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 and a few other originals however are my creation.
Alurra pressed a skin colored film over her voice box and smoothed it against her throat. Her voice was magically amplified as she smiled dazzlingly to the small crowd that had gathered. "Greetings noble purveyors and patrons of fashion to the first day of the Waterdeep Fashion Display." Polite applause met her ears and she waited for it to dissipate in order to continue. "Today you will see fashion from the many exotic locales of Faerûn, with a variety different races competing for a place in the coveted third day event." Sweeping her arms back she displayed the stage, "and now without further waiting, behold the beauty that is Faerûn!"
She clapped her hands and sparks burst forth from the sides of the stage, creating a smoky aftermath that clung to bottom of the stage floor. Musicians in the balconies above the stage proceeded to play their instruments in unison, creating a cohesively upbeat score for the ensuing models.
Backstage, Jarian fidgeted excitedly, making last minute adjustments on his models' outfits. "Do you hear that my dear models? Sparks have ignited to signal the commencement of the Display, where you will light the fires of the judges into a frenzy!"
Maskah chuckled. "Can those sparks be kindled later tonight?"
Kaifas turned to him and gave a wily smile. "Only if Master Jarian is kind enough to hold the wicks."
Shytolin looked lost in the metaphor, but after some helpful motions from Maskah and Kaifas, enlightenment was thrust upon him. "Oh!"
"Places everyone," Entreri said quickly, ushering them along. He didn't want to hear Jarian's reply. "You're eighth in the line up."
"That's the spirit Artemis!" Jarian looked highly pleased. "You would make a fine stage manager for a heated performance."
Entreri was too rushed to twitch as he had the models line up for the stage. He grabbed Jarian's arm, not wanting to lose him in the crowd and ushered him to the area where the tailors could watch their models' walks. Jarlaxle would kill him (or probably do worse) if anything happened to the drow. Jarian had no complaints as 'his Artemis' led the way.
They navigated their way to the side of the stage, behind a shimmering curtain that veiled all those who sat behind its billowing presence. The spectators behind the curtain could watch the stage, but those on the other side would be unable to see through to them. Similar curtains lined the upper balconies opposite the stage, making everyone wonder just which one belonged to the mysterious judges.
A smile appeared on Jarian's face as he noticed a plush chair, replete with golden embroidery, scribing his name. "Oh lovely, reserved seating!"
Arms twined around Jarian's neck and Entreri leapt back, sabre in hand. "Reserved seating right next to me," a voice whispered into Jarian's ear.
"Raelos!" The name was exhaled breathlessly and Jarian let loose a squee that startled some nearby tailors. "By the gods I haven't seen you ages!" He turned around and hugged onto the moon elf. He ran his fingers through Raelos' black hair, his massaging fingers causing the hair to let loose a lustrous blue sheen that matched the moon elf's sapphire encrusted eyes. "It's so good to see you again."
Entreri stared helplessly, sheathing his sabre, as Raelos gave Jarian's cheek a friendly caress. "It is good indeed. I am pleased to witness that the rumors are true. I look forward to seeing your work publicly displayed."
Jarian's ruby eyes sparkled. "You are displaying as well? Oh splendid! We'll dazzle the crowd for sure."
"Speaking of dazzling," Raelos practically purred, "I understand that you have three servants now."
A wicked grin appeared on Jarian's lips. "That I do. Pray tell, where did you hear that?"
Entreri cleared his throat. "If you two are finished, the models are coming out now."
Raelos bade Jarian and his bodyguard to sit. "Well Jarian, I heard such from this human right here."
"Oh, naughty Artemis is telling all my secrets," Jarian said.
"I don't know any of your secrets nor do I wish to know," Entreri said. By the abyss Jarian, I'm in a disguise and you just told this moon elf my name.
The spectators cheered and attention was drawn to the stage. Three dwarves walked down the stage, whether they were male or female, one really couldn't tell. They wore metal armor, which shined brightly off of the flickering torches lining the stage. Ornately crafted mithril rested easily on their forms as they showed off the metal work befitting the Dwarven fashion sense.
"That looks like the metalwork of Heydin Darkanvil," Raelos said. "The crest on that mithril tunic bares his symbol."
Jarian nodded. "I've heard of him, a fine worker of metal, but he needs something more."
"Indeed, he lacks the creative vision necessary to propel him into a position of prestige," Raelos said agreeing.
Entreri looked to the unlikely pair, hunched forward in their seats, shoulder to shoulder, as they quietly talked amongst themselves. They're having a conversation that isn't laden with innuendos. . .
A triad of halflings appeared on the stage next and Entreri raised an eyebrow as Jarian and Raelos shared a shudder. He looked to the models and stared unblinkingly.
"Skins," Raelos wrinkled his nose. "Those were out a decade ago and even then I never did have a taste for them. . .especially since the heads of the animals are still on these particular outfits. Must they always think with their stomachs?"
"I can think of much better parts of the anatomy to think with," Jarian said.
Entreri forced himself to stare at the models as the two elves proceeded to whisper excitedly about 'certain parts of the anatomy.' However, he leaned forward in his seat as the human Calimsham models took the stage. Harem-like outfits in bright colors flitted across the stage as models swayed in synchrony to the music. . .
"I see that Artemis," Jarian said slyly.
"You see nothing," Entreri said flatly, leaning back and folding his arms.
"I see it too," Raelos said with a grin. "Apparently he's not as cold as he appears."
"He can be quite warm when the situation presents itself," Jarian said excitedly.
Entreri's knuckles turned white as he gripped his sabre's hilt thinking and repeating, I will not kill the elves.
"Oh!" Raelos' attention was drawn back to the stage. "My models are next!"
"Oh blissful excitement!"
Entreri braced himself, ready for the worse. . .
. . .however, the worse turned out to be not half bad.
"Two males and a female accent my models' outfits nicely," Raelos narrated, "notice how the males embody the earth tones, while the female is accented with vibrant colors that are calmed by her companions."
"A female in the mix," Jarian noted, "you always did prefer the best of everything. The outfits are stunning, earthy but sleek."
Raelos smiled. "Thank you, I am glad to hear you say such. You know of course that I am saving my best for later."
"Naturally," Jarian grinned.
A commotion to their left caused all heads in the front row to turn.
"I should be privy to the front seats. Me and me alone," a nasally voice intoned.
Entreri slowly turned his head and twitched. A noble, I absolutely detest whiney nobles.
A frantic Costumer's Hall attendant was trying to calm him. "Lord Phinagon, we cannot possibly read your mind on where you would prefer your seat to be. This room is for all the tailors and the seats are for those who arrive early, before the Display has started. If you are not satisfied with your reserved booth, then please take it up with the Ushering manager as I cannot and will not tell the people in their seats to move."
"But my models will be up soon!"
"Calm yourself Milord, you are creating a scene," his servant Brak plead. He wanted nothing more than to hide behind a curtain and get away from his Lord.
"Silence Brak," Lord Phinagon growled. "I will have my way. And when Father hears of this, he will be positively appalled at the treatment that I am receiving."
Raelos and Jarian were trying to concentrate on the Silverymoon models, but it seemed that even they were annoyed by this human's presence. They exchanged quiet whispers as the Gold elf models made their way down the stage, contrasting the silver of the previous models with their rich golden robes.
"I will not be ignored!" Lord Phinagon went to stand in the front of the tailors, many of who proceeded to glare at him. "Prepare to see true fashion!"
Entreri wasn't sure what came down the stage next…but he knew it was nothing close to 'true fashion.' Three female humans, none of whom looked very happy, but pasted fake smiles on their faces regardless, modeled off the most gaudy noble's clothes Entreri had ever seen. He might not have known fashion very well, but he knew what was atrocious.
"The colors are all wrong for the models," Raelos lamented.
"And the cut is dreadful with no concern for improving on an outdated concept," Jarian said stifling a gag.
Collective murmurs of discontent filled the room and Lord Phinagon strode proudly out, Brak apologizing profusely to the room when his Lord was out of earshot. However, murmurs of content started filling the room when another set of models proceeded on stage.
"Oh ecstasy! Maskah, Kaifas, and Shytolin are up!"
Raelos' eyes practically fell out of his head at the models. "You do have three of them! What a fine three indeed! They embody their outfits splendidly."
"The bright colors contrast their dark skin and I just had to show that skin off," Jarian said. "The neck halter, leading into the keyhole opening of the top is a metaphor for the mysteries that have yet to be unlocked. The shiny colored discs of the paillette top reflect beauty in all its forms, while the half thigh clinging pants draw the eye to other things."
"Indeed and the rings around the arms are a very nice touch," Raelos said with an appreciative nod.
"Thank you," Jarian said, "I think you and I should discuss special touches later this evening."
"Truly an excellent idea," Raelos said with a nod. "We should of course include your delectable models in the discussion as well."
"Of course," Jarian said. Turning to his left, "How about you Arte-"
"No."
Jarian pouted for a moment, but brightened when Raelos pat his back reassuringly. "Let's go collect my models then. The offer is also open to any of your models as well of course, minus the female unless," he looked to Entreri as if offering, but the assassin shook his head and stood. He didn't need Jarian setting him up.
"Your room then?" Raelos followed Jarian and his bodyguard.
Jarian nodded. "It is a fine place for discussions."
Entreri suppressed a groan, realizing he was going to have to stand guard outside of that 'discussion' room.
When the last models left the stage, Alurra waited for the applause to die down before she took the stage once again. "Thank you all for your patience and enthusiasm on this First Day. On behalf of Costumer's Hall we invite you to partake in the refreshments in the adjacent room, but do be sure to get your rest because many more wonderful outfits of fashion await. Today was only a small taste of a feast that will leave you asking for seconds and thirds. Do be sure to claim your seats early tomorrow. The public will be clamoring for places to watch, so settle yourselves accordingly."
Jarlaxle watched the stage from his raised position, lightly running a finger along the brim of his hat. Oh, he'd settle himself all right and he'd make sure he got more than a small taste this evening…
Slowly rising he smiled and gave a wave to Alurra down below.
Author's Note: Just in time for Valentine's Day! Hah! Take that homework! I can't wait to get my degree folks, then I can finally concentrate on writing. Apologies once again for the late update; work, homework, and tutoring took over. Hmm, wonder if I can somehow sneak in time for a Valentine's Special? Oh yes, that reminds me, for those who haven't seen it, back around Christmas time I wrote a little bit of crack entitled "Jarlaxle's Christmas Special" full of some of the characters used here. Thanks to those who reviewed it!
Next chapter, Day Two if the Fashion Display brings in the general public and the outfits start to get all the more complex when the tailors have to present two different types of outfits all in the same day. Will Jarlaxle find out what the judges are looking for? Will Jarian and Raelos leave their 'discussion room' in time for stage? Will Entreri ever get a break from guard duty? Stay tuned…
Jarian: Lady Authoress, what's Valentine's Day?
Entreri: Answer that and die Authoress.
Authoress: Um. . . :looks to Jarlaxle:
Jarlaxle: You can't kill the Authoress Entreri, we need her and besides she's entertaining.
Maskah, Kaifas, and Shytolin: Our needs must be taken care of!
Authoress: Yeah that's right. . .wait. . .what!
Jarian: Tee hee. . .
Entreri: :twitch:
Jarlaxle: :chuckle:
Once again thank you to all readers and reviewers. Your comments always bring a needed smile to my face. THANK YOU:hugs:
:hands out Valentine flowers, candy, delightful pictures of choice characters. . .er, nothing (wishes she could draw better or could'bribe' a really good fanartist), etc.: