Chapter 28

Anna leaned over the railing anxious to see the Statue of Liberty for the first time in almost two years. She found it hard to believe that she had been gone so long.

"What are you looking for?" a voice said from beside her. Anna smiled and turned towards Jarlaxle only to find a man she had never seen before standing beside her.

Smiling at the man she said, "It's the first time I have been home in almost two years. I can't wait to see Lady Liberty." Anna had the strangest feeling that she was talking to Jarlaxle, but the handsome man standing beside her was definitely not the drow. "Is this your first time to New York?" She asked. It was nice to be able to pass the time with a handsome gentleman. With his dark blond hair and bright blue eyes he was a far cry from her companions. Anna turned a friendly smile on him.

His blue eyes sparkled as he returned her smile, "Yes, this is my first time visiting your fair city," he told her.

"You'll love New York! There is so much to see and do," Anna grinned.

"If all the women are as lovely as you how could I not love this city?" the man said surprising Anna who blushed and looked away.

"How can you listen to him spout such nonsense without getting sick?" a familiar voice growled from behind her.

Anna cringed at her friends words and hurried to apologize to the blond man, "Please forgive him." Leaning closer she tapped the side of her head and whispered, "I am afraid he is suffering from shell shock and is not all there,". At her words the blond man stared at her.

"What did you say?" Artemis growled coming to stand beside her. Anna turned towards him and laid her hand on his arm, giving him a warning look that the man couldn't see.

"Come on, you shouldn't be on deck in your condition," she said trying to pull him away from the blond man. Artemis glared at her.

The blond man burst out laughing. Anna turned to scowl at his insensitivity and then paused. She knew that laugh.

"Jarlaxle," she gasped.

Still laughing, the blond man nodded and then swept her a gallant bow, "My apologies," he said grinning up at her.

Anna stared, "How…" she stammered trying to make sense of the situation. Then it occurred to her that what she was seeing was a glamor. Her grandmother had told her about how the Fae were able to cast an illusion called glamor. "Is this a glamor? It's amazing!" she said turning back to Jarlaxle.

"Glamor," Jarlaxle echoed.

Anna nodded reaching towards his hair, "It's an illusion that the Fae use to fool others," she explained. "It is so strange to see you as a man," Anna said looking at the blond hair. The drow always kept his head clean shaven and it was odd to see him with hair.

Behind her, Artemis gave the drow a confused shrug. He had no idea what she was talking about. Jarlaxle was using a magical mask that allowed its user to assume any form he desired. The assassin had wondered why the dark elf hadn't used it before now, though the unpredictability of his magic may have had something to do with it.

Despite how convincing Jarlaxle's glamor was Anna wasn't sure if they would be able to sneak out with everyone else. "How do plan on getting off the ship? You may be noticed if you try to sneak off with the wounded," she worried.

Jarlaxle smiled. It was very odd seeing the drow's smile on a human face. "We will meet you in the city," he said.

Anna shook her head but decided not to worry about them. The one thing she had learned about her two friends was not to underestimate them. "Alright, I'll meet you once I'm off the ship," she said moving away from the railing.

Jarlaxle narrowed his eyes and studied Artemis. His friend seemed unusually tired. It was a rare thing for the assassin to show any sign of weakness. The fact that Artemis was so exhausted that he was unable to hide it surprised the drow. Feeling Jarlaxle's eyes Artemis scowled, "What are you looking at?" he asked.

The dark elf shrugged, "Nothing of consequence," he said, "Shall we?" Jarlaxle asked waving his hand towards the edge of the ship and the rope that stretched to the dock.

With a nod Artemis walked to the railing and looked over. He felt light headed and hesitated for a moment before taking a steadying breath and vaulting over the railing.

As she made her way back to her cabin Anna noticed that many of the soldiers were coughing. Every room she passed she heard someone cough. Sometimes the cough had the strange quacking sound she had heard earlier. Pushing her uneasy feeling aside she walked into the cabin and collected her belongings. In her pocket lay Jacques pistol. She reached into the pocket and clutched the pistol. A wave a grief washed over her. She hadn't had time to think about the man who become like family to her. Taking a deep breath she pushed the thought aside and started towards the gangway. Despite her sorrow she couldn't help but feel excited about coming home. She couldn't wait to see grandpa again.

Anna was smiling broadly as she stepped onto American soil for the first time in almost two years. Tilting her head back she looked up at the buildings towering above her. It felt so good to be home. She barely had time to take it all in before Artemis and Jarlaxle walked up to her. Seeing Jarlaxle disguised as a human took her by surprise once again as she turned to greet them.

"Amazing," Jarlaxle said craning his neck to stare up at the skyscrapers. Anna smiled, pleased that the drow found her city grand. Artemis stood beside the dark elf scowling in distaste. Anna hid a smile. She was about to tease him when she noticed that a thin layer of sweat was covering his face.

"Artemis, are you feeling alright?" Anna asked noticing that he looked a little flushed as well.

"Fine," Artemis growled at her. Ignoring the uninviting expression on his face, Anna reached up to feel his forehead. Jerking away from her hand, "What do you think you are doing?" he snarled.

"You don't look fine," Anna informed him as she reached for his forehead again. This time he let her touch him though the scowl never left his face. "You're burning up!" Anna exclaimed.

"I'm fine," Artemis said brushing her hand away from his forehead.

"You most certainly are not fine," Anna chided him, "You are sick, and I am not taking you anywhere until that fever is under control." Artemis shot her an impatient look trying to ignore the raging headache that he had been feeling for the past few hours.

"I have to agree with Anna," Jarlaxle broke in, "You do not look well my friend." The drow was concerned about the expression in Artemis eyes that he had noticed earlier. For his friend to be anything other than alert spoke volumes. Though he would deny it, Artemis was far from well.

Anna thought about where they could stay until Artemis' fever broke. Her friend Betsy lived in lower New York and it wouldn't take too long to get there. Should she impose on her friend? Of course she should, if Betsy knew she needed help she would insist Anna stay with her. She glanced at her companions and briefly wondered what her friends would think of Betsy. A smile tugged at her lips at the thought. She would find out soon enough.

"I have a friend nearby. We can stay with her temporarily," Anna decided. Glancing over at Artemis she saw him pinch the bridge of nose as if his head hurt. "It's this way," she said, motioning for them to follow her.

Anna's concern for Artemis continued to grow as they made their way to Betsy's flat. As soon as they reached the flat Anna rang the bell and then glanced back at Artemis. He was breathing heavier than normal though the average person wouldn't have noticed anything out of the ordinary. Artemis was far too controlled to show any signs of weakness. Then she saw him sway on his feet slightly. Turning away to hid her concern Anna waited for her friend to answer the bell.

A few minutes later Anna could hear the sound of high heels rapidly coming down the stairs. Betsy opened the door. Her heavily made up eyes widened when she saw Anna and then she squealed launching herself into Anna's arms. While she still had Anna in a strangle hold her eyes roamed over Jarlaxle's human form and then stopped on Artemis as her heart stopped.

"Please tell me you brought me that gorgeous man as a way to apologize for running off to war," Betsy whispered staring at Artemis.

Anna laughed and wriggled free of Betsy's grasp. "Behave yourself!" she admonished her friend. "We are traveling to visit grandpa but my friend isn't feeling well and we need a place to stay," she said. When Betsy didn't answer Anna looked at her and then stifled a laugh. Artemis had an admirer. Betsy looked like she was lost in her own little world as her eyes slowly roamed over Artemis form.

Anna waved a hand in front of Betsy's face.

"What?" Betsy blinked at the waving hand.

"Can we stay with you for a while?" Anna repeated. Getting Betsy to stay on track could be a challenge.

Betsy's smile reminded Anna of a cat that had gotten into the cream, "Only if I can keep him," she giggled walking over to Artemis who scowled down at her.

Trying to ignore his pounding head Artemis didn't immediately see Betsy. As he struggled to focus he became of aware of Anna's friend standing in front of him. Wondering what she wanted he looked down at her and then did a double take. The most outrageous female he had ever seen stood before him. Her red lips widened into a smile as he met her eyes. If he hadn't seen it he wouldn't have thought it possible. The woman wore more flamboyant clothing than Jarlaxle. He couldn't decide what to look at first. The sparkly feathered headband, the wide variety of jewels and pearls that covered a dress that not only left her legs and arms exposed but was covered in dangling beads that shimmered with every movement. Even her shoes were ridiculous. How did she walk in those things? His fever dazed eyes traveled back to her painted face. Platinum blond hair that ended at her jawline framed her face in smooth waves. Big pansy brown eyes stared cheerfully back at him.

"Betsy this is my cousin Artemis," Anna improvised.

Leaning towards Anna Betsy whispered, "Oh Anna he is the cat's meow. I'm going to make this big six mine." Big six was slang for an important and powerful man. Not waiting for an answer she latched onto Artemis arm and smiled up at him. Thankfully Artemis was too ill to react like he normally would have and settled for pushing her away. Anna ignored the glare Artemis sent her way as she grabbed hold of Betsy and pulled her away from the increasingly irate assassin.

Deprived of Artemis Betsy settled for Jarlaxle who bowed gallantly as she smiled at him and took his arm. "You're not too hard on the eyes yourself," she said to an amused Jarlaxle.

"Indeed," Jarlaxle murmured wondering what the cat's meow and big six meant.

Betsy giggled and then looked longingly at Artemis. Apparently he was too hard to resist because within sixty seconds Betsy was back at Artemis side fluttering her eyelashes at him, "Come on Mac, it looks like you could use some hair of the dog," she told him with a cheeky smile.

Anna bit back a laugh at the look on Artemis' face. "No hair of the dog Betsy," she chided her friend.

Betsy pouted and then sighed in resignation, "Rhatz," she muttered causing Artemis to stare at her. He was trying to figure out why he couldn't understand what she saying when he started to cough. It was a harsh wracking cough that shook his entire body. All desire to flirt fled, "Oh baby, you're not well. Come on let's get you inside," Betsy cooed.

"What happened to your clothing," Artemis demanded scowling down at the hand that had attached itself to his sleeve again.

Betsy burst out laughing, "You slay me baby."

Peeling her hand off his sleeve Artemis growled, "Not yet but perhaps soon." Betsy merely smiled happily at him as she led him inside.

"Are all your friends like Betsy?" Jarlaxle murmured to Anna as they followed Betsy and Artemis into the building.

Anna snickered, "You don't think one Betsy is enough," Jarlaxle shook his head and smiled at Artemis discomfort.

They had to climb three flights of stairs before reaching Betsy's flat. Artemis coughing forced him to stop several times on the way snarling savagely when Betsy tried to help him. He knew he was in trouble and had no idea what to do. That he couldn't control his own body made him furious. Artemis face was a tight angry mask by the time they reached the landing.

Opening the door to her flat, Betsy ushered them inside. As Artemis started coughing again Betsy hurried to the kitchen to get a glass of water.

"What is this?" Artemis asked looking at the glass suspiciously.

Betsy rolled her eyes, "It's just water you big goof," she said holding it out to him. Artemis took the glass and sniffed it before taking a drink. Studying the strange female as he took another sip he wondered what she meant by call him a goof. He didn't like the sound of the word. All thought fled as another bout of coughing took hold him. Betsy quickly took the glass from him, "Sit down bunny," she said softly turning him towards the sofa.

That Artemis didn't shove Betsy away caused Anna and Jarlaxle to exchange a worried look. It wasn't like the assassin to let someone touch him uninvited. "Betsy, is there a spare bed Artemis can use?" Anna asked.

"Of course kitten, help me get him into the room," Betsy said leaning down to take Artemis' arm. Anna took his opposite and between the two of them got him to the bed. Artemis fell onto the bed coughing violently. Betsy felt his forehead, "He's burning up," she told Anna.

As Anna sat down beside him, Artemis didn't even have the energy to glare at her. He was finding it hard to breathe. Closing his eyes he concentrated on his breathing. Every bone in his body ached. He felt like had been running for hours but all he had done was walk a short distance at a leisurely pace. What was wrong with him? He was so tired. Maybe if he rested for a while he would feel better. With those thoughts he fell into an exhausted slumber.

Anna chewed her lip as she felt Artemis skin, it was hot and dry. "Betsy, do you have some towels that I can use?" She asked.

"Sure thing," Betsy said her brown eyes filled with concern. "Anything else you need?" she asked heading towards the door.

"Cool water. I need to get his fever down," Anna said. Betsy nodded and hurried to get the supplies.

Jarlaxle sat on the bed beside her as another spell of coughing shook Artemis. The assassin groaned and clutched his ribs as the cough wracked his entire body.

"Is there anything you can do to help him?" Anna asked worriedly watching Artemis.

"Illness is not the same as injury. I fear there is little I can do," the drow answered turning his face towards Artemis to hide his fear. The cough had the same sound as the cough they had heard in Faerun. The thought of losing his friend to this illness greatly distressed the dark elf.

Anna nodded and then said, "I need to get him out of those clothes."

"Pardon?" Jarlaxle's startled eyes shot to her face.

"I need to get his fever down and the quickest way to do that is to cool down his entire body," she answered.

"Artemis will not welcome this," the dark elf told her.

Anna sighed, "It would make it easier if he didn't resist but if his fever continues to rise, it could endanger his life. I don't have a choice," She wasn't looking forward to trying to get Artemis out of his clothes. "I don't suppose you will help?" she asked.

Jarlaxle laughed and shook his head, "You are on your own." He wondered how she planned on relieving Artemis of his weapons and clothing. It would prove a most difficult task. This was one endeavor that did not interest the drow in the least.

As Betsy walked back into the room juggling a bowl of water and an armful of towels Anna said, "I'm going to need your help."

"Anything you need kitten," Betsy said setting down the water and towels.

"This isn't going to be easy," Anna sighed looking down at Artemis.

"What isn't?" Betsy asked coming to stand beside Anna who looked up at her.

"I need to get him out of his clothes," Anna said. Betsy's mouth opened and then widened into a smile.

As his coughing subsided Artemis realized they were up to something. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously wondering what he had missed.

Anna cleared her throat and avoided Artemis' eyes, "I need you to take your clothes off," she told him. Dead silence met her statement. Swallowing nervously Anna looked back down at him. The look of disbelief on his face might have been comical if it was anyone else. As it was Anna wondered if she would survive if she tried.

"With your permission," Jarlaxle said as he stood, swept them a bow and left the room. As amusing as this little adventure may prove the drow decided it would be a good idea to make himself scarce. As he sat on the sofa he heard Betsy yelp. Only Artemis would be unhappy to have two lovely young women rip his clothes off the drow thought to himself.

While Jarlaxle listened to the struggle Anna rushed to Betsy's aid. Betsy had leaned down to try and remove Artemis jerkin. Artemis had responded by trying to throttle her.

"Artemis let her go!" Anna exclaimed grabbing the hand that had closed around Betsy's throat the minute she moved towards him. After a few minutes of struggling she got him to let Betsy go.

Rubbing her throat Betsy croaked, "You are one strong cat!" Taking a step back she motioned for Anna to come closer and then whispered into her ear. Artemis glared at them murderously from the bed until he started to cough.

"Now!" Betsy yelled.

In the living room Jarlaxle leaned back against the sofa a wide smile on his face as he waited for the coming battle. He didn't have long to wait. The first thing he heard was Artemis cursing loudly. The sounds of a struggle followed as Artemis started coughing. The drow shook his head at his friend's predicament and started laughing as Betsy shrieked. It was then he realized the mask was no longer disguising him. Jarlaxle shrugged and secreted the mask away. Tossing his hat on the sofa he laced his hands behind his head and waited in anticipation.

As Jarlaxle listened intently Betsy and Anna pounced on the temporarily incapacitated assassin. That Artemis could cough and curse at the same time was quite a feat. As they worked on pulling his leather jerkin off the assassin cursed and snarled as he tried to control the coughing.

Coughing and sweating profusely, Artemis struggled to fend off the two women intent on removing his clothing. The ridiculousness of the situation didn't escape him. He cursed the drow for his current dilemma. In his current condition he was hard pressed to stop them and it was only a matter of time before they got the jerkin off him.

Wheezing and gasping for breath, Anna and Betsy darted away from the angry assassin. The leather jerkin held triumphantly in their hands. From the bed Artemis looked like he wanted to kill them. His eyes narrowed as they watched him waiting for the next opportunity.

"Okay," wheezed Anna, "The shirt is next." From the bed Artemis actually growled. Betsy and Anna cautiously approached the bed. Artemis looked at them hatefully. Betsy licked her lips trying to figure how to get the shirt off without him strangling her again. Anna nodded to Betsy as Artemis started to cough again. Anna attacked the shirt from the front while Betsy worked on sliding if off his arms.

"Stop fighting me!" Anna yelled as she struggled with the lacing on the front of the shirt.

Artemis alternately cursed and coughed as he shoved Anna away and tried to grab hold of Betsy, a feat which proved more difficult than he expected. Still coughing he managed to hook an arm around Betsy's head pulling her down with him. Betsy shrieked and wriggled free leaving him with a handful of feathers.

Soon all three were on the bed. In the split second the cough let up, Artemis fell forward pinning Anna underneath him as he tried to grab Betsy who was tugging his shirt off. Pulling the shirt off Betsy lost her balance and tumbled beside him. Artemis grabbed at her but she skittered back and slid off the bed landing with a thump. As another bout of coughing took hold of him Anna was able to slide out from underneath him and scamper to the far side of the room.

"Let's wait a minute before we attack the pants," Wheezed Anna. Betsy nodded in agreement.

Author's Note: I had so much fun with this chapter! I hope you enjoyed it.

Sonra: Yeah it's too bad I don't know you IRL. It' tough finding people with the same interests! Thanks for your kind words!

Amanita Virosa-Amaranthus: hehehe….things are only gonna get better.

General zargon: Hmmm…stare at each other and snort? Yeah I could see that happening but I have something else in mind.

Yulandia: lol that's my favorite thing about Jarlaxle. Nobody can pin him down or predict him. It makes him so much fun!