Almost three decades of drought transformed the Elven empire from a once mighty and feared power into a shell of its former self. The source of the drought was thought to be a curse- a blight upon their land that turned their soil into dust. Eventually, the Kingdom of Men took advantage of their neighbor's weakened state and invaded the elven lands, ransacking what was left of their villages. The remaining elves were forced into servitude and ordered to take care of the people who stole what was once theirs. Nico Holcomb is among them. What little magic he once had dwindled over time, diminished from being away from his homeland and shackled in chains. His only reprieve from his suffering is when he cares for the princess. She's sweet and affectionate and has taken a special liking to him. Over time, he develops reciprocated feelings for her, and he begins to believe she may help his people when she is queen. But his hopes are shattered when the king catches him in bed with the princess, and she accuses him of assault. The king then exiles him to the land beyond the walls. Nico travels for what feels like days, though it's only been a couple of hours; he sits on a tree stump to rest, only for the stump to start shining and shaking. Light beams travel through the roots of the ground like glowing veins. Figures emerge and he braces for the worst but looks up to see an old man with pointed ears. "Welcome young one to the Revolution. This was our home, and we're going to take back what is rightfully ours."