Those of you that guessed Ellistraee are right!! *Passes out cyber cookies* Thank you and welcome to my new reviewers!! Dragoneyes, people accept Drizzt. At least some do. You'll find out why people get along with them as I go…

Chapter 37--Safe Haven

The return to consciousness was slow. The first thing Drizzt noticed was it was pitch dark then he remembered what had happened. He blinked and everything was still dark. Goddess, she's blinded me! He thought. There was no pain though and there should be. He was also lying on something soft. His senses cleared more; he realized he was blindfolded. He reached out to pull it away then someone grabbed his wrist. He started, angry with himself. He hadn't heard anyone.

"Don't take off the bandages. Your eyes are not fully healed yet," a woman said.

"Who are you? Where am I?" Drizzt asked.

"I'm Aysha and you're in the temple of Ellistraee. A friend and I found you in the warehouse. Thankfully the Dark Maiden allowed me a healing spell to heal your eyes. You should be fine in a couple more weeks. The bandage can come off in a week," the woman said.

"Ellistraee?" Drizzt asked.

"She is the goddess of Drow who have chosen to return to the lands above and the life they once led," Aysha explained. She felt the strange Drow tense under her touch.

"You are Drow?" he asked.

"Yes," Aysha said. She felt him tense even more. "You don't need to be afraid. Ellistraee is nothing like Lloth and we won't hurt you."

Drizzt wasn't sure why, but somehow he believed her. He pulled his hand away. "Thank you for you help," he said.

"You're welcome. So what's your name?" Aysha asked.

"Drizzt Do'Urden," Drizzt said.

"You're the guardian ranger of Icewind Dale! I've heard much about you," Aysha said. "Oh, I shouldn't be chattering at you. You need to rest all you can. It will help you heal."

Drizzt couldn't deny he was tired. Almost against his will he slowly fell back to sleep.

Aysha rose quietly to return to her duties. She glanced at the wedding ring Drizzt wore. Perhaps we can find a way to get a message to his family. That will have to wait until he wakes up again, she thought.

Drizzt slept for a long time when he awoke he heard someone moving around. "Aysha?" he asked.

Someone moved to his side and sat down. "No, I am Sabrae, one of the High Priestesses of this temple," she said.

"Well-met, Lady," Drizzt said quietly.

"I am pleased to meet the Dark Elven ranger of the northlands. We have heard many things about you," Sabrae said. "Are you in pain?"

"No. I'm fine, Lady," Drizzt said.

Sabrae laughed. "Just Sabrae will do. You're wearing a wedding ring, I see. Would you like us to send your family a message to let them know where you are? We have magical means to do so," she said.

"I would be most grateful if you would, Sabrae. I'm sure that Catti-brie's very upset," Drizzt said.

"I will go and do so at once. Since I know who you are it can be done easily. Rest and don't worry. You'll be able to return to them as soon as you heal," Sabrae said. "You must be hungry and thirsty by now. You've slept almost a day and a half. I'll have food brought to you." She rose and left, closing the door softly behind her.

Drizzt sighed. He felt like a huge weight had been removed from his chest. At least his friends would know he was alive and safe.

Sabrae went to the chamber where spells were cast and began her preparations for the long rather complicated spell. Finally she took her place and began to chant. A cloudy figure appeared in front of her. "Take this message to Catti-brie of Icewind Dale and be swift," she said. She told it the message and had it repeat it. Satisfied, she sent it on its way. The message would be delivered very soon.

Aysha was the one that brought the food. She sat beside him while he ate. "I'm looking forward to the time when I am old enough to go on my pilgrimage in the Dark Maiden's service. I want to see new places. I've never been out of the city. I've never seen the underdark either. I was born on the surface, but I've read about it. It sounds beautiful, but terrible at the same time," she said.

"That's an apt description. I don't miss it myself, but I suppose that's no surprise to you," Drizzt said.

"No, it isn't. Tell me about your friends and the Dale. I'd really like to know," Aysha said. She listened closely as Drizzt talked…..

So what did you guys think? R/R please……