Chapter 9--An Invitation From Lady Alustriel
When Catti-brie and Drizzt returned Arian was sitting at the kitchen table. "A message came for you while you were gone, it's right there," he said.
Catti-brie picked up the scroll and read it. "We're invited to a party in Silverymoon in two weeks!! I wonder if father and Delly got one too," she said.
"I'm sure they did, but--" Drizzt began. He didn't get to finish.
Catti-brie pointed at him. ""Suren we're goin' Drizzt Do'Urden and don't ye be trying to say different. If I havin' too I'm havin' Wulfgar tie ye hand and foot and carry yer arse," she warned.
Drizzt wisely decided to back down. "Yes dear," he said meekly.
Catti-brie smiled. She understood what was going on. "We won't have to walk, Drizzt. She's sending her fiery chariot for us," she said.
Drizzt made a face. "From what I heard from Bruenor those things aren't exactly safe," he pointed out.
"Father didn't know how to drive and besides according to this Alustriel improved the spell. There's room for eight, including a driver, plus it's spelled so no one can fall out," Catti-brie said. She handed Drizzt the scroll. "It's yer turn to cook today, I'll be in the living room. Call me when it's ready." She left the room.
Drizzt felt his hands tingle when he held the scroll, telling him it was magic. "We accept your invitation and gladly, my Lady," he said aloud. The words appeared on the scroll then it disappeared. "Magic," he muttered. He began to gather things to fix lunch
"You know the High Lady of Silverymoon? I've been to the city, but I've never met her," Arian said.
"You'll get to soon, since you're going with us," Drizzt said casually.
"But I wasn't invited! I don't want to trespass!" Arian protested.
"Lady Alustriel is a very gracious woman. You'll be as welcome as us,' Drizzt said. He went to work. Just then someone knocked on the kitchen door. "Will you get that please? My hands are full," he said.
Arian opened the door to reveal a Halfling. He stood just over three feet from his hairy feet to the curly brown hair on his head. He wore a green tunic, red cloak and brown breeches. "Yes?" Arian asked.
"You must be the apprentice Bruenor told me about, I'm Regis, a good friend of the family," the Halfling said. He offered his hand.
Arian shook hands, startled by the Halfling's strength. He was more muscular then the Halflings he'd seen and leaner too. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Arian," he said.
"If you two are done would you close the door?" Drizzt called.
Arian flushed. "Sorry, Drizzt," he said. He moved aside so the Halfling could enter then closed the door behind him.
"Good afternoon, Drizzt, how are you and Catti-brie?" Regis asked cheerfully.
"Fine, would you like to join us for lunch?" Drizzt asked.
"Of course, you know I never pass up a chance to sample your cooking," Regis laughed.
"So when did you get back and how did your trading go?" Drizzt asked.
"Last evening and it went very well, I earned twice what I was expecting," Regis said.
"Good, Catti-brie is in the living room if you want to join her," Drizzt said.
"I believe I will," Regis said and sauntered into the other room.
Drizzt just shook his head and smiled then began making extra food. He'd need it with Regis eating with them.
After four helpings Regis pushed back his chair and leaned back contentedly. "Delicious, Drizzt, you improve each time," he said. "Bruenor said you, Wulfgar and he were talking about going on a yeti hunt."
"Tomorrow, if they're agreeable," Drizzt said.
"Could you use an extra pair of hands?" Regis asked.
"You're welcome to join us," Drizzt said.
"I'll come to, I can cover ye with me bow," Catti-brie said.
"Not this time," Drizzt said.
Catti-brie scowled at him then tossed her napkin down on her plate. "I'm goin' upstairs," she announced and left the room.
"Uh, oh, mistake, Drizzt, she wasn't pleased," Regis said. "You'd better go after her."
Drizzt sighed. "If I'm not back in ten minutes run for help, Regis," he said. He stood up and followed her……
"There's going to be major fireworks!!! Don't you all agree? R/R please! Plot Bunnies are Hungry!!!!