Year 63

  *Goren approaches Emma while she watches over a group of elves training..*

  Goren: Here back from your team yet?

  Emma: No. Last I heard they were going into the Forest of Hajimari.

  Goren: Let’s hope that the information Faelar found is good.

  Emma: I’m not worried yet. I’m just bored.

  Goren: I know. What do you have after this?

  Emma: I have a couple of interviews, but I’ll be free by dinner.

  Goren: Good.

  *Emma looks at her Father, offended.*

  Emma: How can I forget? It's Mom’s anniversary.

  Goren: You’ve been busy. So I wanted to make sure you didn’t forget.

  *Emma smiles and hugs her Dad.*

  Emma: I know. Thank you.

  Goren: Of course.

  Emma: So what really brought you here?

  Goren: Oh yes. Lord Giovanni said. Just do the Bi-Monthly a week early.

  Emma: *Rolls eyes* Great…

  Goren: Hey, at least you can go on a trip with your sister.

  Emma: I am excited about that. I’m just tired of the reports.

  Goren: Yeah, it comes with the job.

  Emma: I didn’t ask for it.

  Goren: You could’ve said no.

  Emma: We both know that isn’t true. For multiple reasons.

  Goren: *Smiles* Only because you’re so caring.

  Emma: *Blush* I have too. I promised Mom.

  Goren: Okay, well I’ll see you tonight. Try not to offend anyone today.

  Emma: *Annoyed* That Happened one time! And how was I supposed to know They were best friends with a dwarf.

  *Goren laughs and waves, while walking away. Lily hops onto Emma’s shoulders.*

  Lily: You forgot.

  Emma(TL): Shut up. I feel bad enough already.

  Lily: *Smiles* I know. But at least your Dad reminded you.

  Emma(TL): True.

  Lily: And one year you only made it because Keya was shopping for dinner and you stopped to ask her if she needed help.

  Emma(TL): You could remind me too, you know. I’ve been filling out paperwork since we got back with Ariella. And now I have to start interviewing for guards. Monica and Gareth were supposed to report back last week.

  Lily: Well, tonight we’ll relax with family. And tomorrow, we can go talk to Isabelle.

  Emma: Okay. Let’s get this over with.

  *Emma sits down in Giovanni’s office with an Elf with orange hair and eyes. Emma looks at his soul during the questions to see if they lie.*

  Giovanni: Okay, let’s start with your age, magic level, and Family name.

  Grason:*Cocky* Name’s Jason Grason age 1074. Magic level 1065 last I checked.

  *He winks at Emma. Emma notices his soul flicker and taps her foot.*

  Giovanni: hmm. That’s not what you wrote down.

  Grason: *Nervous* Well I didn’t see it, that was what the receptionist told me.

  Giovanni:Right… Next question. What is the highest rank monster, that you, by yourself can and have defeated.

  Grason:*Cocky* Just last week, I defeated a Racath.

  *Giovanni waits for a moment before putting a checkmark on the paper. *

  Giovanni: And to confirm. This was a healthy Racath?

  Grason: *Nervous* I mean it had just finished fighting a pack of Zymir, so she wasn’t in perfect shape.

  Giovanni: Thank you for the transparency.

  *Giovanni writes a comment on the page before moving on. As the last interview finishes Emma walks out of the office, hungry and exhausted. Ariella waits for her around the corner and the two walk together.*

  Ariella: How was it today?

  Emma: *Sigh* one of them brought their mother.

  *Ariella bursts into laughter.*

  Ariella: Hey, are you busy tonight?

  Emma: Yeah, it’s my Mom’s anniversary.

  Ariella: Oh. Well, maybe tomorrow you can come with me to check out the passing markets?

  Emma: Is that this week? I’m sorry Arie.

  Ariella:*Smiles* It’s fine. Say hi to the family for me.

  Emma: I will.

  *As Emma walks to the house she hears yelling. She waits outside the door, listening.*

  Keya: Bubba! Spit him out!

  Goren: He knew it was going to happen. He keeps doing it.

  *Emma opens the door to Isabelle holding onto Bubba, while Keya is on the other end holding onto the butt half of Lazarus.*

  Emma: Bubba. I brought you some treats.

  *Bubba spits out Lazarus and leaps out of Isabelle’s arms toward Emma.*

  Bubba: You got the Muffins I like?

  *Bubba smiles and sits before Emma.She takes out a soft blue muffin and holds it before him.*

  Emma: Now. Like we promised You’ll stop trying to eat Lazarus. *Pause* Even, if he accidently bounces on you?

  *Bubba looks down sorrowfully.*

  Bubba: I’ll try.

  *Emma smiles and places down the Muffin before walking over to Keya drying of Lazarus.*

  Goren: You need to stop spoiling him.

  Emma: He only asks me, because his partner won’t listen. *Smiles*

  *Lily climbs onto a shelf with a bed on it.*

  Goren: And who asked me for the raised bed for Lily?

  Emma: Bubba. Because he heard Lily make a comment about wanting to be higher up. And she never mentioned it to me.

  Lily: Because I have a bed in the room.

  *Emma nods to Lily*

  Isabelle: Okay you two, quit bickering. Emma, get ready, we’re meeting some friends at the nearby tavern.

  *Emma heads upstairs to change. She quickly returns in more casual clothes, a deep purple tunic and a skirt.*

  Keya: Hey! That’s the one I picked out for you last week.

  Emma: Yeah, I was saving it. For today. I told you that.

  *The family heads off, leaving the spirits at home. As they reach the tavern they’re met with cheers. From different races as they all raise drinks. Grant and Penelope sit next to a thin deep bronze scaled demon. Hakhir sits with a group of dwarves in one corner in a drinking contest.*

  Emma: I recognize some faces, but who are all of these people?

  Goren: They’re all the people your Mother ever grouped with. Aside from some humans who’ve passed away since them. I did extend it to any children so Some of them I haven’t quite met either.

  Isabelle: You’re Dad’s been trying to do it for years, but He was always struggling to find one person at a good time.

  Emma: Who?

  Goren: My youngest daughter, who likes to disappear for four and a half centuries, only for a quick visit now and then.

  Emma: Oh.

  *Emma’s face turns red with Embarrassment. She looks at a table of elves and notices Grason. He notices her and starts walking toward the family.*

  Grason: Hey. You’re from the Interview. How do you know Sarah?

  Emma: *Irritated* She’s my Mother.

  Goren: Emma, you’ve met Grason?

  Grason: Yeah, she was at my interview I told you about. She’s one of your kids?

  Goren: Yes, she’s my youngest.

  *Goren smiles proudly as she holds onto Emma’s shoulders, standing beside her.*

  Grason: Well I always did have the hots for Sarah. You look just like her.

  Emma: *Disgusted* Thanks?

  Grason: Hey, about the interview. Do you think I have a chance?

  Goren: You never told me what the job was for actually.

  Emma: It’s guard duty.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  Goren: *turns to Grason* For you?! I never thought you’d be willing to take a job outside mercenary work.

  Grason: Yeah, well with all this talk about the Seers. I thought my best chance is to save as many future customers as possible. *Turns to Emma.* So what do you think? Lord Giovanni is hard to read, but I’m sure he told you his thoughts on me.

  Goren: Wait, Grason I think…

  *Emma interrupts her Dad and grabs Grason by the arm, walking toward the bar. *

  Keya: I feel bad for him.

  Isabelle: Goren, did you warn him about Emma?

  Goren: I try not to say that in letters. I’ll go.

  *Isabelle grabs Goren.*

  Isabelle: No. I think Grason needs to learn some manners.

  *Emma sits down next to Grason as he continues to rant about his adventures. She just nods and hands the bartender a piece of paper. The bartender nods and brings out some powder and a vial of some blue liquid.*

  Emma: Hey, wanna see a trick?

  *Grason pauses.*

  Emma: If after I burn this rag, you can tell me how many fingers I’m holding up within one minute, I’ll kiss you.

  *Emma wraps the powder in a rag from her pocket, tying it with a piece of yellow string. She douses it in the liquid and holds it in front of Grason. Isabelle nudges for the others to watch.*

  Grason: *Smiles* If you just wanted to kiss, we don’t need to play games.

  Emma: *Giggles* Okay, now watch closely.

  Grason: I’ve practiced with Flashers a lot so they don’t affect me as much as most people.

  *Emma lights the rag on fire and creates a bright flash, very briefly. Grason then drops to the floor unconscious. Emma walks over to her family as she gets a mixture of laughter and cheers. Emma then sits down next to Keya who’s arguing with Isabelle.*

  Keya: Emma, you hit him right?

  Isabelle: I know she’s fast, but I didn’t see her move at all.

  Emma: No. the string I used had sleeping powder mixed into it. I just held my breath.

  Goren: That just means he’ll try harder now.

  Isabelle: Yeah. That man can’t take no for an answer. He’s harmless, but stupid.

  Emma: He tried hitting on me at the interview. I just hope Giovanni doesn’t hire him.

  Goren: I mean it would be stupid not to. Grason is a strong fighter.

  Emma: Well he passed the tests. It’s up to Giovanni to decide.

  *As the party goes on Emma meets everyone. Both new and old. As things quiet down, Everyone tells a story they know about Sarah. A young male Human tells a story of his Grandpa who joined her on a guard quest. Keya helps Goren carry Isabelle home, standing on each side of her, and everyone lies down for bed. As the lights go out, Emma sneaks onto the roof with Lily and watches the stars, while lying down.*

  Lily: How was the party?

  Emma: It was great. I learned about a bunch of moms old adventures.

  Lily: But you’re not smiling.

  *Pause*

  Emma: Because I miss her.

  *Emma sits up and wipes her face.*

  Emma: Like, why did it have to be her?

  Lily: I don’t know. But could you honestly say we would be where we are today if she was still around?

  Emma: No, but that doesn’t make me miss her any less.

  Lily: is this about the nightmares?

  Emma: Probably. *Looks down.* I don’t want to lose any more family.

  Lily: Death is inevitable.

  Emma: I know. But that doesn’t change my mind.

  *Emma hears someone walking and turns to see Keya, wrapped in a blanket.*

  Keya: Hey. I thought I heard someone talking, so I came to investigate.

  Emma: Yeah, it’s just Lily and Me.

  *Keya sits down next to Emma, handing her some of the blanket and they huddle together.*

  Keya: So how’s Emma?

  Emma: I’m good. Just wishing Mom was here.

  Keya: Yeah. I know what you mean. But Isabelle was great, growing up.

  *Emma looks down in guilt.*

  Emma: I wasn’t around enough to see that.

  Keya: It’s fine, we all know you see her as more of our aunt then our Mom. And she’s just glad you’re not mad at her.

  Emma: I mean, I don’t exactly hide it. Sure, there’s a part of me who still doesn’t want to agree with the relationship. But I also want Dad to be happy.

  Keya: You should join us on our annual camping trip.

  Emma: Your camping trip with Isabelle? Shouldn’t you ask her first?

  Keya: Think of it like a special surprise for her. You don’t have to think of her as our Step Mom. Just take the week off and come with us.

  Emma: *Sigh* You’re not gonna let me say no are you?

  Keya: *Shakes heads* Nope. She always asks me to bring something fun.

  Emma:*Laughs* I’m glad I’m “Fun.”

  Keya: We haven’t decided on a date yet, but I’ll let you know.

  Emma: She’ll have to request it in advance. I’ll just make Seraphina pick a week I can also take off.

  Keya: Ohh. Good Idea.

  *Emma smiles and nudges Keya with her hand. Keya looks at Emma as she smiles.*

  Emma: Thank you.

  Keya: Of course. *Smiles* I have to watch out for my little Sis. But. I’m tired so I’m going to bed.

  *Keya get’s up, leaving the blanket on Emma.*

  Emma: Okay, Goodnight. I’ll probably stay out here for a bit longer.

  *Keya nods before heading inside. Emma looks up at the stars one last time and smiles before heading to bed as well.*

  *The next day Emma meets up with Ariella just outside the Capitol where a large group of carts have parked and opened up a temporary market.*

  Ariella: You’re earlier than expected.

  Emma: I left early in hopes we’d have more time today.

  Ariella: Then let’s go! I haven't eaten yet, so let's find something to eat while we shop.

  *The two wander the stalls after finding a stall that sells meat kabobs. *

  Emma: Anything I should look for?

  Ariella: Not really. I don’t want to buy anything if it’ll be gone in a decade.

  Emma: Well you can always put it in my Magic bank.

  Ariella: How do you know you still have access to one?

  Emma: I wrote them a letter asking.

  *With the news of the Elves and separate Planes becoming public, most of the public from the other races shunned the Elves for past troubles. Glimmerfell and Mithrun closed their borders, with the Seers stopping any elves from escaping to the east. Inferna and the church of unity keep their places open for the elves, but elven slavery begins reaching new highs across the world. In Valoria, The Seers have begun selling Elves with Spirit loss, since some can still survive a human’s lifespan. Most elves have moved back to Serenvale in hopes they might survive with Emma’s help.*

  *As the two walk along a couple kids run over to Emma and Ariella, they hand them some flowers.*

  Kids: Thank you for keeping us safe.

  *The two take the flowers*

  Emma: Of course.

  Kid 1: Is it true you’re a seer like the bad guys?

  Ariella: She is. But she’s agreed to help us because she thinks what they’re doing is bad.

  Kid 2: Our Mom says you’re going to find us somewhere safe to live.

  Emma: I’m trying. *Smiles*

  *The two wave to the kids as they run back to their mother.*

  Emma: That’s not the only reason I agreed to help.

  Ariella: I know, but they’re kids. I needed to explain it in a way they could understand.

  Emma: How about, I care about others.

  Ariella: Wait. What? You do?

  *Emma chokes as she takes a bite of her food.*

  Emma:*Smiles* You’re an ass, you know that?

  Ariella: That’s what you like most about me right?

  Emma: No. I much prefer the nicer you.

  *Ariella scoffs*

  Emma: *Laughs* I know. But, it’s only fair I get to pick on you.

  Ariella: As long as you remember.

  *After some shopping the two stop at the house so Emma can drop off a few things. As the get inside they here a voice, they turn to see Keya running toward them. Keya carries a wide box, blocking most of her vision.*

  Keya: Hold the door! Hold the door!

  Emma: We heard you the first time. So did Mom.

  *Ariella laughs for a moment before covering her mouth, then playfully smacks Emma.*

  Emma: What did you buy now?

  *Keya quickly passes the two and places the box in the center of the main room.*

  Keya: It’s a surprise. For Dad.

  *Keya opens the box and everyone looks inside.*

  Ariella: *Confused* What is it?

  Emma: Is that a fruit press? Keya, Why does Dad need a fruit press?

  Keya: He said he wanted to make his own wine. Soo. Ta da!

  *Emma shakes her head, holding it as though dealing with a headache.*

  Ariella: So the weird gifts. That a Genetics thing or?

  *Keya and Emma turn to Ariella*

  Both: Hey!

  Emma: Keep it up and I’ll stay home.

  *Emma crosses her arms and turns away from Ariella.*

  Ariella: No. Please. I really want to go with you.

  Keya: Where?

  Emma: I promised her we could go get cake where we used to go.

  Keya: *Excited* Can I come?!

  Ariella: Of course! The more the Merrier!

  Emma: It’s my treat, but please don’t go crazy.

  Keya: Didn’t we find out I have more saved up than you?

  Emma: Only because I can’t access my bank anymore. I just hope that my stuff is okay… If I can ever go get it.

  —-----------------------

  *Emma is sitting in the library, reading when one of the guards knocks on the door.*

  Emma: Yes?

  Guard: Monica and the others have returned, Lord Giovanni has requested you meet them in his office.

  *Emma runs to Giovanni’s office, where Monica and Gareth are sitting down waiting.*

  Emma: Did you find it?!

  Giovanni: Shut the door! And get in here.

  *Emma closes the doors behind her and sits down. Giovanni holds up a glowing green vial.*

  Giovanni: I’d like to have both You and Ariella head back…

  *The dryad’s voice echoes in the room.*

  Dryad: That won’t be necessary.

  *Everyone looks as the Dryad walks out from the wall. Everyone except Emma gasps.*

  Dryad: I heard everything. If you’ll collect Ariella and Seraphina. Then we can discuss me aiding you all.

  *With everyone together in one room, they begin discussing the future safety of the elves.*

  Seraphina: Before we get started. What shall we call you?

  *Seraphina gestures toward the Dryad.*

  Glade: Since you’ve called my body the Veiled Glade, you may call me Glade.

  Seraphina: Thank you Glade. I hope we can work something out together.

  Glade: As do I. Now.

  *Glade creates a replica of the Veiled Glade in the center of the room by growing out their branches from the tree.*

  Glade: Ariella and Emma both asked me to house your people under my roots. And in return you brought me the Tears of Beginning. I’ve come to propose to you all. You see, I like the elves. I’ve watched them since the first elf planted me here.

  Giovanni: So you mean you were here before the collision?!

  Glade: Yes. I’ve protected the elves. Sylvar himself also asked me to protect to Spirit Walkers. And as I said. I like the elves. If you move down there, how will you perform the Spirit ritual?

  *The room falls silent.*

  Glade: You may have heard that the Tears allow for a Dryad to separate from their body in case of danger. But they also allow for a Dryad to regrow if planted within the same day. I’ll also need protection from any outside sources while I grow for the first century.

  Seraphina: We'll offer everything we can. Just let us know where you’d like to move.

  Glade: If you plant me below my roots. When the day comes, if I fall, my tears will make way for new growth.

  Seraphina: So even if we fail. Your new body will grow stronger from the wounds?

  Glade: Yes.

  *After some further planning, Glade opened a pathway that leads everyone to the roots below. Using the stairs Emma made before, Glade creates a pathway for the group to head into the jungle. As they walk, the elves talk amongst themselves.*

  Ariella: Hey, Mom. Does this mean the people who live down here, their children.

  Seraphina: They would be mortal. Yes.

  Giovanni: That just means the elves we send below need to be trusted to lead the newer generations.

  *Emma walks alongside Glade.*

  Emma: So is there no way to replicate the moons?

  Glade: Not without creating a rift. But the last elves to do that are why we’re here today.

  *Emma’s ears droop slightly.*

  Glade: But Elves without spirits are able to live for at least 1000 years. So they’ll still have good lives.

  Emma: Yeah, I know. I’ve traveled with humans. I want to visit Ruddy and Falicia soon. They’ve been stuck in the Falls all this time.

  Glade: You know. I talked to your Grandfather a lot. And you remind me of him. He always cared for others.

  Emma: Is that why you chose to trust us?

  Glade: *Giggles* No. As a Dryad. I’ve always viewed the elves who’ve come after the one who planted me as my own children. I can’t just leave you all alone now.

  Emma: But No one has seen you. Why not speak until now?

  Glade: Because. He asked me to help you.

  Emma: What?

  Glade: *Smiles* He came to me ranting about one of his vision. He told me his Grandaughter would come find me. And on that day I should help you save the elves.

  *Glade’s voice changes to a masculine voice for a moment.*

  Glade: “ You won't be able to miss her gaze. Those Green eyes. And Purple aura.”

  Emma: Why didn’t he put it on the prophecy he left for us?

  Glade: “They’ll know who.” *Normal voice* I assume now he meant to Seers. And they absolutely would think that. For good reason.

  Emma: Why?

  Glade: Kaelthorn. Sylvar told me that his birth will be the beginning of the end. He’ll stop at nothing to find and kill you. He’s said to be born with the prophecy in mind. Guided by the Devils themselves.

  Emma thinking: Is that why that one Devil is here?

  Glade: He wouldn’t tell me what it was. But he told me “ She’ll be hated for it, but she’ll save them.”

  Emma: You speak like you talked often. Did you used to spend time with us in the past?

  Glade: I used to be one of King Redding’s advisors. He would’ve been your great-grandfather. But he got greedy with expanding the ever-shrinking land that the elves were limited to.

  *Reaching the center of the Jungle, Glade drinks the vial and roots quickly grow from her feet. As the roots grow, they begin to glow brighter with bioluminescence. She takes the form of a tree, her arms branches. Emma turns to Monica and Gareth.*

  Emma: I’d like you both to stay here while we work on moving people down here.

  *The group heads back up to the surface with a new hope for the future of the elves.*