Year 54

*Emma and David reach Serenvale where Emma sits down with Seraphina and Giovanni and explains what she saw at the ruins.*

Giovanni: Were there traces of previous explorers? Is it possible they already know?

Emma: the first room yes. But the second room looked like it had never aged.

Seraphina: Emma, What do you know of elven history?

Emma: I know about Sylvar and Ratha. As well as about the moon goddess Luna.

Seraphina: Do you know all of Sylvar and Ratha?

Emma: I did a play as Ratha in Glimmer… Please don’t tell Arie.

Seraphina: You remember that scroll I showed you as a child?

Emma: The one about the Seers, yeah.

Seraphina: That was all we could gather from one of the many ruins around Sylvyndor. You see Emma, Elves didn't have spirits in the beginning.

*Seraphina begins to tell Emma how elves and spirits met.*

“ Almost five thousand years ago our culture was a lot more advanced. We had developed the ability to travel between planes.

At the time, the other races were nonexistent. The lands outside of Sylvndor were dangerous lands none could survive in.

At the time the average age of an elf was closer to four hundred. And we were trying to find ways to travel beyond the forest.

Out of all the planes we eventually found one similar to how Inferna looks. But it was inhabited by this human-looking race with horns. They called themselves Devils.

These Devils introduced us to the plane of spirits. Over time we started to bring spirits back to our world to research, not knowing they were highly intelligent creatures.

Eventually, the spirits started to attack us, A race called the Spirit Walkers appeared alongside them and kidnapped our Prince Sylvar.

Spirit Walkers look very similar to elves. But they can communicate with spirits and their eyes resemble their four moons. Ratha. The Spirit Walker princess. She wanted peace and would talk to Sylvar every day. While he couldn’t have a spirit, there was a spirit who he befriended during his time there.

Over time Ratha’s parents got mad at her so they decided they would execute the Prince if his Father wouldn’t close the rift to their plane. The king of elves at the time, of course, refused this and Ratha broke Sylvar out of prison.

Sylvar brought Ratha to the portal, and the two begged his father to close the portal. When his father refused again, Ratha and he attempted to turn off the portal. But in doing so, they caused a massive magical explosion. The explosion brought together multiple planes and created what we call Nexalis today. The Spirit Walkers were pulled to this plane but their spirits were left behind, all our homes had become ruins. After a couple of decades passed the Spirit Walkers started to get what we call spirit sickness. They began trying to create a way to reach home, but travel between planes became impossible. Using the magic of the elves and the connection to the spirits of the spirit walkers, they built a new portal, but they couldn’t go through. They could communicate if they asked for a spirit by name. After talking, they discovered if they redid the spirit ritual we do for our children. Then their spirits could be summoned back to them.

The main difference between elves and Spirit Walkers is that elves can use magic while Spirit Walkers have their spirits to help them fight. But both races are mortal without a spirit. While newborn elves get their spirits from the moons of this plane, The spirits summoned from the other plane disappeared as the veil between planes healed shut."

*Emma’s eyes glow purple slightly.*

Emma: *Angry* How does any of this have to deal with me? Or the seers?

Seraphina: the veil seers were created by the devils. They are created with one goal, to take over the veiled glade and sacrifice themselves to summon the devils.

Giovanni: I don’t mean to irritate you further, but do you remember the seer we killed?

*Emma starts to say something but stops in thought.*

Emma thinking: Wait. He mentioned.

Seraphina: Emma. What do you know?

Emma: I. Might have talked to a devil.

Seraphina and Giovanni: When?!

*Emma explains the first time they met the devil.*

Seraphina: And why didn’t you tell me before?

Emma: Because by the time we came back, Arie lost her title.

*Seraphina and Giovanni look at each other in guilt.*

Giovanni: We've discovered that all devils are linked to a seer, that’s why anyone who knows of them, fears them.

Seraphina: It sounded like the Elves never even realized the Devil's intent until after the Collision. Most of the ruins we've found struggle to be translated. And even then, most we've translated just spoke about how the two races interacted on good terms.

Giovanni: The rebels found ten stone slabs written by who we believe was Sylvar himself. In them, it explained how his spirit, Glen, was an Orcale-type spirit. Very rare, but could see parts of the future. We think it was partly because he was a pure-blooded elf, that Glen chose him...

Emma: But I can see how good people are. I can see their hearts.

Seraphina: Because devils feed off evil. The more powerful the seer, the more powerful the devil.

*Emma looks away in thought. Lily hops into her lap and Emma looks back to the others.*

Emma: Can I see them?

*While waiting for the slabs to arrive Emma continues to question the two.*

Emma: So we can’t kill them. If left alive they’ll turn us into puppets. What are we supposed to do?

Seraphina: We’re still trying to figure things out. Everything we find sounds like we can’t win. But they’re all slightly different from one another.

Emma: Okay, such as?

Giovanni: The ruins you found talked about the wings in a way they save us. We’ve found other ruins that say nothing can help us.

Emma: So how do we know which ones to follow?

Giovanni: The slabs discuss the Wings as well. That's why we believe they are the key. All the Seers are supposed to be connected in a way. In a way that compels them to seek out evil and kill it.

Emma: The problem is we as seers can't see our own evils.

Seraphina: Exactly.

*Emma watches both of their souls while they wait. A purple-eyed male elf enters the room and places down the slabs. Emma looks them over. The figure helps her translate the text as she reads it. She looks back to Seraphina and Giovanni.*

Emma thinking: “The veil seers will fill their cups so that the devils can cross on their death.”

Emma: “Your savior is Pure and Whole.”

Seraphina: This correlates with what you found about the wings.

Emma: And what’s the part about? “Having their name gives you their power?”

Seraphina: Well, did the Devil you spoke with give you his name?

Emma: No. He avoided it every time.

Seraphina: We think having their name gives you control over them.

Giovanni: But, Emma.

*Emma turns to Giovanni, Seraphina holds up a small, older-looking journal.*

Giovanni: We found something you should know about your mother.

Emma: What does my mother have to do?

Seraphina: Your mothers, mother. Was Ratha.

*Emma freezes as she stares at the two, speechless. Seraphina turns back to Emma.*

Seraphina: When the planes collided your grandparents hid from their families until Ratha got Spirit sickness. At that time it was rumored they had a child. But when they were found without a child the rumors went away. But we found what might be Ratha’s diary.

*Seraphina hands Emma the book and she opens it. A picture of her mother as a child standing next to two other elves falls out.*

Emma: But my mom gave me a book about magic and told me it had notes from both her mom and grandma.

Seraphina: The journal discussed an elderly elf who helped teach you mother magic.

Emma: *tears form* Does Keya or my Dad know?

Seraphina: not yet. We know Keya is a talker. And your father has been hand-picking your team, so he’s been out of the capitol. The point is. "Royal blood of two." It could mean you. On two points. You’re born under two moons and of two different royal families. Well look more into it, but for now, try to see if you can summon the wings. Just practice, It might be our only hope.

*Emma closes the book and stands up, she nods as she walks towards the door.*

Emma: Let them know I’ll be back by the fall next year. Oh, and don’t tell Ariella I was here, please.

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Seraphina: If that’s what you’d like. But, I’m sure she’d love to see you.

Emma: I need to process this.

Giovanni: And Emma. This goes without saying, but. Please don’t speak of this to anyone.

*Emma leaves the room and Giovanni falls back in his chair, exhaling a breath of relief.*

Seraphina: Oh relax. She would’ve still fought against them.

Giovanni: How can you be so sure?

*Seraphina looks at a picture of Ariella as an infant.*

Seraphina: Because she’ll always listen to Ariella.

Giovanni: You say that but she withheld the fact she met a devil.

*Emma walks through the hallway, reading the journal.*

Lily: Why didn’t you tell them about the time you met him underground?

Emma: Because, clearly I’m an exception among the seers. So, maybe he isn’t as evil as the others.

Lily: This. SCREAMS. Bad idea.

Emma: He told me to stay quiet. He helped me so for now I’m choosing to trust him.

Lily: He was at the roots of the Veiled Glade!

Emma: How about this? If he won’t give us his name next time. We tell them everything.

Lily: why his name?

—-------

*Emma stops by the adventures guild to pick up David, On her way out Keya notices her.*

Keya: Emma!

Emma:*Queitly* Shit.

*Keya walks over from across the room.*

Keya: You’re early.

Emma: I was just passing through. I had business at the capitol.

Keya: I heard. I even went with Dad to find one of the guys. I think you’ll like him.

Emma: Keya. Sorry. I need to get David home. I’ll see you when I get back.

Keya: *Confused* Okay. Well, take care. Hurry back.

Emma: I will.

*Keya starts to walk away*

Emma: Wait. *Keya turns* Come here.

*The two hug*

Emma: Sorry. I just got some news and I’m kinda freaking out. So I need to get on the road before I scream.

Keya: *Smiles* It’s okay. Remember, You have all of us here at home. Try not to do everything on your own. Mom wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.

Emma: Thank you Sissy. I’ll see you when I get back. *Smiles*

*As the city walls fade into the distance, David stops walking and Emma turns to him.*

David: Master, I’d like to spar with you.

Emma: David, not now.

David: I’m not moving otherwise.

Emma: I said. Not. Now.

*David places down his bag as he steps off the road. He unsheathes his sword and points at Emma.*

Emma: I’m not explaining to Ruddy why his son is missing an arm. Grab your bag and let's go. I just want to walk in the silence for a day or two.

*Emma watches as David continues to wait for her to attack. Emma clenches her fist as she drops her bag, David barely manages to block her attack. Emma’s eyes are full of tears as she swings at him. David's barrier starts to break as Emma collapses in tears. David holds her as she cries. Lily hops out of Emma’s bag and sits next to her.*

*As the stars sparkle in the sky Emma looks up, David holding her. Lily rests in Emma’s lap asleep.*

Emma: I barely knew my Mom. She.

*Emma takes in a deep breath.*

Emma: She made me see the good in the world even when she was dying. She always wanted the best for everyone.

David: Just like you. I’m sure your mother would be proud of you.

Emma: I know. That’s not what broke me…. Normally I would tell Arie about this, but I couldn’t bring myself to see her.

*Waking up the next morning, Emma turns to see David gone, A small fire burns close by. Lily stretches out, yawning, as she wakes up. *

Emma(TL): Where’s David?

Lily: He got up to get water he said.

*David walks over with a pot of water.*

David: Morning Master. Glad to see you’re feeling better.

Emma: Yeah. Hey David.

David: So I figured, we should reach Thistlton by noon. Do you think we can get my sword looked at? Not my training one, my real one. I noticed a crack in it after yesterday.

Emma: Ye. Yeah, that’s fine. I guess.

*While David prepares breakfast, Emma opens the diary.*

“ Sarah, I hope you’ll be able to share this with your children someday. “

*The diary tells of Emma’s grandparents and their experiences.*

*After reaching Thistlton, Emma waits at the Inn, while David finds a blacksmith. While Emma sits at the desk reading, Lily sits upright, looking down at the book.*

Lily: What’s it say?

Emma(TL): It talks about why they decided to hide the Spirit Walkers. The moons caused the elves to mutate, their magic became stronger but they became limited to the Moon they were born under. The ruins were prophecies from their realm. The forest was from our realm. They began teaching all families about the spirits, so they could hide the Spirit walkers from the Devils they renamed the race. By the time most of the new generation was thirty, everyone had died out. Spirit sickness began affecting the elves who became "Spirit Bonded".

Lily: So that's why did they decide to hide?

Emma(TL): That's what it seems like. This is from my grandma's point of view so what of this is just what she was told as well.

*David walks into the room.*

David: How’re you doing Master?

Emma: I’m fine. Just overwhelmed.

David: If there is any way I can help, just let me know. I’m going to go practice while the repairs are done. They said it should be done tomorrow by noon at the latest.

Emma: No, go ahead. I might rest my eyes. If I’m not up by dinner, wake me up.

David: Yes, Master. I hope you can get some sleep.

*David closes the door and Emma lies down. Lily climbs up and on Emma’s chest while she tries to lie down.*

Emma: Can you give me a second to get comfy first? Then you don’t have to walk all over me.

*As Emma lays down, Lily finally settles as she curls up.*

Emma: There, happy?

Lily: Uh huh. *Smiles*

*As Emma falls asleep, she dreams of her mother, back when they were traveling. Emma rests in her mother's lap as they lay in the cart while it rocks back and forth. *

Emma: Mama. When I grow up can I be a princess, like the one in that story?

Sarah:*Smiles* Maybe someday. But I hope you’ll be better behaved than she was.

Emma:*Nods* I promise. Because if I’m a princess. I’ll make everyone smile. It’ll be the law.

*Sarah laughs*

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

*Emma and David sit around the fire after training. The snow has begun to melt, falling from the branches occasionally.*

Emma: Your mana control has gotten really good. I barely have to hold back anymore.

David: Thank you, Master.

Emma: *Looks up* We shouldn’t be too far from Kalles. We can rest there tonight. I want to change out the Fluffmanes so they can get groomed.

David: I’ll get the rooms if you want to take them to the stables then.

Emma: Sounds good. Maybe I’ll take a nap.

*After waking up from her nap Emma quickly sits up and looks outside, noticing the time, she runs out of the room. As she gets downstairs she sees Levi and David sitting at a table.*

Emma: Hey! Levi. What’re you doing here?

Levi: Ruddy got hurt. David asked me to come get him so you could go to the capital. *Looks at David* You told me she knew.

Emma:*Looks at David* What’s up? What do you mean your Dad got hurt?

David: Sorry, Master. I wanted to hurry back. And I know you have people expecting you at home. I thank you for all your training, but I need to go see if I can help my Dad.

Levi: He fell from a ladder. I told David he would be fine until he got there but he insisted.

Emma: It wasn’t ‘them’ was it?

Levi: No. But David is the only one we know strong enough to heal him fully. We were going to put in a request at the guild, but David said he’d do it.

Emma: I mean, you could’ve told me we needed to hurry, David. I was going slow for you.

David: Yes, But every night since the Capital you’ve talked about your mother. I think you should go see your family.

Levi: *Smiles* Who’s teaching who?

Emma: Shut it Matheg. *Sigh* Okay. I should be able to get back by the end of spring if I ride Lily. Well, let's at least have drinks before you go. I don’t know the next time we will meet.

*The three drink far into the night and the next morning Emma Opens her eyes and just stares at the ceiling.*

Lily: Let's go, Mama. I wanna go see Lazarus.

*Emma sits up to Lily bouncing around on the bed.*

Emma:*Smiles* Okay.

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

*Getting back to the capital, Emma waits at the front gates when Ariella comes running towards her.*

Ariella: Emma!

Emma: *Hugs Ariella* Hi Arie.*Smiles* How’ve you been?

Ariella: I’m good. But how is Ruddy? I heard he got hurt.

Emma: Levi came and got David so I could come back home early. I’m sure Ruddy is fine now. David is an amazing healer.

Ariella: Yeah I know. How’re you holding up though? Keya said you seemed upset.

Emma: So you know I came through then?

Ariella: Yeah, I still stop by the guild to say hi to people.

Emma: I’m doing fine. I’ve been trying to decide what they’ll decide to hunt. Giovanni said they would decide when my Dad got back.

Ariella: You’re gonna let them win right? So you can join me? *Smiles*

Emma: Maybe. Depends on what they decide I have to fight. I don’t think they would choose a dragon.

Ariella: Well Hopefully you lose.

*Ariella sticks out her tongue as she runs off ahead.*

Emma: If I do it’s because they chose something ridiculous.

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

*Emma waits in Isabelle's office, sitting on her couch talking to her when Goren enters the room. Emma jumps up to hug him.*

Emma: Dad! *Hugs* I missed you.

Goren: I missed you too Emma. I got your potential team members. Here, are there files and the last page is the challenge.

*Goren hands Emma a small stack of papers and Emma looks through them. Reaching the final page she laughs*

Emma: Really? Who came up with this one?

Goren: I think that was Corey.

Emma: A Leawk? Really? Did you agree to this?

Isabelle: Goren! Are you crazy?

Emma: You can tell them I accept, but they have to wait until fall when the Lehawk will be in season.

Goren: You don’t have to accept this Emma. They all agreed to it saying it was a joke.

Emma: Fine then double how many targets they need. It said twenty Koba wolves. Make them do forty.

Goren: *Concerned* I-I'll let them know tomorrow then.

Isabelle: Now we just need Keya working here and we’ll have the family all here.

Emma: Nah, Keya likes to quest too much. I'd honestly rather go back to 'C' rank questing. It was peaceful, and I had time to learn more spells. *Smiles*

Isabelle: *Laughs* I know. Keya would be too afraid to work under me again.

*That night Emma sits down with her family. And discusses the diary.*

Keya: Kind of messed up you won’t let me read it.

Emma: Because you talk! Keya.

Keya: Not intentionally. I try to keep the secrets, secret.

Goren: Remember that time put my pants on backwards. You told the entire neighborhood.

Isabelle: Or when Emma started training at the capitol?

Keya: But she’s my grandmother too.

Emma: I’ll read parts of it to you that you can share. How about that?

Keya: Fine…

Goren: Sorry Keya, but Emma is right on this one. You need to be more careful for other people's sake.

Keya: I got yelled at last time. I remember.

Emma:*Hugs Keya* You’re my favorite sister.

Keya: I’m your only sister.

Emma: That doesn’t make you any less of my favorite. *Laughs*

*As Emma sits in her old room reads through the papers by candlelight. Lily rolls around in her old bed.*

Emma(TL): Wanna go train tomorrow?

Lily: *Sits up* You don’t think we can beat a Leawk do you?

Emma(TL): Well no. But I’d like to at least try. Our best bet is to read about previous attempts. Maybe find a weak point.

Lily: Am I not staying with Ariella during the challenge?

Emma(TL): No we talked about the night before. That way you couldn’t overindulge again.

*Lily Smiles*

Emma(TL): I either want to investigate their normal migrations or train tomorrow. How are you feeling?

*Lily stretches out and yawns.*

Lily: Sleepy. Can we do it another day?

Emma(TL): *Smiles* You can stay here with Lazarus tomorrow. I’ll take Keya. She asked me about going to the library earlier anyway so it works out.

Lily: Sounds good. I’m gonna nap until then.

*Lily falls asleep and Emma continues to read through the recruits until finding a familiar name among them.*

Emma: That sounds like the same Gareth. I’ll ask Giovanni later.

*As Emma lies in bed, thinking about her childhood and playing with Keya and Ariella, growing up in the capital.*