The Elven Powers

Chapter Eight: How do I explain? (Morgel)

I watched her blonde hair fly as she left. I didn't care if she was in a mood with me I didn't like her either.  You could say that's a pretty childish remark, but I have my reasons. Turning my attention back to an expectant, and not to mention shocked, group of dignitaries I prepared to educate them on my ascension to the throne. The Queen dipped her head in my direction forcing me to stop.

She re-gathered her audience's attention " I must apologize for not informing the population of my consideration for him to be heir. However, this is now a formal announcement. All the arrangements have been made and he shall succeed me should I be forced to abdicate. I have presented him to my lords and Ladies of the court first, as I wish to have your blessings in this. You need not give it..." Then to the obvious hurt of the court " He shall be King nonetheless. " This seemed rather blunt for the Queen they had all been trying to impress. For there wasn't one person in that room who wasn't trying to be the heir. It was really quite pathetic to be honest. How could people be so naive to believe they would be heir by mere courteous speech and polite actions. Her highness was no fool as I understood her. After all if anyone had a silver tongue it was her, she fooled the entire kingdom into loving her. 

I sighed, as hand after hand gave me the traditional blessing. As a particularly fair woman touched her brow to mine then drew back and took my hand, she pulled me forward. As she knelt to kiss my hand, pulling me roughly down with her, she whispered " I will be Queen. If you want one look no further, or taste my wrath. " As she rose I faked a smile which she returned. Quick as a flash I grabbed her elbow and pulled her ear to my lips. 
" You will be Queen of the dead if you dare pretend I wouldn't execute you for such actions. You are nothing but an ugly, arrogant woman " Satisfied that I had scared that woman into submission I withdrew. If she thought I was about to let anyone make this mundane existence even worse, she had another thing coming.  

I again began to feel lightheaded by the oppressive dark mass clouding my mind. I walked straight out of the room without a word. I didn't mean to be cruel. But I had to protect myself last time I trusted someone... The hard wooden chair pressing against my back. The smell of parchment and ink. The sound of running water. The taste of realisation... As the sensations faded I grasped a nearby banister for support. It was a forgotten memory. I began to get frustrated. Why was this memory returning now? I threw it to the back of my mind and began to walk forward, angry with myself for having less control over my thoughts. 

I looked up to find myself outside what could only be the Guardians chambers. I grunted in annoyance. The vision had been enough but I didn't want to have to face Blonde vengeance. I turned to leave just minding my own business and out pops Blonde vengeance, Her face Quickly combusting into a fuming red. Great. 
"How dare you! " She screeched. " How dare you show your face in such a rude manner after all these years! " Oh so she was upset about the incident in the garden was she? Amusing. " How dare you be heir to the throne and how dare you stand outside MY chambers!? " With that Blonde Vengeance slammed the door with as much force as she could muster. 
I had been so entertained by her performance, I had failed to notice someone, or rather something standing a few yards away. It was none other than Elrohir the other Guardian. 
" and what do you think you were doing coming to see puss face? " I questioned him.
" Really, Morgel such childish words are unbecoming of a future king." He smirked. 
My mood abated and I clapped him on the back. " It's good to see you my friend. But you really shouldn't maintain the honour of such people who don't deserve it."
" What is your hatred towards the Lady Galandria?" he enquired, seemingly oblivious to her obviously flawed character. 
" I will not speak of it. However she is a flawed maniacal scheming temptress without honour. " The words flowed easily, I had practice such explanations for that vile creature before.  
" How can you think such things of her?"
In shock I blurted out. " How do you have the nerve to side with her over your best friend! Besides how do I explain such things? "
" You are my best friend, however holding grudges over people for past hurts is never healthy. Now come, let us drink and be merry! After all it is many a moon since I last saw you. "

So me and Elrohir drank and sung, and the people seemed to warm up to me. Not that I cared I did not need their approval. I explained best I could the tale of my hatred for the Lady Galandria between explosions of song. Elrohir then told me his stories of heroic deeds for his kingdom and an ancient battle between a young squire and a particularly fat female troll. We were all so merry I forgot most of the evening in a blur of song, I didn't remember Elrohir's stories much nor did he mine. For a time at least I was happy, Being friends with Elrohir always made me happy. 

That night there was a loud knock on my chamber door. I almost answered like Blonde vengeance tempted to ask them how dare they wake me. Instead I groaned the position of the moon confirming it was roughly four in the morning. I crossed the room to the door immediately as I had of coarse collapsed on my bed still in my clothes. I was surprised when the door revealed a serious queen and a tired but still angry Galandria, I have no idea how she manages it either. Elrohir stepped into the light of the Queens lantern seconds later. Then the Queen half whispered.
" Ardeth needs our help "