Q. Sorcery 20 Of Gratitude and devotion to gods

Song: Where is the Edge (Within temptation's new album) I only care for elves, Never will i trust sick boys.

Felicia

Drizzt and I trust Ilks, and we will always be indebted to him. I am no longer homeless! The drow had been lonely for many years too. He had almost cried but faked that dust got into his eye. Ilkar said we would not likely be faced with enemies here, unless humans came to invade. "Conflict is unlikely. Seems the elves are more accepting of humans now. Humans render aid. I'm relieved." Eh isn't he one of the elves too? Odd phrasing, but apparently Ilkar didn't count himself in? I had tried to mention this but Drizzt would nudge me and change the subject.

Even though I looked human, the natives did not speak ill of me or worry about my motives. They came forward with gifts. I think it must be to my druid's talent for nature. Serif scooted around making people laugh with his antics and barking randomly. I followed my guardian to do healing. He would push himself too hard and I didn't wish to have a repeat of Ilkar in a coma again. Normally my friend instructed what herbs to get and I channelled the right amount of mana to ease fevers. For festering wounds with bugs, I wanted to puke. He would show me an example. They would bury deep and cause death if left untreated. Sometimes, even with my help, patients were many and Ilkar blanched. His relatives would come and make him rest.

"Why did humans hurt elves?" I had wanted to know. Ilkar's hazels glinted with sorrow.

"I don't know, they were cruel. That's why some of the older generation don't trust humans."

"But you trust them? I know, some are horrible. They chased me away."

"Yes. I have seen the kindness in the ones I have cared for." Ilkar smiled, peeling the potatoes. I was helping in the kitchen, and Drizzt was asleep. The heat of the midday proved unbearable for our dark elf friend. Some children still came to stare at both of us. "I don't regret that part of my life. I'm sad that my father and mother were not present to see what I've accomplished. If only they could have understood."

I noticed the old weary hurt in my friend's tone. My mind could not grasp the complexity. He was Excellent in his abilities. They must be very stupid old foggies, hags.

"Look at Serif, he's so happy!" I waved to where Serif frolicked by the river. Serif had ignored Ilkar's orders and changed into an otter now. The otter chirped, pestering a young boy for his fish. The boy fondled his smooth fur and gazed about where could he be from?

He grumbled. "What! Tell him to stop doing that."

"What?" I raised a brow.

His already slitted eyes narrowed. I tried not to laugh. "Conventional animals don't behave like this. We can't have anyone discover he's a familiar, Fel." Just as quickly as his temper heated, it cooled and the elf announced his potatoes were done. My duty to peel the bad leaves off my pile of greens had not been done yet. Nooo! He laughed.

"I win. You have to clean my home."

"Not aware there was any bet. No fair."

"It is. I just thought of it now." Ilkar stretched and spoke to the woman cooking. She was a cousin of his, they looked alike. The mage spoke to all, so I didn't get why Ilkar said he did not feel that he belonged.

We got introduced to Rebraal on his return from a trip. I immediately called him Rebbie. At first he simple stared. Being brothers, the tanned warrior did look like Ilkar except fiercer, and with bigger muscles. Also he wielded a javelin and had a pouch of many things. Ilkar translated, "Don't call him by that. He pardons you as we know each other." I sang myself a happy tune. Sitting at a small table, we began to eat with our hands. Other than meals together, Rebraal hardly spoke. He usually closed his eyes, knelt and whispered a lot of things.

"Should we do that too?" Drizzt wanted to know.

"No it is fine. Shall have to attend the blessing ceremony coming up though. Don't worry, I will speak on your behalf." Ilkar beamed.

We were going for the evening ceremony, they knew the drow's habits. I wore one of the female cousin's robes. Ilkar dressed in a blue, sleeved tunic that had no collar and brown pants. Instead of boots, he used sandals. "How do I look?" We clapped. Drizzt did not seem fearsome without armor, wearing a cream short robe trailing on the ground, but he still wore his belt with Guenhwyvar, minus the weapons. Drizzt pulled back his long hair in a tail. Ready to set off!

The biggest temple I had ever seen loomed in sight. I supposed it was about a quarter of an hour's trek. Among trees, small shrines were also scattered. People in beautiful robes were in rows left and right to greet the guests. A few wore leather armor. Ilkar walked in front and made a gesture, bowing. The Yniss statue was the biggest one in the centre of the building. Water flowed down from pipes to his various hands. Every pillar carved told a story. I asked my friend if he knew. We could still talk, albeit very softly.

Some were singing and chanting. "Later when we settle down, we can't speak anymore all right?" he whispered and gave Drizzt a meaningful stare. The drow smiled. It meant their conspiratorial agreement. "Don't do anything dumb. I will know," he warned me with a beam. I scowled.

"I won't. I'm good. Aw why cannot speak?" I pleaded softly with Ilkar, tugging.

He squeezed my hand. I noticed how he focused on what the rest were talking about, and the back of his shirt was darkened with sweat already.

"To be respectful, alright? We sit here at the back. Where's Serif?" Sitting was uncomfortable, kneeling on a cushion or cross-legged. I closed my eyes and narrowed down his location. River, house, scampering, then Serif slipped past the crowds and sniffed Drizzt. I watched Ilkar's head bowed in prayer, not seen him so focused on god before!

Drizzt looked around us, patting Serif. Out of the silence, some voices rose in chanting. All the people in front standing on a higher ground, wore white and I didn't understand anything. I felt sleepy watching them and leaned against Drizzt. Moments later, I felt a prod behind me.

Ilkar sighed. The person behind was rather old, wrinkled, with long beard, his stick prodded me. He muttered. Ilkar smiled and explained something. "He seemed displeased that you're tired. Bored?" he whispered. I nodded. Now the elf seemed less strained and stopped perspiring. Luckily after quite long, the audience could stretch and walk about.

The drow had not slept. Some disciples (I shall say this because I can't spell the other word) looked at him and did a prayer gesture. He responded similarly.

"Can talk now?" I asked evenly.

Ilkar indicated yes. "What's wrong? Are you sick?" At this, he seemed moved and shook his head, swallowing.

"I… I'm not. Can't say now. Soon it'll continue again. It's been ages and I didn't like the routine. Now, I feel my heart stirring." Ilkar blinked back tears. Serif looked up, concerned.

"Never mind. Can we change place? That man will be angry." I noted the fellow's position. Now he was grumbling about Drizzt which was very annoying. He pointed at our friend and talked to another person. Ilkar dried his face and went to settle the dispute.

"I am sorry. Come, we'll go there now." The other spot was better, close to a pillar and I touched it instead of looking at the proceedings. Everyone bowed their heads and sang along. Ilkar watched, rapt. I hoped he felt happy not sad.

Finally it was over! My legs were weak from being curled. "So did we pass?" Drizzt asked.

"Well, I salute you for your patience. It's not pass or fail, they actually judge me. Anyone bringing guests needs to be responsible for them. I hope so." The fair mage remarked quietly. I hadn't stolen anything. Serif watched a panther in the distance. I knew he was getting ready to change.

I grabbed his collar and he struggled to follow. No, boy. For once, he fought control of me and his conscience flared. But I firmly repeated no and finally he sat back, wagging his tail. "Do you remember the way back guys? I have to stay awhile," Ilkar spoke. He seemed worried.

"Why can't you come home too?"

He knelt and took me by the shoulders. "Fel, I will speak more later, okay? I don't want to…. Make a mistake with the elders." He turned to a woman Triene (their language) and indicated us.

"Drizzt I hope they aren't gonna make us homeless," I remarked.

"No they won't. But I think some of them will find fault with Ilkar. He said they often protest to strangers here. Especially I."

"Find fault?" I didn't get this part.

I took a bath. Then we sat together to eat fruits. I lay down on my mat and hoped Ilkar would be fine. I watched the door. When a figure stepped in from the shadows, I called his name. "No it is only me Cailchanar. I am here on Ilkar's behalf, he will be late."

This elf had a very thick accent.

"Has he eaten? He got sick before, please take care of him," Drizzt replied.

I did not sleep much and cuddled Serif. Had we burdened our dear friend? If so, we should go to the other kingdom where Drizzt said his friend a queen was. Finally, I heard footsteps returning and turned my head. The lamp was lit, Ilkar back! "Hey!"

Ilkar smiled and hugged me too. "Hello. Didn't sleep? It took a long while. Let me get changed first."

He came back to lie down beside me. Actually Ilkar had his own room but the space was too small for all of us. I think being considerate, he would look after us.

Drizzt was reading something with his keen sight by the fire. "I was worried that they kept saying you're both not elves. But I did not get angry. It's important to be calm. I didn't feel calm though. Then Auum showed up, he is a hero here. Auum gave his approval. He says the gods have shown a sign that a ranger and a druid are to be welcome."

"Oh good! Um, if we trouble you, we don't want them to hate you."

Ilkar frowned. "What? Of course not."

"If they hate you, tell us. We can't let you suffer like that. I could see your pressure."

Ilkar had fallen asleep. He had one hand out on my shoulder and breathed deeply. I kissed his cheek and moved closer, with a blanket over us.

Rebraal gradually listened to the common tongue and I heard him speak hesitantly.

For instance, I asked "how many cousins in the family?"

Rebraal frowned. I worried I had spoken rudely, but he led me to a wall. Several trees of people were traced. I counted five. "One gone, now Seran and Mokta left."

I nodded and bowed. "Where are they?"

His response was gesturing to the surroundings. So we returned to Ilkar's mat where he slept. Most houses had mats not beds.