Two Shadow Elves, a woman and a man, stand nude in a ornate courtyard filled with lush rainforest foliage. Each of their bodies are marked with geometric tribal patterns. The woman covers herself with both arms, while her companion lazily places his hand behind his head, his other arm at his side, leaving himself exposed.
Suri’s Journal. One page filled in with text, the other partially filled in, with “Lumagraph” photos of a palace and an empty courtyard. Text in the journal reads, “We’ve been staying with the Shadow Elves for about a week now. I finally worked up the courage to ask our hosts why they seem to be so stand-offish whenever I’m around. They’ve been nothing if not hospitable to the human crew and marines. Apparently it was all just a misunderstanding! They were avoiding getting to close to me because they were concerned about the effect that Shadow Elves have on other Elf subspecies, who often describe a mental haze or buzzing effect when in the presence of Shadow Elves, which can even manifest as physical pain. This effect is generally understood to be a result of their affinity to shadow magic, which causes a sort of aura that interacts with the light affinity of most other Elves. I had to explain to them that I have no magical affinity, and thus there are no detrimental effects of being in close proximity to Shadow Elves. Our hosts were very apologetic when they heard my explanation. In fact, by way of apology, one of the local elders insisted quite adamantly that I take up lodgings at his estate for duration of our stay. ~ The estate is wondrous! The mansion is a veritable palace, with lush gardens and terraces. My host and his wife have been truly generous with their time as well as their dwelling space. I’ve been able to learn about local customs and started practicing their unique dialect when speaking with them over the last few days.”
Suri’s Journal. One page filled in with text, the other page has several “Lumagraph” photos of a Shadow Elf couple standing in a courtyard in various states of dress. Text in the journal reads, “They were quite curious about the purpose of my journey, so I explained my research and record taking techniques. My lumoculus was of particular interest, and though it’s not a particularly new invention, my model does have some new features and is far less widespread. They even asked to have their portraits taken! Afterwards, I asked if they would be willing to pose nude as well. I want to be able to record not only the trappings of status, but the true essence of my subjects. The scars they bear, the markings that they adorn their bodies with, and the physiques that they chose to maintain. To my surprise, my host seemed quite happy to participate. His wife, however, is a member of the local guard, and a very serious woman, so it took some coaxing to convince her. I think the novelty of my lumoculus was too intriguing to pass up, though, and ultimately she agreed as well. They were a bit shy at first, but he started playfully teasing her, and soon they were both laughing together. I’m so glad I was able to witness this side of a people that are so often portrayed as dour, mysterious, and even dangerous. It is my hope that I will find more points of commonality on this expedition. The world is far too divided as it is.”
Suri journals about her interactions with the Shadow Elves.
#NSFW #AI #AIGenerated #Elf #ShadowElves #SuriJournal #FantasyFriday #Lore #Worldbuilding
