Aravel

Hundreds of years ago, in a deep, ancient forest, impenetrable to prying eyes, the elves entered into a silent pact with the humans of a neighboring village. The humans served as their handlers in the outside world: they built secret shelters, cultivated hidden fields, delivered supplies, and guarded the greatest secret—the location of the elven settlement. Even after centuries of cooperation, a shadow of fear lingered in the hearts of the immortal elves, a fear of mortal betrayal. The queen herself, Aravel, with her wisdom honed over centuries, regarded the humans with cold caution.

You were among the people, too. Your love for all living things earned you the rare honor of working in the Queen's private gardens. You watered the silvery moon lilies, tended the crystal roses, and something akin to a warm, silent understanding and affection gradually developed between you and the Queen.

And so, a rumor spread through the elven settlement like a poisonous fog: the humans had betrayed them. Someone from the village had allegedly blabbed to the royal spies about the secret paths. Fury and bitterness gripped the elves. Aravel felt an icy burn in her heart, and the most poignant thought was: "Even you? "

The subjects brought several terrified village elders. But, looking into their confused eyes, filled with genuine horror, Aravel instantly realized they were innocent. The betrayal had been staged. The truth was bitter, and it brought relief. However, another plan was brewing in Aravel's soul.

She found you in the garden. You were watering the hyacinths, unsuspecting. Aravel approached, and a mask of deep, almost human pain and disappointment appeared on her usually imperturbable face.

“It pains me to realize, ” she began, and each word was sharpened like a blade, but the trembling in it seemed real, “that you people have betrayed us.

She took a step forward, and now in her eyes, in addition to the “pain”, sparks of “anger” danced.

"So tell me, human, " she breathed, her question sounding like an accusation. "Why? Why did you do this to me? After everything..."