Don't worry, you'll see more of Fiona…Trust me, the fun is just beginning!!!

Chapter 19--Welcome Visitors

Drizzt was tending Zak while Catti-brie and Delly went shopping. He had just sat down with him when some one knocked on the door. He got up and opened it. "Danica, Cadderly! Welcome, when did you get here? Come in," he said.

"We arrived late last night. How are you?" Cadderly asked. He eyed Drizzt's splinted wrist with concern.

"I'm fine, just had an accident. It'll heal," Drizzt said.

"I'm sorry we couldn't come sooner, so is this the newest member of the family?" Danica asked. She held out her arms.

Drizzt handed Zak to her without the slightest hesitation. "His name's Zaknafein," he said.

"Oh, he's beautiful. Look Cadderly, isn't he precious?" Danica said.

"He is indeed and he's got his father's eyes, so how are you handling fatherhood?" Cadderly asked.

"Once I got pass the first diaper change it was easy," Drizzt said, grinning. The three of them enjoyed a good laugh over that one.

"So where's your lovely bride?" Cadderly asked.

"Shopping with Delly, she should be back soon though. She'll be glad to see you. Come sit down. Can I get you anything?" Drizzt offered.

"No, thanks, we just ate. We were glad to hear that you were safe after the accident," Danica said.

"It won't happen again. The first thing I did was seek out that hole and make sure that hole was covered," Drizzt said.

"So how did you break your wrist?" Cadderly asked.

"Got caught in a small avalanche. Fortunately Wulfgar found me and dug me out," Drizzt said.

Cadderly studied Drizzt thoughtfully. He was being a bit too casual about the accident. There was more too it. He made a mental note to talk it over with more detail later.

Zak whimpered then began to cry. "I think someone's hungry," Danica said.

"Seems that way. I'll be right back," Drizzt said and went into the kitchen. He came back with a bottle and reached for Zak.

"Can you do that with your wrist?" Danica asked.

"Yes, as long as I'm careful," Drizzt said. He sat down and offered the baby the bottle. Zak began to feed. One tiny hand closed around a lock of Drizzt's hair. "He always does that. I'm not sure why," Drizzt remarked.

"He likes you," Danica teased.

"I would hope so. Where are Ivan and Pikel?" Drizzt asked.

"Pikel went to a druidic gathering and Ivan went with him. They send greetings and congratulations though," Cadderly said.

Just then the door opened. "Drizzt? I'm home!" Catti-brie called.

Danica stood to greet her. "Hello, Catti-brie," she said.

"Danica, Cadderly! This is a wonderful surprise! I'm so glad you came!" Catti-brie cried.

Drizzt burped Zak while they greeted each other then stood. "It's time for Zak's nap. I'll be back as soon as he's settled, Cat," he said.

"Thanks, love, hurry back," Catti-brie said.

Drizzt nodded and took Zak upstairs.

Catti-brie watched him go until he was out of sight then smiled at them. "He does so well. It makes me so glad," she said. "He was so nervous about becoming a parent before Zak was born."

"He has had a very harsh life. He's lucky to have you and the rest of his friends to offer support when he needs it," Cadderly said.

Later that evening Cadderly talked Drizzt into a walk while Catti-brie and Danica were busy elsewhere.

Once they were alone Cadderly stopped. "There's something you're hiding, isn't there? Something about the avalanche," he said.

Drizzt started to deny it then changed his mind. "Yes, that slope didn't have enough snow to cause an avalanche and there was nothing that could have triggered it. It was started on purpose," he said.

"Why didn't you tell her?" Cadderly asked.

"I'm not certain. After the snake I guess I didn't want to scare her, but I will have to tell her soon," Drizzt sighed. "She'll skin me if I don't."

"What snake?" Cadderly asked.

Drizzt told him all about it, ending with Larson's murder.

"That's very upsetting. I think Danica and I will be staying longer then we planned," Cadderly said decisively.

"If so then I insist you stay with us and I won't take no for an answer. We have plenty of room," Drizzt said.

"I accept, perhaps between all of us we can solve this mystery," Cadderly said. They walked on for awhile longer before returning to the house….

Sorry, hopefully the action will pick up soon! R/R please!