Year 59

  *Emma sits in Giovanni’s office, waiting for his response. He reads through the form, and places it down in front of him.*

  Giovanni: So you want to go to DeepDock to get your swords?

  Emma: Yes, I figured we would travel to avoid towns to further their training.

  Giovanni: Have you talked it over with Ariella? That’s going to eat into her field time.

  Emma: Well, I was hoping to discuss her joining us.

  Giovanni: Out of the question. We need her team here in case something happens.

  Emma: Yes. But everything points to us having eleven years.

  *Giovanni rubs his forehead in thought.*

  Giovanni: I’ll discuss it with Queen Seraphina later. For now, talk to Ariella in case She says no. Dismissed.

  *Emma nods and heads off to find Ariella. Emma finds Ariella in the library, silently filling out paperwork.*

  Emma: Didn’t they give you an office?

  Ariella: Yeah, but they don’t look for me here.

  Emma: At least you have one though.

  Ariella: Then use mine if you want one so bad. *Smiles and turns to Emma.*

  Emma: Maybe I will! *Smiles*

  Ariella: So what did you need?

  Emma: A couple of things. First. I thought about this recently, why did you always tell people elves are seen as children until we’re 1000?

  *Ariella laughs as she stops filling out papers and looks to Emma.*

  Ariella: So. Because my mom embarrassed me about it during dinner a while back. She sees any elf under 1000 as a child… Because of her age. Now, my question. WHY DIDN’T YOU CORRECT ME?!

  Emma: Probably because aside from your mom, my family has always treated me older. I thought it was another “Royal family” thing. Like your dad…

  Ariella: That one wasn’t my fault!... *Looks down.* Although he did ask me why I was hiding it from you.

  Emma: So it was your fault then. *Smiles* And? How did you respond?

  Ariella: I was worried. Since you hated him so much.

  Emma: I don’t care. *Pause* Now. For my second question. If I can’t get you some time off and have to take some of your field days. How can I convince you?

  Ariella: Well. How long first off?

  Emma: About a year?

  Ariella: Tell you what, I need a break. *Stands up* help me bring my stuff back to my office. Then we’ll go get our haircuts and we can talk about it on the way.

  *Emma helps pick up the papers and the two start walking to Ariella’s office.*

  Emma: So you decided on a place finally?

  Ariella: Yeah, it’s my first time getting my hair styled. I wanted somewhere special.

  Emma: Mine too, I’m pretty sure it’s only this short because it gets cut in fights.

  *Emma plays with her short ponytail while looking at Ariella’s hair.*

  Emma: My hair barely goes past my shoulder blades, but yours goes all the way, almost, past your butt.

  Ariella: Aside from trimming it myself. I’m ranged normally, so my hair was safe.

  Emma: I trimmed mine too!

  Ariella: *Mumbles* More like everyone else did it for you.

  Emma: I heard that!

  Ariella: Good.

  *The two laugh.*

  *Reaching the hair salon, a male elf sits them both down and begins cutting their hair while they talk.*

  Emma: So. You still haven’t answered my second question.

  Ariella: Second?.. Oh yeah. Well, you said a year. Do you have something in mind?

  Emma: The most I can offer is, when I get back you can take some extra field days.

  Ariella: Yeah, but that means I’d have to wait a year. What do I get now?

  Emma: This is what I get for leaving my stuff in the bank.

  Ariella: Your magic bank?

  Emma: Yeah, I put a bunch of things for you in there while I traveled. But I have to go to The Golden Throne to get them.

  Ariella: How about you put some stuff in your bank for me?

  Emma: You won’t be able to get it back without my blood. Are you sure?

  Ariella: It’ll make sense when I show you what it is.

  Emma: Okay. And that’s all you’ll want?

  Ariella: For now. I might make you pick it up while you’re out. *Smiles*

  Emma: Even I can’t get there and back in a year.

  Ariella: Yeah, but I hear they might be making a teleport system to Mithrun in DeepDock.

  Emma: *Sigh* Am I paying?

  Ariella: Of course. *Smiles*

  *Ariella has her hair cut to the middle of her back, held together with an elven braid. Emma has her hair cut to just above her shoulders, She keeps some of her longer hair untrimmed to use as a braid to hold her hair up. A moonstone helps hold the braids together so they don’t come undone in battle. The two admire their hair and head back to the Capitol. Upon reaching the gates a guard informs them they’ve been told to go to Queen Serphina’s office immediately.*

  *Knock* *Knock**Knock*

  Seraphina: If it’s not Ariella or Emma, I’m busy!

  *The two slowly open the door. Seraphina looks up with an intense scowl. She quickly smiles upon seeing the two.*

  Seraphina: I love the new look!

  *Seraphina gestures for the two to come in, and they quickly sit down.*

  Seraphina: So, Emma. Explain, what it is you’re wanting to do?

  Emma: I’m choosing to believe we have eleven years left. You wanted me to get the Twilight Fangs. So, I figured. How about Ariella’s team and my team get together, we avoid town travel and head to DeepDock, it’ll take about a year.

  Seraphina: No.

  *Emma goes silent and looks down. Ariella looks at Emma.*

  Seraphina: I’ll let you both go.

  *The two look back to Seraphina.*

  Seraphina: But it’ll be a race. You’ll both be given tasks at the far ends of Sylvndor. First, to pick up one of the blades and bring it back, she and her team get a ticket to the new beastkin spa.

  Both: Beastkin Spa?

  Seraphina: Well it took some time, thinking of something you’d both want and I overheard the guards talking about a new spa recently.

  Emma: I understand why Arie would want it but why me? I enjoy the spa, but…

  Seraphina: they have rooms where you can cuddle different types of beastkin. I hear a new guy started working and everyone says his fur is fluffier than a Minchilla.

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  *Emma’s arm shoots up.*

  Emma: I’M IN!

  *Both Ariella and Seraphina laugh.*

  Seraphina: You’ll have until the end of winter, while we figure out all the fine details. But the plan is to have you both deliver supplies to some small villages that are set to start construction this summer.

  *Seraphina passes some papers to her assistant who passes them between Ariella and Emma.*

  Seraphina: Those are your destinations. Emma is going east while Ariella is going south. Unless you have any other questions, all the rules are on there, you’re both dismissed.

  Emma: Mine says it’s over the border.

  Seraphina: Yes, it also said to make sure you get Eugene’s documents for leaving the country.

  *Emma and Ariella leave the office.*

  Ariella: How far are you going?

  Emma: I’m going to the desert just south of Lycaris.

  Ariella: At least yours is more flat land. I’ve got the swamps west of DeepDock.

  Emma: Wait, so you’re only about a month away then?

  Ariella: Yeah, but in the rules she put. “ Must cross from the southside to avoid the cart sinking.

  Emma: That makes a lot more sense. Rule number one: “ Lily can not pull any of the carts unless there is an emergency.”

  *The two discuss the rules before informing their teams.*

  *As the last of the snow melts Emma and Ariella stand before their teams. In front of them stand Seraphina, Giovanni, and some other witnesses. Seraphina goes over the common rules before sending them off. Both teams pull five carts of supplies. Emma rides in the front cart, Gareth pulls the second, Stella pulls the third cart, Eugene pulls the fourth cart, and Monica pulls the last cart. Next to Emma a new male elf rides on a Fluffmane, he has mossy green hair and blue eyes. The two teams leave the opposite sides of the capital, A couple of families wait outside waving. Emma looks back to see Ross waving to who she believes to be his partner and child and smiles, she turns back towards the new recruit.*

  Emma: So Norman. You seem excited. Have you traveled much?

  *Norman smiles almost fidgeting with excitement.*

  Norman: Aside from moving to the capital no.

  Emma: Well I saw your ability to make traps. I’m surprised you didn’t win the recruitment challenge before.

  Norman: Yeah. Turns out, that setting up traps isn’t always the fastest way to catch something. *Laughs*

  Emma: Yeah. But it is a much safer option. There’s always something so satisfying about seeing a trap work exactly as intended. *Smile*

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

  *As the team crosses the border, they decide to stop for the night, they park the carts in a circle formation. Some of the team’s spirits rest on the carts, to deter monsters while the smaller flying spirits fly high above scouting the area. Emma spars with Anthony, helping him level up his magic. As Anthony falls on his butt, exhausted, Emma walks over and sits down next to him.*

  Emma: You’re doing a lot better, but still. I’m surprised you’re this strong with only a magic level of one hundred now. *Stands up.* After you catch your breath go help collect lumber for tonight.

  Anthony: Yes, Captain.

  *Emma walks over to Monica as she uses magic to quickly flatten the area in the middle of the carts.*

  Emma: you’re going to be on second watch tonight.

  Monica: *Stands up.* Yes, Captain. Thank you for reminding me.

  *Emma raises her brow in confusion.*

  Emma: Why is everyone being so formal?

  *Monica looks over her shoulders before leaning in to whisper in Emma’s ear.*

  Monica: Giovanni pulled us all into his office, one by one, to inform us. “Be on your best behavior and follow all formalities.”

  *Emma shakes her head, looking at Monica, confused.*

  Emma: Why?

  *Monica makes air quotes as she speaks.*

  Monica: Something about. “ Keeping appearances,” I asked him about you since we all know you don’t follow formalities.

  *Monica pauses as if waiting for Emma to respond negatively. Emma shrugs and nods, agreeing to the statement.*

  Emma: It’s got me in trouble plenty of times.

  Monica: Norman said he was told to distract you.” act helpless.” If it means keeping you away from interacting with people.

  *Emma rolls her eyes.*

  Emma: *Irritated* So that’s why he always comes to me with a new trap idea when we enter towns?

  Monica: Yeah, we explained to him he could wait until we got closer to the border, but he said he. “Needed to stay in character.”

  *Emma starts to laugh but stops herself, some of the others turn to look for a second.*

  Emma: Norman!

  *Norman stops and turns to Emma. He looks at her and sweat forms on his face as he approaches her.*

  Norman: Ye-Yes Capt-t-tain?

  *Emma looks at Norman, still laughing slightly.*

  Emma: Is that why you brought me that trap designed to catch leaves?

  *Norman looks to Monica, she smiles.*

  Emma: Honestly, I assumed you were just overly passionate about traps. Listen.

  *Emma grabs Norman, putting her arm over his shoulders.*

  Emma: Hows about next time you and I just go get lunch next time? I don’t know why he thought you needed to trick me.

  Norman: Lord Giovanni said you would act out more if you knew of the plan.

  Emma: No. *Scoffs* I mean. I will when we get home. Because he’s an ass. Don’t treat me like a child.

  *As Norman notices Emma getting irritated he starts to get scared.*

  Norman: I’m sorry captain!

  Emma:*Turns to Norman.* Why? I’m not mad at you. Lord Know-it-all needs to stop thinking I’m a problem. He says he trusts me now but pulls shit like this.

  *Emma starts to walk away.*

  Emma: I’m going to go blow off some steam, if you hear an explosion or two it was me.

  *Norman turns to Monica. His face flushed with anxiety.*

  Norman: I thought he told us not to tell her?

  Monica: But you see.

  *Monica gestures to Emma walking away.*

  Monica: He told us she would take it out on us. She left to go away from us.

  *Some time passes and an explosion is heard in the forest. Norman looks to everyone else as they continue to train, talk and relax. Rodrik walks over to Norman.*

  Rodrik: That’s why we all laughed when you got scared of her. She’s really nice if you get to know her.

  Norman: But L…

  Rodrik: He’s afraid of her. Just talk to Gareth, he saw her anger, firsthand.

  *The two look over at Gareth as he sets up a makeshift table.*

  Gareth: as long as her eyes stay green we're safe. That’s how you know she’s mad.

  *Emma walks back, eating a piece of dried meat, Lily follows her carrying a roasted Zyrmin. Emma sits down where Gareth has laid out a map of the area.*

  Emma: How much further?

  Gareth: We should make it on time.

  Emma: Why do I feel a “But” Coming?

  Gareth: But, a Leawk was found in the area recently.

  Emma: I’d like to avoid messing up nature any more than I have.

  Gareth: Our other option is to go all the way south and follow the shore. It’ll take a couple more days, and we won’t have to worry about monsters that far south.

  Emma: Except for the crabs that come ashore during summer to find a mate. We’ll head that way, but let’s stay as inland as we can to avoid them.

  Gareth: We don’t need a cart if we sprint to DeepDock first.

  Emma: Except, the rules state I can’t use Lily to travel greater than one kilometer a day. Arie hates the swamp, she’ll slow everything down until they get there. Her mom knows that and I’m sure that’s why she sent her that way. And lucky for us I found a loophole.

  *Emma smirks as she steps outside the tent, Gareth follows her.*

  Emma: Listen up everyone!

  *Everyone stops moving and turns to Emma.*

  Emma: Tomorrow we’re going to split into two teams! Gareth will be in charge of the team who will stay with the cart. I want two volunteers who are willing to help me distract a Leawk long enough for the others to pass. You’ll need a larger spirit so: Eugene, Stella, Monica, Corey, and Anthony are out on this one. I’d also like Olivia and Oliver to stay as well.

  *Everyone pauses for a moment.*

  Thoris: No offense captain, but can we hear out the entire plan before we agree? Some of us can’t quite keep up with you.

  Emma: I’ll be the only one engaging the Leawk. We’re not killing it. Even if we wanted to. Last time I personally still call it a fluke. Anyone who joins me will be tasked with keeping the area safe. Except Norman, even if he leaves, he’s going to design me a trap to hold the Leawk. Just long enough for us to escape.

  Norman: I’m fine with that.

  *Rodrik and Thoris step forward.*

  Emma: I won’t be able to use any of my large spells this time because of how long I’ll have to distract it. Anyone who joins me, like I said it’s keeping anyone out of the area. If everything works out. I’m going to pull it south of the roads into a trap and escape. You’ll all travel for half a day so I can catch up. Once I lose it I’ll have to walk.

  *The next day, Orlando and Priscilla join Norman to create a trap. The three then join Thoris and Rodik as they patrol the area for any civilians. Emma watches the Leawk as it slowly walks through a forested area. It sniffs the ground when suddenly the sound of a tree falling comes from the road. The Leawk looks up and listens for a moment when Lily darts out in front and roars at the beast with Emma on her back. The Leawk takes the roar as a challenge and begins chasing after the two. As they run out of the forest, the others watch as their eyes struggle to keep up with her. They turn to the forest as the Leawk tears through, ripping trees from their roots.*

  Emma(TL): How you doing?

  *Lily pants heavily with each press from the ground. Emma focuses on Lily, casting enhancement spells to allow her to push herself to the absolute limit of her sprint. The Leawk starts to catch up to them, reaching them almost instantly.*

  Lily: Now!

  *Emma casts a gust of wind to change their direction, the Leawk ounces at the ground. It quickly gets back up and starts chasing them again. Emma shakes an empty bag and looks forward to a tree with another bag attached. She uses sightshare to show Lily where to go and they continue to this back and for a few times, until the Leawk begins to slow down and swipes at them as they jump. Barely missing the attack Emma looks back as the Leawk is already right behind them.*

  Lily: What now?

  *Emma notices a small pond in the corner of the area.*

  Emma(TL): Can you get over there before it catches us?

  Lily: Are you calling me slow? *Smile*

  *Emma pushes more of her Magic into Lily and she takes a deep breath before speeding up. As the two start crossing the pond, Emma freezes the water and the Leawk falls and slides across. While it gets its footing Emma and Lily finish spreading the contents of the last bag when the Leawk starts charging at them. As the Leawk reaches the center of the Magic circle Emma created with the dust from the bags, a giant aurora prison forms, the Leawk attacks the walls and they begin to crack. Emma and Lily swiftly make their escape, running as fast as they can to avoid it pursuing them.*

  *While the team waits for Emma, they rest between a rocky outcropping. Norman paces around while Thoris and Rodrik practice swings.*

  Rodrik: Relax, Norman. You saw how long it took to break that spell. Leawks only pursue what’s right in front of them.

  Norman: I know, but she should’ve been here by now.

  Rodrik: Or she got distracted again. If she’s not back by morning we’ll check for her.

  *At midnight hits the camp, Emma walks in and waves to Stella on watch.*

  Stella: Norman was acting like a lost puppy after you didn’t show up on time. *Smiles*

  Emma: Really? Why?

  Stella: I think it’s just because he worries.

  Emma: *Nods* That sounds right. He seems to worry about everything. He handled the trap planning just fine. But once the pressure is on he struggles.

  Stella: He’s better though. He doesn’t cry anymore.

  Emma: *Smiles and chuckles* Well, Lily and I are off to bed. If I don’t wake up for breakfast, tie me to a cart and drag me.

  *Emma waves to Stella as she walks away.*