Year 69

  *Emma, Ariella, Giovanni, and Seraphina all sit down looking over a roster. Bastion walks in with some folders.*

  Bastion: Here’s the last of them.

  Seraphina: So we have all individual challenges?

  Giovanni: Yes, and any sense of cheating will disqualify.

  Emma: What counts as a “cheat?”

  Giovanni: We don’t want them to kill, and we’re trying to gauge their power.

  Ariella: Especially since we have help from old allies.

  Seraphina: I think it’s a waste of time, but if you think it’s important, Giovanni. Then you have my go-ahead to continue. Not that you need it.

  *Seraphina leaves the room, waving to everyone while the doors close behind her.*

  Emma: So the first match is just a show? To get everyone excited?

  Giovanni: Yes, it’ll also deter any cheating.

  Ariella: Because. Who is going to want to go against either of you? But for those on our side, it’ll help show your strength.

  Giovanni: And remember, no spirit help. Lily will stay with Ariella.

  *Emma looks down at Lily resting in her lap.*

  Emma(TL): You don’t mind, do you?

  Lily: *Smiles* Nope! I get to play with Celestra.

  Emma: *Looks to Ariella* She’s excited. So it won’t be a problem.

  Giovanni: Good, get the field ready, we're starting next week. Dismissed.

  Both: Yes, Lord Giovanni, Sir.

  *Both Arie and Emma salute and march off. Reaching the training yards, the two approach a group of Orange-eyed elves. Monica waves to them.*

  Monica: Hey, Cap! What’s the plan? They woke us all up early and said to head over here.

  *Ariella steps forward, and everyone goes silent as they wait. Too tired from the early rising*

  Ariella: We’re separating everyone into two groups, the Stands and the field. Monica and Dominic will be in charge of setting up the stands. You can choose your workers.

  *Monica steps forward next to an average-looking elf with brown hair. The two pick their workers for the team, and they all stand off to the side.*

  Emma: Everyone else will be working with us; we’re setting up the arena and outer walls. We have a week to finish, so grab your Magic berries and get to work. If you get Exhausted and need to rest, the mess hall has a few beds for now. This is all a measure of your strengths, so remember. Do your best, but don’t hurt yourself. You’re no use to anyone dead.

  Ariella: Now! Everyone gets to work! Anyone on our team, work on clearing out any decor. We need to get measurements before we start.

  Everyone: Yes, Captains!

  *The next week flies by, and the large arena holds one large rectangular platform. Emma stands on one side, waving to everyone as they cheer. Giovanni stands and raises his hand, a hush runs over the crowd.*

  Giovanni: With the threat of the Seers, we know morale has been bumpy, but today, Captain Silvashade here is opening up by showing her full strength with one of our allies. An old friend of Emma’s actually. The Legendary Hakhir Flameaxe!

  *Hakhir walks out. His axe becomes enveloped in flames as he looks at Emma across the field. They both nod.*

  Hakhir: Show me what’cha got kid.*Nods*

  Giovanni: Now! Without further delay! BEGIN!

  *Hakhir slams his axehead into the ground, and the entire field erupts into a hellscape as Flame pillars pierce the ground all over. Emma begins closing the gap, dodging the pillars. She uses a shield of ice to guard herself as she jumps, a flame pillar shoots from below her, the steam from the melting shield helps push Emma into the sky, where she unsheathes her blades in the air. The crowd watches as she almost looks like she’s flying. Hakhir slams the hilt of his axe into the ground, and a circle of molten rock forms below him until it explodes upward, sending Hakhir toward Emma.*

  Hakhir: METEROITE STRIKE!

  *Hakhir calls down a molten rock above Emma. Now sandwiched between a rock and Hakhir, Emma smiles as she throws one of her blades into the meteor above. Emma shoots a blast of electricity at her blade, and the meteor sparks before exploding. Emma grabs her blade and uses one of the smaller pieces to jump off and propel her toward Hakhir, but Hakhir swings using the side of his axe and hits Emma, sending her to the floor.*

  Hakhir: Come of Silvashade! I know Belle didn’t raise a weakling.

  *Magic silences the arena so only Hakhir and Emma can hear one another. But even the magic barriers struggle to hold back the power between each strike.*

  *As Emma walks out of the smoke, her green eyes almost glow purple. As she begins to think to herself, the voice of the figure combines with her.*

  Both: I raised myself!

  *Emma dashes forward, and Hakhir dodges her lunge, but as he watches her, a delayed stone pillar shoots out of the ground. As Hakhir lands, one of his arms badly injured and his flamebeard flickers, he squeezes his axe tightly with his one good arm and throws it at Emma. A large flame wall surrounds the two and slowly begins to lower.*

  Emma: Valorin probably spent more of my childhood with me than my own family!

  Emma: I’ve heard more stories about you with Isabelle than I’ve had with all of my family members combined! After Mom died, Dad just gave up!

  *As the last of the wall extinguishes, Emma steps forward.*

  Emma: I had to cheer him up and help him! Because Keya was busy doing everything, but helping!

  *Isabelle looks at the fight in concern, Goren looks to her*

  Goren: What’s up?

  Isabelle: He told me he’d only use that if she seemed unstable.

  Goren: Don’t let it get to you, I’m sure he’s just getting excited, look at that grin on his face.

  Isabelle: Yeah, but Emma looks like she’s getting angry as well.

  *Even through the Immolation, Hakhir’s smile is clearly visible as the two exchange blow after blow. *

  Hakhir: Belle doesn’t tell those stories to anyone, Emma.

  *They clash again and are both pushed back by the force between blows.*

  Hakhir: Ever listen to her stories when she's talking to your sister or father? She only tells stories about her adventures. But she tells you about me.

  *Emma raises her hand and begins firing a barrage of rubble, using her telekinesis. Hakhir swings his axe, and a wave of fire disintegrates them. The crowd cheers. As the smoke clears, Hakhir looks around for Emma. Hakhir sticks the hilt of his axe into the ground, he then lifts his arms, as if lifting something enormous and heavy. The flames of Hakhir get brighter and brighter, until Hakhir slams down and a fire nova fills the arena. Emma avoids getting burnt but falls out of the ring, rolling across the ground. She sits up and holds her left leg; a large stone sticks out of her leg. Celestra and Ariella hop down to apply first aid, and Giovanni approaches Hakhir*

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Giovanni: Not even Emma, our personally trained seer, is a match for the legendary Hakhir! *The crowd cheers* Use this as motivation. Show us all how strong you all are. Think of your families and what we train to protect!

  Crowd: For the Veiled Glade!

  *Giovanni salutes*

  Giovanni: For the next match!

  *Hakhir walks over to Emma and Ariella. Ariella continues to smack Emma’s hand while she attempts to scratch at her freshly healed wound.*

  Ariella: If you cut yourself from scratching again, I’m not healing you.

  Emma: Fine.

  Hakhir: Good match Lass.

  Emma: *Smiles* You as well…Thank you.

  Hakhir: Of course. I’ll always lend you an ear if you need one..

  *Emma nods*

  Ariella: What happened?

  Hakhir: Life advice.

  *Ariella helps Emma stand, and the four leave the arena. Celestra rests on his shoulders, healing his arm. They pass one of the contestants along the way. A shorter elf with orange eyes and black hair.*

  Elf: Great match, you two. It was like watching a fireworks show!

  Hakhir: Thank you.

  Emma: Why does she have to be so cryptic sometimes?

  *Hakhir takes in a deep breath.*

  Hakhir: That would be from the bards at the tavern I would regularly. They often liked to tell stories in weird and often twisted ways. They used people’s natural curiosity to keep them interested, and she enjoyed it. Even wanted to be an actress at one point.

  Emma: *Laughs loudly* Really?!

  Hakhir: Yeah. I put a stop to that immediately.

  Emma: I can’t imagine her acting.

  Hakhir: Why do you think it was so easy to convince her? She can’t even lie very well.

  Isabelle: Gee, thanks. Dad.

  *Isabelle walks out from around a corner with her arms crossed.*

  Hakhir: I don’t hear you denying it.

  Keya: That’s because Dad told her as well.

  Isabelle: Lap!

  *Keya throws her arms up as she runs off..*

  Keya: It’s the truth, though!

  Isabelle: Three laps!

  *Keya yells out, barely in earshot.*

  Keya: Oh, come on!

  *The group laughs as they continue walking. Hakhir hands his axe off to Isabelle, who walks alongside him.*

  Isabelle: I won’t lie, I was rooting for Emma.

  Emma: I mean. It would’ve helped if I knew about all the fire and flames. Valorin’s flames are hotter but slower. Yours were a lot more aggressive.

  Hakhir: *Smiles* I’ve heard similar.

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

  *As the fights go on, Emma wanders the halls on guard duty, and Lily runs up and down the halls playfully.*

  Emma: *Chuckles* Careful. We don’t want to replace anything.

  *Lily reaches one end of the hall and runs full speed down the hallway, full speed with a giant smile on her face. As Emma watches her, their fun is interrupted by the distant sound of glass breaking. Emma and Lily run toward the sound to find a purple-eyed male elf with shorter brown hair on their hands and knees picking up pieces of a broken vase. *

  Emma: Is everything okay?

  Elf: Yes, sorry. I was dusting the halls, and it seemed this vase wasn’t balanced correctly.

  *Emma helps him pick up the pieces, and as they finish, he hands her a paper.*

  Elf: Here.

  Emma: What’s that?

  Elf: It was on the floor just now. I didn’t see it before, so I assumed you dropped it.

  Emma: It’s not mine…

  *Emma opens the paper, and it’s a letter addressed to her.*

  “Dear Emma,

  If you’re reading this, then the time is close, my dear granddaughter. Don’t let anyone else find this letter.”

  *Emma shoves the paper in her pocket. And stands up.*

  Emma: Oh. *Chuckles* I forgot I had this.

  Elf: If it’s garbage, I can take it for you.

  Emma: No, it’s a letter from family.

  Elf: Okay, and thank you for helping me clean this up.

  Emma: *Smiles* of course.

  *As he walks away, Emma steps into one of the nearby rooms and reads the letter.*

  “I’m sorry that I cannot be there to aid you, but if you’re as smart as my boy says you are. Then that means you’ll figure this out. My oracle powers can’t see beyond the Seer Assault. The last thing we saw was a blinding light. If you found this letter, then it means everything we have seen will come true. Don’t tell anyone about this letter, not even Lily.”

  Lily: What’s it say?

  Emma(TL): It’s weird, he said I can’t tell you, but from the sounds of things. His powers are linked to the Tree itself.

  Lily: But why can’t you tell me?

  Emma(TL): A test? This is a letter written to Emma. And they know someone extremely close named Lily. I think he wanted me to know it’s really him.

  Lily: So it’s a puzzle?

  Emma(TL): Well, partly.

  Lily: Maybe there is more that only you can figure out.

  Emma thinking: The blinding light? I’ve seen it in my dreams as well. I’ve seen it after, but the fight is always over. And we’ve lost.

  Lily: What causes the light?

  Emma(TL): From my dreams, I’d see it from everyone else's perspective.

  Lily: So maybe you caused it.

  Emma(TL): We’ll look up blinding lights later, but we should keep quiet. Don’t tell the other spirits until I know for sure.

  *Lily looks at Emma with a serious look on her face.*

  Lily: Right! We don’t want the others to find out and stop you.

  Emma(TL): *Smiles* Exactly.

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

  *Emma looks out at the spring flowers of the Glade from Ariella’s office, watching the petals flood over the city as they always do. Lily hops down from a shared bed with Celestra, she stretches out, then walks over to Emma.*

  Lily: Mama.

  *Emma turns to Lily, squats down, and picks her up.*

  Emma(TL): Yes, Lily?

  Lily: Can we go hunt or something? I’m so bored.

  *Emma smiles and looks at Ariella.*

  Emma: Hey, Lily and I are going to go on a patrol run.

  *Ariella continues to work while she answers with a smirk.*

  Ariella: Lily bored already?

  Emma: Yup. My next meeting isn’t until this afternoon. So I think I’ll stop by the board and see if there is anything fun.

  Ariella: Okay, take Celestra with you; she’s been wanting some more field time.

  *Emma looks to Celestra, who’s rising from her slumber. She stretches out her wings when she stretches. She then sits patiently and looks at Emma. She answers in her regal-sounding voice.*

  Celestra: Does this mean I can eat something as well?

  Ariella: I mean, if you want.

  Emma: Prepared meats don’t taste as good as fresh. Or so Lily has told me.

  Ariella: Oh. That makes more sense. Well then, sure, go ahead. Just don't get sick.

  Celestra: Yes, Mother.

  *Celestra bows before hopping down and following Emma and Lily out of the room.*

  *Reaching the old Adventurers guild, it has been torn down, but a board of sightings has been placed in its stead.*

  Emma: I do miss the old guild hall. *Looks down.* Well, you two. Anything look fun or exciting.*Looks at Lily* That won’t take all day.

  *Lily’s panting grin turns to a normal smile as they look at the options.*

  Celestra: What about astral rabbits? It says they’re getting into the silos.

  Lily: Yeah! Astral meat is the best!

  *Lily hops around Emma excitedly, bumping into someone, they look down and laugh as they continue to walk on.*

  Elf: Good to see even the higher-ups are lookin at the request bored.

  *Emma grabs Lily to stop her from tripping anyone, and they head out to the northern fields where an Elven brother and Sister work, both with Green eyes and red hair.*

  Emma: Hey! If it isn’t my favorite farming twins. Emily, Cooper. How are you?

  Emily: We’re setting up traps. Not that anything Cooper builds works.

  Cooper: The fence is still standin.

  Emma: Well, I’m out here to help with the Astrals.

  Emily: Finally! That request was put out last month.

  Emma: Sorry. I feel the next year is going to be a little tense.

  Cooper: Wait, the Seers ain’t attackin are they?!

  Emma: *Waves arms* No. No. We’re waiting on some news, but it won’t be here until the Summer of next year. Just remember to send in any sightings, though. You never know with the Seers. They’ve been quiet for a while now, and if they don’t do something soon, we might have to go see if they’re alive. *Laughs*

  Emily: Well, one can dream. But we’ll keep you posted. Most we see round here is the occasional Zyrmir.

  Emma: And where have the Rabbits been seen?

  *Cooper points to a hill to the east.*

  Cooper: That’s their den. I’m sure of it.

  Emily: They come from that direction, so he assumes that is their den.

  Emma: Okay, well, I’ll go check it out, and I’ll let you two know when the job is done. *Smiles*

  *The three head off, and upon reaching the hill, they’re stopped by a pair of angry Astral rabbits. Their body glows and grows. They become the size of a Stonetusk boar.*

  Emma: These guys would be really scary if we were just starting out. I heard they use Illusion magic to make themselves look bigger, but I just thought like double or triple.

  *Emma uses her knives to behead the rabbits, breaking their spell, to reveal their original shape.*

  Emma: It would be a problem, though, if they actually grew that big.

  Lily: But think of all the meat!

  *Emma laughs and nods for the two to go hunt. She rests at the base of the hill listening to the wind. Emma slowly closes he eyes, waking up to the nudges of Lily and Celestra.*

  Lily: Mama.

  *Emma rubs her eyes, then looks at both of them, covered in a mix of dirt and blood, and they wag their tails in excitement.*

  Emma: Bath time?

  Celestra: Yes, please. I don’t think Mother would appreciate the new look.

  *Returning to Ariella, Celestra runs up ahead, jumping into Ariella’s arms.*

  Ariella: Why are you wet?

  Celestra: We had to wash out the blood.

  *Ariella turns to Emma.*

  Emma: I know you use special stuff for her, but they were both covered in blood.

  Ariella: Well, she seems happier, so thank you, Emma.

  Emma: Of course! *Smiles* You’re always watching Lily for me. It’s been ages since I was able to bond with my favorite elf’s spirit.

  *Emma pets Celestra before walking away.*

  Emma: Well, I have to go to my meeting. We will see you two later.

  Ariella and Celestra: Bye.

  *Emma heads down the hall, carrying Lily, barely awake from all the playing.*