The Ivors

As the sun began its descent below the horizon, the distant sound of wheels rolling across a dirt path could be heard. Soon, a caravan of carts appeared on the horizon, moving steadily closer to Ivor village. The carts were adorned with intricate carvings and designs and drawn by majestic horses with sleek coats of brown and black.

As they drew nearer, the soft glow of lanterns could be seen illuminating the carts and their passengers.

Despite their graceful appearance, the elves moved with a sense of purpose and urgency. They had travelled far and wide, braving treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather to reach Ivor village before nightfall. And now, as they arrived at the gates, they breathed a collective sigh of relief.

The small village, nestled in the valley between the hills, begins to come alive with activity as the day winds down. The houses in the village are small and quaint, with thatched roofs and stone walls. Smoke billows from the chimneys as the villagers prepare their evening meals. The sound of laughter and chatter fills the air, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

The Ivors emerged from their homes and workshops to greet their guests, marvelling at the elegance and craftsmanship of the elven carts. They welcomed visitors with open arms, offering warm meals and comfortable beds for the night.

"Where can we meet the elder?" Serenya's dad asked.

"He is in his house." one of the Ivor said. "Let me show you the way."

They started walking and soon reached a small hut in the middle of the forest. Inside, the elder was sitting in front of a small fire. He looked at them with a warm smile and said, "Welcome! It's been a while. What brought you here, Lucius?"

As the elves cautiously approached the elder Ivor, their nimble movements betrayed a sense of unease. Their pointed ears twitched with each step as if they were listening for any sudden sounds that might signal danger.

Casey, on the other hand, strode confidently forward, her long cloak billowing behind her in the gentle breeze. The elves made way for her, their delicate forms stepping aside to allow her passage.

Despite the tension in the air, there was a sense of reverence in the way the elves moved as if they were in the presence of someone very significant. And indeed, as Casey drew closer to Ivor, the expression of the elder changed.

"Ysabel!" He uttered the words while holding her hands. "You are back here? Are you here to save everyone?" Ivor nearly burst into tears.

Casey turned towards the elves for an explanation. Lucius, Serenya's father, stepped ahead.

"I think you have made a mistake. She isn't the Queen. She's her daughter, Casey Rothania."

The Ivor's eyes widened in shock, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. His usually gruff demeanour vanished, replaced by an expression of pure astonishment.

For a moment, he seemed frozen in place, as if he couldn't quite comprehend what he was seeing and hearing at the same time. His gnarled hands clenched into fists, the knuckles turning white as he struggled to find words.

When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse with emotion. "By the beards of my ancestors," he muttered, his eyes still fixed on whatever had caused his shock. "You look exactly like your mother."

His fellow Ivors, sensing that something was amiss, crowded around him, their expressions shifting from confusion to concern. They exchanged worried glances, murmuring among themselves as they tried to make sense of the situation.

Elder Ivor jumped down from his stool and was about to be on his knees to pay her his respect. However,

Casey stopped him by grabbing him by his shoulders.

"Please don't!"

"I am not worthy of such respect. I am only here to ask for your help, Elder Ivor." Casey said.

Elder Ivor nodded and smiled, "I understand. What can I do for you?"

Casey smiled and walked back a few steps. "First of all elder," she grabbed Lane's hand and continued, "This is my brother. Lane Rothania."

The shock on Ivor's face returned, an indelible mark of the unexpected that had just occurred. And as his gaze lingered on the object of his disbelief, it was clear that he would not be forgetting this moment anytime soon.

"We are here to find out what actually happened to our mother and to our grandmother," Casey said in a serious voice.

The elder seemed confused looking at the two of them.

Lane stepped up and explained how they got here from the world of mortals.

"Now that makes everything clear," the elder said while smoothing his beard. "Fine, I will tell you."

As evening darkness sets in, the village becomes even more enchanting. The windows of the homes light up with a warm, golden glow, casting a magical aura over the surrounding foliage. Fireflies dance around the gardens and bushes, adding to the whimsical feel.

The surrounding hills are covered with lush greenery and tall trees, casting long shadows over the village. The sounds of crickets and other nocturnal creatures fill the air, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

In the distance, the sound of a babbling brook can be heard, adding to the tranquillity of the scene. The stars begin to twinkle in the sky, casting a soft light over the village and surrounding hills.

Overall, the Ivor village in the evening covered with hills and greenery is a picturesque and idyllic setting. It is suitable for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As Ivor cleared his throat, a heavy silence descended upon the room. All eyes were fixed on him, the air thick with anticipation.

There was palpable tension in the air as if everyone presents knew that something of importance was about to happen. The atmosphere was charged with expectation as if the very fate of the kingdom depended on what Ivor was about to say.

The room was hushed, with only the occasional rustle of clothing or creak of a chair breaking the stillness. It was as if everyone present was holding their breath, waiting for Ivor to begin.

Ivor took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the faces of those around him. His expression was grave, his voice low and steady as he began to speak.

"Long ago, in a far-off land, the kingdom of Rothania was ruled by a wise and just queen named Helena. It was the tradition of this land that only queens would rule and the kings should support them. Queen Helena was a regal figure who commanded the respect and admiration of her people. She was tall and graceful, with hazel blue eyes that seemed to gaze deep into the souls of those who met her. Her brunette hair perfectly mended with a golden colour was always perfectly coiffed, and her regal attire spoke of her authority and power.

But it was not just her appearance that won over the hearts of her subjects. Queen Helena was known for her kind heart, her compassion, and her unwavering dedication to her people. She spent countless hours listening to their concerns and troubles, and always did her finest to help them find solutions.

Under Queen Helena's reign, the kingdom flourished. The economy boomed, trade relations were established with neighbouring kingdoms, and the arts and sciences thrived. Her subjects enjoyed a high standard of living, with access to education, healthcare, and social services.

Queen Helena was also a fierce protector of her kingdom. She invested heavily in the military, ensuring that her people were safe from external threats. Her strategic alliances with other kingdoms and her diplomacy skills were key factors in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Despite her busy schedule and responsibilities, Queen Helena always made time for her family. She adored her husband and often hosted elaborate feasts and celebrations in their honour. She cared about her daughter so much, making sure she got the highest quality education and she personally trained her when it came to learning magic. There is an incredible power in the blood of all female Rothanians, which is unparalleled in the event of any other kind of magic.

The people of the kingdom loved and revered Queen Helena, and her name was synonymous with grace, wisdom, and benevolence. Soon enough things changed. The whole supremacy of the Queens comes to an end with a single mistake. That's when the doom of Rothania began."