Thanks to everyone! I appreciate your support! Now on with the story!
Chapter 29--Taking the Plunge
The head stable hand was concerned when Drizzt came in with the battered stallion. "By the Gods, what happened to him?" he asked. He reached towards the stallion before Drizzt could warn him. He barely managed to pull back as the stallion snapped at him.
"Don't come close, he's not friendly, better warn the other hands too. I'll tend to him," Drizzt warned. It took a long time, but Drizzt managed to coax the stallion into a stall. He gathered what he thought he'd need then started tending to the stallion's wounds. There were a lot of them. Drizzt cursed the stallion's former owner as he worked. No wonder the stallion had become untrusting and vicious. It was dark before he finished. He fed the stallion then patted his neck. "Well, Rogue, I guess we're finished. Behave yourself and I'll be back in the morning," he said. He left the stall and returned to the palace.
Drizzt was sure Catti-brie was back by now, but he was a mess. He wanted to clean up before he went to see her. He went to his room. Unfortunately it was time for dinner before he finished, but that was all right. He'd see her there.
Dinner was a casual affair. They talked among themselves cheerfully. Lana was excited about attending the ball the following evening. "I've never been to one before," she said.
"You'll have a wonderful time. I have the finest musicians and cooks. They always outdo themselves for these gatherings," Alustriel said.
Delly smiled at the excited girl. "This'll be my first ball as well. We'll both support each other if either one of us gets nervous," she said.
Bruenor snorted. "Bah, fuss and frippery, never understand why Humans be so eager to attend these things. Give me a good Dwarven revel any time," he said.
"Don't be such a grump, da. Widen your horizons. It's good for ye," Catti-brie teased.
"Me horizons don't be needin' widening, girl," Bruenor retorted.
Everyone laughed at that.
"I don't know much more about balls then Bruenor," Wulfgar admitted.
"That's why the tailors were here to make you and Bruenor suitable clothes," Alustriel remarked casually.
Bruenor snorted angrily. "A Dwarf doesn't need fancy clothes, waste of time," he said.
Catti-brie giggled then quickly stifled it when Bruenor scowled at her.
Finally dinner was over and everyone split up to tend to his or her own devices. Drizzt stopped Catti-brie before she could leave. "Catti-brie, would you take a walk in the garden with me?" he asked. I'd like to speak with you in private."
Catti-brie was caught a little off guard by the invitation, but she smiled warmly at him. "I'd love to," she said.
Drizzt offered her his arm and she took it. He led her from the room and out to the garden.
It was a beautiful night with a full moon and a starry sky. They paused to enjoy it. "Aren't the stars beautiful? Diamonds against black velvet," Catti-brie said.
"Yes, beautiful," Drizzt agreed.
Catti-brie smiled at him. "So what did ye be wantin' to speak with me about?" she asked.
Drizzt glanced around and saw a stone bench. "Let's sit down," he suggested and guided her towards it. They sat down and Catti-brie looked at Drizzt expectantly.
Drizzt was sure he was blushing. This was as hard as he thought it would be.
"What's the matter?" Catti-brie asked.
"Nothing, I've never done this and I'm not sure how to go about it," Drizzt said. He pulled the box out.
Catti-brie saw it and her eyes widened. She knew what it was then.
Drizzt opened the box and showed her the sapphire ring inside. "Catti-brie, I love you and I would be honored if you would marry me," he said.
The smile on Catti-brie's face gave Drizzt her answer then she hugged him. "I accept!" she said. She held out her hand and Drizzt slipped the ring on. It was a special moment for both of them..
I'm sure most of you saw this coming! R/R please!