Chapter 7 Chapter 5 Homecoming

Drizzt felt eyes watching him.It was the look of the elf's eyes from behind the ready-to-shoot arrow.The ranger continued on through the Moon Forest without hesitation, his weapon concealed, the hat of his green cloak thrown back, revealing his long, thick silver hair and ebony complexion. The sun lazily passes through the dense and lush branches and leaves, printing yellowish round spots in the forest.Drizzt did not avoid those light spots, and showed the surface elves that he was just an ordinary elf who also loved the warmth of the sun.The forest paths are spacious and peaceful.Quite unusual for a place that was supposed to be wild and dense.Minutes counted into hours, and as the forest closed in on him even deeper, Drizzt began to wonder if he could get out of the Moon Forest without incident.Of course he didn't want to cause trouble, but he just wanted to move on and complete his mission.

After a while, he walked into a small clearing.Several logs were arranged in a square frame around a fire pit made of a pile of stones.Drizzt knew that this was no ordinary campsite, but an open meeting point, a resting place for those who respected the sovereignty of the forest and the creatures it sheltered. Drizzt inspected the trees along the perimeter of the camp.Looking into the bushes at the foot of a huge oak tree, the drow saw several markers.Although time has blurred their boundaries, one mark is still recognizable as an erect bear, the other as a wild boar.This is the sign of the ranger, nodded approvingly, Drizzt then searched the thick branches at the root of the bushes, and finally found a hidden hole.Carefully he reached in and hauled out a packet of food, a hatchet, and a skin of good wine.Drizzt ordered just a small glass of wine, regretting that he couldn't leave anything for the secret cache.For on his long journey to the perilous Underdark, he needs all the supplies he has and more.

After hacking away some dead wood nearby with the hatchet, he put all his storage back in place, then lightly carved his ranger's mark in the moss at the base of the trunk: a unicorn.Then he sat down on the nearest log and started a fire to cook. "You're no ordinary drow." A musical voice came from behind him before his meal was ready.Elvish, for the tones are more melodic than the speech of men. Drizzt turned slowly, knowing that there were probably several bows pointed in his direction from various angles at this moment.Before him stood a solitary elf.It was a young maiden, younger even than Drizzt, though Drizzt had only lived a tenth of his life.She wore forest-colored clothes, a green cloak similar to Drizzt's, brown tunic and leggings, a longbow slung lightly over her shoulders, and a rapier at her waist.Her black hair shone like a green glow, and her complexion was pale as if reflecting blue light.The eyes are also bright and sparkling, aqua blue dotted with gold spots.It was a silver elf—a month elf.Drizzt recognized it.

During the years he lived on the surface, Drizzt Do'Urden hardly encountered a few surface elves, and all the ones he met were gold elves.He only encountered a moon elf once in his life.It was on his first trip to the surface that the kinsmen together launched a dark elf raid on a tribe of elves.As he faced the sweet creature, memories of that terror came flooding back.Only one month spirit survived that encounter, the young child that Drizzt secretly hid under his mother's dismembered body.This act of treachery against the evil drow had dire consequences, causing Drizzt's family to fall from favor with the goddess Lolth, and, ultimately, cost Zaknafein, Drizzt's father, his life.

Drizzt faced the moon elf again, a girl of about thirty with shining star eyes.The ranger felt that the blood on his face seemed to be drained dry.Could this be where he and the drow commandos had been? "You're no ordinary drow," the elf said again, still speaking in Elvish, her eyes blazing dangerously, and her tone became stern. Drizzt dropped his hands at his sides.He realized what he had to say, but he couldn't think of a word—or all the words were stuck in his throat, and he couldn't speak. The elf girl's eyes narrowed, her jaw trembled slightly, and her hand instinctively dropped to the hilt of the sword.

"I'm not the enemy," said Drizzt, finding himself either talking or fighting.The latter seems more likely. The moment his lavender eyes blinked, the girl drew her sword and approached him. Drizzt never drew his weapon, just stood with his hands outstretched, his expression peaceful.The elf ran towards him, sword raised.Her expression changed suddenly, as if she noticed something in Drizzt's eyes. She screamed and shook her body.Drizzt, with sharp eyes and quick hands, rushed forward quickly.Holding her sword hand with one hand, and wrapping her arms around her tightly with the other, making her unable to fight any more.He thought she was going to catch him.She even bit him, but to his surprise, she fell limply in his arms, and sobbed on his chest.

Before he could say words of comfort, the tip of the sword was on the back of Drizzt's neck.He immediately let go of the girl and let the girl go, spreading his hands again.Another older and more serious elf with the same beautiful appearance came out of the forest, hugged the girl and carried her away. "I am not the enemy," Drizzt reiterated. "Why through the Moon Forest?" the elf behind him asked in Common. "Good question." Drizzt replied absent-mindedly, his mind still lingering on the strange elf woman, "I just want to pass through the Moon Forest from west to east, and I will neither harm you nor the forest."

"Unicorn," said Drizzt after hearing another elf's voice himself, probably from near the old oak tree.He figured the elf had seen the ranger's mark he'd left on the moss.The sword on his neck was drawn away.This made him breathe a sigh of relief. Drizzt was silent for a while, thinking it was the elves' turn to speak.Finally, he turned cautiously—to find that the moon elves had disappeared into the bushes, gone. The figure of the girl haunted him, and Drizzt wanted to follow them, but realized that it would be inappropriate to disturb them in their forest home.He finished his lunch quickly, and after making sure it was as clean as he had come, he packed his things and continued on his way.

After walking for less than a mile along the path, he saw a strange situation: a mottled black and white horse was already saddled, with a rein with jingling bells, standing quietly and docilely.As soon as it saw the drow approaching, it pawed at the ground. Drizzt whispered soothingly to it.The horse calmed down, even nuzzling Drizzt as he approached.The ranger could tell that it was a good horse, although it was not tall, it was well-proportioned and well-trained.Its fur has black and white stripes all over its body, and even on its face, one eye is surrounded by white, and the other is like a black mask.

Drizzt looked around, but couldn't find any marks on the ground.He supposed the elves had prepared the horse for him, but he wasn't sure, and he didn't want to steal someone else's mount. He patted the horse's neck, and then walked past.But after walking a few steps, the horse snorted and turned around, trotted a few steps and stopped in front of him again. Drizzt walked past it curiously repeating what he had just done, and the horse ran after him and stood in front of him. "Did they make you do that?" Drizzt asked directly, patting its nose. "You told him to do this?" Drizzt called out to the surrounding forest. "I ask the elves of the Moon Forest, is this horse for me?"

The only echoes were the chirping of birds startled by Drizzt's yelling. The drow shrugged and decided to ride out of the forest. The exit of the forest was not far away.He got on his horse and galloped along the wide and flat path. Later that afternoon he reached the eastern border of the Moonwood, where the towering trees cast long black shadows.Thinking that perhaps the Elves had provided him with horses only to get him out of their land quickly, he dismounted in the shade of the tree, and let him go back into the wood. A sound in the glade caught the drow ranger's attention.An elf on a tall black steed was standing outside the bushes, watching the road ahead.The elf put his hand to his lips and whistled sharply, and Drizzt's horse came out of the shadows at the sound.He ran back to Drizzt through the thick grass. The elf disappeared into the bushes immediately, but Drizzt did not mount his horse immediately.He understood, and the elves decided to help him, though in such a nonchalant way.He accepted their gift and rode on. Before setting up camp that night, Drizzt noticed that the elf rider was riding alongside him at a distance to the south, and it seemed that the elves' trust had a limit. ※※※※ Katie-brie has never lived in a city.She had passed through Luskan, and rode over the mighty and beautiful city of Waterdeep in a magic carriage, and traveled through the great southern city of Calimport.However, when she walked through the spacious, bright and well-carved avenues of Silvermoon City, everything she saw surprised her.She had been here once before, but then she was Artemis Entreri's prisoner, and she had no time to admire the graceful spiers and waving banners of the wonder city. Silvermoon City belongs to philosophers, belongs to artists, and is a well-known inclusive city.Here, an architect can let his dreams soar on a hundred-foot spire; here, a poet can sing his masterpiece on a street corner, and earn a living on the rewards thrown by passers-by. Forget about the rigor of the task and the cognition that she will step into darkness, Catti-brie smiled.She understood why Drizzt often visited the city from Mithral Hall; she had never imagined that the world could be so colorful. On a whim, the young woman walked towards the wing of a building and down a dark but neat alley.She took out the cobblestones where the panther statue was resting in front of her. "Come on, Guenhwyvar," Catti-brie said softly.She didn't know if Drizzt had brought a black panther to this city before, and she didn't know if it would violate any rules, but she believed that Guenhwyvar was familiar with this place, and she also believed that in Silvermoon City, she could do whatever she wanted. A gray mist surrounded the statue, spinning, and finally taking shape.Standing in front of her was the great panther, a six-hundred-pound jet-black muscular cat, its shoulders higher than Catti-brie's waist.It shook its head from side to side trying to figure out where they were. "We're in Silvermoon City." Catti-brie whispered. The black panther shook his head as if he had just woken up, and let out a low growl calmly. "Come closer," said Catti-brie. "Stay with me. I don't know if you've been here, but I think I should at least show you this place." The panther rubbed against Katie-brie's leg, then moved away, apparently asking her to follow, with Catti-brie immediately following.Many people looked at this strange pair, the dusty woman and her distinctive companion, but the stares were not too extreme, and no one screamed or was scared away. Turning a bend, Guenhwyfa almost fell headfirst between two elves who were talking.They immediately jumped back and looked at the young lady in the direction of the panther. "Wonderful!" said one of the elves in a singing voice. "Excellent." Another agreed.He held out his hand slowly to the panther, testing its response. "Is that okay?" he asked Catti-brie. She didn't think there was any harm, so she nodded in agreement. When his slender fingers touched the panther's muscular neck, the elf's face lit up.He looked at his hesitant companion and grinned all the way to his ears. "Oh, buy the cat!" said another excitedly. Catti-brie was extremely displeased.Guenhive's ears flattened, and he let out a roar that echoed throughout the houses in the city. Catti-brie had known that elves were always fast on their feet, but before she could explain, the two elves were gone. "Guan Haifa!" She whispered in Black Panther's ear. The big cat raised its ears.The panther turned and stood up, resting its broad paw on Catti-brie's shoulder.It rubbed its head against Catti-brie's smooth cheek.Catti-brie had to struggle to keep her balance, and it took a while for Black Panther to understand that she had accepted its apology. They continued on their way amidst pointing fingertips and curious stares, and as they made their way, more than one person ran across the street to make way.Catti-brie felt that they had taken too much control, and regretted calling Guenhwyvar out at the first stop.She wanted to send Guenhwyvar back to the Astral Plane.But it's bound to be more eye-catching. So after a while, when a large group of armed guards in silver and blue uniforms surrounded her at an appropriate distance, she didn't find it strange. "The Panther is with you," one of them asserted. "It is Guenhwyvar," Catti-brie replied. "My name is Catti-brie, daughter of Bruno Warhammer, the eighth king of Mithril Hall." The man smiled and nodded, and Catti-brie breathed a sigh of relief. "This is really that drow's big cat!" a guard shouted without thinking.He immediately blushed with shame at his inappropriate yelling.Glancing at the leader, he quickly lowered his head. "Ah, yes. Kate is a friend of Drizzt Do'Urden," Catti-brie replied. "Is he in town at the moment?" she couldn't help asking.It stands to reason that she should have left this question to Alustriel, and the lady might be able to give her a more complete answer. "I have not heard of it," replied the captain of the guard, "but Silvermoon is still proud of your visit, Princess of Mithril Hall." He bowed deeply, and Catti-brie shy flushed, she was not used to this kind of reception - or rather.not feeling well. She hid her disappointment at the news well, reminding herself that finding Drizzt would not be so easy.Even if Drizzt had entered Silvermoon City, his actions were likely to be very stealthy. "I've come to speak to Ms. Eslage," Catti-brie explained. "You should have been escorted here by the city gate." The captain of the guard grumbled, a little annoyed at the lack of normal diplomatic etiquette. Catti-brie understood his displeasure, realizing that she was probably causing trouble to the soldiers of the Invisible Moon Bridge across the River Raven. "They don't know my name," she added hastily, "and they don't know what I'm up to. I think I'd better come and see for myself." "They haven't questioned such a—" He wisely stopped just in time for the word "pet" and changed his words, "A black panther?" "Xiaoguan wasn't with me at that time." Catti-brie replied without thinking.Then she immediately grimaced, thinking that this might raise a hundred questions. Fortunately, the guards did not delve into the matter.They had heard enough descriptions of this passionate girl to believe that it was the daughter of Bruenor Warhammer.Keeping a very respectful distance, they escorted Catti-brie and Guenhiffa through the city-state to Lady Silvermoon's elegant and charming palace beneath the west wall. Alone in the waiting room, Catti-brie decided that it was best to keep Guenhuffy with her.It was better to have the Panther around, she thought, and if Drizzt had been here, or was still here, Guenhwyvar would feel it. Time passed without a wave, and the anxious Catti-brie became more and more impatient.She went to a side door, pushed it open gently, and saw a richly decorated bathroom with a bathtub, a gold-rimmed dressing table with a large mirror inlaid with various hair combs, Brushes, an assortment of small glass bottles, and an open jewelry box stacked with various colored powder packets. The young woman glanced back curiously, sure that everything was all right.So she came in and sat down.Picking up a hairbrush, she strenuously combed through the tangled thick red-brown hair, thinking that she should show her most beautiful side in front of Ms. Silver Moon.When she noticed the stains on her face, she frowned, quickly dipped her hands into the basin, and then raised her hands to wipe off the stains vigorously.While wiping it off, a smile appeared. She peeked out of the waiting room again to make sure no one had come in.Guan Haifa was lying comfortably on the ground, raised his head and roared. "Oh, shut up." Catti-brie slipped back into the bathroom, examining the bottles.She uncorked a bottle and sniffed it. The strong aroma made her eyes widen in surprise.Outside the door, Guan Haifa roared again and sneezed.Catti-brie laughed. "I know what you mean," she said to the big cat.Katie-brie tried scent after bottle, some wrinkling her nose and sneezing in more than one, before she found a scent she liked.It reminded her of a field of wild flowers, not strong, but elegant, like the sound of spring. She almost jumped up and knocked the whole bottle of perfume up to her nose when a hand was on her shoulder. Catti-brie turned away, almost suffocating.It was Alustriel—it must be her! —with dazzling silver hair falling back, eyes clearer than any Catti-brie had ever seen—except for Wulfgar's blue ones.The memory pained her. Alustro was a full half a foot taller than the five-and-a-half foot Catti-brie, curvaceous and slender.She was wearing a purple gown woven with fine silk. Layers of clothes wrapped around the female curves, as if to hide her charming demeanor.A crown inlaid with gold and jade was placed on her head. Guenhuffa was obviously no stranger to this lady, because the panther was still lying peacefully, resting his eyes contentedly. Something was bothering Catti-brie that she couldn't explain. "Since we met last time, I've been thinking about when I can see you again." Elastra said softly. Catti-brie clumsily capped the bottle and tried to put it back on the table, but Alastrow put her long fingers around her hand (Katie-brie felt like a naive and stupid child at that moment!) , slipping the bottle lightly into the pouch around her waist. "Drizzt speaks of you often," Alustriel went on, "always with affection." The same thought haunted Catti-brie.Maybe it's unconscious, but Alustriel seems condescending.Catti-brie, in her muddy traveling cloak and matted long hair, was certainly uncomfortable standing next to such a remarkable woman. "Come to my room." Lady Silvermoon invited, "We'll be more comfortable talking there." She went outside and walked past the sleeping panther. "Come on, Xiaoguan!" Before she finished speaking, the big cat immediately cheered up, shaking off its tiredness. "Gate?" Catti-brie murmured.Except for herself, she had never heard anyone call the panther so affectionately, not even Drizzt.She glanced at the panther as she followed Alustriel out of the room obediently, feeling a little sad. The palace, which had at first struck Catti-brie glamorous, now completely bewildered her as Alustriel led her through its neat corridors and ornate rooms. Catti-brie kept staring at where she walked, very worried that she would leave two lines of mud on the polished floor. The squires and other guests - real nobles, Catti-brie thought - stared at the incredible procession as they passed, and Catti-brie dared not return those glances.Following behind the tall and beautiful Alustri, she felt very small, very small. Catti-brie was a little happier when they entered Alustria's living room and closed the door behind them. Katie-brie's eyes widened in surprise as Guenhive trotted past and jumped onto a thickly upholstered chaise longue. "Come down!" she whispered to the panther, but Alustriel just giggled as he walked by, casually laying his hand on the head of the big cat, which was lying comfortably, and motioned for Catti-brie to sit down. Catti-brie glared at Guenhwyvar angrily again, as if betrayed by him.How many times has Guanhiva plopped onto this bench like this?she wondered. "What wind brought King Bruenor's daughter to my humble city?" asked Alustriel. "I wish I had known you were coming. I could have made preparations." "I'm looking for Drizzt." Catti-brie blurted out the answer, and immediately toned down the sharper tone of her answer than expected. Alaszhuo's expression immediately became curious. "Drizzt?" she replied, "I haven't seen Drizzt in a while. I thought you'd tell me something about him, he's already in town or at least coming here On the way?" She suspected that Drizzt was avoiding her, and Alustriel was no doubt doing his bidding, but Catti-brie found herself trusting the lady. "Ah. Alright." Elastre sighed, obviously disappointed from the bottom of his heart.She perked up immediately. "How is your father?" she asked politely. "And handsome Wulfgar?" Alastriol's expression changed suddenly, as if he had just realized that something was very wrong. "Your wedding?" She asked hesitantly. At this moment, Catti-brie pressed her lips together with a sad face, "I'm about to visit Mithril Hall..." Alustria paused to look at Catti-brie. Catti-brie took a deep breath to brace herself. "Wullfgar is dead," she replied calmly, "and my father still remembers him. I came here for Drizzt, who left Mithril hall." "What's the matter?" Alastriol asked. Catti-brie stood up. "Guenhwyvar!" she yelled, waking the panther awake. "I don't have time for stories," she replied abruptly to Alustriel. "If Drizzt hasn't been to Silvermoon, I've wasted too much time, yours. And mine. " She walked to the door and saw it flash a blue light, the boards swelled and tightened against the frame.Catti-brie stepped forward and tugged at the doorknob, but failed to open it. She took a few deep breaths, counted to ten, then twenty, and turned to Alustriel. "I have a friend who needs me," she explained, her voice calm but dangerous. "You'd better open the door." In the days that followed, when she recalled that moment, Catti-brie couldn't believe that she dared to threaten the rule of Alustria, the largest and most powerful inland city in the Northwest. By!She actually threatened Alustriel, the most prestigious mage in the entire Northland! But in that moment, every word of this fierce young woman meant it. "I can help you." Alastriol suggested worriedly, "but you have to tell me what happened first." "Drizzt doesn't have that time!" Catti-brie roared.She tugged in vain at the magically locked door again, punched it hard, and turned to stare at Alustriel, who stood up and was walking slowly.Although Guan Haifa raised his head to watch the actions of the two, he still lay flat on the recliner. "I must find him," said Catti-brie. "Where are you going to find it?" Alustri asked back, and she walked up to the young girl unprepared. One simple question dispelled Catti-brie's angry threats.Where exactly?She hesitated.Where to start?She stood there helplessly, in a place with no sense of belonging.No one to rely on.Stupid.I just want to go home, to my father and friends.Back to Wulfgar and Drizzt, back to a time when nothing had changed... back before the dark elves invaded Mithril Hall.