Year 81

  *The spirit tree has grown very slightly; the room inside is now decorated with a mix of stone and wooden furniture. Emma wakes up to the sound of wind chimes, as she stretches, Lily hops onto her chest and begins stretching her claws outward toward Emma’s face*

  Emma: *Wide eyes* Good morning. Can I keep my face this morning?

  Lily: Sorry. I was gonna say something, but then I yawned. *Sits up* What’s the plan today?

  Emma: I want to go patrol.

  Lily: What? Why? We finally have a free day again.

  *Emma pauses as she thinks for a bit, then a voice calls out.*

  Arthur: Auntie! Do you want two or three?!

  *Lily hops down and heads to the kitchen to watch Arthur make pancakes.*

  Emma(TL): Tell him two.

  *Lily raises her paws.*

  Arthur: One and two. Is that all? *Lily nods*

  *Kimmy walks into Emma’s room.*

  Emma: I know I said you could come in whenever, but you can still knock.

  Kimmy: Well, I have a favor to ask, and I don’t want Thomas to hear it.*Sigh* I don’t want to…

  Emma: Kimmy, baby. You’re worrying me.

  Kimmy: I want to go see Sunflower. But I know you just stopped traveling.

  Emma: Then invite her.

  Kimmy: What?

  Emma: I’m here. Invite your friends, and if any of them start trouble, Lily will just eat them.

  *Lily sneezes*

  Emma: If it helps, I can talk to Griffin to speed up the mailing.

  *Later, Emma heads to Griffin’s office, as she enters the Den, a younger, demon/Cowkin young adult. His waist is covered in fur, making a pair of “Pants.” His scales appear as patches around his body where no fur grows. His left eye is vibrant green with a “Spot” over it, and his right eye is a deep brown.*

  Emma:*Rubs forehead.* Iniko… I’m not looking for an assistant yet.

  Iniko: *Excited.* I know. But what brings you in today?

  Lily: *Annoyed* Can I eat him yet?

  Emma: *Sigh* No Lily. *Pause* You can’t eat him.

  *Iniko's eyes widen for a moment.*

  Iniko: I was just heading out, I swear.

  Emma:*Arms crossed* Uh huh.

  *Iniko leaves nervously, and Emma heads to the front desk.*

  Lily: *Annoyed* And he’s following us.

  Emma(TL): *Smile* When doesn’t he?

  *The receptionist is a Catkin/Human female.*

  Receptionist: Ms. Silvashade. I’ll let him know you’re here.

  Emma: *Confused* I didn’t ask, though?

  Receptionist: That’s because Mr. Plainskid informed us to tell him when you arrive.

  Emma: *Squints* What if I said not to?

  Receptionist: I can call his lift if it would be easier for you.

  Emma: *Grin* Yes. Do that, please.

  Receptionist: Kitty.

  Emma: Kitty. Yes. Also, did he tell you why?

  Receptionist: He said you were very important to the Oasis, and if you arrived, I should help in any way possible.

  *Emma knocks on the door.*

  Griffin: Come in!

  *Emma knocks again.*

  Griffin: I said, Come in!

  *Emma starts to knock again when she hears his footsteps, and she casts stealth.*

  Lily: What’re you doing?

  Emma(TL): Do you think Dennis will sell us out?

  Lily: *Giggles* I doubt it.

  *Griffin opens the door, then turns around. Emma sneaks into the office and sits in his chair. Dennis looks over and smiles silently.*

  Griffin: What’re you smiling at? Did you do that?

  Emma: Now!

  *Griffin jumps backward, bumping into a shelf and almost knocking off the glass ornaments on top.*

  Emma: You may be asking yourself. “When did you get here?” Maybe something like.

  Griffin: Wh-Wh-When did you get in here? That was you knocking, wasn’t it?

  Emma: *Points and smiles* Yes! I’ll answer your question if you answer mine.

  *Griffin plays along by sitting in the chair across from Emma.*

  Griffin: If you want the code to my safe, it’s the day I met Dennis.

  Emma: Nope. *Shakes head, confused* Wait. Why did you tell me that?

  Griffin: Because I tell everyone.

  Dennis: 0808.

  *Griffin nods with a cocky grin on his face. But as Emma turns toward the safe.*

  Griffin:*Panicked* Why did you tell her?!

  Emma: No. I want to know why you told Kitty to inform you when I came in?

  Griffin:*Looking at Dennis* Because I don’t want to miss your visits.

  Dennis: It must have been a slip of the tongue. *Laughs*

  Griffin: I mean, sure, it’s Emma. Wait.

  *Griffin turns to Emma.*

  Emma: You know, if you wanted to spend some time together, as much as I enjoy my privacy. I do miss the more personal touch to elven conversations.

  *Griffin laughs nervously.*

  Griffin: Well, I mean. I’ve only traveled through the edge of Sylvyndor in my past. I don’t know if you could count me.

  Emma:*Playful* You don’t want to?

  Griffin: No!

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  *Emma blinks, and both spirits smack their own head with their wing/paw.*

  Griffin: I mean, yes. I do.

  Emma: So which is it?

  Griffin: I would love to spend some time with you. I just might not be the best for in-depth conversations. I know a little more than most outside races.

  Emma: Great, then you can come over for dinner. I’m sure Kimmy will appreciate the good news from none other than the mayor himself.

  Griffin: *Confused* What? Are we appreciating?

  Emma: Oh! I have a letter I need sent out to Lycaris. It’s a Tavern in the Plain Peaks.

  Griffin: I haven’t been that way in ages.*Looks to Dennis*

  Dennis: We went through on a carriage. It was at least ten years ago. We were transferring halflings from Inferna.

  Griffin: Oh yeah! We missed the ceremony, but at least the Demonfolk are kind people.

  Emma: Most are, yes, but it seems they get homesick easily. Even Arthur is asking to go.

  *The Elves laugh. Emma hands the letter to Griffin as they exchange seats. Emma shifts around uncomfortably.*

  Emma: Why isn’t this chair comfy like yours?

  Griffin: *Smiles* Because sometimes I have to be here from morning until I go to I pass out in the evening.

  Emma: I mean, I’ve sat outside, hanging from a tree, sleeping before. It doesn’t need that much comfort. *Giggles*

  Griffin: I’ve never worried about the chairs. They were left behind by the last mayor.

  Emma: I’m just joking. *Nods to Lily* Well, I’ll see you tonight?

  *Lily hops over to Emma before hopping onto her ear.*

  Griffin: S-See you tonight.

  *Emma heads out of the room, and Dennis lands on the desk as Griffin sits back, looking at the address of the letter.*

  Dennis: Did you forget?

  Griffin: What?

  Dennis: You agreed. We would make the announcement before the show starts tonight.

  Griffin: Fuck is that today?!

  *As Emma sets the table, Kimmy notices the other plate and smiles. Thomas walks in from work.*

  Thomas: Hey! Wait.

  *Thomas points at the table and extra chair, and Lily plays with his hand as if he’s instigated a game. Kimmy walks over, smiling as she picks up Lily.*

  Kimmy: *Whispers* She hasn’t said yet.

  *The sound of fireworks in the distance causes the family to turn to the back of the house.*

  Kimmy: *Confused* Isn’t that early?

  *Arthur walks out frustrated, and Emma walks over to comfort him.*

  Arthur: I wanted to have dinner done before the show, so we could watch the last ones afterward. *Throws arms up* Like we do every night!

  Emma: Maybe they have extra today. Why don’t I help you finish cooking while we wait?

  Arthur: Wait for what?

  Emma: I told you earlier.

  Arthur: For the mayor?

  Emma: Yes.

  *Emma and Arthur finish dinner, and the fireworks die down as they sit down, and Arthur runs to his room when a knock comes from the front door. *

  Emma: *To Kimmy* Can you see to him real quick?

  *Kimmy nods as Emma answers the door. She steps outside, pushing up against Griffin as she sneaks out.*

  Griffin: Hey, sorry I’m late. I had to change some things around. I had to start the fireworks early.

  Emma: *Softly and angrily* Wait. You’re the reason?

  Griffin: Yeah, we used some older spare fireworks, that’s why it wasn’t “As” great. So we could still have the finale on time.*Confused* Why? Did something happen?

  Emma:*Deep breath and shakes head.* No, but you’re explaining it to him.

  *Emma pushes Griffin inside, leading him to Arthur’s room, where he’s locked the door.*

  Emma: Coming in, Buddy.

  *Emma uses magic to unlock the door, locking it behind her.*

  *Inside the room is full of overwhelming negative energy.*

  Emma: Hey, Bud. Do you want to hear some good news?

  *Emma sits down next to him, the air thins next to him, and the concentrated energy whips from his body. Upon contact, it cuts Emma. She whinces but stays next to him.*

  Emma: Griffin is going to light more fireworks after we eat.

  *As the energy subsides, Emma opens the door to let Griffin in. She stands in the doorway while he goes to speak to Arthur.*

  Arthur: *Sniff* So. You. *Sniff* You have more?

  Griffin: Of course, Little Mon. Can I call you that?

  *Arthur looks at Griffin with a look of shock and comfort.*

  Arthur: My Dad used to call me that while Emma was gone.*Smiles*

  Griffin: Well, Little Mon. I had to pause the fireworks so we could have the finale last until Midnight, but I was telling people some good news, and they. REALLY. Wanted me to use fireworks, so we used a little, but we still have plenty. I promise.

  *Sitting down for dinner, Kimmy watches Griffin and Emma.*

  Kimmy: So, Mom. Did you take care of my request?

  Emma: Oh. Yes! Griffin said he’d make sure it gets sent off personally.

  Griffin: Yes, and as payment, Emma was going to tell me more about Sylvyndor.

  Emma: I figured we’d at least wait until after the fireworks, but I don’t mind discussing what I can remember of there.

  *The sound of Kimmy’s chair hitting the ground as she hops up joyfully causes the rest of the table to jump.*

  Kimmy: Tell him about the falls!

  Emma: That was where I met Ruddy.

  Kimmy: Ariella always told me you hated him at first.

  Emma: I don’t like humans. They’re obnoxious, disgusting.

  *Thomas clears his throat.*

  Emma: You two don’t count; halflings only get the good stuff. That’s why I love you all so much. I liked Ruddy, don’t get me wrong. Most humans just see elves as less than trash. Most halflings are abandoned at birth, while I can’t remember how many women I had to hear. *Looks at Arthur* It’s bad stuff, don’t worry about it.

  Griffin: It’s not a trophy. Why compare it?

  Thomas: Because it’s our go-to drunken argument.

  Emma: No. You just get overly defensive about it because of the women at the tavern you find attractive…

  *The boom of fireworks goes off, and Arthur runs outside.*

  Arthur: Come on!

  *Griffin stops Emma as everyone walks outside. Lily and Dennis sit next to Arthur, keeping him distracted while he watches the fireworks.*

  Griffin: Things okay? It looked like it was heating up there.

  Emma: It’s been a day.

  Griffin: Well. Why don’t you tell me about it?

  Emma: I’d have to explain as far back as their father.

  *Griffin notices Emma’s ears droop as she feels guilt.*

  Griffin: Start where you think you need to.

  *Emma tells Griffin about her role in the Hopkins household.*

  Griffin: But you still raised her. That’s more than anyone really.

  Emma: I still wonder if I really saved her or not.

  *Arthur can be heard running around, calling out for Dennis and Lily occasionally.*

  Emma: This has been the first time in my life that I don’t have any plans to leave.

  Griffin: I feel the same. I used to go on trips to help save children.

  Emma: I once promised Kimmy I would take her all over Sylvyndor when it’s safe. That was before I saw what we were up against.

  Griffin: I heard those who survived all went south. When asked, they just said the farther they get from the Seers, the better.

  Emma: Because most of them wouldn’t leave before. But now with the fog, we don’t even know if they’re still alive in there.

  Griffin: But that look on your face says otherwise.

  *Emma looks forward as she scowls, turning toward the west, where she uses her soulsight to see a faint darkness in the distance.*

  Emma: Hey. *Sits up* I wanna spar. You win, and I’ll tell you a secret.

  Griffin: And if you win?

  Emma: That’s a surprise. *Grabs Griffin’s arm.* Come on.

  *Griffin follows Emma to a staircase next to her room, leading down.*

  Emma: I made a new training room, and I want to test it out.

  *The large open room has different sets of weapons resting on display along the wall, and some spears are still left in a target in the corner.*

  Griffin: *Looks around.* How many of these do you know how to use?

  Emma: Hmmmm. Enough. How about you choose one?

  Griffin: I’ll use my sword.

  Emma: *Smiles* I meant for me, silly.

  *Griffin points at one of the spears, Emma waves her hand, and the target falls apart as the spear flies across. She catches it and spins around, twisting the spear around and tossing it in the air before pointing at Griffin.*

  Griffin: You know, depending on the “Surprise,” I might be willing to give it to you without needing to be a target.

  Emma: *Mocking* Do I sense some nervousness, Mister Mayor?

  *Griffin sighs before unsheathing his sword.*

  Griffin: I can fight, but I leave most of it to Dennis. Even Haythum wants to spar every time he passes me.

  *A water bubble creates a shield around Griffin. Emma dashes toward him, and he slashes, releasing a blade of water. Emma’s clone fades away.*

  Griffin: So what if I forfeit?

  Emma: That’s no fun.

  *Griffin turns toward Emma’s voice, but there's nothing.*

  Emma: Fine, but you have to tell me a secret then. For every secret, I’ll cast one less spell. How about that?

  Griffin: Let’s see. I thought Dennis was imaginary because they separated him from me right after he woke.

  *Emma’s footsteps can be heard moving around the room. Griffin looks at a clone of her, but swings behind him. Emma sends a wind blade. Upon collision, the two spells shoot water everywhere. *

  Griffin: My first adult job was being a mule. And not what you might think it means.

  *Emma drops her stealth, accidentally.*

  Emma thinking: Not the spell I wanted to cancel, but oh well.

  Emma: What do you mean, mule then?

  *Griffin watches and stares at Emma and her clone.*

  Griffin: That’s going to count for more than one.

  Emma: *Pout* Okay.

  *The clone disperses into a blue cloud of smoke.*

  Griffin: Was that what I think it was?

  Emma: It was only enough to make you drowsy.

  Griffin: *Sigh* A mule is when they use the Male.

  *Griffin uses both hands to make a thrusting motion.*

  Emma: *Eyes wide* O-Oh. Um.

  Griffin: You asked. *Laughs* I don’t miss it before you ask.

  Emma: *Offended* Why would I!?

  Griffin: Just wanted to make sure. *Smiles*

  *Griffin walks over and taps his blade against Emma’s hip.*

  Griffin: Does this mean I win?

  Emma: *Shakes head* Wait. No! I was… *Squints* You tricked me.

  Griffin: *Laughs loudly* No. I just used what I had access to. You made the rules. Now. *Crosses arms* Your turn. What’s the big secret?