella: It doesn’t matter.

*Emma grabs Ariella’s arms until she looks at her.*

Emma: No Arie. I know something’s wrong, talk to me... *Softly* Please.

*Ariella pushes Emma away from her.*

Ariella: I can’t explain it. Ever since the thing back at the Ice Bowl.

Emma: You mean when those Seer hunters found me?

Ariella: Yeah, I realized that even though you were gone for those years working for Hopkins. When I thought I might lose you forever. It broke me.

*Ariella bursts into tears. Emma holds her as she drops to her knees.*

Ariella: I want you to be happy. But, I don’t know what I would do if you were out of my life.

*Emma wipes away the tears from Ariella’s eyes.*

Emma: Even if I dated him. I can’t be tied down. Not until we deal with the Seers.*Smiles* So you still have me, for at least few decades.

*Ariella sniffles as she starts to stand. Emma helps her up and they start walking to catch up with the party.*

Emma: The same applies to me.

Ariella: Huh?

*Emma crosses her arms behind her head and leans back, looking into the sky.*

Emma: I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you. Kimmy, Ruddy Falicia. Anyone of the people I’ve met. Well, most. Robin can go die in a ditch somewhere.

*Ariella laughs*

Ariella: Hey, I'll pay for your patch if you'd like to go have Jason fix it. Since Jason fixing it would look better anyway.

Emma: Fine, But you have to come with me then. You can even tell him what happened.

Ariella: Really?!

Emma: Only this one time.

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

*As snow fills the mountains to the east the party stands before another great beast this time the Scalehide Behemoth. Ariella uses oil-dipped arrows that Lily sets ablaze, using fire magic through Emma, she shoots from up above looking down as the party fights on a frozen lakebed. The Huge Reptile is covered in a thick layer of scales. Fur covers the back half of the creature almost as if wearing pants. It holds its body like a large gorilla. The arrows hit its shoulders and the Behemoth jumps up then slams into the ground in frustration, breaking the ice across the lake and causing the party to lose their footing. Ariella changes to her ice arrows and refreezes the ground beneath them and the Behemoth starts running towards Ruddy. Ruddy lifts his mace and after a beam of light strikes his mace it begins to glow with holy light, he slams down the mace in front of the Behemoth and it drops to the ground as if the mace crushed it. Levi uses the spirits to push the ice and water around the beast and Emma uses her magic to control the water. As the behemoth lies in its watery prison, Ariella fires a charged ice arrow, freezing the water.*

*As the party starts to slowly walk towards the Behemoth the ground starts to shake. The Behemoth breaks itself free, enraged it grabs a chunk of ice and throws it up towards Ariella. Lily picks up Ariella and lifts her to safety. Emma's eyes begin to spark. She uses shadow step to get behind the Behemoth. She places her hands on the ground and a sea of ice and earth spikes shoot across the ground towards the Behemoth, piercing parts of its body. As Emma calms down, the beast looks at the party and blood begins to pool from its open wounds. The Behemoth then freezes the blood to close the wound. It slams its fists into the ground and the earth breaks open, the frozen lake turns into a whirlpool as it begins to drain. Levi uses a spirit hand to hold the platform together. Ariella’s arrows freeze the water again but it immediately breaks, rushing into the newly formed hole.*

*As Emma struggles to focus, her head spinning from using so much magic. She holds her hand over her mouth as Celestra picks her up and moves her out of harm's way.*

Emma: Take me to Arie.

*Celestra nods and swiftly runs up next to Ariella.*

Ariella: What are you doing?! They need you.

*Emma hops down and catches herself on Celestra.*

Emma (TL): I need your help

*Emma turns to Ariella.*.

Emma: I’ve got an Idea. Just make sure the others stay away from the Behemoth.

*Ariella nods and Lily turns into an accessory and hides on Emma. Emma’s magic rejuvenates, now that she’s connected to Lily. Emma stands firm and places her hands together. As she tries to pull them apart the ground starts shaking. Ariella looks down at the party as the spirit hand starts to fade. The party prepares to jump a shore when the ground beneath Emma splits. The girls and Celestra jump back as the cliff face drops down below both finishing off the Behemoth and stopping the whirlpool.*

Falicia: That didn’t ruin the hide did it?

*Ruddy and Levi check over the body.*

Ruddy: No it should be fine. Even with Emma’s spikes, it’s still in great condition.

*Ruddy whistles and a dark brown and red bird comes down, Ruddy ties a note to its leg and sends it off. Emma and Ariella climb down some rocks and run over to the others.*

Levi: Hopefully, they can get out here before dark.

Emma: At least it’s cold. The body won’t start decomposing. even if they get delayed.

Ariella: Too bad we can use magic to bring it with us.

Emma: I cannot lift that with telekinesis.

Ariella: *Laughs* No. What if, we could make it smaller or teleport with it? It would be so much easier.

Emma: Yeah. Maybe someday. I’m just glad the guild offers retrieval services on heavier creatures.

*The next day Emma enters Jason’s store, swinging the door open.*

Emma: Good morning!

*Jason pokes his head out from the backroom.*

Jason: Oh you’re back. Wait. Does this mean you got the hide?*Excited smile*

Emma: Yeah we got back late so we decided to wait until today. They said they’ll stop by later. But, you told me you wanted to see me about my armor when we got back.

Jason: Oh yes wait here.

*Jason heads to the back and you can hear him moving things around.*

Jason: I finally got that stone for your gloves from Mithrun yesterday.

*Jason wheels out an armor stand. The deep forest green armor fits the stand perfectly. The hands are turned out to show off the fuchsia stones that form a bracelet on each glove. The chest piece reinforcement is highlighted in lighter shades of green. The legs are full of places to hide knives. *

Jason: Go ahead in back try it on.

Emma: Okay! I'm so excited.

*Emma hugs Jason as she runs into the back with the armor stand. After a moment she comes out. The armor fits her perfectly.*

Jason: And I used Midnight thread for the stitching to allow for a more natural stealth as well.

Emma: Okay now serious moment. What do I owe you? I’m not taking this without giving you something.

Jason: I told you the hides make up for it. Just make sure you advertise for me.

Emma: Not good enough. I can’t take this comfortably if I don’t at least pay something.

*Ruddy and Falicia enter the store. *

Ruddy: Is that your armor? It looks amazing!

Falicia: It’s so beautiful. It’s great of you.

*Jason turns to Emma.*

Jason: If you won’t take no for an answer then why don’t you pay to get your party new armor?

Emma: I don’t know If I could afford that.

Jason: Well. Ruddy and Falicia would only need gloves and boots. Ariella and you are covered and Levi never asked for anything. You had to choose his bag.

Emma: How much would you charge for this armor normally?

Jason: 450 gold.

*Ruddy coughs*

Falicia: How much are the bags?!

Jason: Ten gold each. Most of Emma’s armor was due to shipping. The chest itself cost 300 because it came from Valoria. Wars make things expensive. Otherwise, if it was not custom. I’d say probably 150 to 200 gold.

Emma: Then let me pay 300 at least.

Jason: *Sigh* Fine. But only if your party will take my requests directly until you all leave.

Ruddy: We've been doing that anyway.

Jason: *Smiles* Glad we agree then. Just remember to tell everyone where you got the armor.

Emma: KAY!

*Emma hops towards the door with a smile on her face, the leather still squeaks with firmness.*

Emma: I’m gonna go work in this Leather before we go on quests.

Ruddy: Katrina was on her way here as well.

Emma: Oh! Maybe she'll join me to break in the armor.

*Emma waves to Jason as she leaves the store. As Emma prepares to start jogging, Katrina calls out to her.*

Katrina: Emma!

*Emma waves to Katrina as they approach each other.*

Katrina: Woah! Is that your new armor? It looks great. *Excited* Ready to get all the squeaks out?

Emma: Yeah! Let's go I want to start with a job around the town.

Katina: Okay, I just have to stop at the house first. I'll meet you there.

*Emma waits until Katrina arrives And they start to race around the town as snow begins to fall. The sound of squeaking leather follows them as they race, causing them both to laugh every time.*