Awakening
Solonund slowly opened his eyes. He was cold, but could not fathom why. He looked around and realized where he was.
"How did I get here?" He asked himself, "I thought I was dreaming."
The last thing he remembered was floating in the Astral Plane towards a portal. He could not remember why he was going to Arvandor, and he remembered very little of his visit. The more he tried to recall what happened to him there, the more his mind clouded. His teeth chattered as he tried to think.
It was the middle of winter. Solonund had forgotten how cold it could be.
He was home, on his own plane.
The first thing he did was pull Solaris' figurine from his pocket. The gods must have a reason for sending him back there.
"Solaris, come."
the hawk was bursting with excitement as soon as he materialized.
"What is it, Solaris? Are you too cold?"
Solaris flew into Solonund's lap and tapped his beak against the talisman until Solonund turned it map side out. The hawk then proceeded to tap the circle that represented Toril and screeched.
"Yes, Solaris, I know where we are."
Solaris became even more agitated at his companions seeming indifference. He squacked and waved his wings and walked in circles.
"Is there something wrong?"
Solaris went to Solonund's left hand and tapped Solonund's wedding ring with his beak, then continued his screeching.
"Solaris, you know Anaiys is gone, you have known a long time. What is wrong with you."
The hawk shook his head, flapped his wings, walked in a circle and sat down like a chicken trying to roost.
"Uh, Solaris, I don't think that it would be possible for you to lay an egg, even if you were not an astral hawk."
Solaris stood up, screeched, then perched himself on a rotted window sill.
"Fine, if you want to be that way. Do all astral companions have a temper like yours?"
The hawk ignored Solonund and flew out the broken window.
Solonund stared at his wedding ring. He had thought of taking it off and placing it on a chain, but he was not ready yet. He would not take it off until he found Thelan.
"Thelan!" he said as he jumped up and ran outside.
Solaris was perched on the branch of a nearby tree. Solonund slowly went up to his friend.
"Solaris, It's Thelan isn't it? He is here, somewhere, on this plane."
Solaris bobbed his head up and down.
"I am sorry I did not understand you, friend. Will you forgive me?"
Solaris quietly chirped and flew onto Solonund's left shoulder.
"Thank you, Solaris"
Solonund went about the grove picking up what he needed to make his father's old house livable enough to survive the winter.
**********
Solonund's first destination, once spring had come, was to go to Silverymoon. He had not realized before how much he missed it. Once there, he made inquires about Shun, and about Drizzt. The answers were slow in coming. Most friends he saw there were surprised and happy to see that he was alive. There was a small memorial for him in the hall of the Harpers. Its contained the bow that broke when he fell.
He stood and looked at his memorial.
"Not often does one find himself looking upon his own grave," Solonund chuckled to himself.
He was saddened to find a memorial for Shun.
Shun studied at the magic college for eight years. He often took walks in the woods outside the city. One afternoon, adventurers found Shun fighting for his life against a large number of bandits. Shun had been overwhelmed. Despite the help the adventurers had given him, Shun died of his wounds. The only consolation Solonund had at finding his friend's death, was that the memorial stated that Shun had killed ten of his assailants before he fell in battle. The bandits took nothing of Shun's wealth. All of it was housed with him in his tomb.
Solonund found out that Drizzt was part of the crew of a sailing ship that traveled the sea of swords. Drizzt had made quite a name for himself, so much that even Lady Alustriel had given her heart to Drizzt.
Solonund took that information with a bit of amusement. He knew that Drizzt was charismatic, but to be considered more charismatic and handsome than Solonund, that was hilarious.
Solonund found that Straankeep, and Riverside Village were still small, but thriving.
Iagron, the heir to Straankeep, had betrayed his family once again. He had taken a large group of followers to Chult, where he was a part of the Cult of the Dragon.
Katla and Iasa were off somewhere adventuring, much to the distress of King Straan. Luckily for King Straan, he had another son in case Iasa decided to stay an adventurer.
**********
Solonund decided perhaps he would find either Iasa or Drizzt. It was good to be alive and it had been a long time since he had an adventure. He knew his son was here somewhere too. It would be easier to find Thelan if he had help.
He would find Drizzt first. He decided that his sworn brother should know that he was alive. He found that Drizzt was part of the crew of a ship called the Sea Sprite.
Solonund readied his supplies and set out to find the ship.
He found the Sea Sprite docked at Luscan. He carefully sought out the captain of the ship, Deudermont, in order to book passage. Solonund kept his head covered with the hood of the royal blue cloak he wore. He wanted to surprise Drizzt, and decided not to reveal himself until the ship was well underway.
Deudermont was seated at the bar in one of the better taverns in town. Solonund caught a glimpse of Drizzt sitting at a table near the back with a red haired beauty.
"So, he has discovered he has a way with the ladies," Solonund chuckled to himself as he sat next to Deudermont.
"Are you the captain of the Sea Sprite?" Solonund politely asked.
"Yes, may I help you?" Deudermont replied.
"Which way are you sailing?"
"To the south. Why are you asking? We are not making merchant runs yet, so if you are looking for passage to any port in particular, you may be disappointed."
"No port in particular. I am playing the part of a tourist these days, and I miss the sea. I would like to book passage on your ship, but I have no particular port in mind. I plenty of gold for your trouble of having me aboard. It has been many years since I have been on a seafaring type of ship, but I can help with duties onboard."
"What is your name, sir?"
" I am Solonund Brasher. It is good to meet you , captain." Solonund said as he held out his hand to shake Deudermont's.
"Very well Mr. Brasher, I will give you a chance to prove yourself aboard my ship, but if you are too much of a bother, I will set you off on the next port of my choosing. Agreed?"
"Agreed, on one condition, you do not tell Ranger Do'Urden my name or that I am on board."
Deudermont's brow furled, " You do not mean to cause trouble with Drizzt? If so, you may call our deal off."
"No, actually, quite the opposite. Drizzt and I were once very close friends. I have not seen him in many years and I want it to be a surprise."
"So that is the reason you want aboard my ship, to see Drizzt. I have no time for thrill seekers wanting to pick a fight with Ranger Do'Urden."
"To insure my trust, I will allow you to take all of my weapons and store them away. You may even have one of your men search my bags and my person to make sure I am not hiding anything. Will that suffice?"
"Very well. When will you be ready to board? "
"Immediately. I want to be on board before Drizzt finishes his meal over there." Solonund said as he glanced in Drizzt's direction."
"I am finished here. I will show you to the ship myself."
As they exited the tavern, Solonund noticed how uptight Deudermont was. Solonund decided that in order to avoid too much trouble, he needed to let Deudermont know a little more. Solonund pulled back his hood.
"Does being able to see my face put you more at ease, Captain?"
"You are not the first elf I have seen trying to make a name for himself. Although, I have not seen an elf with quite your coloration before. You must spend a great deal of time in the sun to have a tan complexion like that."
"I suppose. I have seen many suns, in many places I like the warmth of the outdoors."
Deudermont then noticed the ring on Solonund's right ring finger.
"That is a beautiful ring. Meilikki isn't it?"
"Yes, she is my matron goddess."
"I rarely see rangers wearing rings. I also see that you are married" Deudermont commented seeing the simple band on Solonund's left finger.
"I was, she passed away not long ago."
"Oh I am sorry."
"It's alright. I miss her terribly though."
"So what kinds of ships have you been aboard?"
"Ships that fly through the stars on many planes of existence. Magic ships, piloted by wizards. My late wife was a pilot of one of them."
"Interesting." Deudermont replied with skepticism, " So how do you know Drizzt?"
"That is easy. He is my sworn brother. I am the adopted son of Montolio DeBrouche."
"You must be joking, ranger," Deudermont replied.
"No, I am very serious."
"I can not say I believe your relation to Drizzt. He has never mentioned it to me. I do not want the two of you competing for supremacy. You do realize that I have a trusted ranger on my crew, I really don't need another. "
"Horizon Walker."
"What?"
"I am a Horizon Walker. I started out as a ranger, but I have gone beyond that title. I am a guide and navigator through many places and many worlds. I do not wish to compete with Drizzt, only visit with him."
Deudermont looked at Solonund, smiled nervously and shook his head, " I can see why you want to stay secretive. I am not sure I would believe the stories of magic ships if I had not heard tales of the ones of the Elven isle of Evermeet. I am certain my crew would get leery of stories of flying ships. Don't worry, none of my crew will reveal your identity."
Solonund paused and put his hood back up as he and Deudermont boarded the ship.
"I trust your crew. There is only one who I do not trust to not spoil the surprise."
"And who is that?"
"Guenhwyvar, his astral panther, of course," Solonund said as he handed over all of his weapons to Deudermont.
"Now I believe you," Deudermont replied," Not many know the name of Drizzt's cat, even fewer where she is from. I hope you will allow me to listen in on any stories of your journeys"
"Of course," Solonund replied.
***********
Catti-Brie let the wind blow through her hair. The sea breeze was refreshing and clean. She had decided to keep a close eye on the new passenger. The new passenger had blatantly ignored Drizzt. Some of the other crewmembers spoke of him in hushed whispers, and fearful murmurs. They were nearly two hours out to sea, and the stranger had stood at the same spot on the railing, only pausing to adjust his hood.
Drizzt was below deck, making sure all of his and Catti's gear was in order in case of emergency. He had been having strange nightmares the past few days. Catti had tried to comfort him, but the nagging feeling in his gut would not go away. It got worse when the new passenger ignored him. He told himself that he should be used to that sort of behavior from strangers, but there was something about the passenger that bothered him. He could not fathom why.
The wind finally whipped the hood away from the stranger's head. Ash Blonde hair that rested just past the stranger's shoulders whipped around into his face. He wore the bangs of his hair in a topknot, save for one small braid he let fall at his left temple. He fought with his hair to try and get it back into place.
Catti looked at the stranger, and realized that this light tanned man was an elf. He turned to look at her. At first she thought he was blind, but as she moved closer she realized that his eye color was a silvery green so pale that they almost looked white. She caught herself taking a short breath. This stranger was incredibly handsome.
He smiled sweetly at Catti and turned his eyes back to the sea. As she moved closer, she could see the sad impression on his face. She went to the rail and stood next to him, looking at the sea.
"A copper for yer thoughts." Catti said.
"I was thinking how much Anaiys would have loved to see this."
"Forgive me, who's Anaiys?"
"My wife. She died not very long ago. She was murdered."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want me to be leaving you alone?"
"No its alright. It has been a long time since I spoke to such a beautiful lady," Solonund said as he turned to Catti-Brie, took her hand, and kissed it. " I must appologise. I am Sir Solonund Pilin'Solor DeBrouche Brasher. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
Catti blushed. She noticed the ring with the symbol of Meilikki on it.
" That be a mouthful, ranger. I like your ring. I'm Catti-Brie Battlehammer."
"Battlehammer? You look nothing like a dwarf."
"I'm adopted."
"I understand, I was adopted by a human myself. It nearly killed me when he died. Now with Anaiys gone, and our son missing. I have no one. Oh, I am sorry. I do not mean to trouble you with my problems. It is partially why I am avoiding everyone."
" Ye needn't have done that. None of us will bite ye unless you want bit. I need to go below fer a moment. I know just the thing that'll cheer ye up."
Drizzt could not get the nagging feeling out of his stomach. He sat down, reached into his pocket and fingered the figurine there.
"Guenhwyvar come." he said quietly.
The cat materialized, licked her master, perked up her ears and ran up the stairs toward the deck.
"So much for friendship," Drizzt groaned as he stood and started to go see what Guen was so exited about.
Catti-Brie was nearly knocked over as Guenhwyvar came bounding onto the deck. The cat paused and looked at her then bounded over to where Solonund was standing. She pounced onto him hard enough that he fell on his back on the deck.
"Durned cat! What be the matter with you?" Catti said as she rushed to try and rescue Solonund from the cat's jaws. Catti quickly saw that Guen was not attacking Solonund, but happily licking his face.
"Oh, Oh stop it Guenhwyvar! Yes, I am happy to see you too, girl. Hee Hee, that tickles cat! " Solonund blurted out as Guen purred and mewed and licked his face.
Catti stood there stunned. "How did Solonund know her name?" she thought.
Drizzt heard the laughter as he was taking the last few steps up to the deck. A shiver went down his spine. He knew that voice, but it was impossible. He quickened his pace to confirm what his ears were hearing. He saw Solonund sitting on the deck, trying to push Guen off of his lap.
"Impossible!" Drizzt said, "This can not be!"
"Drizzt," Catti asked, "do ye know him? Guen sure knows him. What is wrong?"
Drizzt, because of the shock, ignored Catti-Brie's words and blurted out, " Nine Hells! Solonund, I thought you were dead!"
"I am sorry, brother, word of my death has been greatly exaggerated."
"I saw you fall down the slide! It was my own hands that accidentally let go when I should have pulled you out of that hole!"
"All is forgiven. There was nothing you could have done. The bow snapped just before I was in reach of your hand. This talisman saved my life, and changed my life." Solonund said as he slowly inched Guen over enough to where he could get out from under her and stand.
"I should have pulled you up."
"It was my own damned fault I fell in the first place. I was so impatient to get back to Silverymoon, that I was not looking at the trail as well as I should have. " Solonund hung his head, " Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?"
"Forgive you? It is me who should be asking for forgiveness. And by the way, where in the hell have you been for the last twenty years?"
"I guess this means I am forgiven?"
"I am sorry to be brekin up all this buddy chat, but what is a goin on?" Catti-Brie asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry Catti, I did not mean to ignore you," Drizzt said," this is my sworn brother, Solonund."
"Thank you Drizzt, but I have already introduced myself to the sweet lady."
Drizzt got a smirk on his face," Oh no you don't, you will not be putting your charms on this lady, she's mine."
"No ye don't yerself Drizzt, I don't belong to nobody but meself."
"Alright, I promise to behave myself. Besides a lot has changed." Solonund said as he held his arms open wide.
Drizzt rushed into Solonund's arms and hugged him. "Now Solonund, you need to tell my where you have been. You obviously weren't in the Underdark."
"No, I was in Sigil, as well as lots of other places." Solonund said, "Come, is there a place we can sit and talk. This story is pretty long. Catti-Brie, you can come too."
"I want to hear as well," Deudermont said as he stepped out of his cabin, "And here are your weapons back. I can see you will cause no trouble."
**********
Solonund slowly opened his eyes. He was cold, but could not fathom why. He looked around and realized where he was.
"How did I get here?" He asked himself, "I thought I was dreaming."
The last thing he remembered was floating in the Astral Plane towards a portal. He could not remember why he was going to Arvandor, and he remembered very little of his visit. The more he tried to recall what happened to him there, the more his mind clouded. His teeth chattered as he tried to think.
It was the middle of winter. Solonund had forgotten how cold it could be.
He was home, on his own plane.
The first thing he did was pull Solaris' figurine from his pocket. The gods must have a reason for sending him back there.
"Solaris, come."
the hawk was bursting with excitement as soon as he materialized.
"What is it, Solaris? Are you too cold?"
Solaris flew into Solonund's lap and tapped his beak against the talisman until Solonund turned it map side out. The hawk then proceeded to tap the circle that represented Toril and screeched.
"Yes, Solaris, I know where we are."
Solaris became even more agitated at his companions seeming indifference. He squacked and waved his wings and walked in circles.
"Is there something wrong?"
Solaris went to Solonund's left hand and tapped Solonund's wedding ring with his beak, then continued his screeching.
"Solaris, you know Anaiys is gone, you have known a long time. What is wrong with you."
The hawk shook his head, flapped his wings, walked in a circle and sat down like a chicken trying to roost.
"Uh, Solaris, I don't think that it would be possible for you to lay an egg, even if you were not an astral hawk."
Solaris stood up, screeched, then perched himself on a rotted window sill.
"Fine, if you want to be that way. Do all astral companions have a temper like yours?"
The hawk ignored Solonund and flew out the broken window.
Solonund stared at his wedding ring. He had thought of taking it off and placing it on a chain, but he was not ready yet. He would not take it off until he found Thelan.
"Thelan!" he said as he jumped up and ran outside.
Solaris was perched on the branch of a nearby tree. Solonund slowly went up to his friend.
"Solaris, It's Thelan isn't it? He is here, somewhere, on this plane."
Solaris bobbed his head up and down.
"I am sorry I did not understand you, friend. Will you forgive me?"
Solaris quietly chirped and flew onto Solonund's left shoulder.
"Thank you, Solaris"
Solonund went about the grove picking up what he needed to make his father's old house livable enough to survive the winter.
**********
Solonund's first destination, once spring had come, was to go to Silverymoon. He had not realized before how much he missed it. Once there, he made inquires about Shun, and about Drizzt. The answers were slow in coming. Most friends he saw there were surprised and happy to see that he was alive. There was a small memorial for him in the hall of the Harpers. Its contained the bow that broke when he fell.
He stood and looked at his memorial.
"Not often does one find himself looking upon his own grave," Solonund chuckled to himself.
He was saddened to find a memorial for Shun.
Shun studied at the magic college for eight years. He often took walks in the woods outside the city. One afternoon, adventurers found Shun fighting for his life against a large number of bandits. Shun had been overwhelmed. Despite the help the adventurers had given him, Shun died of his wounds. The only consolation Solonund had at finding his friend's death, was that the memorial stated that Shun had killed ten of his assailants before he fell in battle. The bandits took nothing of Shun's wealth. All of it was housed with him in his tomb.
Solonund found out that Drizzt was part of the crew of a sailing ship that traveled the sea of swords. Drizzt had made quite a name for himself, so much that even Lady Alustriel had given her heart to Drizzt.
Solonund took that information with a bit of amusement. He knew that Drizzt was charismatic, but to be considered more charismatic and handsome than Solonund, that was hilarious.
Solonund found that Straankeep, and Riverside Village were still small, but thriving.
Iagron, the heir to Straankeep, had betrayed his family once again. He had taken a large group of followers to Chult, where he was a part of the Cult of the Dragon.
Katla and Iasa were off somewhere adventuring, much to the distress of King Straan. Luckily for King Straan, he had another son in case Iasa decided to stay an adventurer.
**********
Solonund decided perhaps he would find either Iasa or Drizzt. It was good to be alive and it had been a long time since he had an adventure. He knew his son was here somewhere too. It would be easier to find Thelan if he had help.
He would find Drizzt first. He decided that his sworn brother should know that he was alive. He found that Drizzt was part of the crew of a ship called the Sea Sprite.
Solonund readied his supplies and set out to find the ship.
He found the Sea Sprite docked at Luscan. He carefully sought out the captain of the ship, Deudermont, in order to book passage. Solonund kept his head covered with the hood of the royal blue cloak he wore. He wanted to surprise Drizzt, and decided not to reveal himself until the ship was well underway.
Deudermont was seated at the bar in one of the better taverns in town. Solonund caught a glimpse of Drizzt sitting at a table near the back with a red haired beauty.
"So, he has discovered he has a way with the ladies," Solonund chuckled to himself as he sat next to Deudermont.
"Are you the captain of the Sea Sprite?" Solonund politely asked.
"Yes, may I help you?" Deudermont replied.
"Which way are you sailing?"
"To the south. Why are you asking? We are not making merchant runs yet, so if you are looking for passage to any port in particular, you may be disappointed."
"No port in particular. I am playing the part of a tourist these days, and I miss the sea. I would like to book passage on your ship, but I have no particular port in mind. I plenty of gold for your trouble of having me aboard. It has been many years since I have been on a seafaring type of ship, but I can help with duties onboard."
"What is your name, sir?"
" I am Solonund Brasher. It is good to meet you , captain." Solonund said as he held out his hand to shake Deudermont's.
"Very well Mr. Brasher, I will give you a chance to prove yourself aboard my ship, but if you are too much of a bother, I will set you off on the next port of my choosing. Agreed?"
"Agreed, on one condition, you do not tell Ranger Do'Urden my name or that I am on board."
Deudermont's brow furled, " You do not mean to cause trouble with Drizzt? If so, you may call our deal off."
"No, actually, quite the opposite. Drizzt and I were once very close friends. I have not seen him in many years and I want it to be a surprise."
"So that is the reason you want aboard my ship, to see Drizzt. I have no time for thrill seekers wanting to pick a fight with Ranger Do'Urden."
"To insure my trust, I will allow you to take all of my weapons and store them away. You may even have one of your men search my bags and my person to make sure I am not hiding anything. Will that suffice?"
"Very well. When will you be ready to board? "
"Immediately. I want to be on board before Drizzt finishes his meal over there." Solonund said as he glanced in Drizzt's direction."
"I am finished here. I will show you to the ship myself."
As they exited the tavern, Solonund noticed how uptight Deudermont was. Solonund decided that in order to avoid too much trouble, he needed to let Deudermont know a little more. Solonund pulled back his hood.
"Does being able to see my face put you more at ease, Captain?"
"You are not the first elf I have seen trying to make a name for himself. Although, I have not seen an elf with quite your coloration before. You must spend a great deal of time in the sun to have a tan complexion like that."
"I suppose. I have seen many suns, in many places I like the warmth of the outdoors."
Deudermont then noticed the ring on Solonund's right ring finger.
"That is a beautiful ring. Meilikki isn't it?"
"Yes, she is my matron goddess."
"I rarely see rangers wearing rings. I also see that you are married" Deudermont commented seeing the simple band on Solonund's left finger.
"I was, she passed away not long ago."
"Oh I am sorry."
"It's alright. I miss her terribly though."
"So what kinds of ships have you been aboard?"
"Ships that fly through the stars on many planes of existence. Magic ships, piloted by wizards. My late wife was a pilot of one of them."
"Interesting." Deudermont replied with skepticism, " So how do you know Drizzt?"
"That is easy. He is my sworn brother. I am the adopted son of Montolio DeBrouche."
"You must be joking, ranger," Deudermont replied.
"No, I am very serious."
"I can not say I believe your relation to Drizzt. He has never mentioned it to me. I do not want the two of you competing for supremacy. You do realize that I have a trusted ranger on my crew, I really don't need another. "
"Horizon Walker."
"What?"
"I am a Horizon Walker. I started out as a ranger, but I have gone beyond that title. I am a guide and navigator through many places and many worlds. I do not wish to compete with Drizzt, only visit with him."
Deudermont looked at Solonund, smiled nervously and shook his head, " I can see why you want to stay secretive. I am not sure I would believe the stories of magic ships if I had not heard tales of the ones of the Elven isle of Evermeet. I am certain my crew would get leery of stories of flying ships. Don't worry, none of my crew will reveal your identity."
Solonund paused and put his hood back up as he and Deudermont boarded the ship.
"I trust your crew. There is only one who I do not trust to not spoil the surprise."
"And who is that?"
"Guenhwyvar, his astral panther, of course," Solonund said as he handed over all of his weapons to Deudermont.
"Now I believe you," Deudermont replied," Not many know the name of Drizzt's cat, even fewer where she is from. I hope you will allow me to listen in on any stories of your journeys"
"Of course," Solonund replied.
***********
Catti-Brie let the wind blow through her hair. The sea breeze was refreshing and clean. She had decided to keep a close eye on the new passenger. The new passenger had blatantly ignored Drizzt. Some of the other crewmembers spoke of him in hushed whispers, and fearful murmurs. They were nearly two hours out to sea, and the stranger had stood at the same spot on the railing, only pausing to adjust his hood.
Drizzt was below deck, making sure all of his and Catti's gear was in order in case of emergency. He had been having strange nightmares the past few days. Catti had tried to comfort him, but the nagging feeling in his gut would not go away. It got worse when the new passenger ignored him. He told himself that he should be used to that sort of behavior from strangers, but there was something about the passenger that bothered him. He could not fathom why.
The wind finally whipped the hood away from the stranger's head. Ash Blonde hair that rested just past the stranger's shoulders whipped around into his face. He wore the bangs of his hair in a topknot, save for one small braid he let fall at his left temple. He fought with his hair to try and get it back into place.
Catti looked at the stranger, and realized that this light tanned man was an elf. He turned to look at her. At first she thought he was blind, but as she moved closer she realized that his eye color was a silvery green so pale that they almost looked white. She caught herself taking a short breath. This stranger was incredibly handsome.
He smiled sweetly at Catti and turned his eyes back to the sea. As she moved closer, she could see the sad impression on his face. She went to the rail and stood next to him, looking at the sea.
"A copper for yer thoughts." Catti said.
"I was thinking how much Anaiys would have loved to see this."
"Forgive me, who's Anaiys?"
"My wife. She died not very long ago. She was murdered."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want me to be leaving you alone?"
"No its alright. It has been a long time since I spoke to such a beautiful lady," Solonund said as he turned to Catti-Brie, took her hand, and kissed it. " I must appologise. I am Sir Solonund Pilin'Solor DeBrouche Brasher. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
Catti blushed. She noticed the ring with the symbol of Meilikki on it.
" That be a mouthful, ranger. I like your ring. I'm Catti-Brie Battlehammer."
"Battlehammer? You look nothing like a dwarf."
"I'm adopted."
"I understand, I was adopted by a human myself. It nearly killed me when he died. Now with Anaiys gone, and our son missing. I have no one. Oh, I am sorry. I do not mean to trouble you with my problems. It is partially why I am avoiding everyone."
" Ye needn't have done that. None of us will bite ye unless you want bit. I need to go below fer a moment. I know just the thing that'll cheer ye up."
Drizzt could not get the nagging feeling out of his stomach. He sat down, reached into his pocket and fingered the figurine there.
"Guenhwyvar come." he said quietly.
The cat materialized, licked her master, perked up her ears and ran up the stairs toward the deck.
"So much for friendship," Drizzt groaned as he stood and started to go see what Guen was so exited about.
Catti-Brie was nearly knocked over as Guenhwyvar came bounding onto the deck. The cat paused and looked at her then bounded over to where Solonund was standing. She pounced onto him hard enough that he fell on his back on the deck.
"Durned cat! What be the matter with you?" Catti said as she rushed to try and rescue Solonund from the cat's jaws. Catti quickly saw that Guen was not attacking Solonund, but happily licking his face.
"Oh, Oh stop it Guenhwyvar! Yes, I am happy to see you too, girl. Hee Hee, that tickles cat! " Solonund blurted out as Guen purred and mewed and licked his face.
Catti stood there stunned. "How did Solonund know her name?" she thought.
Drizzt heard the laughter as he was taking the last few steps up to the deck. A shiver went down his spine. He knew that voice, but it was impossible. He quickened his pace to confirm what his ears were hearing. He saw Solonund sitting on the deck, trying to push Guen off of his lap.
"Impossible!" Drizzt said, "This can not be!"
"Drizzt," Catti asked, "do ye know him? Guen sure knows him. What is wrong?"
Drizzt, because of the shock, ignored Catti-Brie's words and blurted out, " Nine Hells! Solonund, I thought you were dead!"
"I am sorry, brother, word of my death has been greatly exaggerated."
"I saw you fall down the slide! It was my own hands that accidentally let go when I should have pulled you out of that hole!"
"All is forgiven. There was nothing you could have done. The bow snapped just before I was in reach of your hand. This talisman saved my life, and changed my life." Solonund said as he slowly inched Guen over enough to where he could get out from under her and stand.
"I should have pulled you up."
"It was my own damned fault I fell in the first place. I was so impatient to get back to Silverymoon, that I was not looking at the trail as well as I should have. " Solonund hung his head, " Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?"
"Forgive you? It is me who should be asking for forgiveness. And by the way, where in the hell have you been for the last twenty years?"
"I guess this means I am forgiven?"
"I am sorry to be brekin up all this buddy chat, but what is a goin on?" Catti-Brie asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry Catti, I did not mean to ignore you," Drizzt said," this is my sworn brother, Solonund."
"Thank you Drizzt, but I have already introduced myself to the sweet lady."
Drizzt got a smirk on his face," Oh no you don't, you will not be putting your charms on this lady, she's mine."
"No ye don't yerself Drizzt, I don't belong to nobody but meself."
"Alright, I promise to behave myself. Besides a lot has changed." Solonund said as he held his arms open wide.
Drizzt rushed into Solonund's arms and hugged him. "Now Solonund, you need to tell my where you have been. You obviously weren't in the Underdark."
"No, I was in Sigil, as well as lots of other places." Solonund said, "Come, is there a place we can sit and talk. This story is pretty long. Catti-Brie, you can come too."
"I want to hear as well," Deudermont said as he stepped out of his cabin, "And here are your weapons back. I can see you will cause no trouble."
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