Year 29

*Falicia, Ruddy and Kimmy arrive in a town bordering a desert. They approach a man selling sleds and Koiote’s; A cross between a koi and a Coyote. Kimmy walks over to the pen and admires them. One comes over panting.*

Falicica: Just be careful. Your mom won’t forgive me if you get hurt.

*Falicia acknowledges a brooch on Kimmy. Lily in hiding.*

Kimmy: These are gonna pull our sled?

Falicica: We only need two or three, but yes.*smiles*

*Ruddy walks over to Kimmy and Falcica.*

Ruddy: We can pick them up tomorrow morning. We should meet up with Emma and Ariella.

*Ariella, Emma and Haze are all talking while hanging out just outside the town walls.*

Ariella: How long do you think the training will take?

Emma: It sounds like most of it is self taught so probably not too long. But I figure Haze can keep an eye on her while looking around Lycaris. when I'm not busy.

Ariella: I heard they have the prettiest green mountains in Lycaris. Even if I don't go questing maybe I can take Kimmy. on a camping trip.

Emma: She'd like that. She loves your stories. Just maybe keep the more embarrassing ones away. Please?

Ariella: No promises *Smiles*

*Ruddy waves at the elves as he spot them. He waits up for Falicia and Kimmy to catch up before heading towards them.*

Ariella: I’m just enjoying the different places. and thought she might want to go too.

Emma: Hey Arie.

Ariella: *Worried* I know that tone. What?

Emma: Thank you. I know you wanted more adventures.

Ariella: I’m gonna stop you there. I mean it when I say it. Emma, I’m still having fun. Honestly just questing gets boring. Think of Ruddy and Falicia. One day they’ll tell their kids about all this.

*Ruddy reaches the two.*

Ruddy: Who’s gonna tell their kids?

Ariella: You and Falicia.

*Falicia and Ruddy turn bright red.*

Falicica: It’s not like that!

*Kimmy looks up to Falicica.*

Kimmy: Are you gonna be a mama too?

Emma: Maybe one day but not right now.

Ruddy: *Nervous* Yeah, I mean. I like fal.

Falicia: You what?

*Their faces turn bright red and the group heads into town.*

*Reaching the gates Emma and Ariella are wearing fake collars and maid outfits.*

Ariella: *Whispers* I never thought I’d find myself wearing this. How did you do it Emma? This collar is so tight, it feels like it’s gonna choke me.

*Emma smacks Ariella’s hand to stop her from playing with it.*

Emma: You’ll get us in trouble if you talk too much. Also, quite playing with it, before you get us in trouble.

*Kimmy holds Ariella’s hand*

Ruddy: It’s just until tomorrow.

*The next morning Ruddy, Falicia and Kimmy ride a sled just over some dunes. As they stop Ariella and Emma climb on. Ariella still has the collar on.*

Ruddy: Uh, Ariel.

Emma: SHHHH!

Ariella: What? Is something on my head?

Falicia: No just wondering how you’re handling the heat? Thirsty?

Kimmy: Why are you still wearing the collar?

*Everyone makes sounds of disappointment. and Kimmy looks around confused and Ariella reaches for the collar before turning red.*

Ariella: EMMA!

Emma: What I thought maybe you were into it?

*Ariella pushes Emma off the sled. Ruddy and Falicia help her back up and everyone laughs.*

Emma: I was going to see how long it took you. I was gonna tell you before we reached anywhere.

Ariella: Hey Ruddy, I ever tell you the time Emma accidently saw you.

*Emma jumps on top of Ariella covering her mouth.*

Emma: I’m sorry! I’m sorry!

Ruddy: Saw me what?

Emma: We can go now!

*Emma’s face now red. Ruddy, confused, Sets off. The two Koiote's swim through the sand pulling the sled. Everyone’s face filled with wonderment. Ruddy smiles as he watches the others.*

Emma: Is it hard to steer?

Ruddy: I took lessons when I was 13, but yes. I wasn’t confident enough to get three. Even now I can feel the left one trying to pull away a little. If I wasn’t afraid of one getting away I’d teach one of you. But they’ll get along better as the trip goes, Making it easier. We’ll probably reach the oasis by the time they start playing together.

*A few days pass and the party reaches the oasis. A town attached to a lake in the middle of the Desert. Ruddy Takes the sled while the girls head inside the town. As the girls enter the town They notice.*

Emma: There’s so many Halflings here.

Kimmy: So I don’t need to hide?

Emma: Not yet, let’s understand more before you get into trouble.

*After finding a place to sleep Falicia heads off to find Ruddy while the elves talk with the tavern keeper. The Tavern keeper is a male shorter, more stout, looking elf with orange eyes.*

Emma: Excuse me.

Elf: Is something wrong with the rooms?

Emma: No. We just wanted to understand the situation going on in town.

Elf: Well, most the town are the abandoned Halflings.

Ariella: That explains a lot.

Elf: my father was a dwarf myself. And I bet you can guess my mother.

Kimmy: You’re half elf too?

*The man nods. As Emma talks she rests her hand on Kimmy’s head.*

Emma: We’re heading to inferna so She can be safe.

Elf: That’s were most people go when they leave here. Where are my manners.

*The elf brushes his hand off on his leg the reaches out to shake Emma’s.*

Brock: Names Brock.

*Emma shakes Brocks hand*

Emma: *smiles* I’m Emma. This is Kimmy.

Ariella: And I’m Ariella.

*Emma removes the illusion over Kimmy’s eyes revealing her true color*

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Brock: Well with eyes like those she’s definitely half elf.*Smiles*

Kimmy: I got em from my mama!*Smiles*

brock: *Laughs* But, yeah. She’s safe here. Some people even send halflings here because they see them as too much work to get rid of otherwise.

* AS Brock tells the three about the town a younger male half elf walks out carrying a tray. He turns towards the group as he picks things up. He places down the tray as he walks towards everyone.*

Thomas: Emma, Kimmy?

*Emma turns towards the elf. Thomas, one of hopkins other children.*

Emma: Thomas is that you?

*Emma runs over and hugs the young halfling.*

Emma: How are you doing. Are you eating well. Is anyone else here?

*Thomas smiles and shakes his head.*

Thomas: No, I stayed behind because Brock offered me a job.

Brock: I offered it to his brother too, but.

Thomas: He didn’t want to leave Petunia.

Kimmy: Mama?

Thomas: Do you remember me Kimmy? I’m one of your older brothers.

Ariella: That makes so much more sense. Emma told us about all of you.

Emma: I know I wasn’t able to interact with all of the kids but I tried. How are you by the way?

Thomas: I’m. I’m happy.*Smiles* Brock has been helping me find what I’m good at.

Brock: Not all Halflings are as nice. But we tend to help out one another.

Thomas: So what brings all of you here?

Emma: We’re just passing through.

Thomas: I heard from Petunia that you became an adventurer, but she wouldn’t tell me more.

Emma: We have two humans that are in the party as well.

Brock: Humans? I’d be careful.

Ariella: Why?

Brock: Most halflings are half human. Long story short. Their mothers didn’t consent.

Ariella: We should.

*A loud noise comes from outside and everyone runs to the front door. Ruddy stands before some Halflings, They look mad at him while he keeps his saintly composure. Falicia stands behind him. The halfling in front takes a step forwards, he looks mostly human except his eyes and scales around his arms.*

Halfling: Humans Aren’t welcome here.

Ruddy: I’m not here to cause trouble. We’re just heading through.

*Emma taps Kimmy’s back telling her to run over to Ruddy. Kimmy nods then proceeds to run towards Ruddy and Falicia, Arms spread out.*

Kimmy: Uncle Ruddy!

*Kimmy hugs Ruddy’s legs, interrupting the situation. Emma quickly runs over.*

Emma: Kimmy, it’s dangerous to run off.

Kimmy: but Mama.

Everyone: MAMA?

*The hostility in the air quickly dissipates. The half demon walks over towards the party.*

Rhazor: Names, Rhazor. Sorry about that. Humans and halflings don’t normally get along.

Falicia: He told you we were just passing through. He even apologized first after bumping into you.

Ruddy: He apologized. It’s fine.

*Thomas and Ariella walk over to the group.*

Thomas: Rhazor. This is Emma.

Rhazor: Huh, I expected. Someone more powerful looking.

Emma: Uh, Thanks?

Rhazor: I don’t mean nothing by it. Tommy just told us about how you saved him and his family.

Emma: Why don’t we head inside and we can talk. All these eyes make me uncomfortable.

*As everyone enters the tavern they get a table, Thomas takes Kimmy away to play while the adults talk.*

Rhazor: I've never heard of a halfling having a mother. The mother's have always died giving birth.

*Emma looks down in disappointment.*

Rhazor: Tommy always talked about you and Kimmy.

Thomas: She was one of the only people who didn’t judge us. Even right as she met us.

Ariella: Good. I raised her right.

*Emma smacks Ariella on the head.*

Emma: you’re like a year old than me.

*Everyone laughs.*

*The next morning the party is getting ready to set off when Thomas runs over to Ariella holding a basket.*

Thomas: Here’s lunch.

Ariella: Thank you again. Did you want to say goodbye to Emma?

*Thomas shakes his head. Then waves to Emma as she helps Kimmy on the sled.*

Thomas: I know she’s not Kimmy’s mom. I know Kimmy won’t understand at first but what Emma did saved so many lives. Apparently the entire town and the estate was trampled over by the the army during the war. it's all just gone.

*Ariella looks up as Emma comes over and hugs Thomas.*

Emma: I’m gonna miss you.

Thomas:*Smiles* I’ll miss you too. You know you’re gonna have to tell her.

Ariella: Why? She’s.

Emma: Because there are no Halfling mothers. They die giving birth. When she finds out…

*Emma’s smile turns to a frown.*

Emma: I’m going to tell her. It's just I don't know how at the moment.

Ariella: I understand. Just don't wait to long. If she gets mad at you. I'll talk to her. She'll find Auntie to be very persuasive.

Thomas: *smiles* Anyway. I’ll let you leave. Hopefully I’ll meet you again if you come through.

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

*Emma opens her eyes. Before her stands the figure.*

Emma: *Angery*What do you want now?!

*The figure looks towards Emma.*

Emma: Why can’t you just talk to me. I’m not a killer. I don’t want to kill if it means hurting others. Like Kimmy.

*The figure gestures at the ground. As Emma looks down at the floor, it opens up to show Emma looking upon an army of Humans, her eye’s glowing Vibrant green. The hopkins mansion lay in ruins as it burns.*

Emma: I won’t let you leave! Not After everyone you killed!

*The soldiers laugh then start to charge after Emma. Lily comes out and starts grabbing soldiers and crushing them. Emma manages to keep up with the Soldiers, but the effects of the long battle are visibly taking their toll. As Emma goes to strike one of the Humans a sharp pain goes across her back. Emma falls to the ground, she reaches towards the house. Kimmy’s body lays in the distance past the countless other soldier bodies.*

Emma: Kimmy, I’m sorry.

*Emma closes her eyes. Before her stands the figure.*

Emma: So you helped me?

*Blackness takes over and as Emma opens her eyes she gasps for air*

Ariella: You okay?!

*Emma looks around the fire to see Everyone around her in the shallow cave they spent the night in. She looks down at Kimmy and holds her tight, Kimmy moves around in her sleep a little. Emma looks over at Ariella and she looks at Emma with a confused expression on her face.*

Emma: Bad dream.

Ariella: What happened? Mom always said dreams are just premonitions in disguise.

*Emma describes everything she saw to Ariella. Ruddy wakes up from the voices and sits up.*

Ariella: Thomas told me something before we left the oasis. He said that entire town is now gone because the war.

Emma: WHA!

Ruddy: Shhhh.

Emma: *Whispering* Sorry. What do you mean it’s all gone?

Ariella: The war came back through the area. That’s all he said.

Emma: But how did she know?

Ariella: This is kind of good. If they can tell the future maybe they only take over to keep you safe.

Emma: But what if I need to sacrifice myself to save everyone else?

Ruddy: Save it for Clayton. I’m sure he can help.

Ariella: How do you know so much about the church?

Ruddy: Did David never tell you?

*The two look at each other confused then shake their heads.*

Ruddy: When I quit adventuring I’m taking David’s place.

Falicia: What?!

*The group turns to Falicia, who’s sitting up now. Kimmy rustles in her sleep for a moment.*

Emma: *Breath of relief* So glad she’s a heavy sleeper.

Falicia: What do you mean you’re taking his place?

Ruddy: Why do you think he took me with him?

Falicia: But what about..

*Falicia’s face turns red for a moment.*

Emma: You know I can hear you two talk most nights right?

*Ruddy’s face turns red as he looks at Emma then Falicia.*

Ruddy: Like everything, everything?

*Emma and Ariella nod.*

Falicia: I told you they could.

Ruddy: Sorry. Well since you all know. Yes, I’m going to take over Davids place in the church.

Ariella: Which is?

Ruddy: He’s just one of the speakers but he travels the world.

Emma: But he never left when we were there.

Falicia: They only have to do it once and you have to reach at least ‘A’ Rank.

Ruddy: We go on a pilgrimage going across the world going town to town helping people. then we take place where we felt needed us the most.

Emma: So window shopping for a forever home?

Ruddy: *laugh* Kind of. I have to go to the capitols of every race. But only after I’m qualified.

Ariella: You’re telling me David. David of all people used to be ‘A’ rank?

Ruddy: Probably not. It’s a newer thing. It started after he joined.

Emma: That makes sense. I can't picture a buff looking David.

*Ruddy gets up leaving the cave. The Koiote’s both start panting as the start getting up. As he grabs stuff from a bag he tosses some fruit over to them. One of them plays with the fruit before eating theirs.

Falicia gets up and looks at Kimmy.*

Falicia: I’m on breakfast then.

Emma: Thank you.

Ariella: You know. You owe me.

Emma: For which time?

*Emma brushes Kimmy’s hair from her face. She starts to open her eyes slowly.*

Ariella: We never got to see those special lakes back in Glimmerfell. So this time I want to take Kimmy to go see the Ice bowl.

*Kimmy smiles as she looks up to see Emma looking down smiling at her..*

Kimmy: Morning Mama.

Emma: Morning sweetie.

*Emma looks back at Ariella as Ariella starts standing up.*

Emma: Well let's go right after I train.

Kimmy: Fine but If I get bored I'm taking Kimmy to go see.

*The two laugh, Kimmy laughs as well to feel included. After getting through their mornings, the party heads off.*

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

*As the Party reaches the other side of the desert they reach Lycaris. The mountains can be seen in the distance. They reach the first town and change from the Koiote’s back to a regular cart. In the back Kimmy rests with Ruddy and Falicia. Ariella rides up front with Emma as she steers.*

Ariella: The air kinda reminds me of home.

Emma: Colder. Maybe the northern areas.

Ariella: Oh yeah you went to AuroraGlen. That’s also on my list.

Emma: Wait. You’ve never gone? Have you seen the Skylights?

Ariella: Skylights? Are those the northern lights I heard about?

Emma: Yeah! They happened where I grew up.

Ariella: Well that can be another payback. You have to go with me to see the lights.*Smiles.*

Emma: Of course! We can see Hakhir maybe. He lives on the way.

Ariella: And by then, Kimmy should be able to hold her own spells.

Emma: Ruddy! How far is this place?!

Ruddy: David always said it was just north. I should get a letter on the way. We’ll check the next town for any info as well.

*The group rides into the forest towards a large mountain range.*