Elves the Beginning (Under construction!)

Chapter 17

As I traveled closer and closer to my kingdom, I knew that the storm was getting worse, and that I did not have too much time left for the little bit of light cast out by the moon, after that, anything could happen.
I looked around at the shadows cast by the trees, and then I noticed something small, an elf like creature moving through the bushes.
I hardly even caught a small glimpse of the creature and it was gone in a flash.
I quickly slid off of my Mare Catholina, looking out at the bushes on the other side of the dirt road. I slowly made my way closer to the large bushes, and the tall grass beyond it while the rain soaked my dress. I could hear shuffling in the brush and I tilted my head a little, trying to hear the noise a little better.
All of a sudden, the strange elf shaped creature burst out of the bushes, running at top speed, and all I could see was blue, and then, when my vision cleared from the shock, I noticed that the creature had long, wavy, blond hair, and was wearing a blue dress. To my amazement, it was a little water elfess, but she was a child.
I bolted towards the girl, hoping that she was not running from anything else. I was horrified for the young elfess, knowing that she was alone out here, or at least maybe alone.
"I am not here to hurt you!" I called after her. "I want to help you! Please stop running away!"
The elfess stopped and slowly turned to face me. From a little ways a way, I could see her blue eyes as they sparkled in the rain.
I ran over to her, and luckily, she did not move a muscle when I was approaching her, but she also stayed silent. I sighed as I looked her in the eyes. "What are you doing out here alone?" I quickly asked.

I could see her shivering from the rain, and even though she was a water elf, she was somehow effected by the cold raindrops. "M-my parents d-died a-and, I had no where else to go." She stuttered.

That is horrible." I replied. "What is your name sweet child?"

M-my, name is R-river." She answered.

River, can you come with me please, I need to bring you to the elemental palace." I said calmly.

She started to slowly back away in fear. "But I do not know you. I can not trust you."

I know sweetie, but, listen, I am the elemental queen, you can trust me, I will not hurt you, and you should not even be out here alone." I explained.

You are a queen?" She asked.

Yes, I promise that I am not dangerous, and you can trust me. Please come with me, it will be warmer in my palace, and you can have a fresh bed to sleep in." I assured her.

Really?" She asked. "But you do not look like the other queens."

I know, I am nothing like the other queens. And I am serious about you having a fresh bed in the palace." I answered. "How long have you been out here?"

I-I think, maybe two w-weeks." She answered.

Oh sweetie, you have to come with me, your face is an icy blue, and all this dirt on your face can not be healthy." I said now noticing that her eyes were a light grey colour on top of what looked to be like sapphire blue eyes. "We do not have much time for you, you look as though you have starved; you are lucky I got here in time. Come with me."
The young elfess nodded, and reached out for me. I hoisted her up onto Catholina, and I then looked through my deer hide bag for my warm wool coat. I wrapped it around the small and very young water elf. I then sat behind her and picked up the reins to control Catholina.
We got to the palace maybe an hour later. I burst through the doors holding River, who felt as cold as an icicle.
A guard noticed me at the entrance of the palace, and he then saw River in my arms, and led me to a vacant chamber.
I set River down gently on the warm and cozy bed, and the guard quickly lit the fire to warm up the chamber. I tightly tucked River in the bed, and she shivered, but I could see that she felt relieved, and it sent that same wave of relief towards me.
The guard soon left and River was almost asleep.

M-miss." River stuttered.

Yes?" I asked.

How did you find me?"

What?" I asked.

You would have to be my guardian angel to have found me, no one could find me, and there were water guards all over the kingdoms." She explained.

You were just very lucky, and sometimes, you find things, when you are not looking for them." I answered.

Th-thank you." She answered and I smiled.

For what?" I asked.

For saving me."

Do not thank me, thank the Ancient Guardians for sending me to your aid." I replied as I lightly kissed her forehead, and in return, I received a hug from her.

I thank you both." She said with a smile.

I smiled back at her calmly. "Goodnight River."
She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply before falling asleep. I smiled again and sat down by the fire, soon feeling tired myself. All I could think about at that moment, was how, I had found a very young elfess, and she was sweet and kind, how had I gotten so lucky to have found a polite child, instead of a bratty misfit, running away from home. I laid down on the warm cushioned seating, and closed my eyes, soon to quickly fall asleep to the sound of relief. I was happy to have found River, for some reason, she felt right to me, and I wanted to visit her, but until then, I would have a nice long slumber. I calmed my brain, and soon, sleep took over, and it arrived faster than usual...