Veiled Trust

Year 40

*The Whispering falls. As the party reaches the roaring falls David starts to cry. Emma casts deafen on David to help him deal with the loud noises and he quickly falls asleep. As the party enters the inner city and quiets down Ruddy and his family head to the church while Emma and Levi head to the adventurers' guild. As they enter the building she spots Elizabeth as a receptionist. Emma waits until she’s free and runs over to her.*

Emma: Hey. It’s been awhile.*Smiles*

Elizabeth: Emma! It’s been forever.

*Elizabeth looks at the other receptionist and they nod at her. Elizabeth places an “On break” sign in front of her station, walks over to Emma, and hugs her. *

Elizabeth: *Hugs* How’ve you been? It’s been so quiet since Katrina left for Inferna to see you guys. Where is Ariella?

Emma: She’s taking a break. She’s got some stuff stressing her out and she wanted time to figure it out. So for now she’s working at the Capitol.

Elizabeth: Well hopefully she feels better soon. I’d love to see her too.

Emma: Well she’ll definitely come through here now that Falicia is here.

Elizabeth: Falicia? Who’s that?

Emma: You remember Ruddy?

Elizabeth: Yeah.

Emma: He’s a dad and Falicia is the mother. She’s going to move here while he finishes his Pilgrimage. They’re visiting David right now.

Elizabeth: Ruddy’s a Daddy?! What’s the baby's name?

Emma: They named him David after, well, David. He helped raise them both.

Elizabeth: Awww. That’s so sweet. What about you? Found anyone yet?

Emma: No but I have an adopted child that lives in Lycaris.

Elizabeth: Okay you’ll have to explain later. I gotta get back before the midday rush comes through. I’m off at eight today so we'll talk then.

Emma:*Smiles* Sounds good.

*Elizabeth waves to Emma as she goes back behind the counter. Emma waves back and looks around for Levi, who’s found a corner table and is sitting alone. Emma walks over*

Emma: Hey dark and brooding. How are you doing?

Levi: Huh? I’m fine I guess. Just tired. I couldn’t sleep for some reason.

Emma: That might’ve been the flasher farm we passed before we got here.

Levi: Why would that keep me up?

Emma: The smell of the plant, apparently keeps some beastkin awake so our farms are normally placed off the roads to avoid bothering travelers.

Levi: I know a lot of elves act entitled but you’re all the nicest race. You know that?

Emma: How do you figure? Honestly, Demons are hot-headed but I’d argue that or Beastkin are the nicest.

Levi: Most beastkin don’t like travelers. They won’t start fights though. That’s coming from my master.

Emma: Well Humans are half and half. Dwarves don’t like elves, or so I've heard. I’ve met a lot of nice Dwarves so I’m not sure yet. Gnomes are just greedy.

Levi: I heard that’s because they lost everything once.

Emma: Every race has had a backstory where they almost got wiped out. Honestly, I’d say Gnomes act more Entitled than elves.

Levi: Uh huh.

Emma: When have I acted entitled?

*Levi turns toward one of the barmaids and signals for a drink, ignoring Emma.*

Emma: Well? Are you gonna answer me or not?

*Emma leans in and glares at Levi, who smiles, for a moment before sitting back in her chair.*

Emma: Fine.*Takes drink* Honestly I told Ruddy, I’m not sure if me going to Mithrun is a good idea. I heard Glimmerfell isn’t an issue for us anymore since Kyl got arrested.

Levi: Who?

Emma: The gnome who ran that shady tournament.

Levi: Oh yeah. What did they catch him for?

Emma: Apparently a slave escaped and was later found to be a noble's daughter. She reported it all and Mithrun took the town over as collateral. The whole place is like a slums now. *Deep breath* But, I also told Ruddy if he really wants me to, I’d go with him. I’ll probably just leave the talking to him.

Levi: I’ve always gotten along with dwarves for some reason.

Emma: I hear they keep smaller bear beasts as pets called Matheg. It roughly translates to little bear. And you’re a Bearkin, so maybe it has to deal with that?

Levi: huh.

*Levi sits back in his chair as he thinks about what Emma said.*

Emma: We could ask Elizabeth later. It could just be a coincidence.

Levi: Maybe.

*After a couple of hours Falicia walks into the guild hall, when she spots Emma and Levi she walks over to the table.*

Falicia: Are you two ready?

*Emma and Levi look at each other confused, Then back at Falicia.*

Emma: For what?

Falicia: *Smiles* Just come on. Bring your stuff.

*Falicia pulls Emma and Levi by their arms. *

Levi: Okay, okay.

*As Levi and Emma finish their drinks and Emma waves to Elizabeth as they leave*

Emma: I’ll be back to talk later.

*Elizabeth waves and nods as the door closes.*

*Falicia leads Emma and Levi to a house near the back of the city where they can speak freely.*

Falicia: Ta-da! Father David helped find this place for Ruddy before we got here.

Emma: So this is your house?

*Emma looks at the stone house, the roof has a couple of holes and some of the stones in the walls seem loose. Ruddy walks out holding the front door as it’s now apparent, it’s not attached.*

Ruddy: Hey! *walks towards group* Thoughts? I know it needs work, but the inside is still in good condition.

*As the party enters the building Emma and Levi are surprised at the great condition the floor and inner walls are in. The back wall is missing a decent part, leaving a large hole.*

Ruddy: There was a door there according to David. But you can see the small bit of field we got.

Falcica: We figured I could use some of it for gardening, maybe farming with our children as they get older.

Levi: Where are we staying until it’s fixed?

*The two humans look at Levi and Emma with puzzled looks.*

Ruddy: Here.

Emma: *Irritated*Ruddy. Falicia. *Points up* I can see the sky through your living room.

Falicia: That’s actually supposed to be there, apparently it’s called a skylight.

Emma: I know what a skylight is. *Sigh* Fine. But I’m sleeping outside.

Ruddy: Good idea. We’ll save sleeping in the house until it’s ready

Emma thinking: Not my point...

Falicia: I’ll stay at the church with David.

*Over the next month the party fixes up the house. Ruddy finishes the house by replacing the front door. During their final walk through they look at the back wall that has been extended to allow for wood storage, with a back door leading to the field. For the skylight, Emma used magic to mix vines to reinforce the glass so it wouldn’t fall or break. The roof, now cleaned, shines as the darker wood dries from the misty falls.*

Emma: For someone who’s never made a skylight. I’m proud of that.

Levi: Careful looking up, your ego might make you unbalanced and top-heavy.

*Emma looks at Levi angrily*

Emma: Ass. I just wanted to give them something to remember me by.

Ruddy: Okay, I’m gonna go get the Davids and Falicia.

Emma: Okay, take your time. I want to go into town and get something.

Levi: I guess I’ll stay here.

Emma: I’d invite you but it’s personal. *Smiles*

Levi: It doesn’t bother me.

*Levi smiles and sits down in a chair. *

Levi: I’m gonna enjoy myself and rest.

Emma: Okay well I’ll be back.

*Ruddy and Emma go separate ways, waving as they leave the house. After getting out of their sight, Emma finds a small bar where she finds a table for two and sits down. After a moment Robin walks in and sits across from her.*

Robin: It’s been a while.

Emma: What do you want?

Robin: How was it? Exploring the world? I heard you got into some crazy fights.

Emma: *Sigh* It was great. I met some new people. I made lots of new friends.

Robin: Adopted a half-elf?*Smiles*

*Emma’s eyes slowly rise to meet Robin's gaze. Her glare alone causes Robin to sweat.*

Emma: Is that a threat?

Robin: Of course not! *Waves hands* No. Just surprised. So where is she?

Emma: Somewhere I know you won’t find her.

Robin: *Sigh* Fair. Well, enough about you. I see you’ve been training.

Emma: Listen. I really don’t like you. Just tell me what you want or I’ll make you leave.

*Emma’s eyes spark.*

Emma thinking: Either Lyra can't remember or she's hiding that she knows.

Robin: Just touching base since you’re in the area. Archon said you hadn’t reported back yet.

Emma: I’ve been busy. Tell them I’ll be by next week.

Robin: I’m afraid I can’t do that. Archon made it clear. After Lyra came back they are. You might say the higher-ups are. Very displeased. I heard them mention something about the princess?

*Emma rises from her seat and starts to head to the door.*

Emma: I'll go, but if you hurt her.

Robin: *Smiles* As long as you go willingly I see no issues.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Robin leads Emma to the ruins. As they enter Archon's office, they wave for everyone but Emma to leave.*

Archon: Do you know why I had Robin bring you here?

Emma: Because I got into a fight with Lyra?

*Before Emma can blink, Archon grabs Emma by the throat and presses her to the wall. Emma struggles to breathe but can hear Lily trying to escape.*

Emma(TL): No don’t.

Archon: You Killed a Seer!

*As Archon yells, the whole room starts to shake.*

Archon: So Explain! Why Is Number twenty-four Dead?

Emma:*Struggles to speak* I don’t know numbers.

Archon: Josh! You traitourous little shit!

Emma: I didn’t do it.

*Archon drops Emma and walks away. Emma coughs as she struggles to hold herself up on her hands and knees.*

Archon: Then who did?

Emma: It was a group of elves looking for the seers. They planned on hunting more until I disposed of them.

Archon: And why am I just now hearing about this?

Emma: Because I hadn’t had a chance to make my report without disturbing appearances outside.

*Archon goes over to her chair, it’s turned away from the door.*

Archon: Then who are the elves occupying the Capitol?

Emma: It's part of the group that attacked. I got kicked out of the capitol at the cost of Ariella revoking her title.

Archon: Assuming you’re telling the truth, there's nothing we can do about that. But you still need to be punished. And I can’t help you from him.

Emma: Him?

*As the chair spins around Ifirit sits in the chair with a large grin on his face.*

Ifrit: Now about Lyra.

*Ifrit grabs Emma by her hair and drags her to the arena. He throws her into the room and Emma skips across the ground into a pillar. As the dust clears Ifrit picks Emma up and chains her to the wall. *

Ifrit: Even if you didn’t kill a seer. You put one of your own in critical condition in the field.

*Ifrit punches Emma in the stomach, Emma throws up.*

Ifrit: Don't worry I won't kill ya.

*Ifrit punches her again and as he wipes her blood from his face, Robin removes Emma's bracelet to enter the ruins. Ifrit continues to punch her over and over. Emma’s screams fill the arena as her bones break. *

Archon: From this day forth you are no longer welcome among us. If you decide to redeem yourself during the Eclipse, then we will see you when the time comes.

*Back at Ruddy and Falicia’s new house. Everyone is inside talking. Levi is sitting in the corner with a drink when Ruddy walks over. Father David's face now full of wrinkles and most of his hair gone, holds David.*

Ruddy: Did she say when she’d be back?

*Knock knock knock*

Falicia: There you are Emma. what took so long?

*As Falicia opens the door.*

Falicia: Ruddy!

*Emma rests in the doorway covered in injuries.*

Ruddy: Emma?! What happened?

Emma: Let’s just say I’ve been fired.*Smiles*

*Emma goes to laugh but ends up coughing up more blood. Both Father David and Ruddy quickly heal her. Levi helps bring her inside and lays her on the couch.*

Emma: Sorry. I did have plans to get you two a house gift but I got dragged into the Seers again. But after that stunt with Lyra, I got banished.

Falicia: Emma.

Emma: Hey Ruddy. If you don’t mind. I’d really like to join you to Mithrun.

Ruddy: *Smiles* That’s great to hear. But, why the change? You were hesitant before.

*Emma looks at everyone and gives a smile that slowly fades.*

Emma: I just want to get away for a few years.

*Falicia hugs Emma now that she’s healed.*

F. David: Well, I’m glad I got to see you, Emma. I’m gonna get going since it’s late. It’s great to see the house in such great condition.*Smiles*

Emma: I’ll stop by tomorrow sometime to catch up.

Ruddy: Let me help you home.

*Father David nods, and the two head outside.*

Emma: Do we have anything made up for Dinner?

Falicia: Yes.

*Falicia hops up and gets Emma some food. Emma, still sore, walks over and sits at the table. As Emma finishes her meal, Ruddy walks back inside.*

Emma: So when did we want to head south?

Ruddy: I still have a job here in town, that’ll take me a day or two. I figure it’ll take us close to a year before we reach Mithrun, so maybe we can leave during the Summer? They say the mountains are impassable in winter and without a dwarf guide we can’t go through the mountains.

Emma: Can’t we take a ship?

Falicia: They closed them all because of pirates from the Human War. You could go through Glimmerfell. *Looks at Ruddy.* I’d much rather you hurry and get back so we can get married. I know you don’t want to miss David growing up, but you can’t afford to put off your pilgrimage.

*Ruddy caresses Falicia’s face*

Ruddy: I love you. *Kiss.*

*Emma rolls her eyes.*

Emma: No offense but we’re still having a conversation here.

Ruddy: *Clears throat* uh, yes. Sorry.

Emma: So it sounds like it’s up to you boss. When do you wanna head out? If we leave for Glimmerfell you should be back by the time David is five.

Ruddy: Then we’ll leave as soon as I finish up here. Levi, can you get the cart checked out?*Levi nods* Emma can you look at supplies?

Emma: Yes sir.

Falicia: Mind if I join you, Emma? I don’t fully know all the places yet.

Emma: Not at all. I can see if Elizabeth can join us too. She works at the guild hall, you’ll like her.

Ruddy: Wait what about David?

Emma: He can join us. He can walk, right?

Falicia: not for a shopping trip.

Emma: Well I don’t mind carrying him if he gets tired.

Falicia: *Looks at Emma*Are you sure?

Emma: I’ve hurt worse and had to carry Kimmy. She was kinda lazy as a baby.

Falicia: Okay. *Turns to Ruddy.* Will you be home tomorrow night?

Ruddy: Yeah. It’s just helping repair some of the outer walls. And a goblin problem. Actually, Emma. *Emma looks at Ruddy* Could you ask Elizabeth about a quest for a Wyvern? It’s headed towards Glimmerfell and I heard it’s been ignored for a year now. Apparently, it’s been attacking carts headed toward Glimmerfell.

Emma: I mean I can, but isn’t that gonna be dangerous with three people?

Ruddy: You can count for at least two. And I like to think Levi and I can hold our own pretty well.

Emma: Okay…

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

*Ruddy races the cart down the road as a shadow appears above the cart. Levi plants one foot down on the back of the cart and casts spiritual sparks, a lightning spell, towards a Wyvern chasing them. Emma runs alongside the cart in the woods, Lily on the other side. As the Wyvern dives to dodge Levi’s spell, Emma and Lily jump on its back Lily’s weight causes her to shred its left wing while she slides off. As it crashes into the ground, Emma jumps off and rolls to soften the impact. Ruddy stops the cart, and the Fluffmane fights Ruddy until it finally breaks free and runs away. Emma quickly gets back up and keeps the wyvern distracted, while Ruddy climbs back up on the cart and waits for the moment to leap onto the back of the Wyvern, he uses his mace in an attempt to choke the Wyvern. Levi calls down a spiritual hand to keep the Wyvern from trashing too much while Lily and Emma attack its legs to prevent it from running away. As Ruddy struggles to hold onto the Wyvern's head, Emma Leaps onto Ruddy's shoulders and gouges out the Wyvern's eyes. Quickly afterward the Wyvern drops dead.*

Emma: *Exhausted* That could’ve been really bad if you hadn’t helped at the end there, thanks Levi.

Ruddy: What are we gonna do now!?

*Ruddy kicks at the wheel in anger. Levi and Emma walk over, Levi places his hand on one of Ruddy’s shoulders.*

Levi: We’re already a couple of hours ahead of schedule. We’ll be fine.

Ruddy: But the cart’s busted it’ll take us the rest of the day just to fix it.

Levi: It's just the axel, it could've been worse.

Emma: How about you rest and we’ll fix it. Then when you wake up it’ll be fixed and we can move tonight. I’ll go get the transport cart and replacement Fluffmane so we can get to town.

Ruddy:*Exhales* You two are right. Okay, I’ll rest. Just wake me when we’re leaving.

Emma: Can do!

*After reaching the town Emma returns with a large flat cart being pulled by Lily.*

Levi: What happened to getting a new Fluffmane?

Emma: They didn't have any. Apparently, they are expecting more later today though. Lily said she'd pull it the majority of the way if she could have to tail tip.

Levi: That should be fine.

*Levi helps Emma lift the wyvern onto the cart. Lily and Emma then head back to town, later returning with a Fluffmane.*

Emma: Good news!

Levi: That'll help him relax. The tail is over there for Lily.

*Lily happily gnaws on the wyvern's tail while Levi finishes repairing the cart. Ruddy sleeps as the party crosses into Glimmerfell.*

Gnome guard: Tell him thanks for that Wyvern when he wakes up.

Elf guard: Yeah, now we can get our ale shipments.

Emma: *Laughs* Not a problem. After Aubern we just have to Visit the Golden Throne in Mithrun.*Smiles*

Elf Guard: Well good luck, those short drunks are just as mothy as always.

*Emma nods as the party heads into Glimmerfell, The Ever-Autumn trees sparkle with their golden leaves.*