Year 80.1

  *Inside the Silvashade household, the family sits around discussing Emma’s first meeting with Griffin, the Elven mayor of the Oasis.*

  *Emma chokes on a grape.*

  Thomas: I told you. That’s not something to bond over.

  *Emma clears the grape using telekinesis to pull it out. *

  Emma: Why is that the thing you decided we should bond over?

  Kimmy: I figured it could be an ice breaker. You both seem happy now.

  Emma: How about you can introduce me again, but without the slave talk.

  *A knock at the door interrupts the conversation.*

  Thomas: I’ll get it.

  *Thomas gets up and answers the door, where a guard asks to speak with the homeowner. Thomas looks back for a moment.*

  Thomas: It’s a little complicated at the moment.

  *Thomas steps out, closing the door behind him.*

  Kimmy: The church teaches people to bond over our similarities and to cross over our traumas as a whole. No organic creature or being is born to be alone. If they are sentient, the universe granted them this ability to connect.

  Emma:*Interrupts* Okay! Okay! *Rolls eyes* You remind me of Ruddy. *Smiles*

  *Thomas opens the door slightly and calls in.*

  Thomas: Emma. Can you come out here, please?

  *Emma kisses Kimmy on the forehead as she walks past. She passes Thomas and turns to look forward. She releases an embarrassing squeak as she notices, the guard is Haythum, and behind him is Griffin.*

  Emma: *Panic* What do you want now?!

  Dennis: *hmph* Guilty much?

  Emma: *Ears turn red.* No. I just.

  Thomas: *Confused* You okay?

  *Griffin points back and forth between Thomas and Emma.*

  Griffin: Wait. Are you two?

  *Kimmy stands just behind Thomas.*

  Kimmy: EW! *Laughs*

  Haythum: Wait. Ms. Hope. Is she the one you talked about? Your adopted mom?

  Emma: Yeah…

  Griffin: *Embarrassed* I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to assume. I just thought.

  Dennis: *Playful* Come down for landing, Griff.

  *Emma looks at Dennis, resting on Griffin’s shoulder, confused.*

  Haythum: *Clears throat* Sorry to bother you again, Emma, but was it you the one who planted that spirit tree?

  Emma: *Looks at Haythum.* Yeah, why? Is it not allowed?

  Haythum: *Waves hands* No! Nothing like that. We just wanted to check a few things, if that’s okay with you.

  Emma: Yeah, that’s fine.

  *They walk around the house, closely examining the trunk. Haythum pulls out a weird device, which looks like a crescent moon tied to a pole made of silver. The device glows brighter and dimmer depending on its proximity to the tree; the trunk almost blinds them. They all step back, rubbing their eyes.*

  Haythum:*Blinking* Whelp, that’s not great.

  Emma: Listen, the cost of a spirit tree bulb is enough to feed this city for a year. I’m not.

  *Haythum raises his hand, and his brow furrows as his expression turns to worry.*

  Griffin: You only make that face when you. ONLY. Have bad news.

  Haythum: Yes, this is the cause of that swarm.

  *Before Emma can speak up, Haythum raises his hand to silence her.*

  Haythum: But it’s close enough to the water that it could cause more damage removing it than it would be to hire some more fighters.

  *Emma shoots her hands up excitedly.*

  Emma: If it saves my room, I’ll squish bugs with you all. I won’t even need to be hired.

  Griffin: *Arms crossed* Nope. I’m not having a citizen fight. If you want to help us, then we will pay you for your results.

  Haythum: Wouldn’t that just make her a glorified mercenary?

  Emma: *Shrugs* Wouldn’t be the first time.

  *Haythum and Griffin look at each other with slight concern on their faces as Kimmy nods in agreement, as Emma looks over at her.*

  Emma: Would you have been happier if I said, “What’s a Murse in airy?”

  Griffin: No, just most people see Mercenaries as untrustworthy if your pocket is shallow. But I have heard that it’s more common for some guilds to have formed in places like Mithrun.

  *Emma smiles as she thinks about her past with Mithrun. Some of her clearest memories.*

  Haythum: I take it you’ve been?

  Emma: Yeah. I was also just thinking about how I should have a drink.

  Thomas: I’ll grab some drinks.

  *Thomas heads off with Kimmy, swiftly chasing after him.*

  Kimmy: You’re three months clean!

  Haythum: I have an idea that might make everyone happy, but…

  *Haythum steps back, looking around the tree once more, then looking at some maps.*

  Haythum: Hey, boss. I’m gonna head over to Specs and see if they can help.

  Griffin: Great! I’ll head with you.

  Haythum: No, it’ll be faster if you stay. I’ll be right back.

  *Haythum runs off without another word.*

  Dennis: Why would that be faster?

  Emma: I don’t know, but since you insist on payment, what can I talk you down to?

  Griffin: *Surprised* Still not used to someone else speaking to Dennis like that. *Pause* As for the payment, how about you stop by the Warden’s den later?

  Emma: *Confused* Warden’s?

  Griffin: They named themselves after the NightWarden.

  Lily:*Softly* Awkward.

  Emma: Really?

  Griffin: No, but that’s what some people started saying, so we just. *Shrugs.*

  Emma: I get it. *Deep breath.*

  Griffin: You seem relieved to know that. Do you have a history with them?

  Emma: *Voice cracks as she speaks awkwardly.* Yeah… Something like that. *Awkward smile*

  Dennis: So you are corrupt!

  *Emma looks at Dennis.*

  Emma: *Offended* How did you come to that conclusion?

  Dennis: Oh. Right. You can hear me.

  Griffin: What Dennis means is. I’m too trusting and you’re suspicious, if I’m to make a clean breast of it.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  *Dennis and Griffin exchange offended facial expressions.*

  Griffin: At this point, if she were a spy, you just spelled it out for her.

  Emma: *Arms crossed* I mean, I understand the caution.

  *Emma uncrosses her arms, and she looks down at her hands.*

  Emma: I’m by no means innocent. I think any other race from Valoria is disgusting. *Sneers* They only care about their “Luxuries.” Pff. My only luxury is Kimmy, Lily, and my virginity. *Looks to the sky.*

  Lily: Really needed to tell. Him. That last one?

  *Emma’s ears turn red, spreading down to her cheeks. Her eyes widen as she realizes what she said.*

  Lily: I mean, yeah, we talked about it the other day, but. Too much.

  Emma: I-I-I I.

  *Emma squats down and casts stealth. Dennis walks over to her and stretches his head toward her side to see if she is still there.*

  Lily: What’re you doing?!

  Emma(TL): I-I don’t know, I-I just. We were.

  *As Dennis touches Emma, she jumps up and yips. Her stealth drops, and she falls forward. Griffin laughs awkwardly.*

  Arthur: Auntie!!!

  *Arthur runs up to Emma and hugs her. She rubs his head, looking down at him.*

  Emma: Where’ve you been?

  Arthur: I was playing with Nathan and Katie, and Kipper. Oh, and Barbara.

  *Arthur looks at Griffin.*

  Arthur: Who is he?

  Emma: Well. He is a very important person in the Oasis.

  Arthur: *Excited*Like a prince, or king?!

  Emma: *Chuckles.* No, but he is here to look at the extension to the house.

  Arthur: Your room?

  Griffin: *Nervous* How many kids do you have?

  Emma: four if David is still alive.

  *Griffin and Dennis look at Emma suspiciously again.*

  Emma: He’s more like my nephew, and he is human.*Smiles* I hope he is well.

  Arthur: *Looks up at Emma.* Can I go set the table?

  Emma: Okay, but dinner hasn’t started cooking yet.

  *Arthur’s eyes light up*

  Arthur: Can I cook dinner?!

  Emma: Only if it’s not too much.

  Arthur: I want to make lots. *Extends arms* So I can bring the rest to the church.*Looks at Griffin.* Do you want some?

  Emma: Okay, well, how about you just focus on cooking, and I’ll set the table.

  Arthur: Kay!

  *Arthur runs inside, and after a moment, smoke pours from the chimney.*

  Griffin: He likes to cook?

  Emma: *Furrowed brow* Yeah. He’s my little mystery buddy. He’s my late master’s son.

  *Griffin looks at Emma concerningly.*

  Emma: In the end, I’m doing it for Arthur. He’s innocent in all this.

  Griffin: I’m just surprised you’d want someone related to that past in your life.

  Emma: It might sound stupid. But I don’t like breaking promises. Kimmy’s never forgiven me for how long it took me to come live here.

  Griffin: *grin* So you’re going to be living here as well?

  Emma: The house is in Thomas’s name, but I funded the purchase. I used to send money, but that was before the war.

  *Emma makes an awkward half-grin without opening her lips and looks away for a split second. *

  Griffin: Thomas, he’s a good kid. He supports his sister, that’s all the information I can remember off the top of my head… So I guess you’ll be stopping by my office soon?

  Emma: What? Why?

  Griffin: All new citizens must have a one-on-one interview with me.

  *Dennis makes an audible sound, and his soul dances a little.*

  Lily: That’s not what Kimmy said.

  *Emma speaks to Lily, but loud enough for Dennis to hear.*

  Emma(TL): I’m sure things change. There’s no way he would do it for an ulterior motive.

  *Dennis makes the same noise as before.*

  Griffin: Well, I’m going to head to my next stop.

  Emma: What about Haythum?

  *Kimmy can be heard talking with Thomas down the way, arriving empty-handed. Dennis sits near Lily as she licks the end of her tail clean and speaks to her quietly enough so that Emma and Griffin can’t hear them.*

  Dennis: So is she just as dense?

  Lily: *Stops* Rude. *rolls eyes and sits upright.* But true.*Sigh* She’s been like this with everyone she likes.

  Dennis: Yeah, Griff tends to flirt with women, but never knows how to respond when they stay.

  Lily: How is that good?

  Dennis: *Stares at Lily.* So she normally struggles to keep stealthed like that?

  *Lily just glares at Dennis without saying a word.*

  Dennis: Don’t tell me you’re dense as well.

  Lily: No, I fully understand.

  Dennis: Then why don’t you say something?

  Lily: I assume the same reason as you.

  Both: *They look at their corresponding companion.* Because then they find a reason not to have one.

  Lily: Her closest thing to a relationship ended on good terms, but I wonder how things would’ve been if no one commented on how she was acting. As long as Thomas keeps his mouth shut.

  Dennis: Haythum as well. What about Ms. Hope?

  Lily: Kimmy? She was the one who first noticed and told me.

  Dennis: So you are Dense.

  Lily: *Sighs* Since it will be easier than arguing. *Pause* *Cheery tone*Well, they do say Spirits and elves take on similar traits from one another. So what does that say about you? *Smile*

  Dennis: *laughing softly while speaking.* Ouch. *Smiles* Yeah, but if she isn’t turned off by his awkwardness, then.

  Lily: Sush.

  *Emma smiles at Lily before turning back to Griffin.*

  Lily: She’ll hear you if she listens for us.

  Dennis: Is that how it works?

  Lily: Well, it’s normal for me, as for other spirits, she has to focus around them, or they have to be loud enough.*Dennis nods* She’ll reach an intimidation faze. That’s the only thing he’ll need to worry about.

  *Emma sticks her arms out, annoyed and expectant, at Kimmy and Thomas.*

  Emma: I know he’s sober, but I’d still like my drink.

  Kimmy: I’m sure Thomas has some in his side cabinet pocket.

  Thomas: You knew about that?!

  Kimmy: The different colored, alcohol-smelling door panel inside the cabinet? I did all the cleaning when I first got here, remember?

  Thomas:*Sigh* Can I still have some wine at least?

  Griffin: He’s still half-elf, give him half a glass.

  *Emma laughs, and Kimmy gestures in agreement with Griffin.*

  Kimmy: See. Even the Mayor thinks you’ve been in the running for town drunk in the past.

  Emma: Yes, you can have half.

  Kimmy: Don’t indulge him, Mother.

  Emma: Even you have half a glass. So I don’t want to hear it.

  *Thomas runs off before Kimmy can say anything else.*

  Griffin: *Laughs* Well, I’m gonna head off. Tell Haythum to meet me at Buck’s.

  Emma: Okay. *Waves* I’ll see you in a couple of days.

  *Dennis flies onto Griffin’s shoulder, and Kimmy picks up Lily.*

  Kimmy: You’ve got plans?

  Emma: Well, I still have to go for my citizenship interview.

  Kimmy thinking: Good, she likes him. I was hoping to have them run into each other by going when he leaves for lunch.

  *On the day of the Interview, Emma reaches the Warden’s den with Lily resting on her ear in disguise. The Den is made up of two large red stones, the first of which is a tavern-sized boulder that makes up the office area. Above that is another stone four times the size of the Office building. As she enters the structure, she looks up to see that the stones are hollow with smooth metal poles running from the ceiling to the floor. Different mixes and genders of halflings roam around, some working while some are sitting around talking. *

  Emma(TL): It’s like a grand adventure hall, honestly.

  Lily: Yeah…

  *She walks up to the front desk, where a young human man with elephant ears, each the size of his head.*

  Halfling: *Cheery* Good morning. *Smile* I don’t believe we’ve met. Are you here for the citizens' interview?

  Dennis: Lily!

  *Both look over to see Griffin with Dennis resting on his shoulder walks over to them.*

  Griffin: Thank you, Shuumba.

  *Emma raises her eyebrow, confused as Griffin guides her to his office, and they step onto a lift. *

  Emma: Wait, where did this come from?

  Griffin: I saw you coming, so I used my personal lift to hurry down. We just have some faux walls, so no one walks onto the platform.

  *Griffin casts water into the gears to lift them to his office. As the rise up, Emma looks out over the railing at the different levels.*

  Emma: I’ve always felt that some days falt like we have more people than homes.

  Griffin: The bottom floor is for guests, then it goes to emergency housing for disaster victims. The top floors are the warden’s inner sanctum and then my place.

  *Reaching the top floor. A loud click indicates the Lift is locked in place, and the safety rails drop into the floor. To the left and right are doors, one has a crest with an image of an Oasis in the center. As they enter the office space, the open room isn’t much larger than any other standard office. A bunch of children’s drawings is stacked in a pile on the desk. All the furniture is made from stone and connected to the floor. Dennis rests on a perch nearby, and Griffin sits in his chair, furs line the backs and seats to help with cushioning. Emma sits down, looking around. Lily hops down from Emma’s ear and into her lap.*

  Emma: *Suspicious* So you have to interview everyone personally?

  *Dennis side eyes at Griffin, and Griffin sneers at him as if saying to stay quiet.*

  Griffin: I try, but normally I use my office downstairs. Since you wanted to help the Wardens, I thought my private office would be better. So.

  *Griffin lifts his hand, and Dennis transforms into a quill.*

  Emma: *Confused* What shape is that?

  Griffin: It's based upon a newer Gnomish device. They called it a Quick Universal Ink Lattice or Quil for short. They use the blood of the Ink Ticks, while Dennis just uses my Magic.

  *Emma and Lily look at Dennis, both left speechless.*

  Griffin: So. Question one. What is your opinion… We can skip that one, since you have Kimmy and Thomas. Two. What is your profession? And what’s your greatest accomplishment?

  Emma: I mean, my last job was an Assassin. I was being blackmailed, and before that, I was enslaved as an Assassin.

  *A single bead of sweat drips down Griffin’s cheek.*

  Emma: My greatest accomplishment was killing the corrupt noble blackmailing me.

  Griffin: O-Okay. *Writes* What do you remember before your enslavement? I don’t mean to upset you; we just try to find the best use for everyone’s abilities.

  Emma: *Grin* No. *Looks down.* I. I was a Captain for the Elven army. I got caught after exhausting myself on my escape from Sylvyndor. Because I’m a Seer, I was able to withstand the majority of the effects of a BrainRot potion.

  *Griffin doesn’t make eye contact as he writes her answer.*

  Emma: Hey.

  *Griffin looks up at Emma. She looks down at Lily, half smiling.*

  Emma: For Kimmy. Can you assign me something that stays in the city limits? At least for the first few years or so.

  Griffin: *Smiles* Of course. With you being in charge of guarding the city's new core.

  Emma: Wait. *Lifts head swiftly.* You’re not turning my bedroom into!

  Griffin: *Shakes head* No. No. No. According to this.

  *Griffin hands a picture of what looks like the water of the oasis glowing.*

  Griffin: The first Mayor was an escaped slave and couldn’t write very well, but Haythum said. “According to this, the Oasis has a spirit core that helps repel creatures who feed on spirit energy. It’s within the water, and over time, it has slowly lost its strength. “ I’ve been helping slow it down with my own energy, even going as far as to ask other elves to help, but Haythum said your roots will grow and 'Cradle' the waters.

  Emma: And that’ll feed it?

  Griffin: Yes, but it’s possible it, being a more physical “Core,” it might occasionally attract creatures. Like before.

  Emma: *Confused* You just said it will repel them, though.

  Griffin: I’ll explain more over time, just know this will allow you to help fight anytime the core might be at risk. Or. Your house.

  *Finishing the interview, Griffin walks Emma to the lift, and Lily hops back into disguise.*