A/N--Sorry, this took so long. I blame the warm weather since the plot bunnies won't still indoors and do their job. They want to be outside…Sigh I've decided not to start Topsy Turvey's sequel until this one is done. Don't worry though; I will do one!
Chapter 43--Surprise Guests
When Catti-brie and Drizzt came down for breakfast the next morning everyone else were already there, including Lana and Randari, but there were also two more familiar faces. "Danica! Cadderly! It be good to see ye!" Catti-brie said.
"Yes, it's been some time," Drizzt agreed, clasping hands with Cadderly and smiling warmly at Danica before sitting down.
Catti-brie finished her own greetings then sat down next to Drizzt.
"Your friends have been hinted at good news, but insist that it's you or Drizzt's to tell, so is there?" Danica asked.
"I would say so. Drizzt and I be engaged," Catti-brie said, showing them her ring.
"That's wonderful! Congratulations to both of you," Danica said. "When is the wedding?"
"We think it will be next spring," Catti-brie said.
"My best wishes as well. I would be honored if you would consider allowing me to perform the ceremony in the Spirit Soaring if it pleases you," Cadderly said.
Catti-brie's eyes brightened and so did Drizzt's both of them had fallen in love with the beautiful cathedral when they had first seen it.
"We'd both love that," Catti-brie said.
"Wait a durned minute! If anyone does me girl's weddin' it be me!" Bruenor shouted.
Catti-brie looked at her father, blue eyes wide and pleading. "But da, the cathedral is so beautiful and it would mean so much to us to be married there….please?" she pleaded.
Bruenor grumbled under his breath, but he could never bring himself to refuse his girl anything when she looked at him like that. "Well, it be yer weddin' so I be guessin' if that be what ye want then I won't be for stopping' ye," he said finally.
"Thank ye so much! We'll have the normal Dwarven engagement party in the mines, da. I promise," Catti-brie said. She leaned over and kissed Bruenor's cheek. "I love ye."
Bruenor snorted and returned his attention to his food. "Stop yappin', girl and start eatin' we leave to the mines today. I be needin' to get back," he said.
Catti-brie just smiled, knowing better then to be upset at her father's tone, but she did do what he said.
After breakfast they returned to their rooms to pack their thing. Two hours later after saying their good byes they were on their way back to the dale.
Drizzt felt more relaxed then he had in a long time. He led the way, keeping an eye out for trouble. Rogue snorted and pranced occasionally. It was obvious he wanted to run. "Not now, my friend, we must take it slow and easy," Drizzt murmured.
Catti-brie urged her horse up alongside him. "Rogue be a fine beast. It's to bad that man mistreated him so. He had no right to do it," she remarked.
Just then Rogue stopped dead in his tracks, ears forward and alert then he snorted. Drizzt realized that a normal animal sounds had stopped. "Trouble! Get ready!" he called to the others.
A man came out of the brush and stepped in front of them. He carried no weapons and wore no armor. He wasn't even very imposing, but something about him sent a chill down Drizzt's spine.
"What do ye be wantin'?" Bruenor demanded. "Ye be blockin' our way."
The Human ignored Bruenor completely; instead he locked gazes with Drizzt. His eyes were cold and empty like there was no soul behind them.
Drizzt felt even more chilled by that dead, empty gaze. His vague discomfort increased when he realized he couldn't look away. Everything else became distant and vague like a dream. They seemed to fade more the longer he met the stranger's eyes.
Catti-brie was concerned and scared when Drizzt remained as still as stone. "Drizzt, what be wrong with ye?" she asked. She touched Drizzt's arm and realized the muscles were tensed and stiff. "We got to stop him! He be doin' something to Drizzt!" She grabbed for her bow….
A/N--So what do you think? R/R please!