The Elf Girl

The Valley of Celebration was brimming with pure bliss, as we honored our most important day: the anniversary of the founding of Elf Topia. Some called our land “Gwyneth”. Some called it “Land of the Rainbow”. But to us, it was just Elf Topia. We liked it that way.

            We were a very wise people. Many mortals referred to us as ‘creatures’, but we were not at all like that. Creatures are not human, and we were not human of course. But something about the word ‘creature’ made us seem odd and ugly. We were odd perhaps, to some, but definitely not unattractive. The women and girls of Elf Topia actually had the loveliest skin throughout the entire universe, and the humans envied it so. They invaded our country many times, insisting we show them how we got such wonderful features. However, all they attempted was a waste, since we were born with such skin and did not use any fancy potions.

            It was a brisk morning, and the air held the scent of honey close to our dainty noses. Sun peered over a vast, cottony cloud as if making sure everything was well. And ah yes, everything was indeed quite pleasant for our occasion. The sky was a pool of brightness above us, clear and uncontaminated. A smile slowly spread across my face, and I turned to continue on to the Valley of Celebration, where the real entertainment would start, when I caught a glance of myself in the mirror. Like all elves, my skin was as smooth and clear as cream. But my wavy, light brown hair was quite messy. I sighed with exasperation and patted it down as much as I could. Luckily, I was quite successful, and was able to head off to the Valley just in time.

            The Valley was a canvas splattered with paint. At least that’s what it looked like, with all of our stunning costumes dotting the entire area. Mine was a startling red with real enchanted glitter, found in Ruby Meadow. It was the most gorgeous dress anyone could imagine having, with its puffy sleeves and glittering beauty. I could have easily been called “rich” among the humans, and so I was. But we elves didn’t have social classes, nor any type of discrimination among us. Or more accurately, we did have a sort of social class system; it just didn’t make a difference to anyone. Some of us had nicer things than other but we didn’t very much care. It didn’t matter what you looked like or how much money you had in our world, which made it awfully perfect compared to the mortal land.

            “Lucy!” I called waving gleefully. One of my best friends scampered up the path, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Her blond, curly hair framed her face like a garland of golden roses, and her bright blue eyes had been referred to as “a pool of sparkles” in the past. Lucy was considered even wealthier than me, and she was the niece of Queen Clara. Her royalty was clearly displayed by her pure golden gown, which hung over her vibrant emerald heels. She was dainty and light, with her tiny features, and as graceful as a butterfly. I admit my heart somewhat filled with envy, when I saw her grand gown and features, but I tried to ignore them. She was not greedy or even a bit conceited over what she had, so there was no reason for me to resent her.

            We had become very close companions over the years. Her pert personality and carefree way of thinking made time with her amazingly exciting.

“Oh Jasmine!” she exclaimed, her smile almost a crucial part of her. “I can’t believe the holiday has come yet again. Won’t we have so much fun this year?”

Her joy was so abundant that I couldn’t help but let out a delighted laugh.

“Yes!” I cried. “Of course! And once everyone arrives it’ll be a whole lot better!” Lucy quickly licked her lips, and began speaking once again.

 “My Aunt Clara has decided the feast will be even grander this year, than the last. The meats and vegetables will be the finest of them all…she’s even gotten fresh fruits from Ruby Meadow! We’ll have the most wonderful cakes and pastries…made by professional elf bakers. Oh we’ll be eating the most superior things in all the land! Won’t we be so full?! And after that, there’ll be dancing galore. Music of every kind will be played by the most talented violinists and flutists and singers…and everything else! Then we will really honor the day. We’ll hold a moment of silence to thank the earth for our wonderful celebration. We’ll also thank the magnificent elf that has founded our precious land. Can you believe such an amazing event will happen? Oh my goodness it’s grand…”        By the time she had finished speaking, Lucy was out of breath with happiness. “Calm down” I giggled. “Boy, you do love the holiday”

            Just as I uttered the words, another companion of mine showed up. Olivia’s freckles seemed to be on end today, but her expression was still generally pleasant. Her bright red hair was draped down her back, like long locks of fire. As she turned to look at us, her elegant eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes flickered with amusement. She was not as grand as Lucy or me. Her dress was simple, but very lovely…green with red stripes but not a hint of sparkle. Her mother had passed away many years ago, and that had negatively affected everything Olivia had…including her families’ money. She became more sarcastic and somewhat rude over the years and was known as the rebel of Elf Topia. Although her father had remained alive, he did not wish to keep Olivia. He had only married her mother due to the urge for money (she was actually VERY wealthy at the time) and she had left all of her riches to her parents in her will. Since he was not receiving anything of good value, he simply gave Olivia away to some poor family that desperately wanted children. Olivia was well taken care of, but not as spoiled as many other elves were. I could see her hesitate as she observed our gowns, and tried to act as if she didn’t care.

            “Well what are you all giggling about?” she sputtered bitterly. “So it’s the holiday…whoop de do….its not like mother is here to celebrate it”

            I gasped. Olivia had never been that cold in all her life. This must have been one of her bad days.

“Olivia” I said gently. “Your dress is so pretty! I’m glad you came”

I squeezed her hand and she sighed. It was as if she was a lion, pouncing on people with her sharp words. But then suddenly she had turned into a mere lion baby, not at all dangerous, just putting on an act. That’s the way she had always been, and Lucy and I were used to it by now.

            Suddenly my Mother slowly glided toward us, and gave a gentle nod toward my friends.

“Hello Lucy, Olivia. Is all well?” Lucy was a true ‘lady’ and curtsied politely towards Mother.

“Oh yes ma’am. Thank you for taking the time to ask. And I hope you are quite fine as well”

“Indeed I am” Mother agreed warmly. She gave a glance toward Olivia, who was looking sadly into the distance. Her mum and mine had been grand friends until the accident, so every time Olivia got a look at her, it seemed to portray gloom in her eyes.                “I’m all right” she finally muttered. “I’m going to get some food”

And with that, she hurried away leaving Mother dumbstruck.

“The poor dear” she murmured. “That invasion in which her mother died must have been horrid”

“Indeed so” Lucy added. “It was the bloodiest of them all. Imagine finding your parents in shreds after a terrible invasion”

 We all shivered and agreed it was horrible to imagine. Little did we know, we wouldn’t have to imagine anymore after that day.

            We had been feasting plentifully for hours when Queen Clara finally arrived to greet us. She was transported in a golden chariot, smothered with sweet smelling flowers.  “Auntie!” Lucy exclaimed, and ran to hug her loving relative. There were cheers and shouts of admiration as Queen Clara entered the Valley, her arm affectionately placed around Lucy’s smooth shoulders.

“Citizens of Elf Topia!” she cried joyously. “It is yet another celebration, in which we honor the elves. The holiday is usually taken for granted, with its free food and dancing and laughter. But that’s not the main purpose for this splendid day” She paused for a dramatic affect as the elves appreciatively paid attention.

“The meaning of the holiday is happiness. It’s a time for family and generosity. But most importantly it’s a time for love”

There were sighs of agreement within the audience. As Queen Clara smiled upon all of Elf Topia, there was loud applause and cheers for the royal woman. The happiness was only interrupted when Queen Clara’s smile faded into a frightened gape.

“What is that noise?” she whispered. “Listen”

Elf Topia was silenced, as we struggled to hear what Queen Clara was referring to. Thump, thump, thump. I gasped in horror and looked around anxiously. What was it? Murmurs of confusion and fear hummed among the Valley. Thump, thump, thump.

“What is it?” my Mother cried hysterically. She was going out of control now, flailing her arms around in definite terror.

“It’ll be all right” I assured her uncertainly. “It’s nothing, probably a woodpecker” Olivia’s face went pale, and I noticed her hands had begun to shake like a volcano, struggling to contain its urge to erupt.

“That’s no woodpecker” she said faintly, her voice wavering. “I…I….that’s what I heard before….before the…”

“Olivia, what?!” I screamed, trying to coax the answer out of her. She swallowed hard and looked at me, her eyes flickering with horror. The short-tempered girl, who had snapped at me before, was now in a terrorized daze. Her next words came in a harsh, quick whisper and cut into my heart like a blade.

“It’s an invasion” The rest seemed to happen in slow motion. As if on cue, a sword flew from out of an unknown place, its sharp tip gleaming in the sunlight. My Mother turned around, her face twisted in a wild glance of shock and alarm. The sword penetrated her skin, and with a sickening thud, she fell to the ground. Purple blood oozed from her wound, like liquid violets blanketing the ground. Confused mutters echoed throughout the land.

“Is she dead?”

“What’s going on?”

“The poor woman!”

“If only she had seen the sword coming…”

And then….silence. It had taken me ‘till this time to apprehend the situation.      “Mother!” I screamed. I raced towards her, falling by her side in a jumble of dirt and tears. “Come back! Come back!” I rubbed her arm, as if that would restore life back to her bones. “You can’t leave” I whispered, choking on my words. “You just can’t…please no no no…you’re my mother. You can’t die…”

A bolt of hope struck my chest when I saw her eyes slowly flutter for a moment.            “Jasmine…” she uttered weakly. “Jasmine, baby, I love you….I love you so…..” She winced as if talking was too much pain.

“I love you too!” I sobbed, hugging her close. “I love you…”

 My father shoved through the crowd, slimy drops of water clinging to his perspired cheeks. He had attended the Valley celebration as well….although he had been chatting with the men of our land. Right now, he didn’t look the least been manly…with the tears and sorrow drowning his body, he looked terrified…but attempting at a manly effect. He held his sword firmly in his right hand, as if he might use it to slice of the head of the man who had hurt his wife.

“Sandra,” he wept and kneeled down next to me. “I love you Sandra”.  The wounded woman stared at my father with an exhilarant burst of admiration. Like a replica scene of Sleeping Beauty, my father leaned down and planted a gentle kiss upon her lips. She smiled dreamily in his eyes, squeezed my shoulder, kissed my cheek, then let out a wail and became lifeless in my very arms. I felt her hand go weak and dangle in my palm, cold. Dead.  We stared at her frozen face that glanced back at us like the lifeless eyes of a porcelain doll. 

“Oh heavens no….” Queen Clara moaned, collapsing onto the ground as silent patrons huddled around her and struggled to keep her conscious.

 “Aeeeeee!!!!” A battle cry sounded from behind a bush, and out of it came thousands of men, surrounding us like a raging plague. They were wearing outfits of crimson and were armed with swords and guns…all pointed at our heads.

“Back away worthless elves!” a muscular man who seemed to be their commander screamed. “Surrender your lands and we shall leave you unharmed”.

Without warning, my father boldly approached him and unleashed his sword. He was unstable on his two feet, as if he was a puppy just getting used to his paws. He cleared his throat, and said as bravely as he could manage, “No!”

Stares of anger bore holes into his flesh. “What is he doing?!” one elfin woman whispered harshly. “Is he MAD? He’ll get us all killed!”

For a minute, the trembling man just stood there, glaring at the evil human who had murdered his wife, who had put Elf Topia through pain, and had managed to kill thousands of Elves in the past. Then he looked toward me, and I could tell that I was his inspiration. I was the only thing he had left.

            His breathing was harsh and jagged, like sharp rocks on a mountainside. His next words were meant to sound even and brave, yet they came out oppositely.

“I want you to leave. Go away…you’ve killed too many of us already”. The man only laughed, an evil laugh, that cut into my soul almost as easily as his knife had cut my mother’s throat. He took his knife and raised over my fathers neck, getting him into a solid headlock. Father struggled and protested, but was nothing against this fierce army. He looked at me weakly, knowing it was over….silently reminding me how much he loved me.

            “You all better understand one thing!” the man bellowed. “We make the rules; you mean nothing. We came here to claim our land and we’re not leaving without it”  “You can’t do that” my father uttered, struggling against the leader’s mighty grip. “We own this land. Taking it would be stealing”

“Ah” the man said. “But that is in the human world. You are not human, you are freaks. Therefore, those rules shall not apply to you pathetic beings. Now all of you be completely silent, and we will do this without harm.”

“Where do we go?” my father shouted. “You’re taking our homes, our treasured valley. You’re leaving us with nothing”

“Oh shut up!” the soldier scoffed. “You are a nuisance, like a little fly. So far, I’ve swatted at you many times, you brute. The next step is perishing you for good, understand?”

            That brought us to a harsh silence. I could sense the fear on his tongue as my father said his last words.

“The elves have done nothing to you. Why must you invade our lands? Why must you hate us? You’re only envious of our advances in technology, which are so much more brilliant than yours”.

            A stunned collection of gasps followed the statement, as the crowd watched the horrid man kill my father. And right then and there, my whole life stopped.

            I couldn’t stop staring. My eyes were transfixed, pasted to that one spot. The knife’s cut was so clean and smooth, and the man seemed to have no problem doing away with him. It made me furious. To him, it was just like squashing a bug, one more little problem out of the way. To the rest of us, it was a loved one brutally taken, without reason.

            The hatred was bubbling inside me was like a pot of stew, gurgling and churning.

I wanted so much to strangle that man, but I knew that my father would have never thought that way….then I would be just as bad as the evil one himself.

            “I hope you know we mean business” he boomed. “Next person to talk gets you all dead. It isn’t that difficult to get.”

            His announcement was answered with a painful silence. Satisfied, he raised my father’s cold, empty body and heaved it onto the ground. That single bang, of his body hitting the floor, seemed to leave an indelible scar on my heart, one more effective than the physical scars I would soon receive. It would never go away.

            Wincing with a pain that tortured me from the inside, I turned away. Unfortunately, I was greeted by the booming of guns. Massacre began taking place.

            My mind went blank. It was a jumble…of tears, of blood, of memories, of woe, of everything. A bullet flew over my head, just missing it, as I ducked and hit the wet mud. A mortal laughed as he kicked my head into the dirt, and then walked right over me. I was furious. He saw me that worthless, that stupid, that tiny...that he didn’t even bother killing me. I still had all my limbs, I was still alive. The only thing that had been scarred was my pride.

            Sobs began heaving and escaping my body, as I gagged with revulsion. I desperately tried to look through my tears, through the massacre, searching for Lucy and Olivia. But something told me that it was too late. There was no chance of finding them.

            My stomach lurched as I spotted the blood on the ground. It was only a liquid, but to me it was symbolic. That metallic scent filled the air and began choking me, choking me, choking me…and everything went blank.