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     “How could I been so foolish?” Rua’leen said to herself as took another small bite of dried meat. Many hours have past since the skirmish with Morrik, she had done as her father requested and arrived at Mithral Hall just as the sun began to wan. She had spent most of the time in her room brooding; she wished to be alone.

A few good meaning dwarves came by her door and offered her to join them for dinner but she declined.  Her mood left little of an apatite.
Yet as time past her hunger won out, she not had eaten since last noon yesterday.  So she made her way to one of the near by kitchens.

The room was empty, most were at this late hour. Only the one in the main dinning hall still had her cooks in her working on breakfast for the coming morning.  Rua’leen looked over some of its stores and found an apple, some cheese, and a few thin strips of what tasted like dried pork.  She took them and a skin of water to a table that was in an adjacent room.

As she ate she continued to dwell on what happen. She held no sympathy in her thoughts, Morrik got what he deserved, any decent person would agree; that was not what plagued her.

It was his words, not the insults those she hardly cared about them, but the ones he spoke as he left. “She’s as evil and wicked as any of her full-blooded kin.” Her kin, her father it was as much as an attack on his character as it was hers. What she did gave every xenophobe and bigot something to hurt him and all he’s done. She knows no one from the Hall would listen to such things but those in Nesme, where Morrik is held as an esteemed citizen, such words will narrow minds and darken hearts; Where new settlers will be told to fear her father as much as herself. Even the folk of Silverymoon, who are said to accept all, will give looks of suspension and distrust.

Her father was not the only one in her thoughts. What of her mother. She recalled a time when she was with her on a sort trip to Luskan. There her mother had endured endless gossip and insults and though she was only a little girl then she knew it was because of her, because she bore the child of a drow. What will others think now with Morrik’s words to fan their flames?   There was also Tos’un Armgo, The drow elf that now lives with the elves of the moonwood. They may not be related but he is drow and if a half-drow is wicked in ones eyes a full blooded one is evil incarnate.

In the past Tos’un was part of a group of four rough drow that worked in the shadows for gain. They where the ones, her father believes, that orchestrated the war between Obould and Bruenor but most would never know. Since that time he has changed. He now wishes to leave his past ways behind him and has done much to redeem himself and forge a new life. Dose not her actions hurt his efforts as well and would it hinder others to come who seek the same, to live a good life away from the darkness that has led so many others of her kin astray.

  “This dark mood doesn’t suet you.” Said a voice   Rua’leen Turn to the door way to see her mother standing their, holding her left wrist by her hips as she held a large case of sorts.

“It’s the only thing I can feel.” She reapplied. And Catti-Brie gave a frustrated sigh.

“I’ve dealt with enough self guilt with your father to know that you are not at fault.” Her mother offered.

“I’m I not?” Rua’leen said, “I’m the daughter of Do’urden whose blood mirrors his and actions taints.”

“Do you think your fathers name is truly that fragile that all the good he’s done will be forgotten by so little a thing?” Catti-Brie said back not liking where Rua’leen was going with her words.

“It’s not little, because who father is what he is,” She said with a raised voice “Am I not held to higher standers for the sake his name.”

“Would it rely be any different if it was someone else’s child?” Her mother said as she came to sit next to her, placing the case on the floor.

Rua’leen was silent for a moment as she thought.  “If it where one of Obould’s I supposes.” She replied.

“Well,” her mother began, “It almost happened with Allen and Krushk’s son.”
“You mean Skoul?” Rua’leen asked and her mother gave a confirming nod.

Ruaa’leen knew Skoul, he was a typical orc, big, aggressive and mean but he knows how to be polite when he’s expected to be.  Yet it wouldn’t take much to set him off.  She imagined the large orc strangling Allen Firth neck tell his head popped off and ,she admit, rather liked the image.
“I like to have seen that.” She confined, feeling more her self.

“There wasn’t much to see, I stopped them with a spell I had for just sort a thing.”

“You should have just sat back and enjoyed it.” Rua’leen said her head lying in hand with elbow on table.

“You and Bruenor both.” Her mother said

They shared a short laugh followed by some more talk about the day and her father’s new task along the moors.

“Do you feel better?” Catti-Brie asked
“A little bit.” She answered

“Well let see if this doesn’t help improve your mood further.” And as she finished motion toward the case she had brought.  Rather than bend down to pick it up, she held her hand out and whispered a few words and the case rose on its own. It hanged in the air for a moment before it moved over to lie on the table.

Rua’leen always enjoyed watching her mother’s magic at work.  She had once considered learning magic herself, but fond the ways of a ranger was more akin to her heart.

“I had plane to give you this on your birthday to-“Her began to say

“Today?” Rua’leen interrupted her mother.

Catti-Brie paused a recounted the hours and found it was well past midnight.
“Today”, she corrected her self.  Then with out another word she unlatched and opened the case.  Rua’leen’s eyes opened widely as she looked upon its contents.  Inside were two curved swords shaped much like her father’s scimitars just a hands length shorter. Their blades where bone white in color one, however had a red glow along the edge of the blade and the other had a reflective surface on its right side.  A small bulge where the hilt begins was offered as a guard. The hilts where made of leather straps and sinew and each ended with ring like extension large enough for her middle finger to fit.

She looked to her mother as she reached for them and she gave an approving nod.  Then she grabbed one in each hand and lifts them from the case.  The swords weighed as light as a knife, their balance was shear perfection.  Rua’leen could feel the strength within their blade and looking at them she fond elfish righting along the blade and read them out loud in common.

“Moon’s truth,” she said as she read the on one with the mirror side. “Red-ice.” she read on the other with the red glowing edge.  Grim thought entered her mind as continued to look upon Red-ice and, as if knowing her thoughts, the red glow grew brighter and fiercer.

Rua’leen stood up a walked a few steps away from the table. Her mother watched as she went slowly through a simple pattern guards and slashes. As she gain speed her sword Red-ice left a trail in the air with its glow and Moon’s truth shimmered with the light its mirror side captured. She continued her beautiful and deadly dance for many moments, in perfect harmony with her new blades. As her routine began to come to a close she ended with a mid thrust from Red-ice. A feeling of confidence and certainty enveloped Rua’leen. She gave another quick thrust and felt the sensation again, then she repeated the thrust five more times, each held the same feeling and as she paid more attention to her strikes she saw that they had stuck the same spot in the air each time flawlessly.

“You approve I take it?” her mother ask

“Oh yes!” Rua’leen answered “thank you so very much, yet?”
She paused for a moment.

Catti-Brie gave her daughter an inquisitive and bade her to continue her question.

“The swords are they? I mean what is this bone?”
She asked.

Catti-Brie smiled “Do you remember the tails about Icewind Dale and how Wulfgar became king of his people, and led them to our aid against the armies of Akar Kessell.

Rua’leen nodded “By challenging the former king Heafstaag after he-.”  She stopped mid sentence, a shocked expression washed over her face as she recalled the story.

“Are these?” she began to ask and her mother answered

“Two swords,” She said “Made from the bones of Ingeloakastimizilian.”

Rua’leen could barely contain her excitement.   Ingeloakastimizilian, known to most as Dracos IcingDeath, the white dragon Wulfgar and her father slain nearly thirty years ago. She could hardly believe it.

“I thought all the spoils where all spent.” Rua’leen said.

“Most where but a few of the remains came to the dwarves and I hade for some reason asked for one of larger bones.” Catti-Brie shrugged her shoulders “I supposed Dumathoin was whispering one of his secretes too me.” She said referring to one of the dwarven gods.

Rua’leen shook her head, “I Just… It’s almost too much to believe.”

“It’s real.” Came a familiar voice

Rua’leen looked see her father leaning in the door way. Her mother bade him to join them.

“And what would be better to keep our daughter safe on her travels then a pair of well forged dragon blades?” Drizzt continued has approached.

“So you knew of this.” Rua’leen said but in truth she already knew that.  All of Mithral Hall must have known that was why no one would offer her a new sword.

Her father smiled and shrugged as if he had no idea of what she was talking about.

Rua’leen smiled as well.  “And what do you mean by travels?”

Drzzt’s hand went into a small satchel on his side and pull out a small folded piece of paper.

“It is rather unfair to give such wonderful swords to someone without a chance to use them, so….” He left his statement at that and stretched out his hand for her to take it.

Rua’leen was hesitant at first; she did not want to put her amazing new blades down. She eventually laid Moon’s truth on the table but kept Red ice in hand.

“So you have a favorite already.” Drizzt whispered and a raised eyebrow told that his daughter had heard the comment.

Rua’leen took her fathers gift and unfolded in hand to see writing. She began to read it out loud.   “To one Rua’leen Do’urden by decreed you are offered free passage aboard the Sea Sprite.”  The note went on but Rua’leen stopped to look up at her father.

“The Sea sprit,” She asked “The same sea sprite you and mother sailed on?”

Drizzt nodded, “It’s not quit the same one.  Last I heard they remade it for their new captain after Deudermont past on a year back, But it is piece for piece the same vessel.”

Rua’leen smiled and read the note further.  “It says that I’m to be taken to luskan?” said with a puzzled look.

Bothe her parents understood her confusion, for luskan was actually closer to them than Waterdeep was.

“This is a special journey,” her mother began “one that will bring places new some old and….” Cati-Brie paused to let her daughter’s suspense build. “Some place white.”

“Icewind Dale,” Rua’leen answered her own suspicions “you mean I’m going to Icewind Dale.”

“Regis will meet you their and make arrangements for you to accompany a caravan to Ten-Towns.” Drizzt replied confirming her words.

“Well as your friends.” Cati-Brie put in.

Rua”leen wasn’t sure what she meant and her expression show as much.     Her mother elaborated, “You friends Jeskle and Mary from longsaddle wish to join you and will meet you on the way.”

Jeskle new too, Rua’leen thought and though she did not voice it she swore that she will punch him very, very hard.  She let the thoughts go, then had to ask “where do I go from their?”

“That will be up to you to decide.” Her father side, “You are no longer a child listening to stories it’s time for you to see the world and make your own.”
“This voyage we prepaid for you is just to get you started on the road that will lie ahead.” Her mother finished

“Thank you, both of you, thank you so so much.  I…”  Rua’leen said as her excitement and love of her parents swelled inside her.

“Father,” she began “Lets spar for a wile please.”
Drizzt laughed lightly “In the morning perhaps, it’s late and you should get some rest.”
“How can I rest when all this lies before me?” She answered back.

Drizzt under stood, Rua’leen was too full of emotions to fully come down. I was a trait not uncommon among those of half racial heritage, especially one with drow blood inside.
“I had hoped to have some time with your mother,” Drizzt started “If you truly need to expend some energy I believe the Gutbusters are up doing some late night training.”

Rua’leen wore a strange look on her face after she heard her father’s suggestion and stood for a moment looking back and forth from her father to her mother.  After a moment she slowly walked to the door still watching her parents and thought they both smiled neither said a word. When she reach the door way stopped looked at them once more and then with narrow eyes and a cat like grin, full of mischief, she ran out the door.

Cati-Brie couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh Drizzt what have you done?”
Drizzt gave a thoughtful look, “Doomed half the Hall to total destruction I say.”
“If only that.” She said back and Drizzt recalled the last time Rua’leen and Gutbusters decided to “train” together. He then began to question the wisdom of what he just said and the change in his demeanor brought another laugh from Cati-Brie, which he joined her in.

“We done well raising her haven’t we?” Cati-Brie asked.

“I like to think so.” He replied

“Perhaps we should have another; seeing how good we are at raising them.” She said

“Another?” Drizzt asked.

Cati-Brie stood up with her hands on her hips. “I’ve got plenty of years left in me for one.”  She said and wrapped her arms around his shoulders “With all that I learned from lady Alusriel I my even have enough to out live you.”

Though he did not say it Drizzt found he liked the idea, both of them.  As they kissed and held each other they walked back toward the open door. Dizzt back laid on it and when it closed he reached back and latched it.

**********

He sat on the mountain top a looked out crossed the land know as the Silver Marches.  I had been a long time coming here to this land, this world. His tiny clawed hand reached into the folds of his robes to produce a round device made of gold. He opened its top and looked at it.  “Not much time.” He said in a concern voice and looked back to the distance. The storm was coming and he still had so much to do.

Description
     “How could I been so foolish?” Rua’leen said to herself as took another small bite of dried meat. Many hours have past since the skirmish with Morrik, she had done as her father requested and arrived at Mithral Hall just as the sun began to wan. She had spent most of the time in her room brooding; she wished to be alone.

A few good meaning dwarves came by her door and offered her to join them for dinner but she declined.  Her mood left little of an apatite.
Yet as time past her hunger won out, she not had eaten since last noon yesterday.  So she made her way to one of the near by kitchens.

The room was empty, most were at this late hour. Only the one in the main dinning hall still had her cooks in her working on breakfast for the coming morning.  Rua’leen looked over some of its stores and found an apple, some cheese, and a few thin strips of what tasted like dried pork.  She took them and a skin of water to a table that was in an adjacent room.

As she ate she continued to dwell on what happen. She held no sympathy in her thoughts, Morrik got what he deserved, any decent person would agree; that was not what plagued her.

It was his words, not the insults those she hardly cared about them, but the ones he spoke as he left. “She’s as evil and wicked as any of her full-blooded kin.” Her kin, her father it was as much as an attack on his character as it was hers. What she did gave every xenophobe and bigot something to hurt him and all he’s done. She knows no one from the Hall would listen to such things but those in Nesme, where Morrik is held as an esteemed citizen, such words will narrow minds and darken hearts; Where new settlers will be told to fear her father as much as herself. Even the folk of Silverymoon, who are said to accept all, will give looks of suspension and distrust.

Her father was not the only one in her thoughts. What of her mother. She recalled a time when she was with her on a sort trip to Luskan. There her mother had endured endless gossip and insults and though she was only a little girl then she knew it was because of her, because she bore the child of a drow. What will others think now with Morrik’s words to fan their flames?   There was also Tos’un Armgo, The drow elf that now lives with the elves of the moonwood. They may not be related but he is drow and if a half-drow is wicked in ones eyes a full blooded one is evil incarnate.

In the past Tos’un was part of a group of four rough drow that worked in the shadows for gain. They where the ones, her father believes, that orchestrated the war between Obould and Bruenor but most would never know. Since that time he has changed. He now wishes to leave his past ways behind him and has done much to redeem himself and forge a new life. Dose not her actions hurt his efforts as well and would it hinder others to come who seek the same, to live a good life away from the darkness that has led so many others of her kin astray.

  “This dark mood doesn’t suet you.” Said a voice   Rua’leen Turn to the door way to see her mother standing their, holding her left wrist by her hips as she held a large case of sorts.

“It’s the only thing I can feel.” She reapplied. And Catti-Brie gave a frustrated sigh.

“I’ve dealt with enough self guilt with your father to know that you are not at fault.” Her mother offered.

“I’m I not?” Rua’leen said, “I’m the daughter of Do’urden whose blood mirrors his and actions taints.”

“Do you think your fathers name is truly that fragile that all the good he’s done will be forgotten by so little a thing?” Catti-Brie said back not liking where Rua’leen was going with her words.

“It’s not little, because who father is what he is,” She said with a raised voice “Am I not held to higher standers for the sake his name.”

“Would it rely be any different if it was someone else’s child?” Her mother said as she came to sit next to her, placing the case on the floor.

Rua’leen was silent for a moment as she thought.  “If it where one of Obould’s I supposes.” She replied.

“Well,” her mother began, “It almost happened with Allen and Krushk’s son.”
“You mean Skoul?” Rua’leen asked and her mother gave a confirming nod.

Ruaa’leen knew Skoul, he was a typical orc, big, aggressive and mean but he knows how to be polite when he’s expected to be.  Yet it wouldn’t take much to set him off.  She imagined the large orc strangling Allen Firth neck tell his head popped off and ,she admit, rather liked the image.
“I like to have seen that.” She confined, feeling more her self.

“There wasn’t much to see, I stopped them with a spell I had for just sort a thing.”

“You should have just sat back and enjoyed it.” Rua’leen said her head lying in hand with elbow on table.

“You and Bruenor both.” Her mother said

They shared a short laugh followed by some more talk about the day and her father’s new task along the moors.

“Do you feel better?” Catti-Brie asked
“A little bit.” She answered

“Well let see if this doesn’t help improve your mood further.” And as she finished motion toward the case she had brought.  Rather than bend down to pick it up, she held her hand out and whispered a few words and the case rose on its own. It hanged in the air for a moment before it moved over to lie on the table.

Rua’leen always enjoyed watching her mother’s magic at work.  She had once considered learning magic herself, but fond the ways of a ranger was more akin to her heart.

“I had plane to give you this on your birthday to-“Her began to say

“Today?” Rua’leen interrupted her mother.

Catti-Brie paused a recounted the hours and found it was well past midnight.
“Today”, she corrected her self.  Then with out another word she unlatched and opened the case.  Rua’leen’s eyes opened widely as she looked upon its contents.  Inside were two curved swords shaped much like her father’s scimitars just a hands length shorter. Their blades where bone white in color one, however had a red glow along the edge of the blade and the other had a reflective surface on its right side.  A small bulge where the hilt begins was offered as a guard. The hilts where made of leather straps and sinew and each ended with ring like extension large enough for her middle finger to fit.

She looked to her mother as she reached for them and she gave an approving nod.  Then she grabbed one in each hand and lifts them from the case.  The swords weighed as light as a knife, their balance was shear perfection.  Rua’leen could feel the strength within their blade and looking at them she fond elfish righting along the blade and read them out loud in common.

“Moon’s truth,” she said as she read the on one with the mirror side. “Red-ice.” she read on the other with the red glowing edge.  Grim thought entered her mind as continued to look upon Red-ice and, as if knowing her thoughts, the red glow grew brighter and fiercer.

Rua’leen stood up a walked a few steps away from the table. Her mother watched as she went slowly through a simple pattern guards and slashes. As she gain speed her sword Red-ice left a trail in the air with its glow and Moon’s truth shimmered with the light its mirror side captured. She continued her beautiful and deadly dance for many moments, in perfect harmony with her new blades. As her routine began to come to a close she ended with a mid thrust from Red-ice. A feeling of confidence and certainty enveloped Rua’leen. She gave another quick thrust and felt the sensation again, then she repeated the thrust five more times, each held the same feeling and as she paid more attention to her strikes she saw that they had stuck the same spot in the air each time flawlessly.

“You approve I take it?” her mother ask

“Oh yes!” Rua’leen answered “thank you so very much, yet?”
She paused for a moment.

Catti-Brie gave her daughter an inquisitive and bade her to continue her question.

“The swords are they? I mean what is this bone?”
She asked.

Catti-Brie smiled “Do you remember the tails about Icewind Dale and how Wulfgar became king of his people, and led them to our aid against the armies of Akar Kessell.

Rua’leen nodded “By challenging the former king Heafstaag after he-.”  She stopped mid sentence, a shocked expression washed over her face as she recalled the story.

“Are these?” she began to ask and her mother answered

“Two swords,” She said “Made from the bones of Ingeloakastimizilian.”

Rua’leen could barely contain her excitement.   Ingeloakastimizilian, known to most as Dracos IcingDeath, the white dragon Wulfgar and her father slain nearly thirty years ago. She could hardly believe it.

“I thought all the spoils where all spent.” Rua’leen said.

“Most where but a few of the remains came to the dwarves and I hade for some reason asked for one of larger bones.” Catti-Brie shrugged her shoulders “I supposed Dumathoin was whispering one of his secretes too me.” She said referring to one of the dwarven gods.

Rua’leen shook her head, “I Just… It’s almost too much to believe.”

“It’s real.” Came a familiar voice

Rua’leen looked see her father leaning in the door way. Her mother bade him to join them.

“And what would be better to keep our daughter safe on her travels then a pair of well forged dragon blades?” Drizzt continued has approached.

“So you knew of this.” Rua’leen said but in truth she already knew that.  All of Mithral Hall must have known that was why no one would offer her a new sword.

Her father smiled and shrugged as if he had no idea of what she was talking about.

Rua’leen smiled as well.  “And what do you mean by travels?”

Drzzt’s hand went into a small satchel on his side and pull out a small folded piece of paper.

“It is rather unfair to give such wonderful swords to someone without a chance to use them, so….” He left his statement at that and stretched out his hand for her to take it.

Rua’leen was hesitant at first; she did not want to put her amazing new blades down. She eventually laid Moon’s truth on the table but kept Red ice in hand.

“So you have a favorite already.” Drizzt whispered and a raised eyebrow told that his daughter had heard the comment.

Rua’leen took her fathers gift and unfolded in hand to see writing. She began to read it out loud.   “To one Rua’leen Do’urden by decreed you are offered free passage aboard the Sea Sprite.”  The note went on but Rua’leen stopped to look up at her father.

“The Sea sprit,” She asked “The same sea sprite you and mother sailed on?”

Drizzt nodded, “It’s not quit the same one.  Last I heard they remade it for their new captain after Deudermont past on a year back, But it is piece for piece the same vessel.”

Rua’leen smiled and read the note further.  “It says that I’m to be taken to luskan?” said with a puzzled look.

Bothe her parents understood her confusion, for luskan was actually closer to them than Waterdeep was.

“This is a special journey,” her mother began “one that will bring places new some old and….” Cati-Brie paused to let her daughter’s suspense build. “Some place white.”

“Icewind Dale,” Rua’leen answered her own suspicions “you mean I’m going to Icewind Dale.”

“Regis will meet you their and make arrangements for you to accompany a caravan to Ten-Towns.” Drizzt replied confirming her words.

“Well as your friends.” Cati-Brie put in.

Rua”leen wasn’t sure what she meant and her expression show as much.     Her mother elaborated, “You friends Jeskle and Mary from longsaddle wish to join you and will meet you on the way.”

Jeskle new too, Rua’leen thought and though she did not voice it she swore that she will punch him very, very hard.  She let the thoughts go, then had to ask “where do I go from their?”

“That will be up to you to decide.” Her father side, “You are no longer a child listening to stories it’s time for you to see the world and make your own.”
“This voyage we prepaid for you is just to get you started on the road that will lie ahead.” Her mother finished

“Thank you, both of you, thank you so so much.  I…”  Rua’leen said as her excitement and love of her parents swelled inside her.

“Father,” she began “Lets spar for a wile please.”
Drizzt laughed lightly “In the morning perhaps, it’s late and you should get some rest.”
“How can I rest when all this lies before me?” She answered back.

Drizzt under stood, Rua’leen was too full of emotions to fully come down. I was a trait not uncommon among those of half racial heritage, especially one with drow blood inside.
“I had hoped to have some time with your mother,” Drizzt started “If you truly need to expend some energy I believe the Gutbusters are up doing some late night training.”

Rua’leen wore a strange look on her face after she heard her father’s suggestion and stood for a moment looking back and forth from her father to her mother.  After a moment she slowly walked to the door still watching her parents and thought they both smiled neither said a word. When she reach the door way stopped looked at them once more and then with narrow eyes and a cat like grin, full of mischief, she ran out the door.

Cati-Brie couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh Drizzt what have you done?”
Drizzt gave a thoughtful look, “Doomed half the Hall to total destruction I say.”
“If only that.” She said back and Drizzt recalled the last time Rua’leen and Gutbusters decided to “train” together. He then began to question the wisdom of what he just said and the change in his demeanor brought another laugh from Cati-Brie, which he joined her in.

“We done well raising her haven’t we?” Cati-Brie asked.

“I like to think so.” He replied

“Perhaps we should have another; seeing how good we are at raising them.” She said

“Another?” Drizzt asked.

Cati-Brie stood up with her hands on her hips. “I’ve got plenty of years left in me for one.”  She said and wrapped her arms around his shoulders “With all that I learned from lady Alusriel I my even have enough to out live you.”

Though he did not say it Drizzt found he liked the idea, both of them.  As they kissed and held each other they walked back toward the open door. Dizzt back laid on it and when it closed he reached back and latched it.

**********

He sat on the mountain top a looked out crossed the land know as the Silver Marches.  I had been a long time coming here to this land, this world. His tiny clawed hand reached into the folds of his robes to produce a round device made of gold. He opened its top and looked at it.  “Not much time.” He said in a concern voice and looked back to the distance. The storm was coming and he still had so much to do.