Title: Of Like Minds
Author: psycocatgirl
Rating: PG-13 for violence, possible bad language, and possible (mild) slash implications.
Category: Humor/Action-Adventure
Summary: Drizzt rescues a dark elf unlike any he's ever met before… Could he possibly have found another non-evil Drow? Enter Olath Drathir, Arcane Trickster!
Disclaimer: I do not own Drizzt Do'Urden or any of Salvatore's other characters. Wizards of the Coast owns them. The only things I lay claim to are Olath and this story. ^_^
Chapter Three: Shopping
Shopping was an entirely new experience for Olath. Though Drizzt had intended to take care of his business with Cassius first, the two dark elves had been sidetracked by some traders just outside of the city. They had been preparing for the open market the next day, but were more than pleased to allow Drizzt and his new friend a preemptive browse. Even among the merchants that only occasionally visited Ten Towns, the name of Drizzt Do'Urden was well-known, and though not all folk treated the ranger with as much open trust and friendliness as they might show a surface elf or a human, these particular traders were plenty willing to let him buy their wares. A coin was a coin, after all.
The sorcerer's pink eyes were wide with delight as he examined the fine weaponry and armor that the traders had set out for their perusal. "I've never had a weapon," he told Drizzt excitedly. "None of my masters would allow it." He spoke of this as lightly as he might the weather, chattering away as he shifted to the more pleasant topic of which sort of armor might suit him. From his experience with wizards, Drizzt knew that the heavy, cumbersome armor that Olath was eying would be far too restrictive if the sorcerer wanted to do any spell casting. He frowned thoughtfully, then motioned to the head of the merchant band, a stout young man with a blonde beard and many freckles on his wind-burned cheeks.
"My friend here requires lighter armor," Drizzt told him. "Something like what he wears now, but in better repair."
The blonde man nodded his understanding, gray-blue eyes twinkling suddenly as he snapped his fingers. "I've just the thing! Wait here," he instructed, hustling back to the tent where the stock was kept. Meanwhile, alert, but not unfriendly eyes followed Olath and Drizzt as they "window shopped" among the dagger display. Famous or not, dark elves weren't easily trusted by the merchants. Olath and Drizzt, however, shrugged off their suspicious looks as a matter of course. The sorcerer even made an effort to be extra polite and friendly, remembering Drizzt's insistence that he prove himself to be above his evil heritage.
"Here we are," announced the merchant leader, returning with a bundle. He rolled it out on the display blankets, and Olath gasped with wonder when he saw the armor. It was black leather, like his old set, but masterfully worked and quite supple to the touch. Carefully, the sorcerer lifted the breastplate, testing the weight and feel of the material. "So light, and so flexible!" he breathed, running his long fingers over the leather, which was smooth, but not overly shiny. "Will it fit me?" Olath had noticed immediately that all of these merchants, being human, were taller and far more solidly built than the slender Drow. He suspected that their armor might be specifically made for humans like themselves.
The blonde merchant chuckled easily, however. "Never fear. This armor has enchantments woven into it. It will fit you as though it had been tailored for you alone."
Olath was thrilled at the prospect. "Should I try it on, Drizzt?" he asked, practically bouncing on his toes as he hugged the bundle to his chest and gave his stoic companion a pleading look.
Snorting, Drizzt waved dismissively. "You're a free elf," he reminded Olath, who seemed to have slipped back into his old habits of asking permission whenever he wanted to do anything.
Blushing at the reminder, and grateful for his dark complexion, Olath grinned sheepishly at Drizzt before following the blonde man to another tent where he could try on the armor. Drizzt waited patiently, for he knew that new armor took some adjustment the first time one tried it on, no matter how magical it claimed to be. Feeling awkward just standing there as he was, with all those eyes on him, he decided to make small talk with the merchant. "I have not seen your band in Ten Towns before. Then again, I have not lived here in a while. What is your name?"
Drawing himself up proudly, the blonde man replied, "I am called Graebow Youngston, and these are my companions and fellow traders. We deal mainly in fine weapons and armor from all over the land, from Mulhorand to Calimshan, and now to Icewind Dale. This is our first visit to Ten Towns and Bryn Shander, truth be told. We had heard rumors of a Dwarven community in these parts, and were seeking trade with them. Seems as though those rumors were old, though, for we've just been told that all the dwarves have gone south to Mithril Hall." Graebow shook his blonde head with a helpless smile. "So, after our business is done here, we're to the south again ourselves. Maybe we'll find these dwarves on the way, eh?"
Drizzt found himself liking this man. Graebow seemed an honest, open-minded sort. Not many traders, even those who had heard of the ranger, would so willingly treat him as a respected customer upon first meeting. Apparently Graebow didn't see people by the color of their skin so much as by their value as trading partners or potential customers. A rather businesslike approach to the world, it seemed. "I may be able to assist you in that search," the Drow told him carefully, gauging the man's reaction. As he suspected, Graebow's eyes lit up with immediate interest. "I am familiar with Bruenor Battlehammer, the new king of Mithril Hall. He is an old acquaintance of mine. They've been looking for trade relations."
"Well, what fine timing for you to come to us, then!" cheered Graebow, and even his associates seemed to brighten noticeably. "Why don't you come with our caravan when we head south? We wouldn't mind the company, and would certainly appreciate the protection from a skilled warrior as yourself." Drizzt did not miss the appraising glance Graebow cast over his scimitars. "In return, you'd have yourself a safe place to sleep, and all the food you might want. Hell, I'll even throw in a discount for your friend's new armor. What say you?"
It seemed like an excellent idea. Drizzt doubted he'd find better traveling companions than these traders. "Agreed," he told Graebow, holding out one gloved hand. The blonde man shook it firmly, grinning, then both Graebow and Drizzt turned to see Olath coming out of the tent.
"I love it!" Olath grinned widely, turning around so that Drizzt could see the back as well as the front. "It's perfect!" He practically drooled over the comfortable fitting leather, petting the long, skirt-like bit that draped around his legs to protect his thighs.
The armor fitted the slender dark elf as well as Graebow had claimed it would, seeming almost to blend in with Olath's obsidian skin in places. It was close-fitting, but not restrictive in the least, though Drizzt noticed with some concern that there were some vital areas that the armor did not cover. Around the stomach area, particularly, Olath would be vulnerable to a blade or arrow in battle. Graebow didn't miss the ranger's worried expression, however. "Fear not, my friend. As I said before, there are enchantments upon that armor. A blade could no easier pass through his belly than it could the leather itself. It's quite the piece, no?"
By Graebow's persuasive tone of voice, Drizzt could also guess that such fantastic armor would be very expensive. His heart sank slightly at the thought that he might have to refuse Olath his new purchase, if the price proved too steep. "How much?" he asked, dreading the answer.
Graebow thought about it for a long moment, scratching his bearded chin as he gazed at the obviously enchanted Olath. "For you, I'll let it go for a nice round three-hundred gold."
Drizzt nearly fell face-first into the snow at the ludicrously low price. "That's only twice the amount for regular armor!" he objected. "Surely you should ask for a higher price!"
An amused twinkle lit Graebow's gray-blue eyes. "You're meaning to haggle the price up, then?" he asked, not bothering to hide his chuckle. "I'd give it to you for free, if only to have you with us on the road to Mithril Hall. Come now, just take it. I'd rather see your friend wear it, anyway, than some stuffed-shirt nobleman who could afford the original asking price. It suits him well, and not just because of the magic. See?"
Drizzt had to agree. Reluctantly, he handed over the coins, still feeling as though he were getting the better end of the bargain, though not wanting to seem rude by refusing the merchant's generous offer. After all, Drizzt was helping the traders by leading them to one of the richest Dwarven mining kingdoms (soon to be) known in Faerûn, as well as offering his services to protect the caravan. Grudgingly, he had to admit that it was a fairer trade than he might have believed. Besides, Olath looked so thrilled with his new armor that Drizzt would have been hard pressed to refuse, anyway.
Olath, who had been watching the exchange with growing anxiety, breathed a great sigh of relief when Drizzt finally made the purchase. "Thank you so much, Drizzt!" he cheered, throwing himself at the startled ranger in a grateful embrace. "I'll pay you back when I come into some money of my own, I promise!"
"Thank Graebow," Drizzt demurred, prying the other dark elf from him with some embarrassment. A few of the traders exchanged glances and snickers. "He practically gave it away."
"I personally consider the escort of Drizzt Do'Urden with my caravan worth far more than silver or gold," Graebow returned with a slight bow.
Drizzt raised a white brow, wondering if there was something more to this business deal than he thought. However, he didn't have time to dwell on it. He remembered suddenly that he still had to see Cassius in Bryn Shander. "Then I shall take my leave of you for now, Graebow Youngston. When do you plan to leave for Mithril Hall?"
"A week from now," Graebow answered after a moment's consideration. "I figure that's plenty of time to sell a few things while we're here, and buy a few other things to take back with us." He gave Drizzt a wide grin. "Meet us back here, in this spot, in seven days. We'll point our caravan for the road to Mithril Hall."
Drizzt nodded shortly in agreement, then went to collect Olath from where the sorcerer was ogling the weapons display again. "Come along, Olath. We still have business in Bryn Shander," he reminded the distracted Drow.
"Oh! Right," Olath said, following the ranger, though his eyes lingered longingly on the shiny blades.
On impulse, Graebow picked up one of the daggers and hurried after the dark elves. "Wait! I've one more gift for you, to sweeten the deal as it were," he said with a wink to Drizzt. Handing Olath the dagger, he told him, "This is Nip. It doesn't look like much, but a wound made from that dagger will bleed out 'til there's nothing left to be bled! Take good care of it, friend."
Touched by this continued generosity, but also a little suspicious, Drizzt had to ask, "Why would you do this?"
Graebow grinned and winked again. "Well, I assume your friend is coming with us to Mithril Hall. Figure if I'm getting two bodyguards in the bargain, I might as well give this one something with which to protect himself—and us!"
Seeing the logic in this, Drizzt nodded. "Thank you, then, Graebow. We will look forward to meeting with you again."
"One week!" Graebow reminded him cheerfully, though there was no need.
"T-thank you," Olath stammered, obviously touched by the gift, for his eyes never left the shining new dagger as they walked away from the traders' camp. Drizzt had to prompt Olath to sheath the blade before they entered the walls of the city, for the guards did not look kindly upon strangers bearing weapons to their gates.
…
Cassius did not take the news well. "Frost giants?" he sighed, resting his head heavily in his hands. "Just what we needed during the trade season. You're certain of this?" This close to spring, the spokesman was already up to his neck in trading issues. He was hardly enthusiastic to learn of yet another complication. "How close? Do they mean to attack Ten Towns, or are they just passing through?"
"I can't say for certain yet," Drizzt admitted. "They may indeed just be passing through, but they are passing uncomfortably close if that is the case. I plan to watch them for the next few days and see what they do. Hopefully my… warning will have deterred them from this area." Olath did not miss Drizzt's grim smile as he remembered the carnage of his former masters. The sorcerer shuddered involuntarily.
Absorbing this information, the human sighed again and slumped back in his chair. His eyes drifted to the person standing behind Drizzt. "And who is this?" Cassius asked, finally seeming to notice Olath. He'd gotten so used to Drizzt that he'd barely blinked when Olath, another dark elf, walked in behind him. The sorcerer had been very careful to keep politely quiet, however, and Cassius had nearly forgotten about him while Drizzt was recounting his findings on the giants. "A new friend of yours?"
"Yes. This is Olath Drathir. He, too, is not fitting with the usual profile of our kin," Drizzt was quick to point out. The spokesman nodded, figuring that to be the case, for he could sense nothing malicious about this unusually cheerful-looking Drow. Sunny dispositions were pretty much an oxymoron when it came to the denizens of the Underdark.
"A pleasure, sir," Olath greeted with a deep bow.
Cassius returned the greeting with a nod, looking vaguely amused. "It would seem you've become something of a role model, Drizzt," he remarked. "If only the rest of your race would follow suit."
Drizzt flinched a little at this, though he shared the same sentiments as Cassius. Long had he wished that the Drow would abandon their futile, evil ways and come to some sort of harmony with the rest of the goodly races of the world. It was a pipe dream, however, and the ranger knew that the Drow race would more likely destroy itself through their decadence than change their ways and be redeemed. Olath's very presence, however, suggested hope that not all Drow were predestined for depravity, and that Drizzt was not just a fluke, an exception to the rule. Drizzt's practical side would not let him grow too hopeful, though. Two out of thousands, maybe millions of Drow would make little difference in the world.
Noting Drizzt's pained expression, Cassius tried to soften the edge of his comment. "I meant, of course, that if the rest of your race held the same high morals and standards as yourself, you wouldn't have to be judged by their reputation…"
"I understood what you meant," the ranger said, a bit more sharply than he'd intended. With a sigh, he amended, "But I can only dream of such a world."
With that, he turned and left swiftly, a bewildered Olath close at his heels. Tossing a shrug and a glance back at Cassius, the sorcerer called, "It was nice meeting you!" then scampered quickly out the door after his companion.
A slow sigh escaped the spokesman of Bryn Shander. Ever since the lone Drow ranger had appeared at his gates, over a decade ago, he knew that Drizzt Do'Urden would not find acceptance easily. He'd done what he could, allowing the dark elf to live on the outskirts of Ten Towns as a sort of silent protector for the thankless people who resided within the city walls. After all, Ten Towns was the place for outcasts and rogues. How could he really turn away such a desperate outcast?
Despite this gloomy train of thought, Cassius had to crack a smile when he thought of Olath. Now, it seemed, Drizzt was not quite so alone…
***
Author's Notes: Yes, I know, still a pretty slow chapter. Look carefully, though! I planted some hints about the action to come! Mmm, let's see if Maria can write battle scenes with giants a little more descriptively this time… *rubs hands together*
This fic is officially AU now, for it has been pointed out to me by Dark_Wyrmslayer (Thanks for your helpful comments, I'll keep them in mind!) that I'm already breaking canon with The Legacy. *sigh* Oh well, hopefully I can still pull off a decent story, despite my relative ignorance of the later book canon. I only know bits and pieces of it from what I've seen on the internet and by what friends have told me, but beyond that I only know what I've read up through The Halfling's Gem. So just keep that in mind when I make some glaring canon errors, okay? ^_^
And don't worry. I AM aware that Graebow's friendly treatment of the two Drow is highly unusual, and downright unheard-of if I'm to believe what I've read so far. Drizzt is aware of this, too, though Olath might be a little naïve to the idea. I will address this issue, probably in the next chapter, since this one is getting too long already. ^.^ I also know that Olath's disposition is just as unusual for a Drow, but that will be explained in more detail later as well. It will all soon be clear… *spooky finger wiggles*
Once again, you can find artwork for this fic at my DeviantArt gallery at kousagi.deviantart.com . Just copy and paste into your navigation bar (add the http if you need to), since Fanfiction.net doesn't like links. ^_~ I've just uploaded a bunch of new line art that I did, including a pic of Olath and Drizzt standing with their feline friends overlooking Icewind Dale, and one rather silly piece that has Guen licking Drizzt's face. ^_^ Go on, take a peek!
Reviews are always welcome! Flames will be used to keep me warm. Brr! Minnesota is COLD right now! 0_0
