This chapter is for LirielMe--it was her suggestion!!! Not much action in this one, but I think you'll like it!!!!
Chapter 18--Coping With Loss
Catti-brie sat in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea at her side. She was making a new baby quilt to keep busy. It was the only that and Delly's support that had helped her get through the last three days. She cried herself to sleep each night though she would never admit it. How can I go on without ye? It feels like a part of me has died, she thought. The baby chose that moment to kick, drawing her attention. "Shh, little one, it is all right," she whispered. She looked up at the portrait with sad eyes. "We were so happy on our weddin' day, now our life together has been cut cruelly short by a stupid, stupid accident."
Someone knocked on the front door. Catti-brie sighed then got awkwardly to her feet, went to the door and opened it. "Good evenin', Delly," she said, managing a smile.
"I thought I would come keep you company. Colson is visiting her grandpa Bruenor. Wulfgar and Arian left for Bryn Shander this morning to--" Delly hesitated.
"To tell them what happened, ye can say the words Delly, I'll not be upset by it," Catti-brie said. "He's dead, that's all there is to it. I didn't want to be believin' that at first, but now I be havin' to accept that he's gone and adjust my life to it."
"But I know it hurts you," Delly said. "I hate to see you so miserable."
"Suren it does, but it still can't change the facts. I grieve for the child who won't be seein' his da--ever, but I'll be tellin' him all about him," Catti-brie said. She finished the last stitches on the quilt and laid it aside.
"Have you chosen a name for the babe?" Delly asked.
"Yes, Zaknafein Do'Urden," Catti-brie said.
"That doesn't sound like a Human name," Delly remarked.
"It's a Drow name," Catti-brie said softly.
Oh, did Drizzt pick it?" Delly asked.
"No, he didn't know I'd chosen it. It was his father's name," Catti-brie replied.
"It's very nice, I think Drizzt would like the idea of you two's first babe bearing his father's name," Delly offered.
"To bad he'll never know," Catti-brie whispered, fighting back tears. "Oh Delly, sometimes I can hardly bear the pain! I want him home with me! I want to see him hold his son in his arms!! It hurts so!!!
Delly hugged her friend. "I think he'll know--somehow, a part of him will always be there, cat," she said with conviction. "Always. Trust in that if nothing else."
"I'm sorry for my weepin' and wailin'," Catti-brie said and gave her friend a small, sad smile. "Thank you for being here, Delly," she said.
"You can weep and wail all you want, you're my best friend," Delly said. "I brought yarn and knitting needles. Would you like to learn how to knit? We can make some pretty things for the babe."
Catti-brie smiled gratefully, knowing Delly was trying to help her keep busy so she wouldn't dwell on her grief. "That sounds like fun, I'd love to learn," she said. She moved beside her friend and the lesson began.
Eventually Delly said good night and returned home. Catti-brie shut and locked the door behind her then went upstairs. She walked right past the master bedroom and went into one of the smaller spare bedrooms. She hadn't slept in the master bedroom since Drizzt had been lost. The memories were too painful for her to bear. She put on a warm nightgown and slid under the covers. Good night, Drizzt, may the Lady of the Forest guide yer soul, she thought as a single tear slid down her cheek…..
So there you have it, LirielMe--thanks for your suggestion! It was a good idea!!! R/R please!!!!