Thanks for encouraging me everyone. Seems like my plot bunnies are trying to desert me all the sudden….*Glares At Plot Bunnies*
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Chapter 35--Interruptions
They had just regained their composure when another guest sat down in an empty chair without being invited. His slightly pointed ears showed him to be a Half-Elf.
Catti-brie glanced at him. "Can we be helping' ye?" she asked.
"I'm Jarien, Princess Battlehammer, may I offer my congratulations on you and Ranger Do'Urden's betrothal?" he said.
"Thank ye, that be very kind of ye," Catti-brie said.
"I have heard much about the Companions of the Hall. It's a pleasure to meet you at last," Jarien said.
"So what do ye do?" Catti-brie asked warily.
"I'm a bard, milady and I hoped you might tell me of your adventures. I hope to create a ballad of them. I am sure they would be worthy of it," Jarien said.
Drizzt groaned inwardly. He wasn't in the mood for this right now. He wanted to relax and spend time with Cat, not satisfy a bard's curiosity.
Jarien looked at Drizzt. "So tell me Ranger Do'Urden, why did you flee to the surface? I mean, obviously it's not where you belong," he said.
Drizzt frowned at the rather graceless question. Now he remembered why he steered clear of bards. They were annoying.
"Of course, I mean the real reason. Many people have offered opinions, surely you want to set them straight," Jarien said.
Drizzt started to reply, not sure what would come out when a sharp pain shot through his leg. He winced, realizing that Catti-brie had kicked him under the table.
The Half-Elf was still waiting for an answer, but when one didn't come he turned to Wulfgar. "I heard your people actually attacked the towns that Ranger Do'Urden was guarding, is that so?" he asked.
Wulfgar frowned and didn't answer either.
Jarien didn't seem to be discouraged about not being answered. "Come now, my good man. It's not a hard question," he said.
Wulfgar's fingers tightened around the goblet in front of him as he fought to control himself. "I have nothing to say, sorry," he said.
Jarien looked at Drizzt. "Have you considered the difficulties your union may create? Your children will be Half-Drow. Many will not be very accepting of them, not to mention the scorn and censure the Lady might have to endure," he said.
Drizzt flinched slightly. The bard had hit a nerve with that remark. He had thought about all of that and it worried him.
Catti-brie could see that Wulfgar was getting angry with the bard and she could see Drizzt's discomfort. She had to get rid of him. "Sir, you're being most intrusive and discourteous. Perhaps later we will share some stories with you, but not if you don't desist. This is meant to be a festive occasion. Please leave us to enjoy the evening," she said.
Jarien seemed to realize that he had gone a little to far. "My deepest apologies, Lady. Enjoy your evening," he said. He stood, bowed and then walked off.
Drizzt drained the contents of his goblet and set it down. "Gods, I can't stand bards," he muttered.
"Everything be alright now. Let's not let an arse ruin our evening'," Catti-brie said. She took Drizzt's hand affectionately.
*Meanwhile*
Jarien stormed across the ballroom floor, seething at the way he had been treated. Suddenly he bumped into someone. He looked up and realized he had walked into Lady Alustriel. "Pardon me, Milady," he said.
Alustriel knew the bard quite well. He could be very spiteful and malicious when he didn't get his way. "I saw you speaking with the Companions of the Hall. Be warned that if I hear any malicious stories or songs bantered about I'll know the source and you will not enjoy the penalty," she said coolly.
Jarien gulped, knowing Lady Alustriel was well able to carry out the threat. "Yes, Lady," he gulped. He bowed and practically fled from the room….
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That bard has met his match! R/R please!