Year 35

*As the night falls Emma enters the house. Katrina sits in the common area reading a book. Emma sits down and Ariella walks over to sit down as well.*

Ariella: How was training?

Emma: Boring.

Ariella: I know, I'm sorry.

Emma: *Shrugs* It's fine. Lily can help but we are so in sync that it takes out most of the fun.

Katrina: I can imagine. So does she follow your commands the whole time or what? How does that work?

Emma: No, more like we've learned everything together. So we think alike.

Katrina: That level of connection sounds nice though.

Emma: It is. Speaking of connections. Are you ready to leave on our trip and see your future husband tomorrow?

Katrina: *Smiles*We aren’t even engaged. Besides we just saw him last spring when he visited Jason.

Emma: You did. I got stuck thinking I was looking for someone's lost pet. Instead, I spent all day looking for a child.

Katrina: I mean she was a demon and she did say her baby.

Emma: Yeah, but normally when someone describes scales to me I'm not looking for a child.

Katrina: Too bad you and Jason didn't work out. When I end up out here with Lucius, having a friend nearby would be nice.

Ariella: You can't have Emma. She's mine.*Hugs Emma.*

Katrina: Don't worry. I won't take your wife away from you. *Laughs*

Ariella: That's not what I meant.

Katrina: Please. You, clearly have a crush on Emma.

Ariella: I do not!

*Ariella starts to turn red from embarrassment.*

Emma: That would explain how you acted whenever I hung out with Jason.

*Emma nods in acknowledgment.*

Ariella: *Irritated* Emma. We talked about this.

Emma: I know.*Laughs* I’m just giving you a hard time.

Katrina: So what I’m hearing is. Emma’s single?*winks*

Emma: *Smiles* Oh yeah! *Laughs*

Ariella: What’s it like Katrina? We’ve never experienced what it’s like to be chained down.

Katrina: I’m not chained down yet.

Ariella: Yeah. But I'm sure he's going to propose soon. It's so obvious how much you two love one another.

*Levi enters the house carrying two extra servings of "exxxxtra" spicy noodles. He looks at the girls pausing with a guilty look on his face. He nods and then heads to his room. The girls all laugh as the door closes.*

Emma: Did you figure out how to make it?

*Levi exits his room eating one of the bowls*

Levi: I needed a higher heat and the ingredients I bought before were too low in quality.

Katrina: I told you that deal sounded sketchy.

Levi: They wouldn't tell me their recipe but showed me the basics, now I can make my own.

Ariella: Just not as spicy?

Emma: Soooo. I'm going to skip Levi's days for dinner.

Levi: Good, more for me. *Laughs*

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*The religious city of Flaredin, and the Capital of Inferna. The walls make up a hexagon with an entrance in each cardinal direction, a statue of one of the six racial gods. A massive Cathedral sits at the center entrances pointing towards each statue as they point towards the center. A castle rests atop a plateau, watching over the capital. Ruddy kneels before a Dwarven archbishop as his party sits on pews watching as he receives his blessing. The stained glass windows decorate the halls in a depiction of the Dwarven god Grundar and the Human god Marnus, Grundar hands a bang of minerals to Marnus who holds a bag of gold on a ship.*

"Gods above, hear me! I, Archbishop Darrickson, stand as a witness to the sacred vow of this man, Ruddy Hopewell. Today, he pledges his life to the pursuit of justice, and selfless service to all those in need. Let his heart be bound to the noble cause of helping others, without thought of reward, without care for the cost.

Signals towards Ruddy’s companions.

Let his friends who stand with him this day—this noble vanguard—watch over him, keeping him steady on his righteous path. You, too, are the hands that will lift him when he falters and the voices that will remind him of the truth when doubts may cloud his vision. Together, you shall be a light in the world’s darkest corners.

And so it is, Ruddy Hopewell, that you now begin your journey. Across the lands and seas, you will travel, to the capitals of kings and queens, bearing not the titles of power, but the grace of a servant. It is your duty to offer aid wherever it is sought—whether from the lips of the mighty or the humble cries of those with nothing. Know that your steps, each one, carry the hope of many.

*Emma whispers to Ariella.*

Emma: So does this mean we’re losing Fuddy?

*Ariella attempts to stop a laugh. Darrickson glances over at the girls and they mouth sorry.*

Ariella: Quite. You’re going to get us in trouble.

Falicia: Plus, I’ll still get Fuddy.*wink*

*Both elves look at Falicia in disgust.*

Emma: Ew.

Levi: I don’t see how this changes him at all.

*Darrickson clears his throat, glancing at the party.*

"Go forth, with the blessings of the gods, and may your hands be ever open to those who seek them. Today marks the beginning of your great pilgrimage, and we, who bear witness, shall hold your name in our hearts. May you find strength in this calling, Ruddy Hopewell, and may the light guide you always."

*The group claps as the ceremony ends. Ruddy turns to them and they begin making their way out of the cathedral.*

Ruddy: *breath of relief* Well. Let’s find someplace to eat. I’m starved.

Emma: Katrina and I are gonna take a look around town and visit Lucius. We’ll catch up with you guys at dinner.

Ariella: Okay.*looks at Emma.* Just don't spend too much.

Katrina: Don't worry, I'll make sure she comes back with her coin purse. *Laughs*

*The group waves to Emma and Katrina as they walk away.*

*After walking around for a bit the two reach a park, where they stop at a fountain.*

Emma: So, where are we going for his surprise?

Katrina: I want to get him a Drake Kiss mug. Wait.

*Katrina pats herself down.*

Katrina: Are you kidding me!? *Stomps* I forgot my purse.

Emma: *Laughs* I'll pay for you and you can pay me back later.

Katrina: No. *Sighs* I'll go run back and get it.

Emma: Okay. *Sits* I'll be here when you get back.

Katrina: I'll be back. Again, I'm sorry.

*Emma smiles and waves as Katrina goes around the corner. As Emma turns away, the sound around her leaves. The sound of footsteps can be heard as Haze appears and sits next to her.*

Emma: You finally made it.*Smiles* Sorry about all the directional nightmare going on.

Haze: I found you back when Katrina got into town but you’ve always got her or Levi around.

Emma: Levi is fine. I’ll explain to him later. And I appreciate not jumping out in front of Katrina.

*Emma explains how Levi came to join the party.*

Haze: Do you need me to make a report?

Emma: Not yet. Like I said. I’m not sure how dangerous they are.

Haze: But they killed one of the seers.

Emma: Yeah. Meaning the higher-ups already know about it. I like how things are currently. I don’t know what’ll happen if we tell Archon. They might start hunting them. I’d rather not be used to a sweep and clear mission.

Haze: But aren’t they hunting us?

Emma: They surprised a lower-ranking seer. They aren’t strong. Their tactic was to get me so distraught with the agony of losing an ally that they’d have the advantage. Instead, I nearly killed them all out of anger. If they try something again we’ll act. Otherwise, Let them mess with Archon and the others a little longer.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

*Haze scoffs followed by both laughing. Emma leans back looking at the sky and smiles.*

Emma: Honestly, I’m not as bothered by the death anymore. It’s just the people caught in between. I know I can’t protect everyone, but, I don't like making others suffer when they're not even involved. They just happen to associate with the wrong person, or they were born with the wrong genes. And as a result, they get killed.

Haze: Permission to speak freely?

Emma: Of course.*nods*

Haze: I’m not completely against the Seers, but, you all have the potential to take us millennia into the future and they plan to start from scratch.

Emma: Yup. And you know why?

*Haze looks over at Emma.*

Emma: Because we have someone pulling our strings. I’ve been fighting mine since I turned ten. Do you know what happens if you kill a Seer's spirit?

Haze: How would we know? None have died.

Emma: We become bombs. If you don’t make them exhaust themselves first, one seer could clear out a small village. I found writings when I visited the Ficus mansion once, they were elven legends. It was very vague in some, but it mentions an elf of great power losing their spirit and exploding in a magical ball of their main element.

Haze: If that's true. I'd hate to see what would happen if one of the oracles decided to pop.

Emma: If they did it without using any magic beforehand? They could clear out the capital. But they have to have a connection strong enough with their spirit.

Haze: Still scary to think about.

Emma: But about reports. I do have a report for Archon.

*Emma passes an envelope to Haze.*

Emma: I put it in there but be sure to let them know, I plan to follow Ruddy until he settles down.

Haze: Well. *Stands up* Hopefully they let me come back. I’ve been enjoying the days off out here. *Smiles*

Emma: Wait, you get days off? Not fair.

*The two laugh. Emma hugs Haze before he leaves. Right as Haze leaves Katrina walks around the corner.*

Katrina: Okay. I'm back.

*Katrina leans over as she catches her breath.*

Emma: *Laughs* I said could have paid for you.

Katrina: No, because then Ariella will yell at you again.

Emma: Yeah. *smiles* Maybe you're right.

*Emma stands up and they begin walking*

Katrina: About what?

Emma: About her having a crush on me.

*Katrina pauses, holding herself from knocking Emma over the head. Katrina's eyes twitch as she responds.*

Katrina: *irritated* Maybe you should ask her.

Emma: No, she explained it before. Since we're both elves we connect a little better.

Katrina: Since you know you'll both live forever?

Emma: Probably. I know there's just as much of a chance we get killed later in life though. I know how long I have left with Ruddy and Falicia, even you. Elves don't know how long we have until it's too late.

Katrina: I think I understand. I've never thought about it that way before.

Emma: Yeah. Before I was ten I learned about losing family. Ariella has her family but it's so large she feels unconnected.

Katrina: Well. Make sure to let her down easy.

Emma:*Laughs* Not sure how but I'll do my best.

*The two reach a large gate and approach a large dark blue-scaled demon guard.*

Katrina: Nice to see you again Enzo. How's your mom?

Enzo: Lady Katrina. My mother is doing well, she was able to get up and walk around yesterday. But I do apologize, Lord Galstog is out at the moment but he said you and your, ~looks at Emma judgingly~ Friend, can wait for him in the Den.

Katrina: Okay, don't tell him It's me I want to surprise him.

Enzo: I'll inform him of the unknown guests.

Katrina: Thank you. *Smiles*

*Katrina and Emma head inside. Emma feels Enzo's gaze as they walk away from him.*

Emma: So what's his story?

Katrina: Oh yes, sorry. Enzo's mom was hurt by an elf playing around with their magic a couple of years back, and now. I won't say he hates elves but he is a lot more wary of them. Ariella asked the same thing.

*In the parlor room Emma casts an illusion on Katrina, making her scales hot pink*

Katrina: Now we just sit and wait.

*Emma wanders the room looking around when a maid walks in with a tray of snacks and tea. She places down the tray pours a drink for Katrina and hands it to her.*

Maid: Here you are Lady Furish.

Emma:*Giggles* Lady Furish?

Katrina: I said you can call me Katrina, Kate.

Kate: I do apologize again.

Katrina: *Laughs* It's fine.

Kate: *Looks at Emma.* And for you miss?

Emma: You can just call me Emma. And I'm fine at the moment thank you.

*Kate gestures to the tray of tarts, some in the shape of leaves.*

Kate: We also have some Elvish delights.

Emma: *Turns* Really? *Smiles* I haven't had any since I lived at the capitol. They were one of the first sweets Ariella and I snuck out of the kitchen. *Laughs*

Katrina: Isn't that how you two met?

Emma: Yeah, and then I met her mom. After that, my whole life seemed to speed up.

Katrina: How so? Or is it because of.

Emma: Exactly. I want to go out and get as much experience as I can before it happens.

*Knock* Knock* Knock*

*A blue Demon walks into the room, his small glasses resting at the bridge of his nose. *

Demon: Enzo told me we had guests. I'm sorry but I can't entertain today. I must apologize.

Katrina: *Turns on the couch to face Lucius.* But Lucy. I had Emma turn my scales this shade of pink, just to surprise you.

*Lucius pauses as he looks at Katrina. her tail begins to wag from excitement*

Lucius: Kitten?

*Emma places her hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing.*

Katrina: *Smiles* Yeah, I told you I'd get you a surprise.

*Emma sits across from Katrina and Lucius. Lucius focuses on Katrina's scales with a smile on his face.*

Lucius: It's so well done. She even got under them.

Emma: I'm used to holding my spells for years at a time if necessary.

Katrina: Oh!

*Katrina pulls out a glass-blown mug with an imprint of pursed lips on the side, painted to match Katrina's natural scales. Lucius smiles as he admires the lips on the glass.*

Lucius: I have a gift for you as well. *Turns to Kate* Can you go fetch it for me?

*Kate nods and leaves the room.*

Lucius: *turns to Emma.* So you must be Emma?

Emma: Yes. And It's a pleasure to meet you. Katrina has been talking about you as long as I can remember.*Smiles*

*Kate returns, poking just her head in. She clears her throat and everyone turns to her.*

Lucius: One moment ladies.

*As Lucius steps out, Emma undoes her illusion spell on Katrina. Lucius then walks back inside and kneels before Katrina.*

Lucius: Now Emma, I'd like you to be a witness. As I Lucius Galstrog. Ask you Katrina Furish.

*Lucius pulls out a ring, a vibrant blue gem rests in a coiled flame.*

Lucius: To do me the honors of becoming my bride.

*Tears form on Katrina's face as she smiles. *

Katrina:*Nods* Yes, of course!

*Lucius places the ring on Katirna's finger and the two share a very passionate kiss. *

Emma: I don't have to witness the consummation too do I?

*The two demons laugh as they turn to Emma.*

Emma: I'm happy for you Katrina.*Smiles* From everything you've told me. *Looks at Lucius* He's a good man. And you deserve to be happy.

Katrina:*Looks at Lucius* I know. I'm sorry*Wipes tears* I'm just so happy. I don't know what to say.

Lucius: We're going to have a small celebration tonight. *Turns to Emma.* You should invite all your party, Emma, I hear you're celebrating the start of Ruddy's pilgrimage. Where did you all say you were staying?

*Lucius sends for someone to collect the party and as dusk falls they all sit down in the dining room, A large table full of meats, seats, and drinks awaits them. They celebrate both Latrina and Lucius's engagement as well as Ruddy beginning his Pilgrimage.*

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*The party stands in the center of a small hamlet; surrounded by a small forest. Talking to a male silver demon and a female green demon.*

Silver: We don’t have much in the way of payment.

Ruddy: Nonsense. *Smiles* All we’ll require is somewhere to stay for the night.

Green: Well I don’t mind *Looks up at Silver Demon.* We could offer the barn.

Quin: Would a barn work for you all?

Ruddy: Yeah. Something to help with the rain at least is perfect. *Smiles* So you said you wanted a well and some Imp problems?

Quin: Yeah, Gwen saw one the other day. We’re pretty sure it’s what got our Chiklos.

Katrina: Emma and I can deal with the imps.

Emma: It shouldn't take too long.

Falicia: I’ll come too, I’m not going to be of much use finding water.

Levi: I can use the Spirits to find water but it will take some time.

Ruddy: *nods* Well I’ll collect the supplies to build. In the meantime, Ariella, Do you want to help with imps or the well?

Ariella: I’ll help here. That way if we find it before Emma gets back I can use my magic to help dig.

Ruddy: Okay. We'll wait for you three here. *kisses Falicia* Be safe.

Emma: We'll bring her back in perfect condition.*Smiles*

*Emma and Falicia head out to find the Imps Walking through the wastes. Lily naps on Emma’s head while they walk.*

Falicia: You know. I can't remember the last time it was just you and me out of the party.

Emma: It's nothing personal, I swear.

Falicia: Well to be fair. I spend most of my time with Ruddy.

Katrina: That's just how parties are. Elizabeth and I didn't talk to each other much either.

Emma: *Looks at Falicia.* A party member from Whispering Falls.

*As Falicia begins to speak Lily stands up on Emma’s head and Emma hushes the others. The three spot a group of four Imps eating the frill of a Chiklo, A chicken-sized Dilophosaur. Emma and Lily stealth and follow Falicia and Katrina.*

Emma: Draw their attention. We’ll get the back two.

*Falicia throws a rock attracting the Imps as they turn to see her they begin running toward her. As the First Imps reach Falicia and Katrina they block their claws. The sound of another imp causes the others to turn to look at its friends, Lilly crunches down on the body of one while Emma shakes the blood from her blade standing over the split remains of the other. As the Imps begin to panic Falica and Katrina swiftly cut them down.*

Falicia: Should she be eating that?

*Falicia makes a disgusted face and Emma turns to Lily.*

Emma: I mean if it upsets her stomach that’s her problem. She’s as old as me she can make her own decisions too. *Smiles*

Lily: It’s spicy.

*Lily licks the blood from her paws after turning back to her smaller form. She looks up and smiles.*

Katrina: *disgusted* I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little interested.

Lily: It was tasty.

Emma: It’s spicy.

Falicia: I don’t doubt it. Their flesh is hot enough to boil water.

Katrina: Which is why I won't be having any.

*The three look at Lily who lets out a slight burp, causing the others to laugh.*

*Upon returning, the three find Ruddy up to his waist in a hole. As he spots them he reaches out to Levi to help him out. *

Ruddy: Oh good. Emma. *out of breath* Wanna help?

Emma: How are you out of breath? You just started.

*Ariella sits on a pile of stones watching the others.*

Ariella: He shaped the stones by himself. I offered to help but he wouldn’t let me.

Falicia: Ruddy?

*Ruddy freezes.*

Falicia: I told you. You need to let us help. Getting hurt won’t do you or any of us any good.

*Ruddy looks down discouraged and walks towards Falicia.*

Ruddy: I know. I’m sorry. I just got caught up in trying to make sure, "I", could help others.

Falicia: You forgot to let others help you?

Emma: Okay if you two are gonna kiss, I’m not helping dig this hole.

*The two sit down quickly and quietly, holding hands.*

Levi: It should be directly below where he was digging. But it’s kind of deep.

Emma: I think I can feel it. Aire, can you come help?

*The two place their hands on the ground around the hole.*

Emma: I’ll create mud, you pull the water out.

Ariella: Okay.

*Emma uses create mud on the dirt, penetrating the deeper levels. Ariella uses water manipulation on the water underground to pull it towards the surface. The two spend the next hour before a burst of water shoots up, showering the party. Quin, Gwen, and a few other Demons come running over.*

Quin: So we did have water.

Gwen: The trees in the area were a good sign after all.

Ruddy: The Well should be done in a day or two. Did you find that rope you mentioned earlier?

Quin: Oh yeah.

*Quin sends Gwen back inside to get the rope and hands it to Ruddy.*

Quin: It should be good enough for a well. I made it myself. I even made sure to treat it while you were working earlier.

Ruddy: Great! Levi. Ready to start?

*The two begin building the well, getting the rope attached just before dusk. After another day of work, the party takes their leave reaching a town where a group of Demons seem to be celebrating something.*

Katrina: It must be the End of Summer Festival. It's the biggest one we celebrate.

Emma: Why’s this one special?

Katrina: Because! Every 1000 years we send tribute to Drakthar and have a large fire that burns for an entire week. It uses the flame core of our past king.

Emma: Wait, but what would happen if the king passed right after the 1000 years and the next one lived past it?

Katrina: do you know how our hearts work?

*The party shakes their head*

Katrina: When we Die, our hearts, turn into a piece of hardened glass, when broken they can be used to cast Everburn. Stronger cores make for longer or stronger fires. Depending on its intended use.

Ariella: Wait! You use your hearts, as magic reagents?

Katrina: Yeah, Every demon and monster in Inferna has the same type of core. A demon's core is shaped like a heart, but just like monsters native to Inferna, our hearts are more volatile. We’ll hold onto the hearts of those who've passed and add it to the fire. That’s what helps keep it burning.

Emma: As long as you aren’t killing people for sacrifices. I’m in.

Karina: Oh no. We stopped the sacrifices last year.

*Katrina laughs and the party looks at her, terrified for a moment, before joining in the laughter.*

Katrina: But we should all go! It’s a one in a life ti… Well for everyone but Emma and Ariella. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Emma: So we can skip this one then?

Katrina: No! *Laughs* You still have to come.

Ariella: *Smiles* Well I’m going. It sounds like it’ll be fun.