Elves In Between the River Bed

Chapter 18

As I sat on my thrown and began to cry. Why, why had I killed him? Was I not better then a murderer?
I could hear Moray outside the throne room and I quickly wiped away the tears on my face, it had still left marks on my face. She walked in and I smiled. "What news do you have for me today?"

Well, Pearl sent you a thank you card for killing her... Husband, and Hurricane sent a note." Moray answered.

Well lets hear it."

Ok... River, or should I say, Queen River. My mother and I thank you for getting rid of king Caspian and even though she did not say so, she is very thankful that he is gone. I was hoping you and Moray might accompany me to a ball that will be located at Diamond River. If you decide to come I am looking forward to seeing you and Moray, hopefully in some dresses; if you do not come that is ok too, Pearl is coming and has not agreed to be my date but Eels date, I might have a plan C date though. I wish you good luck as Queen and I thank you for all you have done. Also, group meeting tomorrow evening."

Moray, send a message back, we will be attending the ball, and I will gladly be his date."

Of course your majesty." Moray replied as she quickly left the throne room.

I guess I am going to a ball." I said to myself quietly.
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As I entered the Diamond River Temple I sighed. There were so many elves there. I noticed an older elf walking towards me and I stopped breathing, why was he approaching me?

Welcome to the River ball, I am Hurricane and I am in charge of names and who was here tonight so, what is your name?" He asked.

Hurricane?"

No no, that is my name, what is your name?" He asked again.

If you are Hurricane, do you not recognize me?" I asked. He looked at me in confusion and Moray came up next to me, but she did not look like Moray.

Your majesty is this elf bothering you?" She asked.

Oh my gosh! River!" Hurricane cried.

How can you not recognize me?" I asked.

My queen I am sorry, I thought I told you that when entering temples or certain places where the temples are, you would turn into an older version of yourself, unless you are already old enough, because there are age restrictions in temples." Moray explained.

So, I am not a child in here?" I asked.

Well, I am certainly not." Hurricane chuckled.

I need proof that I am not myself." I said quietly.

Well I do not blame you, you look like a goddess." Hurricane said. "Oh umm, forget that I said that, come over to the River, it is crystal clear so it is like a mirror I suppose."

I blushed as I followed him to the river that had flown through the center of the temple. I looked down but I couldn't quite see my reflection. "I can not see myself."

If you do not mind being soaking wet then you are allowed to stand in the river, it is calm in here so no harm will be done." Hurricane explained.

I carefully stepped into the water, thankfully no one was watching because I personally hated being the center of attention.
I was suddenly in the center of the river that was sending a blue light into the temple. I looked down and I could see my reflection and I admired myself. "How old am I?" I asked.

The age required is 17 so that is how old you should be." He answered.

Will you help me out?" I asked and he nodded as he slowly came into the water and took my hand in his. I locked eyes with him and we shared a moment of silence before he looked away and began pulling me out of the water. He helped me out and I whistled for Moray to come (Yes, I whistle for my pet dragon/good friend).
Moray quickly arrived with a towel and I smiled at her.

Would you care to dance my queen?" Hurricane asked.

Are we not a little too soaked to dance?" I asked.

So what, a little water is not going to stop us from dancing." He answered with a chuckle.

Then of course, I never say no to a good dance." I giggled as I took his hand.

He pulled me to the center of the ball room and we began dancing gracefully.

How is it that you are such a good dancer?" I asked.

I have practiced at many events like this that my mother has hosted." He answered.

Does she know that you are with me?" I asked.

She does not know what I look like and she definitely does not know what you look like so I am going to have to say no." Hurricane answered with a laugh.

You are a gentleman, did you know that?"

Why yes I did and thank you." He chuckled.

Well then, you should as Moray to dance so that she does not look so tense all night, because it is hurting my head seeing her like that."

I suppose, I did invite her and I am a gentleman; but I do wish I could keep dancing with you all night long." He replied as he stopped dancing.

He took my hand and lightly caressed it. I blushed and he smiled. I walked towards the river while he began dancing with Moray and the hairs on my neck stood up.
I could see my breath in front of me and I suddenly realized that the room was colder. I looked at the water and saw that it was freezing over. I quickly got up and hurried over to Moray and Hurricane with a worried expression spread across my face. "Winter, is here."

It is the middle of Summer, I am sure that Winter is not here." Hurricane said sarcastically.

Not that kind of Winter." I said quietly and suddenly the room went quiet.
I looked over and saw a tall elf in white clothing wearing a crown, standing at the entrance of the temple. My heart skipped a beat and I almost completely stopped breathing. It seemed as though he was looking directly at me but he was only scanning the room.

I am King Winter, and I have come to congratulate the new water Queen." Winter announced. "Now where can I find Queen River?"