Wow, nine reviews on the first chapter…not too shabby. Thank you! On with the story, oh yeah…Disclaimer--I do not own these characters, they belong to R.A Salvatore and WOTC, and am making nothing. Thank you…
Chapter 2--Before A Queen
Drizzt dropped into a nearby chair, starting to feel the alcohol again, evidentially it had worn off only temporarily.
The bartender was talking to the guards, complaining about the brawl and the damage that had been done during it. Finally one guard left while the other came over to Drizzt. "Lady Alustriel wishes an audience with you," he said.
"I don't think I wish to have one with her. Please convey my regrets," Drizzt said. He had a good idea that wouldn't work though and he was right.
"I'm sorry, Ranger Do'Urden, but you were involved in a brawl with is grounds for arrest. I must take you in, but because the Lady has requested your presence I will take you to her," the guard said.
"Very well if I must," Drizzt said. He stood up, pleased when he didn't sway and followed the guard from the tavern. They arrived at the castle too soon for Drizzt's taste. The guards at the gate waved them through.
Alustriel was in the audience chamber when they entered. She smiled warmly at Drizzt. "It's been some time. It's good to see you again," she said. She looked at the guard. "You may go."
"Begging your pardon, Lady. Ranger Do'Urden was involved in a…brawl at the Silver Blade Tavern. There was damage," the guard said.
Lady Alustriel stared, face paling. "What?!" she asked incredulously.
"The tavern's owner said he was very drunk," the guard said.
Alustriel looked at Drizzt then laughed. "You're jesting with me," she said.
"No, actually, I did and I was, in fact I still am," Drizzt said.
That killed the laughter right away. "Leave us, I wish to speak to Ranger Do'Urden in private," Alustriel said. The guard bowed and left, closing the door. "Never have you done such a thing before. What has happened, Drizzt?"
"It's been a rough few months and I would prefer not to talk about it," Drizzt said. He swayed a bit, trying to hide it. The alcohol was hitting him again.
Alustriel noticed though. "Sit down before you fall," she said, gesturing to a chair or by Drizzt's reckoning three of them.
Drizzt tried to sit down, but missed the chair and landed on the floor. He blushed, hoping his dark skin hid it. "My apologies, I fear I am not at my best right now," he said.
"So I see, come, Drizzt. We're friends. Tell me what has happened to you," Alustriel said.
"No offense, but I don't even want to think about it," Drizzt said.
Alustriel folded her arms. "I can wait and get off the floor. The chair is on your left, next to you," she said.
"You sound like a parent scolding a wayward child, Lady," Drizzt teased. His voice was slightly slurred from the alcohol. He managed to get up and sit down in the chair. It was very comfortable and his eyes drooped slightly. Suddenly he was very tired.
"Don't fall asleep. So how are things at the dale? I trust it flourishes under your guardianship?" Alustriel asked.
"Not anymore," Drizzt muttered.
"What do you mean not anymore?" Alustriel demanded sharply.
"I was fired, decided a Human ranger was more to their liking," Drizzt mumbled.
"How could they do that to you? You've been there so long!" Alustriel gasped.
"Nearly all the council agreed to it, already found someone else, ironic who they choose," Drizzt rambled. "Cat's great granddaughter and I'm the one who trained her,
Alustriel could see how drunk Drizzt actually was and it made her heart ache for him.
Drizzt laughed rather bitterly. "Got kicked out of the mines too…my life is in shambles," Drizzt grumbled.
"What?! Why would they send you out?" Alustriel asked.
"No non-dwarves in the mines, new king's choice, Stumpet couldn't change his mind…didn't matter who took my place, the council wanted to get rid of me..don't know what to do or where to go anymore…." Drizzt muttered then his head dropped and he fell asleep.
Alustriel stared at him, brow creased with worry then summoned some of her servants. "Take Ranger Do'Urden to his usual room," she ordered. She sat there after they took Drizzt out. She had a lot to consider….
Poor Drizzt…R/R please!!!