Year 75

  *Emma breathes quickly in a panic as she runs through the forest.*

  Emma: Lily?!

  *Emma wakes up and looks around the room. She looks at Lily, lying on the bed beside her, and smiles.*

  Emma: Good morning, Lily.

  *Emma places Lily in her lap and pets her.*

  Emma: I had that dream again. The one where I’m looking for you, but this time I was in a forest.

  *Emma lays Lily back down before standing up.*

  Emma: Well, Lily. I got orders last night. I’ve got to plant some evidence in someone's house today. So don’t wait up, I may be out late.

  *Emma looks at Lily and reaches out with her mind.*

  EMMA(TL): I’ll see you soon, Lily.

  *As Emma heads toward the door to leave the house, Arthur and Marieanne call her.*

  Arthur: Emma, come eat breakfast with us.

  Emma: *Smile* Okay, but only because I might not be back tonight.

  *Arthur whines. Marieanne places down a plate of eggs, meat, and veggies.*

  Marieanne: Now. Now. You told me last time she was gone, you liked it because you could stay up later. *Giggles*

  Emma: Uh, huh.

  *Emma looks at Arthur with a look of both impressed and offended.*

  Arthur: But Emma… You promised.

  Emma: Yes. And that isn’t until next month.

  Both: We can attempt to celebrate every day since we don’t know when.

  Arthur: *pouting* If you’ll have my birthday off. You promised to take me to see the rest of the city.

  Emma: Exactly. Now eat your breakfast. The faster I get going, the earlier I can get back.

  *Arthur nods as he eats his food. After breakfast, Emma says her goodbyes before heading out. By nightfall, she lies hidden along the roofs of the buildings around a manor, guards stand around at each entrance, including the slaves' entrance, where one heavier-set guard watches the elves walking in and out through the day. As the lights begin to go out, Emma pulls down a hood to cover her face, and she leaps down into a nearby alley. She walks toward a male and female guard, locking eyes as she moves, and they stand firmly with their weapons drawn. The sky rumbles as a downpour begins, making visibility low.*

  Guard M: Halt!

  *A carriage passes and Emma disappears. The guards step forward and look around the area without stepping too far from their post. However, Emma leaps stealthily over their heads from the roof of the carriage. As the carriage hits a hole in the road, water splashes toward them, and both the guards and Emma shake off the mud and return to their posts.*

  Guard F: I’ll go report this… and get some towels.

  *The guard walks toward the front door, but Emma ambushes her and takes her armor. She opens a crudely drawn map from a napkin she made earlier.*

  Emma: I’ve got to be quick.

  *Emma quickly makes it to a room with a younger male guard out front.*

  Emma: Quick, open the office. We think we spotted someone inside.

  *The guard freezes up for a moment before he quickly unlocks the room, and they enter. They notice an open window, and the guard walks toward it. Emma quickly places some letters in the desk when a voice calls out.*

  Guard M: That’s not one of ours! Catch her!

  *The younger guard turns to Emma, and she pulls him close by pulling his armor. She uses him like a shield as she backs up toward the window when a grey-haired human arrives, followed by multiple guards.*

  Man: Jacob!

  *The younger guard speaks.*

  Jacob: I’m fine. *Grunts*

  Emma: Lucky me.

  *Emma stabs Jacob and leaps from the window, and arrows fly toward her. They just manage to miss her, and she looks at the guards closing in on her. As she removes her hood, the guards all stand back as the point at her, waiting until Jacob’s Father arrives.*

  Guard: Sire, she’s an elf without a collar.

  Man: And?! There are fifty of you and one of her.

  *Emma flicks her wrist and rips the weapon from the guard nearest Jacob’s father and points at him.*

  Emma: Fight me, and if I win, you let me go.

  Man: *Face turns red with anger.* YOU JUST STABBED MY SON! IF YOU THINK I’M GOING TO LET THE Meganson’s NAME BE TARNISHED, THEN ON MY NAME AS DUKE Bradley!

  Emma: *Sighs* I was hoping to get further away…

  *Emma’s clone fades away as she escapes. The guards bring out some canine spirits from the slaves to help track her down, leading to the sewers. Bradley screams in frustration before sending some of the guards to follow her. Emma opens a secret passage and senses them. As the spirits pick up the scent, she closes the door behind her. She can hear the humans on the other side speaking, although too muffled to understand. Emma looks forward and navigates the darkness until she reaches a metal door. She knocks in a certain rhythm with a mix of soft and loud thuds a window slides open.*

  Emma: The crows are out tonight.

  *The window closes. Then the door is opened by a dwarf with a scar over his face, his eyes both greyed out. She steps into the foyer of an underground fight club, and the sound of cheering comes and goes.*

  Emma: *Dwarvish* Thank you, Chance.

  *The dwarf smiles.*

  Chance: Of course. Can’t have James’s personal assassin getting caught now, can we?

  Emma: I’d rather avoid being a slave ever again. I’ve somehow managed to avoid becoming someone's sex slave, and I’d like to keep it that way.

  Chance: *Laughs* At least they’d keep you. The only thing I’m good at…

  *Chance goes silent for a moment before whistling to grab the attention of the patrons. The entire place quickly goes silent as they hide any evidence of the fight ring, with the sound of banging on the door fills the halls. Chance has Emma hop into a barrel nearby, and as he opens the door, A group of human guards barge in. *

  Guard: Damn, it seems to just be a speakeasy. You there.

  *As the guard notices the dwarves' eyes, he pauses.*

  Guard: Did someone just come through that door?

  Chance: That’s the door we use to escape. I’m guessing you’re not from this area.

  Guard: I could have you all arrested. Tell me where the elf went.

  *A human calls out from the bar.*

  Human: I’d like to see you try.

  *The human steps forward, a male with dull red hair and a scar over his lip.*

  Human: You don’t have any say here. So you can go back the way you came. Or you can accept a bribe like all the other guards.

  Guard: So you admit you’re harboring her!

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  Human: *Scoffs* When did I say that? We don’t allow elves in here. Speaking of which, that includes spirits.

  *The human points to a spirit sitting at the guard's feet, panting.*

  Guard: I could still report this and have it shut down.

  Human: And I could let all these lovely people give you their opinion as well.

  *The human gestures as everyone in the area begins unsheathing their blades. The guards reluctantly leave, and slowly things return to how they were. Chance walks over to a barrel and opens it. Emma stands up coughing, covered in ale.*

  Emma: *Whining* Chance.

  Chance: *Laughs* Don’t blame me. I can see which ones are full.

  *Emma flicks her wrists. Flinging ale around. Chance hands a cloth out toward her. She looks at it, then at him with disappointment.*

  Emma: That’s your snot rag, isn’t it?

  *Chance laughs. A whistling sound makes Emma turn. A young, drunk human man calls out toward Emma.*

  Emma: Ugh. Why are human men so disgusting?

  Chance: Probably because their parents beat them for not listening.

  Emma: We both know dwarven children still have it worse. Isn’t that why you lost your eyes?

  *Chance's smile turns to a frown as he huffs.*

  Chance: Elves became slaves because they’re weak without their Precious magic.

  Emma: And you’re a glorified door stop. So we both have our downsides.

  Chance: Speak for yourself. At least a door stop has its use.

  *The two pause before laughing. Emma walks away, waving farewell to Chance.*

  Emma: I’ll see you when things die down.

  *Emma starts to walk away but stops as Chance speaks.*

  Chance: That might be a while. I heard they stationed guards at the entrance.

  Emma: Shit.

  Chance: Can’t you just use one of them?

  *Emma looks at the assortment of humans and scrunches up her nose.*

  Emma: I’d rather sleep with a sand slime.

  *Chance laughs, and his eyebrows raise as he thinks about the pain.*

  Chance: My place is always open. But you know the deal.

  Emma: Ugh, fine.

  *Emma pulls out her coin purse.*

  Emma: How many?

  Chance: I’ve been quite thirsty.*Smacks lips* Set me down for two.

  *Emma rolls her eyes and sighs before heading to the bar. She comes back with a platter with ten pints of ale. She places it next to Chance, who quickly grabs one and finishes it in a matter of seconds before releasing a burp loud enough to silence the area for a second. Some people clap and cheer as if watching a show.*

  Emma: I already paid for another to come out when you're done.

  *A female human approaches the two, her heels clicking pierce even the crowd's cheering. Her dress resembles nobility with red and gold laces throughout its black base. Her darker skin tone makes her golden eyes shine in the lighting*

  Emma: Lady Duskvale, is something wrong?

  Cassara: I told you, call me Cassara.

  Emma: Sorry.

  Cassara: I know. *Smiles* Relax. I just came to ask for a favor. It seems you’re going to be staying for a while, so I thought I’d come to offer my assistance.

  Emma: A while? You and I both know that they’ll give up.

  Cassara: You stabbed a noble. While not fatal, for humans that can spark a war just because it happened in that city. I’m sure James is all but pleased right now.

  Emma: Which means they haven’t searched the place yet. *Shakes head* Okay. What can I help with?

  Cassara: Hmmm. Assuming you don’t want to pay for Chance’s “Watering hole,” I can account…

  *Cassara begins to mumble numbers.*

  Emma: I’ll also need a report for my house.

  Cassara: Oh yes. I figure… three months should help pay it off.

  Emma: Three months?!

  Cassara: Oh. Are you okay fighting in the ring this time?

  Emma: I’d rather not. I promised Arthur after I came back with bruises.

  Cassara: So I think we can get you out of here just as the snow begins to fall.

  Emma: *Sigh* Okay.

  Cassara: Goodie! *Claps and smiles* Now. Go rest up, and I’ll have Trixie come get you when your shift starts.

  *Emma shakes her head as she lies in a room under the fighting ring. Dirt breaks loose occasionally, sprinkling in her hair.*

  Emma (TL): *Closes eyes* Sorry, Lilly. It looks like I’m going to be busy for a while. I’ll be home soon.

  *The next day, Cassandra wakes Emma, bursting into the room abruptly.*

  Cassandra: Time to go, love. All elves have been ordered to appear before the Duke.

  *Emma blinks rapidly as she awakens*

  Emma: And?

  Cassandra: They called by name. Yours was on it as well.

  Emma: Mother…

  *Emma shakes her head as she holds herself from screaming. After gathering her things, she heads over to say goodbye to Chance, who’s sleeping by the door.*

  Emma: Hey, Chance.

  *Chance lifts his head, eyes still closed.*

  Emma: I’m going to set off the alarm.

  Chance: *Sighs* Really. I just fell asleep, Emma.

  Emma: Apparently, the Dick. Sorry, Duke. Call for all elves by name. Odds are they’re waiting at both entrances.

  *Chance opens the vent to the door as she releases her magic. After a moment, Chance sustains the magic as she escapes out another entrance, but a guard waits for her, flipping a coin. He catches it and places it on his hand before side-eyeing Emma. His red hair and eyes glow as he turns toward her.*

  Emma: Captain Desmond. *Rolls eyes* You could’ve come and got me.

  Desmond: How? They were all here until Chance set off the alarm. Glad to see my idea worked.

  *Desmond leads Emma to a courtyard along with all the other elves. Arthur stayed at home, but Elwin and his family were also there. Desmond steps out on the balcony above, beside him stand both Duke James and Duke Meganson.*

  Desmond: Our visiting Duke Bradley Meganson was attacked last night. By an elf. We called every documented elf per Duke Meganson’s request in an attempt to find the culprit

  *The elves all begin to look around in shock. Desmond goes to speak, and Bradley steps in front of him. Angrily grasping the edge of the balcony, inspecting the elves*

  Bradley: She stabbed my eldest son, while he has recovered, the assailant will be executed for treason! We know they used magic to help disguise themselves.

  *Bradley steps back slowly.*

  Desmond: So, if each of you will undergo the truth serum test.

  *Emma notices Elwin begins to sweat. She walks over to him.*

  Emma: Elwin?

  *Emma can see the panic in his eyes, she smiles before turning around, sending a blade that just barely cuts His cheek. The sound of the blade slamming into the stone archway behind them silences the crowd.*

  Emma: *Softly* I’ll meet you at the lake like we discussed.

  Elwin: Emma?

  *The crowd backs away from Emma, and guards run toward her with collars in hand. Emma scoffs before disappearing. *

  Bradley: If she escapes, I’m taking this as a declaration of war, James.

  *James sighs and stands up before calling out.*

  James: Emma. I’m pretty sure you were instructed to no violence? I’ve already explained the situation to Duke Bradley. If you want your family to make it through the week, I expect you to return here at once!

  Emma: I have no intention of hiding.

  *Emma steps out of the shadows behind them. Two guards drop as the blood drips from her blades. Her eyes spark as she walks forward. Desmond steps forward but is shoved to the ground by Duke Bradley as he charges toward her. The sound of elves clashing as some of the other elves have started fighting back, Elwin and his family manage to escape with Marieanne, as Joshua joins the fight. Bradley begins to glow as he applies divine protection to himself. Emma's knives bounce off as her memories of training David’s shield begin to flow.*

  Emma thinking: I was using another element. But I can’t cast anything else yet.

  *Bradley swings at Emma; she blocks the blow but is sent through the door into the hallway. Just as she looks forward, he rams her again, sending her out into a courtyard. He walks slowly while carrying his greatsword on his shoulders.*

  Bradley: Come on, Elf. You wanted a fight, right?

  *Emma remembers a time when she challenged Valorin to a duel. She was training in the guild hall when he walked up behind her.*

  Valorin: You said you wanted a fight, right?

  *Emma turns and wipes the sweat from her forehead.*

  Emma: No. I said you couldn’t handle me at my fullest.

  Valorin: *Scoffs* Sure, kid. If you think you can handle me at my fullest, then.

  *Keya runs in*

  Keya: Wait a minute! As much as I’d love to watch you two get out your old grudges. Let's keep the destruction to a minimum.

  Emma: I’ll only use water and ice in case the old man can’t calm down.

  Valorin: Old man now? Sheila doesn’t…

  Emma: EW! No. You promised never to discuss that.

  Keya: Why not? Elves have never cared too much about the age gap before.

  Valorin: Because she knows Sheila.

  Keya: So? I’m jealous of her, honestly.

  *Emma looks at Keya. “ Are you serious?” She points her blade at Valorin, and the room cools down. The temperature steadies as Valorin heats up.*

  Emma: I might not be as strong*Static*

  *Emma and Valorin stare at each other, bruised but still standing.*

  Valorin: Should we take this to the sticks?

  Emma: Yeah, I think I’ve warmed up. No thanks to you.

  *The two head outside the city where a crowd forms, Keya sells tickets while Emma and Valorin exchange blows, Valorin’s claws whistle as they cut through the air, Emma continues to use ice magic, keeping Valorin from heating up. Each time he clashes with her blades, a gust of icy cold wind blasts him, slowing him down. She jumps back, and Valorin exhales flames into the sky, clearing any clouds. As he looks down, she raises her arm and extends it toward him. The sound of the earth rumbles in Emma’s ears, and the feel of dirt dusting over her hand. She flicks her wrist, and an earth pillar knocks into Valorin’s jaw.*

  *Returning to the present, Emma has a vision of her “Vessel” moving slightly. She dodges Bradley as he swings his sword down, keeping her eyes locked on his, and a purple hue starts to form. Emma smiles before spinning around into a kick, but nothing happens.*

  Bradley: *Laughs* Is that the best…

  *Bradley is hit upside the head with a rock as he turns to watch Emma leap backward. He shakes his head, and his shield flickers. Emma charges again, throwing rocks into his face. With each flicker, Emma closes in, and she manages to land a hit, but Bradley seems unaffected as the wound heals.*

  Bradley: There’s a reason my nickname is “The Indestructible Golem.” I may not be as fast as you, but after all your flashy effects… I’m just fine.

  *Bradley gestures toward his body, then freezes.*

  Bradley: What’s happening?

  Emma: No one has been able to withstand Lily’s paralytic poison. She doesn’t produce much while unconscious, but I made it part of my routine to milk her venom glands. Spirit magic mixed with Paralysis.

  *Bradley drops to the ground, and Emma sits on his chest. With a smile, she grabs his tongue, pulls out a small knife, and cuts it out before throwing it on the ground. Bradley screams in pain, but still can’t move his body. Emma uses a candle to cauterize the wound so magic can’t reattach it. Bradley passes out from the pain.*

  Emma: There. Now, no one has to listen to your yelling.

  *Emma pats him on the cheek before standing up and looking at James. Her eyes resemble a predator’s as they reflect the light.*

  James: *Nervous* G-Good news! Uhh. You’re free. Yup, you and….

  *James falls forward with twenty-three knives in his back, as they float back to Emma, she puts them away as the sound of guards storms down the hallway.*

  Emma: One for each life you made me steal.

  *Emma spits on James’s body. The guards bust through the door, but Emma is already gone; the sound of fighting fades in the distance.*