Well, this is almost over, but there will be others never fear though it might be awhile…Thanks all for reviewing and offering helpful comments. It is appreciated!!!
Chapter 40--Starlight Dance
The worship of Ellistraee was much different then any Drizzt had seen. They went to a large clearing in a plains area behind the temple and a large fire was lit. Food was prepared and served. It was not just Drow either; there were Humans among the followers as well. This caught Drizzt a bit of guard, but it interested him as well.
After everyone had eaten their fill some of the priestesses took out flutes and harps and began to play. Other followers stood and danced about the fire clad in all but transparent shifts that swirled around their lithe bodies like smoke.
Aysha tried to get Drizzt to join the dance, but he had laughed and refused. He was content watching from where he was.
After about an hour a Human woman walked up to him and sat down. "You're one of Ellistraee's faithful, are you?" she asked.
"No, I follow Mielikki," Drizzt said.
"So you're a ranger then?" the woman asked.
"Yes," Drizzt said.
"I'm Susa," she said, "and you are?"
"Drizzt Do'Urden, lady," Drizzt said politely.
"The ranger of Icewind Dale? Rumors have been going about of your death," Susa said.
"As you can see I'm quite alive," Drizzt said.
"I never thought that I'd ever meet you. I've heard so many stories of you and your friends," Susa said.
"Bards," Drizzt muttered. "Which one? The one where Wulfgar knocked a dragon from the sky with Aegis-fang or when we defeated an army of demons?"
Susa grinned. "Actually I was thinking of the one where you disguised yourself as a woman to free a kidnapped noblewoman from a Pasha's harem," she said.
Drizzt scowled. If I ever catch the bard who is singing that and if he's playing a stringed instrument I swear I'll wrap the strings around his throat, he vowed silently. "I've never disguised myself as a woman for any reason," he said aloud.
Susa laughed. "I never truly thought you did, but it's a rather cute story just the same," she said.
"I suppose, I've never heard it. I've just heard of it," Drizzt said.
Aysha joined them. "I don't suppose you've changed your mind about that dance, have you?" she asked brightly.
"I would probably embarrass us both by falling on my face or worse," Drizzt said.
"Besides we're having a conversation and you're interrupting us," Susa added.
Drizzt was rather annoyed by her rudeness. "On second thought I'll risk looking foolish if you're willing to risk it," he said, standing.
"I'll willing, let's go," Aysha said and they joined the dancers, leaving Susa to pout.
It actually wasn't so bad. All you had to do was follow the rhythm of the music. There was no one style like there was with most Human dances.
"You aren't that bad at this, but why'd you change your mind so suddenly?" Aysha asked.
"I didn't like how rude Susa was being to you," Drizzt admitted.
"She's a bit of a snob and an awful flirt, but you get used to her," Aysha shrugged.
They stopped talking then and lost themselves in the music and beauty of the night. It was dawn before the dance ended.
Drizzt stood quietly, enjoying the sight though his vision was still a bit fuzzy.
"Don't burden your eyes. They're not done healing yet," Sabrae warned, coming up beside him. "So did you like our dance?"
"It was very enjoyable and much different then I thought it would be," Drizzt said.
"I'm pleased you enjoyed it," Sabrae said. She stood beside Drizzt until the sun had fully risen. "Come, we should get back now."
Reluctantly, Drizzt followed her and the others back to the temple….
How's that? R/R please!!!