Veiled Trust

Year 38

*Having reached Kitspaw early the party decides to help with the fall harvest, harvesting paw fruit. A sweet yet tart, crisp, paw-shaped fruit. The trees are full of different shades of pink to white fruits. Levi moves full baskets around while the girls stand on ladders picking the fruit one at a time.*

Emma:*Whining* Why can’t I pick them all with telekinesis?

Levi: Because you only want the ripe ones.

Ariella: But why though. No one’s told us why yet.

*An older male hyena Beastkin laughs, like a hyena, as he walks over to the group*

Beastkin: If they stay on the tree longer, they’ll get too ripe and turn sour. If you pick them too early they are bitter. “If it’s white it’s alright.”

Levi: Yeah what he said.

Beastkin: *Laughs* Even the children get it wrong occasionally on their first time helping, so don’t worry.

Emma: *whispers to Ariella* I don’t know if I should be offended or not.

Levi: This is Kraig, the owner of this orchard and one of the village leaders.

Kraig: Yes, Levi told me all about you two. Said Ariella was responsible and would keep Emma from getting bored or distracted.*Laughs*

Emma: Hey!

Ariella: *Laughs* Not far off.

*As Kraig leaves, you can hear his laugh ring through the trees.*

Emma: I might get bored but I always finish a job…when someone else thinks of it. Because apparently, I’m incapable of sticking to my own plans.

Levi: Isn’t that tenfold thing you talked about from ancient times and it was just because elves wanted to see the world before reclusing back to the forests?

Emma:*Looks at Ariella* Wait is it? I’ve never heard of that.

Ariella: Yeah. But I always talked about it growing up, so the guards knew what it was back home.

Emma: WAIT! You’re telling me that most elves aren’t doing a tenfold?! I felt so bad. Why did nobody tell me?

Ariella: I don’t know.

Levi: Probably because aside from your spirit traditions. Elves try out new traditions as often as humans breed.

Emma: *Laughs* You should’ve saved that for Ruddy and Falicia.

Ariella: you could say boobs and get the same reaction. If he wasn’t with Falicia, I’d wonder if he was afraid of female bodies.

Levi: I mean. They haven’t slept together yet. I’m not sure they’ve seen each other without a shirt even.

*Emma looks up, seeing a bird flying up above. Ariella tosses a firm fruit at Emma and it bounces off her head.*

Ariella: No.

Emma: What was that for?!

Ariella: You started making your prank face.

Levi: You always look up and to the left, attempting to look innocent.

Emma: I was watching that bird. Actually.

*Emma points at the bird as it spirals momentarily then comes down to the party. The white and brown falcon-like bird lands on a branch above the party, on the tree closest to Emma.*

Ariella: It has a note.

*Ariella points at the bird's leg and Emma reaches for the bird's leg slowly. The bird reaches under its wing, cleaning itself, causing Emma to pull back for a moment. She quickly grabs the note and the bird takes flight. Emma unravels the note.*

Emma: They just got in town. They said they were checking in at the Inn we agreed to meet and they would see us whenever we got there.

*After picking fruit all day the three head into the Inn where they’re staying. As they go to sit down for dinner, Levi notices Ruddy and waves to him. Emma and Ariella look at Levi, confused for a moment but after seeing Ruddy and Falicia run over and sit next to Falicia hugging her from both sides. Ruddy’s hair has begun showing streaks of white.*

Emma: You’re back!

*Levi sits down.*

Levi: When did you get your own mail service?

Ruddy: It’s a gift from the Duke of Durmish. He needed help finding his son who was lost after one of the fights.

Falicia: Little Rud is great. Apparently Ruddy is the only person he didn’t peck at when they met.

Ruddy: Oh yeah. Sorry.

Emma: For what? He didn’t peck at us.

Falicia: I told you it was probably a Human thing.

Ariella: Can we back up for a moment? *Holds back laughter.* Little Rud?

Falicia: Oh! We have to show you tomorrow. When Ruddy holds him, they both have the same look in their eyes. He’s a sweetheart with a soft spot for kids, even though his last owner hurt him.

Emma: So he’s Ruddy’s coworker and Falicia’s pet?

Ruddy: Kinda seems that way. He’s probably resting upstairs right now. He doesn’t like to be indoors so he sleeps either nearby or on the roof above where I sleep.

Levi: What kind of contract did you make?

Ruddy: In Valoria we only do the blood one. Unless we train them from birth.

*As drinks reach the table the party grabs their drinks and cheers.*

Ruddy: To friendship!

*As everyone takes a drink Emma looks over at Falicia.*

Emma: What’re you drinking?

*Falicia looks over at Ruddy.*

Falicia: I’m cutting back on my drinks. Just one at lunch for me.

Emma: But we just got the party back.

Falicia: Yeah. All six of us.

Emma: Kimmy didn’t come with us.

*Ruddy smiles*

Ariella: Yeah, Emma decided it was better for Kimmy to wait.

Falicia: Wrong child.*Smiles*

Levi: Congratulations. Just remember they’re elves.

Falicia: Aeriella, Emma. Ruddy and I are going to have a child.

Emma: That makes so much more.WHAT!

Ariella: Why didn’t you just say so?

Ruddy: She wanted to see how long it took you two to figure it out. That’s all she talked about the last few days.

Emma: So no hard quests for now?

Falicia: Well I’m thinking of retiring from Adventuring, so you won't need to worry about me. When Ruddy figures out where we’re going to live that is.

*Emma sits back with a blank stare.*

Emma: Humans age too quickly.

Ruddy:*Laugh* I’ve already made up my mind for whispering falls but until we get there she will stay back and help heal.

Falicia: I won’t be able to do much more than be a light source for now.

Ariella: How long along are you?

Falicia: I’m at seven months tomorrow.

*Everyone looks at Falicia’s flat stomach for a moment.*

Emma: Sooooo it’s all a joke?

Ruddy: No *Laughs* We are having a kid.

Ariella: where? She’s got no room in there.

Falicia: I didn’t believe it when the doctor told me either, I thought I was just sick. Then I realized I had missed my period for the past couple of months and ran to a doctor.

Ariella: We can’t leave you two alone for one year without you multiplying. *Looks at Emma* I guess I can't count on you either. You brought Kimmy.

Emma: And you recruited me so whose fault is it really?

*Everyone laughs*

Levi: So where to next?

Falicia: We'll head towards Anthrotis next. Hopefully, it's better than Valoria.

Emma: How was Lushurst anyway?

Ruddy: It was fine, mostly just angry older people complaining about the war.

Emma: Well Maybe I’ll take you kids to go see it if the war ends up in our favor.

Falicia: We can hope. If you go when we’re still around, maybe I can join you. Ruddy will have to stay at the church at that age.

Emma: Have you picked a name?

*Ruddy and Falicia look at one another*

Falicia: Hailey after my mother if it’s a girl.

Ruddy: And David if it’s a boy.

*Both elves tear up.*

Ariella: I’m so happy for you two.

Falicia: Thank you. We also wanted to talk about staying in Anthrotis, if they haven’t been born yet.

Levi: Doesn’t bother me.

Emma: We have another couple of days of helping with the harvest did you two want to head out early?

Ariella: Yeah. We would hate for you to give birth on the side of the road.

Falicia: Actually. I’d rather wait so I can have you two there, in case I go into labor.

Ruddy: Also, I can join tomorrow as well. If they don’t mind the extra help.

*With Ruddy’s help the party manages to finish a day early with the harvest and the party heads towards Anthrotis.*

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

*A month passes and the Party reaches the gates of Anthrotis. The tiered city is built on a mountain, made up of three rings. At the center of the rings sits the Capitol building atop the mountain. The building is a large two two-tiered circular structure made with doors of all shapes and sizes leading to different rooms and areas. The party reaches a realtor's office and Ruddy walks in while the girls wait in the cart. Levi heads across the street to a noodle vendor. Emma watches all the different species of Beastkin, smiling from ear to ear as she admires all the fluffy tails and smaller beastkin.*

Ariella: Please don't start assaulting people. You look like a Child on new years.

Emma: They all look so adorable.

Falicia: You'd think she'd be used to this by now.

*Falicia rubs her now very visible pregnant belly.*

Falicia: I can’t believe how much they’ve grown in such a short time.

Emma: It’s not twins is it?

Falicia: I hope not. I told Ruddy if it is we’re living here until he’s done and settled at the falls.

Ariella: Completely understandable.

*Emma looks up to the Capitol.*

Emma: What is in the center area before the capitol?

Ariella: That’s where the nobles live. Most shops are in the common ring we’re in, so most nobles still come out here regularly.

Emma: Can anyone enter it?

Ariella: Yeah, I heard guards are more strict and doubled up there though.

Falicia: Oh gods. *Grabs head* What if I do have twins? What if Ruddy decides he doesn’t want me to move because of the kids and just leaves me here?

*Falicia’s eyes widen as she starts to panic and the two elves both sit next to her and take one of her hands each.*

Ariella: He won’t. He’s not that kind of guy.

Emma: And if he does then I’ll drag him here by his penis.

*Falicia starts to calm down as she laughs.*

Ariella: She’ll do it too. *Nods*

*Falicia erupts into laughter as Ruddy opens up the back of the cart.*

Ruddy: What’s so funny?

*The three girls laugh*

Emma: Nothing you need to worry about as long as you stay with Falicia.*glares*

Ruddy: What do you mean?*Looks at Falicia.* I’d never leave you.

Falicia: But what if I have to stay here and you meet someone else?

*Ruddy climbs into the cart and hugs Falicia. Ariella and Emma leave the two. He hands some keys to Ariella as the two leave and they start driving the cart while they talk. Levi notices the cart taking its leave and quickly finishes his food before running after the cart.*

Levi: Hey! Wait up!

*As Levi climbs into the cart, Ruddy and Falicia sit cuddled up. Ariella pokes her head in the back while Emma steers.*

Ariella: I told you before. If you leave to eat while we’re stopped temporarily. I’m not waiting for you. *Turns to Ruddy* Where are we going?

Ruddy:*Smiles* It’s on the left. It will be the third building from the end.

*The party reaches a small house. As they enter the furnished house everyone helps unload the cart, Falicia passes out soon after reaching Ruddy and her bedroom. Ruddy walks out while everyone sits in the common area around a table in the center of the room. Emma sharpens her blades, Levi inspects and cleans some claws and teeth from his pouch and Ariella restrings her bow.*

*After a couple of weeks pass Falicia goes into labor late in the day. Emma, Ariella, and Levi; who’s fallen asleep sitting up, all wait at home. As the sun goes down Ruddy walks in causing Levi to fall out of his chair, waking up.*

Ruddy: He's here! David's finally here!

*Both girls jump up*

Both: Yay!

Emma: How’s Falicia?

Ruddy: She’s resting. I’m grabbing a few things, but, I’ll be heading back after grabbing a few things.

*Ruddy hums as he happily grabs some things from the bedroom.*

Ariella: So when do we get to meet the little guy?

Ruddy: Tomorrow morning. I figured I’d come over to get you guys after she wakes up.

Levi: Well make sure you get rest as well.

*Ruddy leaves the room and heads out with a bag of clothes.*

Ruddy: I’ll be fine. I’m too happy to sleep right now.*Smiles*

*As the door closes Levi stands up.*

Levi: Told you we wouldn’t be able to go. I’m going to bed now. Night.

*Levi waves to the girls as he goes to his room. Ariella and Emma head to their room and sit on their beds. Lily and Celestra turn into their smaller forms. Ariella begins brushing Celestra while Emma reads a spell book with one hand, petting Lily with the other.*

Ariella: It’s so nice seeing people that happy.

Emma: Especially when it’s a close friend.

Ariella: I want to take on a longer quest when they get home. Let the two have some time alone with their newborn. What do you think?

Emma: *Distracted* Yeah, sounds fun.

*Emma’s eyes are glued to the book. Answering Ariella’s questions without actually listening to her.*

Ariella: I heard there’s a quest that no one’s been taking on a lake north of here. Apparently, there is a Kraken that got in through the undersea currents. Or so they're speculating.

Emma: I’m sure we can handle it.

Lily: Uhh Mama.

*Emma doesn’t hear Lily as she places the book down where she can still read using her free hand to create a small wind current.*

Ariella: Really? You can’t handle boats though.

Emma: Since when?

*Emma focuses on the air and adds some metal dust. She starts to shape the dust with the wind into the shape of a Kunai when Ariella looks over at her.*

Ariella: Are you even listening?!

*Emma jumps and the dust flies across the room. Both spirits stand up and shake themselves off. The two elves dust themselves off and Emma uses wind magic to regather the dust into a container.*

Ariella: I’m thinking about taking a long quest to let the two parents enjoy their newborn baby. Want to join me? We will likely need to be on a boat.

Emma: Sure. Worst case scenario I’ll help from the shore. If I can.

Ariella: *Smiles* Okay. *Confused* Now what spell are you trying out?

Emma: I’m trying to use wind magic with magic dust and fire magic to make makeshift knives.

Ariella: Wouldn’t you need to compress it as well?

*Emma takes out the dust and starts shaping it again.*

Emma: Yeah, as it heats up and becomes more liquid I can then use liquid compression.

*As the dust turns to molten metal Emma twists her hand slightly and as the wind stops moving, the kunai takes a cleaner, smoother form.*

Emma: water, please.

*Ariella creates some water around the metal, cooling it down. Emma uses her telekinesis to move it around the room before it crumbles. She collects the dust once again in the container and puts it away.*

Emma: I want to manage the process without help, but I need the blades to be less brittle.

Ariella: What if you used some of that stuff blacksmiths use during heating?

Emma: Maybe. I can go check before we leave.

Ariella:*Irritated* And I guess we should take Levi.

* The next day, at the hospital. Ruddy exits a room.*

Ruddy: Okay she’s awake but Baby is still asleep.

*As the party enters the room Falicia is sitting up in bed holding their newborn baby. David’s soft blonde hair curls on his head, and his chest rises and lowers as he sleeps softly. Falicia smiles as she sees the others.*

Falicia: *Softly* Hey.

*The two girls walk over to each side of Falicia.*

Emma: He’s so small.

Ariella: He has Ruddy’s nose.

Falicia: He has the most beautiful golden eyes.

*As David rustles around he opens his eyes. As he looks up at the two elves with his soft blue eyes, he starts to cry*

Falicia: I guess it’s time to eat. Sorry guys. I was hoping you could stay longer.

Emma: It’s fine. We’ll see you when you get home soon.

*The party makes their way out, waving as the door closes.*

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

*As the summer begins, Ariella and Levi row a boat out on a lake. Celestra and Lily wait on the shore next to Emma. A whistling tune begins and Emma notices a shadow appear around the boat.*

Emma: BENEATH YOU!

*The water erupts, and Ariella fires an arrow to freeze the area around the boat to keep it from being destroyed. As the water settles a massive kraken floats next to the tiny boat. Levi calls upon his spirit hands to block against the Kraken's attacks but the waves cause the boat to topple over.*

Emma: ARIE!!

*in the blink of an eye Emma runs across the water, freezing it beneath her. As the Kraken's arm crashes around the party Ariella looks up from the sheet of ice at Emma standing above her. The tentacle, cut in two sinks behind them. Emma’s eyes crackle with anger. She turns towards the two slightly.*

Emma: Go quick!

*Celestra and Lily catch up and jump on top of the boat before taking Ariella and Levi to safety. The Kraken attempts to swing at the fleeing spirits but is stopped as streaks of boiling water burn the Kraken and it turns to Emma.*

Emma: Who’s controlling you?

*Emma dodges the Kraken's attacks while she senses the one who blew the whistle from before. She opens her eyes as a spear flies towards her. Emma swings up with her blade blocking the blade as it spins Emma kicks out sending it into a run-down shack. As the dust clears Ariella and Levi notice a Beastkin wearings a dark cloak, their black round ears poke through the hood. One of their ears is clipped.*

Arie: Celestra!

*Celestra helps give Ariella a vantage point to shoot at the beastkin. Before the beastkin can escape, Levi calls down another spirit hand to hold them in place.*

Emma: You don’t belong here. I’m sorry.

*Emma places down her blade and the Kraken slowly submerges, cautiously, its large eye glares at her as if expecting another attack before it disappears. The water starts to sparkle and it clears up. Emma heads over to the captive.*

Ariella: What were you trying to achieve?

Levi: He’s not going to answer. That clip in his ear. He’s with the feral’s. They think beastkin should go back to acting more on instinct.

*The beastkin smiles as a couple of guards run over.*

Guards: Thank you! We had no idea someone was controlling them.

Emma: Levi did you hear the whistling earlier?

*Ariella turns towards Levi.*

Ariella: Yeah you seemed confused when I asked that earlier.

Levi: It was probably at a frequency we beastkin can’t hear.

Guard: If that’s the case, we should be sure to report it. Could you also make it part of your report at the guild?

Ariella: Of course.*Smiles*

*The guards head off with the beastkin and the party heads back to Anthrotis.*