Disclaimer: The characters of Jarlaxle, Entreri, the Underdark, Faerûn, the drow, and other aspects of Forgotten Realms are the creations of R.A. Salvatore, Ed Greenwood, etc. I seek not to steal from their creations, only to humbly expand. The character of Jarian and a few other originals however are my creations.

Morning in Waterdeep arrived with the garble of gulls calling, the murmur of merchants selling their wares, the spray of ships berthing at the harbor, and the low groan of an assassin waking with quite the hangover.

Artemis Entreri pressed two fingers against his right temple and grimaced. "By the abyss, I only had half of what they drank." His head whirled as he sat up and he frowned, forcing a measure of equilibrium on his senses so that he could keep his balance.

Last night's events replayed in his mind; a blurred kaleidoscope of images were obliged to focus as Entreri struggled to remember the alcohol-laden memories. He neared the end of his replay and his eyes widened considerably.

"By the-" His hand flew to his mouth as a wave of nausea rose in his throat. He stumbled to the washroom and cupped water into his mouth, thoroughly rinsing out any residue of the…interaction.

He shakily wiped his lips with a towel and willed his tense muscles to relax into a measure of composure. He inhaled and exhaled until he maintained a warrior-like calm before dressing and heading out to face the others.

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Jarlaxle lifted his eyes from a letter as Entreri entered the room. "It isn't like you to sleep in late."

Entreri just grunted in reply and sat at the table, placing some eggs onto his plate. He didn't acknowledge Shytolin's exuberant "Morning!" or the fact that Maskah and Kaifas were practically falling asleep against each other. When Jarian entered the room, he concentrated on his morning meal, absently wondering how much Bregan D'aerthe knew.

"How was everyone's evening?" Jarlaxle smiled to the table.

"It was simply a dream," Jarian said, stealing a sly wink at Artemis. "I had a wonderful time mingling in the festive atmosphere. Raelos and I personally taught those humans how to have a proper Elven party. And we received so many offers!" He paused, feeling the need to clarify, "for our outfits."

Shytolin nodded. "It was all so exciting and there were such pretty colors!"

Maskah smiled, resting his head on the other servant, "the sights and sounds were indeed things to be remembered."

"Over and over again," Kaifas chuckled into his companion's shoulder.

"Entreri?"

The assassin looked to Jarlaxle. "What?"

"How was your evening?"

"It was…all right," he responded.

"Just all right?" Jarian rested his chin on clasped hands and smiled ever so innocently.

Entreri glared, but it lessened when he noticed the inquiring gazes of Jarian's servants. He didn't tell them?

"I imagine we all had a bit of fun," Jarlaxle chuckled, "but now that the Display has ended it is time to conclude our affairs on the Surface and return to the Underdark."

"So soon?"

All eyes turned to the human that asked the question. Entreri shrugged, "I'm surprised that you're not accepting commissions from buyers on the Surface to further increase profit."

"Oh we are," Jarlaxle grinned, "you can be sure of that."

"I work better in Menzoberranzan," Jarian said. "The tailoring room I have there is outfitted for all types of workmanship, even more so than my mobile one. I can communicate with potential buyers from the Underdark, unless my presence is requested."

"We leave in less than an hour's time," Jarlaxle said as he stood, "so do finish packing." Addressing Entreri, "you'll exit Waterdeep the same way you entered. Once outside of its walls, my scouts will secure the area and a wizard will teleport you back."

Entreri nodded. "Understood."

"Guard them until you are back at the hideout," Jarlaxle said. "Once you've returned you may do as you will, until your next assignment. I recommend leaving your bags packed." Turning to the others, "if you have goodbyes to say to anyone, do it before we leave."

Jarlaxle left the room and Jarian stood. "I have to say farewell to Raelos!" He bolted to the door.

"Jarian." Entreri turned to the servants, "use those hands for packing and don't leave the room."

Maskah watched everyone leave, a hint of a pout on his lips. "Use our hands only for packing? That's no fun."

Kaifas grinned wickedly, "he never did specify what to pack."

Shytolin appeared puzzled, "I thought we packed last night."

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Entreri followed Jarian down the corridor, until he met the drow's swift pace. "Slow down, he's not leaving this instant."

"I don't want to miss him," Jarian said. He approached the wood elf's room and knocked.

Raelos opened the door and smiled, looking Entreri up and down. "Is he my parting gift?"

Jarian laughed merrily. "Only if I help to unwrap him."

Entreri did not find their exchange amusing.

"I suppose this is farewell then, my friend," Raelos said fondly to Jarian. "I shall miss you terribly. We have such wonderful times together."

"Indeed we do," Jarian said clasping his hands, "maybe one day I shall visit you. You can always request a commission."

"I will remember that," Raelos said, drawing him close for an embrace.

Entreri folded his arms at the doorway, keeping his eyes fixed vigilantly on the corridor's occupants as the elves said their goodbyes. After several moments, Entreri cleared his throat. "You're drawing a crowd."

Raelos blushed, causing Jarian to fawn over his flushed cheeks.

"Here," Jarian said, handing the elf a multi-colored gem, "this will allow us to communicate, in addition to the other means we've set up."

"Brilliant," Raelos said, tucking the gem into a pocket. Suppressing his mirth, "you best be going. Your human is getting anxious."

"Artemis is always like that," Jarian said with a wink. After giving Raelos one last embrace, he left the room.

Entreri walked beside Jarian, doing his best to ignore the way the drow was looking at him, until he could take it no longer. "What?"

"I'm thinking about last night, Artemis," Jarian said.

"Hn."

"Are you telling me you don't remember?"

"Remember what?"

"Do I have to remind you?"

"No," Entreri said swiftly. "That's not necessary."

"That's all I wanted to know," Jarian said softly. "As long as we both remember, that is what matters and that is all who need to know."

They arrived back at the room and Entreri swiftly averted his eyes. "I thought I told you all to pack."

Jarian chuckled. "They take orders well."

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"Jarlaxle!"

"Yes?" The drow turned to face a very perturbed Gold Elf. "Why Narfindal, you seem…upset."

"Of course I'm upset!" Narfindal seethed, "where are my models?"

"You've lost your models?"

"Don't pretend like you don't know! Several tailors saw you with them last night. A drow and Gold Elves leaving the room together…what will people think!" He forced himself to ask calmly, "Where are they?"

"In the room I left them," Jarlaxle replied smoothly, "enjoying a complimentary breakfast of which you are welcome to join. They are down the hallway from your suite." He smiled, "the door with the sparkles. I can assure you that they are unharmed and in quite the merry spirits"

Narfindal twitched, "keep your hands to yourself next time. I can't have the elves of Evermeet sullied by the likes of you."

"Do not worry Narfindal, I am a drow of discretion."

"I'm sure you are," Narfindal said patiently, "but next time do exercise a bit more." He turned swiftly, cloak exhaling a huff of annoyance as he continued to the sparkling room.

Across the Inn a very angry Lord Phinagon was wondering where his human models had disappeared. His servant Bark pled ignorance, conveniently forgetting that he had seen them wandering off with some Gold Elves and a drow with a very large hat.

Kimmuriel Oblodra emerged from the shadows as Jarlaxle passed. "Does this happen every place you go?"

"Not every place," Jarlaxle replied to the drow psionist.

"Most then?"

Jarlaxle just smirked.

"I will take that smirk in the affirmative," Kimmuriel said. The barrage of sensual thoughts he picked up affirmed his supposition more than anything else. He bowed respectfully. "All is prepared for your next venture. Are you certain that you can trust the human there?"

"Worry not about Entreri." A gleam of cunning glinted in his eyes, "Concentrate on the task at hand. If all goes well, something more than trust will increase for all of us."

Author's Note: Now this is the point where I point you in the direction of The Sellswords Trilogy and a short story called Empty Joys to witness the further adventures of Jarlaxle and Entreri. I had debated for some time where to timeline this story and before Servant of the Shard seemed appropriate, it would explain after all a bit more of Entreri's 'increasing humanity.' And :sniffle: this is the last chapter, for this story at least (that Jarlaxle muse of mine made me end the story on a cryptic note…figures).

There is an epilogue forthcoming, an amusing little snippet that gives you a hint of events to come. (and since I have the epilogue written, the update may be in a week's time rather than a month's time.)

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Jarian: "I miss Raelos and everyone already!"

Maskah, Kaifas, and Shytolin: "It's all right Master Jarian, we'll keep you company."

Authoress: "Can I watch?"

Jarlaxle: "Me too."

Entreri: :mutter: "There they go again, bunch of perverts the lot of them."

Authoress: "I can't help it if the minds of my muses are dirty."

Entreri: "Don't include me in that assessment!"

Jarlaxle: "We're not the only ones with dirty little secrets, Entreri."

Jarian & servants:eyes sparkle inquiringly:

Entreri: :sigh:

Authoress:readies pen, points to review button with pen:wink:

Thank you everyone for your reviews! You all bring a smile to my face. :huggles to all: