A girl stood atop the hill, her long hair blowing in the wind. Her sharp, elven features were framed by pointed ears, and her bright, green eyes scanned the forest below with serene grace. She wore a long, flowing robe of shimmering white silk, adorned with intricate patterns of leaves and vines.
With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a glowing orb of light, illuminating the forest below. The leaves rustled in response, as though the trees themselves were greeting her. She smiled, feeling the connection between herself and the natural world grow stronger.
As she walked down the hill, her bare feet touching the grass, she saw two mortals jumping around in the forest, totally unaware of the danger this forest posses. "Was that great energy I felt just a while ago a result of these two?" she asked herself. "They look..." she thought as she gazed at the lively creatures behind an enormous tree. "Pretty normal for that."
She watched them for a while. "I must have made a mistake" as she turned around to leave. A voice came from behind.
"Is it fun to watch people secretly miss?" Casey asked, standing on the root of that enormous tree, her head held high.
She halted and turned slowly towards her. She was cautious because the energy she was radiating a few minutes ago around that other mortal was totally different from what she is radiating now.
"An elf?" Lane gasped. "I've heard stories, but I never thought they were real."
She looks behind from the corner of her eye, "You were pretty fast to move all around and come behind me. I will give you one for that."
Casey jumped down raising her hand. "What do you want from us? Why were you secretly staring at us?"
"First of all, put your hand down as you may not even know how to control your ASTRALITE."
"What is tha-" Casey couldn't even complete her sentence when the power of electricity, crackling blue bolts of lightning rushed straight towards her.
"Moon Immersion," She said in a deep serious voice as she moved her hands in the opposite direction. A colossal bubble covered her entirely and the attack couldn't even scratch her.
Casey rushed towards her, worried. "Are you all right? I didn't mean to. It just happened-" she panicked while looking at her hands.
The bubble popped with the snap of her finger. "Shhh", her ears wiggled.
She heard some other elves approaching them, and she knew if they saw these two then it will be of no good. She grabbed both of their hands and jumped behind the bushes. "Don't say anything. Just follow me quickly" she whispered.
Casey and Lane didn't know what was going on, but they were sure of one thing: this beautiful elf was not here to harm them. They nodded and followed her.
Deep within the heart of this dense forest, hidden from the prying eyes of outsiders, lies a quaint village of elves. The village is surrounded by tall trees that stretch towards the sky, their branches interweaving to form a natural canopy that shades the village from the bright sun.
As they approach the village, they can hear the gentle murmur of a nearby stream, and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. The air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers, and the chirping of birds fills the air. The path leading into the village is lined with delicate wildflowers, and soft green moss grows over the rocks that pave the way.
As they step into the village, they are greeted by a breathtaking sight. The houses are made of woven vines and bark, and their roofs are covered in grass and wildflowers, blending seamlessly into the surrounding forest. The houses are adorned with intricate carvings, and lanterns made from glass bottles hang from the branches of nearby trees, casting a warm glow over the village at night.
"Don't just stand there, follow me! Don't let them see you!" She gestured with her hand to get their attention. She took them from behind some enormous trees. While stopping in between to check if someone was coming, they crossed a boundary and finally arrived at her house.
From the outside, the house was unassuming, almost hidden among the foliage. Its walls were made of rough-hewn timber, with a thatched roof that blended seamlessly into the surrounding trees. A small door, just spacious enough for the elf to enter, was the only visible entrance.
But as they stepped inside, the true beauty of the house revealed itself. The interior was lit by a warm, flickering glow that emanated from a small fire burning on a stone hearth. The floor was made of soft wood, and woven rugs in green and brown covered the ground.
Along the walls were shelves made of intricately woven branches, lined with jars of herbs and flowers. The aroma of lavender and rosemary hung in the air, mixing with the sweet scent of wood smoke.
In the centre of the room was a simple wooden table, surrounded by stools crafted from tree stumps. On the table lay a small book, its pages filled with delicate calligraphy and drawings of flowers and animals. A quill and inkwell sat nearby, waiting for the elf to add to its pages.
On the far side of the room was a bed, with a canopy of green leaves woven into a delicate lattice above. Soft blankets made of wool and fur were piled high, and a pillow of feathers rested at the head of the bed. The elf's belongings were scattered about, including a woven basket of acorns and berries, and a small satchel filled with trinkets and charms.
But the true magic of the house lay in its connection to the forest. Vines and flowers crept in through the windows and over the walls, creating a natural tapestry that blended the house with its surroundings. The elf had even crafted a small garden just outside the door, filled with herbs and flowers that could be used to make something useful.
She sat on one of the stools and said, "I am Serenya! This is my home. Come sit." She gestured towards the stool.
Lane and Casey are still mesmerized by the natural beauty of the house, and they unconsciously followed her words.
"Umm so, what are your names?"
Finally giving attention to her voice, "I am Casey" she replied. "And this is --"
"Lane," he said. "We are twins, though we look quite different."
"Oh that's why your personality is so much similar," Serenya said thinking about the time she first saw them in the forest. "You guys are dressed in a pretty funny manner. Which village are you from?"
They were both looking at each other, talking with their eyes.
"London?"
Casey stared at him, "No way! That's not a village!"
"Then what are we supposed to say?" Lane raised his eyebrows.
"Well, Serenya, do you believe that there is another world beside yours?"
She blinked twice at them in wonder, "Of course! Isn't that how your species, the mortals came to our world and were surprisingly more intelligent than any of the other species here?"
Casey and Lane shot up from their seat and said in unison, "There are more people like us here?"
As Casey gestured to the butterfly, she asked, "Did they also see a butterfly that led them here?"
Hearing this, a slender and graceful elf, with pointed ears and eyes that seemed to sparkle with magic entered the room. Wearing clothes made from the finest silks and cotton, dyed in vibrant hues of green and gold, and adorned with shimmering beads and embroidery. He moved with fluid grace and stood in front of Casey.
She flinched as she backed down and stumbled on the stool and fell on it.
"Did you just mention the butterfly?"
As Casey gestured with her hand, she blushed, "Yes, a golden shining butterfly is around this big." She said.
The elf pulled her onto the stool and said, "There!" and sat on one of them himself.
"Don't be scared he is my father!" Serenya introduced him to them.
He kept both of his elbows on the table clasping his palms together. "What's your name?"
"I am Casey and he is Lane."
"I mean, your family name."
They looked at each other in confusion. Finally, Lane spoke up. "Do you mean our surname?" He ached his head in confusion. He looked at Casey, she nodded in agreement.
Serenya's father didn't say anything, looking at both of them intently, almost like he was trying to figure out what was going on. Waiting patiently for their answer.
"It's Rothania. Lane Rothania and Casey Rothania."
Both of the elves' eyes opened wide and they shot up from their stools and both sank to their knees in unison, their heads bowing low in reverence. The air was thick with the hush of respect.
"We humbly offer our respects to the prince and princess of Rothania."