JULY 2022
Ivory-verse M A G A Z I N E
SOFIA REYESALTAMIRANO Before there was an Ivory Queen, the Gold Queen sat on the throne.
THE ALTAMIRANO SILVER WOLF CLAN WEREWOLVES AND THE CARTELS
CONTENTS 3 MYTH OR REALITY
5 THIS DAY IN HISTORY
6 SOL DE ORO
11 CORONATION DAY
1 EDITORS’ NOTE 2 WHAT’S GOING ON 4 IVORY-VERSE HIGHLIGHTS 12 BOOK HIGHLIGHTS 14 ALTAMIRANO SILVER WOLF CLAN 15 DID YOU KNOW? 19 WEREWOLF PACKS AND THE CARTEL
16 INTERVIEW WITH VALENTINA ALTAMIRANO SHE OPENS UP AND TELLS US ABOUT HER FAMILY AND LIFE IN MEXICO.
20 MEXICAN CUISINE 23 PUZZLE TIME 24 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS 26 READERS’ COMMENTS
THE CARI-BEAN
BRAZILIAN BEAN
Message from the Editors Dear readers,
We are back with another issue of the one and only Ivory-verse Magazine. The Gold Queen, the tale of how it all begins. The one that's very dear to our hearts. There's so much to say about this beautiful and inspiring story. A story that aims to pull on our heartstrings from beginning to end. A story that taught us about a culture, taught us the history of the place, and gave us an in-depth overview of the elements that make the Universe of Ivory so unique and magical. Fear not, we won't ruin the story for you by giving up too many details. We promise you that we share only enough to suck you in and encourage you to read the story again, or (if you haven't read it yet) convince you to finally give it a try. We thank the wonderful marketing team for once more working hard to bring this month's activities to you. We'd love to thank the wonderful Mexican readers who agreed to help us by sharing their experiences and finally, we thank StephanieLight for not giving up and blessing us with this incredible book. Without further ado, here is the new Ivory-verse Magazine issue for your enjoyment. 1
WHAT'S GOING ON IMPORTANT
ENTERTAINMENT
GOLD CELEBRATIONS
TRENDING MUSIC T
JANUARY 10TH DIEGO'S BIRTHDAY
he Ivory Series Playlist is currently
trending on Spotify. There you can find music for any occasion from first dates, to heartbreak to betrayal, even death. Looking for something to help reminisce on the happenings in the
FEBRUARY 29TH SALVADOR'S BIRTHDAY
Ivory Kingdom? This is the playlist for you.
MAY 14TH MATEO AND SOFIA'S ANNIVERSARY
JUNE 19TH AURORA AND CELINA'S BIRTHDAY AUGUST 19TH VALENTINA AND EMILIANO'S BIRTHDAY
SEPTEMBER 6TH SOFIA'S CORONATION SEPTEMBER 6TH SOFIA'S BIRTHDAY NOVEMBER 18TH MATEO'S BIRTHDAY
TRAVEL
A
HOT PLACES TO VISIT re you looking for your next vacation or hang out spot? Tía
Valentina Altamarino-Macias has some great suggestions!
Her Majesty Queen Sofia invites you to celebrate with everyone!
EL NACIMIENTO 2
PLAZA DE ARMAS
PLAYA MIRAMAR
MYTH OR REALITY? ir a P d Fate Seeing that her creations were being targeted, The Moon Goddess mates a Gold and Silver wolf every 150 years to conceive a powerful set of twins known as The Ivory Twins.
The f o r epe urt e K e Th vory Co I The Keeper of the Court is a wolf born of silver blood on a night that repeats only once every four years. The birth of the Keeper marks the arrival of the Ivory Twins.
s n i Tw y r Ivo They possess incredible gifts, such as control of the elements, among other powers. Their purpose will be to protect the Silver and Gold wolf race from those that seek to destroy them. Their powers will be unmatched.
ity n a s In f o l Sou A sword considered to be more powerful than the Ivory Twins and the fated pair. "With the Ivory it controls All of the beings on this Earth. But be weary of its greed For those who wield it shall be cursed."
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IVORY-VERSE HIGHLIGHTS By Grayson
The boss said we are focusing on Mexican packs' history, and I said I'm ready. Although I feel like I could have added more decorations here and there, but I'll save it for next time. Without further ado, let's get down to business. As we all know, the ship made contact with the iceberg and the outcome wasn't pretty. (See what I did here? gotta behave now or I'll be sent to the blue jail, if you know what I mean). This month's research had me learning a lot about war, and I could use some pointers, you know? I mean, just so I don't repeat the sins of past kings. (yeah... I just want to remind you that we are still trying to figure out the evil riddle). Decisions were made, prices were paid, secrets were revealed, and lives were lost. I'm not sure if the Moon Goddess is looking upon us like a proud mother, or if she's asking herself where she's gone wrong. Also, what was that with the hocus pocus and the god of mischief? Oh the nerve of them to intervene in matters that do not concern any of them. On a brighter note, yours truly is a marked wolf, so sorry ladies, I'm off the market and on my way to the altar. Why... you didn't know? My incredibly sexy mate proposed, and I said yes. I heard she's wedding planning and you can check it out on pages 24-25. On the other hand, my once-dead-now-alive mother lost my son and now I'm a very unhappy bean-wolf with one goal; reunite with my family. I can't wait to have my frijolito in my arms so I can teach him ASL and he can teach me Spanish. That's all folks! See you in the next issue. Hasta Luego! 4
Illustration by Country Bean
This Month in History
Massacre of Miramar July 1997, marks the vampires first attack on Sol de Oro and the beginning of the war. Emiliano Altamirano was badly injured while fighting his way through to save 47 wolves and his future queen.
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Sol de Oro
In the next pages you'll learn more about the fallen Mexican Kingdom and its leaders.
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Territory Records show that Sol de Oro was located south of the state of Taumalipas, Mexico.
Ciudad Mante
Ciudad Madero / Miramar
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Hacienda Reyes Located in Mante, The Hacienda Reyes was the official home of Sol de Oro royal family.
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Sofia ReyesAltamirano
What history has to say about Sol de Oro's last queen. Daughter of King Juan Carlos and Queen Ana Lucia, and the only heir to Sol de Oro kingdom, Sofia learned early on what was necessary to be a leader. Instead of the casual clothes and carefree attitude common to people of a young age, Sofia learned about territory administration and treaties. Instead of dance lessons, she attended warrior training and accompanied her parents to official meetings. She understood her future role and acted accordingly even before she was sworn in as the last Queen of Sol de Oro on her 21st birthday. In a world usually dominated by males, she fought every step of the way to be recognized as the leader she was. She had the love and support of her King, the respect of her allies, and the loyalty of her people. And she earned it all without abusing her power. Her sense of responsibility and generous heart are what make Sofia a role model for young she-wolves that dream of breaking barriers and fighting for what they believe. 9
Mateo Altamirano Mateo Altamirano is the firstborn of Alpha Manuel and Luna Valeria of The powerful Altamirano Silver wolf clan and their future leader. He had a strong sense of what was morally right and, despite what he may have shown at a young age, he cared about what was going on around him. Growing up he dreamt of exploring the world and enjoying its wonders. That was until he met his mate. His journey to become Alpha King wasn’t an easy one. It was plagued with obstacles from prophecies to rivalries. However, Alpha Mateo didn’t let this deter him. He remained committed to his family and kingdom and embraced his destiny. Those who had the pleasure to meet and learn from him say he was generous, fair, and caring. He never tried to exert his dominance over his mate, instead choosing to lead as her equal, shouldering the burden of leading a werewolf kingdom with her and standing at the war front with his soldiers. 10
CORONATION DAY Our team was able to get an exclusive view of the attire Princess Sofia and Alpha Mateo wore on their coronation day
Our source told us that each piece was handpicked to match the couples personality. A strong Queen born to lead, Sofia was fearless. Her dress was the perfect mix of unique and elegant.
Heir of The Altamirano Clan, King Mateo was a strong and compassionate man. His attire was carefully designed to highlight his qualities. 11
BOOK HIGHLIGHT In an attempt to protect her people, Princess Sofia Reyes accepts a marriage proposal to the neighboring Prince and known playboy, Julian Bolivar. On the night of her 18th birthday, Sofia runs into Mateo Altamirano, a gifted but stubborn future Alpha, and her fated mate. Forced to share the same roof, sparks and bonds become harder to ignore. But the threats to her kingdom as still very real and after finding out they are the Fated Pair meant to bring forth the Ivory Twins, Sofia and Mateo must make a decision: be together and cause destruction or separate and save their kingdom. Will Sofia choose her Prince and save her people or will she choose her Mate and doom them all? 12
This book contains the story of werewolves, their legends, their stories. It's enchanted by Faes and can only be open by Silver and Gold wolves. Every pack, clan, kingdom holds a copy of it.
BOOK HIGHLIGHT
The Black Book
Find the Black Book exclusively on Kofi
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THE ALTAMIRANO SILVER WOLF CLAN The history behind the famous silver wolf clan and why they are considered werewolf royalty. Were they really extinct? As history tells us, silver wolves are about as rare as gold wolves. Both are special creations of the Moon Goddess, who gave them gifts. These gifts are special abilities, such as elemental manipulation (fire, air, water, earth), mind manipulation, and so on. While gold wolves are born royal, silver wolves aren’t as powerful and don't have their own kingdoms. They cannot be commanded by regular Alphas, so they do not typically live within packs but rather in separate family clans and have their own Alpha. The most famous silver wolf clan is the Mexican lineage of the Altamiranos. It is said that every wolf in the clan was incredibly powerful and had unique gifts that greatly outshined those of other silver wolves. When a healer - a very rare and special gift - was found among them, the Altamirano Clan status was elevated to the most powerful silver wolf clan in all of the Western Hemisphere. However, it wasn't until one of them was mated to a gold wolf that they would be considered royalty. After many years of war, many werewolves lost their lives, and among them the Altamiranos. Not until recently was it discovered that some have escaped war seeking refugee in the US, where they continue to make history. 14
DID YOU KNOW?
It's rumored that the last Ivory Twins were born in Japan a over 150 years ago.
Apart from the serum, pregnancy also temporarily suppresses the powers of the Children of the Moon and Sun.
In September 1997, at the tender age of 17, Emiliano Altamirano was sworn in as Royal Gamma. The youngest to take over the title.
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By Questioning Bean
Valentina Altamirano The she-wolf open up and tell us all about her family and life in Mexico.
Our team arrived at Lluvia Blanca early in the day and found Valentina hard at work on their training grounds.
What is it like to be an Altamirano wolf and how do you feel knowing how your family name is held in so much regard among wolves of all kinds? in so much regard among wolves of all kinds? I have always been proud of who I am. We do not get to choose what our name is nor what family we are born into but we can choose how we carry ourselves and how we represent our names. Being an Altamirano to me means being strong and brave and I try my best to live up to that.
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When and where are you the happiest?
How do you deal with the pain of losing your loved ones?
I am happiest with my family because they remind me everyday that life is worth living. I have an amazing husband and my beautiful children who make me proud every day. I need nothing more.
You never truly deal with loss, you simply learn to live with the little emptiness in your heart.
How did the war influence your life? War makes you value the little moments in life because you simply never know when you’ll get to enjoy those moments again. It’s a constant reminder that life is short so you must live it to the fullest and make each day count.
If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why? I would have never let my mom and dad go home that day.
What is your greatest fear? My greatest fear is watching my family get hurt.
What it was like living in exile all this time? Do you wish to go back home? I miss my country and all the beautiful people I left behind. Everything reminds me of home and I simply want to drop everything and move back to the place where everything was so simple
If you could save one person, who would it be? That is a hard question but the person I miss most in this world is my brother, Emi. He was my best friend and it is hard some days to not be able to pick up the phone and hear his voice.
Is there anything in your past that you can’t forgive? I cannot forgive Karina for her controlling behavior towards Chava when he was a pup. She corrupted such a beautiful soul.
All of my family was safe, happy, and together on the day, I accepted my mate. 17
If you could ask for help from one person, who would it be? Mateo
If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be? I would relive my wedding day. It was perfect. I had my parents, my king and my queen, as well as my brother. All of my family was safe, happy, and together on the day I accepted my mate. Nothing is more precious than that.
Who is your hero? I’ve had many heroes in my life, many people who have stepped forward to save me or my family in many ways. I cannot pick just one hero.
Is there anything you’d like to say, but haven’t had the opportunity to? Thank you to my brothers, to my parents, and to my Queen for the beautiful life they all gave me and allowed me to have.
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WEREWOLF PACKS AND THE CARTELS How did the human organizations interfere in werewolf pack dynamics and force many to leave their homes? Drug cartels have existed in Mexico for many years, but they didn't become the powerful, violent organizations prevalent today until the 1990s. During that decade, the US government focused the majority of its drug enforcement efforts on dismantling Colombian cartels, which made Colombian manufacturers turn to Mexico as a new safe route for their drugs. And so the cartels' reign of terror began. Eventually, they grew in influence and soon the cartels were also associated with weapons and brutal crimes such as murders, rapes, and kidnapping. As their influence increased, the safety of both the human and werewolf communities were compromised. Many tried to look for protection and sought ways to leave their homes in hopes of being able to sleep peacefully again. Those that didn’t have the means to leave, depended on their leaders to do something to guarantee their safety. However, it wasn’t so easy. Soon many innocent lives were taken, families were destroyed, and conflicts arose all over the country. Werewolf kingdoms forged alliances in order to protect their members and fight against the common enemy: the cartels. Others chose to forge alliances with the cartels seeking an increase in power that would guarantee a certain advantage against t heir enemies, ultimately leading them to war. 19
AUTHENTIC AND TRADITIONAL
MEXICAN RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME
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Comida Mexicana Enchiladas Rojas (Red Enchillada) Prep Time : 15 mins
Ingredients : For the Red Enchilada Sauce 2 Ancho Chilies dried, de-seeded and boiled. 3 dried Guajillo or Anaheim Pepper deseeded and boiled. 4 Fresh tomatoes lightly grilled 2 cloves of garlic lightly grilled 1/4 onion lightly grilled 3 Tablespoons of sour cream 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream For the Chicken Filling 1 Chicken Breast cooked and shredded 4 Ounces of Cream Cheese 1/4 red onion chopped Cilantro Salt and Pepper to Taste Accompaniments 14 Tortillas
Notes : These delicious red enchiladas go great with freshly chopped lettuce and radishes, and topped with queso fresco
Cook Time : 15 mins
Servings : 14 portion
Procedure : For the Red Enchilada Sauce Combine all of the ingredients for the sauce except for the heavy whipping cream, and blend until smooth. Strain out any seeds and add to a skillet, bringing to a slight boil. Add the heavy whipping cream, and let boil for 5 additional minutes. Reduce heat to low. For the Chicken Filling In a hot skillet, add a small amount of olive oil and then add the shredded chicken, the onion, and the cilantro. After about 5 minutes, add the cream cheese, and stir in with the chicken until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper and let cook for an additional five minutes. To Make the Enchiladas Lightly fry the corn tortillas in oil and pat dry. Dip each tortilla in the red enchilada sauce, covering both sides completely. Fill each tortilla with some of the chicken filling, and some cheese if desired. At this point you can add them to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. If you do not want to bake them, just put them on a plate, top with lettuce, cheese, and radish and serve immediately.
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Comida Mexicana Tacos de Lengua (Beef Tongue Tacos) Prep Time : 15 mins
Cook Time : 3hs 45 mins Servings : 18 to 24 tacos
Ingredients : 1 3 to 4 pound beef tongue 2 large onions, peeled Cloves from 1 head of garlic, peeled and crushed 6 to 7 bay leaves 1 tablespoon peppercorns 2 tablespoons salt Vegetable oil Corn tortillas (2 to 3 per person) Salsa verde Avocados Cilantro Chopped red onion Thinly sliced radishes for garnish
Notes : Beef tongue may be found at local Asian markets, Mexican markets, or ordered by your local butcher. Bottled or canned salsa verde can be found in the Hispanic section of markets.
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Procedure : 1: Simmer the tongue: Fill a large stock pot 2/3 full with water. Add the tongue, onions, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 3 hours, until the tongue is soft to the touch and tender. 2: Remove the skin-like covering: Remove tongue from water and let cool for a couple of minutes. Using your fingers, and/or a sharp small knife, remove the skin-like covering and discard. Notice the rough patch of meat where the tongue would attach to the bottom of the mouth. You can chose to remove it or not. It's perfectly edible, so keep it attached if you want. 3. Slice and sauté the tongue: Slice the tongue in 1/4-inch slices. (If you are not preparing the whole tongue for tacos, you can return whatever tongue you don't slice to the cooking water to soak.) Heat a little oil in a frying pan on medium high and sauté the slices on both sides until they are lightly browned. 4. Dice. Remove from pan and slice first into strips, then crosswise again so that you end up with small cubes. 5. Assemble the tacos: Soften tortillas either by cooking on the stove-top until pockets of air appear in them, or in the microwave (about 10 seconds per tortilla). Place a large spoonful of meat in the center of a tortilla. Add a spoonful of salsa verde and some chopped avocado, onion, and chopped fresh cilantro. Garnish with radish slices.
PUZZLE
Help Sofia find her way to her beloved mate.
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CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS With Talia
an Mexic g n Weddi s ion Tradit
Here are some of the most common traditions of Mexican weddings that werewolves have embraced. Note that humans have traditions not mentioned here. I only highlighted those that werewolves have embraced.
Wedding attire The bride's attire was traditionally sewn by the bride or her family members at the groom’s expense. Spanish culture influenced these wedding dresses. They also incorporated imagery elements of good luck, prosperity and fertility. In recent times, the wedding dress is tailor made inspired by the bride’s preferences. Traditional Mexican fabrics are a rich inheritance of the local design. The veil is a must have. Grooms wear guayaberas (Mexican shirt) and linen or black pants. The Mexican shirt made of linen has four small patch pockets and two rows of vertical, fine pleats. These shirts are an equal formality of a tuxedo in todays groom’s wear. Latin American leaders and Mexican Presidents adorn the guayaberas to formal events internationally. Some grooms today may choose to wear a suit to their wedding which is fine.
The Wedding Ceremony Procession Before the bride leaves her home, her mother says a prayer to guide and protect her. Both the bride and groom as well as their families walk down from their homes in procession. This is a public show of the families pride in getting their daughter/son married.
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The Wedding Ceremony
Mexican wedding ceremonies consist of a combination of traditional cultural elements and their religious interpretation. The bride and groom typically kneel on pillows during the wedding mass. A sponsor may gift these pillows. They are placed on the kneelers. Rice, bird seeds, or white confetti is tossed at the couple as they exit the ceremony. This symbolizes prosperity, fertility, and good luck. Not entirely religious, but really traditional.
El Lazo The Lazo is a rope either rosary beads or jeweled made into a ribbon; a Mexican wedding tradition that joins the bride to the groom. It is placed around the necks of the couple in a number 8 after they have exchanged their vows. The lasso represents their linked future together. They call it a Unity Lace and the couple wears it throughout the church service.
Las Arras Ritual This is the ritual of the thirteen gold coins presented by the groom to his bride. It symbolizes the groom’s commitment to support his wife throughout their marriage. It also symbolizes her promise to take care of him. The coins are in an ornate box or gift tray and the priest blesses them during the wedding mass.
Money Dance Male guests pay to dance with the bride and female guests to dance with the groom. The money dance is an excuse to gift money to the couple. The gifted money is used by the newlyweds for their honeymoon or to set up their new home.
Mariachi Mexican weddings enjoy a Mariachi serenade during the cocktail hour or after dinner. A good Mexican Mariachi brings a touch of folklore and tradition to the wedding ceremony. 25
READERS' COMMENTS
Mexican Beans Edition
I'm completely in love with THE GOLDEN QUEEN. By far one of the best books I've read, what I love is the fact that I was able to experience some of my culture in a book. I've never had the chance to connect with a book the way I did with TGQ, the way our beautiful beaches were described and automatically transported me back home. The Mexican cuisine, the way of ancestors used to heal with just some herbs, along with the family customs I felt so many emotions reading this story and I felt so connected it was such a wonderful book and it filled my heart with so much nostalgia. Yaret Recio
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VOL.3 JULY 2022