Chapter 24

Ryltar

I awoke on a hard oaken floor, my vision was blurry and I couldn't focus. I slowly sat up, rubbing my head. I could hear several people around me whisper in hushed tones, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. I rubbed the growing lump on my head as I said. "Ohhh, for the love of the Spirit, did a Balor hit me?"

There was a gentle laugh next to me, my eyes were slowing coming in focus and I saw what I hoped was Linu kneeling next to me. "Charming as always Ryltar, dear."

"Li... Linu?" I said confused, blinking my eyes, and rubbing them to get them to clear.

She leaned over and kissed me, among hushed whispers, at her actions. She leaned back, "That answer your question?"

I gave her a slight grin. "I don't know, one more should do it." I said.

She leaned over and whispered so only I could here, "Later."

She then slowly helped me to my feet. I rubbed the lump on my head once more. Looking around, I saw several of the elven mags, as well as Linu's mother and father. I did not however see Aribeth. "Where's Aribeth?" I asked.

Linu and several other elves sadly looked at me. After several minutes of this I said. "Where is she!"

"She, sacrificed herself, so that I could return to you. She knew that you would be the one to remain, she couldn't allow that. She smashed her fists over your head and you were knocked out. She told the Reaper to send us back here, dear." Linu explained to me sadly.

I fell to the ground. "So, once more someone times for my inactions." I said. Linu came over to me and cradled my head in her arms. " No, dear. She choose this, she knew there was no future for here in this life, dear. I'm sure she has finally found the peace she so longed for."

I nodded in acceptance, knowing she was right. I stood back up hiding my pain, and sorrow, behind a mask of peace and calm. I knew I probably wasn't' fooling Linu, but it seemed my ruse worked on the others. Linu's father Elamour, approached me. "So drow..." he began but Linu flashed him a shocked look "I'm sorry forgive me, Ryltar. I see I must thank you for returning my daughter to us." He looked uncomfortable with saying this.

I nodded to him. "You and your wife have raised a strong and intelligent, beautiful, woman. Your thanks is all I ask. That and tolerance. At least for myself. I know that my race is evil. But there are a few of us that are not like that."

Linu's mother came up at my words. "I... WE know that now, Ryltar. You've proved this by your actions in Neverwinter, and further with returning Linu to us." She looked at the way Linu looked at me. A glance to the others and only I , Linuk, her mother, and father remained in the room. "I see how my daughter looks at you. Tell me, do you love her?"

Her question caught both Linu and I off guard. "I... We... Well.. Uh.." I stammered not sure how to respond.

"I see how both of you are around each other. I know you've shared much, how much I don't know. Nor do I really care. My question still stands though. Do you love my daughter?" Her mother said.

I looked at Linu. Then regaining myself, I said. "Yes, I would defend her to the best of my abilities, I've risked my life several times to save her... and she hers, to save mine." I said the last part in sadness.

Both parents nodded. "Then we will leave you both alone for now. Linu your old room in the temple is still available. The clerics there have cleaned it up for your use." With these words they both left leaving Linu and I alone.

I looked at Linu smiling. "Well... that went better then I expected."

Linu laughed. "Don't worry I'm sure my dad will have a few words to say to you at some point."

"Uhh... about what?" I said nervous.

"You'll see." Linu said giving me a wink.

I brought Linu into a deep embrace. Kiss her fervently. I said breaking us apart. "I thought I had lost you forever. Since you, and Mayra, died at Morag's hands three months ago..."

Linu interrupted me. "THREE MONTHS!"

I was taken aback by her words. "Ye.. Yeah, I'm sorry, how long were you in that realm?" I asked.

"At most a day!" Linu said surprised.

"Hmmm... most curious. Maybe time is different in that Realm." I suggested.

"What... What happened after I... I died?" Linu asked.

"Are you sure you wish to hear what happened?" I said.

Linu nodded. "Yes, please tell me." She said comfortingly.

I sighed. "Why is it I can never say no to you?" I said.

"It's because of my handsome charms, dear. Now tell me what happened, in the fight." Linu said.

"Well, after you... died. Mayra was struck down. Morag sneered at me saying how useless it was to fight her. I laid your body down on the cave floor, and felt my power surge. I felt... well I'm not sure on this, but well I felt... Mayra's and your... spirit, power whatever you want to call it feed into me. I stood up as this happened, feeling my power, grow. She shot several magical blasts at me, my scimitar's deflected most of the blows, or my gauntlets. Finally she panicked as I grabbed her. I slammed her against the wall, and said simply." I said recalling what I had said. "For all the suffering you have caused, for all the death and destruction, for killing the first friend I ever had on the surface, for killing the woman I love! I Ryltar Kost'dora, Warrior of nature, and chosen one to stop your return. End your life." I said. "Then... then slammed my scimitar into her head. She died soon after."

"And then what happened, dear?" Linu asked me.

After several minutes of explaining what had happened over the past three months, I suddenly felt tired. "Linu if you don't mind, I would like to rest for awhile."

Linu nodded, "Of course, dear." Linu said I followed her back to the Temple Of Sephaine Moonbow. We were half way there, when two elves stopped us. Both spit in my face. "Freak drow! You may have saved a city, with your fancy powers, but you not wanted here!" One of them said to me with hate filled eyes.

I wiped the spittle off of my face. I calmed myself, backing up. Linu and I as well as the two elves, were high in several oak trees. I was slightly nervous about being so high, but turned back to the elves. "Excuse me, but I'm sorry that you can't look past your predigest nature. I'm not like..."

One stepped up to me and shoved me hard. "Shut up drow!" He pushed me once more causing me to fall off the edge of the railing. I shot a hand out and grabbed a limb, using the momentum from the fall I swung under the ledge and came up on the other side. Landing I stood back up. "Now, as I was saying..."

After several exchanged words, we were interrupted by several priests of Sephaine Moonbow, both elves walked away angry that they were not allowed to attack me. It seemed that while I was here, Sephaine had directed all of her priests to do all they could to protect me. I wasn't comfortable with be treated this way but I saw it as the only peaceful solution to my current problems.

I sat down on the bed in Linu's room, while not meant for two people it was large enough that I could sleep on the floor. "With Linu let's me." I thought with a hidden grin. After settling in Linu and I talked about us, about what I planned to do.

"Where do you plan on going after this?" She asked me.

"Where ever you go, Linu my love." I replied.

"I know that, surely there are those in Mitheral Hall that would be happy to see you, dear?" Linu said.

I grinned, thinking how far I had come. "Your probably right, it would be interesting, to see how I fared against Drizzt." I said rubbing my chin.

"My thoughts exactly, dear." Linu said laughing.

I felt waves of exhaustion hit me, Even after three months of journeying to Evereska, I still had not had the time to throughly rest, after my long adventure. I suddenly felt dizzy and felt my head slam against the floor, my last coherent thoughts, were of Linu crying. "RYLTAR!" Before everything went black.

End Ryltar

Linu

I saw Ryltar, sway in the chair and watched as his head slammed against, the floor. "RYLTAR!" I cried rushing to his side. Several priest rushed in at my words, the surveyed the scene, but even with the Sephaines words there up bringing must have held them back. "Help me!" I cried trying to get Ryltar on to the bed. At my words both clerics, helped me get Ryltar on to the bed, I looked him over besides his odd fainting, he was fine. I directed the priests to leave us be, thanking them for their help.

I took off Ryltar's amour and belt laying them next to the bed. His broad muscled chest became exposed to me as that last of his amour came off. I puled myself away from his chest long enough to throughly look at his amour, which up to this point I had not had the chance to throughly examine. I examined it closely and was surprised to find that interwoven through the padded amour, were bands of Mitheral metal, this in effect allowed Ryltar more protection, while keeping his movements as fast and fluid as if they weren't there. I laid the amour over the chair carefully, and returned to Ryltar's side. He was breathing slowly and seemed to be sleeping, but I wasn't sure. I continued pulling off his equipment starting with his arms. On each arm, there were two wrist launchers of some kind. They had two kinds of attachments one its seemed would fit two miniature crossbow bolts. Liked those the drow used in there hand crossbows, the other seemed to allow a single dagger to be attached. The entire contraption was heavily strengthen with more Mithreal metal. I had never seen Ryltar use either of these, but had seen him throw several daggers, I had assumed they were from hidden sheaths on his arm, I now figured that it was instead him using his wrist launchers to fire the daggers. I carefully removed them laying them next to his belt. I sat on the edge of the bed, and though it wasn't right decided to more closely examine Ryltar's gear. His scimitar's were emblazoned with the symbol of Clan Battlehammer, and radiated strong magical auras. Placing them back in there sheaths, I turned back to Ryltar sighing ."Stupid drow, I come back from the dead, and you decide to take a nap." I said mumbling slightly annoyed. I knew however that Ryltar's last true rest was months ago, and he probably had not slept well, since the fight with Morag. I lifted Ryltar up and using a Bull's Strength spell was able to get him into a robe instead of his amour leggings. A flush of embarrassment crossed my face as I looked Ryltar over, although we had made love many times, Ryltar and I had never truly made love, we would carrasess and hold each other, but we had never gone further then that. Looking Ryltar over now, I saw that he was truly the most perfect man any woman could hope for. "And he's all mine" I thought grinning. I readied myself for bed feeling my own exhaustion overcome me. I gently pushed Ryltar over to the wall and lay down next to him allowing the warmth from both our bodies to lull me to sleep.

End Linu

Elatueth (A/N: Linu's mother)

The priests had informed me of what had happened to Ryltar, and after finishing my duties several hours later, headed for Linu's room in the temple. I knocked on the door and waited for someone to allow me entry. Not hearing anything on the other side I slowly opened the door. Inside I saw Linu in her night robes, in bed with Ryltar, from the look of things she had undressed him and fell asleep. I was truly happy my daughter had found someone after Seth had died. Linu had told me how she had met Ryltar and what he had done for her, in his journeys, often pushing himself to his limits. I shook my head closing the door. "Oh the oddities life, brings us." I thought never in my wildest imaginations would I have thought my daughter would fall in love with a drow, of all things. I knew there were many that disagreed with Linu's choose. Many of those were previous sutors she had known growing up. Although Linu had had a string of bad luck throughout her life. I felt that with Ryltar guiding her there was nothing that could harm her. I slowly opened the door once more looking at Ryltar. His body glowed a faint blue. What this was i wasn't sure, he was hesitant to tell anyone about it and when questioned about it Linu had said that it was Ryltar's topic to deal with. I once more closed the door and left to return to my home.

End Elatueth

Several days later

Ryltar

I awoke amazingly refreshed. I saw that, Linu was laying next to me, quietly sleeping. As I tired to get out of the bed she woke up.

"It's about time you woke up, you've been asleep for four days, dear." Linu said to me.

I rubbed my head. "Sorry, I guess exhaustion finally caught up to me." I said.

Linu crinkled her face. She waved her hand. "And you sir are getting a bath! You stink, dear." Linu said to me.

I blushed, "Sorry, it's hard to bathe when you sleep." I said. Heading for the bath connected to her room.

I quickly stripped down, and started to wash myself. A sound at the door, caused me to turn around, there Linu stood in a very revealing robe. "Mind if I join you, dear?" She said seductively.

I grinned looking her over. "Not at all." I said as she moved towards me.

End Ryltar

Clen'aldan (A/N: Old friend of Linu)

I was walking up to the the temple of Sephaine Moonbow. I had heard the Linu was back in Evereska with a drow of all things. From the rumors it seemed she loved him, anger had filled my veins at those words. Many times in my youth I had tried to court her, and she had turned me down. I was happy and then sad for her when Seth had married, and then later mysteriously died on a quest. Now coming to the door of the temple I stormed in.

I saw Linu and the drow, named Ryltar studying several different books, the seemed related to ancient powers or something. The drow himself had a bluish glow about him, "No doubt some sort of charm magic to seduce Linu." I thought angrily.

I slammed my hand down on the table startling both, "So, Linu I see you've returned, and with a drow no less!" I said.

"Clen'aldan!" She said surprised. "This is Ryltar, dear." She said indicating the drow.

"I know who he is! My question is why you are with our most hated enemy?" I demanded.

Both stood up. Ryltar was several inches taller then I and from the looks of him stronger as well. "Well they say that the mightier they are the harder they fall." I thought readying myself for anything.

"Clen," Linu said using the shortened version of my name. "You must realize that I am not interested in you. I never was, dear. Your a good friend, but nothing more. Why can't you be happy for me? You were when I married Seth." She said.

"That's different, Seth was an elf! Not some evil backstabbing drow!" I said, anger welling up inside of me.

"Clen, I'm sorry you feel that way, dear, truly I am. Ryltar has done much to help me in my quests to find Sephaines Chalice, Seth journal, and the ancient oak seed that Sephaine wanted me to find." Linu explained.

I knew about the seed that she mentioned and what it meant to the person finding it. "This drow! This drow! HE'S THE ONE THAT SHALL LEAD US! A DROW!" I cried.

"Sir, while I helped Linu recover the seed, I have no wanting to lead your people. I am a simple adventurer and..." Ryltar began.

I snapped realizing the depth of the relationship between the two. "You whore! You slept with him!" I said accusingly.

Linu was taken back by my words. "Clen..." she began

A fast movement out of the corner of my eyes, and a second later I was on the ground. "In proper social circles it is improper to call a lady a whore! Apologize to her." Ryltar said.

I looked at him in anger. "I will do no such thing drow, nor will I apologize to a drow ... loving... whore." I said spitting the last word.

Several priests of Sephaine came into the room. Linu filled them in on what was going on. They broke Ryltar up and forced me to apologize to her. They both accepted my apologetic but in truth I didn't mean it.

"You'll pay drow, some how you'll pay." I thought as I left the temple

End Clenaldan

Several hours later

Ryltar

After the fight Linu and I had gone for a walk in the forests below, they were quiet and one path lead to a cliff overlooking the ocean below, I sat down taking in the suns rays and Linu laid back against me, in my arms. I sighed. "Maybe I should leave. I'm causing to many problems here." I said.

"Where would we go?" Linu asked.

I smiled at her words, happy she wasn't leaving me. "Well I thought I'd head back to Mitheral Hall, and then see if there isn't someone in these lands that could help me master my powers, or at least learn to control them." I said

Linu nodded. "That would probably be for the best, dear." Linu said.

I heard movement in the woods nearby, standing up I said. "Who's there!"

Both Linu's parents came out of the woods, both looked me over as well as Linu. "So you plan on leaving then?" Linu's father said.

I nodded. "Yes, I don't want to cause any problems here. I have many friends at Mitheral Hall, and..."

Linu's father interrupted me. "Mither Hall you say? My Ryltar, what interesting company you keep." he said laughing.

I thought on his words and soon joined him. "Yes I suppose your right, however they are my friends and I was curious with how my recent adventurers have given me further experience in fighting. You've heard of the drow ranger Drizzt Do'Urdrden correct?" I asked.

Both nodded. "Well when i left there several years ago, I was almost able to match Drizzt in fighting duels, I'm interested in seeing how I fair against him now." I said grinning.

"I understand. Ryltar, if you would follow me." Linu's father said turning and walking back into the woods.

"Umm... ok." I said following him.

End Ryltar

Linu

I watched as Ryltar followed my father into the forest. After they were out of ear shot I said to my mother. "Mother what is this about?" I said.

"Your father wanted to talk to Ryltar before he left, dear." My mother said. "And I wanted to talk to you."

I groaned knowing where this was leading. "Mother, please I'm 135 now, I'm not some child."

"I just want to know if I have a chance of seeing any grandchildren in the next couple of years." My mother said.

I choked and stammered at her words. "Chi.. Children!... Ryltar... I mean I.. .I mean we.. we haven't even... well."

"Relax dear I was only joking. You both take your time at it, were all elves, and lead long lives. IF you or Ryltar, aren't' ready for that yet, that's fine. I just thought it would be funny to see your reaction." My mother said.

"Oh, mother... then what's father talking to Ryltar about." I asked.

"Well..." she said grinning.

End Linu

Ryltar

I walked a few paces behind Linu's father not sure where we were going. He finally stopped and turned towards me. "Altars. you love my daughter yes?" he asked.

"Of course, sir. I'd do anything for her, even lay down my life to protect her. She means the world to me." I said.

"Good... thats' good. Cause you see Ryltar. You know that I am an arhcmage of Evereska correct?" he asked.

I nodded, "Yes, Linu told me about you and your wife." I said not sure where this was leading.

"Well in addition to being an archmage, I am also a compent fighter. Let me just say that if I ever find out that you did anything to hurt my daughters feelings. Well..." he said casting a lighting spell into the air. "I'm sure you get my point."

I gulped nodding. "OF course, I'd never do anything to hurt her."

He smiled changing topics. "Now then when can we expect grandchildren?" he said heading back to Linu.

"Grandchildren!" I stammered.

End Ryltar

Several days later on the road to Mitheral Hall

Linu

Ryltar and I were walking along a rough path, we were in a mountainous area several days from Mitheral Hall, it was getting dark and Ryltar, decided we should rest for the night in a cave that we found. Ryltar did some exploring to make sure the cave was safe while I setup camp for the night. I heard a few clashes of steal but it was quickly silenced standing up I pulled out my mace and shield. "Ryltar?" I said worried.

"Don't worry, Linu I'm fine, seems there was a scared ogre in here, she didn't want to talk so I had to kill her. Found a pretty nice belt though." Ryltar said coming out of the shadows.

I could see just by looking at it that it was magical. Ryltar probably could tell the same thing. "What is it?" I asked.

Ryltar looked it over. "It's a belt!"

"I know that, dear, but I'm sure you can tell that it's magical. Do you have any idea what it does?" I asked.

"No, I'm a druid ranger, not a mage." Ryltar said grinning. He took off his scimitar belt and prepared to put the belt on.

"Ryltar! You have no idea what that'll do!" I said. "Wait till we can determine what it does." I said

Ryltar looked at the concern on my face and nodded. "Alright. Fine." He said. Putting the belt in his pack.

After settling down to rest for the night Ryltar held me in his arms and I was soon asleep.

End Linu

Five days Later At Mitheral Hall

Drizzt

I was out patrolling the surrounding area of Mitheral Hall. I heard a familiar voice over the ridge of the next hill. "Dammit woman stop hitting me with that mace! I told you I wa sorry." the voice said.

"That'll teach you to try sneaking up on me." A female voice said.

It sounded like Ryltar. But I wasn't sure, so I headed into the trees, and await for them to come over the ridge, I didn't have to wait long as Ryltar and an elven female came over the hill. Ryltar starngely had a bluish glow to him. "Wonder where that came from?" I thought. I decided to wait till Ryltar was past the tree I was in, a faint sound off to my left caused me to glance that way. When I turned back, only the elven female was still walking. "Where?..." I thought, before feeling the point of a dagger in my back.

"Point, check, and match, Drizzt. Your dead." Ryltar said. I jumped out of the tree. As Ryltar followed me.

I turned to him giving him a warm hug. "HAHA, its good to see you old friend. I see you've acquired some interesting company? Tell me who is this fine lady?" I asked.

The woman came up to me. Ryltar said. "This, Drizzt, is Linu La'neral. Cleric of Sepahine Moonbow. She's a... close friend and companion."

Linu gave me a slight bow. "Its good to finally meet the famous Drizzt Do'Urden Ryltar had told me much about you, dear."

"Has he now?" I said raising an eyebrow, in Ryltar's direction. "And what pray tell has he told you?"

"Just that you were his mentor after he came to the surface for a time being. And that you were close friends. Why?" Linu said.

I laughed. "Nothing, it was just a joke." I said. "Come Ryltar, I'm sure the others will want to here of you latest adventures..." I looked around for Mayra, but didn't see her. "Is Mayra still with you? Or am I going to have her jump on me at some point?" I said laughing looking around.

Both Linu and Ryltar gave a said look. "She's dead. I'll explain how to you and the others when we get back." Ryltar said to me.

Ryltar's words struck me. "I'm.. I'm sorry forgive my words Ryltar, I wasn't aware of her... death." I said.

"It's ok old friend, you didn't know. Come I'm sure there is much to discuss." Ryltar said with Linu following him. As they walked by me I thought. "Keeping his feelings bottled up as always."

End Drizzt

Linu

I followed Ryltar and Drizzt back to Mitheral Hall, I could tell the Drizzt words on Mayra, had sadden him, but, he was dealing with the lose of Mayra well. "He'll recover in time." I thought.

After several more minutes of walking Ryltar, Drizzt, and I came to the entrance to Mitheral Hall the guards there gave me a quick look over but from a nod from Drizzt allowed all three of us to pass. Several dwarves walked up to us. "Eh, Ryltar? That you?" one asked.

After several friendly handshakes. Ryltar said. "Breuner it's good to see you my friend, how goes the mining?"

"Well enough, these young ones, here. "Bruenor said pointing to several young dwarves. "Couldn't find there way around rock if their lives depended on it." He looked up seeing me. "Eh, and whats this Ryltar, you finally get yourself a wife?"

Ryltar blushed in embarrassment, "A... close fringed and companion for now. Soon though." He said looking at me. I smiled back at him.

"Bruenoer Battlehammer, this is Linu' La'neral, High elf of Evereska. And cleric of Sephaine Moonbow." Ryltar said introducing me.

I gave a slight bow and curisty, "May Sephaine protect you kind dwarf."

"Bah, I've got an investigation fo elves here. Next thing you know there'll be more elves then dwarves in these mines!" Bruenoer said.

I looked at Ryltar obviously hurt at his words, Ryltar laughed as did Drizzt, Ryltar looked at me saying. "It's a joke, Linu, he's only kidding."

"Oh you'd like to think that wouldn't you elf?" Bruenoer said with a grin.

Ryltar mouthed to me "Another joke" I nodded.

A large male human and a smaller human female walked up to us around a corner. The red head say Ryltar and gave him a big hug. "Ryltar! Your back. What have you been up to all these years."

She backed off seeing me. "And who is this, eh?"

"Catti-bre this is my close companion Linu La'neral." Ryltar said once more interdoucing me.

"Close, eh? How close?" She said looking at both of us.

"Close as you and Drizzt." Ryltar said. I didn't get his meaning.

Cattie-bre and Drizzt both blushed at his words. "Well see things haven't' changed much around here since was last here." Ryltar said.

"Maybe not friend." Drizzt said. "but you seem to have. Tell us where did you get that bluish glow?"

"Yes, you must simply tell us everything that has happened since you left." Cattie-bre said.

Ryltar nodded, "All in good time."

"Come you stupid elves let's get something to eat." Brouener said.

Several hours later

"So Ryltar, what have you been up to since you left?" Drizzt asked.

"Well after I left, I headed for the Neverwinter woods. "Ryltar began, I paid closer attentions to this part because he had yet to tell me about this part of his life. "I...and Mayra," he said sadly. "We found a druid grove, several members there took me in a after a few years I was a trusted ranger, in their service. I saved many people there, put one day a male human named Jeffy, sent me an invitation to join the Neverwinter academy."

"Eh, the academy? What in the nine hells do you need to go there for?" Bruener asked.

"Well, it was to cure the plague that was spreading across the city." Ryltar said.

"Things obviously didn't go well for ye, evidently?" Catti-bre said.

"No, the academy was attacked and I was the only survivor that was willing to continue helping the city." Ryltar explained.

"So what happed then?" Drizzt asked.

"Well do you want the long version or the short version?" Ryltar asked.

"Ay, give us the long version it'll give us time to savior this tale." Bruenor said.

"You haven't changed friend." Ryltar said shaking his head. "Very well. Don't' blame me if you fall asleep."

Two hours later

"So after Linu and I headed left Evereska, we headed here." Ryltar said finishing his tale.

"That... that's amazing what you did. It explains your blue glow. It's a gift from the gods right?" Drizzt asked evidently impressed with Ryltar's adventures.

"That I'm not sure. I'm not exactly sure where it comes from. For now let's just say its my inner strength trying to get out." Ryltar said with a grin.

Drizzt stood up. "Ryltar why don't you follower me. We can discuss some thing in private."

Ryltar looked at me. I nodded. "Go, dear I'll see you later."

Ryltar gave me a quick kiss and headed after Drizzt.

"Ya, love him don't you?" Cattie-bre asked me. After everyone else had left.

"Yes, I do. He's amazing isn't he?" I said looking at where Ryltar had left.

"Yes, he is. I met him shortly after Drizzt came here, with him. They're so much alike. Drizzt and Ryltar." Cattie-bre said.

"What do you mean, dear?" I asked.

"There fighting style, there love of nature, there speed. There lust for adventure and helping people. Ye surely have seen it, can't ye?" She asked me.

Thinking over what she had said, and what I knew of Drizzt. I nodded. "Yes, I suppose you are correct, dear." I sighed.

"Something bothering ye?" She asked.

"Ryltar's gift, power, whatever. When he gets under huge amounts of stress, he has a hard time controlling himself. I'm worried that he'll do something dangerous one of these days." I explained.

"He's a strong, intelligent, and charming man. He's got a good head on his shoulders. Ye shouldn't worry to much, it'll only make things worse. Be concerned for him, but don't ye let yourself become so concerned that it causes even more stress for him." Cattie-bre said.

I nodded, "You are correct, dear... If I may ask is there something between you and Drizzt?" I said.

She blushed a deep red. "I was wondering if ye would ask that."

"Forgive me I didn't mean to intrude on something private, dear." I said putting my hands up.

"No, no, it's commonly known that I love Drizzt, and I know he loves me. But I guess... well were both to embarrassed about it to admit it." Cattie-bre said with a laugh.

I told her about what happened with Ryltar and I in nEverwinter, "It took his death to convince me that I loved him. I was lucky he came back, because if he hadn't not only would all of the north be under the rule of Morag. But more importantly I would never have gotten to tell him that I love him." I explained.

"Ye are correct, but Drizzt is more complicated then that. There be more to it then just simple admittance. But I'll think on what ye said. If you'll excuse me." she said standing up.

I stood up as well, saying. "I have only one other question dear, where is Ryltar and my room?"

"Down theee hall, second door on your left." Cattie-bre explained.

"Thank you, dear." I said ending in the direction she pointed.

End Linu

Ryltar

I was following Drizzt outside once more. He seemed to have something on his mind.

"Old friend you seem... bothered by something, is there something I can do to help?" I asked.

Drizzt laughed. "It's nothing really, embarrassing to say the least."

"It's about you and Catti-bre isn't it?" I asked.

"Is it that obvious?" Drizzt asked.

"Not really but from the way you looked at her and Linu and I. I figured it had to be along those lines. So tell me what is it? Did you finally tell her you love her?" I asked.

"No, it seems were both to embarrassed to admit our feelings to the other. I know she loves me and I love her but..." Drizzt trailed off.

"It's cause she's human isn't it?" I said.

"More or less." Drizzt replied.

I placed a comforting hand on Drizzt's left shoulder. "Look friend you shouldn't allow the fact that you will probably outlive everyone here, to come between you and who you love. You both know you love the other, just because she won't always be there due to your races. Shouldn't stop you from loving each other." I said making a grin. "Besides, I knew she had the hots for you since the day we came here."

"What!" Drizzt said surprised.

"You didn't realize? Even when she married Wulfgar? She still loved you. By the Gods man are you blind!" I said surprised.

"I... I guess so." Drizzt said laughing. He shook his head looking me over. "Tell me, has your fighting style improved at all?"

"Improved? Why I could probably kick your butt now." I said grinning.

"Really! Do you wish to prove that statement." Drizzt said backing up form me and pulling out his scimitars.

"I was wondering if you'd ask." I said pulling out my own.

"No stopping to till one of us gives agreed?" Drizzt asked.

"Just like old times then, eh?" I said smiling.

"Just like old time.." Drizzt echoed as we clashed our weapons together.

End Ryltar

Catti-bre

I was once more with Linu, walking outside with her. It was several hours later, and as we came to the exit of Mitheral Hall, we both heard the clash of weapons. Pulling out my own weapon, as Linu did the same we headed off in the direction of the battle.

It didn't take us long to find Ryltar and Drizzt, dueling. "They better be dueling." I thought sure that that was what was happening in front of my eyes.

"We should stop them, dear. They could get more injured then they already are.!" Linu said moving to interrupt them. I held out a hand stopping her.

"Ye, would only cause them to hurt the other by interurrpting them, they did this all the time for hours, when Ryltar was still with us." I explained. "Want to bet on who'll win?"

Linu gave me a smug look. "Your on, dear. Ten gold says Ryltar wins."

I laughed. "Very ye well, ten gold says Drizzt wins." I said confidently recalling how Drizzt nine out of ten time won their duels. "By the gods Drizzt, ye better win." I though not wanting to loose any money.

End Catti-bre

Drizzt

Ryltar and I had been dueling for over four hours and neither of us were backing down. We both had numerous marks on our bodies from light cuts to light wounds. I had a harder time blocking Ryltar's attacks at first, he seemed to have learned how to balance between using his great strength and speed. "It's about time he learned something." I though with a smile.

I raised my left scimitar parrying away Ryltar's attack. My right one came in towards his neck, while I saw that my own was exposed to his own left scimitar which he had lowered below my left scimitar and was now bringing it towards my neck. We both stood stunned looking at each other as we froze. We both had our opposing scimitars at the others neck. "Shall we call it a draw?" Ryltar said with a laugh.

I nodded. As we both backed away from each other. "A draw!" several voices cried.

Ryltar and I both turned to look up the ridge, and saw that Linu, Cattie-bre and several dwarves including Bruenor were watching our duel. "Ye stupid elves... fight!" Bruenoer cried.

Ryltar and I each gave a bow I said " Sorry old friend but it seems I finally have found my equal. Even Enteri couldn't have lasted this long." I said looking at Ryltar in a new light. He had learned much from me. But it was obvious that his own journeys had given him experiences that I could never have taught him. A smile came across my face. "Seems you finally found yourself, eh? Ryltar?" I said.

"Only thanks to you old friend you taught me much." Ryltar said shaking my hand.

Somewhere deep down, I knew that Ryltar's journeys and adventures were far from over.

End Drizzt

(A/N: Thought this was a good place to stop. Long chapter I know. I said that short ones till Shadows of undertide started but I combined two of them into one. SO your getting a two for one deal. Act know and get a free oil change! Chapter 25 will start SOU so stay tuned for that. For info Ryltar is now level 18, and for those that asked. Aribeth WILL be in HOTU. Can't wait to write deekin he's the best to write for! Chapter 25 by fri at the latest hopefully)