Year 52

*Reaching Serenvale, Emma brings David to the adventurers' guild where she spots Zabrina and approaches her.*

Zabrina: Emma. Welcome back. Your sister and her party are here if you’re looking for them.

Emma: I was coming to say hi, but I need to yell at my sister so I’ll stop by later to catch up with you. *Smiles*

Zabrina: Uh oh. They’re in their usual spot.

*Emma hears Keya’s laughter and sneaks up behind her.*

Keya: So then Pipiri landed on Lazarus causing him to get scared and run away.*Laughs*

*Keya looks at everyone with worry on their face.*

Keya: What’s wrong?

*As she turns to see Emma, fuming with anger. Emma then pulls Keya to a private room where David waits out front.*

Emma: What were you thinking?! I’ve had hits put on me in the past! I can’t have my sister regaling my stories to anyone who. Finds HER Mail!

Keya: I made sure to read out only the parts I knew only you could do as a Green elf.

Emma: But They found your mail on the table. Imagine if it had been someone dangerous.

Keya: I mean the worst people to find you, know you exist.

Emma: And while traveling, I rarely met anyone who knew of the seers as a legend. Raffael and Max both know now because Ariella wanted me to show her troops what to expect from someone like me.

*Keya's smile fades.*

Keya: I’ll be more careful. I promise. I'm sorry.

Emma: That’s all I ask.

*Emma brings David inside.*

Keya: David. I’m glad to see you again.

David: Hi Aunt Keya. I’m glad to see you as well.

Keya: *Turns to Emma.* I saw him when you threw me in here, but why are you traveling with David? I thought Levi was doing that.

Emma: They want me to bring him along and train him because he wouldn't train with Levi properly. I’m heading to see Kimmy in Lycaris and then I’ll bring him home.

*After their time runs out, Keya returns to her party and Emma takes David to meet her dad and Isabelle. *

*Knock*Knock*Knock*

Goren: That better not be another “trophy” Keya! *Opens door* Oh hi Emma! *Hugs* How’ve you been? *Sees David* And who’s this?

Emma: *Smiles* It’s David, you remember him right?

Goren: Ruddy and Falicia’s boy? Why is he with you?

*Goren, Isabelle, David, and Emma all sit down at the table. Lily rests with Bubba under Shreiker, who is resting on a roost above. They spend the rest of the day talking about events that have taken place since Emma went on her trip.*

Isabelle: Therion is in the capitol, I’ll have him come by and see you before you leave.

Emma: That would be great! I missed him last time through.

*After Dinner Emma takes David to an Inn where they sleep for the night. The next morning Emma and David are eating breakfast in the Inn when a Guard approaches their table.*

Guard: Emma Silvashade. Please come with us.

Emma: Can it wait until after I finish eating? I just ordered. I’ll even buy you some if you haven’t eaten yet.

*The guard's stomach growls and both David and Emma laugh. The Guard sits down, his cheeks red from embarrassment.*

Guard: Fine, but let's make it quick.

*After eating the guard leads Emma to the Capitol where she is brought to an office with the Judge from the trial before.*

Elf: Sorry to bother you Emma, but I wanted to discuss something with you. *Looks at David* Does the boy need to be here?

Emma: I’m helping train him against the Seers, anything you can tell me, he can listen.

Giovanni: Fair enough. Firstly. *Bows* My name is Giovanni Leaflet. I wanted to ask. Were You responsible for the bombing in Whispering Falls?

Emma: Yeah, I was explaining to the Seer there that if they touch the Hopewell family again then I’ll kill them.

Giovanni: Won’t that get you in trouble?

Emma: I was banished from the Seers for your people's stunt, and for attacking another seer. I know what I can and can do with the Seers to avoid them counterattacking. As long as I don't harm any more of their "Precious cargo" I'll be fine.

Giovanni: Then how did you find that Seer? Can you see the others?

Emma: I only knew where he was because he took over the area when I left, and I knew his scouting patterns. But yeah, I can see if someone is a seer.

*As time passes Ariella eventually bursts into the room.*

Ariella: Why are you holding her here now?!

*Ariella looks as Emma stirs her tea.*

Emma: Hi Arie.

Giovanni: I was discussing working with Emma. Would you mind closing the door?

*Ariella closes the door and sits next to David*

Giovanni: So what do you think Emma? You could help train alongside Airella. I’ll even let the human stay.

*Ariella looks at Emma, smiling.*

Emma: Sorry, but I have to make sure my daughter is safe first.

Ariella: Oh yeah, Kimmy.

Giovanni: Well, when you get back then.

Emma: I’m not done training myself.

Ariella: You promised! You said you’d come back.

Giovanni: Ariella!

*Ariella sits quietly*

Giovanni: *Turns to Emma* How long will it take? Your trip with your daughter?

Emma: About two years, but.

Giovanni: What if I give you a team of your own? You’ll have permission to travel and I’ll give permission to travel with Ariella. On occasion.

Emma: My training would kill some of your best men. I’ve seen the roots of this tree for myself!

Giovanni: Yes, I read Ariella’s report. That’s why I know if they can’t live through some tough love. How are we expected to survive the real deal?

*Emma looks at Ariella.*

Emma: Fine.

*Ariella starts to cheer but Emma stops her.*

Emma: But! Only if they can pass a test when I get back. I won’t give any details until the day of.

Giovanni: *Sigh* I guess I can agree to that.

Ariella: You can relax. That’s Emma for she doesn’t know yet either.

Emma: If I tell you I lose. If I don’t tell you I lose. Maybe I won’t do it.

Ariella: No! Please. Please. Please. You promised.

David: You did promise her again on the trip here.

Emma: *Looks at David* Traitor. How about we have a hunting challenge? You can decide on the targets. Depending on the size we can do either one per soldier or they can do one hunt as a team.

Ariella: No cheating this time!

Emma: She’ll stay with you the night before if it makes you feel better.

Ariella: No I’ll trust you.

Giovanni: I think we can make that work. Just write us when you’re going to be returning.

*Ariella, David, and Emma leave the office and head to the fifth floor where the soldiers train. Emma leans over to David while Ariella approaches her men.*

Emma: Can you see how fast they move?

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David: Yeah, a little.

Emma: I want you to get that good before I bring you back to your parents.

David: I’ll do my best.

*As Emma approaches Ariella some of the soldiers look scared, remembering what she did to them before. Ariella turns to her.*

Ariella: Emma’s only here to train David! He’s the son of two of our party members! Meaning! If you bully him in any way you will have both Emma and myself to deal with later! Do I make myself clear?!

Soldiers: Sir Yes Sir!

Ariella: Dismissed!

Emma: You look adorable trying to be bossy.

Ariella:*Embarrassed* I am their bossy. Boss!

*Two elves make a kissing face in the distance and Ariella shoots an ice arrow, barely missing between them.*

Ariella: Go train before I throw you in a block of ice.

*Emma laughs as she and David separate from the group onto another nearby field*

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

*Emma and David sit atop two Fluffmane talking to Keya.*

Emma: Remember to tell everyone I said hi, for me.

Keya: I will. And I promise I won’t read any more of your letters… Without permission.

Emma: *Laughs* Okay. Love you, Sis.

Keya: Love you too.*Smiles* See you soon.

*Emma and David head off.*

*A couple of days pass and Emma leads David through an old forest. The fluffmanes abandoned. Clones sit in the trees nearby watching the area.*

David: So why do we need to go through the forest? I thought Lycaris was west of here.

Emma: Yes, But we aren’t going to Lycaris.

David: But you told my mom.

*Emma changes her eyes to blue and her hair to a deep green.*

Emma: That’s because we are going to be disguising ourselves until we get to where we’re going.

*Emma turns to David and changes his hair to a curly and silver color. His eyes turn bright blue.*

Emma: I’ll explain more when I know we’re more secure, but I know they’re still attempting to locate us right now.

*Emma leads two clones, wearing cloaks down a cave entrance at night, While stealthed, Emma and David watch as two scouts head inside. The two hop on Lily’s back and run off into the night. After a week of traveling through the forests, they reach the border of Sylvnydor. David looks out at the desert, confused.*

David: The scorch veil?

Emma: Yup. Here.

*Emma passes some instant letter to David.*

Emma: You can use these to write your mom. But stay quiet about where we are. Mention Kitspaw.

David: Kitspaw?

Emma: It’s on the way to where they think we’re going. I have some ribbon attuned to your mom in my bag, so when you’re done writing let me know.

David: Are we getting Koioytes?!

Emma: No. Your dad taught us, but it’s been so long. I can’t remember how. We’ll probably see if they have a Dunestalker. It’s like the ones you sometimes find in the falls but they can travel through sand.

*After looking for most of the day, the two find a pair of Dunestalkers. As the sun begins to set, Emma and David head off into the desert, ignoring the guard's warnings.*

—---------------------------------

*As the chill of the night reaches the desert, it causes the Dunestalkers to slow down. Emma decides to stop at a rock outcropping where the two have a practice match to decide who will prepare Dinner. Emma holds one arm behind her back, while blocking David’s attacks with her other arm.*

Emma: you’ve got ten more minutes.

*As Emma catches David’s blades with hers, he attempts to overpower Emma. David starts casting enhancement on himself and swings at Emma, breaking his sword on hers. Emma kicks his butt as he trips past her.*

Emma: That’s why I said to wait.*Helps David up* Start making Dinner. I’ll fix your sword.

David: *Sigh* Fine.

Emma: Or I can send you back to your mom and dad.

David: I’ll get started on Dinner Master.

*Emma smiles as David runs to the bags to start dinner. Emma pulls out a bag of metal dust, lays down David’s sword, and casts heat metal on the blade. Using her magic she shapes the blade, filling in the cracks with the metal dust. Emma then continues to sharpen the sword while David cooks. Lily hops out as the aroma of the food starts to reach her.*

Lily: Is it Dinner time?!

Emma:*Laughs* Not quite. You can go see if David has yours ready though.

*David turns to Emma and Lily, then places a bowl of leftover cuts from the meat used for dinner. Lily hops over excitedly and begins to eat before laying down on the bags, watching the others.*

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

*Reaching the Oasis, David looks around at the different halflings when Emma smacks him over the head.*

Emma: Don’t stare.

David: Sorry, Master. I was just surprised. I’ve never met a halfling or even seen one before.

*The two reach a house where Emma finds Thomas locking the door As he leaves. Emma approaches Thomas.*

Emma: Hi, Thomas. Long time no see.

*Thomas jumps as he turns to look at Emma. His confused expression causes Emma to laugh.*

Emma:*Laughs* It’s me. Has she made it yet?

Thomas: *exhale* Emma?

Emma: Yeah. *Hugs* How’ve you been?

*David walks over*

Thomas: I’m good. She’s inside asleep right now if you want to see her.

*Thomas hands Emma a key.*

Emma: Thank you. This is David by the way.

Thomas: *Bows* It’s nice to meet you. We’ll have to catch up after work. *Waves*

David: So he’s a half-elf?

Emma: Yes.

*The two enter the house and Emma removes their disguises.*

Emma: Sit down, I’ll get food going.

*David sits down in an armchair next to a couch and coffee table. Emma enters the kitchen, visible from the common area, and begins preparing food. David looks around the house when a door opens.*

Kimmy: I thought you worked today?

*Kimmy walks out rubbing her eyes and wearing her pajamas when she turns to see David.*

David: Good afternoon.

*Kimmy screams and runs into the kitchen latching onto Emma.*

Emma: What happened?!

*Kimmy looks up, realizing it is Emma, and jumps.*

Kimmy: Mama!*Hugs* I missed you.

Emma: *Smiles* Missed you too. Now go get dressed, I’m making Elvish Pancakes.

Kimmy: Yay!

*Kimmy runs to her room, slowing down and turning red as she remembers David was there. As Emma brings out the food, Kimmy and David introduce themselves and talk while sitting at the table. Lily rests in Kimmy’s lap, sleeping peacefully and wagging her tail softly.*

Emma: Hey. *Looks at Kimmy.* How’ve you been?

Kimmy: I’m doing good. I help take care of the house so whenever you want to come home it’s here for you.

David: Wait is this your house?

Emma: No it’s Thomas’s. I gave him the money and told him to buy it so Kimmy could move here.

Kimmy: He says it’s your house though.

Emma: If it’s meant to be anyone’s house it’s your’s sweetie.

Kimmy: Please don’t call me that Mama.

Emma: Okay fine. *Smiles* I bring a boy home and now you get all bashful?

Kimmy: Wait but he said you were his teacher.

Emma:*Laughs* He is. But your face turned so red when you saw him. I could see it from the kitchen.

Kimmy: Mama! *Slams hands down.*

Emma: Yes?

Kimmy: UGH!

*Emma and David Laugh*

Emma: But, seriously. How are you? I heard Clinton is staying home with Sunflower now. But what about you?

Kimmy: I’m good. I still have nightmares. That’s why I was still asleep when you got here.

Emma: Well. While we’re here Lily can sleep with you. You, know I’m just here until fall right?

Kimmy: Can she?! *Picks up Lily.* Will you Lily?

Lily: *Smiles* Yeah!*Chirp*

Emma: I’ve told you before. Lily doesn’t need to be in your lap when you’re eating.

Lily and Kimmy: Sorry. *Looks down*

Emma: So. Anything you want to do while I’m here?

Kimmy: I reeeally want to go see the water show. It starts at sunset.

Emma: Okay, Well. I need to go get more Instant letters. Do you know where the post office is?

Kimmy: Of course! I write you, don't I?

Emma: Well I don’t know! You said you just take care of the house, I thought maybe you forgot how to disguise yourself and became a recluse.

Kimmy: I don’t normally go in because of so many people. I go with Thomas and wait outside or go to the store across the street. They sell glass figures. I have a bunch in my room.

Emma: I’d hide those. Lily isn’t the most graceful with her tail when she gets excited.

*Lily glares at Emma.*

Emma: *Laughs* Don’t look at me in that tone of voice.

Kimmy: What did she say?

Emma: Nothing.*Smiles* But the look on her face said it all. She’s the reason your grandma had to hide her collection of handcrafted bells.

Lily: Hey! That was before we were even ten.

Emma: *Looks at David.* How’s it going over there, Hopewell?

David: I’m fine. Just nice to be sitting down on a chair again.

Emma: Yeah, Dunestalkers are quick, but they are so uncomfortable to ride.

Kimmy: You got to ride Dunestalkers?! Thomas said we couldn’t because it would draw too much attention.

Emma: They’re also less common in Lycaris since they classify under spirit monsters. The longer they’re away from a full-blooded elf the weaker they get. If you’d like we can take them for a ride sometime before we leave.

Kimmy: Yes, please! Also, when are you going to teach me how to cast stealth?

Emma: How about when David and I go train next? You can ride with me and practice your spell casting.

Kimmy: Okay. I’ll get dressed so we can go to the post office.

*Kimmy jumps up from the table and runs to her room to get dressed. David helps Emma clear the table, and as they leave Emma casts a disguise spell on the three of them. Lily sits in a chair, watching the door.*

*As they leave the post office, Emma notices everyone begins to gather around the lake. Kimmy's face lights up as she smiles from ear to ear.*

Kimmy: The Water show!

*The three stand and watch as a group of half-elfs use magic to put on a display. The water floats up and takes the form of different types of animals and monsters. A water goblin chases a water wolf when a water dragon breathes fake fire at them and the water explodes. The water then begins to shoot up and mock the effects of fireworks, changing colors and steaming to give the impression of smoke. As the show ends everyone begins to move. Kimmy turns to Emma.*

Kimmy: See! Isn’t it amazing?! I bet you could do that by yourself.

Emma:*Smiles* I don’t know. Maybe with Arie’s help.

Kimmy: How is, Aunt Ariella?

Emma: She’s doing good. She works at the capitol now. I might be soon too.

Kimmy: You’re quitting adventuring?

Emma: No. I see that as my main income still. But some people at the capitol want me to help train them for that fight I told you about.

Kimmy: You last told me you were kicked out of the capitol.

Emma: I know. But I, apparently showed them they could trust me.

*The next morning Kimmy and Thomas join Emma and David in their training. They head out into the desert away from the Oasis. Emma gives Kimmy a brief lesson on stealth before she and David prepare to Duel. Thomas sits next to the Dunestalkers with Lily.*

Thomas: You know. I can’t say I’ve ever seen Emma fight.

*Emma closes her eyes and listens as David attempts to sneak up on her without using magic. As the sand shifts at David’s feet, Emma shoots a gust of wind, almost knocking down David. David takes a few steps closer while the sound of the winds fades. The two stand silently. Thomas leans in toward Lily.*

Thomas: *Whispers* Do you know what’s going on?

*A gust of wind, whistles past, allowing David a chance to charge Emma. As the sword swings towards Emma, she creates a super heated glass spear to block the attack out of the sand. David dodges the spear, smashing it with his sword. Emma heats the sand towards David, making a glass floor. As David slides around he uses his sword as a cane; jabbing it into the glass to help him stand. Kimmy manages to cast stealth and cheers, distracting Emma again. David swings at Emma, knicking her side as she jumps back.*

Emma:*Opens eyes* Okay, you won.

David: It didn’t feel like a win. Kimmy distracted you.

Emma: If that was a real fight though, that would’ve been your only chance to win. Take it. When we started this training I explained that any noise can be a distraction when you're blind. Today's lesson is just an example of that.

David: Yes, Master.

Kimmy: Sorry Mama.

Emma: You're fine. I appreciate the extra help.*Smiles*

*Thomas calls out while sitting.*

Thomas: Everyone okay?!

Emma: Yeah! Just a scratch! *turns to David.* Time to practice your mana control.

*David heals Emma, only applying a little excess. Emma has David practice his swings and footwork in the sand while helping Kimmy practice more.*

Emma: It’s just like the disguise spell but all over. And you’re making people see past you. Not through you. You’re still there.

*The three spend the rest of the day training, returning to the house as night falls.*