Veiled Trust

Year 36

*The party enters what looks to be a quickly built town. Some of the buildings are still half-built as Demons hammer away.*

Katrina: I know we’re early but I thought the paper said they’d have an inn open for workers.

Emma: Maybe we should ask someone?

Ariella: Who?

*The group watches as the demons around them are hastily working. Ruddy finally reaches out to a Black scaled male Demon.

Ruddy: Hi excuse me.

*The demon turns around and steps towards the party.*

Demon: How can I help?

Ruddy: Sorry, We’re a little lost we took the job to help with construction but they never told us who to speak with when we got here.

Dagger: Name’s Dagger. And don’t worry. This whole thing is a little crazy at the moment.

*Dagger points down the road of already built buildings, to the only painted building.*

Dagger: Go to that building down on the left. The guys in charge are in there. They’ll tell you what to do next. It should be Kenzie there right now.

*As the party enters the newly built building, the smell of wood still fills the area. The building looks like your standard guild hall. Fireplace in the dining area seating for parties. The only thing missing is the guild store. A shorter lightblue-scaled female demon walks out from the back rooms struggling to carry a basket of scrolls.*

Kenzie: Are you here to help build?

*The party nods*

*Reaching the counter, Kenzie takes a breath of relief while putting down a heavy basket.*

Kenzie: You can call me Kenzie. Since the day has already started we’ll have you all join tomorrow. Today we’ll figure out where to put you all. Have you been to housing yet?

Ruddy: Not yet, we are feeling a little lost. *Smiles*

Kenzie: No worries. We planned for that. You’re with the church, right?

Ruddy: Just me and her. *Points to Falicia.* But I’m the only one on a pilgrimage. The others are a part of my party.

Kenzie: No worries. You’ll want to head right out the door, and you'll look for a white building with a church emblem on it you’ve found the place. They’ll get your living area established. I’m kind of busy at the moment, but if you all can get that done then come back here. I can show you all around...

Ruddy: Sounds great. *Smiles* We’ll see you soon.

*The party waves Kenzie goodbye, reaching the church house the party is given a tablet with a number and they’re given cots. They managed to get a room together with six beds. After unpacking they head back to the guild hall, where Kenzie takes them to an empty lot.*

Kenzie: You can use any of the other buildings as a reference. Tomorrow we’ll get a group leader for you all. So I recommend checking out the other buildings. They don’t have to look exactly alike. We mostly just need them to survive the month.

Emma: Wait. *Turns to Katrina.* You said it was only a week.

Kenzie: The fire is. But the town stays for a month. Then we set it all ablaze to fertilize the land. This helps give us new farmland as well.

Emma: can we stay ruddy?!

*Emma and Katrina look at Ruddy beggingly. Soon followed by Ariella then Falicia.*

Ruddy: Okay. Okay. *Laughs* I don’t mind staying. Maybe I can find ways to help.

Kenzie: As store owners leave, we plan on dismantling the houses. People were afraid of kids trying to sneak into the empty buildings and get hurt. Maybe you can join the demolition team. I can put in a reference for you if you’re interested.

Ruddy: Yes, please.

Kenzie: *Smiles* Great. Well, I’m going to head back now. Feel free to stop by tonight. Everyone comes to the guild after work for drinks.

Ariella: How do you all fit?

Kenzie: The other buildings next to the guild are just more tavern space. We have a huge kitchen out back but only half our kitchen staff at the moment.

*Kenzie takes her leave and the group decides to walk into one of the newly built structures..*

Emma: Hey Ruddy. Can I borrow one of your Instant letters?

Ruddy: I only have five at the moment. What for?

Emma: I want to invite Sunflower and Kimmy to come. Since it’ll be longer than expected, if I send it now, they should get here by the second day.

Ruddy: *Sighs* Just this once. you'll have to pay me back later.

Emma: I will I promise.

*Ruddy passes a piece of light blue paper to Emma who quickly writes a letter inviting Sunflower and Kimmy. As Emma ties a piece of hair to the folded letter it disappears.*

*A letter appears on a table in front of Sunflower.*

Sunflower: What’s this?

*Sunflower reads the letter.*

Sunflower: Kimmy! Your mom sent a letter!

*A week passes and the first day of the event starts. The party watches as a group of Demons stands on a platform behind them a massive wooden statue built in the Dragon gods' image. A large golden male Demon steps forward.*

Demon: Today, I, Azaryth, King of Demons. Want to thank everyone that helped build this small town for us. *Raises drink* A cheers to them!

*As the speech continues Emma feels as Lily starts to wriggle around, poking just her head out from Emma's clothes.*

Emma:(TL): What’s up?

*As Emma turns to look at what has Lily's attention. A hand grabs Emma, she looks over to see Kimmy. Kimmy, now just slightly shorter than Emma smiles as their eyes meet.*

Emma: Kimmy! *Hugs*

Ariella: Hey girly. How’ve you been?

Azaryth: And Now! Let the Festival of Drakthar, Begin!

*The party watches as the fire starts quickly enveloping the wooden dragon. The heat fills the town. Some stalls built closer to the fire use the heat to cook their food. The party reaches an Inn with Kimmy and Sunflower. After sitting down a young demon runs over and leaves a menu for the group. Kimmy sits next to Emma petting Lily.*

Emma: I didn’t expect you two until at least tomorrow.

Sunflower: *Smiles* we had someone leaving for here staying with us that day. Since Kimmy didn’t need to pack much, and since our travel funds were covered. Well, here we are.

Emma: How long can you stay?

Sunflower: Well with Kimmy helping, we made more than usual this year in sales. So I can stay the whole month without any issues.

*Emma looks at Kimmy and caresses her face, smiling and looking into her eyes.*

Emma: I’m very proud of you… Wait a minute! Why are you hiding your eyes?

Kimmy: Habit.

*Kimmy’s eyes turn to their usual green shade.*

Emma: That’s better. You know one of the benefits of that spell. Your eyes can be any color you want. While you’re here at the festival feel free to play around.

Kimmy: Really?!

*Kimmy changes her eyes to match Lily’s eye color.*

Kimmy: Now I match Lily.*Smiles*

Katrina: Hey! I have an idea. Let’s go look at the stalls before it gets too dark.

Ariella: I thought some stalls stayed open late.

Katrina: Yeah, but most Demons move around at dusk. We’ll have better odds of sticking together if we go now.

*Kimmy and Emma’s stomachs rumble loud enough for the group to hear.*

Emma: Well Ruddy and Falicia are on a date and Sunflower forcefully took Levi to get some new clothes. I say we go get something to eat.

Katrina: You or your stomach say?

Kimmy: Well my stomach agrees.

*The group laughs and they make their way outside. After looking around at some stalls. Emma notices Kimmy looking at some bags when she recognizes a voice.*

Jason: We have bags with different patterns on them. If you’d like a different color, just ask.

*Emma walks over to the stall.*

Jason: Emma! Glad to see you here.

Emma: Well Kimmy.*Looks at Kimmy* Any bags you like?

Jason: Wait this is Kimmy?

Kimmy: Should I know you?

Emma:*Laughs* This is Jason, remember I told you he made Ariella and me some new armor?

Kimmy: The guy who took you on that date that wasn’t meant to be a date b.

*Emma places her hands over Kimmy’s mouth. Kimmy licks Emma’s hand*

Emma: EW! What was that for?

*Jason laughs*

Emma: Since when do we lick people?

*Emma waves her hands to flick off the saliva.*

Kimmy: You put your hand over my mouth.

Jason: Well she’s, definitely your kid.

Emma: I don’t lick people.

Kimmy: You did it to Aunt Ariella once, when you tried to tell the slime story.

Emma: Oh yeah.*Smirks* Worth it. *Looks at Jason.* Wait if you’re here who's watching the store?

*Behind Jason, Lucius places a box down, as he walks towards the two Katrina and Ariella walk over to the stall. Katrina smiles as she sees Luciius and jumps into his arms.*

Katrina: Luci!

Lucius: I didn’t want you to know I was here yet. I was going to surprise you tomorrow night.

*Kimmy runs over to Emma with a small bag, a little fox-like sewn into the fabric.*

Kimmy: Can I have this one Mama? It kinda looks like Lily.

Jason: Lily is your spirit right?

Emma: Yeah. You met her once.

Jason: We were going to make her armor but we're still waiting on some supplies

Emma: Yeah. I figure when I come back through I can pick it up.

Kimmy: But can I Mama? Please.

Lucius: If you'd like I can stitch it to look like her. Think of it as a gift for keeping my Katrina safe in your travels.

Kimmy: Can we Mama? *Begs* Please.

Emma: You know She doesn’t get to come out in public spaces.

Jason: You can take her to the back.

Lucius: And I don’t mind you watching.

Jason: You can see what a master Magesmith can do when stitching

*After some hesitation Emma agrees and they head to the back of the stall behind a small tarped area. Kimmy sits and watches, kicking her feet back and forth while Lucius begins to undo the stitching. Within 15 minutes he makes an almost perfect copy of Lily that wraps around the bag.*

Emma: That was Amazing.

Katrina: I know, right? *Kisses Lucius on the cheek.* He still went a little over the top I’m sure.

Lucius: Only a little. The eyes are enchanted with a protection spell.

*Kimmy shows the bag to Lily. Lily smiles and begins bouncing around on the table and everyone laughs.*

Emma: Lily approves.

Lily: I’m on a bag!

*As Lily calms down she goes back to hiding on Emma’s person. The group starts to leave when another familiar voice is heard yelling from down the road. *

Voice: You wanna say that to my face?!!!

Ariella: Didn’t that sound like?

Emma: Yeah... Let’s go see.

*As the group runs towards the noise they’re met with an all too familiar scene of Valorin yelling at a Larger demon.*

Demon: What kind of pansy-pushing demon sells cake?

Valorin: That’s it!

*As Valorin starts to swing when Sheila runs over.*

Sheila: *Angry*Val!

*Valorin’s body tenses up. He begins to turn around but catches sight of Ariella and Emma, they all look at him, judging him. *

Emma: There’s our favorite Pansy Pusher!

*Valorin walks over and Punches Emma on the head.*

Emma: OW!

Ariella: You, absolutely deserved that.

Kimmy: Why’d you hit my mom?*Glares at Valorin.*

Emma:*Rubs head* It’s fine Kimmy. That’s Valorin.*Waves to Sheila.* Hi Sheila!

*Sheila bows to the demon from before, apologizing, then runs over to the group.*

Sheila: I didn’t expect to run into you here Emma.

Emma: Same. What brought you here?

Sheila: Val wanted to sell our cakes at the festival.

Ariella and Emma: Val?!

Valorin:*Rubs head* Yeah, I wanted to meet some old friends and.

Emma: Shut it sweet tooth. Women are talking. Sheila, how long have you been calling him Val?

Sheila: Since we started dating. Why?

*Ariella and Emma's jaws drop as they just stand there silently.*

Valorin: What’s that face for?

Emma: She’s so nice and dainty. And you are well.

*Emma gestures to all of Valorin*

Emma: Wait! How did your parents handle the news?

Sheila: Dad won’t accept it. He just pretends it’s not happening. Every time Val touches me they get into a fight.

Valorin: Can we back up a moment? Didn’t she just call you Mom? *Points to Kimmy*

Kimmy: Yeah. *Glares* You hit my Mama.

*Valorin, Ariella, and Emma all laugh.*

Emma: Do you not remember who Valorin is? I told you about him all the time.

Valorin: So wait. Is she, actually your child?

*Emma’s glare as she turns to Valorin he instinctively takes a step back. Ariella watches slightly stunned.*

Emma: Is that a problem?

Valorin: N- No.*Clears throat.* No. Why would it be?

Ariella: *Bursts into laughter* I’ve never seen you cower down before. *Laughs*

*Valorin hits Ariella leaving a matching bump to Emma.*

Sheila: She’s a halfling right? *Smiles*

Emma: Yeah. She’s been staying with Sunflower, another one of our friends in Lycaris, while we helped Ruddy on his Pilgrimage.

*A few days pass. Emma visits Sheila and Valorin’s bakery, sitting at a table. Emma waits until the final customer leaves and turns to Sheila.*

Sheila: So you're not her mom but she thinks you are?

Emma: Yes, because when a halfling is born their mothers die. Which is why most get orphaned. Most are products of rape.

Sheila: But why not tell her you're not her real mom?

Emma: Because… I killed her Elf raping father after playing her mother and maid.

*Sheila just blinks her eyes, stunned. A customer walks in*

Sheila: Hi! How can I help you?

*Valorin walks out of the back and sits down next to Emma.*

Valorin: You wanna elaborate, kid?

*Emma makes a face in disgust.*

Emma: I’m almost the same age as your girlfriend please don’t call me kid.

Valorin: *Laughs* Fair point. Still. Why were you doing that? *Whispers* Did, “they,” make you do it?

Emma: No. Like what happened in Glimmerfell. I was just so focused on catching the villain. I eventually snapped when a guard hit her.

*Emma pauses for a moment. As the customer leaves Sheila goes over standing next to Valorin.*

Emma: *Voice breaks* I wanted to protect Kimmy. I saw him knock her down. And. I just snapped. I had planned to kill him the whole time. But in a way that would have the least amount of impact. *Sniffles* My grandmother helped show me how to fix it. I had to raise Kimmy. Show her elves aren’t evil. With the way of the war going. If I left her, she might have viewed all elves as evil all because she thought her dad was a hero. *Tears form* SO I HAD TO PLAY THE VILLAN TO SAVE HER LIFE. And I’d do it a million times over if it meant keeping her safe.

*Sheila locks the door and closes the store*

Emma: When she wanted to stay with Sunflower. I was so happy. That she chose something without me. But I’m afraid.*Sniffle* What if one day she finds out? And she doesn’t forgive me. How I managed to get over it was. If she only hates me but still trusts elves then I’ve done my job. I won’t be happy but at least She will be able to grow up a nice person.

Valorin: *Nods* Ki… Emma. If that day comes. If you raised her. She’ll forgive you.

Emma: I know. Everyone tells me that. But it doesn't make me any less scared.

Valorin: Hey. I owe you and Ariella a quest. How about whenever Ruddy finishes his church thing? You write me and the three of us can meet up.

Emma: *Sniff* I'd like that.

Sheila: *Leans on Valorin.* And that's what I love about you. A heart of gold.

Emma: You know if your dad knows about halfing mothers. That might be why he's against the relationship.

Sheila: That makes so much more sense! I mean he has nothing to worry about. Neither of us have any sexual desires. We just make each other happy.*Smiles*

Emma: I'm both glad to hear that and kind of grossed out.*Laughs*Do you plan on getting married?

Valorin: She said no to marriage.

Sheila: If I get married it'll be to benefit the shop. Otherwise. I am way too young to get married right now.

Emma: I agree.

*Katrina knocks on the door with Kimmy. They peak in through the windows, confused. *

Sheila: Are we okay if I open again?

Emma: Yeah. *turn to the door.* I forgot she said they'd meet me here.*Hugs Valorin* I'm keeping you to that. If I write you and you don't come. I'm telling Sheila.

Valorin:*Nervous laugh* I promise.

*As Emma, Kimmy, and Katrina walk along the road, both on each side of Kimmy holding her hands swinging her back and forth.*

Katrina: So Lucius has asked me to stay in Inferna.

Emma: Oh?

Katrina: He said I can still go on adventures but wants me to stay close to home.

Emma: You're losing me. Are we okay with this?

Katrina:*Laughs* Yeah. I was planning to come out here in another twelve years anyway. And with him allowing me to still go on quests. *Smiles* I'm beyond excited. In return. I told him, after we marry I'll take a break until we have at least one child.

Emma: Can Demons even have a single child?

Katrina: I have a health condition. It makes most of my eggs nonfertile.

Emma: Oh. I didn't know. I'm so sorry.

Katrina: It's fine. I never wanted kids until I met Lucius. I still don't want more than maybe two. But I'll settle for one. *Smiles*

Kimmy: Does that mean I'll have a younger cousin to help teach?

Katrina: Absolutely. You can teach them how to behave.

Kimmy: If it's a boy I can't help though.

*Both Emma and Katrina laugh*

Kimmy: Because boys don't listen anyway. Mama said it all the time when we were traveling.

Emma: At least none of the guys I know do. Ruddy is the only exception so far.

Katrina: What about your dad? I thought you two got along.

Emma: I count my dad. He spoils me.

Katrina: My dad threw a stick at me and said. "Pick it up and hit me." I think those were his first words to me.

*Emma looks down, Kimmy is looking at the ground no longer smiling.*

Emma: You know. I remember this one time Kimmy's dad bought me a wonderful dress and took me to dinner once. It was nice.

*Katrina looks at Emma, then Kimmy. Kimmy smiles a little and Emma pulls out a small box.*

Emma: I got you a surprise by the way. You just have to wait until we get back to eat it okay?

*Kimmy smiles as she peeks into the box to see a couple of small sweets. one decorated like a paw print and the other a bone.*

Kimmy: Can I have a bite?

Emma: No, because if you drop it. I'm not getting you another. They were a gift from Auntie Sheila.

Kimmy: Then let's hurry back!

*Kimmy starts running off ahead and the two quickly follow after her all three of them smiling and laughing along the way.*

*As the rest of the month passes and stores close down they are torn down and on the final day, using the final embers of the bonfire they set the structures ablaze. As the party watches the fires burn, Emma walks over with Kimmy.*

Emma: I’m gonna take Kimmy and Sunflower back.

Ruddy: Okay. Ariella, do you want to join her?

Ariella: Are you kicking me out?

*Ariella crosses her arms pretending to be offended.*

Ruddy: Well Levi as well. We were going to head for Valoria to get it out of the way. But with the war. Non-human travel isn’t really doable.

Levi: It makes sense to me.

Emma: Come on Arie. It’ll be like the old days. With a less serious Valorin but just as tall and untalkative. And Katrina went home with Lucius. Wait. *turns to Levi.* What's your opinion on cake?

Levi: It's okay in moderation?

Emma: meh. *shrugs* I'll take it.

Ariella:*Laughs* Okay.*Smiles*

Ruddy: So we’ll head out tomorrow then?

*Falicia hugs Ariella and Emma.*

Falicia: I’m gonna miss you two.

Kimmy: What about me?!

Falicia:*Hugs Kimmy* I never stopped missing you.

*The next morning The parties say their goodbyes then Ruddy and Falicia head back towards Valoria, while the party heads back to Lycaris.*