Violaceous Venom

Every night at midnight, the purple clouds came out to dance with the blushing sky. The lilac and deep purples dominated the sky with its colorful brilliance over the large town of Enchantedville. It happened every night on the horizon as Paige rode to work the night shift at the factory. It was the only shift opened for a humelven like so many. The streets have been dark and full of danger since we moved here. The dampness and the smell of mold are in all the old buildings. Half of them needed to be knocked down since repairs were non-existent. Paige Rumforth and her family had a lovely home in Westtown, now owned by pure humans. Her father, Marcus Rumforth, was happy as a father, humelven, and having a great job. The town was fine since the start with humans, usually stocky with regular ears, and elves, generally tall, skinny with high pointed ears, living in harmony for the most part. They even had children together with shorter ears than the pure elves. A few years ago, both humans and elves started having conflicts with each other. Paige, primarily human and a tiny bit elven, was one of many stuck in the crossfire of both groups. They were given the name humelven. They were not accepted by either side for being the other.

They were forced into Middletown between the two sides as a buffer zone for the upcoming conflict that is currently brewing. Paige rode her bike along the way, remembering how it used to be. Paige was going to get married to a fully human man, but when the conflict broke out, he called it off. Her mother was forced to stay on the human side but gave them meals regularly and missed her husband and children.

The streets were still dark when Drake came out on his bike to the same shift as Paige. He was more elven with higher ears but was still humelven. Paige just ignored him since her heart was still broken over her engagement. Drake rode alongside Paige, smiling, "things will eventually change, and the elves and humans will get along." "Are you sure about that?" She kept riding through the night. "The days when wizards ruled are far gone, along with peace," she remarked. "I am tired of being in the middle of this conflict with no allies." He smiled, "you know only time will tell if peace will ever return." "Two very stubborn groups must realize that neither is higher than the other." "Until then, the clouds are nothing but symbols for this terrible superiority complex both man and elves have." She retorted back. "Well, at least we found some jobs despite the market," replied Drake.

Paige just kept riding till they noticed a gang of other humelven in front of them. They demanded money since crews were now problematic with needing more money and jobs. Both Drake and Paige got off their bikes. "We have no money and barely support ourselves. "We are all trying to survive a dangerous situation." Drake stood to the gang in front of Paige. The rough-looking young humelvens were not amused. Suddenly Paige's cousin stand rode his bike in front of the two. "Look, things will never improve if we stop fighting each other." Yelled Oliver Rumforth. "We are going to our jobs and suggest you take the empty positions instead of robbing those with nothing." Others joined in as the gang ran off into the night. "It only gets worse the longer this feud goes on," Oliver retorted. "More gangs just pop up in a devastated area as the tensions grow between humans and elves." Paige just smiled, hugged her cousin, and headed to work.

"We should all travel in a group now since the gangs are becoming too common in these parts," said Drake. The rest agreed while heading to work. It was already long shifts with little time off for rest. Paige was just glad to finish the worst part of getting to work. The situation was not much better at the job with being harassed by the bosses. Working conditions were similar. Paige just tried to keep to herself and avoid humans and elves.

Drake came up today with an extra sandwich, "I packed an extra one if you want it." She could see the care in his eyes but fought the feelings for another but also knew her previous fiancé was not coming back. Her father needed her and her siblings to pay for their small, inadequate apartment. It was a shame from their former home, but it was the best they could afford, with a few ways to earn money. She looked up at Drake and, feeling hungry and took the sandwich. At least she could only see Drake Dragel as a friend for now. He was trying to save her oldest brother Maxum before he was killed by a group of elves. He has been keeping an eye on her since then. The lowest level was where the mixed blood worked away from the other stories for pure blood.

Paige and the other mixed-blood/ humelven did their best while still being allowed to work. The break in the filthy basement of the factory was almost over, with the tired worker returning to their machines to create the many trinkets for Enchantment Works. Paige just stumbled to her machine with the effects of working the night shift. She, like many others, just put up with it since it was the only place hiring them right now. Each night the same thing happened over and over again. The shift could be twelve to fourteen hours, and everyone was tired from constantly shortened weekends. Paige eyes could hardly stay awake but barely made it through the night. Near the end, Oliver had to catch her from passing out. The long night into the day was almost over.

Paige was barely awake enough to ride home, escorted by Drake. He helped put her bike in a secure space and then up to the apartment she shared with her family. Her father put her in bed so she could finally sleep. He wished to see his children better, but the separation of man and elves made it impossible. He missed his wife, and the meals she gave greatly relieved the whole family. He had saved a portion for Paige since she works so long at night. Paige slept most of the day and woke up to her youngest sibling Harold, watching the small television. She got up to see the food her father had left for her from her mother. Paige always loved fried pork chops with a maple glaze. She ate it with glee and then prepared for the rest of the day.

The daily news came on with the bitter effects of this ugly conflict. The representatives of humans and elves were discussing plans for the future. All Paige could only roll her eyes as her group was never allowed in those discussions. Violence was everywhere and seemed to never end. She prepared her light lunch to eat that night. She needed her paycheck to afford more food. The sun seemed so foreign since she started this job. She relaxed while she could. It would be another long night at work, so some relaxation with her school-aged brother. Her father worked at a local office cleaning for some government officials. He was gone when she woke up, and she would only see him in the afternoon. Everyone worked that was old enough, and trying to start a family with a man was the last thing on Paige's mind.

Her father came home tired but with a special surprise. It was her sister Ellen's birthday. He had scraped just enough for a small cake. The gifts were relatively small, but that was all they could afford. So with the whole family there, they celebrated and each their small piece of cake. It was an excellent time for them to have something to celebrate. The night was coming, and Paige had just packed her belongings in her beat-up old backpack.

She pulled out her bike and saw Drake and Oliver riding with the other workers to head to work. Last night was scary enough with the gangs, but it was another night in Middletown. The night was moist, and the old building just seemed more dangerous. The threat of war was in the air. The factory was in Easttown, where the elves lived, and everyone worked there. The purple clouds flaunted the lavender hues in the distance, which was truly beautiful. Each carried a special pass to into if they were man or humelven. They rode as a group and locked their bikes up for safety. The company had given space for that.

Everyone was entering their floor to work when Paige overheard some humans and elves talk. "Well, I heard the rumor; both armies are going to end the mixed blood in a week or so," whispered one of them. "I heard then they are going split Middletown too," said another. ] "Finally, the problem of the humelvens will be fixed once and forever, and just pure blood will exist," said another one. Paige kept her tongue quiet as she entered the dingy basement where her people worked. She was shaken by that conversation and pulled Drake to the side. "They want to kill us, and rumors are floating that they are coming next week," spoke Paige. "Which ones are coming for us? "Drake inquired interestingly. "Both are willing to work together for this one purpose. They are looking for only pure blood," instructed Paige. "If this is true, then we need to form a plan to stop them from killing all our families," said Drake. "We need to get Oliver and the others involved, too," said Paige. "Also, we could use the many gangs' help since they are also on the hit list." "Good idea, Paige, we could as much muscle in this fight," stated Drake. "First, we must get through tonight, then get everyone gathered in the afternoon," said Drake. The days seem to run together as they try to stay focused on staying alive.

Paige thought that it would never happen and that all that time, living in peace would give some compassion to each group. The hate of being both was so high when less than ten years ago, everyone just tolerated each other. It had to come to this after all this time, and it grieved Paige all night. The night was still long, and Drake offered a small snack from his lunch break time. She accepted, and they started thinking about a plan to stop the end of the mixed-blood race. So, they talked to Oliver and a former military leader, Duke Sprigg. All were concerned about the rumors and started setting up a security system. The gangs will be utilized, but someone must convince them to help. "That will be worked on by me," said Commander Sprigg. The bell rang to end break, and work was continued for the rest of the night.

Each was tired, but it was a paycheck to buy food for the next week. The shift went by slowly, but some extra sleep helped Paige stay awake, only hoping for a better future where all had the same rights despite being pure blood or mixed blood. A small meeting did occur at the end of the shift to set up a warning system if the rumors were true. Eventually, the day crew was coming in, and time for some rest after another long night of work. They all rode back, but gangs generally only came out at night. The small apartment was mostly empty since the others were now at work with a note and a meal from her mother. Paige truly wished things would improve, but first, the hate had to stop from both groups.

The long days were taking their toll on all the workers. Finally, they all traveled back to Middletown, trying to deal with the possibility of an attack. The morning sun shined instead of the purple clouds of the night. The very clouds caused the whole problem. First, it was the green clouds, then the blue clouds. Well, they must have meant something or simply nothing at all. Things happen all the time, and suddenly the clouds mean something. There was a meeting set up for later that day for security. Any rumors are treated as fact and the defense of the humelven rights. Paige was exhausted from working and heading to the apartment for a morning sleep. She walked into her sister Elizabeth and boyfriend Paul. Paige was just annoyed as she headed to bed. The smirk on her sister's face just annoyed her. She entered her room to rest up before the meeting. Things never seem to improve, but it has been a long night. It did not take long for Paige to fall asleep. The sun was still shining through the window, waking her up. She woke up to her little brother William coming in, announcing that the meeting was soon and Drake had stopped by. Paige just lay there and did not want to move. She eventually got up to eat something her Dad had made.

She pulled out the doll her mom gave her when she was five. The butterflies started flying through the air like when she was a child. She kept the elven toy since she missed her mother in Westtown. She finally started getting ready when her Dad came home. He just looked at her and said," we have to go to the meeting, or we are going to be late." They all headed to the panel headed by Commander Sprigg. The rumors were investigated, and the information was confirmed. Commander Sprigg stood before everyone, "the attack will happen within the week." His gray hair and aging face just slumped. "For one instant, the Elves and Men are getting along." All the humelven simply acted scared. Sprigg continued, "we can protect ourselves and entrap them." "We need all former soldiers in the united army and any other young man who wants to fight." "We also need to set up some traps to protect ourselves." The population was moved, and many young men signed up for the humelven defense. Paige tried to sign up to help but was denied by Sprigg himself. "No ladies on the front lines, and stay back for the wounded." Paige just walked away angrily. The weekend was almost there, and the fear just crept up. The gangs did come and agreed to their chance at better weapons. The uncertainty was affecting everyone. Paige returned to the apartment with her family.

Her father sat her down, "Look, it can be dangerous and have no place for a young lady." "William can go, but I cannot; that is unfair." Paige ran back to the room she shared with her two sisters. All must now stand guard to gather the new army as fast as possible. Paige asked for this duty despite having to work that night. Sprigg did agree with that. Each post was set up on the gates to Easttown and Westtown to monitor both sides. Paige hoped the attack would never come and would stay a rumor as she perched on the entrance to Westtown. The old gate was tarnished with age but still held. History varied with the blood source, but tensions were longer than expected. Paige needed some time to herself, and the post remained quiet. Eventually, she was discharged to prepare for her last shift before the short weekend.

Everyone was home, and the quiet was over. Her oldest sister Elizabeth was married and moved out, but Ellen was still there. Her two brothers, William and Harold, were home and relaxing. Her father was finishing dinner and saved some for Paige to take to work on the late shift. She already missed the post with no noise. It was a small place with limited room, but everyone made it work for now. Finally, the evening was coming, and all went to bed except for Paige.

She prepared her bag for the night and the ride to work. Things worsened, so she rode with Drake, Oliver, and others. Enemies were all around, and safety was in numbers right now. All felt that tension and wished for the weekends too. Despite the night going by quietly and no major news of the attack, Paige was still on edge from the information from the previous night. The ride back to Middletown was quiet, and everyone was tired from a long week at work. Paige stumbled into the apartment for some well-needed rest. The gangs had settled for now since they had heard the news of the impending attack. Paige just fell into bed as everyone was getting up. The noise had stopped annoying her since she was too tired to care.

The apartment was mainly hers, but it was the weekend. Paige had guard duty later that day but stayed in the quiet room while she could. The sunshine came through the windows, and the day was only beginning. Paige came out of her room to prepare for the day when the alarm started to blare in Middletown. She quickly dressed as she advised Harold to hide in the apartment. Then, she grabbed her bag and left. Middletown was awake, and the alarm was coming from Westtown gate.

Paige rode her bike as close as possible; Drake came out and stopped her. "You cannot be here by Sprigg and your father," "I personally do not like you here either, and I promised your brother nothing would ever happen to you." Paige looked angry, and Drake stepped back. "You think you can stop me; I am not letting my father and brother die without me there," replied Paige. "Listen, take your brother and sisters to a safe spot, just in case things go wrong," said Drake. Paige was storming off, much to Drake's relief. Paige only acted like she was heading back but snuck past a different part of the line. She watched as the men lined up for a fight.

The human troops lined up on the other side. Paige spotted her father and brother near the front line. She noticed that one of the humelven ran across the wall. An older general walked on the wall and pointed a gun at a young humelven man. Paige could not let this start this way when she climbed the wall as the general spoke. She then stood in front of the young man. The leader pointed his gun against her, with fire coming from his ears. She simply stared at the old man with a bold look. "You know that this will not fix anything, grandfather," Paige called out. The general just stared at her and started shaking. "Which one are you of the little Rumforth children?" inquired the general. "Paige, child number three of six," Paige replied. "The one who stole her mother's elven doll," replied the general. "The little girl who liked her butterflies." Paige just stood there as he hesitated to shoot her. "Why don't you just move out of the way, mixed blood," the general stated. "I am tired of this conflict with humans, elves, and mixed blood," Paige said. "You are your mother's daughter," replied the general. "Thank you," responded Paige. "That was not a compliment; your mother stood before your worthless mixed-blood father in my home," the general retorted. The fire only grew larger out of his ears. "Then they ran off and eloped, coming back to our house with little pointy-eared children," responded the general. "My father is a good man and loves my mother, whom he misses a lot right now," Paige yelled. "He was a terrible soldier," the general stated. Marcus Rumforth ducking behind the barrier started yelling, "Paige, you should not be here, and Drake turned you away." William came onto the wall before his father could get there. "Hey, I am your grandchild, too, even with the pointy ears," William stated. The general's hand started shaking worse. "If you hate us so much, why don't you just kill us?" William stated. "Your mother will kill me if I touch her precious babies," the general retorted. Marcus tried to come up, but Paige stood before him. "He will have no problem killing you, but his daughter matters to him," said Paige. "Why must we die for your hate?"

"The purple clouds could mean nothing at all, so why all this supposed meaning," Paige inquired of the general. Over the radio, a voice spoke, "Bankfort, when is the battle starting?" General Bankfort just looked flustered. Another human army officer pointed his gun against Paige, but Bankfort pushed his arm down. "Fine, put your weapons aside, and the battle is over," General Bankfort reported as he lowered his gun. The human army started to back off, much to the humelven relief. The elven army was mad but called it off when they saw the human counterpart backing down. The situation started to clear as General Bankfort walked away from the fight. Paige, William, and Marcus stood on the wall as things went to a peaceful day. The rustic old part of town sat as it always was with all its many problems. The attack was off for now, but all kept their ears open for any information from the pure blood.