Year 6

*a year has passed since Emma met Grace. The group makes it home right as the sun starts to set.*

Goren: I’m so glad we had you with us on the way, Hakhir. Taking the other way home would’ve taken us another year at least. It’s so great to finally get home.

Hakhir: It’s been great for me as well. Plus now I can relax up until the ferry with the cart.

Sarah: Thank you again for that as well. I’ll get dinner going. *She looks at Goren and the girls.*If you two can handle the unpacking until then. Thank you.

Emma Thinking: Ever since visiting Grace, Mom has been a whole new level of happiness. I never realized how much she was suffering until I saw how much happier she’s become.

Keya: I’ll take care of unpacking if you want to help Mom, Dad.

Goren: I thought you hated when I cooked.

Isabelle: which is why she said help. *Laughs*

Sarah: You can’t mess it up if you’re not the one cooking.

Goren: Hey!

Hakhir: Well we can’t have little scrawny arms doing all the lifting he might hurt himself.

Goren: But Emma gets to help?

*Everyone looks at Emma as she carries Sarah's bag to her room, struggling to carry it herself, but determined to do so.*

Keya: See Emma’s got it taken care of for the both of you.

*The next morning, they all see Hakhir off as he heads out of town. As he pulls away with the cart Sarah heads back inside.*

Sarah: I’m gonna go lay back down, I’m still tired.

Goren: Okay I’ll Finish putting away the kitchen stuff.

*Sarah and Goren head back inside the house*

Isabelle: Let's head out to do some Spirit control training. I might know a place both of you can train.

* Isabelle leads the girls to a section of the canopy where the tree’s have formed a natural den. The branches spiral in a way at the top it allows for the sun to pierce through while also blocking most outer sounds.*

Isabelle: I found this place before we left. It's called an ‘Elven nest.’ Legend says the first elves were born in these.

Keya: Is that true?

Isabelle: I mean who knows. But most elves use them for Spirit control training because it blocks out most of the noise inside and out. Now both of you get settled in and start practice. I’m going to be on watch so no one sees Emma or Lily.

*Soon after the girls and their spirits close there eyes*

Emma (TL): What’s this feeling?

Lily: It feels.

Both: Warm.

*They both open their eyes and begin turning their heads. Looking around the area in perfect sync.*

*Isabelle looks over her shoulder and sees Emma twisting her head. She starts walking over to her.*

Isabelle: You need to Focu… *whispers and kneels* good, now picture your arm moving without actually moving it.

*After a moment Lily takes a couple of steps then stumbles a little as the focus is lost.*

Isabelle: Keep it up, maybe you can surprise Mom when we get home.

*Emma eventually gets Lily to run around the nest a couple of times before losing focus*

Keya: Why can't I seem to figure this out Lazarus?

Emma: *Looks at Keya as Lily sitting in front of her* Both of you close your eyes.

*Keya and Lazarus close their eyes.*

Emma: Picture a branch.

Keya: Okay.

Emma: now add a leaf. keep adding more and more detail until you can open your eyes but mentally see the same image. After you grasp that focus move onto feeling. Don't move to much you can't feel your own body. so moving adds different textures the other isn't feeling for now that's too advanced.

Isabelle: Emma who taught you this?

Emma: It's how I did it.

Isabelle: How are you so smart?

Emma: I like to think I had good teachers.

Isabelle: I mean I'm honored but that level of thinking is above me for sure.

*Keya and Lazarus begin to lift arms until the focus breaks.*

Keya: woah! That was really weird.

*As the sun starts to fade the three start walking back but find Goren and Sarah are missing. The front door was left open.*

Isabelle: Goren! Sarah! Where are you guys?

* The neighbors come over and speak to Keya for a moment. She then runs over to Isabelle.*

Keya: *in tears* They said it’s Mom!

*as the three reach the clinic Goren is sitting out front head in hands, Isabelle Runs over to Goren.*

Isabelle: what happened Goren where’s Sarah.

*Goren looks at Isabelle overcome with grief; he only manages to say.*

Goren: She’s gone.

Isabelle: Come here Girls.

*Isabelle holds them tightly, Holding back tears, comforting them.*

Keya and Emma: Momma?

—------------------------

Emma Thinking: I don’t remember much after that. We soon moved to the capital with Isabelle where dad met us after he finished everything with the house. He still smiles but you can see The hurt in everyone still. They said she fell asleep and never woke up. Dad said she had a smile when he found her. It’s been 6 months now. The first 2 weeks Keya and I struggled to eat or do anything. Uncle Rydel took time off to help support dad so he wasn’t alone in the house.

*The Capital of the Elves, A Tree covers the city with its canopy, without blocking out the light of the sun.. The new house in the middle of the capital has no yard but the Girls have the whole upstairs as their own room. Isabelle’s gone back to work and Keya spends most of her days training by herself. Emma does most of her spirit training by herself.*

Lily: Maybe we can find someone to teach you how to read.

Emma (TL): Who would we ask? Keya isn’t fun anymore and Auntie is too busy.

Lily: Maybe try your dad. Maybe it’ll make him feel better.

Emma (TL): we just need a book that doesn’t link To Momma* Tears up*

*Emma heads downstairs and picks out a book and heads over to Goren.*

Goren: Hey sweetie. *Partial smile* What's up?

Emma: I wanna learn to read.

Goren: Emma I’m sorry I don’t.

*Emma shakes her head.*

Emma: You read it slowly. I’ll try to learn.

Goren: You sound smart enough to read already. *smirk*

*After Looking at the cover of the book Goren Smiles.*

Goren: Did you plan this?

Emma: Huh?

Goren: “Spirit ABC’s” It’s a beginner Spirit book.

Emma: You can teach me twice as fast.

*Goren Smiles and the two get comfy so they can both see the book. Hours pass as they read and soon Isabelle gets home. As she walks in she see’s Goren smiling while reading to Emma. Both haven’t even noticed her yet.*

Isabelle: What sounds good for dinner?

Goren: Oh! Sorry didn’t hear you come in. I’ll cook.

Emma: Baby steps Daddy. Baby steps.

Goren: No, I can cook now. Rydel taught me how to make a few things.

Isabelle: *smiles* okay I won’t stop you. How’s the taller one?

Keya: *Irritated* She’s Fine. Auntie, when are we gonna get to trai again?

Isabelle: Well if your father is serious about cooking then we can go now.

Keya: Wait really?! *smiles* But if I win, I get to go to work with you.

Isabelle: and If I win you’ll start school? I’ll even, only use one hand.

Keya: Deal! Dad, we’re gonna head out we’ll be back by dinner.

*They run out before giving him a chance to respond.*

Emma: It’s okay Daddy I’ll help cook.

Goren: Thank you Emma. What do you think about going to school?

Emma: But I’m too young.

Goren: It doesn’t have to be right now, but if I start work then you’ll need somewhere to go during the day. You can’t be alone without an adult.

Emma: Bub..

Goren: Not Bubba, he’ll have to come to work with me. And if your sister starts school she won’t be home either. They have magic training classes and you could make new friends.

Emma: Okay…

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

*Soon after the two finish making dinner Keya and Isabelle come inside. Keya runs upstairs to pout*

Isabelle: Guess who starts school soon!

Goren: Emma agreed as well.

Isabelle: Uh, Goren. Emma can’t go to school.

Goren and Emma: What? Why?

Isabelle: Because they’ll check her magic type’s and The purple will show up. Your best bet is to play her off as a human but we’d need to teach her higher illusion magic. At that point she’d be old enough to both teach and take care of herself.

Goren: I don’t know. It’s not that I don’t trust you Emma, But if something happened.

Isabelle: *Sigh* If you’re stressing that much I can take her to work and IF she promises to stay in my office, she can stay there.

Goren: Emma?

Emma: That sounds boring…Fine…

Goren: *Hugs Emma* Thank you.

*As the three walk up to the gates of The capitol, “The Veiled Glade” the tree that covers the city. The entire field in front is full of flowers. 4 buildings form a box around the Tree. Emma holds a Lily as a stuffed animal(disguised) with one arm holding Goren's hand with the other.*

Isabelle: Honestly, why haven’t we thought about making Lily a toy earlier.

Goren: I know right. *Laughs* Okay Emma. Be good.

Emma: Where are you going Daddy?

Goren: I’ll be in the back building. Listen to Isabelle.

Isabelle: Today's supposed to only have one meeting so I can watch her most the day. I’ll have Faelar stay in the office when that happens.

Goren: Thank you again.

*As the two reach the halls of the east buildings a male elf with short silver hair, green eyes. comes running up to them.*

Faelar: Captain! I got that report you needed.

Isabelle: finally. *takes papers and starts reading* So not terrible. Emma, this is Faelar.

*Faelar looks down just now noticing Emma and Lily*

Faelar: Aw who’s this? Didn’t know you had kids.

Isabelle: I don’t, raising the three at home keeps me busy enough.

Emma: Daddy isn’t a kid.

*Both adults laugh as they enter the office and Isabelle gestures for Emma to go sit on a couch in the room where a couple books on spirits lay on the table in front of it.*

Faelar: also the meeting for today got moved to later today.

Isabelle: Oh! Can you stay in the office and watch Emma during that?

Faelar: *smiles* of course.

Isabelle: Emma don’t start telling him weird stories either, keep reading and if you have questions ask me or Faelar for help.

Emma: *already reading* Okay auntie.

Faelar: *Overcome with cuteness* So she’s Auntie?

Isabelle: *intimidating* That vacation time you were asking about, when did you need approval again.

Faelar: *scared* sorry! I’m off.

*As the day goes on Emma studies occasionally asking Isabelle how to pronounce a word. Isabelle, aside from stepping out now and again, spends most the day doing paperwork. After a while Faelar comes back to stay in the office when Isabelle leaves.*

Faelar: Need any help reading?

Emma: No, Daddy taught me last week.

Faelar: Oh? Are you getting ready for school?

Emma: I’m not allowed to go to school so I asked to learn so I could teach myself.

Faelar: Well do you want any sweets while you read?

*Emma's eyes lighten up*

Emma: Cookies?!

Faelar: *Laughs* Okay, let’s sneak to the kitchen.

*Emma grabs Lily and the get to the kitchen Faelar distracts the cook while Emma grabs a handful of cookies when she turn around she runs into another child elf with blue eyes and Green hair, They both drop their cookies.*

Female cook: Princess Ariella, Those cookies are for Your Sister's Tea Party. *Sees Emma* And who’s your friend?

Ariella: *at Emma* Looks Like we got caught *Grabs Emma's hand and the run*

Faelar: Wait! Emma! Princess!

*Faelar chases after Emma who's following Ariella until they run past Isabelle.*

Isabelle: *Stops* EMMA!

*Emma and Ariella freeze*

Isabelle: And the princess?

Ariella: Hi Isabelle *Scared smile* how’re you today?

Isabelle: I’m doing fine, your mom though.

*Isabelle points at a female elf walking out of a door, Her majestic Sapphire eyes and Hair that looks Like the flowing leaves of the a willow tree. Queen Seraphina.*

Seraphina: Who do we have here?

Isabelle: Emma Greeting like we practiced.

*Emma curtsies.*

Emma: Emma SilvaShade your majesty

Seraphina: SilvaShade? Oh You must be Goren’s Daughter! Is he back today?

Isabelle: He might still be here. He demanded he start at the bottom so he’s in the north building.

Seraphina: why don’t you two accompany us?

Ariella: Actually Mother I’m…

*Seraphina looks at Ariella with a terrifying smile.*

Seraphina: No princess should be sneaking around for sweets.

*as they reach the northern building Goren waves to a group as he turns he sees Queen Seraphina.*

Seraphina: Goren nice to see you.

Goren: Oh! Your Maje… I’m so sorry for whatever she’s done!

Seraphina: *Laughs* She's actually a very sweet girl, proper greeting and everything. How are you doing?

Goren: I’m doing good Getting back into the swing of things.

Seraphina: Ready to take me up on the offer I gave you back then?

Goren: I’m not ready to lead again. Not while I still feel this weak…

Seraphina: Well they will be ready whenever you are.

Emma: Can Ariella and I play Dad?

Ariella: Can we Mom?

Seraphina: If Goren is okay with it.

Goren: *Looks at Isabelle, sweat starts to form* Ye-yeah.. That’s fine with me.

Both: Yay!

Ariella: Let’s go watch the spirit fighters!

Isabelle: *Irritated* Emma! Behave!

Seraphina: I’m sure she will be fine. It’s so good to see Ariella play with someone her age. We’ll Goren if you’re free, sometime tomorrow, stop by my office so we can catch up.*Smiles and leaves*

Goren: We are screwed if Emma gets found out.

Isabelle: How did any of this even happen..

Faelar: Emma! *See’s Isabelle*

Isabelle: Faelar! Report now!

*Emma and Ariella look out into a courtyard where a group of elves, each with their spirit’s next to or on their shoulders are watching two elves having a mock battle.*

Emma: Woah.

Ariella: I know watch the fight though the only on the left is Cale and on the right is his sister Gale. they’re twins but they always butt heads. I can’t wait for my spirit, being a princess is boring.

Emma: I’m sure you have good days too.

Ariella: Well yeah, but I never get to leave the grounds. Emma, will you become my official playmate?

Emma: Play. Mate? What do you mean by official?

Ariella: I mean will you be my friend?

Emma: *Smiles* Does that mean I can come play everyday?

Ariella: Of course! I’ll even make sure the guards know to let you in.

Emma: Will I still be able to read?

Ariella: We can go to the Library, yeah.

Emma: Library?!

Ariella: Yeah, follow me.

*Ariella brings Emma to the entrance of the capitol tree and then goes to the 2nd floor where the doors look like two giant books and Ariella opens the door, an owl-like creature fly’s down to greet the two.*

Emma: Pretty.

Ariella: This is Darian. He is our Librarian. What book do you want?

Emma: general magic.

Ariella: I can ask for your class specifically if you’d like.

Emma Thinking: I guess that makes sense. I can't learn other magic if others are around.

Emma: The color chart then.

Ariella: Darian can you get the Color chart and my magic study books.

*Ariella brings Emma to a table where Darian brings the books one at a time carrying them in his talons; each book has a hook to avoid damage.*

Ariella: Do you know what colors you have?

Emma: Yeah, but I’ve never seen one myself. I wanted to learn all about all the different types of magic. Even if I can’t actually learn them. I want to learn how they work, Even if I can only cast Illusion magic.

Ariella: You Talk really smart.

Emma: *Embarrassed* Yeah, I get that a lot.

Ariella: So Illusion magic? That lets you hide yours and other peoples looks right?

Emma: Yeah! I can change any part of you any realistic color, as long as I can imagine it.

Ariella: how long can you hold it for? if you did it to someone else?

Emma: hmmm. I haven't practiced on anyone else since...*tears start to form*

Ariella: What's wrong?

Emma: I used to play with my Momma by changing her hair color before she passed away.

Ariella: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset.

Emma: *Shakes her head* *Smiles*Momma always said to Smile when I think about her and she'll Smile in return.

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

*Ariella and Emma spend their days going to the Library to read. At first Goren and Isabelle tried to convince Emma to stay in the office, But Ariella eventually started going to Isabelle’s office every day to collect her.*

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

Ariella: Emma! Let’s go! The kitchen made cookies.

Isabelle: Don’t you have studying to do, Princess?

Ariella: Yes, but I had an idea! Why doesn’t Emma come join me?

*Isabelle spits out her drink.*

Emma: Can I Auntie?

Isabelle: You know I can’t make that decision without your father.

Aeriella: Then… Faelar, go find Goren and send him To Isabelle’s office.

Faelar: Right away!

Isabelle: Emma come here. *Whispers to Emma* Odds are your Dad isn’t stupid enough to fight this. As much as it will terrify us all.. If you get the go ahead.

Emma: *Whispers* I know. No Lily, or the forbidden stuff.

Isabelle: *Pats Emma’s head* okay. Go ahead. I’ll explain it to your Father when he gets here.

Both girls: Yay!

*Aeriella brings Emma to the fifth floor of the tree. A courtyard with a Reptilian person with Red scales and yellow piercing eyes, stands facing away from the girls.*

Instructor: You’re late! *Turns to face the girls.* You’re here to study, not play Princess.

Aeriella: Sorry Instructor Valorin! This is Emma. She’s the captain’s niece. Since she can’t go to school and was alone I offered for her to come at least listen and learn during our classes.

*Valorin Eyes Emma up and down*

Valorin: come here. *Emma runs up in front of Valorin and stands upright.* Name. Age. Magic color(s). Can you read? Can you write? Can you Speak properly?

Emma: Emma SilvaShade. Black. Age six and a half. Yes I can read. I’ve never tried to write. And what’s speaking properly?

Valorin: hmm. So we can skip the color test. Overall 7/10 we’ll start with having you practice your writing. Princess. You’re going to give me 36 bullseyes.

Aeriella: 36?!

Valorin: For each Minute you made me wait.

*Isabelle’s office*

*Goren bursts through the door.*

Goren: What happened now?!

Isabelle: It’s fine. I found a teacher for Emma by accident. More specifically Princess Aeriella decided Emma should join her lessons.

Goren: *Pale* OH! Okay.

*Goren sits down on couch and Isabelle comes and sits down next to him*

Isabelle: Their name is Valorin. They’re an A class adventurer.

Goren: At least I can’t argue with that kind of resume. What’s he like?

Isabelle: *Pours and passes Goren a drink* Well, He’s a demon.

Goren: really? Kind of surprised normally the royals are all ‘elves.’

Isabelle: Yeah, the Princess apparently asked for him. *Passes file* this is what we have on him. She said she wanted to become an Adventurer.

Goren: I think I remember Keya say something about this guy.

*At home the four sit down to for dinner*

Goren: So how was school today?

Keya: It’s fine, I made some friends. Speaking of which, I can go hang out with them this weekend.

Goren: I don’t see why not.

Keya: How was the Capitol Emma?

Emma: It’s fun Valorin started teaching me to write. Then Aeriella and I went to the library where we read magic books.

Keya: Wait, I thought she couldn’t go to school?

Isabelle: long story short she became friends with Princess Aeriella who then convinced Emma to join in on her personal tutoring.

Keya: Princess!

Goren: It's probably the only way we’re getting her a teacher at the moment.

Keya: WAIT! IS IT THE VALORIN?! A Class Demon Valorin?

Goren: Oh yeah you mentioned him a while back.

Keya: Can I please come? I’ll do any…. Almost anything and I'll stop arguing.

Goren: If Isabelle’s okay with it and you can get your Teacher’s permission.

Isabelle: I’ll have to get an Okay with some people as well.

Keya: Thank you guys I love you both!

Goren: How has Lily been doing?

Emma: She’s doing fine *Lily goes to spirit form and rests on Emma’s head.* She’s been helping me with Spelling.

Goren: *Laughs* I’d love to Valorin’s face when he sees how fast you learn

*everyone Laughs*