Those of you that guessed Entreri are right…that's her dad…Cool idea, huh? Makes it more exciting I think…

Chapter 24--An Intruder and A Celebration

Angel walked into the silent living room and looked around. The room was neat and well decorated. Turning, she noticed the portrait over the fireplace and went over to study it more carefully. Very handsome, like most Elves, pity that I have to kill him, but I never fail to do my job once I've accepted it, she thought. She went upstairs to look around some more.

The master bedroom and the nursery had nothing of interest so she went to the next room. It was a study. "Ahh, this is what I was looking for," she said. She went over to the desk and tried some of the drawers, but they wouldn't open. She looked for locks, but found none. So they're locked with a spell, very clever, Drow. I look forward to the hunt, she thought.

Angel walked over to the bookcase on the far wall and studied it. There were only a few books and none of interest to her and she soon lost interest. She decided there was nothing else for her right now. She let herself out the back door, relocking it behind her and left.

*Meanwhile*

It was late afternoon before Drizzt and Arian left Bryn Shander and rode towards Lonelywood. It was dusk by the time they got to the city and dark before Drizzt got home. Arian had gone to the inn, refusing an offer to stay in a guest room.

The door opened and Catti-brie was standing in the doorway. "Where have ye been?" she asked.

"I'm sorry, Cat. I was delayed," Drizzt apologized, entering the house.

"Never mind gettin' comfortable, we're all goin' up to the mines for a gatherin'; Danica and Cadderly; ye and I; Wulfgar and Delly," Catti-brie said. "Colson and Zak are at Wulfgar's with the midwife. She's goin' to watch them tonight."

Twenty minutes later they were on their way to the mines. Once there Bruenor greeted them with a scowl. "Yer late again, Drow," he grumbled.

"My apologies, my friend. I was delayed," Drizzt said.

"Suren you be gettin' delayed a lot lately. Never mind, let's go," Bruenor grumbled. He led the way into the dining hall. The long tables were crowded with Dwarves. Bruenor led them to the first table that was only for the King and his family. Stumpet was sitting at the table as well.

Once Drizzt and the others were settled. Bruenor banged his tankard on the table and gestured for silence. All talking ceased and the Dwarves looked expectantly at their King. "I have gathered ye all here to feast in honor of me betrothal. Stumpet Rakingclaw has agreed to do me the honor of becomin' my Queen. We will wed in the spring," he announced.

The dwarves cheered thunderously at that, raising their tankards in a toast to their King and his future Queen. Drizzt, Wulfgar, and Delly also offered their congratulations to the couple.

"So will your baby have a beard?" Drizzt joked.

"Of course, that be something all proper babies have," Bruenor said. He drained his mug in one long swallow and a server hurried forward and refilled it. Food was brought out and the Dwarves ate and drank heartily. Contests and songs began at random times and things got rowdier and rowdier as the evening progressed.

Finally Drizzt and the others excused themselves, except for Regis. He was still enjoying the food and ale. "Suren, there will be a lot of Dwarves with hangovers tomorrow mornin'," Catti-brie said.

"Most of them will be passed out on the tables. I feel for whoever has to clean up, especially if they start throwing food again," Drizzt said, shaking his head.

Catti-brie giggled at the memory. "That was all a part of the celebration of our weddin', Drizzt. It wasn't that bad, was it?" she said.

"Oh no, I loved having syrup in my hair," Drizzt snorted. It had taken an hour to wash it out. He had almost had to cut it out.

Catti-brie laughed again and tugged gently at a lock of his hair. "Ye looked cute and ye should have seen the look on yer face," she said.

Drizzt made a face, but dropped the subject. The couples split up and went to their separate rooms after saying their good nights….

Dwarf Celebrations equal chaos….how fun! R/R everyone and remember no updates on weekends until October because of my Renaissance faires!