Year 43

*The trio follows Hakhir through a low-ceiling tunnel, Levi squats slightly to avoid hitting his head as he walks.*

Levi: How much further?*Sniffs* And what’s that awful smell? Did one of you fart?

Hakhir: Quit your whining Matheg. We’re almost there. As for the smell, you’ll see why soon enough.

*As they go further into the tunnel all but Hakhir have to crawl. At the end of the tunnel, they notice a bright light.*

Ruddy: It’s too bright. I can't see a thing.

Hakhir: Be quiet from here on.

*As they enter the room they use their arms to cover their eyes from the blinding light. After a moment they adjust and notice a large monster resting, a Steelrex. In the center of its curled body rests an egg.*

Hakhir:*points at the egg.* We just need to break the egg. The hard part is going to be escaping. We used that tunnel to mask our scent since it acts like an exhaust.

Levi: That's what that smell was?

Hakhir: Most beastkin can’t handle the smell. *Smiles* Good job making it this far.

Levi:*Sarcastic* Gee thanks…

Hakhir: Anyway, that tunnel down there.

*Hakhir points at a tunnel with a small creek passing through it.*

Hakhir: That creek leads to the Deeptide. *Looks at Emma.* You’ll use manipulate water to steer us along the current. *Looks at Ruddy.* You’ll use divine light to blind the Steelrex. *Looks at Levi.* You call down a spirit hand to crush the egg. Or does that still count as a life form?

Levi: How old is the egg? If it’s close to hatching it won't work.

Ruddy: Fergus said it wasn’t here last month.

Hakhir: And those things take at least a year to hatch.

*Lily crawls onto Hakhir and rests on his head..*

Lily: *Sniffs* He stinks so bad mama.

*Emma struggles to stop herself from laughing.*

Emma(TL): I’m sorry. It’s just so you can help direct me later.

Hakhir: Okay, are we ready to go?

Everyone: Ready.

*Lily nods*

*Emma and Hakhir sneak into the creek and wait for the others. Emma nods to Ruddy who nods to Levi. Levi calls down the spirit hand. As the hand comes down the Steelrex awakens and it grabs the hand. But the Steelrex stumbles and loses its footing, crushing the egg itself. Ruddy calls down a blinding light to stun the Steelrex, allowing Ruddy and Levi to reach Emma and Hakhir. The four dive into the deeper part of the water, where it opens up into a water current. Emma uses Water manipulation to level out the party, then uses sight share to watch Hakhir’s hands with Lily to steer.*

*As they reach the end of the current, the area opens up, and the party breaches. Looking around they see a torch showing them where the shore is and they quickly begin swimming. Reaching the shore Lily hops off of Hakhir and shakes herself dry.*

Emma: How did you know we wouldn’t shoot out into a school of Coelacanth?

Hakhir: *looks at Emma confused.* I didn’t think about that.*Laughs* Good thing we didn’t. We would’ve died for sure.

*Levi shakes himself dry and a second later his hair fluffs up. Levi turns and makes eye contact with Emma who bursts into laughter, holding her sides.*

Emma: Your face!*Laughs*

Levi: At least I’m dry.

*Emma dries herself off using magic. Then looks back at Levi with a smug look*

Emma: So am I.

Hakhir: *Readjusts his waist* Well. Let's get back to town. I could use a drink.

*Emma looks over at Ruddy, who looks to be in deep thought, before using magic to dry him off.*

Ruddy: Thanks...

Emma: You okay?

Ruddy: *Blinks and looks at Emma.* Huh.* Shakes head* Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking. After tomorrow, we finally get to work towards heading home.

*Emma looks away and smiles slightly with a sad expression.*

Emma: Yeah.

*Lily hops on Emma’s shoulder.*

Emma: Anyway. Let’s go meet up with Fergus...

*The party heads back to town where they meet with a young adult male dwarf.*

Hakhir: It’s all done, Fergus. I was there to watch myself.

Fergus: *Smirk*I’m sure they had you do all the hard work.

Hakhir: All I did was point the direction for them to go.

Fergus: Really?

*Fergus looks at the trio and nods.*

Fergus: I’m impressed. When my father said his old pal knew some strong people he wasn’t kiddin.

Ruddy: Well if it wasn’t for him telling us what to do I’m sure wouldn’t have managed to do it. *Laughs*

Fergus:*Laughs* Ain’t that the truth!

*Fergus smacks Ruddy on the back repeatedly as he laughs. Ruddy holds back the pain as his eye twitches. That night the town has a party with a bonfire lighting up the center. Emma watches as her friends all make fools of themselves. Ruddy and Levi hold onto one another as they drunkenly sing along with Hakhir and a couple of other dwarves.*

Emma(TL): I’m gonna miss this.

*Lily stays in hiding on Emma’s person.*

Lily: Me too. We’ll have to stop by before we get home.

Emma(TL): I still haven’t told him yet. I’m afraid he’ll be mad.

Lily: He’d probably be happy. Even if he does get mad. You still have me and Ariella.

Emma(TL): I know.

*Emma sneaks off and watches the party from outside the town. Lily comes out and rests on her shoulder.*

Emma: Part of me thinks it would be easier if I just ran.

Lily: But then you won’t be happy.

Emma: I know. I’ll tell him tomorrow.

Hakhir: Tell who?

*Emma looks over at Hakhir.*

Hakhir: I saw you sneak off. Bell was the same. Whenever we had dwarven guests she hid herself.

Emma: Really? That’s surprising to hear.

*Hakhir sits down next to her and reaches out to pet Lily’s head. Lily hesitantly lets Hakhir pet her.*

Hakhir: So what’s bothering you?

*Isabelle: The old bastard pisses me off. But he was still a great dad when I was genuinely upset.*

Emma: I’m thinking of staying in Mithrun when Ruddy leaves.

Hakhir: *Raises eyebrow* You sure you can handle that? An elf living by herself in Mithrun just screams disaster.

*Emma shakes her head.*

Emma: You remember the seers I told you about?

Hakhir: The elves like you who are blessed? Or whatever you called it.

Emma: Double eclipsed. Well. Before heading here I was beaten for almost killing another seer. I didn’t fight it and I could tell they weren’t even trying. I want to stay here and train. They say staying alone can make you crazy down here, but I have Lily.

Hakhir:*Stands up* She definitely had some influence on you. *Dusts off himself.* Bell came to me one day and said something similar. Said she wanted to be strong enough to protect her new family. Now she sneaks off every night to train.

*Hakhir passes a letter to Emma.*

Hakhir: That middle paragraph.

“ I want to be able to help her. I used to be the strongest in the capital. Now I’ve seen recruits with more potential. Emma’s out there trying to get ready for a fight she thinks she’s required to be a part of. I want to be strong enough so she doesn’t hurt herself or get killed. Goren spends every night talking about how he worries about both Keya and Emma. Keya is smart and stays close to home so he at least gets to see her. But Emma. If that’s the strength of a scout, we don’t stand a chance. She’s so young but already shows that much potential? “

Hakhir: She sent a letter before talking about the seers and you. I got that letter when you were probably my height.

Emma: What did you tell her?

Hakhir: Well first I told her maybe that’s because she’s old. Why else are even the recruits giving her a run for her money?

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

*Both laugh*

Hakhir: Then I told her about the time I beat a Terrasaur Colossus.

Emma: A what?

Hakhir: We’ve only ever found fifteen under Mithrun. They look kind of like the Steelrex but they can run on all four at high speed. To this day only two have ever been confirmed dead. The first one took most of our army, but they killed it. The one I fought I trapped it. The thing’s half the size of the Graphisaur, all muscle, a lot of teeth. I got it into a tar pit by sacrificing a Raphog. While it ate I had some explosives set to detonate above on a stalactite that dropped down and left a lake-sized crater.

Emma: Umm. How’d you get away?

*Emma crosses her arms*

Emma: Isabelle also warned me you liked to exaggerate.

Hakhir: I didn’t get away. *Points to the lake.* Lake-sized crater.

*Emma’s eyes widen as she looks up at the ceiling. Although newer stalactites have formed she can see the flat surface of a stalactite that had fallen centuries ago. *

Emma: Wait.*looks back to Hakhir.* But you said that is the Deeptide? Isn’t it still unknown how far it goes?

Hakhir: Well yes. There was also a beach before it fell in. When the Stalactite fell, I don’t understand how, but I was shot out of the water. When I opened my eyes I was being pulled ashore by Fegurs’s father. My point is. Sometimes you can avoid a fight if you have a well-thought-out plan. Acting as bait is sometimes the best option. Let them think they've won then hit them with a surprise attack.

Emma: The only weakness I know is that we can’t go to sea. That’s why they won’t leave Sylvendor.

Hakhir: *Thinks* Too bad. The underground beneath there is allegedly all water.

Emma: So like an Ocean?

*Hakhir nods and then points out to the water.*

Hakhir: Further that way is our farms up top. The Deeptide connects to the Undersea which starts just before Sylvendor.

Emma: Then I wonder about Inferna. Oh! What’s under the ocean then?

Hakhir: *Shrugs* There’s bedrock between us and the ocean up top. If we dug deeper maybe.

*Hakhir starts to walk back to town.*

Hakhir: Bossman said he wants to leave early. Doubt it though. He was pretty drunk.

Emma:*Laughs* At least he won’t have to worry about the sun.

*The next day the party is riding on Raphogs, A raptor body and mouth with a pig head and nose. Ruddy and Levi hold their heads in pain.*

Ruddy: Can we stop for a bit? I think I’m gonna be sick.

Hakhir: *Laughs* What’s wrong kiddos? Too much to drink last night?

Levi: I’ll agree if it means my head will stop screaming.

Hakhir: There is a space up ahead we can stop at.

*Hakhir leads the party to a resting point with a small stone shack. Ruddy and Levi quickly head inside to rest.*

Hakhir: Now might be your chance. I’m gonna get lunch ready out here.

*Emma heads inside.*

Ruddy: Thank you Emma for stopping. I didn’t mean to drink so much.

Emma: I know. But I need to have a serious conversation for a minute.

Levi: Can it wait until later?

Emma: Kind of. But it’s important.

Ruddy: If it can wait then we’ll do it after lunch. By then hopefully the last of the hangovers will be over.

Emma: Fine..

*Emma walks outside to help Hakhir. After some time Emma comes in and slams down some food for Levi and Ruddy.*

Emma: I’m staying in Mithrun.

*Ruddy and Levi look at Emma.*

Ruddy: *holding his head.* Can we please talk about this in a bit? It’s important and I can’t focus right now.

Emma: Yeah. I’m gonna go clean up outside.

*After lunch Ruddy and Levi go out to talk with Emma who’s practicing her swings*

Ruddy: Now what’s this about staying?

Emma: Mithrun is full of stronger monsters. I want to stay and train so when you leave.

Ruddy:*Looks at Levi* What about you?

Levi: I was gonna join Emma, but I’d rather not stay in Mithrun.

Emma: That’s fine. I planned on training alone. I need to train with Lily and it’s harder with other people.

Ruddy: But by yourself? Is that a good idea?

Hakhir: She won’t be alone. I’ll keep her company.

*Emma looks at Hakhir who winks.*

Levi: Then I’ll probably stay in Whispering Falls. It was quiet and now I’ll have friends there.

Ruddy: I mean Falicia is there.

Levi: *shrugs* We never really talked much.

*After lunch the party heads out with Hakhir leading them. Emma rides next to him.*

Emma: You’re joining me?

Hakhir: Stopped him from trying to stop you, didn’t it?

Emma: So you didn’t mean it?

Hakhir: Sorry kid. I didn’t even have this adventure on my to-do list. But I promised your stepmom.

Emma: *Smiles* Thank you.

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

*The golden throne, a mountain that reaches the heavens themselves. Inside rests the largest gold mine in the world and the royal tomb. The party kneels before the Dwarven king, Ruairí, his big red bushy beard makes him look like a red-headed Santa clause.*

Ruairí: So Sir Hopewell. I hear you’ve done some great things for my people already. A steelrex egg. You and your party also helped wrangle some Raphogs.

Ruddy: Yes your majesty. I’ve come to seek your blessing to become a of the church of Unity.

Ruairí: From this day forth, I, King Ruairí, finalize your pilgrimage and you shall be further known as Father Hopewell. From this day until the day you return to the earth yourself.

Ruddy: Thank you, your majesty. But I still haven’t finished my ten missions here in Mithrun.

Ruairí: From What I’ve heard you’ve been helping people long before you started your Pilgrimage. I also hear you have a small child at home. Go home and rest.

Ruddy: Thank you, your majesty.

Ruairí: I'd like to congratulate you with a gift as well, might you return this evening?

Ruddy: Of course your Majesty. Shall we return by sundown?

Ruairí: I'll send one of my guards with you, they'll bring you back when it is ready.

*The party bows and takes their leave, and a guard follows them. While walking around the capital Emma tries to talk to the guard but he stays silent the entire time. As the sun begins to set the party returns to the capitol where they are brought to King Ruairí's office. *

Ruairí: Now. I was asked by Queen Seraphina, to see how an elf by the name of Emma was doing? *Turns to Emma.* Can I presume that is you?

*Emma stiffens up for a moment.*

Ruairí: You have nothing to worry about. I'm just doing a favor for an old friend. G.*Cough* Seraphina wanted me to make sure you didn't hold any grudges.

Emma: Against who? I'm not mad if that's what she's worried about. I've thought about it and it makes sense.

Ruairí: She didn't give me details, but she visited often when I was a child. My dad and her always got into fights. I think they had two wars?

Emma: Three, the first one only lasted a month from what I read.

Ruairí: Yeah, I still don't know what that man's problem was. He always said it our great, great grandpa blamed her for the state of things in the world but never elaborated. Old crazy bastard. *Laughs*

*Ruairí strokes his beard*

Ruairí: But! I wanted to give you this for taking care of that Steelrex.

*a servant hands each of the party members a box.*

Ruairí: These are Unity rings. They can be used as a passport after you attune to them. With them, you can avoid most travel fees. Not that you'll have many, being 'A' rank and all.

Ruddy: Thank you, your majesty.

Ruairí: Unless you three have any questions. You are all dismissed.

*The party bows, taking their leave. Emma follows behind looking at the ring. The ring has six stones with a letter inscribed under each one.*

*Afterwards the party goes out to celebrate.*

Emma: I didn’t expect you to get to leave early. Are you gonna hurry home tomorrow?

Ruddy: I’ve got some money saved up. I might see about a teleport.*Looks at Levi.* But then you’ll just be left here. So I guess I could enjoy a quiet ride home.

Levi: So this is also a goodbye party then?

Hakhir: Don’t worry boys. I’ll make sure she gets home eventually. *Smiles*

Emma: I’m forty-three years old. I don’t need a babysitter.

*A couple of dwarves overhear and look at Emma, back in her disguise, confused.*

Ruddy: I mean if he’s not staying. Then I’m dragging you back. Ariella would kill me if I left you in Mithrun alone.

Emma: I need to go to the post office later. I haven’t been able to write since we left Melencolm.

Ruddy: You can do that tomorrow after we leave. Let’s Celebrate. CHEERS!

*Emma smiles as she drinks.*

Levi: That’s better! CHEERS!

Hakhir: Dink too much and you’ll get stuck here for a week you two light weights.

Levi: That sounds like a challenge old man.

Emma: Levi, Hakhir outdrank, BOTH of you multiple times on the way here.

Levi: Just means I’ve built up a tolerance.

*The two start to drink, one, two, three. But on the seventh one, Levi finally passes out drunk and the party helps him to bed. Ruddy and Emma sit down across the room.*

Emma: Ruddy. Are you mad at me?

Ruddy: *Drunk* Not at all. If anything I’m impressed. You and Ariella have been my role models. You two no matter how far apart can still be so close. I know things are weird now but I’m sure Ariella will be able to tell you she likes you someday.

Emma: Like me? What do you mean? Since when did she hate me?

Ruddy: oops I wasn’t supposed to talk about that. Forget I said that part.

Emma: So she is mad at me?

Ruddy: No. *Waves hand and shakes head no* the opposite. She made me promise not to talk about it because she’s worried.

Emma: Why is Ariella worried, Ruddy? *Irritated*

Ruddy: Okay. I’ll tell you. Just don’t tell Emma.

Emma:*Pauses* Fine. I won’t tell Emma.*rolls eyes*

Ruddy: Okay. So you know Ariella?

Emma: Yes, Ruddy. I know who Ariella is.

Ruddy: She thinks she has a crush on Emma, but she doesn't want to ruin how things are now. So she wanted to be alone to figure it out. *Laughs* She was really mad when she found out she'd have to be an instructor.

*Ruddy starts to fall asleep as he talks and Emma moves him to his bed.*

Emma: Goodbye you two.

*Emma closes the door and turns to Hakhir who’s waiting outside the room.*

Hakhir: So you’re really gonna leave them like that?

Emma: If I stay with them any longer I’ll give in and leave with them. I’ll leave them with a letter. Can you give it to them?

Hakhir:*Sighs* Yeah. But I’m a little disappointed.

Emma: That’s fine. I need to work on myself before I worry about others right now anyway.

Hakhir: Take care of yourself, kid, Let's meet up sometime soon, okay?

*The two hug before Emma takes her leave.*

*The next day the boys walk out holding their heads. As they sit down at a table Hakhir hands them both a letter.*

Ruddy: What’s this?

Hakhir: Just read it.

*The two read the letter while holding their heads.*

Ruddy: WHAT?! Ow, my head. She left last night? “ After what we talked about last night. I knew If I didn’t leave now I’d go back home and wouldn’t be able to help the way I need to.” What did we talk about? She didn’t say. Levi?

Levi: She just said she would stop by if I’m still living in the falls when she comes through.

Ruddy: *Looks at Hakhir* I thought you were going with her?

Hakhir:*Smiles* I lied. She knew you wouldn't go home to your kid if she stayed. You said it yourself. You’d drag her back. Just trust her. I’ll check on her from time to time.

Ruddy: Fine. I just hope she told Ariell. Oh shit! I told her about Ariella last night.

Levi: You what?! You moron.

Hakhir: Well I’m gonna get going myself. Unless you need help getting home.

Ruddy: No we’ll be fine. Listen Hakhir. Did she mention anything?

Hakhir: Not much. But her eyes seemed excited when she left this morning. In the right light, they almost looked purple slightly.

*The two look at one another.*

Ruddy: Hakhir. Can you find her? I don’t need you to bring her back. Just tell me she’s safe before I leave Mithrun. I’ll stop at Frostpeak before hitting Sylvndor. Send the letters there.

Hakhir: You kids are making me into a mail courier. *Exhale* Fine but it’s the last thing. *Smiles* See you later kids.

*Emma looks to the Golden Throne as she heads down a Divepoint. Emma hops on Lily’s back and as the road lights up they run off.*

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*A few weeks pass. While ridding Lily through the darkness Emma looks behind to see Tarbeasts chasing them. Reaching the wall of the underground, Lily runs up the wall and the Tarbeasts crash into one another. Emma leaps off of Lily and sends down a barrage of earth spikes stabbing and burying the Tarbeasts. As she lands She creates a fireblast, the rocks begin to swell in a chain reaction of explosions from the Tarbeast's flammable bodies. Emma climbs back onto Lily.*

Emma: Now that they’re dealt with we can head back and rest.

*Lily and Emma head back to the road where an elderly dwarf couple is waiting. Emma rides up on Lily next to them.*

Emma: The tarbeasts are taken care of. I’d hurry back to town in case there are any others.

Lady: Thank you again.

*The male dwarf starts speaking dwarvish, Emma makes out the words, Leaf fucking elf. And nods before leaving. The wife smacks her husband before yelling something in dwarvish at him. She waves to Emma and Lily.*

Lady: Thank you again you two!*Smiles*

Lily: That old guy had a colorful way of speaking.

Emma: Yeah. But at least they won’t ask me to stay. We can just get back to training this way.