Year 68

  *Emma and Lily reach Sylvndor in the middle of winter, and Levi meets them at the gates.*

  Levi: How was he?

  *Emma hops off Lily’s back and smiles*

  Emma: He’s going to be just fine.

  Levi: Good. And how about you?

  Emma: *Laughs* I’m fine as well. What’s up? You seem like you have something to say.

  Levi: Nope. Just got stuck helping watch the gates.

  Ariella: More like he started coming out here when the snow began to fall.

  *Ariella approaches the two.*

  Ariella: Glad you’re back, Emma. Levi, you can’t trade posts with someone just because you want to wait for Emma.

  Levi: Why do I need to train anyway?

  Ariella: It’s training for the others as well. Even if you don’t think you’ll get stronger.

  Levi: Bah.

  *Levi heads off. Emma laughs as Ariella comes up and hugs her.*

  Levi: She came out every day at noon to see if you had come by yet!

  *Emma watches Levi in the distance, waving, and Ariella’s face turns red as the two walk together.*

  Emma: Soooo. How’s training?

  Ariella: Boring. There’s a reason I wanted to become an adventurer and not join the military.

  Emma: I don’t know. Sometimes the boring is nice.

  Ariella: Says the one who just came back from a trip. Fight anything exciting?

  Emma: Not particularly. It was very quiet on the way back. I would’ve brought a souvenir, but. Well. You know.

  Ariella: *Smiles* It’s fine. I’m just glad to see you’re back safe.

  Emma: Why has something happened?

  *Emma reports to Seraphina.*

  Emma: Also, Arie said something happened, but she was forbidden to discuss it.

  Seraphina: We’ve received reports of a decline in elven land. Other races have started claiming more land.

  Emma: Wait, but I thought Ruairí was still on talking terms.

  Seraphina: While you were away, he was dethroned and publicly executed. Luckily, they are in a civil war and not fighting us currently. His Son Rodrik is leading against them. But the Humans have developed a slave collar that locks away our magic and spirits.

  Giovanni: And do you know how that is, Silvashade?

  *Emma turns to Giovanni, and his gaze sends shivers down her spine.*

  Giovanni: That human we brought into our ruins. He brought back some of the magic items from the golems down there, and they created a new magic-blocking slave collar. The Beastkin group, “The Ferals,” have started attacking in what we can only assume is to gain a stronghold. Luckily those short fucks in Glimmerfell are just sitting back and gambling.

  *Emma looks down. Her voice cracks as she attempts to speak, tears forming in her eyes.*

  Emma: I was just trying to find a way to.

  Giovanni: TO WHAT?! BECAUSE IF WE’RE LUCKY THE DWARVES WON’T GET NOSEY AND LOOK UNDER THE VEILED GLADE AFTER WE’RE ALL DEAD!

  Seraphina: Lord Giovanni!

  *Emma clenches her fist and looks Giovanni in the eyes, the purple glowing in the background.*

  Emma: You can blame me for whatever you want. I was trying to do what I thought was right. As of right now, we have a chance as a race to survive. *Smiles* These are tears of anger. As “She” holds me back. Because I want nothing more than to put your face through that wall.

  *Emma storms out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Giovanni attempts to follow her.*

  Seraphina: If you value your relationship with your daughter, you’ll let her go.

  *Emma hears the voices fade as the doors close, the two yelling at one another.*

  *Ariella walks into a courtyard and spots Emma. She stands before three of her clones. One of which is Lily. Ariella pauses and watches. In a flash, all of the Emmas attack at once. Emma blocks one clone, and Lily kicks at her from behind, but Emma uses a gust of wind to push herself back. Monica stands next to Ariella.*

  Monica: She’s been out there since she came in. Didn’t say hi to anyone and hasn’t responded to anyone either.

  *Ariella looks around and sees the evidence around the courtyard, small craters, and a pillar nearby that is slowly crumbling.*

  Monica: A couple of us tried to approach her, but she threw a training sword at us.

  *Ariella smiles and picks up a sword nearby, as she walks toward Emma, Lily backs down and changes back to her spirit form. Emma turns, and her clones disperse as she sees Ariella. Ariella tosses a blunted blade to Emma and takes a stance, pointing at Emma with her blade. Ariella smiles, and Emma turns as Celestra swipes at her from behind. Emma barely manages to dodge, tripping and falling. As she stands up, Ariella’s blade rests pointed at her head. Emma looks up to her childhood friend and smiles.*

  Ariella: I won’t count this one. I had help. *Smiles*

  *The two hug and walk over to a bench and rest.*

  Ariella: So we talking? Or?

  Emma: Nothing to say.

  Ariella: The entire Glade heard them.

  Emma: Arie. I’m fine. *Smiles* If he had something like that before, I probably would’ve just left. Thinking I was just the cause of it all. But I know that I’m not able to save everyone. Just someone.

  Ariella: As long as you’re sure.

  Emma: I planned on fighting more on my trip, but I was worried. So yeah, I’m a little pissed he yelled at me. But I’ll be fine.

  Ariella: Do you have any work?

  Emma: Some reports for Giovanni. But he clearly doesn’t want my help, so he’s not getting them.

  Ariella: Don’t get someone hurt because my Dad is an ass.

  Emma: Nothing to report, honestly. But if I wait, he will get flustered, and I can get enjoyment knowing he’s mad. *Smiles*

  Ariella: Okay, well, I’m going to go check on the fields want to join me?

  Emma: Nah, go ahead. I’m going to go talk with Levi about his training.

  Ariella: So he did end up on your team?

  Emma: Yeah, but he’s still not allowed in most areas of the Glade.

  Ariella: *Rolls eyes* I swear every day he’s becoming more strict.

  Emma: We all are. I’m just hoping we don’t attack ourselves before the assault.

  Ariella: I know. *Sigh.* Well, I’m off. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

  Emma: Yeah, I’ll be in early. I’m coming in with Dad.

  Ariella: I’ll meet you at his office then.

  *Ariella pauses, turning back toward Emma.*

  Ariella: You didn’t forget, did you?

  Emma: No. I remember.

  Ariella: Okay. *nods* Then what do you remember? What am I talking about?

  Emma: *Exhale* Our plans for the day after I get back.

  Ariella: We are trading teams for training later.

  Emma: I’ll be honest, I thought we already did that. All these weird dreams are making my brain a mess.

  Ariella: Okay. Well, just remember to meet up with me.

  Emma: I will. I’ll take care of some things before Levi to make sure of it.

  Ariella: Okay, bye.

  Emma: *Smiles* Bye, see you tomorrow.

  *The two wave to one another as Ariella walks away.*

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

  *The next day, Emma stands before Ariella’s team, looking over the list.*

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Emma: Richards!

  *A female elf with blue eyes steps forward.*

  Richards: Yes, Captain?!

  Emma: It says here you’re the right-hand. Get me up to speed on everyone.

  Richards: Of course.

  *Richards points to the different colored elves. Each wearing a corresponding colored armor too their eyes.*

  Richards: Each group has been split into two teams. Orange also has the tanks.

  Emma: I’ll stop you there. I want everyone to swap gear for the day. Or at least armor.

  *Richards looks down in thought.*

  Richards: Since she’s used to the standard elven army color code, it might help confuse her. But what about the robes for the spellcasters?

  Emma: They’ll be in the back. So, just have the spellcasters trade among themselves. The scouts won’t need to worry either, since they’ll be hiding.

  *After the armor swap, Emma looks out and smiles.*

  Emma: Okay. We’re on the offense first, so let’s go over the layout, and Richards, you can help point out their strengths. Arie and I aren’t allowed to help in combat.

  *With a plan in place, Emma takes her place in the back with the spellcasters. A scout approaches Emma.*

  Scout: They have five patrolling the fort.

  Emma: Which means she probably asked Monica for advice, not Gareth… Okay, this just means we don’t need to sneak. She’ll have them all stand guard. Gather everyone at the checkpoint.

  *Emma rests atop Lily, they stand just out of reach of a small wooden fort, with a couple of tents to symbolize buildings*

  Richards: Captain! We’re ready to begin the assault on your command.

  *Emma smiles and gives the command. As they reach the gates, they’re met by Ariella and Monica out front.*

  Ariella: Emma! This isn’t a joke!

  *Monica dives in front of Ariella as one of the tankier-looking elves shoots an arrow, “Killing,” Monica.*

  Monica: It’s a trap!! Run!

  *Arrows rain down from above. The mages protect the team while they break into the camp, but amongst all the confusion, Ariella walks out front, an arm being held by a lightly armored scout.*

  Emma: That one was Richard's Idea.

  Ariella: That was dirt, and you know it!

  Emma: You’re just mad you fell for it.

  Ariella: A little yeah!

  *The two laugh*

  Emma: Well, we have the rest of the day off. I say we reset and rest.

  *Monica walks up in a bad mood.*

  Emma: Sorry.

  Monica: I got taken out by an arrow… First!

  Emma: Then you don’t have to work, you can.

  Monica: Fuck no! I’m gonna go repair the Damn gate and then, I’ll take a damn nap.

  *Monica stomps off toward the gate.*

  Ariella: *giggles* She reminds me of Valorin.

  Emma: I noticed that two. But get this. She hates cake.

  Ariella: Well, nevermind on them meeting.

  Emma: They have. They helped defend a caravan a century ago together. She said he was cocky in public but nervous when it came to combat.

  Ariella: Really?

  *Ariella looks at Emma with a confused expression of disbelief.*

  Emma: Yeah, but she swears by it. I wrote him a letter a while back, but who knows now? He’s probably keeping out of it to keep Sheila safe.

  Ariella: Yeah, it would’ve been nice to have his help, but I understand.

  *Norman runs up to the two, out of breath.*

  Norman: Captains!

  *He breathes heavily, holding onto his knees to help keep him standing.*

  Emma: *Chuckles* Breathe, Norman.

  Norman: Sorry. *Breath* You have a visitor.

  Ariella: Who is it?

  Norman: He didn’t give me a name, but he’s REALLY tall.

  *A large figure walks from behind one of the tents, and the two elves smile*

  Both: Clinton!

  *Clinton smiles as he waves to them both.*

  Norman: So you do know him? He gave me a paper, and it just had your names on it.

  Emma: What brings you here?

  Valorin: His Lady and mine decided we couldn’t just leave you two on your own.

  Both: Valorin!

  Ariella: Emma was just saying how you wouldn’t help.

  *The four hug*

  Emma: Is it just the two of you then?

  Valorin: Of course not. Who do you think collected us all?

  Hakhir: You think I’m going to let a little old age kill me off?

  *Hakhir walks in, using his axe to hold him steady while he stands.*

  Hakhir: Sorry it took so long, Emma. We had to pick up some strays.

  *Hakhir turns, and Nala, Captain Kaven, and the crew all stand before them. Johnathan waves from the back. Grant stands next to him, and Pipiri sits on his shoulder.*

  Hakhir: A little birdie came and told me you could use some help. Yer father told us where to find you both.

  *Emma is overwhelmed with joy to see all her old companions.*

  Odran: *Dwarvish* Come on, Nightwarden. Don’t be gettin teary-eyed on us now.

  *Emma sniffs and smiles, and she wipes the tears away.*

  Emma: *Dwarvish* Shut up, you overstuffed bread roll.

  *The Dwarves, Clinton, and Emma laugh.*

  Emma: *Common* We just finished for the day.

  Ariella: *Quietly* Cheater.

  Emma: Are you all going to head back to town or?

  Nala: I mean, I’d like to see what you two are capable of. Especially Emma. It's been a while since I had a good show.

  *Monica walks by carrying a log on her shoulder when she turns in surprise. Everyone turns as they hear the log hit the ground.*

  Monica: Nala? Is that you?!

  Nala: Monica! It’s been ages.

  *Monica and Nala shake hands.*

  Emma: You two know each other?

  Monica: We were in a party for a short time. Sort of.

  Nala: That was after we separated. I overheard Monica needed help.

  Monica: My niece was bitten by a Spike-nosed basilisk. I was supposed to be watching her. Nala was the only one willing to help me. *Smiles* Glad to see you again.

  Pipiri: I would’ve been here earlier, but it took me some time to find everyone according to your letters.

  Emma: When did you?

  Pipiri: I was in Mithrun visiting a tavern when I overheard some dwarves talking about you. Hakhir came over because I mentioned I worked with you, and I mentioned your name.

  Hakhir: While some say the Nightwarden is now a threat. There are plenty of us dwarves who know, first hand, how kind-hearted you are.

  Emma: Thank you, everyone. I wish we could go out to celebrate, but we’re in the middle of training.

  Valorin: *Smiles* So we get a show?

  *Emma wipes her tears and shakes her head in agreement. Monica taps on her shoulder.*

  Monica: Captain. It’s early enough, we can have the arena ready in an hour.

  Emma: But we agreed not to fight.

  Valorin: Why?

  Ariella: We’re acting as the flag. If the opposing team grabs the other captain or if the team runs out of soldiers, the other team wins.

  Valorin: So? I can sit in the front row. And act as a flag.

  Nala: I can take that place as well.

  *Emma turns to the soldiers.*

  Emma: YOU HEARD THEM, THEY WANT A SHOW SO LET'S GET READY FOR ROUND TWO!

  *Everyone cheers for a chance to redeem themselves.*

  Ariella: This gives us a chance to test those magic restrictors Mother wanted us to test as well.

  Emma: *Sigh* I forgot about those. Okay, but if I feel ill, I’m removing it.

  Ariella: Deal.

  *After resetting the fort, Emma stands at a makeshift guard tower in the center. Nala stands beside her.*

  Nala: So, how good are your people?

  Emma: They’re on par with Ariella’s. But Ariella is more about tradition, where I’m more about getting stronger. What we need is power; a strategy is nice. But the Seers would still destroy most of the army without breaking a sweat.

  Nala: And those bracelets. They’re made to weaken them?

  Emma: Yeah, they are impossible to break, but if you apply pressure on both sides, it pops open.

  *Emma grabs one from her bag and shows it to Nala. She closes the loop and then, with some pressure, it opens again.*

  Nala: And why is it easy to remove?

  Emma: That was my idea. *Smiles* just watch.

  *Emma heads to the front of the gate. The air in the area turns cold as a blizzard forms around the fort, blocking visibility. Monica and Norman walk out of the blizzard. Monica weilds her great hammer, while Norman looks at Emma nervously.*

  Emma: So Norman. Are you here to scare me, or is there a trap?

  Monica: *Smiles* Wouldn’t you like to know, Captain?

  *Monica slams her Hammer, creating a stone box to protect Norman. Emma unsheathes one of her blades, and as Monica begins to charge, she throws a Restrictor at Monica. As it clicks on her wrist, the stone box vanishes, and Norman is missing. *

  Emma: What?

  *An arrow zips past Emma. As she dodges, she notices it’s an ice arrow. She turns to see a silhouette in the blizzard, an archer.*

  Emma: Oh, so I’m the cheater? *Nods and laughs*

  Ariella: I’m not cheating.

  *Emma turns to Ariella behind her with an arrow notched. She releases the arrow and runs off, disappearing into the blizzard.*

  *After winning, Emma is thawed out, and she sits in front of a fire, shivering. Ariella approaches her.*

  Emma: You didn’t need to freeze me. Any arrow would’ve counted.

  Ariella: But you can counter normal arrows.

  Emma: I thought that ice arrow seemed slower. So it was a fake. What was Norman’s role then?

  Ariella: He didn’t manage to get very far, but Monica used her magic to sneak him inside. The box was only meant to distract you.

  Emma: How many traps did you set up?!

  Ariella: Once we took you down, it was just a matter of getting inside. Norman managed to unlock the gate, which helped, but we still had to open it, and we barely managed that before Jamie could block it.

  *Emma looks at one of Ariella’s Blue mages. Valorin and Nala walk over laughing.*

  Nala: I’m disappointed I didn’t get to see Emma shine this time.

  Ariella: Yeah, I had the advantage of knowing Emma can't handle too many distractions. After a while, she trips.

  Emma: I’d like you to do better. *Glares*

  Ariella: You also had your senses dulled by the Restrictor and the Blizzard.

  Emma: Well, that and Norman isn’t normally a threat in battle, aside from his traps.

  Valorin: I’m still glad I got to see Ariella shine, and I did get to fight Emma at full power recently.

  Emma: Well, maybe when we get back, we’ll have a tournament to figure out how strong everyone is before we go to war…

  Nala: You sure you want to be in another tournament?

  *Emma rubs her scar*

  Emma: I mean, we aren’t going to be fighting to the death. We need to do a power assessment for planning our defenses.

  Ariella: And with all of this extra help, we’ll need to see where we stand now.

  *Emma sneezes and everyone laughs*

  Emma: If I get sick again, I’m going to shave your head.

  *Ariella holds onto her long, braided hair tightly.*

  Ariella: You wouldn’t dare!

  Emma: Then I’ll give your hair to Valorin. I think he could pull off your hairstyle.

  *Valorin rubs his head.*

  Valorin: Sheila loves the scales, but she does wish I had hair sometimes.

  *Ariella runs off, worried about losing her hair.*

  Ariella: Does anyone know any healing magic?!

  *Everyone laughs as they watch Ariella attempt to beg Odran for medicine.*

  Odran: *Dwarvish* I can see everyone laughing over there. I don’t know what yer saying, but I’m not falling for it!

  Ariella: *Common* I’m desperate, I love my hair.

  *Emma smiles, watching Ariella panic.*

  Emma: *Dwarvish* She just wants some cold medicine for me if you have any on hand!

  *Odran walks over to his bag and hands Ariella a small vial. She bows in an attempt to thank him, and he just waves for her to go on her way.*

  Ariella: Thank you! Thank you!

  Odran: *Common* Yer welcome, Lass. *Smiles*

  *Ariella brings the Vial to Emma.*

  Emma: You chose the right person to ask, but he’s one of the crew who only know a few words in Common.

  Ariella: But I can keep my hair?

  Emma: This time. *Emma drinks the vial and then sticks her tongue out in disgust.* Bleck! I forgot Dwarven roots are so bitter. But at least I don’t need to worry about getting sick.

  Valorin: *Laughs* Still traumatized?

  Ariella: Of course!

  Nala: What happened?

  Ariella: When we were kids and I was first learning my ice arrows, I froze Emma, and she got sick. In response, she cut one of my braids with one of her knives.

  Emma: Long hair in battle is a risk anyway.

  Valorin: Yeah, that’s why I shave so often.

  Emma: Is that why you have missing scales on your head?

  Valorin: WHAT?!

  *Everyone laughs as Valorin rubs his head in a panic. He turns to Emma angrily, then smiles.*

  Valorin: I missed you girls.

  Both: We missed you two. *Smiles*