Chapter 32

"What is the Tuatha de Danann?" Jarlaxle asked.

Lizzie slid off the arm of the chair to sit on Victor's lap. Ignoring the annoyed look her husband was giving her Lizzie explained, "The Tuatha de Danann are the race the Sidhe were descended from. According to legend the Tuatha de Danann retreated to a magical realm after being defeated by the Milesians. Some went underground and lived under fairy mounds and cairns. Others went to a mythical island called Tir na nog."

Jarlaxle leaned forward in his chair and rested his arms on his legs. His attention was fully engaged. "You said that some of the Sidhe went underground?" he asked.

Lizzie nodded. She still didn't feel comfortable around the dark elf but Victor had told her that Jarlaxle wasn't Unseelie and she trusted her husband.

Jarlaxle gave her a thoughtful look, "Tell me about Tir na nog," he said.

Lizzie settled comfortably against Victor, "Tir na nog is known as the land of the young. It is a magical of realm where the inhabitants have everlasting youth, beauty, health, abundance and joy," she answered.

"You also mentioned that some went underground?" Jarlaxle prompted.

"Yes, some retreated to magical underground caverns and springs. There are stories about travelers who had gone too far into these caverns only to find themselves in the realm of Faery," Lizzie said warming to her subject. Above her Victor sighed in resignation. Once Lizzie got started on her tales of Faery there was no stopping her.

"How might one find these caverns?" Jarlaxle asked.

Lizzie thought about the drow's question before answering, "Beltane would probably be the best time. During Beltane the veil between our worlds thins."

"What is Beltane?" Jarlaxle asked.

"Beltane celebrates fertility. It is sometimes referred to as the festival of fire and is celebrated on May 1st," Lizzie explained.

"Are we close to Beltane?" Jarlaxle asked.

Lizzie nodded, "Yes, it's about two weeks from now," she said. Jarlaxle looked at her blankly. Realizing that the drow might use a different calendar Lizzie told him, "It is when the moon is in its first quarter." Jarlaxle inclined his head in thanks.

Jarlaxle considered what Lizzie had told him about Faery. Especially about the Fae that had gone underground. Could there be a connection? Imagine if he could contact Menzoberranzan from this time. A slow smile stretched across his face.

"I thank you," Jarlaxle stood and swept Lizzie a bow. "I would like to think on what you have told me. With your permission I shall take my leave of you for a time," he said.

Victor nodded, "You are welcome here. Feel free to go where you please," he said.

"You are most gracious," Jarlaxle smiled. Sweeping the huge purple hat from his head he bowed and then took his leave.

Once Jarlaxle left the room fell silent. All its occupants were lost in thought, except for Betsy. Seeing that Artemis had stopped reading she patted the couch cushion beside her, "Come sit with me baby," she said to the assassin. Artemis' left eye twitched as he slowly turned towards her.

"Why would I want to sit with you?" Artemis demanded.

Betsy pouted and batted her lashes at him. Artemis rewarded her with an irritated scowl. Betsy had chosen to sit on the only sofa in the room. When he didn't move Betsy sighed dramatically, "It's not gonna kill you," she said.

"That baby vamp isn't going to give up. She's set her sights on you. That leaves you only two options. Kill her or give in," Victor advised Artemis. Victor had experience with determined women, Lizzie being one of them.

Artemis grunted and then to everyone's surprise including his own, sat next to Betsy. Her delighted high pitched squeal made him wince and wheel around to glare at her, "Do that again and I will throttle you," he growled. Betsy merely smiled happily at him. Artemis sighed and shook his head.

Victor hid a smile. If he wasn't careful, Artemis would fall prey to Betsy. Still, when dealing with the likes of that baby vamp a man could use a drink, "Anna, pour our guest a drink," he told her.

"Yes sir," Anna said getting up and walking over to a cabinet. Opening the doors she asked, "What do you like Artemis?"

"Whiskey!" Betsy called cheerfully from the couch.

"No!" Victor and Artemis exclaimed in unison. Betsy huffed and flopped back against the sofa. Ignoring Betsy, Artemis went to join Anna at the cabinet. A small amused smile lit his face at the wide variety of liquor. Opening a few of the bottles he sniffed the contents and then settled on an aged scotch. Once Anna had poured his drink he returned to the sofa. Watching Betsy sulk as he downed the scotch, Artemis was suspiciously close to enjoying himself.

Anna excused herself a short time later and went in search of Jarlaxle. Though she wouldn't admit it, she was worried about the drow. Something in his eyes when Artemis was reading the journal caught her attention. His mocking smile had taken on a wild edge just before he had excused himself.

She found the drow sitting in a gazebo in the back yard. Unsure of what to say she watched him silently from the shade of a nearby tree.

After a few minutes Jarlaxle turned towards her and teased, "How long do you plan on standing under that tree?" Anna started and then walked over to the gazebo and sat on the seat opposite of him. The drow shot her a mischievous grin causing Anna to fidget.

This was a bad idea. Anna plucked at a loose thread in her skirt. She should not have come. The mischief in the drow's eyes made her want to turn tail and run. Jarlaxle's grin widened as Anna watched him nervously.

"I should get back," Anna said avoiding his eyes.

"So soon? You only just arrived," Jarlaxle said. Anna rose to her feet. "Please sit," the dark said motioning to the seat beside him. When Anna didn't move he said, "I insist."

Anna didn't like the look in his eyes. There was an odd edge to his voice that made her uneasy. She started edging out of the gazebo. "I wouldn't run if I were you," Jarlaxle remarked.

Reaching the grass she turned and started to run towards the house. Jarlaxle sighed and shook his head. Pulling out a slender wand he whispered a command word. Green goo shot from the wand.

Anna shrieked as the goo hit her. She dropped to the ground unable to move, "Jarlaxle!" she yelped struggling to free herself. A pair of fine boots appeared in front of her. Crouching in front of her the drow sadly shook his head.

"I did warn you not to run," he said as she tried unsuccessfully to free herself from the goo.

Anna glared at him, "So you threw goo at me," she growled. Jarlaxle smiled. It wasn't a nice smile. She really shouldn't have gone after him. There was something off about the dark elf at the moment though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. He was teasing her but there was a cruel edge to the teasing. He was scaring her and all he had done was smile. "Let me up," she said.

Anna's observation was far more correct than she realized. The information that Artemis had read in the journal had turned the drow's world upside down. The mask of the fool that he normally wore had slipped. She was seeing a side of him that few, if any had ever seen.

Jarlaxle gave her a thoughtful look, "But you might decide to flee," he said and then laughed at her expression.

Anna scowled at him, "I won't run," she relented. Rising to his feet the drow pulled out a second wand and released a mist that dissolved the goo. Anna slowly got to her feet and brushed herself off. Jarlaxle held out a hand to her. Anna hesitated for a moment and then took the proffered hand and allowed him to lead her back towards the gazebo.

As they neared the gazebo he asked, "Why did you follow me?"

"I don't know," Anna answered.

A calculating gleam entered the drow's eyes. Anna shivered nervously under the intense gaze. Jarlaxle suddenly smiled, "You are cold. Shall I warm you?" he teased leaning towards her.

"No!" Anna gasped and quickly backed away, "Really I'm fine," she hurried to assure him.

"Ah, but what kind of gentleman would I be to ignore a lady in distress," Jarlaxle murmured catching her arms in his hands before she could escape.

"I shouldn't be here," Anna whispered.

Something that might have been regret flashed across his handsome face, "I am afraid it is too late for second thoughts," he murmured.

"What do you mean?" Anna asked not sure that she wanted to know. Jarlaxle didn't answer. Pushing her back against the gazebo he covered her mouth with his. Anna stiffened as his tongue pushed through her lips. He was frightening her. Gone was the playful lover. His mouth was hot against hers as he slid his tongue along hers. Grabbing her hair he yanked her head back and trailed his tongue down her throat.

"You're scaring me," Anna whimpered as his hand cupped her breast. The dark elf lifted his head to look at her.

"Tell me why you sought me out," Jarlaxle demanded. Releasing her hair he started unbuttoning her shirt. Anna gasped as his fingers brushed along her skin.

Anna didn't know what to do. She had never seen Jarlaxle be this aggressive. Something was wrong. She had a strange feeling that she was seeing something that she wasn't meant to see. Was what she knew about the elf merely a mask and not the real person? There was a look in his eyes that she had never seen before. Gone was the foolish fop. The stranger that quietly watched her was terrifying. There was no kindness, no humanity in his intelligent eyes.

"What Artemis read in the journal frightened me," she whispered.

"Go on," Jarlaxle prompted as his fingers explored the skin between her breasts.

Anna gulped as she watched his slender dark fingers play along her skin. "It worried me," she admitted. The light caress made it difficult for her to concentrate. What was he doing to her?

"You were afraid you would never see me again," Jarlaxle suggested. Taking off his hat, he tossed it in the gazebo. Anna nodded staring at him out of wide eyes.

Anna cursed her stupidity. Why had she ever thought this would be a good idea? She tried to calm her racing heart. Although she was scared she was also painfully aware of the light touch of his fingers. Her skin tingled from where his lips had been. She wanted more and she wanted him to stop. She stopped breathing when he pushed her shirt aside.

Anna wanted to run but found herself frozen, unable to move. She felt like a mouse staring into the hypnotic eyes of a snake. She was fascinated and terrified at the same time. Nothing in her life had prepared her for anything like this. She should run away. What the drow was doing was not right, but his touch was intoxicating.

"What is this?" Jarlaxle frowned looking at the odd piece of fabric under her shirt. Anna stared at him blankly. Gently tugging on the cloth he raised a white brow and waited for an answer.

"It's underwear," Anna finally gasped out. She knew she should resist but the feel of his hands were scrambling her brains. Her senses abruptly came back when he slid his fingers underneath the fabric. "What are you doing?" she moaned. He didn't answer as he traced the edge of her silk underwear. Anna gasped at the sensation. She felt like she was on fire. What was wrong with her? Why did she feel like this?

Jarlaxle slid his hand down to her hip. He stopped when he felt strap of her garter belt. Sliding the skirt up a little he frowned at the strange clothing.

"How much underwear do you have on?" he laughed inspecting her garter belt.

"That's not the kind of question you ask a lady," Anna said in shocked tones. Amusement flashed across the drow's eyes. Relief washed over Anna. This was the Jarlaxle that she knew. She didn't even complain when he lifted the strap of her garter belt to get a better look at it.

She started having second thoughts again. "What are you doing…," She started to ask only to break off in shock when he kissed the skin just above the piece of silk she had used to bind her breasts. She felt him laugh softly as he pulled her closer. His exasperated sigh brought her back to reality.

"It is wonder your people are able to procreate with the amount of clothing you layer on yourselves," Jarlaxle muttered. "As much as I would like to continue I am afraid this will have to wait," he sighed as he reluctantly moved away from her. Anna looked at him in confusion.

Her ragged breathing and stunned expression brought a smile to his face. Jarlaxle had wanted to take her right now but this would be her first time and it needed to be memorable. Tonight would be soon enough. He had waited for her long enough and it was time that she overcame her fear of being touched.

The dark elf laughed and leaned down to button her shirt. "Come, let us return," he said holding out a hand. As she took his hand he pulled her to her feet and then retrieved his hat. Tucking her hand in his arm he leaned close to her and whispered, "Do not despair, I will teach you about desire tonight." He burst out laughing at the horrified expression on her face.

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Betsy sighed and tossed a pillow across the room. She was bored. Anna had gone after that black demon that she insisted was an elf and Artemis was talking to Victor. They had all left her alone. Lizzie had shown Betsy into a bedroom that she could use but she wasn't tired enough to sleep. Betsy had tried to stay with Artemis and Victor but that hadn't worked out so well. Victor had threatened her with bodily harm if she didn't leave. Betsy sighed loudly and kicked the footboard of the bed. Suddenly a smile lit her face. She had an idea. Giggling to herself, Betsy jumped off the bed and made her way towards the study.

Glancing around to make sure no one saw her, Betsy snuck into the study and swiped a bottle of whiskey. Now, where could she hide it? Her dress was too short. Maybe she could wrap her feather boa around the bottle. The boa worked like a charm. Smiling widely Betsy crept through the house until she reached the back yard. The back yard was more like a large garden and it didn't take her long to find a secluded spot. Plopping on a bench sitting under a weeping willow tree Betsy cracked open the bottle and took a swig. Fishing out her cigarettes Betsy twisted around so that she could prop her feet against the opposite arm. She lit the cigarette and smiled as she took a long pull.

Betsy started to hum softly as the whiskey began to work its way into her bloodstream. It wasn't long before she was feeling pleasantly tipsy. Beginning to feel restless Betsy decided to explore. Taking another swig of the whiskey she wiggled and danced her way to the front gate and into the street.

She had been walking for a while before she realized that she was lost. Betsy had only been to Anna's grandparents' house a few times and didn't know the area. But Betsy was an adventurous girl and when she spied a nightclub she didn't think twice about checking it out. Wrapping her boa around the bottle again she entered the club.

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Artemis found he liked Victor a great deal. The man was intelligent and possessed a wicked sense of humor. To his surprise he even liked Lizzie. It was the first time since coming to this strange world that the assassin found that he was enjoying himself, a thing that Artemis seldom felt. When Victor excused to himself to finish up some business Artemis found himself free to do as he pleased.

Not having any particular destination in mind, Artemis wandered through the mansion. He was looking at a portrait in the hall way when he heard Victor start to curse. Victor stalked into the hallway a moment later. He looked fit to be tied.

"What's wrong?" Artemis asked seeing the murderous look on Victor's face. Victor turned at the sound of his voice and walked over.

"I'm going to kill that baby vamp," Victor growled. Artemis raised an eyebrow and waited for him to elaborate. Motioning for Artemis to join him Victor started down the hall towards Betsy's room. Curiosity getting the best of him Artemis followed Victor until they reached Betsy's bedroom.

"I knew I shouldn't have left her to her own devices," Victor snarled looking at the pillows that had been tossed on the floor. Victor sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Meeting Artemis eyes he said, "That baby vamp is wondering around somewhere with my best bottle of whiskey."

Artemis inwardly cringed at the thought of Betsy left alone with an entire bottle of whiskey. A feeling of resignation came over him and before he could question his judgment Artemis said, "I'll go after her." Victor shot him a surprised yet grateful look.

"That would be for the best. If I shoot her I will never hear the end of it," Victor sighed. "Try to save my whiskey, that bottle cost me a fortune."

Artemis nodded and walked into around the room as he thought about where Betsy might have gone. Victor left the room muttering to himself.

Deciding that Betsy probably had gone outside Artemis started his search in the backyard. His suspicions were confirmed when he found some her feathers littering a bench. A short time later he groaned as he realized that Betsy had left the house entirely. Maybe he would save Victor the trouble and kill her himself. Mentally kicking himself for offering to go after her, Artemis followed the trail of feathers into the street.

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Betsy was having a great time. Well at least she had been until one of the men in the club found her to his liking. Normally she would have welcomed the attention but this man was balding and smelled strongly of onions. She told him that she needed to powder her nose and then escaped into the bathroom. Betsy sighed regretfully when she saw him waiting for her. She would need to leave. Waiting until the coast was clear she slipped out of the club.

Lifting the bottle of whiskey to her lips Betsy staggered down the street. It was dark now and the city looked different now that is was washed in moonlight. Unconcerned she made her past dark buildings occasionally bumping into them. Pausing at a lamppost she blearily stared up the light. Smiling at the light she rested her back against the post and lit a cigarette. Giggling happily she took a pull off the cigarette and slowly breathed out the smoke watching as it drifted in front of her. Betsy looked around in confusion and then tilted her head back to address the light, "Where's my man when I need him?" she asked the light. Receiving no answer she pushed away from lamppost. Almost losing her balance Betsy nearly dropped the whiskey as she tried to find her balance. "Oh! That was close!" she exclaimed hugging the bottle of whiskey, "I'm sorry baby, I nearly dropped you," Betsy apologized to the bottle.

Out of nowhere a hand grabbed her arm and spun her around. She took a swing at the unknown person but the blow never connected.

"I wouldn't try that again if I were you," a familiar voice growled.

"Artemis," Betsy cried happily flinging her arms around him. Artemis gripped her arms and shook her.

"What were you thinking?" Artemis demanded.

Betsy hiccupped and stared at him. She looked like a drunken kitten. Artemis muttered something under his breath when she continued to stare at him blearily. An unexpected desire to kiss her made him growl and let go of her arms. Why did he suddenly want to kiss her? It was ridiculous. Betsy stared at him and started to sniffle.

"Start bawling and I leave you here," Artemis warned. Betsy nodded and to Artemis' surprise collected herself. Shaking his head he said, "Let's go." Artemis walked away without waiting to see if she followed him.

Betsy followed him on shaky legs. She wasn't feeling very steady. She took a few more steps before falling. Artemis sighed in exasperation and walked back to her. Crouching beside her he said, "Serves you right. How much of that whiskey did you drink?"

"About half," Betsy slurred. Artemis stared at her. How was she still walking after drinking half a bottle of whiskey?

Artemis resisted the urge to rub his temples when she hiccupped and giggled. "You've had enough," he said snatching the whiskey bottle. Betsy stared at him in outrage and grabbed for the bottle. He was too quick.

"Give that back," Betsy demanded trying to reach the bottle.

Artemis gave a bark of laughter, "Oh no you don't," he said keeping the bottle out of reach. Betsy pouted and glared at him. Artemis shook his head in amazement and then grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet. "How does one small person cause so much trouble?" he wondered.

"I was bored," Betsy answered as she swayed on her feet.

Artemis just stared at her. "So you decided to head out alone because you were bored," he said.

"I don't like being alone," Betsy explained as he started to lead her back to the house. She staggered and almost fell again. With a resigned sigh Artemis wrapped and arm around her. Betsy smiled up at him which didn't improve his mood.

"Why are you smiling?" Artemis growled.

"I'm glad you found me baby," Betsy slurred.

Artemis gave her a cold stare. "It was either me or Victor," he told her. Betsy's eyes widened.

"Victor," Betsy squeaked.

"He noticed his expensive bottle of whiskey was missing," Artemis confirmed.

Betsy stopped and stared at him, "He knows?" she whispered. Artemis nodded. Betsy moaned and clutched his arm, "He's gonna kill me," she cried.

"He did mention something about that," Artemis said watching her distressed face in amusement.

"I can't go back there!" She shrieked as Artemis grabbed her arm and started down the street.

"You should have thought about that before you took that bottle of whiskey," Artemis retorted dragging her forward. Betsy dug her heals into the street and tried to pull away. When he didn't let her go she stomped on his foot. Artemis gasped in surprise his grip loosening. Betsy grabbed the whiskey darted away with a triumphant smile on her face. Her smile abruptly disappeared when Artemis growled and stalked towards her. Betsy squeaked and tried to run. It was too bad her feet didn't want to cooperate. She tripped and would have fallen if not for Artemis catching her arm.

Jerking her towards him, "You court death," he snarled ripping the bottle out of her hand. Betsy stared at him in alarm until her eyes focused on the bottle. She licked her lips trying to figure out how to get her whiskey back. Artemis growled in exasperation, "Try it and Victor won't have to shoot you. I'll save him the trouble."

She should have heeded his warning.

Betsy lunged for whiskey. Clutching the bottle to her chest she laughed and darted away. She turned towards him and took a long swig smiling the entire time. Artemis groaned and buried his head in his hand. He was going to kill her. When she saw him start after her she turned tail and ran behind the lamppost. Why she thought the lamp would hide her was beyond him. As he strode to the lamppost Betsy stared at him horror. He was angry and didn't bother to hide it.

Betsy tried to duck away as he grabbed for her. She was no match for him under the best of circumstances. Yanking the bottle away from her, Artemis tucked the bottle into his pocket and then turned his attention to her. Gripping her forearms he shook her violently, "I ought to kill you now and save the world from your idiocy," he shouted. Then for reasons he couldn't begin to understand he had the overwhelming desire to kiss her. Angry at himself, angry at her, Artemis growled and dragged her against his chest crushing her lips beneath his.

Betsy passed out cold.

Looking at the limp girl in his arms Artemis cursed the strange fate that had brought him here. He cursed the drow. He cursed Anna. He cursed this unwelcome desire. He cursed the beautiful annoying female that was turning his life upside down. But most of all he cursed himself.

Suddenly Artemis laughed. He really was a fool. Swinging her into his arms he started back to the house.

Author's Note: LOL Betsy is so much fun to write about. Okay…reader beware the next chapter will be…um…naughty.

Sonra: It's interesting that you mention there were some things you didn't like in the Sell Sword Trilogy. I thought that Artemis seemed out of character at times. He softened too much for a while there, which I didn't want to do. I do love Victor though Betsy is by far the most fun!

Yulandia: Hmmm…you have some good guesses but I think you'll like the ending a lot more. The ending I have in mind is perhaps my favorite part of the whole story. I'll be curious to see what you think!