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Chapter 13--Misguided Mercy
Drizzt wasn't sure why he woke up. He opened his eyes and looked around without moving, not sure why. It was then he saw that Shandra was sprawled on her side, sound asleep. She was supposed to be on watch! He then realized the mage was kneeling beside her. He had gotten free!
The mage slid her dagger from its sheath and raised it, obviously planning to plunge it into her heart.
Drizzt came to his feet grabbing one of his scimitars and charged at the mage. He struck just as the mage started to bring the blade down.
Shandra woke to see a headless corpse next to her on the blood soaked ground. She sat up fast and realized Drizzt was standing next to the body.
Drizzt was caught off guard when Shandra stood and shoved him away, nearly knocking him down. "What was that for?" he asked.
"You cut down an unarmed man in cold blood, Drow!" Shandra yelled. She advanced on him menacingly. "Are you actually a murderer like all your kind?"
"Unarmed my arse," Drizzt retorted. "He had gotten loose and put you to sleep with a spell!" He walked past her and snatched up the dagger. "He was going to kill you with your own dagger!" He hurled it into the ground at her feet.
Shandra looked at the knife and had the grace to look ashamed. "I'm sorry, I spoke hastily. Forgive me," she said.
Drizzt scowled at her, not placated. "You sounded like about everyone else. Hurling insults and worse snatching children out of my path as if I was going to kill them on the spot," he said and cleaned off his sword. Sheathing it, he turned to walk off. "Do and think whatever you want," he said.
Shandra caught his arm and turned him gently, but firmly towards her. "I am sorry…truly," she said. She stared directly into his eyes as if she was looking into his soul.
Suddenly Drizzt felt vaguely uncomfortable. "Just watch it, I have honor too, even if I'm no paladin, Shandra," Drizzt said and pulled away.
Shandra let him go. "Get some more sleep, your watch isn't for another hour or so," she said.
Drizzt returned to his bedroll, very aware of her eyes on him. He doubted he'd get any more sleep tonight.
Shandra's mind was jumbled as well. She had been close to kissing him. What's wrong with me? I hardly know him! She thought. She began to dig a grave for the wizard.
Early the next morning they were on there way once again. "We should arrive at the city where my home temple is before nightfall. It will be good to be back," Shandra said.
"I just hope that you're sure they won't lynch both of us," Drizzt muttered.
"Of course not, they are paladins and I'll protect you," Shandra said.
"My hero," Drizzt muttered.
"Do I detect a little misgiving?" Shandra teased.
"You detect a lot," Drizzt returned.
Shandra reined in Titan and slid off. "Get down," she said. She pulled Drizzt off when he didn't move.
Suddenly Drizzt found himself pinned against a tree with Shandra looming over him. He didn't like the look on her face.
"You're in a bad mood, but I have a remedy for that," Shandra said and she started tickling him.
"Stop it!" Drizzt protested.
Shandra continued until Drizzt was laughing, so hard that he could hardly speak then she stopped. She waited for him to catch his breath.
Drizzt managed to regain his composure and slowly realized he was still pinned against the tree and Shandra's face was so close he could feel her breath.
He is so handsome…but…ah hell with it! Shandra thought. She pressed her lips to his before he could protest or pull away.
Drizzt tried to protest the suddenness of the kiss, but Shandra just deepened it. He tried to push her away, but she caught his wrists and pinned them to the tree.
Shandra was pleased when she felt him relax into the kiss then start to return it. Finally lack of breath forced them to break the kiss.
Shandra was it bit embarrassed by her aggressiveness and released his wrists. "I'm sorry, I.." She began.
"Shut up," Drizzt snarled then kissed her himself.
After awhile they weren't sure who was starting the kisses, as they got more passionate then Titan snorted and they jerked apart.
Shandra smiled at him. "You realize that there's no way I'm letting you get away now until we talk about this?" she asked.
"I surrender, my Lady," Drizzt agreed.
They remounted and continued on their way…
Awwww, Love at first sight? I blame DragonEyeZ and Silver Wolf for this chapter….R/R please!