Disclaimer: The characters of Jarlaxle, Entreri the Underdark, Faerûn, the drow, and other aspects of Forgotten Realms are the creations of R.A. Salvatore. I seek not to steal from his creation but only to humbly expand. The character of Jarian however is my creation.

Artemis Entreri jumped back to avoid the blade of a scimitar. Whirling about he parried with his sabre and lunged with his dagger. Another dagger met his and he pushed against his opponent, taking another swing.

Several drow surrounded the two opponents, taking bets on who would win. This newest assassin had a considerable amount of skill. Entreri had been working for Jarlaxle for about a year now and he fell into the drow lifestyle. He could fight with the best of them and could kill without any emotion. The drow of Bregan D'aerthe gave this assassin a certain measure of respect, despite the fact he was a human.

Metal met metal as the two clashed. Sweat poured down Entreri's brow. This particular drow was his height and they stared at each other, trying to outdo each other.

The drow chuckled, "tired human?"

Entreri's gaze hardened, "compensating drow?"

The drow's eyes flashed angrily and he broke from the pushing to try another swing. Entreri anticipated the move and dropped his blade; bring it up on the other side of his opponent's. With a flick of his wrist and the weight of his body he used the sabre to push the scimitar out of his opponent's hand. A roundhouse kick and sword to the throat later, his opponent yielded.

Coins and gems were exchanged with sighs and cursing.

"By the abyss," a drow cursed as he handed a pouch to Entreri, "I'm going to go broke betting against you human."

Entreri shrugged and counted the currency in the pouch.

"Greetings everyone!"

Drow and human alike froze at that voice, a collective groan arose from them as a flamboyantly dressed figure made his entrance known.

"Oh come now," Jarian said with a wide grin. Whether he acknowledged the groans or not he appeared in a rather chipper mood. "Let us all give Entreri a hand!"

He was the only one who clapped.

Entreri stared at him. This was the third time this week that Jarian had come after his fight, which only meant that he was watching from somewhere. He suppressed a horrified grimace and a groan. He saw several drow making a discrete exit and started to back into the shadows himself. . .until Jarian walked over to him.

"That was a fine fight Artemis!"

"For the hundredth time. . .you are to call me Entreri." He went to walk by Jarian.

Jarian suppressed a shiver as he blocked Entreri's path. He liked it when this human talked brusquely to him. "But your first name has such a pleasant ring to it."

Entreri glared at him. This is not a normal drow. . .then again I should expect nothing less from Jarlaxle's personal tailor.

Running a finger along Entreri's arm Jarian grinned. "Don't give me that look." He almost seemed to pout when he got no reaction from Entreri at his touch. Little did he know that Entreri was close to horrified in his mind.

"I need to go bathe Jarian, good-bye," Entreri said going past him.

"Oh splendid! I'll join you."

Entreri froze. "No. . .I'm bathing alone."

"Well, that's no fun."

"It's not intended to be fun."

"Then I shall show you the error of your ways!" Jarian hooked an arm around Entreri's and tried to lead him down the corridor. He may as well have tried to lead a statue because Entreri didn't budge and had a stony expression on his face.

"I am in no mood for this." By the abyss, why did I have to mention bathing?

Jarian smiled slyly. "I can get you in the mood. . ."

Entreri let out a frustrated sigh. "No! Now leave me be." He broke away from Jarian and walked down the corridor.

"I'll tell Jarlaxle."

Entreri kept walking, trying to ignore him.

Jarian ran after him. "I'll tell Jarlaxle."

"And I don't care."

"He'll make you do what I say," Jarian said in a slight singsong voice.

"Over my dead body," Entreri said in a hard voice.

"Oh no! Not dead! I couldn't bear that!" Jarian tried to throw his arms around him.

Thanking the gods for his agility, Entreri dodged him and slammed the door shut to the washroom, taking great satisfaction in the lock's click.

Jarian folded his arms and huffed. "We'll see who gets what they want in the end." Clasping his hands behind his back, he went to his tailoring room intent on complaining to Jarlaxle later.

Author's Note: Yay I updated! Though as I quote my friend, "poor poor Entreri." But of course I can't help it, Jarian is such a fun character. There will be another chapter to be sure. So in the meanwhile, please review! Entreri hides behind the review button trying his best to motion to the readers and not Jarian