Advantages and disadvantages of Elven heroes. Discussion of their biographies and abilities.

First of all, you still need to level up the Tent. This requires at least 2 levels (Machine Basics plus Tent). Ideally, even more levels are needed to level up the Tent, as it's not a hero focused on machines.
Secondly, I don't see how a single horse can help at the beginning on a hero difficulty. Block someone? Unlikely, because 57 hit points are nothing. It might give an advantage at the Warrior or Veteran level. Hide archers? Also, sooner or later (definitely before getting the Tent), you'll lose it.

In Overlord, Ilfin is definitely more interesting if you develop her Light magic. Then, the unicorns (light ones) will receive the Light spell on themselves at a skilled level (as a result of the Child of Light skill).