Not much to say today, so I'll just say thanks to my reviewers and silent readers and get started with the story…
Chapter 15--Silverymoon
Catti-brie was ready to scream. She had walked up beside Drizzt and talked to him, but she was getting nowhere fast. He wasn't being rude, he just was being coolly polite and it bothered her. Wulfgar's words rang in her mind…"if yes you have to talk to him before he reconsiders his feelings." She feared he might have already done so. "It will be good to see Lady Alustriel again. We never got much chance to enjoy a leisurely visit," she said.
"No, we haven't," Drizzt said.
Catti-brie sighed. Obviously small talk was not going to work. "Drizzt, I wanted to say that I'm sorry I slapped you. I wanted to tell you in private, but I guess I shouldn't have waited," she said.
"Apology accepted," Drizzt said.
"Thank you, Drizzt," Catti-brie said. It wasn't much, but at least it was a start.
Finally they could see Silverymoon in the distance. Lana stared wide-eyed. "It's so beautiful," she breathed.
They headed down to the gates. The guards greeted them warmly, especially Drizzt and Catti-brie smiled. She knew it really meant a lot to Drizzt to be treated like that.
"Please enter, Lady Alustriel has requested you to come to her as soon as you arrive," one said and bowed.
"Thank you," Drizzt said. They entered the city together.
Catti-brie noticed Lana said very little as they walked towards the palace. She was too busy looking around and trying to take everything in, as was Delly. They weren't as familiar with Silverymoon as the rest of us.
A Half-Elf guard walked up to them. "Well-met, Drizzt. It has been a long time," he said.
Drizzt smiled. "Hello, Talinar, how's Janna?" he asked.
"She's well. The babe will come any day now," Talinar said.
"That's good news. Tell her I wish her the best," Drizzt said.
"She won't forgive me if I don't bring you by. Perhaps tomorrow evening?" Talinar asked. He noticed Drizzt's hands. "Are your hands badly damaged?"
"Yes, but they'll be fine when I see a healer and I would be glad to join you," Drizzt said.
"Until tomorrow then," Talinar said and hurried off.
They reached the palace gates. The guards bowed to them and opened the doors. The Lady waits for you in her audience chamber. Please go straight in," one said, waving them through.
Alustriel smiled in greeting when they entered the room. She shook her head when they started to bow. "No need for formalities among friends," she said and rose to greet them. She reached for Drizzt's hands then noticed the bandages and splints. "What has happened to your hands?" she asked.
"Little incident and they got broken during it," Drizzt said.
"I doubt it was a little incident, but we'll discuss it later," Alustriel said and summoned a servant. "Go fetch a priest. Ranger Do'Urden is injured."
The servant bowed and hurried off.
Twenty minutes later the priest arrived. I am Trisha, " she said politely. She carefully removed the bandages and splints then examined Drizzt's hands. "I can heal them, but it will hurt. Do I have your permission, Ranger Do'Urden?" she asked.
"You do," Drizzt said.
Trisha took Drizzt's hands tightly in hers, making him wince and gasp then chanted a spell. Once she was done she released them. "Try to move them now," she directed.
Drizzt did and sighed. "That is better, my thanks, Lady," he said. He bowed to the priestess who blushed.
"You're welcome," she said. She bowed to Lady Alustriel then left.
Catti-brie went over to Drizzt and took one of his hands in hers. "I imagine that feels much better," she said.
Drizzt tensed and pulled his hand from hers as if it burned. "They still ache a little," he said.
Hurt filled Catti-brie's face though she tried to hide it. She knew Drizzt was just trying to cover up his reaction.
Alustriel hid her puzzlement at Drizzt's behavior. She would have to speak to first Catti-brie then Drizzt alone….
Better late then never…Right? R/R please!