Outcasts are everywhere. Whether it be through race, actions, or somebody’s hatred. Where do the outcasts go once they’re… cast out? I suppose it really depends on where their story is set. You see, Humans are different to Elves, who are different to Giants and to Orcs, as expected really. To put it simply, outcasts are everywhere, as you’ve already been informed. 

Imagine an Elf, no older than 5. Life is normal, family is loving, as it should be. At the age of 5, your biggest worry should be whether the kid in the neighbouring village says your ears are too large, or about what food will be served on that night. At the age of 5 you begin learning to speak basic human languages and wield your first hunting bow to prepare you for later life. At the age of 5… what if things don’t go as planned? What if your mother never returns from a fire at the local market, gathering ingredients to cook your favourite meal? What if your father suddenly forgets how to care for you, and marries the woman who turns out to be the pyromancer that started the fire, and he doesn’t realise?

At the age of 5, you’re suddenly surviving on your own, forced to flee the only village you’ve ever known, with only the basic means of surviving. Other elves from your village are guided on their training, but what training is available to you? You have a bow, you see an animal, and it’s safe to say you’re getting pretty hungry. Do you know how to cook the animal? The only thing you can do is learn from your mistakes. At the age of 5, this shouldn’t be your responsibility. At the age of 5, you’re made an outcast. 

You see that elf over there? Yes, the one expertly picking berries like she’s known how to for her entire life. She seems so skilled, yet so elegant, and you stand and wonder just how exactly she ended up in a similar position to your own. Perhaps she also ran from her village, or maybe she’s the lost Princess of Ebonvale, whose interests were frowned upon by her elders. But surely, being the Princess, they wouldn’t just discard you like a spoiled apple. 

Well you see, being first in line to the throne means you have a lot of expectations placed upon you. You’re expected to learn the same magic that has been taught for generations. You’re expected to be social and dance at events, and maybe meet a prince from a neighbouring kingdom who you would then be fated to marry. However, things don’t always go to plan. What if instead of the generational magic, you explore the ancient tomes hidden in the far corner of the archive. What if instead of a prince, you meet a dashing young assassin with the most beautiful amber eyes and the deepest purple hue to her hair-

“That’s enough Jinx.” Petals fall from the longest branch of a large oak tree, where a chain of roses is drooping down. At the end of that chain lies an elf whose skin is as grey as ash, complimented by a single braid of purple hair, and, you guessed it, the most beautiful amber eyes. Jinx, the elf in question, sits at the base of the branch, chaining together large red roses into a flower crown formation. 

“I’m just saying Lilly, you and Meyline have a reason to be locked up in this forest, whereas I’m free to leave at any given time! I’d say you two are better off moving into the guild.” Jinx tosses the newly formed flower crown as it gracefully lands upon Liliana’s head, causing her turquoise locks to fall upon her face and over her glasses, and causing Meyline to gaze in awe as she enthusiastically claps her hands. Jinx jumps down from the tree and into a bow, as she places an additional flower crown made of brightly coloured lilies on top of Meyline’s head, ruffling her auburn hair before proceeding to start on her own crown made of daisies. 

Liliana lets out a sigh as she repositions her hair away from her lilac eyes. “Jinx, we both know that moving into the guild is possibly the worst idea you could come up with. Not only will assassins be everywhere, but who’s to say that one of them hasn’t placed a bounty upon my head. In that case, I’d prefer the flower crown.” Liliana produces a weak chuckle before looking at Meyline, who is still amazed at the flower crown upon her head. “Besides, do you really think it’s a good idea for Meyline to be surrounded by assassins at her age? She’s gone through enough in her life, I don’t want her playing with poison daggers before she reaches her 10th birthday.” Before Jinx can reply, a horn is heard in the distance, followed by shouting from a group of guards.

“Horn…” Meyline stands, holding her flower crown to avoid it falling and getting damaged. Her braids neatly fall to either side of her neck as she hugs both Liliana and Jinx,  before they each go their separate ways through the forest. This is a daily occurrence for the outcasts of the forest. They hear the horn, they re-enter their hiding spots for the night to avoid being hunted by the Royal Guard. It has so far proven successful.