Year 71

  *As the Carriage reaches the Thompson estate, a small group of humans waits out front. A large, muscular man steps out in front, presumably Alabaster, his brown mustache and shining bald head visible. He smiles as Emma opens the carriage.*

  Emma: *with a disguised voice* Let me introduce first, Son of Lord Vern…

  *Alabaster interrupts, his loud booming voice startles Emma slightly.*

  Alabaster: Come on, boy! Let me get a look at you!

  *Upon seeing Kevin, he throws his arms out and smiles, grabbing his arms with excitement.*

  Alabaster: Oh, you got a little fat, but look at you! A big man such as yourself! What’s the biggest beast you’ve tangled with?!

  Kevin: Uhhhh.

  *Kevin blinks in confusion as Carolina steps forward. Her long legs and short torso make her look like a frog. Her shrewd voice pierces the air, scratching Emma’s ears.*

  Caroline: I doubt the boy has ever even seen a real fight.

  Alabaster: Great! *Smiles* I’ll take you on a hunt, and when we get back, we’ll get started on your test. *Turns to Emma* You there, my slaves will get his things put away, grab what he needs to hunt, and meet us out back in an hour.

  Emma: *Bows* Yes, Count.

  *Alabaster smacks Emma hard on her arm.*

  Alabaster: You can call me Al during the hunt.

  *Emma nods, with a look of concern and confusion. She grabs Kevin's weapons and armor while the two walk away. Alabaster wraps his arm around Kevin and goes on about where they could go. Caroline stands back and looks at the carriage, judging its appearance. Next to her stands Denise, her legs like her mother's, but she has a large chest and a beautiful face. Her tone of voice sounds entitled, but soft.*

  Caroline: *Sigh* If we’re lucky, he’ll get himself killed beforehand.

  Denise: Don’t be like that, mother. I know His father is a disgusting man, but he seemed nice.

  Caroline: You there! Slave.

  *Emma turns around and stands before the two.*

  Emma: Yes, Ma’am?

  Caroline: Is he still a virgin? Be honest, and I might reward you.

  Emma: *Smiles* Yes, I’m confident on that front. His mother would kill me if I returned without his chastity.

  *Caroline scoffs and turns around.*

  Caroline: Whatever. Come along, Denise! If your father is going on a hunt, that means we need to plan a tea party with the Soots.

  *Reaching the back of the estate, Emma finds Alabaster coaching Kevin as he runs an obstacle course. Reaching the end, Alabaster pats him on the back like a proud parent.*

  Alabaster: Before you leave, we’ll shave that time in half. But we can do that when we get back. *claps* Forrest! You and Dennis go scout ahead. *Looks to Kevin* What’s your slave's name? If he’s going on the hunt, we’ll need to know his name.

  Kevin: They go by Goren.

  Alabaster: Well, Goren? You look like you have some good stories.

  *Emma nods*

  Alabaster: *Quietly* Listen, I know Vernie is a pig and doesn’t care about elves. But while on the hunt, my Pops always said, “ Never go hunting without knowing someone.” Around the campfire, we’re all equals.

  Emma: Thank you, Sir. *Smiles*

  Alabaster: At least you smile! Everyone, hop on, Goren! Can you drive?

  Emma: I can.*Nods*

  Alabaster: Great! HaHa! The sky is clear and the sun is out! This hunt is going to be great! Forrest! Keep us posted!

  *Sitting in the carriage, Alabaster talks about his previous hunts.*

  Alabaster: It just occurred to me. Goren doesn’t have a slave collar.

  *Emma lifts her wrist, showing the bracelet. While keeping her eyes on the road ahead.*

  Emma: That’s because my master allows me to use magic; this bracelet connects me to him.

  Alabaster: I’m assuming you mean Argon? I hope he isn’t too hard on you. The rumors are that his slave tend to die on their first or second mission.

  *Kevin breaks the awkward silence that comes after.*

  Kevin: So what are we going to hunt?

  Alabaster: We’re going to be looking for a Storm bear.

  *As the cart reaches a clearing deep in the forest, Alabaster's tone changes, he lowers his voice, and seems more serious.*

  Alabaster: It sounds like we’ve made it to camp. Goren, set up camp. Forrest will scout. Kevin and I will be back by dinner.

  Emma: I was instructed.

  Alabaster: I understand what Argon said, but I’m sure I can protect the boy for one afternoon.

  *Forrest walks behind her.*

  Forrest: This is how the count is. The young master will be safe, I assure you. I panicked my first time, granted, I didn’t know how to start a fire. He laughed and helped me… He’s a good man. He enjoys hunting because it allows him to be his true self.

  Emma: I’m not worried about that. My Master made it clear.

  Forrest: Are you going to tell him? Because none of us will. Relax, man up, and I’ll be back early to help if you need it.

  Emma: No, I’ll be fine.

  *Forrest hops onto a branch and turns to Emma.*

  Forrest: Good. Then I’ll see you later.

  *Forrest waves as he jumps into the canopy, unable to use his magic, he still moves silently from branch to branch*

  Emma: Well, Lily, it looks like it’s just you and me.

  *The bracelet pulses.*

  *Emma hums a song Slade once sang before while she works. In no time at all, she sets up camp using her weakened telekinesis to help her. As she starts cooking dinner, she hears a noise. She pauses, and the fire pops. She listens until she hears it again. Kevin’s screams. Using her sense spell, she easily locates his direction. She can’t make out the details, but she can tell something big has Kevin pinned.*

  Emma: Northeast. Nine Kilo. No ten. Where is Alabaster?

  * Emma drops her cooking utensils and sprints as fast as she can toward Kevin. Along the way, she shoots past Alabaster, who is leaning against a tree, holding his head with a bleeding cut. She runs past him and Spots Kevin in the distance. *

  Alabaster: The hells was that?

  *An enormous Storm bear roars as it stands tall. It roars, calling down a thunderstrike right over Kevin. Kevin looks up, and as the light flashes, he opens his eyes, the ground sparking. Emma stands over him, her disguise broken. She unsheathes her blades, and her eyes glow green.*

  Emma: Do I have permission to assist you, young master?

  *Kevin slowly and shakily nods his head, and the stench of urine fills the air. The storm bear stomps its front paws into the ground and releases a shockwave. Emma pulls Kevin back with her telekinesis, creates a clone in front of her to absorb the attack, she raises her wrist to her lips.*

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  Emma: Master.

  *Emma’s head is filled with Argon’s voice, and she smiles.*

  Argon: Trouble already?

  Emma: Kevin and the count went hunting upon arrival; they need my full assistance.

  *Emma waves her body playfully while she waits for her master's answer. The storm bear begins to charge toward her, and Kevin starts to panic again.*

  Argon: Fine. Give them help. L-

  *Upon hearing the word, Emma can feel her magic flow. Her stance changes, and her gaze locks with the storm bear.*

  Argon: You have two minutes.

  Emma: Understood, Master.

  *As the bear lunges toward Emma, she jumps back, and two of her clones take her place; they distract the storm bear until it cleaves through them. Another Emma appears on the back of the bear, and it stands up and begins to fall backward. The clone on its back disappears, and the bear falls off its now severed feet. As the bear lets out a cry, two more storm bears appear. Alabaster shows up and lands a solid punch in the bear's jaw. The bear focuses on him while the other continues to charge toward Emma.*

  Alabaster: I won’t let this one get the jump on me, you take care of that one for me, will you?!

  *Forrest appears next to him with dual blades. Kevin stands next to Emma, sword in hand, shaking. Emma looks the bear in the eyes and casts, paralytic gaze, to temporarily stun the storm bear as Kevin stabs into the bear, and as he raises the blade, the intestines spill out, covering Kevin. Emma quickly runs off into the woods and reapplies her disguise as her father. Waiting until they all arrive back at camp, Emma finishes dinner and waits with a change of pants for Kevin on her arm.*

  Alabaster: So I did, guess it! I told you, there is nothing wrong with a warrior's bladder. I had it until I was nineteen.

  *Alabaster slaps Kevin on the back, almost knocking him over. He laughs while they sit down around the fire. Forrest comes over and tastes the food. After taking a bite, he nods.*

  Forrest: It should be fine. By the way, did you happen to see a female elf run through here?

  Emma: Is that what that was? I had to rebuild the tents because they blasted through here.

  Alabaster: I just wish we got her name.

  *Forrest brings Alabaster his food, and Emma brings Kevin his. The two humans laugh and discuss the events from before while Emma and Forrest head to the bears, which have been hung up, to prepare the meat and hide for travel.*

  Forrest: So, how long have you been a slave?

  Emma: I was found by my Master; he sent his best men to find me. I lost my memories from before. I have random moments, *Smiles* like I remember training as a child. My master says, “That was before we lost you.” I was captured and tortured, but I can’t remember it all. I remember hearing a deep voice telling me how to throw a knife, and I can remember red scales. So maybe a Demon.

  Forrest: So is that why you don’t have a standard slave collar?

  *After finishing the first bear, the two move on to the next one. Forrest wipes off his forehead and takes in a breath of air before getting started again.*

  Forrest: The problem is, I’ve met Argon’s slaves before. I know he brainwashes them. *Sigh* Just stay safe, okay?

  Emma: Of course! *Smiles*

  Forrest: I sure am glad that the bodies are mostly still intact.

  *Forrest looks over at the third bear, whose pelt is covered in cuts.*

  Forrest: Well, maybe it was the Night Warden.

  Emma: Who?

  Forrest: It was an elf who traveled around Mithrun and helped protect people.

  Emma: Have you ever met them?

  Forrest: Nope. Just heard stories. She is probably the only elf the dwarves seem to respect. Some out of fear, of course.

  *On their way back. Forrest continues to ask Emma questions.*

  Forrest: Okay, but if you ever need to escape, have you heard of the ficus family?

  Emma: Who?

  Forrest: They’re a family of humans, probably the only one, that treats elves like family. Both in private and public. Try to meet them at some point.

  Emma: *Irritated* I’m fine, I understand my master isn’t the most moral of men, but I won’t tolerate slander.

  Forrest: Okay! Okay! No need to bite my head off. I understand. If you’re that pissed, then pretend this was a test for your loyalty or something.

  *Emma’s attitude turns to a more submissive one, upon the potential for impressing her master, her eyes flicker for a moment.*

  Forrest: Wait. What moon are you?

  Emma: Blue, obviously. What kind of question is that?

  Forrest: Great, I was hoping to make some hot drinks when we got back, can you create some water when we get back?

  Emma thinking: Is he on to me?

  Emma: With this bracelet, my master only allows me to use magic under dire situations. I’ll still have to go to the river.

  *Forrest pauses, looking at Emma as if trying to think of a response.*

  Forrest: He won’t allow even lower-level casting? Well, I guess it is Argon we’re talking about.

  *As the two continue walking, Forrest continues to watch the bracelet.*

  Emma: It allows me to ask him using telepathy. I’d rather not bother him with something so trivial.

  Forrest: Fair. I’m just curious about how it works. I’ve never seen one before.

  Emma: It was a gift from an elf. I was told.

  *As Emma returns with a bucket of water, she can hear the two humans laughing.*

  Alabaster: Great, you’re back! Have a drink. That’s an order.

  *Emma hesitates, and Kevin brings a drink over; he stumbles drunkenly.*

  Kevin: If you don’t join us for drinks, I’ll tell them about…

  *Emma trips Kevin using magic and catches him.*

  Emma: Fine… I don’t mind having a drink.

  *Kevin shakes his head*

  Kevin: We’re going to play cards.

  *After cards, Emma manages to get by with only a few drinks. She seems unfazed. Kevin and Alabaster sing and drink around the fire, while Forrest grabs some dried meats, crackers, and olives.*

  Alabaster: Hey, Goren. That was it, right? *Emma nods* I feel like I’ve heard the name somewhere.

  Forrest: It’s not an uncommon name in elven culture, My lord.

  Alabaster: Wait! I had a party mate who said his Grandfather traveled with a Goren. Francis was his name, ring any bells?

  Emma: Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, my memories from before my Master's are a bit fuzzy. I just remembered my name and what my spirit, Lily, looked like. *Smiles* She still appears in my dreams.

  *The fire pops in the silence, and Alabaster raises his mug.*

  Alabaster: To new friendsh! And hopefully a happier daughter.

  *Kevin raises his mug as well, too inebriated to speak, he manages something that sounds like “Yeah!,” followed by more unintelligible words*

  Emma: I should get the young master to bed. If I may?

  *Alabaster looks at Kevin and laughs*

  Alabaster: Maybe we did have a little too mush to drink. Good idea. We’ll head out in. The. The morning.

  *Forrest helps bring Alabaster to his tent to sleep while Emma takes Kevin to his. Afterward, the two elves sit around the fire, and Emma washes Kevin’s clothes. A few noticeable holes allow her fingers to poke through.*

  Forrest: I don’t mind stitching those holes since you set up camp.

  Emma: That would be great. I’m not good at it, I just prick my fingers a million times.

  Forrest: *Chuckles* I only learned it because of these hunting trips. Gives me something to do at night.

  *Emma hands Forrest the pants after cleaning them, watching Forrest as he slowly lays out the fabric before beginning. He starts to pick up pace after a moment, showing how fast it can be done. As he finishes, you can just barely see the seam.*

  Forrest: The ladies of the house can make them look as good as new. But these will do for the time.

  *As Emma grabs the pants, Forrest senses her magic.*

  Forrest: I ask out of genuine curiosity, and if you do, as long as the count and their family are safe.

  *Emma realizes Forrest has figured her out and drops her disguise for a moment, then reapplies it.*

  Emma: *Goren’s voice in a serious tone* I’m not after your masters. Kevin is more of a side quest.

  Forrest: So you did save him earlier? I had a feeling you weren’t a blue elf.

  Emma: To make things clear. My life is on the line if I’m discovered. Those with high magic sensitivity and elves are the only ones who would figure that out.

  Forrest: So are your spells limited then?

  Emma: I’m allowed to use up to five percent of my magic without permission.

  Forrest: So is everything a lie?

  Emma: What do you mean?

  Forrest: Do you remember your past?

  Emma: Some of it. I know that my master was looking for me specifically. And the knife story is true as well.

  Forrest: *under his breath, sarcastically* I’m sure he was.

  *Emma glares at Forrest.*

  Forrest: I’m sorry. Don’t be offended, please.

  *Emma stands up and dusts herself off..*

  Emma: I understand my master doesn’t make the best moral choices. But any more slander and your master may need a new slave.

  *A spark of green can be seen in Emma’s eyes as she turns away. Forrest jerks his head back, barely dodging one of Emma’s hidden blades as they zip by in an attempt to graze and scare him.*

  Forrest: I’ll stay out of your way. But if you ever want to talk. As elves, not as slaves. No Master talk. Feel free to find me.

  *Emma rolls her eyes as she walks away.*

  Emma: Sure.

  *The next day, they head back to the estate where they sit down before Alabaster in a conference room. Emma stands in the corner in disguise, listening with Forrest, while Alabaster, Kevin, Denise, and another man. The other human is a middle-aged man with a bald spot and a monocle.*

  Alabaster: Kevin, this is Daniel.

  *The two shake hands. And Kevin looks at them confused.*

  Daniel: I’m the Count’s unofficial treasurer. I give him market advice; in return, he helps me take care of some jobs now and then. It’s a pleasure to meet the potential son-in-law, finally. *laughs*

  *Alabaster sits in his seat, gesturing toward Daniel.*

  Alabaster: For your task, I asked Daniel to hold off on his most recent request.

  Daniel: I’ve been adding to the list, but so far we’re at one hundred and twenty bundles of hides, ten pallets of bricks, and.

  Alabaster: Bricks?

  Daniel: I figured it would help.

  Alabaster: Fair enough, continue.

  Daniel: *Clears throat* Ten pallets of bricks and timber. I’ll cover any fees, but I’d like you to find me a supplier, the better the deal and the dealer, the better I’ll rate him. And the big item is going to be. I need three Greater Ogre horns.

  *As Kevin turns toward Emma, Alabaster clears his throat to grab everyone's attention.*

  Alabaster: I know most nobles rely on slaves. But sometimes it might be better to do things without assistance.

  Daniel: Now, now. Even one Greater takes an ‘A’ rank fighter.

  Alabaster: Good point. Well, we can send him to the guild to look for people to join him.

  *Forrest signals to Alabaster, and he pauses*

  Alabaster: Anyway. *Clears throat* You can stay in the estate until a verdict has been made. Your elf can aid ours, since you won’t be allowed her help anyway. She can still join you in town, but you must do the talking. Understood, my boy?!

  Kevin: *Stands and bows* I promise to make both of you proud.

  *Kevin turns to Denise and kneels.*

  Kevin: And hopefully, my future bride-to-be.

  *Denise blushes, and Alabaster smiles.*

  Daniel: I’ll need at least the pallets before the colder weather. Otherwise, I look forward to working with you.

  *Daniel shakes Kevin's hand before Kevin and Emma leave the room.*

  Alabaster: I’m hoping to hear good things!

  *A week passes, and Emma finally has a moment to herself. She waits until nightfall, and she feels her magic double. She enters stealth as she sneaks out of the estate. Through eavesdropping, she quickly finds out that a rally will be happening on the first of the next month. While she waits, Emma continues to gather information on Ryan. Ryan Freeman, as people have put it. Even though Alabaster is kind and caring, he doesn’t realize the corruption going on in the city.*