Veiled Trust

Year 39

*The party reaches the border town of Plation, Two trees make up the guard towers attached to the gate. Lily quickly scurries to hide on Emma's person while Emma starts reminiscing about the last time she was in Sylvyndor*

Emma: Ruddy, we should stock up on Flashers.

Falicia: Flashers?

Levi: Why are we stocking up on perverts?

Emma:*Laughs* They're a bulb we grow that, with a strong impact create a blinding light to stun monsters.

Falicia: So like casting a light spell?

Emma: Yeah.

*As they reach the gate, a guard approaches them.*

Guard: ID's.

*Ariella pulls out a pendent with the royal crest on it, the Capitol tree. The guard inspects the ID and hands it back to her.*

Guard: Sorry about the delay. *Smiles* Welcome back Princess Ariella.

*As the party parks the cart in front of an Inn, Ruddy, and the family wait in the cart while Levi and the elves head into the Inn. As they enter the building they run into a male Elf bumps into Ariella.*

Elf: I’m sorry about that. I.

*The blue-eyed elf cleans his glasses and he places them on his face.*

Ariella: Bastion?

Emma: Wait. Your brother.*turns* Yeah, Bastion! How are you doing?

*Bastion puts his glasses on then blinks as his eyes focus.*

Bastion: Aire! There’s my little sis. And how is the famous Emma?

Levi: Famous?

Bastion: *Looks at Levi.* Who’s this?

Emma: This is Levi, a shaman we picked up in Lycaris while earning our ‘A’ rank.

*Bastion turns back to Ariella and smiles*

Bastion: You finally reached ‘A’ rank? We should celebrate!

Ariella: It was years ago.

Bastion: Come on. I haven’t seen my kid sister and her best friend in decades.

Ariella: Fine but we need to get a room. Our party has two humans and a child waiting outside for us.

Bastion: Well, allow me to help.

*As the party gets set up for the night, Falicia and David head to bed early while Ruddy joins the party for drinks.*

Ariella: So why are you out here?

Bastion: Just taking care of some things for Mother.

*Emma leans towards Bastion.*

Emma: Is it top secret?

Bastion: I can’t say. Knowing Mother, she wouldn’t care, but I’d probably get in trouble for ruining the surprise by telling you.

Ariella: Or in trouble for not sharing when you had the chance.*Smiles*

Bastion: Yeah.

*Both laugh*

Levi: So what was that earlier about Emma being famous?

Bastion: *Turns to Levi.* Oh our mother, Queen Seraphina. She treats Emma like one of her favorite children.

Ariella:*Looks down, disappointed* Myself included.

Ruddy: I still remember when You lied to her that we were dating.

Bastion: So this is Ruddy?

*Bastion looks him over.*

Bastion: You would have had a better chance pretending to date Emma. That would’ve been more believable.

*Ariella’s face turns red as she goes quiet and eats some bread.*

Emma: *Laughs* I never thought of that. It would’ve saved you all that trouble. But luckily you got to talk to her about it.

Bastion: She would’ve been too afraid. *takes drink*

Emma: Why’s that?

Bastion: Oh becau.

*Ariella stands up and accidentally knocks over Ruddy’s drink, it pours into Bastion's lap, and he hops up quickly. Emma glances over at Ariella as she grabs a towel and whispers something in Bastion's ear. Emma reads her lips. *

Ariella: “If you tell her, I’ll kill you.”

*Bastion Smiles.*

Emma: Here let me help you.

*Emma quickly grabs Bastion and takes him upstairs to their room. *

Emma: Take your pants off and place them on the bed use a blanket to cover up and I’ll dry them real quick for you.

*Emma dries off Bastion's pants, using wind magic and some herbs to remove the alcohol smell from them. She hands them back to him and turns her back to him.*

Emma: Why will she kill you?

Bastion: *Pauses for a second* No surprise you could read her lips. *Smiles* You’ll have to ask her that one. I don’t think even our mom would tell you that one.

Emma: Is it bad? Should I be worried?

*Bastion laughs as he finishes putting on his pants.*

Bastion: No. Just stay with her no matter what okay?

Emma: I mean, she’s my best friend. I can’t imagine my life without her, Celestra, or Lily.

*As they leave the room Ariella stands on the other side, looking panicked.*

Ariella: What did he tell you?

Emma: He tried to tell me about the birthmark on your butt shaped like a leaf but I told him I already knew that.

Bastion: *Laughs* No, she tried to ask me about “it”. But I stayed quiet.

*Ariella looks at Emma scared*

Ariella: good.

Emma: What are you so scared of me finding out?

Ariella: It’s nothing. I’ll tell you when I’m ready.

Emma: Ready for what? He said I don’t need to worry but knowing it’s a secret your mom won’t tell me makes it hard not to think about.

Ariella: Okay! Fine! *Deep breath* Can it wait until we reach the capital?

Emma: Okay... I’m trusting you.

*The elves head back downstairs and celebrate with Ruddy and Levi, The next day the party continues their way towards Serenvale, the capital.*

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

*The party reaches Serenvale as the spring flowers fall from the Veiled Glade. The non-elven party members all look up in wonder. Falicia points at them as David follows them with his eyes. The party stops the cart outside The house Emma grew up in, Goren wipes his forehead as he finishes fixing a board.*

Emma: Dad!

*Goren turns, confused, and sees Emma. He throws his arms out as he runs to her and picks her up as he spins her around, hugging her.*

Goren: Emma! You made it!

*Bubba comes out jumping around, chirping in excitement. Emma turns to Ariella.*

Emma: I’ll join you guys tonight. *Waves*

Ariella: Okay. *Waves* Bye Captain Silvashade.

*The party leaves and the two head inside, Lily hops around the place as if it was just yesterday.*

Goren: So how long are you all staying?

Emma: Just until Ruddy finishes a couple of quests. We’re heading to Mithrun next.

Goren: Are you sure you want to?

Emma: It can’t be worse than Valoria treating elves like slaves. Dwarves just have a mouth. It’s either talking or drinking. If I want them to shut up I’ll throw a drink their way.

*Both laugh as they get ready to leave. they begin to head towards the door when it starts to open.*

Keya: Dad. When is Emma getting here again?

*As Keya enters the house she sees Emma and pauses for a moment before hugging her.*

Keya: Emma! You made it!

*Emma laughs*

Emma: Dad said the same thing.

*The family heads out to meet with the rest of the party. Reaching the adventurers guild, Ariella meets them out front and they enter the living quarters attached to the side. Emma runs her hands over the walls of nostalgia as they reach one of the larger rooms. The large open room has six beds and a large table in the center. A makeshift curtain covers Falicia’s bed, that’s been pushed closer to Ruddy’s bed. Falicia walks out with David, rocking him softly.*

Emma: Is he still asleep?

Falicia: He just woke up when we got here. Ruddy found a job, so he’s already gone for the day.

*Levi walks inside with the last of the party's luggage.*

Emma: Dad, Keya. This is Levi our shaman and Falicia, Ruddy’s wife.

*As Keya opens her mouth Emma raises her hand*

Emma: They haven’t married yet because Ruddy has to wait until he’s done with his pilgrimage.

*Levi shakes Goren's hand. Keya walks over to Falicia, who’s holding David.*

Keya: He’s so cute.*Smiles*

Emma: Where’s Arie? She met us out front but said she had to go.

Falicia: She said she was heading to see her mom.

Emma: I guess we’ll see her there. Keya. let's go.

*Keya waves bye to David and Falicia as they head to the Capitol tree. the family turns the corner of one of the halls, and they see Isabelle locking her office. As Isabelle turns to them, she runs over to Emma, picks her up and she hugs her.*

Isabelle: Emma! I just finished. I was hoping to get home before you got here, but I heard Ariella is here already.

Emma: I missed you too.*Smiles* Yeah, I was hoping to see her before we headed back to the house.

Isabelle: Come on, Seraphina had a meeting that should be in her office. We’ll wait for them to finish then.

*Waiting outside the meeting room. Ariella holds Celestra in her lap, slowly petting her.*

Ariella: I don’t know what I’m going to do.

Celestra: Tell her the truth.

Ariella: But, I don’t fully know what that is. I don’t want to confuse her.

*Emma calls out from down the hall.*

Emma: Arie!*Waves and smiles*

*Emma runs over to Ariella and Celestra.*

Emma: There you are. Have you been avoiding me?

Ariella: Not intentionally.

Emma: Back in Plaiton, you said you had something to tell me but I had to wait. So. What is it?

*Ariella looks down at Celetra, who nods at her.*

Ariella: I’m thinking about staying in the capital for a couple of years.

Emma: *Shocked*What?! Why?

Ariella: It’s hard to explain. I need to figure out some stuff on my own. Okay?

*Emma slowly stands.*

Emma: Okay. Can I help?

Ariella: No, I’m sorry.

Emma: It’s fine. You didn’t stop me when I dealt with Hopkins. So I’ll trust you, in that you just need some space.

*Ariella hugs Emma.*

Ariella: Thank you, Emma. *Cries* I’m sorry, I promise when I figure myself out I’ll come to find you first.

Emma:*Hugs* I know you will. I’ll see you later tonight though, right?

Ariella: Yeah, I have to explain it to the others.

*As Emma reaches the corner, she waves to Ariella and meets back up with her family. That night Ariella talks to the others. They all sit down at the table while David sleeps *

Ariella: I figure any quests around here I’ll help but.. I need some time alone.

*Falicia hugs Ariella.*

Falicia: Just visit. *backs up* Okay? David and I would love the company.*Smiles*

Ruddy: How about you Emma?

Emma: I’m still going with Ruddy until his pilgrimage is over. *turns to Ariella and smiles* Make sure you let me know when to come get you.

Ariella: Let's be honest. I'll end up getting to you first.

Emma: I mean, I can't help it if I'm busy. *Smiles*

*Ariella looks down in guilt. Ruddy hugs her and whispers in her ear.*

Ruddy: I’ll keep her safe for you.

*Ariella smiles and nods. She turns to Levi.*

Ariella: If you do anything.

Levi: You’ll hang me by the capitol tree by my ears. I know.

*Ariella nods and sits up.*

Ariella: I’ve already talked to my mother about helping in the military while I stayed.

Emma: Are you gonna become an instructor now?

Ariella: I don’t know. Emma, I do need you to join me tomorrow at the capitol though.

Emma: Of course! Lily wanted to say hi to your mom still.*Smiles*

*The next day Ariella leads Emma to a room. She opens the door and Emma walks in. The doors shut behind her. Emma turns around.*

Emma: Arie?

Voice: Emma Silvashade?

*Emma turns to see a courtroom Before sits the queen and another elf, his purple eyes stare down at her. She looks at the jury before her.*

Emma: *Concerned* Yes? That’s me. What’s all this about?

Elf: Emma, As a seer we’ve had you brought here for trial but after further consideration, we’ve decided to allow you to leave on one condition. You are no longer allowed to enter the capitol from this day forth.

*Emma looks at Seraphina who turns away.*

Emma: What about my family?

Elf: They’ll be under watch but as long as they still side with us they’ll be left unharmed.

Emma: Are you the reason Ariella is staying? *Emma’s eyes start to turn purple.*

Elf: If it wasn’t for Ariella’s testimony we were all in favor of outcasting you from the capital and the royal family. But she told us she’d revoke her title as a princess if you and your family were spared. After talking with Queen Seraphina your father and stepmother will be allowed their jobs. Ariella will be placed as an instructor to prepare for the invasion to come. Until You can prove that you are not a threat to us, You are banished from the Veiled Glade.

*Emma looks back at the closed door then back at the judge*

Emma: Fine. I’ll leave.

*As the doors open Ariella looks at Emma then turns to walk away. Emma quickly grabs Ariella’s arm.*

Emma: This isn’t the reason you’re staying is it?

Ariella: It's hard to explain.

*Tears form in Ariella's eyes.*

Emma:*Nods* Okay. Arie. You don't have to explain. I trust you. *Smiles*

*Ariella nods as she steps out of Emma's way. Everyone watches as Emma walks out of the room. Emma leaves the Capitol and turns around to look at the tree. Ariella watches her from the front doors next to her Mother.*

Emma: I’ll be back I promise.

*Ariella nods as Emma walks away.*

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*After a couple of days the party leaves the capital. Ariella waves from the gates as they leave. As Ariella goes out of view, Emma takes out a book of spells and starts reading.*

Falicia: You okay Emma?

Emma: I’ll be fine.

Emma thinking: What is going on? Why is Seraphina letting them take charge?

Levi: It’s weird seeing you two separated.

Emma: We grew up in the capitol together. *Smiles* I’ve spent most of my life with Arie.

Levi: Then is it really okay if you leave?

Emma: I don’t have a choice. I can’t explain. It’s elven politics. That’s all I’m going to say for now.

Falicia: Wait. What about Ariella?

Emma: They just determined me, a risk for leaks. But as Ariella told us, she’ll be an instructor until further notice.*looks outside* So I’ll just have to make it up to her later.*Smiles*

Levi: I just realized. After the falls. It’ll just be you, Ruddy, and myself.

Emma: Yeah. I’ll admit we forced you to join the party kinda. What’re you gonna do after Ruddy leaves? You’re free to join me. But I don’t really have a plan yet.

Levi: Why not? I’ve got nothing better going on. *Smiles*

*Emma smiles. As the cart rocks and the conversation dies. Emma goes back to reading. *

—-----------

*Eventually the party reaches Wisplo. The small town where Emma was born. As Ruudy talks to Clifton, Emma smiles and waves as Clifton notices her.*

Clifton: You wouldn’t happen to be Emma would you?

Emma: Yup! Dad told me to say hi.

Clifton: How’ve you been? I haven’t seen you since, well.

Emma: I’m doing good. I’ve seen so many places.

Clifton:*Smiles* I’ve heard. Keya stopped by a couple of years ago.

Ruddy: So some repairs and you mentioned monsters?

Clifton: Yeah, Keya normally comes to clear them every couple of years, that’s why she visits.

Emma: So that’s why she told us to go this way.

Clifton: Probably, before her, it was your father. I’m guessing she felt responsible.

Emma: My dad did?

Clifton: Did he never tell you? He helped guard the town from any monsters. I found him your old house in exchange for it.

*Emma smiles as she thinks about her dad.*

Emma: Ruddy can I take care of the monsters?

Clifton: Are you sure? It took your sister all of her party.

Emma: I’ll be fine. I promise. I still have Lily.

Clifton: Yes. And I’m fully aware. Just be safe.

Emma: Well Ruddy? Or will that affect your pilgrimage?

Ruddy: I’m sure we’ll be fine. I’m allowed to have helpers. You know that. But. *Sigh* If you’ll stop being so depressed you can go.

*Clifton looks back at Emma, concerned.*

Clifton: Is everyone okay?

Emma: Yeah. I’m just missing a friend. She wanted to take a break.

Clifton: Well I’m glad everyone is okay. And don’t worry. I’m sure whoever it is will come back.

*Clifton brings the party to the local Inn. Emma grabs her gear and puts on her armor, as she reaches the door Levi stops her.*

Levi: Be careful. Ariella will kill me if you get hurt. Even if it wasn’t my fault.

Emma: I’ll be fine. I just want to visit a couple of places while we’re here.

*As Emma gets out of view of the town, Lily appears next to her.*

Emma: Let’s start scouting. You take the north. I’ll go south. We’ll meet on the east side.

*Lily nods and the two split off. As Emma spots a small group of goblins she quickly clears them out. She looks over and notices a path leading up into the trees.*

Emma: That’s right.

*Emma follows the path, eventually reaching the nest she once trained in. She sits down, remembering Isabelle’s instructions.*

Emma: That was all right before Mom.

*Tears drop from Emma’s face when she hears branches snapping around her. She looks up to see a Leawk. Emma enters stealth as she attempts to hide. The Leawk starts to growl as it smells out Emma, slowly prowling toward her. Emma turns to run, barely dodging as the Leawk pounces at her. Emma looks as the nest begins to collapse and tears stream from her face as she runs. Lily hops out onto Emma's shoulder and comforts her.*

Emma(TL): Do you remember what that place was?

Lily: Wasn't it where Isabelle once brought you to train?

Emma(TL): Yeah. And now it's gone, just like Mom that day.

*Emma looks down and begins to cry. Lily places her paws on Emma's hand to stop her from covering her face.*

Lily: You still have me. You'll always have me.

Emma(TL): I know. I'm just scared. How are we going to stop all of them?

Lily: Why don't we go train until we can beat a Leawk?

Emma(TL): *Smiles* That would help. Maybe after Ruddy finishes up we'll look at all the places we've been and choose the strongest enemies we've had to fight to train against.

Lily: Do we count people?

Emma(TL): I'd prefer to train away from people. I wouldn't mind helping the locals occasionally for money to live, but I want to reach unheard-of peaks for my magic.

Lily: That means I get to eat more right?!

Emma(TL): Sure.

*Emma gets back up and dusts herself off while quietly laughing.*

Emma: Well there isn’t anything we can do about the Leawk. We’ll have to report it’s territory for now. It’ll be gone come fall anyway.

*After a few days Emma manages to clear out the remaining pests. When she gets back to town the party has already finished the town repairs and is patiently been waiting for her to return.*

Ruddy: If you didn’t come back by tomorrow morning we were going to look for you.

Emma: Sorry. I had to map out the territory of a Leawk.

Falicia: A Leawk?! Are you okay? I read no one has ever killed one of those, of any race.

Emma: Yeah, but it shredded up an Elven nest.

*The party looks at Emma confused.*

Emma: I'll explain later it's not what it sounds like. *Laughs*

Falicia: Well after you report to Clifton we’re ready to go. I even got your stuff packed up for you.

Emma: Can we wait another day? I want you all to see the Skylights. They should be here tonight.

Ruddy: We did already pack though. *Looks at cart*

Falicia: David is normally awake to eat in the middle of the night still. So why don’t we leave then? That way we can still see them.

*Emma’s face lights up with a smile*

Emma: Thank you thank you! You guys are gonna love it. I know the perfect spot.

*Emma makes her report to Clifton and after she brings everyone to where her parents brought her to watch the skylights. As the lights begin, Emma watches the lights and turns to see everyone's faces. Even David bounces in Falicia’s lap as the lights fly through the sky.*

David: Dada!

Falicia: He said his first words!

*As Ruddy and Falicia praise David, Emma smiles as she remembers the time she saw the lights with her mother and father. After the lights begin to dim the party makes their way out. David having stayed up to watch the lights is fast asleep resting in between his parents. Emma quickly goes back to studying her spells, using Lily’s eye and Sightshare to avoid making bright lights that would wake the others. Levi takes the first watch and drives the cart into the night.*