The Elf Next Door
an excerpt

Prologue

For centuries, mankind has had its gaze fixed on the heavens, wondering if we are alone in the universe. We scanned the skies, peering at every star that shone its light on our world. We went to the moon in hopes that we would find some evidence of other intelligent life in the universe. We have even sent probes deeper into space to examine the other planets of our solar system, some carrying messages for any sentient race that might pick up their signal. We had no luck in any of these endeavors. However, in the early 1980’s mankind was shocked to discover that while we have been so fixated on if we were the only sentient race in the universe, we never once gave thought that we might not be the only sentient race on Earth.

In May of 1982, before the assembled delegates of the United Nations, a new country emerged and made its presence known to the world. This nation, however, was not populated by human beings. It was the homeland of a race of beings that, up until that point in time, was thought to be purely mythical. They have gone by many names in the lore of several cultures, but they simply introduced themselves as Elves.

The Elves of the nation of Solerice appeared to the United Nations and pleaded for assistance. The magical powers that had, for generations, kept their race both alive and hidden had been diminishing at an alarming rate over the past few decades. As a result, they had not only lost their legendary immortality and seemingly eternal youth, but their homeland – an island that sits a few hundred miles off the coast of Ireland and that was previously obscured by their magic – was now plainly visible to all. The Elves realized that they no longer had any choice; they now had to join the modern world.

Initial reactions to the emergence of the Elves were mixed to say the least. Some were, indeed, downright hostile towards them. Nevertheless, the free nations of NATO took the opportunity to extend their hand to them and offered to assist their modernization however possible. Within a year after their first appearance at the U.N. there was open trade and travel going to and from Solerice. The Elves began to learn about the modern human world, our history and values and our dreams for the future. As a result, many Elves came to the conclusion that simply being a part of the modern world wasn’t enough for them.

In August of 1985, the first emigrations of Elves from Solerice began. Elven people and families left their homeland for new lands and new opportunities across the globe. The arrival of Elves in neighborhoods around the world was shocking to many, and for some time Elves were treated with a general disregard by most people. By the end of the 1980’s, though, most neighborhoods had warmed up to their newcomers and Elves were beginning to become part of their new communities. Not all are pleased that such is now the case, as groups within both races have voiced their distaste for each other.

Regardless of the protestations of either side, the simple fact was that Humans and Elves now lived side by side and there was no way to undo what had already been done. And while up through the beginning of the 1990’s there had been no marriages between the two races, common sense dictated that it really would only be a matter of time.