Year 45

*Emma rides on Lily swiftly through the vast darkness. Emma turns around to see a giant Saber-toothed Tiger slowly closing the gap between them. Lily turns right immediately and the beast slides past as it struggles to turn. As the Tiger gets back up Emma hops off Lily and creates two rock walls making a tunnel between them and the tiger. Emma begins creating a large stone spear as the tiger starts charging towards them, Lily increases her size until she matches the tiger and the two collide in the center. Lily’s fangs inject a paralyzing venom and after a few seconds, the Tiger can no longer hold up its own body. Lily jumps up and Emma fires the spear delivering the final blow.*

Emma: Since when can you paralyze things? I thought you just slowed them.

Lily: So did I. My fangs did regrow recently. Maybe they can evolve.

*Emma looks at Lily’s fangs*

Emma: They’ve gotten a lot stronger. Maybe it’s because of all the Tarbeasts we’ve had to fight.

*Emma inspects the body of the tiger*

Emma: Lily, you bit through the bone.

*Emma looks at a smooth hole through the body.*

Emma: Honestly, I might’ve been shooting a body. Maybe you didn’t paralyze it. *Laughs* I kinda feel bad.

Lily: I’ll feel bad too. Can I eat now?

Emma: You know most spirits don’t need to eat. Right?

Lily: I don’t need to. I just like how good food tastes.

Emma: *Laughs* we can bring in the fangs after some sleep. I’ll go collect some firerocks for dinner. Can you start carving up the tiger like I showed you?

*Lily takes a form similar to Emma except for the eyes. Lily still speaks through telepathy.*

Lily: Yeah, drain blood.

Emma: Good. I’ll be back.

*Emma and Lily use senseshare while they work so they can both see in the darkness. Emma uses Lily’s sense of smell to find a pile of red rocks. She brings them back and after placing five of them in a pile, she strikes two of them and they all quickly ignite. Emma helps Lily and they butcher up the Tiger. Emma prepares herself a small piece of meat that she cooks. Afterward, she uses magic to sear a large pile of meat for Lily, who has changed back to her large form. The two finish their meal, leaving half the meat, the hide, and the obsidian fangs sitting next to a pile of teeth and claws. Emma uses ice magic to preserve the meat before they lay against the walls Emma made before.*

Emma: That was better than I expected.

Lily: I could still have more.

Emma: We need funds. That’s why we’re selling the meat and hide. I’m still thinking about the fangs.

Lily: I know. Do you want me to get the cart while you rest?

Emma: If you could. I think I’m *Yawns* Gonna sleep here.

Lily: Okay.*Smiles*

*Lily runs off to a flat cart they stashed away before the fight. She changes into her medium form and climbs into the harness. She then brings back the cart where Emma sleeps. She changes into her Emma form and begins moving the Tiger onto the cart. After four hours pass Lily wakes Emma and Lily shrinks to her smaller form and quickly falls asleep. Emma notices the cart is already loaded and smiles as she looks back at Lily. Emma then places Lily on the cart and she uses earth magic to change the terrain in a way where it spins the wheels. She grabs a lantern from her pack and uses it to light up the path ahead. Emma notices a city in the distance. As they reach the gates Lily hides on Emma’s person to rest more and Emma stops the cart. A couple of dwarves look at the cart, curious as to how it moved. A guard approaches Emma*

Guard: You can’t just park a cart here. You need to bring it inside and get it registered first.

Emma: I know I’m sorry. I just need to eat something. I used magic to get here.

*A small group of children run over to look at the cart.*

Boy1: How’d you make your cart move?

Boy 2: You have long ears. Are you an Elf?

Girl 1: If you’re an elf where is your spirit?

Girl 2: Yeah, my mom said all elves have spirit animals that they bring with them everywhere.

Guard: *Irritated* Hey, you kids. Where are your parents?

*The children head back to their parents and the guard turns his attention back to Emma.*

Guard: I’m not the biggest fan of, you elves. But my boss wants us to at least try. I can get you some bread if you can bring your cart inside. Can you move it inside?

Emma: Yeah, my spirit can help.

Guard: Okay. I’ll get that bread and meet you inside.

*Lily, still very tired, pulls the cart then quickly falls back asleep. Emma picks her up and smiles. She places her on the cart when the guard brings the bread to Emma.*

Guard: Okay, now what brings you into the Undersea port? And what is your name?

Emma: Emma SilvaShade. I’m looking for someone. I heard they were last seen this way.

Guard: Any key defining features?

Emma: I’ve never actually met them. Their mother asked me to look for them when she was on her deathbed. They called them Bubba but never told me their age or anything. Just that he had a stuffed red dragon.*Shows spike* like this one named Spike.

Guard:*Strokes beard.* Doesn’t seem familiar to me. I’ll ask around the barracks. *Looks up at Emma.* If you come by here tomorrow I can see if anyone has heard of them. But I can’t expect much without knowing how they look.

Emma: Yeah, that’s been the hardest part. *Laughs nervously*

Doran: Just ask for Doran at the gates if I’m not around. Now I see some. Are those Obsidian fangs? I’m impressed. Not even many dwarves can manage that.

Emma: *Surprised.* You’re not gonna call me a liar?

Doran: I have much more important matters than figuring out how you got those. For all I know you bought them. So I couldn’t care any less.

*Doran hands a paper to Emma.*

Doran: This permit is only good for a week. If you need more time, be sure to register your cart again.

*Doran leaves and Emma heads to a building nearby. Inside, she finds a short line to the counter. Emma ignores the dwarf in front of her as he mumbles racial comments in dwarvish. A younger female dwarf with strawberry blonde hair and a name tag that reads Orla runs one of the counters and finally calls Emma over. *

Orla: Good day to you, how can I help you?

*As Emma speaks fluent Dwarvish the Dwarf from earlier scoffs as he leaves the building. The dwarf who helped him laughs a little.*

Emma: Good day. I’m hoping to turn in some beast supplies.

Orla: Okay. Is it more than 50 Kilograms?

Emma: Yes.

Orla: Okay, so is it out front?

*Emma leads Orla out front where she counts up the supplies.*

Orla: Was there anything you wanted to keep and do you have a magic bank?

Emma: Magic bank?

Orla: That’ll be a no. Did you want to set one up? Since they’re new, we offer a discount for adventurers and nobles. You can only access it in Mithrun at the moment though.

Emma: how much are we talking and how does it work?

*Orla explains the pricing options and passes a paper to Emma.*

Orla: It’s described on there but I’ll go a bit more into detail... Upon opening an account you’ll receive a transport badge. It will only work on inanimate objects but you place the badge on anything you’d like to store and say the command “Store Item.” This will teleport the item to the Magic Bank's physical location, The Golden Throne.

Emma: Wait how do I get it back do I have to walk there?

Orla: They do have a teleport circle to the bank itself. But otherwise, yes, you’d have to go there physically.

Emma: *Sigh* How much can I get if I keep the fangs?

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Orla: The hide, even with the holes, is in good condition. If you had the whole body with the fangs I could’ve negotiated it for an account honestly. Sadly I can probably only get you 300 gold.

Emma: Okay. I’ll get an account. And I’ll keep the fangs.

Orla: Okay, great!*Smiles* I’ll get this all taken care of for you then.

*After opening the account Emma deposits her fangs as well as some other stones and gems she’s found in her explorations. The two then make their way to the water where they look into finding a boat to purchase.*

Emma: I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised that no one is selling ships for cheap or small enough for one person. I just need to see if I can handle the waters.

Lily: It would be dangerous if we went by ourselves, so it makes sense.

Emma: I mean we could make one out of bone. Then we could sell the rest for the bank fees.

*Emma pulls out a paper with a list of monsters, the top half is already crossed out.*

Emma: I mean, there is the Glow Turtle option.

Lily: How are we supposed to get one though? They live near the bottom.

Emma: True.

*Emma looks into the water, looking into the depths she sees lights glowing.*

Emma: I have an idea.

*They leave the city, following the shoreline. After reaching an empty area, Lily walks towards the water. Emma uses Frost Step to allow them to walk out over the water, leaving a trail of frozen pawprints behind them. When they get directly above the lights, Emma shoots bursts of super-heated water at them.*

Emma: Go, go, go!

*Lily’s feet struggle to gain traction for a moment before they run back to the shore. Emma hops off Lily’s back and they turn as a large wave approaches them. As the Turtle reaches them the lights on its back act as beacons as it lights up the entire area. Emma uses her knives to taunt the turtle as Lily runs over and pierces its left flipper. The turtle flicks Lily away and rears back its head. Lily runs over and grabs Emma as a powerful stream of water shoots from the turtle's mouth, cutting through the ground. The lights on its back dim as the turtle stops shooting water. Emma hops off of Lily and runs to the right side of the turtle while Lily swipes at the turtle's face, clawing one of its eyes. Emma stabs two points in the turtle's right flipper and as the turtle flings her away she creates an explosion on the knives left in the turtle's flipper. Lily catches Emma as she flies through the air.

*Emma uses Create Earth to create four separate anchors piercing the holes in each of the turtle's flippers. As the Massive turtle struggles to break out, it continues to rip and tear its flippers apart. Emma stands before the beast and raises her hand. The turtle opens its mouth and its shell begins to shine brightly again. Emma uses magic to freeze the water as it exits the turtle, The ice grows and scratches her face as it freezes and expands around before stopping. The turtle slowly freezes solid and Emma exhales ice crystals from the superchilled area.*

Emma thinking: If I had been any slower.

Lily: Does this mean we can have turtle soup?

Emma: Only if you wait here while I run back and get someone to pick this up. You can have some of the damaged flippers until then.

*Lily excitedly chews on the left flipper. Emma returns an hour later with a couple of dwarves, one with light brown hair and another with dark, almost black, brown hair.*

Light-haired Dwarf: I saw the lights from the gates. I just assumed it was another pair mating.

Emma: Wait, they come to shore to mate?

Dark-haired Dwarf: Oh yeah. It’s peak Glow turtle mating season right now. you can sometimes catch the light show from the docks

*Lily walks over to Emma with a full stomach and jumps into Emma’s arms as her small form. Emma turns to the dwarves.*

Emma: This is Bran, and his friend Donagh.

*Bran’s light brown short beard curls as he smiles at Lily.*

Bran: I heard you got fangs that can pierce through stone.

*Lily yawns, showing off her fangs as well.*

Emma:*Smiles* But you’re telling me I could’ve just waited on the shoreline?

Donagh: That’s what most folks around here do. You sometimes risk fighting two or more at once though.

Emma: I just shot heated water to irritate him.

*Bran removes one of the back flippers with an oversized cleaver.*

Bran: Her. Looks like she already laid her eggs as well. *Looks over at Emma.* You said you wanted to keep the shell for a boat?

Emma: Yeah, I don’t handle the ocean very well. I wanted to test if I could handle the Undersea or not.

Bran: Well it’s a good choice. Most high-end ships are made from these.

Emma: Yeah I noticed. I wanted to rent or borrow a small boat.

Donagh: That’s a bad idea. If your ship is too small you risk getting attacked by Mica sharks. Just one is enough to sink a boat and they travel in packs of at least ten.

*The two dwarves quickly set up a makeshift winch and Donagh cranks it slowly. pulling the turtle’s head and body onto the cart.*

Donagh: Most ships use at least four shells, anything smaller they’ll attack.

Emma: I guess I could hunt a few more if this works. *Looks to Donagh* Is there somewhere, even shallow, that I could test this shell in then?

Donagh: Mica sharks won’t be anywhere near the city. The active glow deters them which is why you see so many under the docks. The sharks wait on the outskirts for when a turtle falls asleep and its shell stops glowing.

*The next day Emma and Lily ride out in the raft. A rope keeps them from drifting too far. Emma lies in the center of the shell while Lily bounces around excitedly. A school of smaller fish swims by, and their scales sparkling in the dark.*

Lily: Anything yet?

Emma: Not yet. But there are no waves.

*Lily begins to rock the shell to simulate waves. After a couple of minutes, Emma sits up, Lily looks at her and smiles until she realizes Emma’s face has turned green as she leans over and begins to throw up.*

Lily: But you’re at least still you.

Emma:*Spits* Yeah. I just need to find something to help with seasickness. I think I saw a Spell shop near the guild hall.

*As Emma enters the spell shop, She looks at the older-looking demon behind the counter and pauses.*

Gorzath: Welcome to Gorzath’s Grimoires. *Cough*

Emma: Did you used to have a shop in Deepdock?

Gorzath: I did, yes. I like to move the store every fifty years or so. But I might be staying here. Age is finally catching up to me.*Laughs* Remind me again, what did you buy last time?

*Emma casts Aurora’s ballet. The store fills with a layer of darkness. Small twinkling stars shoot across the sky. A couple of younger dwarves walk in with their father and look around in amazement as the spell fades. Gorzath smiles as the children run towards the counter, they look up at Gorzath.*

Children:*Dwarvish* How’d you do that?!

*Gorzath points at Emma.*

Gorzath: It’s Emma right? You came through a little more than thirty years ago. I sold that spell to you and your elf friend for fifteen gold I believe it was.

*The children turn to Emma. The father grabs his kids and pulls them back.*

Father:*Laughs* Sorry bout that. They only know Dwarvish at the moment.

*Emma smiles as she kneels.*

Emma:*Dwarvish* I cast that. It was an illusion spell.

*Both children smile as Emma speaks to them.*

Boy: You can speak like us?

Emma: Yup.

Gorzath: Sorry to interrupt. Emma, what was it you came in for?

Emma: *Common* Oh I need a spell for seasickness. I’m gonna be heading out on a trip but I get seasick really bad.

Gorzath: Give me a moment and I’ll see what I have. *Looks at the father* And for you sir?

Father: I was hoping you had some Stoneskin scrolls.

Gorzath: Ah yes. I’ll bring some out.

*Gorzath reaches under his counter and pulls out a box of scrolls.*

Gorzath: They’re one gold each and a limit of five per person.

*The dwarf places down five gold and grabs five scrolls. Gorzath begins looking through a ledger. Emma turns back to the children.*

Girl: Uncle Fergus says elves are too stupid to learn dwarvish.

*The father bops the daughter over the head.*

Father: Manners.

Emma:*Smiles* It’s fine. The amount of dwarves who have both tried to call me ugly and tried to cop a feel is hilarious.

Girl: Can you do any other spells?

*Lily pops out on top of Emma’s head in her small form and the daughter’s eyes light up.*

Emma: I can cast a whole bunch. But this is my partner Lily.

*Lily hops down and sniffs at the children. The children both smile and laugh as they pet her. Emma stands up and looks at the dad.*

Emma: My name is Emma by the way.

Murdock: Murdock. *The two shake hands.* You said you were going on a trip to the ocean? I hope you don’t mean the Undersea.

Emma: I’m looking for the red dragon.

Murdock: You realize how many dwarves die trying to do that annually?

Emma: I know, it’s bad enough you can’t even enter the open waters without a permit.

Murdock: So which crew are you going with?

Emma: Crew?

Murdock: What do you mean? The first second or third?

Emma: I was going by myself.

Murdock: ARE YOU AN IDIOT?!

*Emma covers her ears and Murdock hands her a flier.*

Murdock: At least join a crew. They’re still looking for more and I hear they want some strong spellcasters. My cousin is one of the captains I’ll put in a good word for you if you’re that hellsbent on going. Last I heard they even managed to higher an elf recommended by the capital.

Emma:*Eye's light up* Gig you catch their name?

Murdock: No, sorry.

Emma: Oh well, I know some people from the Veiled Glade, maybe I know them.

*Gorzath brings a small book on self ailment spells. Emma buys the book and says goodnight to Murdock and his children. She thanks Gorzath as she leaves the shop, and Emma heads to the docks to a warehouse the next morning. Looking in the warehouse Emma sees a large Carrack in the process being built. *

Murdock: Emma!

*Emma turns to see Murdock waving to her. A very sturdy-looking dwarf stands beside Murdock. The dwarf’s dark beard is covered in ash from his cigar. Emma heads over to them and looks around admiring the construction.*

Murdock: I’m telling you Kaven. I really think she is.

Kaven: *Turns to Murdock* Think? You Ass! You said she was last night.

Emma: Think I’m what?

Kaven: My cousin here was saying you were the Nightwarden.

Emma: Is that an Issue?

Kaven: Well I’m looking for a strong spell caster. The Nightwarden is some Elf people keep claiming they’ve met who can solo Stonetusked boars.

Emma: Yeah. I can.

Kaven: I honestly think it’s just a legend. Wait excuse me?

*Kaven almost drops his cigar.*

Emma: I don’t really care for the nickname. But yeah, that’s what people have called me before.

Kaven:*Turns to Murdock* Is this another one of your stupid pranks?

Emma: I was going to travel the open waters alone but Murdock said you were going to leave after the Summer.

Kaven: *Turns to Emma.* Tell you what. We need two more shells. If you really are this “Nightwarden” Go get those and I’ll bring you on.

Emma: Two more? Okay, I can get that done. I’ll be back tomorrow.

*Emma returns the next day with two freshly killed Glow turtles. A crowd forms as Kaven walks over to Emma.*

Kaven: I guess this means welcome aboard.

Emma: Yeah, I had another shell of my own but I decided to keep it and sent it to my bank.

Kaven: *Laughs* I’m not even surprised at this point. My wife wouldn’t stop talking about the stories she hears from work. Let’s go meet the crew then shall we?

*Emma and Kaven walk into the warehouse. ten dwarves sit around. Two of them play dice until Kaven clears his throat.*

Kaven: This here is Emma. She’ll be joining up in the fall. Some of you already know her as the Nightwarden. From left to right we have Bairdyn, Conlach, Domhnall, Grimvar, Uisdean, Maldrin, Odran, Ruarc, and finally the twins Thornic and Kerrick.

Emma: *Dwarvish* Nice to meet you, everybody! *Smiles*

*The dwarves all look at Emma in shock.*