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.
Traveling by magic always made Entreri a little uneasy. Traveling with drow, such as Jarian and his entourage, made him more than just a little uneasy. Journeying via teleportation magic involved walking through a cold, blue mist-like substance or at least that's what Entreri thought. He was too focused on the journey before him to give his walk through magical portals metaphoric imagery. He emerged from the blue light, as the archway reconfigured itself between two large rock formations, outside of the city of Waterdeep.
Once the entire group was through, the archway appeared to dissolve into dust. Entreri took a breath, smelling rain in the air, and noted that the sky was cloudy. Even though the sun could not penetrate past the clouds, save for a few rays, the drow hid under the cowls of their robes.
Jarian was the exception as he took out a large hat from one of his pockets. How he managed to pull that big thing out of such a little space caused Entreri to stare, until he rationalized the pocket as a magical void to store items. Jarian placed the magenta hat on his head and grinned as he pulled down a veil.
"The point is not to be noticed Jarian," Entreri said as he folded his arms.
"On the contrary," Jarian said, "the point is to be noticed." He nodded to Maskah, Kaifas, and Shytolin who pulled out similar hats. "This will become all the rage on the Surface. These veils prevent the harsh sunlight from damaging skin and sensitive eyes. Also, the darker shade the color of the hat becomes, the later in the day it is, meaning that it is nearing sunset here on the Surface."
"You are correct," Entreri said, "but I knew that without having to wear a hat."
"No, your hat does something else," Jarian said slyly, recalling that the hat he had Entreri wear previously reflected his emotions.
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing," Jarian said quickly.
With a glare Entreri said, "and that answer is precisely why I am not wearing that hat."
"Shame, it suited you so," Jarian said sullenly.
Maskah whispered to Kaifas, "you know what they say about mercenaries with big hats?"
Kaifas smirked, "they have long feathers?"
Shytolin was half-paying attention. "I thought that meant mercenaries have big-"
A glare to rival a drow priestess' caused Shytolin to go quiet. Apparently Entreri's listening skills had heightened and he was none to pleased about the whispered conversation. Jarian had a wide grin on his face, causing Entreri to turn around and set an even swifter pace to get to the city gates. He had absently thought, Jarlaxle always seems to have big hats with long feathers.
The group joined the line of caravans waiting to enter the city. The Waterdhavian guards questioned all who entered the city. They were an intimidating presence to those unaccustomed to soldiers. Black scale mail was clad to their forms and guards patrolled the walls on warhorses, under the watchful eyes of the many guard towers that lined the walls.
Entreri signaled to the guards in the group and with a discrete nod they disappeared into the darkness. Jarlaxle had chosen the stealthiest of soldiers to accompany the group. He had given the drow directions to one of the most secret entrances of the city; utilized by mercenaries who did not wish to have their weapons confiscated by the city guard or watch. However, even the most vigilant system of justice could not prevent weapons from being smuggled into the city.
A city guard motioned the group forward and Entreri approached him, expecting the guard to check his weapon. Instead, the guard stared at the assassin, glancing back to the veiled group, and then back to Entreri.
After the guard composed himself he said, "State your business in the city of Waterdeep."
"We are here for the Fashion Display," Entreri said, handing over the appropriate documents. The guard stared at Entreri for a moment before taking the papers and reviewing them with another guard. Entreri raised an eyebrow at the guard's actions and heard soft snickering from behind. He glanced down to his hand and to the silver ring about his finger. It almost seemed to sparkle in reply. By the hells, what kind of disguise did Jarlaxle create for me?
He pushed that thought aside as the guard finished stamping the documents, with the official seal of the city, to allow them to pass. He motioned for Jarian and the three servants to follow him as he navigated his way through the chaos of the gate. Pickpockets often lined the walls, hoping to take advantage of weary travelers, but Entreri had a sharp eye and drow were not likely to be pickpocketed unless the thief wanted an early death.
A guard in black whispered to a guard in gold, "Is that the latest in fashion?"
The guard in gold shook his head. "I hope not. I've seen unusual outfits, but those certainly are the most unusual. Sometimes I just don't understand the nobility's fascination for clothing."
The guard in black chuckled, "personally I prefer no clothes as all."
"You frequent the brothels too often, don't let the Captain hear about that," the guard in gold said, rolling his eyes.
Jarian gasped in delight. There was so much activity on the Surface and he was tempted to lift the veil in order to have a better view. A warning look from Entreri changed his mind, but he did savor teasing the assassin. He looked back to his three servants who were treading cautiously, unaccustomed to the variety of species that were not in chains.
Maskah suppressed the urge to touch the creatures around him. There were humans, elves, and halflings just. . .living. "They're everywhere, how do they manage to keep control without slavery?"
Kaifas interceded, "I have heard that there is a class system that the commoners follow."
Shytolin scoffed, "and they simply follow the system without enforcement?"
Entreri overheard them talking. "The city is a hub of trading where creatures from all over agree to negotiate, tolerating each other. The city guard oversees gate entry and the city watch patrols the city streets to enforce the laws set forth by the Magisters."
Jarian nodded with Entreri. "Jarlaxle told me that there are many groups in the city. There are Lords who oversee everything, factions of nobility, a merchant class, and adventurers that all live together in a precarious balance."
Entreri couldn't help but nod with Jarian. He was agreeing with the drow, this couldn't be happening. Maybe the fact that he knew this knowledge was a fluke, but there was more to this drow than just being a simple tailor. "Correct."
Jarian twirled about happily, "if I am correct, then what is my reward?"
"Your reward is that you possess an inkling of knowledge outside of fabric and fashion," Entreri said, shoving a poor vendor who happened to be in his way to the side.
Jarian sighed dramatically. "That is hardly a reward." Walking beside Entreri, "where are we going?"
"You have all this knowledge of the city, but you do not know where we are going?" Entreri looked to him pointedly.
Jarian shifted and absently played with his veil.
Entreri suppressed a large sigh. "We are making our way to the Trades Ward. 'The Unicorn's Horn' is the Inn where other tailors are gathering and also the Inn where Jarlaxle has ordered us to convene. I believe he will personally register at Costumer's Hall, where the display will take place. If all goes well, our guards should already be at the Inn and Jarlaxle will be present in the morning to impress his presence on the registering representative."
Jarian smiled. "He has a way with the ladies. I have heard that the Lady Master of the Order cannot resist his charm."
"I do not wish to hear about Jarlaxle's charm," Entreri said quickening the pace.
"Then I'll tell you about my charm," Jarian said, quickening his pace to match Entreri's. He ran a finger down Entreri's arm, "better yet, I'll show you."
Entreri shrugged him off, ordering the three servants behind them to quicken their pace.
Jarian looked to the three servants and they consoled him accordingly as they followed the assassin. Of course, when these three drow and Jarian were involved, consolation entailed the promise of a nice massage, a sensuous bath, and a little something extra later that evening as they smoothed Jarian's hair and rubbed his back reassuringly. Whether the consolation was with them or Entreri all depended on Jarian's ability to catch the assassin off guard.
Author's Note: All right, not a lot of action in this chapter. . .sorry Jarian, but I had to give Entreri some kind of break. I'm not completely heartless, then again :chuckles: there are future chapters I have in store, which will make this chapter seem like a blessing to our most lovable assassin. But expect some action for the next chapter. . .which hopefully shall be updated within a week's time.
I felt like being a tease for this chapter about Entreri's disguise. Guess you could say Jarian was involved with that, but very soon we shall see what Entreri's disguise entails. And no worries, Jarlaxle will be back for the next chapter. :grins and winks: However, I swear that drow is always present. He gets referred to enough.
This chapter was mostly informational. I tried to gather what research I could about Waterdeep to make it feasible. I also gave some hintings to future events to come. :wink: And let me tell you, I'm laughing thinking about the things I have up my sleeve.
Entreri:gives authoress a dark look and threatens her with his sabre: You're teasing me like Jarian. . .I don't like that.
Authoress:sweatdrop: This is an informational chapter and besides, your reputation would be in ruins if you were seen with them. :motions to Jarian, Maskah, Kaifas, and Shytolin, who are painting the review button pretty colors:
Jarlaxle: Yeah, so don't kill the authoress:pause: That's an order Entreri.
Entreri:releases authoress: You're lucky. :smirks: Now you owe Jarlaxle. . .:walks away:
Authoress:composes self: I owe Jarlaxle, that's not good. :Jarlaxle whispers in her ear and she blanches: Great. . .just bloody great.
Anyway, once the paint dries on the review button, be sure to drop a review!
Reviewer MailbagSilverWolf7: Well, now that I have to take the three models out of the closet for the story. . . :trails off: Glad you like Maskah, Kaifas, and Shytolin, believe me. . .they will get some eye candy descriptions later. As for their tastes, well candy tastes sweet no matter who takes a bite. :wink:
Becky: You'll have to wait a little bit more to find out what exactly Entreri's disguise is, but at least now you know for sure it isn't normal. Then again, if Jarlaxle is involved, it just can't be normal.
Psycho101: Ask and you shall receive a quick post:is so proud of herself: As for Entreri, I think he needs all the support he can get. And rest assured, more Waterdeep antics to come. :sigh emanates from Entreri:
Lena Silverwing: Yeah, I almost feel sorry for Entreri too. :giggles: Yum! Popcorn:goes to take some and munches on it happily:
:Jarian takes some and tosses some into the mouths of his three servants:
Lord Onisyr: I'm glad that you like Jarian. As for Entreri's reactions I can sometimes picture them so vividly that they make me burst out laughing. I'd like to say Entreri is succeeding in hiding his emotions (ex: annoyance, anger, etc), but with what I have in store for him. . .I'm simply testing his abilities to shield his emotions.
LPdarkstorm: Entreri agrees with you, but he's unwilling to admit that he's scared of the servants as well. I suppose the servants are good because they keep Jarian occupied, but the downfall is that they can also encourage and assist Jarian in plotting against Entreri.
Abbil: Welcome! Sometimes I can't believe what I do either. Entreri's twitches make me chuckle (don't tell Entreri I said that) and no worries about being off topic. :wink: As for your mental picture. . . :smiles ever so deviously and mysteriously:
Tiggermyk: Glad I can bring a laugh. As for giving up on stories, I've been there, but the intent to finish is always at the back of my mind. It seems sometimes that other stories just beg to be written in their stead. As for the muses, yeah. . .they make things interesting for Entreri.
Jack: Yep, trying to keep aspects of the Forgotten Realms is tricky, but fun all at the same time. Hence my Waterdeep research, lol. As for the character, sounds intriguing. . .
Spider: They've reached the Surface and now the mischief will ensue. All about business first and play later. :wink:
Arsinoe Selene: I wouldn't say I'm mean to Entreri :Entreri glares at her: all right, so I put him through a lot. An assassin must always be prepared for the unexpected. As for Jarlaxle. . .he's questionable. I wouldn't be surprised if he walked in the middle of the street, sampling both genders and species as a platter in his pleasure cuisine. :blinks: Did I just write that? JARLAXLE:Jarlaxle ignores the authoress, highly amused by the reviewer:
Lessiehanamoray: Oh, don't worry Entreri will find out about his disguise when everyone else does. It just doesn't seem fair to have everyone else know and not him. :grin: I'm glad that you appreciate the effort I put in to choosing names, it's nice to meet another author who does likewise. Sometimes it just fits.
Ariel D:sprinkles flower petals about the comment and conjures a wind, making a nice windswept/animesque flower petal effect: Well, since you asked so nicely with a 'please' I'll just have to keep the updates coming.
Snow: I doubt Jarian would kill you, he's probably pout a little and find another way to make you squirm if he heard you didn't like his outfit. Thank you for your kind words and I'm happy that you made the effort to read it in one piece. I do that every so often and set myself into a fit of giggles. You're welcome and I hope to see more reviews by you. :wink:
Oracle10:watches Oracle bounce around the walls, chuckling: All a matter of time.
Katherine: No worries about hilarity, it will ensue to be sure. As for short chapters, I was debating making this chapter a bit longer, but it'd ruin the flow and Jarian absolutely insisted that I tease the reviewers. But tell you what; I'll attempt to make the next chapter a bit longer for you. :wink: And yep, RAS is R.A. Salvatore, if I'm forced enough by people I may mention to him. I have to admit, Jarian has a special place in my heart.
:blush: You're jealous? I'll admit it took me years to fine-tune my skills, but the more you read the more you develop your skills as a writer. (Take it from me, I'm an English major) You'll definitely get better!