Year 67

  *As the elves reach Serenvale, Levi and David head to the guild while Emma and Ariella sit down to report back in with Arie’s parents.*

  Giovanni: I understand you traveled extensively with them, but my hands are tied. We can’t afford to risk them if they turn out to be spies. I’ll trust you, Emma, on all things seers, but the other races have all blocked their borders. They’re waiting until the war is over, then they’re all hoping to wipe us out.

  Ariella: The Seers all seem to hate at least one race. Even Emma has mentioned that the inner her has expressed on multiple accounts how it hates humans.

  Seraphina: They can help us, but they’re not allowed to join us if we must retreat. They must find their own way out.

  Emma: They’ve both accepted that.

  Ariella: Emma. We should talk to them first.

  Emma: Levi will follow David because he views him like a son. David won’t go without a fight. He’s told me himself that he’d rather die here protecting his home than run away to never return. I helped train him myself, you all know this. I say we have them guard the wounded. It’ll keep them away from any vital areas. We’ve already agreed that if we have to, we will leave the sick behind… I don’t agree with it, but I also know I’m not running away. I’ll stay and protect them until my dying breath.

  Giovanni: If they agree to this, then have them come by Jasmine and Ginnie’s new workshop tomorrow.

  *Emma and Ariella smile.*

  Giovanni: Just know, they’ll be your responsibility, Silvashade. Dismissed.

  *Emma and Ariella head to the guild, and as they reach the building, they hear cheering. Inside, they see Levi standing over David’s shoulder, cheering him on as David sits across from a large orange-eyed elf, arms locked together in a wrestling match.*

  David: *Yawn* I’m waiting.

  *Emma walks up and smacks David in the head, and he almost loses but manages to slam down the elf's arm, and a mix of happiness and disappointment fills the room as bets were clearly taking place.*

  Emma: What’s going on here? I didn’t bring you here to swindle people.

  David: Sorry, Master. They tried claiming that you were probably some smelly old drunk in an alley.

  Emma: Oh, really now?

  *Emma glares at the crowd. The orange-eyed elf nervously attempts to apologize.*

  Elf: He didn’t tell us he was trained by a Seer. We were talking about who trained us and when the topic of watching female trainers bec…

  *A group of elves pile onto the elf, attempting to silence him. Emma turns around to David, who is now sweating.*

  Emma: Why don’t you finish? Go on. Tell me what about female trainers.

  *Emma raises her coin purse*

  Emma: Drinks on me if someone speaks up.

  *Andrew walks forward.*

  Andrew: They were arguing whose trainer had a better looking ass.

  Emma: You know what? Nevermind. David, Levi. Both of you can go ahead and leave. We won’t be needing your help.

  David: Master, please!

  Emma: I bring you here to respect your father and in return you’re in here gloating about whose teacher had the better butt?

  Levi: It’s my fault, Emma, I instigated him.

  *Emma looks at Andrew, and he nods.*

  Emma: Fine, David can stay, but. *Looks at Levi.* I’ll think about it after I kick your ass. Tomorrow, I’ll meet you both here.

  *Emma tosses her coin purse to Andrew, and everyone cheers as Emma and Ariella leave the guild.*

  Ariella: Didn’t we have business with the guild?

  Emma: Yes, but Zabrina doesn’t work today.

  Ariella: Oh. What did you need her for?

  Emma: We can stop by her house, but I need to ask her for a recipe. I wanted to make something special for Levi.

  Ariella: Sorry, your parents died. *Reaches out* Here’s some stew. *Laughs*

  Emma: And you won’t be having any.

  Ariella: *Smiles* Fair. I’ll just wait for my. “ I’m sorry your friends died and cheese.”

  Emma: *Gasp* And you called me heartless for getting over death too quickly.

  Ariella: Oh, please. You said some pretty messed-up things last week.

  Emma: I told you. When I said, “It’s nice to have Levi without Ruddy.” I meant he seems more fun and less of a hard ass like he is when Ruddy and him were around each other.

  Ariella: You say that, but I don’t see a difference. I guess he does seem more relaxed. But calling him a hardass is a bit far.

  Emma: You know what I mean, though!

  *As Ariella laughs, Emma hears an overwhelming, ethereal, echoing voice.*

  Voice: OBEY!!

  *Emma holds her head in pain, and her right eye turns purple. Ariella turns to help Emma, confused as to what is happening.*

  Ariella: What’s happening?! Emma!! Are You Okay?!

  *Emma drops to her knees, holding her head while her ears ring, with her left hand over her left eye, and her right arm is being used to help hold her up.*

  Emma: Ignore it. Think about spike! We can’t have any of them if you give in.

  Ariella: What’re you talking about? Are you okay? What is going on?

  *Emma stumbles as she stands upright, and she looks at Ariella, who gasps upon seeing Emma’s eyes. One green, one purple.*

  Emma: Let’s get back to the Glade. I’m not sure what that was, but something is trying to control the Seers, or at least the one in me.

  *After a few steps, Emma collapses, and Ariella runs back into the guild, calling for help.*

  Ariella: David! Levi! Emma collapsed!

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

  *Emma wakes up in her room, and as she sits up, a rag falls from her forehead to her lap. She looks at a mirror across the way to see her eyes back to their normal shade of green.*

  Emma(TL): Lily?

  *Lily hops down from one of many pillows resting atop a small shelf.*

  Lily: Mama! Is your fever gone?

  Emma: Fever? The last thing I remember was hearing a voice.

  Lily: Then you collapsed. Arie got help, and we brought you home. That was six months ago. So you don’t remember anything you said while you were sick?

  Emma: *Shakes head.* No. I remember trying to calm “her” down. It felt like she was trying to turn berserk.

  *Keya walks in.*

  Keya: Emma, you’re awake. How are we feeling today?

  Emma: *confused* Good? Lily said I had a fever for the past six months?!

  Keya: Is your fever gone?! That’s great. No one knew what was causing your sickness, but you seemed stable so we had you stay at home. Everyone has been taking turns checking on you.

  Emma: And did I say anything strange?

  Keya: No. You only ever responded by shaking and nodding your head. You should stay in bed until your head clears.

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  Emma: Yeah…

  Keya: Want me to tell Ariella not to stop by tomorrow?

  Emma: Wait, why is she stopping by?

  Keya: Given your situation. Queen Seraphina wanted only those close to you to watch over your health. You mostly needed help moving around a little. It was weird.

  Emma: She can stop by. But, can I go take a bath? I feel disgusting.

  Keya: Yeah! Give me a moment, and we can head to the bathhouse together.

  Emma: Okay. *Smiles*

  *Keya runs out of the room, and Emma turns to Lily.*

  Emma(TL): Do you remember anything I talked about before?

  Lily: *Licks herself* It wasn’t in any language I could understand.

  *That night, Emma attempts to meet with the figure in her dreams, but when she appears in the room, the figure is nowhere to be found.*

  Emma: Hello?!

  *Emma’s voice echoes, and as she stands around, she starts to hear the voice again telling her to obey. Emma holds her head, crouching down. She wakes up to Ariella knocking on her door.*

  Ariella: You called?

  Emma: I did?

  Ariella: You said “Hello.”

  Emma: Oh, sorry, that was from a dream… I think. Arie, I tried to meet with her last night. And I just had a nightmare.

  Ariella: Has that ever happened before?

  Emma: If it has, then Lily hasn’t noticed, and I don’t remember.

  Ariella: Well, why don’t you rest up today? Everyone will be here to see you tonight. David blamed himself for “Stressing you out.”

  Emma: *Nods* Yeah, that’s because he saw me break once.

  *Ariella looks at Emma, concerend. *

  Ariella: Emma… When did that happen?

  Emma: After I found out about my Grandma and everything… It was just too much. My whole life, I’ve already felt like so many people have been relying on me. Now it’s just been confirmed and doubled in weight, it feels like.

  Ariella: But you’re not alone. You have all of us. Emma, I promise I’ll never leave your side. And I know David is here to help as well.

  Emma: *Smiles* I mean, at this point, we’ve moved enough elves to the hidden forest to keep the race alive.

  Ariella: But now we need to be ready for when they attack. We can’t let them get the Glade at any cost.

  Emma:*Sigh* I know…

  *Sitting at the table, a feast is prepared to celebrate Emma’s health. Emma stands up for a toast, she points her glass toward Seraphina and Giovanni. Both wear disguises to hide their identity from the public. Emma looks to David next to Levi, then back to Ariella’s parents.*

  Emma: I’d like David to take the role as healer of the elves.

  *Wheels can be heard rolling around outside as the silence rests across the house. Everyone turns to the two rulers, and Seraphina turns to Giovanni.*

  David: Excuse me. Don’t I get a say? I said I wanted to help fight, and I’d help defend the wounded.

  Giovanni: So you know for certain he can do it?

  Emma: Yes, sir. I trained him myself. He should be capable of what we discussed before.

  David: I’m going to fight.

  *Emma turns to David.*

  Emma: David. If you accept this role. You may never see the light of day again.

  David: Wait…

  Keya: What’s the “Healer of the Elves?”

  Seraphina: Without going into details. He’ll be living amongst the Elves. For the rest of his life.

  *Ariella whispers into Keya’s ear.*

  Keya: OH! Wait? Is that really okay? No offense, David. I like Humans, but that seems dangerous.

  Giovanni: Which is why the role would’ve gone unfulfilled if she hadn’t decided on someone.

  Emma: You’ll likely have to help the guards occasionally as well. But should they need a healer, they’ll need someone of at least ‘A’ rank or higher. Even if it’s until you pass. You’ll be responsible for helping keep the Elven race alive.

  *Everyone turns to David.*

  Emma thinking: While I was sick, I had a dream about an Illness reaching the depths, and without a healer, the elves all died out. Honestly, I would’ve rather had Ruddy, but David is amazing, maybe even better than his father at this point.

  David: If it means I can stay, then I’ll do it.

  Giovanni: Bring him by tomorrow and we’ll talk more about it.

  Ariella: She just got better yesterday; she should rest.

  Emma: If I rest anymore, I’ll need to have my pulse checked. I probably have a million things to do once I get back anyway.

  Seraphina: Actually. not as much as you’d think. Gareth has been doing a great job. But some things obviously can’t be seen by him, so you still have some work.

  *Emma turns to Ariella.*

  Emma: See, I’ll take it easy.

  *A few days pass, and Emma’s days go back to normal. During the day, she checks applicants, and as the weekend arrives, Emma and David head to the Glade together.*

  Emma: Remember, only write if you’re all going to die.

  David: *Smiles* I know, master. Thank you.

  Emma: *Smiles* You’re like a son to me. And I’ll probably never see it again. I only get to go with you today because of the circumstances.

  *The two enter a room where Emma does one final check of everyone before sending them to the room behind her. After no issues, Giovanni approaches the two.*

  Giovanni: Well, Mr. Hopewell? Are you ready?

  David: Yes, Sir. *Nods*

  Giovanni: *Looks to Emma* We’re ready for you two. You’ll have to take the long way.

  Emma: I know. I’ve got to make sure to close any entrances.

  *Emma and David enter the room where a magic circle sits in the center. Emma nods to the guards, and they leave the room. Emma wipes away the magic circle and reveals a hidden entrance. The two walk down the lengthy path until reaching the city below. The elves have built houses into the jungle below, using the bioluminescence of the plants around to help light the houses. David looks in amazement as they reach a viewing area. Emma turns around to face the path.*

  Emma: Keep moving. I need to make sure the path is sealed.

  David: Sorry. *Looking around.* Did you really discover this place, Master?

  Emma: Yup. *Smiles*

  *David points to the artificial sun, being suspended by the roots without burning them.*

  David: You’re sure that thing is going to stay lit?

  Emma: It’s being managed by elves now. It’s a molten core, a rare light source. The Golden throne is built on one, making the sewers glow and light up the streets at night…

  David: You okay, Master?

  Emma: Yeah, I was going to say I’ll take you there someday. But…*Grin*

  David: I know what you mean. But like you said. I’m the only one capable of doing this. I’ll keep everyone safe. Just keep Levi out of trouble.

  Emma: *Nods and voice cracks* I will. *Clears throat* I will. David. I’m proud of you. And I know your parents are watching over you, smiling.

  David: Literally over me now. *Laughs*

  Emma: *Smiles* You’re terrible. But not wrong.

  David: Sorry, My Master was an Elf. They’re not known to grieve for long.

  Emma: Not wrong. *Laughs*

  *After blocking the path, Emma meets with Therion in a small house.*

  Emma: This is Therion. One of my instructors was when I was a child.

  David: A pleasure to meet you, sir. I’ve heard nothing but great stories about you.

  Therion: *Laughs* Then she lied for most of them.

  Emma: That’s not true! I mean, it might be now that I think about it.

  *Emma looks down in thought, and Therion laughs.*

  Therion: So this is the David you talked about?

  Emma: One of them, yes. Not the Father one.

  Therion: Well, he’d be ancient if he were still alive. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr.?

  David: Hopewell. But you can call me David.

  Therion: It’s a plesure to meet you Mr. Hopewell.

  Emma: *Whispers to David* He’s a stickler for family names.

  David: Well, what should I call you then?

  Therion: Panflew

  *Emma snorts a little as she struggles to hold back laughter, and Therion’s smile starts to fade.*

  David: Mr. Panflew. I heard I’ll be working closely with you.

  Therion: *Smiles* At least it didn’t spread to you like the Princess. I tried to challenge Emma.

  Emma: But I won, and now you can say our family names. *Sticks out tongue*

  Therion: *Sigh* Yes. Well, this will be your house, Mr. Hopewell. If you need anything, I’ll be at my office until nightfall.

  *Therion leaves the two alone, and David begins unpacking. Emma peeks into the kitchen to look for anything.*

  Emma: At least you won’t need to go to the market anytime soon.

  David: I’ll need to find it first. This place is a maze.

  Emma: Ask Therion about a guide. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to help.

  David: Are you going to be staying the night? I know you mentioned taking the long way, and I’d rather you get some rest before needing to travel.

  Emma: Is that an invitation? *Laughs* Well, they don’t have a tavern, so if you’ll let me stay.

  David: Of course! This is the last time we’ll see each other.

  Emma: Yeah… I’m glad Levi wasn’t mad that he couldn’t join.

  David: He would’ve gotten bored. He used to travel once a year when we lived at the falls. Not sure where he went, but he was always excited to be home.

  *The next day, Emma and David stand at the entrance to the Underground. Large rock walls have been created to keep out the local Fuana.*

  Emma: Hey, how about one last spar before I go?

  David: *Smile* I was hoping you’d ask.

  *The two head a little further away from the city, until the wall is but a glint in the distance.*

  Emma: Since you forgot your weapon. We’ll settle for hand-to-hand. You can set the terms.

  David: First one to solid hit wins.

  Emma: *Smiles* I’m assuming you mean through the barrier?

  David: I mean, if you hit my barrier hard enough, maybe we’ll call it early for my safety. *Laughs*

  Emma: You are the only high-quality healer in the city. I’m sorry if that’s too much for you, but. You’re the only person I believe who can keep them safe in the event something happens.

  David: Exactly, can’t break me before I get started.

  *The two laugh as they walk away from one another, they turn to face each other and take a stance, waiting for the signal to begin. Lily sits on Emma’s pack and with a high chirp, the two dash towards each other. Emma dodges David’s swings with ease. Emma manages to break David’s barrier, but not without getting hit in the kidney. Both fall back, exhausted and smiling, and they breathe heavily.*

  *As they stand up, Emma dusts herself off and begins placing Lily’s saddle on her.*

  Emma: I’m going to miss this. David. I hope that I’ll be able to hear about you again someday…

  *Emma turns back toward David, who unexpectedly hugs her. She pauses for a moment and hugs him back, smiling.*

  David: I’ll do everyone proud, for Mom and Dad. *Laughs* and Levi of course.*Sniff*

  *The two hold one another, smiling. Emma begins to tear up as they separate.*

  David: Well. I need to meet up with Mr.Panflew. Goodbye, Master….

  Emma: I’m already proud of you. We all are.

  *Emma smiles, hesitates for a moment, then climbs atop Lily’s back and heads off, stopping to watch the lights go out after David returns, and they seal the wall.*

  Emma: Ready to head home?

  Lily: Can we have a Stone Tusk?

  Emma: *Laughs* If we come across some.

  Lily: I remember a cold migration trail last time we came through.

  Emma(TL): But you can’t remember left from right?

  Lily: Right.

  Emma(TL): No Left.

  *Emma laughs and Lily rolls her eyes as they run off into the depths toward the dive point, where Ariella and Emma had entered before.*