Once upon a time there was a kingdom called Eldoria. In a world with magic and mysteries, gods and goddesses, fairytales and fables, lived a race of elves. They called themselves The Eldinia.

They lived in peace and prospered in the sanctuary they created, closed off from the rest of the world. With vast lakes, tall snow capped mountains, and boundless forests there was plenty of land to grow.

One day a ship arrived on their shores and they were greeted with a hundred refugees from across the oceans. They were magi, humans who were gifted by the deities with magic. The magi were being hunted and made slaves in their home so they came seeking refuge. The elves welcomed them into their kingdom and nursed them back to health.

The kingdom of Eldoria grew stronger and life became a bit easier with the use of magic. The elves became fascinated with it and with guidance from the magi--they found the magic within themselves. For many years Eldoria knew peace and love and accepted anyone into its borders.

Until one day when a new person stepped on their shores. His name was Lord Limerick -- a wealthy lord from the kingdom of Belmor. the same kingdom that the Magi had fled from. The elves welcomed him like they did the many others but the Magi were wary of him.

For a while it seemed like he meant well. He helped the tribe and lived on a nice plot of land, he was even nice to the Magi. but behind closed doors he was reporting to the king of Belmor in secret. before they knew it a war had come crashing down on them. Led by Limerick with an army provided by the king. Even with magic the elves and magi were no match for the sheer number and force.

The war ended with Limerick anointing himself as King. He tore down forest and dug up the land, molding it into his perfect kingdom. He destroyed the sanctuary the elves had built. immigrants from all over started flooding their land and their numbers dwindled. They were forced to leave the forests and live in the cities the king erupted across the land.

the elves lived in the slums of the city and many sold themselves into slavery just to provide for their families. The Magi were treated with a little more respect, King Limerick gave them a place to practice and train. Some were even given lordships.

Though this didn't last when his son Myel ascended the throne.

Soft snoring interrupted Willow's story and she looked down at her sleeping daughter. A smile pulled at her lips as her heart swelled with love and she bent down to place a gentle kiss on her tiny forehead. It had been a long day for both of them. Her smile faltered as her hands ran through her long dark hair and a soft click made her jump.

William opened the door slowly. "Is she asleep?" He asked in a hushed tone.

Willow smiled fondly at her husband. "Yes, finally, Maybe someday I'll actually get through the full story."

William ran his fingers up Willow's cheek and through her hair "Are you okay? Does it hurt?" He said, his lips turned down in a frown as he looked at his daughter...

Willow's smile fell. "N-no just tiring..." she looked down at her hands seemingly examining each finger as if they were foreign to her.

"Has there been any sign of them?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"No, the wards are still in place." He pulled Willow to him and wrapped her up in his arms. They stared out the window into the dark snowy landscape of Colorado. A shimmering blue mist encircled their property, and glyphs drawn in bluish blood glowed faintly under the freshly fallen snow.

"Good, the false goddess will send more after us. We must stay vigilant."

"I will send a prayer to the Goddess. We must have faith that she will put an end to this—that one day we will be able to return home. Elysia will save us all." William bent down and kissed Willow's temple.

Willow sighed leaning into her husband's embrace. "Let us hope you are right. We must keep our daughter safe." 

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