Title: The Web of Darkness

Author: Soledad

Author's notes: The oath of the Knights of Dale is based on the one from the movie "Kingdom of Heaven", obviously. I wanted Dale to have very different customs than Gondor, as described in "The Young Knights".

As for the outcome of this chapter, this is something I have planned from the beginning of the story. It just took me a long time to figure out how to bring it about.

PART 28

The next few weeks 'til the coronation of the future King Bard II of Dale were spent with hectic preparations. Lord Maelduin, Prince Egilstadir and Silinde were discussing the proper wedding gift at great length, and finally decided to gift a finely-made Elven bow upon the new King. The young Man was the progeny of the legendary Bard the Bowman, after all, and said to be a passable archer himself. One could expect that he would appreciate a fine Elven hunting bow, now that such weapons were – hopefully – no longer needed for war.

The gift for the future Queen was no subject of consideration. A festive gown had long been ordered from the seamstresses of Thranduil's court, and they had been working on it for more than a year already. Now it had hurriedly been finished, and even Drizzt, who had no true understanding about womanly fashion, be it Elven or mortal, had to admit that the results were truly spectacular.

The dress was made of pale silk, somewhere between white and light grey. There seemed to be a silver cross-tread in it, so that it shimmered like the moonlight upon the surface of the Lake. A repeating design of sea lions – half beast, half fish – that had been the symbol of Dale from its earliest days was wrought in gold thread about the neck and the hem, and the sleeves were cut so widely they nearly swept the floor, revealing the pale-gold, long-sleeved undertunic. The gown laced up tightly on the back and followed the shape of the wearer's upper body ere belling out gracefully from the hips, where it was girdled by a golden belt made of interlinking flowers with little white and green gems in their middle. There could be no doubt that the new Queen would look absolutely stunning in it.

For his part, Drizzt worried a bit about not having a gift of his own for the royal couple, but Silinde told him that it would not be expected.

"Just make sure to have a silver coin on you," she said. "As a new Knight of Dale, you might be expected to visit the holy well, and a silver coin will be needed for the ritual."

"What kind of ritual?" asked Drizzt. "I have no coin that would be accepted here; just some pieces left from my old life."

"That would do," she replied. "I am not entirely familiar with the details, though. But worry not – your friends will teach you of that which will be needed. All I know is that at some point a silver coin has to be thrown into the well. Do you have a silver coin? No other metal would be allowed."

Drizzt pulled the small, almost empty purse from his belt. He had kept it during the long, lonely years in Faerûn, after the deaths of his friends, although he no longer had need for any coin in the wilderness. But it had sentimental value for him, as a reminder of his years spent among the Men and Dwarves of Icewind Dale.

Emptying the meagre contents into one palm now, he found a few copper pieces and one silver coin – yet that one was not meant to be traded for goods or aught else. For it was a ceremonial coin, blessed by the Druids of Mielikki, meant to remind him of the respect he owed the goddess he had once served. He had all but forgotten about it.

"I can get you a silver piece from the treasurer if you want," said Silinde, seeking his stricken face. "In case you would wish to keep this one."

"No," answered Drizzt slowly. "I believe it would be only proper to give it up for the same Lady here I used to serve back home… as a symbol of my new life. I cannot think of any other thing that would be more appropriate."

"Mayhap so," she said, "yet it clearly means a great deal for you."

"It does," he replied. "This symbolizes my choice to turn my back on the evil ways of my own people and serve Mielikki, the Lady of life and light instead. The very choice that has led me to you in the end – to this new, happier life. If I give the coin to the well of the Lady Yavanna, as you call her, it will mean even more to me. It will mean that I do, indeed, have a new life and a new home here in Middle-earth."

Silinde nodded in understanding. It made sense, especially for her, who had made a similar transition – albeit on a much smaller scale – when she had left her Nandor tribe in Dor-Lelmin to join King Oropher's court.

"You shall always have a home with us," she said.

"That is not what the Great Ash seems to think," replied Drizzt wistfully, "although she also said I could stay as long as I wish."

"You certainly do," said Silinde. "Even if you do decide to go to the Mori-kwendi one day, we shall always see you as one of our own."

"I know," answered Drizzt, "and I am grateful, I truly am. I never thought I would be accepted by surface Elves one day."

"Well, as we have no malevolent Drow in Middle-earth, we had it easier than the surface Elves of Faerûn might have," pointed out Silinde. "We can afford to judge you by your deeds alone, and those deserve respect. Come now. Have you already packed your saddlebags for the journey? We are to leave for Dale in two day's time."

"Are you coming, too?" asked Drizzt in pleasant surprise, as he knew that Lord Maelduin wanted to take as little an entourage as possible, so that they would not become a burden for the royal household of Dale."

Silinde laughed. "You thought I would miss a coronation at Belthain? I was there every time a new King of Dale was crowned, back to Girion and several of his forefathers – I certainly would not miss this one. Besides, as a Knight of Dale you will be expected to arrive in female company. I offer my assistance for that part if 'tis acceptable for you."

"Only if you are going to wear that dark green gown with the silver leaf embroidery you were wearing on the fest held in Sir Geraint's honour," grinned Drizzt.

Silinde grinned back at him. "That can be arranged."


Two days later a small group of elves left the King's halls and headed for Dale, following the western side of the Long Lake. It consisted of Lord Maelduin, Lady Nelladel, Prince Egilstadir with his wife and his sister, Drizzt and Silinde, as well as six guards and six of Egilstadir's Elven knights. This time they all rode the silver-coated horses of Dor-Lelmin, for the sake of a more dignified appearance, and Drizzt was once again reunited with the good beast he had ridden during his time with the Nandor Elves. The journey was short and easy a-horse, and they arrived at Dale in the early afternoon in high spirits.

Their arrival accused great excitement in the town, which was still wearing many wounds from the brutal siege, despite the joint efforts of Elves and men to bring it into a respectable shape for the spring festival. The people, though, seemed in high spirits, and having Elves among them apparently delighted them to no end.

"We are used to the woodland folk attending our feasts," explained Cuhelyn ap Rhys, who would not let himself be deprived from the pleasure to welcome them in person, accompanied by a selected troop of Gate Guards in their full, festive attire. "But 'tis a rare honour that the people of Dor-Lelmin would come, too," he bowed towards Egilstadir and Princess Indreâbhan. "Welcome to Dale, my Lord, my Lady. We shall be glad to show you the respect we no longer can show Master Tuilindo and the others who have given their immortal life to help us protect our home."

"We fought a common enemy," replied Egilstadir with a smile, "and victory, unexpected as it was, had been paid dearly, by both our peoples. Still, even though the losses were grievous, we can all rejoice in the fact that Arda will hopefully be safe, for many years to come."

Having thus exchanged pleasantries, the guests were led to the King's House, where Princess Eilonwy greeted and welcomed them most warmly. As Queen Regath – according to custom – no longer carried out any public functions, and Lady Melangell had not been crowned yet, the young wife of the Prince Regent served as the head of the royal household. She had almost completely recovered from her battle-related injuries, Drizzt found, and looked radiant, even in the presence of such stunning Elven beauties as Lady Nelladel or the Princesses Silivren and Indreâbhan.

"Welcome to Dale and thanks for honouring Belthain with your presence," she said. "I have arranged chambers for you in the King's guest house… I hope they will be adequate. They are the best ones we have, although I fear they cannot match that to which you might be used from home."

"I am certain they will be more than fine," reassured her Lady Nelladel. "Despite what you might have heard about my brother, we of the woodland realm are a simple folk with simple tastes."

"Still, you represent the royal family of an allied realm and deserve the best we can offer," replied Eilonwy. Then she turned to the ranking males of the party. "Lord Maelduin, my Lord Prince, my husband would have a word with you if you do not mind. Drudwas ap Aeddan will take you to him at once. I shall escort the ladies to the Queen's wing myself in a moment. As for you, Master Drizzt, I must ask you to wait here just a little longer. Sir Anarawd will be with you shortly; you are expected to stay with the knight-probationers for the duration of the festival, as you shall be knighted together with them."

Albeit a bit surprised, Drizzt agreed to wait, while the other Elves were led away. And indeed, a short time later Sir Anarawd came in to fetch him.

The chief of the Knights of Dale was a landed lord of his own right and said to have the blood of the Sea-Kings in his veins, through a noblewoman of Arnor who had supposedly married one of his ancestors. Whether this was true or but a family legend, no-one could tell. But Sir Anarawd was taller than the average Man of Dale and did have grey eyes, which were the usual traits of the people of Westernesse. Right now, he was not wearing any knightly armour or weaponry, though, just a rich attire of dark green and black velvet, as his rank demanded. After all, he was also the father of the future Queen.

He took Drizzt to the Hall of the Warriors: a walled building with a practice field behind it, which served as the temporary home of the knight-probationers as well as the meeting and training place of the Knights of Dale. "Twas a fairly simple mansion, consisting of a long hall, where the knights gathered and sometimes dined together, the weapons chambers and the bedchambers of the knight-probationers, who lived there during their training.

One of those chambers was assigned to Drizzt for the duration of his stay. He stored his saddlebags there, then he was led to the Hall to meet the others.

The Knights of Dale, Sir Anarawd explained him, ad always been twelve in the number – at least those belonging to the royal court by tradition. Other people could – and frequently did – get knighted, but only these twelve were allowed to bear the honorary title Knight of Dale and the sea lions of the realm on their shields. According to King Bard's dying wish, Drizzt was now about to be added to this time-honoured institution as the thirteenth knight… a status that had never been granted anyone before, even less so to a stranger. But the Men of Dale were well aware of the fact that they stood deep in the Drow's debt and wanted to express their gratitude in this way.

Four of the original twelve had been slain during the siege, and only two of the knight-probationers were far enough in their training to fill the shoes of their fallen comrades: Sir Geraint's younger brother, Owain, and Finion, the son of Sir Anarawd.

"For a while yet, our rows will remain incomplete," sighed Sir Anarawd. "'Tis still better than accepting untrained youths among us. It takes years for a Knight of Dale to learn everything that will be expected from him; that is what makes us a formidable force in battle. We might have peace now, for quite some time, I hope. But new evils can always rise, and we need to remain watchful."

Drizzt had to admit that that was very true indeed; then their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the surviving Knights of Dale. Some of them, like Sir Geraint, he already knew; the others he had at least seen during the siege, for they had fought in the front line without exception.

He was then formally introduced to each of them and entrusted to the care of one Sir Rheinallt, a tall, flaxen-haired knight of most likely northern blood in his mid-fifties, to be instructed in the ways of the Knights of Dale in general and the intricacies of the knighting ceremony in particular. Apparently, each knight-probationer had an experienced mentor to guide him on his way, for which Drizzt was grateful. More so as Sir Rheinallt turned out to be an easy-going man of dry wit and all around a delightful company.

"We do not stand on ceremony as much as the Men of Gondor do," the Man explained. "Knighting is a rather simple affair in Dale. All which is required is that you learn the words of the pledge; and, of course, a visit to the holy well."


In the next morning, however, things proved a tad more complicated than just that. First thing in the morning, Sir Rheinallt took Drizzt to the seamstresses, so that he could be outfitted with the proper attire of a Knight of Dale: a knee-length, silver-and-green tunic, with the coat-of-arms of Dale emblazoned upon the breast, black trousers, and a long, hooded green cloak. They always had a few of those ready, they explained, so all that needed to be done was to take out a little from the width of the tunic, as Drizzt was considerable more narrowly built than the average Man of Dale.

After that, they visited Dafydd ap Elis, the King's weapons master, who provided Drizzt with the traditional shield and longsword that the Knights of Dale were supposed to bear. There could be no better armour found than the Dwarven hauberk gifted upon him by Master Glóin, but he had to wear a helm, at least on ceremonial occasions, so they found one for him where his thick mane of white hair could fit in. That made him look a little bulky-headed, but Drizzt did not truly mind… it mattered little to him.

Having all those things done to Sir Rheinallt's satisfaction, they were called to the King's House, where Prince Meilyr was waiting for Drizzt, in the company of the royal archivist, an elderly man by the name of Cadwgawn ap Cadoc.

"Master Elf," said the Prince Regent gravely, after the proper greetings had been spoken, "'tis a time-honoured custom that the Knights of Dale would be landed, so that their shares can offer them a living and leave all their strength focused on the protection of the town. Yet it is also law that our lands may not go to outsiders, so that we can always dispose freely over that which is our own," he was using the royal plural, as the hands granted to the Knights belonged, by right, to the Crown, and right now, he represented the Crown. "So we saw us forced to find a different solution for you."

He led the surprised Drow to the window and showed him a small yet well-built house, a little further down the street.

"The house you see there belonged to Sir Mervyn, one of our Knights who fell during the siege," he said. "He had no siblings, nor a family of his own, thus his lands will go back to the Crown. Yet his house we shall gift upon you, Master Drizzt, together with knighthood that shall be bestowed upon you; and we have taken the liberty to appoint servants to the house who would be taking care of it in your absence: the freed slave from Rhûn, Bannâtha, to be your steward, and his young brother, Razanur, to be your manservant. Are they acceptable choices for you?"

Drizzt gave his consent, amazed by the wisdom of the choice as well as overwhelmed by the generosity shown towards him. He had never hoped that one day he would have a place to call his own. Even though he intended to return to his kind after the coronation, he would always have a home in Dale, too. Just as the former slaves would have a place and a purpose and the chance to settle down and get accepted by the people of the town, eventually. And should Drizzt not return to Dale at all, they and their sons could run the house in his name as their own in all but name. It had been a wise choice indeed.

Master Cadwgawn had already prepared the documents which were now read and explained, as they had been written in Angerthas runes as used in Dale, which Drizzt could not read. Then Prince Meilyr signed them and confirmed the grant with the royal seal. Drizzt was officially a free man (well, a free Elf, mayhap, in his case) of Dale, with property to his name and servants to take care of said property… not something he would have expected ever since leaving Menzoberranzan.

Having received his copy of the Grant, Drizzt now went with Sir Rheinallt to take a loser look of his newly acquired property. Bannâtha and Razanur were already there, wearing the simple yet respectable garb of good, homespun wool that servants of Dale usually wore. They seemed more than happy with their new position... unlike the housekeeper of the late Sir Mervyn, a stout widow in her early forties by the name of Nest. While she was glad that she could keep her position in the household, she seemed frightened by her new master; as did her daughter, a pretty little thing of about seventeen, named Gwen… apparently a by-blow of her former master.

Still, they could not afford to be choosy. With so many household left masterless due to the siege, one was fortunate to find any employment at all. And even if Gwen had been acknowledged by her late sire – which she had not – as a gild-child she could not have inherited that which had been granted to Sir Mervyn due to his position as a Knight of dale. Thus Nest had not even thought of seeking out other work, even if her new master frightened her to death.

That the two women were so obviously afraid of him saddened Drizzt a little – it called back unpleasant memories from Faerûn – but he could not truly blame them. Black skin and scimitars had always meant Orcs to these people, and neither Mistress Nest, nor young Gwen had been among those who had fought on the walls. They had not seen the proof of their new master's true allegiances.

Bannâtha, on the other hand, had, and he was looking at his new master with very different eyes; so was his young brother.

"They will get used to you, Master Drizzt," he said. "Just give them time."

"They will not have to," answered Drizzt, "as I shall not live here all the time. I am returning to Mirkwood, to my own kin. Perchance in time I shall even more further south. This house and those who live in it will be your responsibility."

"it has been ordered that – as Master Drizzt has not been granted any actual lands – the Crown take care of the necessities for keeping the house in a good shape; and for your payment;" added Sir Rheinallt. "Prince Meilyr also asks you, Master Drizzt, that in exchange any visiting Elves be housed in your home."

Drizzt nodded. "Certainly. At least that way the house would not stay empty all year."

Neither of them could foresee that this agreement would lay the foundation to the Dark Elf's Inn, which, within two generations, would become quite a famous place in Dale.


The next couple of days were spent with studying the traditions of the Knights of Dale, which proved to be fairly ancient and time-honoured ones, and with preparations for the actual knighting. The latter was to be performed by Prince Meilyr, as his last official act as the independent Regent, so that the new King would already have a nearly full circle of knights to protect him.

A very important part of said preparations was the much referred-to visit to the holy well. As it turned out, Dale had several of these sacred places, all situated in what was considered holy hains, some of them visited by men, some by women only, some by both genders, old and young. The Lady Yavanna and the Lord Oromë, whom they called Aldaron, in Wood-Elf fashion, were greatly respected among the Men of Dale.

The particular one the Knights of Dale favoured fort heir ritual purposes was hidden in the midst of a densely-grown glade of short-stemmed, wide-branched oaks, intermingled with beeches, hollies and copsewood of various sorts. In the middle of the glade, there was a small, flat hillock, and on top of that hillock a circle of large, rough, unhewn standing stones, some of them still upright, others dislodged from their places by the forces of nature or by some unknown intent of Men… 'twould have been hard to tell. One of the huge, dislodged slabs had somehow rolled down the hillock – a long time ago, if its withered, moss-covered surface was any indication – and broke in two pieces. Between those pieces, the clear, bubbling water of the well broke free from the rocky foot of the hill, fell into a wide stone basin and, overflowing, glided smoothly around the hillock to become a small brook, one of the many tributaries of the River Running.

As instructed in advance by Sir Rheinallt, Drizzt walked three times around the well. Then he took the silver coin blessed by the Druids of Meilikki, kissed it for one last time and threw it into the well, where it came out of the rock, so that it would fall deeply, to the very roots of the hillock, to the depths of the very earth itself. Then he drank from the well, using his cupped hands only. By doing this, he should have been thinking of a wish – but he found that he had none. He was content with his life, more so than ever before.

When all this was done, he fastened three ribbons – one green, one silver and one sea blue, the colours of Dale – on a nearby three, where countless other ribbons, left there by his fellow knights, were flattering in the light breeze. Finishing the ritual, he left the holy hain in complete silence, as he had come, ere the sun would rise.

After their visit to the holy well, the knight-probationers were supposed to spend the morning alone and in contemplative silence… something that young Men might have found difficult, but which matched Drizzt's own solitary nature very well.

Shortly before the tenth hour, Sir Rheinallt came to take him to the bell-tower, as knighting, like every other event of public interest, would take place there, where the entire town could watch it, if they wanted. Just like the Lakemen, the people of Dale showed a definite interest for public affairs and were standing and sitting all around the belfry: on the roofs, upon the walls and whatever convenient place they could find, wearing their best clothes to honour the occasion that was considered an important one in the life of the town.

The members of the court, gathered under the bell-tower, were at their resplendent best, too. Some of the ladies – before all else the three princesses – wore gowns that showed the excellence of Elven workmanship, as a proof of the good relations between Dale and Mirkwood. Princess Eilonwy, in particular, was wearing a bliaut of dark green brocade in leaf pattern, decorated with silver leaf embroidery on the neck, front and sleeve hems and laced up with silver cord on the back – a gown with a striking likeness to the one Silinde was wearing, only cut in Dale fashion. Her hair was hidden under a veil of white silk, kept in place by the silver crown due to her rank, which wore the mark of Dwarven marksmanship. The nobility of Dale generally seemed to prefer green, blue, black and silver, in contrast to the more colourful garb of the common folk.

Drizzt was surprised to see the veiled, black-clad figure of Queen Regath among the members of the court, but Sir Rheinallt explained him that she would only retreat into complete seclusion after her son had been crowned. Until then, tradition demanded that she supported the Prince Regent with her presence as dowager queen, even though she was not granted any true power. Likewise, while present and richly attired, neither Prince Bard nor his bride ha taken any central post within the court; and they were not yet wearing the royal symbols, either.

The Prince Regent and his wife were clearly the most important acteurs of this day's ceremony. Prince Meilyr, clad in black velvet and with the silver crown upon his brow, looked kingly enough indeed, and no-one could doubt that his wisdom and guidance would serve the young King well for years to come. This was his last major public act ere he would step down and hand over formal power to his brother, and he seemed determined to make a good performance.

Meirion, the Bell-guard played a solemn melody on the many bells of the belfry, and the future knights were led before the Prince Regent in procession, led by their respective guides and followed by the rest of their comrades, all clad in full knightly regalia. Upon their arrival, Prince Meilyr rose from the royal chair and looked around the townsfolk watching the scene with excitement.

"People of Dale," he said in a clear, dinging voice that carried to the farthest corner of the square, "'tis my sacred duty and great honour to bestow knighthood upon those who have dedicated their lives to protect this town, its King and the people who inhabit it. You all know that four of our Knights – namely Sir Cadwaladr, Sir Dewydd, Sir Mervyn and Sir Trahean – were slain in the siege… may their names be always remembered. Alas, only two of our knight-probationers have already finished their training and can step into the empty places of our circle. I present you Finion ap Anarawd and Owain ap Govannion, your future protectors."

The people on the walls and rooftops applauded enthusiastically and shouted encouragements to the two young Men whom they had known since their childhood. Nobility had never been very numerous in Dale; even less so after the coming of the Dragon, and they all led very public lives, being considered the pride and property of the common folk, not the other way round.

"However," continued Prince Meilyr, rising his voice easily above the joyful noise, "with his dying breath, my father, the late King, had requested that his champion, the Dark Elf Drizzt Do'Urden from the House Daernon N'shezbaernon, be ennobled and raised into the circle of the Knights of Dale, as a small reward for slaying the Lord of the Nazgûl and thus turning the tide of the battle and saving our town. Gladly shall I do this, to honour the King's dying wish and to repay a little of our debt. Are there any who would wish to object?"

No voices were raised. Even if there had been those who did not like the idea of such a strange creature being knighted, they knew better than to speak up. Everyone knew what they owed the stranger.

Prince Meilyr nodded in well-concealed relief. He had hoped there would be no public protests, but one could never know for certain. The Kings of Dale – or, in his case, their representatives – ruled with the consent of the people, therefore they could not dismiss any objections in such cases. Fortunately, many had seen Drizzt fight on the walls and later face the Witch-king, understood their obligations towards him.

"Very well," said the Prince Regent. "I ask the guides of the future knights then to bring their charges before us."

As tradition demanded, Sir Rheinallt, Sir Anarawd and Sir Geraint took the hands of Drizzt, Finion and Owain and led them before the Prince Regent, where they were instructed to kneel. Prince Meilyr draw his hereditary sword and touched Drizzt's throat with its tip first, reciting the ancient words of warning to the future knight.

"Be without fear in the face of thy enemies," he said, his clear voice audible perhaps in the entire frown. "Be brave and upright, so that thy King may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to thy death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. Defend the King, and if the King is no more, protect the people. Do you swear to follow these tenets as long as you have the strength to wield thy sword?"

"I swear," answered Drizzt.

The Prince Regent now turned the sword and touched with the flat blade both shoulders of the new knight, and finally the top of his head.

"Rise then, Sir Drizzt, Knight of Dale," he said, "and always remember thy oath!"

Drizzt rose obediently, allowing Sir Rheinallt to girdle him with the sword-belt similar to those worn by the other knights and to help him into the green cloak. The ceremony now was repeated for Sir Finion and Sir Owain, and then they were allowed to accept the congratulations and good wishes of their friends and family… which, considering that the Knights of Dale were known by practically everyone in the town and related to half of it, was quite the lengthy process.

Drizzt had no family here, of course, but he was surprised how many friends he had apparently made. The Elves of Mirkwood and Dor-Lelmin were the first ones to congratulate him, but many of the townsfolk who had fought with him came to express their delight and deliver their best wishes. Even Master Otir and young Leifdall had sailed up the Long Lake to witness his day of honour and were now beaming at him with almost proprietary pride.

After the stream of well-wishers ebbed down, court and people relocated to the training grounds, so that Sir Finion and Sir Owain could show their skills in the various disciplines of knightly combat. Drizzt, as an honourable member of this elated circle, was not required to participate in the jousting, but he did display his unique skill with the blade, to the great delight of the people.

Following the games, a large banquet was held in the Hall of Knights, with Prince Meilyr and his wife presiding and all knights and their respective families participating. There was an copious meal, with good wine, scoops and storytellers entertaining the guests, and afterwards, after the long trestle table had been carried out, there was much dancing.

Honouring her promise, Silinde had come to accompany Drizzt on the banquet. She was wearing that dress of dark green, and a golden circle with small white and green gems upon her brow. Her hair was intricately woven with green ribbons and twisted around her head like a coronet, revealing her elegantly pointed ears, in which she had emerald studs. Similarly fashioned bracelets of gold and emerald adorned her arms, left uncovered by the wide, sweeping sleeves of her gown. She was very different from the tough archer captain Drizzt had come to know, and he had to admit that she was almost devastatingly beautiful.

"There are moments I wish you were not bound to another," he murmured in half-jest, leading her to the dancing floor as it was expected him. She gave him a somewhat rueful smile.

"Sometimes I wish I were not," she admitted, "but I am, and regardless of how lonely it can be at times, 'tis not something I can change."

"And yet your people do remarry," pointed out Drizzt.

Silinde nodded. "Some of us do. Some have come to give up on their spouses; mostly those who do not intend to leave Middle-earth, no matter what. But just like our King, I am not one of those. I still miss Ninnagor and hope to meet him again one day, in Elvenhome – even if my son and his wife choose to stay behind."

"I know," said Drizzt. "I was not proposing… although, were you free, I would not be adverse…"

"Neither would I," admitted Silinde. "You would be a good choice, despite the fact that I would lose you in what is but a short time in our eyes… at least for that time, I would not be alone. But it would be unfair to you… and to Ninnagor."

"Would your son take offence if you sought comfort by someone?" asked Drizzt.

Silinde shook her head. "Nay, he would understand. It would still be cheating, though…"

"Would it?" Drizzt lifted her easily off her feet as that particular dance figure demanded; he was getting a hang on this dancing stuff, especially with such a skilled and inspiring dancing partner. "Are you not cheated off your spousal rights, though? Yes, I know 'tis not your husband's fault, but… does that change the fact that you have been alone for three millennia? Have you never been tempted to find someone, at least for a while?"

"I have," Silinde sighed," although not often. "And 'tis not that simple. We Elves of Middle-earth usually bond for life. Even if I had taken another husband, he would want a bond I could not give him, as the one to Ninnagor has never been severed. I cannot be bound for life to two ellyn at the same time."

"What about men?" asked Drizzt. "I know there have been cases…"

"… and they always ended in heartbreak fort he Elf involved," Silinde interrupted. Watching their mortal spouse to grow old and die… or fleeing their homes to avoid that… or giving up the grace of their lives, in case of the Peredhil… it never has a happy ending."

"The same would be true if you were to choose me, then," said Drizzt, escorting her back to the refreshments after the dance. "I, too, will grow old and die, eventually – it would just take me longer than it would for a Man. What would make me a better choice?"

"You may not be immortal as we are, yet you still are an Elf," answered Silinde thoughtfully. "You understand that I cannot bind myself to you, as I am already bound. A Man could never accept that – 'tis not in their nature."

"That is true," Drizzt admitted after some consideration. "And I can even spare you the discomfort of watching me wither away – I can always go south to the Mori-kwendí ere that happens," he paused and handed her a cup of wine. "What is it you require from me then, Silinde Ladyhawk? Speak feely. I respect you and admire you and consider you a friend. I would give you whatever you need, if it is in my power."

"I am uncertain whether it truly is," she replied seriously, "for I am uncertain about my own heart as well. All I know is that I have come to care for you… yet not enough to sever my bond to Ninnagor."

"I would never ask you to do that," said Drizzt; for in truth, as much as he admired her, he had never considered her within his reach. He had never hoped to become aught else than a friend for her… a comrade of arms.

"I know you would not," she replied with a sigh. "But I would only be using you to fend off loneliness; it would be a most dishonourable thing to do."

"Not if I know and consent," Drizzt shrugged. "Where I come from, males are supposed to serve the needs of the females. The thought is neither strange, nor repulsive to me – and I would gladly ease your heart, for I have never met anyone quite like you." He kissed her hand in a most courteous manner as he had seen Lord Maelduin do it to the Lady Nelladel… well, perchance not quite that elegantly, not having the same long experience, but close enough.

Silinde blushed; it was a lovely sight, contrasting her ash blond hair and dark green gown. "I am not comfortable with the thought," she admitted.

"'Tis a bit awkward," Drizzt agreed, "more so as we started off differently. But things between two living people are never set in stone… and if we cans ease each other's heart, mayhap we should have the courage to do so."

"Mayhap we should," replied Silinde, still a little doubtfully. "I only fear that we would make things even worse."

"Not as long as we know that it is not forever," said Drizzt quietly. "For we must both remember that your path will lead to the Havens, eventually, and beyond those to Elvenhome and back to your spouse. Mine, however, will take me to the South, to the Vault of the Dead; for that is the only place in Middle-earth where I can find refuge after I have shed the confinements of this body."

"Could you do that?" asked Silinde uncertainly.

Drizzt nodded. "Truly, I could. All my life, I have never had aught that would last. I am used to it, and it bothers me not. I have learned to value that which is now, regardless of how long it may last. Sometimes 'tis better to have something good for a short time and then lose it than not having it at all."

"'Tis a strange logic that you follow," said Silinde, "but I can see the reason behind it… at least from a mortal point of view. Mayhap we are too settled in our ways… I can no longer tell for certain what is right and what is wrong. You confuse me greatly, Drizzt Do'Urden, and I am not used to be confused. I do not like it."

"'Tis not easy to adapt to fundamentally new concepts," Drizzt agreed. "If anyone, I should know, after all the unexpected changes in my life. In the end, though, it all comes down to one question: What is it that you truly want?"

Silinde sighed. This went against anything she had been taught, anything she had lived by all her life. She knew if she gave in, she might regret it, having to live with the guilt 'til the end of Arda. But she also knew that if she refused the generous offer of this strange and beautiful dark creature who had managed to outgrow his dark origins and became a hero against all odds, she would ask herself for eternity what it might have been like.

Ninnagor would understand; she knew that. An entire Age spent in constant struggle against the forces of the Darkness was a long time, even for Elves. She had fought that long twilight struggle without comfort, without hearts-ease, and she had never felt that she would miss something… until now. Now that the struggle was over, she felt she could not do it any longer.

"I want not to be alone anymore," she said quietly.

Drizzt nodded and gave her one of his rare smiles. "I shall stay with you as long as I can," he promised simply.

He could not promise aught else, and they both knew that. Even now that Mordor had fallen and Sauron was but a black memory, there were no guarantees. Things could change from one moment to another. Drizzt could be pulled back to Faerûn by forces beyond their control; either of them could die, or they could be forced apart by unforeseeable circumstances. And in the end, if none of those happened, Drizzt would inevitably die, and Silinde would sail, as Ninnagor would never be able to return to Middle-earth.

They had no future together; neither did they ultimately want to have one. All they had was the present; but at least in the present, they could have each other… assuming Silinde made up her mind. 'Twas up to her now.

She looked around in the feasting hall. Spirits were running high, the dance floor was crowded, and most people seemed a little drunk already.

"Do you believe they would miss us?" she asked. Drizzt grinned.

"Not if we leave quickly and discretely," he replied.

And since they were close to one of the entrances already, that was what they did.

~TBC~