Sorry, Silver bane, but you are right in a way though the last couple chapters weren't meant to be taken seriously, but let's see if I can fix it up a little….
Chapter 20--Parting of Ways
Shandra did a lot of soul searching that night and had to admit she had acted badly. She deserved her penance and she owed Drizzt an apology. She got dressed and went to find him. She went to three inns before she found him. She sat down next to him. "Good morning," she said.
"Good morning, Shandra," Drizzt said in a cool, polite voice.
Shandra winced. This doesn't sound like a promising start. "You're angry about what happened last night," she stated more then asked.
"Maybe not about the kiss, but the hair pulling and carrying me around like a plaything…yes, I would say that I'm angry about that….though the rumors flying around should be adequate chastisement. The rumor is that you ravished me last night or tried too," Drizzt said.
"You didn't, well, spread anything around…did you?" Shandra asked.
Drizzt stared at her. "You think I'd lie to cause you trouble? I didn't do anything to start the rumors. You think so little of my honor. I think you should go," Drizzt said.
"Drizzt, I'm truly sorry," Shandra said, aghast at what had slipped out so carelessly. "Please, we can work this out."
"Not now, I don't want to talk to you…. Actually I can see the humor to some degree about what happened last night, but what really upset me is that you didn't even stand up for me in front of that priest or the captain," Drizzt said.
"They're the heads of my order. I must treat them with respect!" Shandra said.
"Oh, I see, but I'm just a creature or the Drow, so I get none. Go away, Shandra, perhaps we'll talk later. I'll find you when I'm ready," Drizzt said.
Just then a man rushed into the inn. He looked tired and dirty as if he'd been traveling awhile. "Please help me! Is there a ranger among you? Please!" he begged.
Drizzt stood. "I'm a ranger. What's the matter?" he asked.
"Fourteen people dead. They were horrible mauled. Three of them were our best hunters and trackers. We have no idea what it is that attacked all these people. Will you help us? My village is a two week journey from here," the man pleaded.
"I will, but you are exhausted. You should rest a bit first," Drizzt said.
The man looked a little uncertain when he realized Drizzt was a Drow for the first time, but obviously he was desperate for aid. "Thank you, sir, but no time to rest. We must go… please," he said.
Drizzt nodded and picked up his pack. He started to follow.
"Drizzt, you don't know if this is a trap of some sort," Shandra protested. "Don't you think that you should ask more questions?"
"Just as you are a paladin, I am a ranger. I cannot ignore a plea for help. It could be that nothing can ever form between us because of it…. Good-bye, Shandra," Drizzt said. He followed the man from the inn.
Shandra stared after him. It almost sounded like he was leaving for good. She left and walked slowly towards the temple. She was suddenly aware of the glares and whispers following her. "Tyr's mercy, what have I done?" she whispered. She went directly to the chapel and knelt to pray.
A knock on the door interrupted a talk between Varian and Galen. "Come in!" Galen shouted.
Shandra walked in and bowed. "I'm glad you are both here. I must request a leave of absence from the temple's service," she said.
"But why? Has that creature caused this?" Galen asked.
"My pardons, High priest, but he is not to blame at all. The decision is mine alone and his name is Drizzt Do'Urden. I ask that you don't refer to him in such a way," Shandra stated, anger in her tone. Turning, she stormed out, for once not caring how it looked….
I must dedicate this to Silverbane whose criticism showed me how OC I'd let Drizzt get and got me on track, also thanks to Silver Wolf for helping me fine tune it…Hope this is better…thanks again! R/R please. It's 1:30 am, so good night!