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Chapter 16--A First Try
Dinner was delicious and after they finished they strolled out of the inn. "It's a beautiful night. I'm not quite ready to return to the temple. Let's take a walk," Shandra suggested.
"Very well," Drizzt agreed. He didn't want to go back yet either.
They walked slowly up the street away from the temple. "So what brought you all the way here from Icewind Dale?" Shandra asked casually.
"A bit of wanderlust I suppose," Drizzt shrugged.
"Perhaps, but that isn't true, is it?" Shandra said.
Drizzt stopped short. "What?!" he asked.
Shandra stopped and turned to him, looking directly into his eyes. "I'm not foolish, Drizzt. Something caused you to leave the dale. I saw it in your eyes. What caused you such pain?" she asked.
Drizzt was about to tell her off in no uncertain terms, but then he stopped. He turned to walk away, but was halted when Shandra caught his arm and pulled him to a stop.
"No, I won't let you walk away from me. I want answers," Shandra said.
"It's not your concern," Drizzt said and tried to pull away. He found he couldn't Shandra was stronger then she looked.
"I've decided it is. We're going back to the temple and talk this out," Shandra said. "I can see that you are stubborn and I'm going to have to force you to talk to me." She headed towards the temple, pulling him with her despite his resistance. "Stop dragging your feet or I swear I'll sling you over my shoulder and carry you."
Drizzt didn't doubt she'd do it for a minute. He stopped resisting and followed.
They reached the temple and Shandra went straight to her room. Once they were inside with the door locked she let Drizzt go.
Drizzt glared at her. "I don't like being dragged around," he said.
"I could have spanked you instead. Do you prefer that?" Shandra pointed out as she began removing her armor.
Drizzt muttered something unfriendly under his breath then dropped into a chair. "You're annoying," he muttered.
"I've only gotten started," Shandra said. She finished removing her armor, leaving herself clad in tan breeches and a sapphire blue shirt. She poured two goblets full of wine then handed one to Drizzt before sitting across from him. "Alright, now tell me why you really left," she said.
Drizzt took a drink from the goblet to give him time to think then sighed. "There was nothing left there for me. My friends had all passed away and the memories were hard to bear," he said.
"None of your friends were Elves of course," Shandra said.
"Of course, Humans, Dwarves and a Halfling. I knew it would happen. I guess I made myself ignore it, but it finally happened and I couldn't ignore it anymore. Oh, I still was close to their children, but they passed on too then…." Drizzt began then hesitated.
"Go on, Drizzt," Shandra coaxed.
It was like a curtain fell over his eyes. "I don't want to talk about this," Drizzt said and put down the goblet. He stood and headed for the door. "I'm tired."
Shandra reached out to stop him. "Drizzt…." she said.
"I said I don't want to talk about it. I just met you and you expect me to pour out my soul to you? It doesn't work that way, Shandra!" Drizzt snapped. He unlocked the door and walked out.
Shandra started to follow, but changed her mind. She didn't want to push him or she would drive him away. She watched until he went into the guestroom and closed the door then closed her own.
Drizzt took off his weapon belt and tossed it onto a chair. "Stupid, Do'Urden, stupid," he muttered to himself. You're pushing people away again." He stripped to his breeches and laid down to try to sleep. It seemed he had just dozed off when he was awoken by someone knocking at the door. Still half asleep he went to the door and opened it.
Shandra had her mouth open to say good morning, but nothing came out. She stared at the Drow. She had never seen him without a shirt. Beautiful, he is beautiful, she thought.
Drizzt realized Shandra was staring at him and fought back a blush. It wasn't like he was naked! "What?" he asked.
Shandra gave herself a mental shake. "It's time for breakfast. I'll wait out here while you get dressed. You won't need your weapons or armor. See, I even left mine off," she teased.
Drizzt nodded. "Just a minute," he said. He pulled on a shirt and his boots then left the room, closing the door. They walked down to breakfast together.
When they entered the dining room Drizzt stopped short. The room was full of paladins and priests of Tyr. "Are you trying to start a riot?" he hissed.
"It's alright. I'm in charge of you and they won't touch you," Shandra whispered.
"I don't need you to be in charge of me," Drizzt returned, managing to keep his voice down.
"I know you have courage and spirit, Drizzt. Don't disappoint me now," Shandra said. "Let's go, there's a couple empty seats at that table," she said and headed towards it.
Drizzt took a deep breath and squared his shoulders and followed her, head high. At that moment even though Drizzt didn't realize it he looked every bit the noble he was.
Shandra was caught off guard by Drizzt regal bearing. At that moment he looked more like an Elvish Lord then a ranger. It was obvious that the Drow was more of a puzzle then she'd thought. She sat down, already looking forward to the challenge of solving that puzzle……
The plot bunnies have taken over….Help!!!! R/R please!