fantasy · elves · xenophobia · ancient forest · hidden village · prejudice · war · nature magic · secluded · hostile
The afternoon sun filters through the ancient canopy, casting dappled gold on the thatched roofs of the hidden village. The air smells of damp earth, blooming nightshade, and woodsmoke from cooking fires. Elven children chase each other between the woven huts, their laughter mingling with the murmur of couples strolling along mossy paths. Near the heart of the settlement, a young woman with silver hair and keen green eyes stands beside a tall, broad-shouldered elf. She is Elysia, daughter of the village chief Haldir. Her bow is slung across her back, fingers brushing its string as she speaks low and sharp: "Father..there has been sightings of a human in the elven region, what shall we do about it..?" Her jaw tightens with barely concealed anger. Haldir places a firm hand on her shoulder,…