Midsummer
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are the property of R.A. Salvatore/Wizards of the Coast ©. I don't own them; I'm just examining all their possibilities.
Chapter 3: Moonrise
It started with a soft rhythmic beat of drums, the signal for the elves around the party grove to stop their respective conversations and pay complete attention to the silver haired, green clad drummer who had appeared at the back of the circle. A blonde flute player in a flowing blue dress followed close behind with a soft, yet merry whistle; bringing all the elves to their nimble feet in a sprightly dance. When a black-haired elf in a flowing white tunic stepped to the side of his companions plucking his lute softly, all the elves in the circle were lightly stepping and swinging around by a partner's arm before stepping away, clasping another arm, and continuing this dance. Agile legs were fueled by spirits. Spirits were fueled by the light, lively music and the vibrancy of the full moon's rays on this Midsummer's Eve.
Nialian stood off to the side admiring this spirited dance, though he himself was unable to take part. After spending eight hundred years in the world, Nialian's legs were beginning to weaken, though he was content with enjoying the spectacle under the hanging quartz lamps and the bright full moon giving the darkened sky a shade of silvery blue. He stood and savored the tingling magic in the air as spirits were high and smiles spread over the faces of all his people.
In the midst of this dancing crowd, Nialian saw a flash of bright blonde hair and a rich blue tunic float through the crowd, skipping in step with the music and looking positively giddy. Innovindil was like a bright ray of moonlight as she danced in lively step by herself, staying close to the musicians who flashed her bright smiles. Eventually she skipped into the rest of the group, spinning on the arms of a multitude of partners before returning to the back of the grassy circle, skipping and dancing like a child. Nialian couldn't pry his eyes off his old friend, who had spent too much time in the blackness of mourning and now looked happy at last.
The old priest took his eyes off his friend for a second to glance at the rest of those few, mostly elder, elves who stood to the side and watched this gleeful spectacle with wide smiles, while some recent arrivals took a few seconds to stand and savor this scene before filing their way onto the grove. As Nialian watched the thinning crowd of onlookers, his green-gold eyes spotted a more unusual figure walking into the circle. On closer look, Nialian immediately recognized the white-haired, ebon skin gentleman approaching, followed close behind by a radiant, human woman with deep auburn hair. The old priest's smile grew wider, happy that Drizzt Do'Urden and Catti-brie Battlehammer had been able to come after all. He had heard some rumors of trouble between the two, though he hoped this meant they had joined tonight in love.
That idea soon faded as he realized Drizzt and Catti-brie walked apart; their hands at their sides and their faces grim, yet open to any pleasantries that might lift what Nialian assumed to be a sad mood that hung over them as they inched closer on the other side of the circle.
Innovindil found herself too wrapped in the dance to notice anything on the outside of her immediate area. The flowing moon energy gave her the greatest sensation of complete, unadulterated bliss she had ever known. She hadn't danced like this in too long, not since the war and the death of her beloved Tarathiel. Even her dance with Drizzt Do'Urden last year wasn't this free.
The same Drizzt Do'Urden who was now standing outside the circle and watching; arms folded around his chest and face in a look of calm amusement.
Innovindil's heart leapt into her throat, yet she flinchd away and immediately turned her gaze back towards the latest elf lord who clasped her arm. A minute later, she calmed herself again and allowed her glance to fall to Drizzt, finding herself momentarily lost in those deep pools of lavender before flinching back and finding another partner. She tried to resist looking again, but she looked again to find Drizzt was gazing at her; as was Catti-brie, who bore a look of interest, yet slight annoyance. She flinched back and started skipping around the circle by herself, raising her slim, yet well-toned arms in the air as she allowed herself to savor the music. It was a moment that also brought to mind that soft, ebony skin and flowing white hair…
A firm, yet gentle hand on her arm pulled her out of this reverie. Innovindil looked down towards the hand of her new partner; the gentle, ebony hand. She looked up; her blue orbs now completely locked into the pools of lavender that also managed to regard Drizzt Do'Urden's warm smile. He then pulled her arm and brought her into the dance, his nimble feet meeting the rhythm of the lively drums and trilling flute perfectly. Innovindil laughed and let her feet follow along.
This wonderful moment was almost like their first meeting last year; though they were now swinging on each other's arms in a dance of happiness meant to display their fondness for each other's presence only, her thoughts screamed. Occasionally her glance would land on Catti-brie, whose look of irritated amusement was still plastered on her beautiful face as her bright blue eyes were fixed on them. Drizzt yanked her forward, pulling her gaze and thoughts away from Catti-brie as they continued the dance; lost once again in their own world.
The drums gently slowed and the flute gave a trilling crescendo before the music faded into nothingness. The elves gradually stilled as the energy of the grove fully released. The dancers then bowed and curtseyed to their respective partners while clapping politely at the bowing musicians, who then stepped out of the circle in perfect step.
Without missing a beat, Drizzt embraced Innovindil warmly. Innovindil stopped and savored the smell of sandalwood musk in his soft white hair while wrapping her arms around his lithe, yet powerful body.
"It is so good to see you, my friend," he whispered in her ear.
She kept her arms wrapped around him, savoring his warmth and the smell of his skin in this beautiful moment; though maybe for too long. At this sudden realization, Innovindil pulled back, though in a more abrupt manner than she had originally thought. Drizzt's smile slightly melted into look of hurt, an expression that tore at Innovindil's insides. She looked over to see Catti-brie approaching and readied herself for the wall of negativity behind a pleasing tapestry of politeness.
"Happy Midsummer, Innovindil," Catti-brie said in a surprisingly gleeful tone, wrapping her arms around the moon elf.
Innovindil politely returned the embrace, yet she sensed no tenseness in Catti-brie's body at all. Her muscles were completely relaxed and her embrace was warm, yet not overwhelming. Innovindil immediately relaxed, feeling welcome in Catti-brie's arms and further soothed by the subtle aroma rose water in her auburn hair. Both eventually pulled back and all three began exchanging too-pleasant conversation about the warm weather and the affairs of the day.
Nialian tried not to look too interested in the conversation, only glancing occasionally and allowing his sensitive hearing pick up the rest. In the course of this casual observation, the priest noted every hesitant touch, every muted tone, and every tentative reaction both physical and verbal. His honed senses and instincts detected so many opposing emotions between these three individuals, an overwhelming aura of tension and hurt mingled with distant aura of love and desire.
In the midst of this observation, the spark of an obvious idea came inside his mind. A small smile crept across his lined, yet handsome face as the realization fully dawned: Innovindil danced and floated like a river, Catti-brie was at staid and rooted as a stone, and Drizzt floated about the proceedings like a lingering cloud, as a servant of the spirit witnessed. All corresponded to the elements, all corresponded to each stone, and all of their fates were united.
All that was missing was a fourth person; a fiery presence, most definitely a male, that would complete the circle. Nialian's smile widened as he wondered who that could be; whether already a guest at the party or someone who would arrive soon.
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"The moon is growing higher," Talina said, leaning against a tall oak tree while putting a hand through her black hair.
She had been on patrol around the western perimeter of the main party grounds and her legs, while well honed for battle, were beginning to ache after eight hours of continuous walking.
"I say we walk back to the barracks," Aithen replied, stopping and adjusting the tautness on his fine bow. "All looks clear and we should be relieved soon."
"Good," Talina said, returning to her feet and stretching out one leg. "I could use a nice glass of punch right now."
Aithen nodded in fervent agreement as a few flowing blond locks bounced with the movement as he walked past his partner, who joined him in the direction of the barracks on the outskirts of the village just a mile away. They walked for a few feet engaged in small talk, mainly centering on their plans for the rest of the evening. As they walked along the path, what looked to be a large, purple hat almost crawled in their direction from the outer brush.
Both stopped and stared at the moving hat, that occasionally produced almost chirping giggles. Aithen nocked an arrow and aimed while Talina's longsword was now in her hand. Both elven rangers then relaxed then two pairs of gossamer wings bobbed from the inside of the hat and two pixie bodies emerged from the brim with curious glances.
"Hello," both chirped simultaneously to both irritated, yet slightly amused moon elves in brown and green woodland clothes.
"Have you and your siblings been up to mischief again?" Aithen groaned.
"Mischief?" one pixie lord in leggings of holly leaves asked in feigned innocence, "no, we do no mischief."
His stouter companion, clad in a robe of daisy petals, squeaked and shook his little, green-capped head. The two elves glanced at each other and then looked back at the hat.
"Oh really," Talina said, "and this is your usual style of head ware?"
Both pixies looked at each other, then back at the elves shaking their heads with squeaks of denial.
"Not ours," the thinner pixie said. "A present to the elveses does though."
Both pixies started giggling as Talina and Aithen looked at each other again. This could not be good.
"We show elvses their present," the stout pixie said, flying from the hat with his brother close beside and buzzing down the path.
Weapons still drawn, Aithen took the lead while Talina fell behind looking down both directions of the path. The path then opened into a small clearing in the trees, where ten pixies of various dress stood and sat in branches and flew around the scene in interest. The elves also noticed that a few were carrying around various brilliant gold rings, while others flew away with long, gold chains. Aithen saw another pixie try to position a triangular shaped cloth adorned with a brilliant, red jewel over his head as a hat or over his body as a cape, thought the moon elf knew it was likely an eye patch.
On the ground was a small, humanoid form wrapped tightly in vines. Both elves looked at the bundle in confusion as Aithen came up further and Talina kept behind, her green-gold eyes scanning the small crowd of twittering and chuckling pixies.
She could not see the face of the figure, but noticed when her partner suddenly tensed and aimed his bow directly at the bundle and slowly drew closer.
"What is it?" she whispered.
"Mori-quessir," Aithen hissed.
Talina drew in a sharp gasp as she sheathed her sword and drew her bow, nocking an arrow and scanning the trees for any sign of an unseen, dark elf presence. She gradually drew closer towards the figure and soon caught sight of the unmistakable black skin and red eyes of the prone drow. His limbs were tightly wrapped in vines, yet his face bore a look of amused confusion. The dark elf then looked at both elves with a wide smile and nodded his bald head in recognition.
"Well, good evening, my fine fellows," the drow said cheerily in perfect Common.
"Who are you and what is your purpose?" Aithen barked, aiming his blow closer to the dark elf's head.
"We founds him in a twee," one little pixie lord squeaked.
The drow regarded Aithen calmly, before letting his eyes trail off in what looked to be an expression of contemplation as the pixies chuckled louder.
"My name and my purpose?" the drow said while squinting his red eyes in contemplation before giving an embarrassed laugh "You know, I was wondering that myself. Now isn't that curious."
"No games, drow," Talina sneered, drawing forward, "these woods are surrounded by our people and you and whatever associates you brought from your cursed caverns are greatly outnumbered!"
The pixies laughed louder so that it sounded as if the trees themselves were twittering. Aithen rolled his eyes and regarded the tiny crowd, knowing they were up to something.
"Umm," one pixie lady in a rose petal dress squeaked while bringing up her bow, "I don't thinks he'll be answering yous. We gaves him a little prick."
"You shot him with a memory erasing arrow?" Talina said politely, though in an annoyed tone.
The pixie maiden nodded her head fervently with a shrill giggle as her fellows cheered and laughed.
"Damn pixies," Aithen muttered in his partner's ear before turning to the rest of the twittering crowd. "I hope you all realize we could be surrounded by dark elves ready to strike at any second and we will not have any idea because our only reliable witness doesn't even know his own name let alone his company's purpose."
"Ain'ts no black elveses here," a small lord in oak leaf leggings piped up, followed by various head shakes and concurring responses.
"You scoured these woods and found no other drow?" Talina asked, felling slightly more relieved.
The pixies shook their heads with various chimes of "no," "uh-uh," and "just him."
Both elves breathed sighs of relief, knowing that the pixies were small enough and possessed the right powers to detect a troupe of drow, especially considering they were able to find this one. Their attentions then turned to the various coins and pieces of jewelry the pixies were hauling away; figuring none of them were of an evil purpose or else the pixies would not have touched them.
Talina raised a sapphire ring to her mouth and spoke a summons to another pair of elven patrollers nearby. Aithen put his bow back in the quiver and drew his sword, cutting the vines surrounding the dark elf. When his limbs were free, Talina produced a set of finely forged mithril manacles, enchanted to keep the prisoner's wrists comfortably frozen in one position, and locked the drow's wrists behind his back while helping Aithen lift him to his feet.
"Now that's a bit more comfortable," the drow said cheerily, stretching his legs and wrists, "but are these restraints really necessary?"
Aithen grabbed his left arm and yanked him forward as Talina trained her bow on the drow while keeping a watch on the trees.
"Farewell, my winged friends," the drow called back to the pixies.
In response, a hail of acorns and pebbles bounced off his bald head and the back of his ebony neck, causing the dark elf to wince slightly before continuing on.
The elves lead their prisoner a few feet further down the path when two more elves in leather armor and woodland garb came to them, flinching at the sight of the dark elf and drawing their swords.
"The pixies caught him perched in one of the trees," Aithen said. "There appear to be no others, but others could be on the way."
"We also have no clue who he is or what vile cause he represents," Talina added with a sigh. "He was struck with an arrow that erased his memory."
"I am certain Nialian Springleaf has an elixir to reverse the charm," Sialwe, a silver-haired warrioress added, aiming her longsword at the dark elf's chest.
"You should also know that Drizzt Do'Urden is in the village," Kelvir, a black haired lord whispered in Aithen's ear. "He and Catti-brie Battlehammer arrived a little over an hour ago. I say we keep the drow in the barracks and send for them. Maybe Master Drizzt knows this dark elf."
"A wise idea," Aithen replied, eyes widening with relieved enthusiasm. "Though do not cause a stir in the village. If anyone else learns of this drow's presence, it could be enough to cause panic."
Kelvir nodded and rushed back to the village as his three kin escorted the still-confused drow to the nearby barracks.
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Drizzt leaned back against the tree still maintaining passing small-talk with a few other revelers, though his thoughts had been on so many other matters since he first arrived.
With that first, awkward meeting with Innovindi, the theme of the night was firmly. Drizzt was not entirely surprised when Innovindil conveniently found some other conversations on the opposite side of the grove while Catti-brie hovered away a short time later. And so it had stayed for the past hour and a half; the two women maintained their distractions in separate, distant parts of the part circle while Drizzt leaned against this same tree, engaging in passing chit-chat, while sipping his third, no fifth goblet of wine, suddenly realizing why he was feeling significantly more relaxed since first arriving.
I should probably stick to the lemon punch from now on, he thought with a pained smirk as he took another hard sip on his silver goblet while watching Catti-brie engaged in deep conversation with a black-haired elf lord in blue wizard's robes. Catti-brie's fingers were now playing with the long, black braid that came over the moon elf's silk robe as Drizzt wondered what point she was trying to demonstrate with that gesture.
So here I am now, he thought; the great hero of the land slowly becoming inebriated while basking in the cold shoulders of my lady love and his one time mistress.
Drizzt crossed his arms and adjusted his footing to keep from further aggravating the sore muscles in the area of his left hip, which met the wrong end of an orc's club during the war and still pained him from time to time…like tonight of all nights. It was too perfect.
For some reason, descriptions of diplomatic matters with Silverymoon seemed a little more humorous, as both Catti-brie and her new companion were laughing heartily and gently clasping each other's arms for sympathy, or support, or a quick feel. Drizzt gave a brief chuckle as he slowly yet steadily drained his goblet.
Maybe it would be a good night for Catti-brie after all, Drizzt thought. At least one of us will have a relaxing evening.
He then looked at Innovindil across the grove, who was still engaged in conversation with a few more of the attendees. She had barely said a word to him in the hour and a half since he arrived. She seemed to be doing her best to avoid him, yet her blue-gold eyes would linger on him many times.
We do need to talk before the night is over, he thought to himself with a sigh; alone, in the woods, her gold hair shining in the moonlight…
Maybe it was only fair that Catti-brie find a male admirer that night, he thought. Why shouldn't she savor forbidden fruits, just like I did? Maybe what she did need was the physical comfort of another handsome, elven lord; someone who could finally agree with her.
In the midst of this painful moment, Drizzt's attention was caught by the steady shuffling of feet in his direction. Pivoting on his right heel, he looked behind the tree and saw a black-haired elf in leather armor walking towards him with a gait of purpose. Drizzt stood away from his maple leaning post and met the soldier with a nod.
"Master Drizzt, so sorry to disturb you," Kelvir said bowing, "but there is trouble on the outskirts of the village."
Orcs, Drizzt thought hopefully. I wouldn't mind cutting up a few orcs tonight.
Kelvir leaned in further and looked around to make sure no one else was listening.
"We found a dark elf skulking around the perimeter," Kelvir said.
Drizzt felt his stomach drop.
"He was caught by a large group of pixies, who say they found him in one of the trees," the moon elf continued. "He is in custody in the barracks and we thought it best to summon you for possible identification."
"I appreciate the summons," Drizzt said, "lead on."
With calm, yet hurried gaits, Kelvir lead Drizzt away from the party and into the woods.
"Have any more been spotted?" Drizzt asked louder, looking back and making sure he was far enough away from the rest of the party.
"None thus far," Kelvir replied. "The pixies are everywhere. If they caught the one in the first place, we figured the rest were at least a good distance behind if not absent altogether. However, I do not think we are dealing with any sort of a patrol. This one was wearing surface clothing and we found neither armor nor any insignia of allegiance to Lolth or Vhaeraun. We do know he is of an evil disposition, otherwise the pixies would have left him alone."
"Possibly a spy, then," Drizzt added.
"If he is a spy, his company did a rather poor job of attiring him. His clothes were courtlier and my fellows found this rather large, plumed hat next to his person."
Drizzt stopped in his tracks and gave a muted groan, not knowing whether he wanted to laugh or weep.
"We suspected he may be a wizard or other type of caster," Kelvir continued, "though he radiated no magic. He was, however, in possession of several pieces of magical jewelry, which the pixies claimed before we discovered him."
"He did not perchance to have a shaved head, did he?" Drizzt asked, though he knew full well who this was.
"Like a ball of polished onyx," Kelvin replied. "Are you familiar with a drow of this description?"
"Very much so," Drizzt said, "though if it is who I think it is, there is no danger here."
Drizzt continued down the path with Kelvir close at his side. Barely a few seconds later, the two arrived at a small hut with constructed with various shaved logs. No door was visible and the entire exterior was painted like a wall of ivy, allowing the structure to blend in with the brush. Kelvir placed a small leaf pendant from around his neck on the wall. A simple door faded into view and opened, allowing him and Drizzt to walk through.
Drizzt stepped inside the relatively spacious area adorned with various green tapestries with armor and weapons hanging from hooks on the walls. He nodded in greeting to the two moon elf soldiers standing on both sides of the room before looking down to the dark figure seated on a wooden bench with his hands behind his back, likely tied or manacled.
"By the gods," Drizzt groaned with an involuntary laugh, putting his head in his hands for a second before composing himself and looking directly at Jarlaxle.
"You appear to also be a dark elf," Jarlaxle said tentatively with a confused, yet cheery expression. "Have we met before?"
"He was struck with a pixie's memory arrow," Naithen said, coming over to Drizzt. "His memory was completely erased. He doesn't even know his own name let alone why he is here. Sialwe returned to the village to find Nialian. Just one potion and his memory can be restored. In the meantime, I take it you know this drow."
"His name is Jarlaxle," Drizzt said, "an unaligned surface rogue and seasoned mercenary. I assure you, Jarlaxle is more scoundrel than villain and his presence poses no danger. However, his only known companion may also be in these woods and he is indeed a villain. I ask for you and your soldiers to be on the look-out for a small human man of obvious Calishite blood. He carries a sword and an ornate dagger with an emerald in the hilt. This man is completely dangerous, so use caution."
"I will go out and alert the other patrols," Talina said coming forward.
"Whatever happens, do not bring this matter to the attention of the villagers," Drizzt said, "it could cause panic and further alert any unwanted parties."
"Absolutely," Talina said with a nod as she walked through the door, only to be pushed aside by a new figure coming in.
"Catti-brie, what are you doing here?" Drizzt asked pointedly.
"Someone told Nialian there was trouble and he sent me to investigate," Catti-brie said in an irritated tone. "He will be along shortly."
Catti-brie stepped further into the cabin and looked beyond Drizzt's shoulder to see…
"You bastard!" she growled, drawing her sword, shoving Drizzt's shoulder aside and rushing before Jarlaxle. "What in the Nine Hells brings your ugly face here, you parasite?"
Drizzt grabbed Catti-brie's sword arm and held her back as the moon elves came forward in defensive positions. Drizzt's grasp was hard, yet she struggled violently and continued to lunge at Jarlaxle.
"Pardon me, my lady, but have a wronged you in some way?" Jarlaxle asked; his expression more confused.
"Wronged me, ye slimy son of an ooze?" Catti-brie hissed, gaining back her dwarven accent in a rage as she tried to break from Drizzt's grasp, which was now locked on her other arm. "Let me go and I'll slam me fist so far in his mouth he'll have teeth comin' out his arse!"
"Catti-brie calm down," Drizzt growled, yanking her back around to face him. "He was hit with a pixie memory charm. He remembers nothing and when Nialian arrives, we will find out why he is here. In the meantime, please get a hold of yourself. If you can make any contributions, then stay if you are just going to rave, go back to the village."
"Fine," she said through gritted teeth, sheathing her sword and forcing herself to calm slightly, though her rage was far from spent.
Catti-brie broke Drizzt's grasp and used her whole side to shove him…right against his still-sore hip. Drizzt gave a shrill gasp as the wave of pain shot through his muscles.
"Bitch!" he thought…out loud apparently, judging by the death glare from Catti-brie, the raised eyebrows of the elves, and Jarlaxle's giddy chuckle.
Catti-brie turned and walked from the hut as Drizzt felt the heat building in his face. He took a few deep breathes and managed to suppress the burning ache in his side while trying to calm himself down.
"I guess Catti-brie found the situation under control," a soothing, melodic voice said from the side of the hut.
Drizzt looked over to see Nialian Springleaf entering the hut directly through the wall and immediately felt relieved.
"I heard you apparently have an amnesiac dark elf in custody?" the old priest asked with a small laugh.
"An old acquaintance of mine slipped into these woods," Drizzt said. "Take this as an indication that your security forces are quite able."
"As are our faerie friends," the priest said with a laugh.
Nialian stepped past Drizzt and took a first look at the captured drow. Drizzt noticed the priest's eyes widened and his face dropped with what almost looked to be sad recognition.
"His name is Jarlaxle," Drizzt said carefully, noticing how Nialian's eyes closed at that name. "He is merely a mercenary and poses no real threat."
"I understand, Master Drizzt," Nialian replied, forcing a smile. "I have a potion that will restore his memory, though I ask all of you to leave me alone with the drow so I might exact some information from him."
"Of course, my friend," Kelvir said, nodding and walking towards the front-most door with Aithen following behind.
Nialian's gaze fell to Jarlaxle, who merely nodded and smiled in recognition. The priest heard the door close, yet was aware a presence was still in the room. He looked back to find Drizzt still standing by the door, his arms folded.
"Nialian, Jarlaxle is an honorable man," Drizzt said softly. "A drow sellsword with a wicked reputation, yes, though he is little like our kin. Catti-brie and I owe him many life debts and I have come to consider him a friend. Please swear to me that he will come to no harm. I ask this not only on behalf of myself but also on behalf of my late father, who also called him a friend."
"Drizzt, rest assured," Nialian said with a tone of utmost calm while clasping Drizzt's shoulder, "I mean your kinsman no harm. I merely want to restore his memory and have a chat, nothing more. I have come to know that a friend of Drizzt Do'Urden is a friend of ours'. Jarlaxle will be in excellent hands, you have my absolute word."
"I honor that word, Nialian," Drizzt replied with a small smile, "and I will be assured."
Drizzt clasped Nialian's shoulder, gave a small bow, and turned towards the door with a last glance at Jarlaxle before opening the deceptively thin opening and walking out.
Nialian stood and faced Jarlaxle, feeling his old hands tremble slightly.
"Hello, my friend," Jarlaxle said with a profound bow of the head. "Have we met before?"
Nialian smiled and gave a small chuckle.
"Yes indeed we have," he said, removing the vial of healing potion from his blue robe.