Luckily no gripes today, except the usual, work, life in general….but you know how that goes I'm sure. On with the story!
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Chapter 31--Spreading the News
Catti-brie woke early the next morning. She bathed hurriedly and dressed then rushed to the room Delly and Wulfgar were using. She couldn't wait to tell them the good news. She came to the door and knocked.
Delly opened it. "Oh, good morning, Catti-brie. Come in," she said. She closed the door behind her.
"Where's Wulfgar?" Catti-brie asked, "and Colson?"
"Wulfgar left just ten minutes ago with Drizzt and Colson is sill asleep. Why?" Delly asked.
Catti-brie showed her the ring without saying anything. She didn't have too.
"He proposed?" Delly asked.
"Yes, last night," Catti-brie said.
Delly was delighted. "That's so wonderful!" she said. "Wait until Wulfgar finds out!"
"I'm thinking' he'll know when he comes back. Drizzt is suren to tell him, but I think he knew I would want to tell ye meself, so he didn't say anything," Catti-brie said.
"Have you set a date?" Delly asked.
"Not yet, but da'll probably want to throw a big celebration and a big wedding," Catti-brie said.
"A wedding is a special occasion, don't rush, Cat. Enjoy it," Delly said. She went and fetched Colson. Once Colson was dressed they walked down to see if breakfast was served yet. They were right on time. The food had just been set out, so they took their seats. Lady Alustriel entered about five minutes after they did.
"Good morning, where are the men?" Alustriel asked.
"Drizzt and Wulfgar left early this morning and da is still asleep," Catti-brie said.
Alustriel examined Catti-brie and smiled. "So what secret is exciting you?" she asked.
"Drizzt and I are engaged. He asked me last night," Catti-brie said happily.
"Congratulations! This is very good news," Alustriel said. She smiled as an idea occurred to her, but she said nothing.
*Meanwhile*
Wulfgar stared at Drizzt, mouth hanging open. "You what?" he asked.
Drizzt shook his head. "Close your mouth, Wulfgar. You look like a goldfish," he said.
Wulfgar flushed and closed his mouth.
"Like I said I proposed to Catti-brie and she accepted.
A huge grin spread across Wulfgar's face. "That's great!" he shouted and enfolded the Drow into a bear hug.
"Oww! Easy or I won't survive to get married!' Drizzt protested.
Grinning sheepishly, Wulfgar released him. "Sorry, but I was really pleased. Cat loves you. I know that, just as much as I love Delly," he said. "How'd Bruenor take it?"
"What do you think?" Drizzt asked.
"Well, he must have taken it pretty well. You're still in one piece," Wulfgar grinned.
Drizzt mock punched him in the ribs. "You aren't helping matters, oaf," he grumbled.
"I can't wait to see your children. I'll teach them to call me Uncle Wulfgar and Delly will be their aunt," Wulfgar said.
"Slow down! You're getting a little ahead of things!' Drizzt protested. He sounded a bit overwhelmed.
Wulfgar laughed, but dropped the subject as they walked back towards the castle. They had a lot to do before the ball that evening.
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Lana walked along the garden path, looking around her. Finally she spotted the object of her search and went over to him. "Randari? Are you alright?" she asked.
The Elf looked up. "Yes, of course," he said.
Lana sat down. "Nice try, but your eyes say different," she said. She sat down next to him. "I lost my parents too. Bandits killed them, but I didn't get off so easily. They took me to their hideout and they…they…" she stammered. Tears welled up and she couldn't finish.
Somehow Randari seemed to understand. "I'm sorry for your suffering," he said.
"You suffered just as much, perhaps we can help each other heal. Would you be my escort tonight? I'd like that," Lana said.
Randari hesitated then nodded…
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Aww, blooming love! *Plot bunnies make faces* Oh stop it, R/R please!