Devil/Elf Story

First, it should be said that the devils were not originally of this world. Though no one’s really sure how or when they got here. It was just recorded one day that they were here. This world was originally populated by two intelligent species: human and elf. Since the beginning of history, the two species have lived together in peaceful, yet wavering, harmony.

Humans are known for being the architects of the world. They build convenient structures and clever tools to help make their work more efficient. Elves are nature’s artists. They weave their lives and ways into their surroundings, often having simple lives. Elves are also shorter than humans. An elf in a human village could easily be taken for a child.

The world turned on, departing its gifts equally between the two people. However, when the devils appeared the balance shifted. The devils are a nomadic people, never staying in one place for too long. They also seem to lack the ability to farm and cultivate, so they get their living by robbing, or raiding, the other villages. The elves frowned on this way of living and made themselves more reclusive of other species. While most humans also avoid devils, there are some of them that found profit in trading with the them. The devils got easy human goods, and the humans got elven items that the elves refused to give up. Because of this minority’s actions, and the drawing away of the elves, relations between the two peoples have since been strained.

However, in the area of the human village Cherry Bark relations seemed to be going fairly well between the two. The crop areas were shared equally between the villages and hunters would often run into each other in the woods. There were no hunters abroad this day though.

Katherine slipped carefully through the leaves, not wanting to disturb the forest. Praying not to hear the one tiny sound that would give away her position. Soon, she reached their meeting place, a shadowed clearing in the thick of the forest. With her heart in her throat, beating like the hooves of a wild mare, she anticipated his arrival.

A rustle and crack came from behind her. She jumped, turning to see the intrusion. It was him. She sighed with relief and walked into his long arms.

“Aren’t you the one who said to walk quietly?” She whispered with a chuckle.

“I can’t help it. You’re so much better at being light.” He also laughed.

After a moment of peaceful silence, the couple walked to a nearby brook and sat together.

“Here.” He said. “I thought you might want to actually eat today.” She giggled and received the fruit he’d pulled from a bag as he ate another. They spent another moment saying nothing, just enjoying each other’s company. Finally, she spoke up, turning to look at him.

“Hey, Claude.” She asked. “Why don’t we just tell our parents about our relationship? It’s not like we’re at war or anything.” Claude laughed.

“Bit of an extreme example, isn’t it?” He looked at her. She didn’t look so amused. “…Kat, if your parents are really that understanding then….”

“Then what?” She looked determined.

“Then you’re lucky to have them, and I could only wish for so much.”

Katherine giggled as she took hold of his arm. “If we tell them about our relationship then they could be your parents too.”

For a moment he didn’t say anything. “You think they’d want a human for a son?”

The words sunk into her like a knife. “…..Never know until we try.”

“I did.” She stared up at him. He was looking out into the river.

“You told them about me?” She relinquished her hug, but changed it for a tight grip on his sleeve. He didn’t say anything for a bit- again.

“I told them I was in love with an elf.”

She let go of the arm and slid a little closer to the water. Staring at it as well, she picked up a rock and threw it in. “Did you tell them my name.” He scoffed, but quickly looked sorry for it as she looked up at him. He stood up and lifted her- close. Her heart skipped a beat and her breath. Slowly, she relaxed, breathing in his warmth.

“I didn’t want them angry at you.” He said, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I… I didn’t know what to say at the time. It just came out.”

“It’s okay.” She said. There was another moment of silence; Katherine was getting tired of them. “What did they have to say about it?” She saw him ready to pause again. She gripped his hair nervously.

“Ow! Uh, they didn’t take it well. They thought it was a dumb idea. There’d be something wrong with our kids or something.”

She pushed herself away from his chest, still letting herself be held high in his arms. “But you don’t believe that, do you?” Her heart was fluttering. She was afraid her stuttering breath would give away her doubts. Or was he having doubts... But, without hesitation, he pulled her close again and breathed into her ear.

“Of course not!” He said. She felt her heart fly again, but her mind was still worried.

The two spent the rest of the afternoon trying to forget the conversation, just enjoying each other’s company and the weather. Too soon the sun started to set and they had to head home.

“I’ll try talking to them again.” He assured her. She smiled, hoping.

“Me too.” She replied. “I’m sure we can work something out if we get both our parents talking.”

He walked her back to the gates of her village. All through the walk, Katherine felt a lump in her throat. She was usually on air after their meetings, but today she felt a strange foreboding.

“Well, I’ll see you later.” He said. She waved and watched him go. He quickly disappeared into the growing dark, and she turned toward her home.

The door creaked as she snuck back in the house. She jumped and froze at the sound. Cautiously, she looked around her. Deeming it was safe, she let go of the door and started back in the house. She felt like a thief in the night, only accomplished. However, her thrill only lasted so long before a light poured in from the other room. An elven woman stood in the door with her arms crossed, a candle in one of them.

“Katherine,” She said. “where have you been all afternoon?”

“In the forest, Mom. Just like I told you.”

“Well, then. Where are the berries?”

Katherine froze. She completely forgot she’d told her mom she was berry picking. Her mom smiled triumphantly.

“Mom, I need to talk to you and Dad about something. It’s important!” She got down on her knees and gave a desperate plea with her eyes. Her mother sighed and walked into the other room.

She broke the news to them. Katherine hoped that her tone was desperate enough to show them how truly serious she was. She got the feeling it was actually having the opposite effect.

“Katherine,” Her mother sighed. “Why are you wasting our time with a ridiculous crush?”

“It’s not a crush!” She cried. “It’s so much deeper. We need each other!” Her father seemed to be taking her seriously, by the pale look on his face. “Oh, mother. Can’t you see? I love him.”

“You can’t.” Her father finally spoke. Katherine turned to him, wide-eyed. “It-it’s just not done. It can’t be done. It’s ridiculous, almost disgusting!”

“Father!”

“I tolerate humans as much as anyone else. But when it comes to marrying them? To letting them into our villages, our families, our-“ He wrinkled up his face for a moment, making a swallowing motion. “Our family lines?”

Katherine stared. She knew what he meant. “Claude isn’t a bad man. He’s responsible, intelligent, skilled, and one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. He’d never do anything to hurt me!”

“But, he’s not an elf!” Her father stomped a foot. “How can you claim to love someone who’s not even-“ He made the swallowing motion again. “It’s just wrong.”

“Why? The humans are a fine people. I thought we were supposed to be friends. Can’t we love each other too?”

“Next she’ll be wanting to marry a monkey.” Her mother said, walking to the other end of the room. It seemed like she’d had enough of the conversation.

“Of course you can be friends.” Her father said, before Katherine could respond to her mother’s comment. “But, you’re carrying it a bit too far. You can’t simply “A swallow. “be with someone just because you love them. You have to be, uh, compatible!” Katherine shook her head.

“Father, I love him.”

“The infatuation must end!” He said, refusing to look or listen.