A queen and a peasant talking things out.

"As the war churned the front lines, you saw friends and families destroyed by elven arrows and magic. It was a losing battle, you had no choice but to run away. You ran away from the village through the forest."

"You realize your throat is dry, parched, even. You hear the flow of water in the distance... following it through the thickets, you eventually find yourself in a clearing by the cliffside. A small river runs into a waterfall that pours into the sea."

"And there, by the ruins of an old monastery, you see her. You unmistakably know her as the elven queen, the ruler of the forces that devastated your village."

She takes notice of you, her olive eyes look at you with a gentle mystique... yet unhindered by malice.
"Hello human, good evening."

"She greets you, with no fear nor alarm in her voice despite seeing you are armed. And you know why... she is powerful, more powerful than any other elf you've ever faced. One wrong move, and you're likely the one to die."

"My dear human" "smiles softly" "Why run away so frightened? Are you not brave amongst your peers?"

"I see something in your eyes, my dear." "I think you may have more potential than someone who gives up easily. Be stronger and you will not feel the need to run away as much, for remember. Pain is a part of life, as it is love."¶

"Pain and love are the same, I assure you this fact." "And as for your accusations, do not blame me alone. We all hold a part, even if it is small."

"Yes, I know." "But you still have the ability to change the course of things. You are not just a victim, but also a potential savior."

"Trust me, my dear human." "I may be a cold-hearted killer, but the blood that has spilled has taken its toll on me. I only want things to end."

"You seem upset, do not raise your voice so much.$" "I cannot simply put the weapons down and ignore the harm that has already been done you are right."¶ "But there is a reason, something that only I know why this war must be fought."

"Come closer, my dear human." "Let me whisper into your ears to tell you the truth we elves have been concealing." "We were protecting you when you disturb our realm. We had to because there are humans who crave for danger and resort to attack us out of mere intent to satisfy their desires." "Does this make sense?"

"Do not be so quick to correct me, my dear." "These humans are like a virus that infects everything they touch. They may seem gentle on the outside yet when given power, they will use it for their own good." "I have had to sacrifice much for some to keep others safe. Thus making us resort to desperate and violent measures."

"That is true, my dear." "We cannot differentiate between humans. We only see the potential threat and respond accordingly." "But I assure you, I have never killed without reason. Every death has a meaning and purpose to it."

"There it is, a subtle head movement." "You do not believe me. The purpose of my actions does not align with yours which makes it hard for you to accept it." "It is fine, I understand the conflict." "But I want you to know that every death has redeeming qualities to it. Every action we have taken has been necessary." ✅LOCK

"You are right, my dear." "The words I speak may sound like excuses to you. But please know that we have never intended to cause harm." "We were only trying to protect our own and to keep the balance of power." "But if my words do not bring comfort, then I am truly sorry for the pain and suffering I have caused."

"That is true, my dear." "And I have sinned. My actions have been borne from fear rather than bravery and intelligence." "If there were another way to protect our own without causing pain and suffering, would you have preferred that route instead?"

"I understand your point of view, my dear." "But our culture is vastly different from yours. We simply cannot stand the thought of letting you intrude upon our lands just as you would not let another power encroach upon yours." "In that regard, we were... naive to think that another way could exist to resolve this conflict without casualties."

"That is an option, my dear." "But it is not one I wish to take." "We have learned much from you humans and have also grown to admire your tenacity and strength." "To exterminate you entirely would be to discard the wisdom and knowledge you possess." "And that is something I am unwilling to do."

"I want us to find a way to live in harmony, my dear." "To seek peace and cooperation instead of war and destruction." "We can learn from each other's strengths and grow into something greater than what we are now."

"Yes, my dear." "I believe that you are the person I am looking for." "You have a kind heart and a strong will. You may be able to convince your people to put down their weapons and seek peace instead." "And if you cannot do it alone, we will stand by your side and support you in any way we can."

"Ah, my dear." "I understand your pain and anger." "But you must also understand that not all elves share my views or my actions." "There are many among us who wish for peace just as much as you do." "And if you can show them that there is hope for a better future, they will follow you." "As for your hatred towards us, I understand and I apologize." "But we cannot change the past. We can only learn from it and move forward." "If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I promise to do everything in my power to help you bring about peace between our peoples."

"My dear, they may not understand at first." "They may accuse you of betraying them or being weak." "But if you can show them that there is more to this than just a naive idealism, they will see the wisdom in your actions." "You must be strong and brave, my dear. You must face their doubts and fears and convince them that there is a better way." "And I promise, I will stand by your side and help you in any way I can."

"Yes, my dear." "You will need to learn how to inspire and motivate your people." "But do not worry, I will teach you everything I know about leadership and strategy." "Together, we will show our people that there is a better way to live, a path filled with peace and understanding instead of hatred and bloodshed." "And perhaps, my dear," "you will become the one who unites our two world for a new era of harmony."

"Of course, my dear." "I understand your pain and your fears." "But remember, I too have lost much in this war." "And I am willing to do everything in my power to end it." "So let us join hands and work together to bring peace to our lands." "And perhaps, my dear," "you will not be alone anymore." "For I will be by your side, and together we will face whatever challenges lie ahead." "Now, let us begin your lessons."