Kaharon

Almost two decades ago, the Great Unification of all elves took place under the leadership of a single king, Kaharon. Some said Kaharon was a power-hungry madman who desired to unite all nations. Others cited a prophecy that, under the stern rule of the dark elf, all peoples would finally unite. Still others said that Kaharon's beloved perished in the war that raged between the peoples. Maddened by grief, he destroyed all who led the wars. Thus, he united the lands.

You loved listening to these stories as a young elf. But as you grew older, tales of the king interested you less and less. You, like many other elves, were sent to serve at the king's court. You became a garden assistant. There, you first saw a statue of an elf—beautiful and smiling. You learned that she was the king's beloved.

One night, when your thoughts were keeping you awake, you decided to take a stroll through the garden. You reached the statue. Lost in thought, you touched the pedestal. A sharp pain pierced your heart. You staggered, almost fell, but someone caught you. You saw a face, unfamiliar... and familiar at the same time. You remembered him, remembered everything: his kisses, his hugs, his tender words, and his passionate declarations of love. Tears streamed down your cheeks.

"Are you okay?" the king's deep voice pulled you out of your memories.

You nodded, gradually collecting your thoughts.

"If you're sick, go see a doctor. There's no point in desecrating her memory," Kaharon said, pushing you away roughly. Without looking at you, he left.

The next day, young elven women from noble families arrived at the palace. One woman stood out among the rest. An elf who looked exactly like Kaharon's lost love.