The Secret Elf Family

    By Elisabeth G

    The Secret Elf Family cover image

    20 Feb, 2024

    a cabin in the middle of a snowy forest at night with lights on the windows and a snow covered path leading to the cabin, antipodeans, a storybook illustration, Evgeny Lushpin, winter

    In the quaint village of Norrbotten, nestled amidst the snowy landscapes of northern Sweden, existed a world unbeknownst to many. Tiny house-elves lived secretly in the attics of the old wooden houses, each elf family mirroring the human one beneath their floorboards.

    a family sitting around a fire in a living room with a man and two children sitting on the floor, arts and crafts movement, a storybook illustration, Anne Geddes, unreal engine render

    The Sjogren family was one of these elf families, composed of a mom, dad, three children, and their grandparents. During the day, they would collect sticks for the fireplace, bake tiny loaves of bread, and sew miniature clothes.

    a group of people sitting around a table with a lit candle in front of them and a christmas tree, arts and crafts movement, a stock photo, Ernest William Christmas, rembrandt lighting

    Their home was a cozy attic, filled with the aroma of pine and cinnamon. It was snugly decorated with acorn caps for bowls, leafy quilts, and firefly lamps. They lived in harmony, cherishing their secret existence.

    two little girls playing with a dog and toy cars in a living room with a fireplace and couch in the background, photorealism, a tilt shift photo, Daniel Lieske, award - winning photography

    Meanwhile, the human family below was oblivious to their tiny neighbors. They consisted of a loving couple and their two curious children: 10-year-old Elin and 8-year-old Oskar.

    a couple of kids standing next to each other in a forest with lights on the trees and a fairy door, antipodeans, a detailed matte painting, Cliff Childs, promotional image

    One day, while playing in the backyard, Elin and Oskar noticed a tiny creature collecting twigs. To their astonishment, it was one of the Sjogren children, visibly startled by the sudden encounter.

    a group of children sitting next to a man holding a candle in front of them with a man in a green shirt, arts and crafts movement, a storybook illustration, Daniel Lieske, promotional image

    The children, fascinated, decided to follow the elf child back to the attic. The Sjogren family was initially apprehensive, but the children's kindness and respect towards their home soon eased their worries.

    a couple of kids standing next to each other in front of a fireplace with a lit candle in their hands, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, unreal engine render

    Thus, began a remarkable friendship. Elin and Oskar learned about the magical world of the elves, their customs, their songs, and their stories. They promised to keep their secret and to protect them.

    a woman with a group of children around a table with a lit candle in it and a lit candle in the middle, arts and crafts movement, a storybook illustration, Anne Said, promotional image

    In return, the elves taught the children the elfish language, how to bake their delicious bread, and the art of making firefly lamps. The attic became a haven of shared laughter, wisdom, and enchanting tales.

    a painting of three children sitting around a campfire in the woods, one of them is holding a plate of food, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, official art

    The children began helping the elves in their daily chores. Elin and Oskar would collect twigs for the elves' fireplaces, while the elves would mend their torn clothes and leave sweet elfish treats under their pillows.

    a man and a woman are sitting in the woods with a book in their hands and a fox in the background, furry art, a storybook illustration, disney, promotional image

    The Sjogren family also shared their ancient wisdom about the forest and its creatures, which the children used to help protect the village's wildlife. This magical friendship grew stronger with each passing day.

    a woman and two children are looking at a cake with candles on it and a lit candle is on the cake, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Bob Byerley, promotional image

    Elin and Oskar's parents noticed their children's newfound happiness and the mysterious treats under their pillows. They didn't know about the elves but were glad to see their children cherishing their childhood.

    a woman sitting on the floor with two children and a book in front of her and a woman standing behind her, art & language, a storybook illustration, Christian Hilfgott Brand, promotional image

    The years passed, and Elin and Oskar grew older. But their bond with the Sjogren family remained unbroken. They continued their visits to the attic, sharing stories and learning from each other.

    a group of children standing in front of a forest with a man in a green shirt and a woman in a red dress, antipodeans, poster art, disney, promotional image

    As the children approached adulthood, they swore to protect the elves' secret and ensure their safety. They promised the Sjogren family that they would always be there for them, just as the elves had been for them.

    a group of people sitting around a table with a lit candle in front of a christmas tree with presents, dau-al-set, a digital rendering, Evgeny Lushpin, promotional image

    Time flew by, and Elin and Oskar eventually moved out for college. The house felt empty without their laughter and stories. But every holiday, they would return, and the attic would come alive with joy once again.

    a group of children standing in a room with shelves full of dolls and figurines on the walls, antipodeans, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, promotional image

    When Elin and Oskar had kids of their own, they introduced them to their old friends in the attic. Just like their parents, the new generation was awed by the magical world of the elves and vowed to protect them.

    a group of people standing in a forest with trees and leaves on the ground and one man wearing a red hat, kitsch movement, a storybook illustration, Christian Hilfgott Brand, promotional image

    The Sjogren family and the human family beneath them lived side by side, helping each other and sharing their lives. This unique bond, forged in childhood and nurtured over the years, was a testament to the beauty of friendship and magic.

    a snowy mountain town with a lot of houses and trees in the background and a snow covered mountain in the distance, photorealism, a detailed matte painting, Evgeny Lushpin, winter

    And so, the houses in Norrbotten village were not just home to humans but also to the tiny elf families. The villagers never knew about their magical neighbors, living harmoniously just above their heads.

    a couple of kids standing next to each other in a forest with trees and bushes behind them and sunlight shining through the leaves, sots art, concept art, Anne Said, official art

    Elin and Oskar, now old, still visited their elfish friends, their eyes sparkling with the same curiosity and wonder as when they were children. The secret of the elves was passed down, generation after generation, always to be cherished and protected.

    a family sitting around a fire in a cabin with a christmas tree in the background and a lit fireplace, dau-al-set, a storybook illustration, Bálint Kiss, promotional image

    As the snow fell gently on Norrbotten village, the attics were filled with warmth, stories, and laughter. The magical bond between the elf families and their human friends continued to flourish, a testament to the magic of friendship and the enchantment of hidden worlds.

    two children standing in front of a red house in the snow at night with lights on the windows and a snow covered driveway, antipodeans, a storybook illustration, Evaline Ness, promotional image

    In the end, Elin and Oskar's childhood was more than just memories; it was a legacy of love, respect, and friendship with the secret elf family. And so, the magic continued, hidden in the attics of Norrbotten, waiting to be discovered by another pair of curious eyes.