Chapter 33

Anna walked slowly towards her bedroom. Jarlaxle had left shortly after returning to the house with her. He must have been teasing her when they were in the gazebo. Surely he wouldn't try to seduce her, though to be quite honest she wasn't entirely sure what seducing entailed. She had seen plenty of naked men while working in the hospital but she still didn't understand much about love or what went on between a man and a woman. Unlike Betsy, Anna had led a sheltered life until she joined the war effort. Her suitors had been carefully inspected by her parents and grandparents. There weren't many who made the cut.

Fidgeting with the cuff of her sleeve Anna wondered what the drow had meant when he said he would teach her about desire. She wasn't sure she wanted to find out. Jarlaxle made her nervous yet she didn't know why.

As she made her way towards her bedroom Anna noticed that the house seemed unusually quiet. Where was everyone? Even Betsy was silent, a thing Anna would have thought impossible. By the time she arrived at her bedroom Anna was feeling strangely uneasy. She hesitated in the hallway. Silently chiding herself for being silly she stepped into the room and glanced around. There was no one there. Breathing a sigh of relief Anna closed the door behind her and then plopped down on the bed. It had been a long day and she was starting to feel tired.

She felt a faint movement behind her. No. He wouldn't. Anna slowly twisted around. Jarlaxle lay stretched out comfortably behind her. Anna shrieked and jumped off the bed. She noticed that his cloak and hat were gone. Why she would notice that didn't make any sense.

"What are you doing here?" Anna whispered backing away. The drow didn't move as he quietly watched her skitter away from him. Looking around frantically Anna wondered what to do.

Jarlaxle watched her in amusement. She looked like a frightened rabbit, ready to bolt at the slightest provocation. She was scared. He wondered why.

"Why are you frightened?" the dark elf asked.

"I'm not frightened. I'm furious!" Anna gritted through clenched teeth. Without his hat she could see his elegantly pointed ears clearly. She knew he was an elf yet seeing him without the hat made him seem even less human than normal. The gold earrings running the length of his ears caught the light as he turned his head to look at her. She was struck once more how evilly beautiful he looked. His coal black skin sharply contrasted against the light cream of the comforter.

Jalaxle laughed, "I beg to disagree." Rolling onto his side he grinned at her. "If you are truly not afraid then come and sit beside me," he teased.

Anna snorted and sat down on a chair on the far end of the room. Jarlaxle's smile widened. She hadn't run screaming from the room like he had thought she might. Patting the comforter he said, "I would prefer not to have to yell across the room."

"It doesn't matter to me if you yell," Anna retorted not budging from her chair.

"Ah, but it would be…inconvenient… if your family found me in your room. Would it not?" the drow teased. Anna growled at him. "I'm right you know," he laughed. "Come, I only wish to talk," he lied.

"You only want to talk?" Anna asked. Her doubt was clear.

"Indeed," the drow grinned motioning for her to join him.

"Do you promise you only want to talk?" she asked.

"You have my word. I will do nothing to distress you," Jarlaxle assured her. He wondered if she would believe him. Apparently so for a moment later she stood up and walked to the bed. Seeking to distract her he held up the journal. "There is one more entry. I thought you might like to read it with me," he suggested hiding his satisfaction as she sat on the bed beside him.

"Have you read it yet?" Anna asked. She had almost forgotten about the journal. It had been so hectic she had barely had time to think. She had been given the journal while working on the front lines. Originally she had thought that the journal had been Artemis' diary but it was actually Jarlaxle that had written it. The strangest thing was that the journal itself had turned out to be enchanted bringing Anna back to Jarlaxle's time.

"I have not," the drow answered sitting up and opening the journal. Anna inched closer curious to hear what the latest entry had to say.

Jarlaxle smoothed the page and began to read.

Final entry

We have arrived at the home of Anna's grandparents. It was quite shocking meeting Anna's grandfather. Victor is what Artemis might be like if he were he older. Indeed I like the man immensely. Perhaps Artemis will learn something from the gentleman though I have my doubts. I wonder how things would play out if Artemis were to remain in this time but I fear I will not have the opportunity to find out.

You must act quickly my younger self. Time is running out.

Your adventure has not yet ended. You must seek this land called faery. The answers to your questions and the solution to your dilemma lie within this magical land. Once you have obtained the answers you seek use the key to return to your own time. You are both the cause and the cure.

As you have no doubt surmised the puzzle box will return its user to their own time. Though be judicious in its use for it will only work one more time. Once you return you can never come back.

As Jarlaxle closed the journal a frown creased his brow. It was pity that he would not be able to use the puzzle box again. He was quiet as questions raced through his head. He liked Anna's time. Actually he liked this time better than his own. Perhaps he would leave his world to its fate, though Bregan D'aethe would be a great loss.

Laying the journal aside Jarlaxle laid back against the pillows and placed his hands behind his head. He stared at the ceiling thoughtfully.

"What will you do?" Anna asked. The realization that she would soon lose him forever made her chest tighten painfully. She had gotten used to having him around. Anna reminded herself that her life had been crazy since the first day she had laid eyes on the elf. Once he was gone her life would return to normal. She was going to miss him. A lot. Tears stung her eyes. She blinked willing them to stop.

Jarlaxle turned his head to study her. Her eyes shone with unshed tears. Reaching up he brushed a stray tear off her cheek. "Will you miss me when I am gone?" he asked taking advantage of her distress. Anna sniffled and nodded. "Come, lay back. I would like to feel your arms around me," he said wondering if she would comply. He sighed heavily and gave her a sad look. She fell for it and curled up beside him. The drow hid his satisfaction as he considered his next move.

Anna felt like her world was collapsing around her. She didn't even hesitate as she lay down beside Jarlaxle. Resting her head on his shoulder she wrapped an arm around his waist. She had known he would eventually return so why was the thought of losing him so painful? What would she do once he was gone? She would never feel this way about anyone else. Jarlaxle was unique.

Lost in her thoughts Anna didn't notice when Jarlaxle turned to face her. The feel of his hands on her face drew her attention. His eyes glowed red. The sun had set and her room was getting dark. He moved closer and gently kissed her. His lips were incredibly soft as they moved across hers. Anna sighed in pleasure and kissed him back. He pulled back to look in her eyes. Cupping her face in his hands he ran his thumb along her bottom lip. When she didn't pull away he leaned in to kiss her again. The kiss was deeper this time. He sucked on her lip and lightly nipped the soft flesh. Anna gasped in surprise and pulled back. He didn't stop her just watched quietly waiting to see what she would do.

"Touch me," he whispered catching Anna's hand and bringing it to his chest. Anna hesitated staring at her hand resting against his shirt. She swallowed and allowed her fingers to play along the embroidery that ran down the front of his shirt. "Don't be afraid to touch me," he said softly. Anna's eyes shot to his. There was no mockery in the red eyes. Jarlaxle loosened his shirt and guided her hand to the exposed skin. Anna stared in fascination at the difference in their skin.

Jarlaxle remained still letting her explore his chest. He wanted her to relax and the illusion of control would be the best way to accomplish that.

Anna was thoroughly enjoying herself. She splayed her fingers against the warm flesh. Jarlaxle's slender form belied the strength she could feel in the hard muscles. Anna ran her hand along his smooth skin marveling its darkness. It was so different from hers. As her fingers traced the line of his collar bone she found she wanted to see more. She had seen him without a shirt before but had been too embarrassed to get a good look at him. She glanced at him uncertainly. She couldn't very well ask him to remove his shirt. Ladies didn't do things like that.

"What are you thinking?" The drow whispered. Anna licked her lips and looked at his shirt. "I can remove it if you like," Jarlaxle offered. Anna bit her lip and stared at him. Laughing quietly he pulled his shirt off and tossed it aside. Propping himself up on one elbow he waited for her to take the initiative.

Anna couldn't take her eyes off his sculpted chest. Even relaxed she could see every muscle was clearly defined. Unable to help herself she touched the hard muscles of his chest. His skin was warm and smooth. She could feel the steady beat of heart beneath her fingers. She smiled slightly, "So you actually do have a heart," she said.

He laughed quietly. "Did you think otherwise?" the drow asked.

Anna smiled at him, "I wondered," she said as her eyes drifted lower. He had a surprisingly broad chest. The breath of his chest only emphasized the narrowness of his hips. Her fingers followed the smooth line of his ribs. She explored finely cut muscles of his stomach feeling the definition of each muscle. When she reached his trousers she ran her hand along the waist band. Her fingers played around the edge of his trousers. What did the rest of him look like? Was he the same as other men? Anna pulled her hand back in shock. What was she doing? The drow's fingers on her arm made her look up.

"There is nothing wrong with enjoying the touch of another," Jarlaxle said as he slowly slid his hand up her arm. Anna knew she should be horrified but his touch was intoxicating. She didn't even move when he started unbuttoning her shirt. Anna watched in fascination as his elegant dark fingers stroked her skin. "Your skin is so soft," he breathed enjoying the texture.

Anna shook her head, "I should leave," she whispered. Jarlaxle slowly continued to unbutton her shirt until the silk binding her breasts was visible.

"You have only to tell me to stop," the dark elf said leaning closer and nuzzling her ear. She shivered at as his breath ghosted across her neck. Anna knew that she should tell him to stop but the words stuck in her throat. She was drifting in a pleasant haze. Surely a few more minutes wouldn't hurt. She moaned as she felt his lips move down her neck. She barely noticed when the drow's clever fingers slid the shirt off her shoulders.

Jarlaxle brought his hands back up to cup her face. Her eyes were half closed as she looked back at him. "So beautiful," he whispered as he captured her lips again. He slowly deepened the kiss and slid his tongue into her mouth. Still kissing her, the drow moved into a sitting position so that he could slide the shirt off of her arms. Anna gasped the cool air hit her skin. Breaking away she stared at him out of wide eyes breathing hard. Catching her hands before she could grab her shirt Jarlaxle brought them to his lips and kissed them. "You have nothing to fear from me," he said against her fingers. Turning her hand over he kissed her wrist. Pulling her into the circle of his arms he brought his lips back to hers.

The feel of his warm skin against hers was incredible. Anna wanted to resist but couldn't seem to find the strength. She felt his hands move along the silk of her undergarment. A moment later she felt his hands move along the bare skin of her back. No one had ever touched her like this. It was frightening and exciting at the same time. She should want him to stop but she didn't. Anna gasped when he moved back taking her undergarment with him. She quickly crossed her arms over her breasts.

"You are beautiful and should not be ashamed," Jarlaxle told her as he encircled her with arms and pulled her close. Anna stiffened as she felt his bare skin. Tilting her head back, he said, "Look at me." Anna looked away embarrassed. "Look at me," Jarlaxle repeated. Anna slowly brought her eyes back to his. "What are you afraid of?" he asked softly.

Anna shook her head. "I shouldn't be doing this," she said.

"Why?" Jarlaxle asked. Anna gave him a confused look. "Would you rather learn this from another?" he asked.

Anna thought about his question. She couldn't imagine letting anyone else touch her like this. "No," she finally answered. "Ladies aren't supposed to enjoy things like this," she whispered.

Jarlaxle frowned at her words, "Who would tell you such a thing?" he asked.

"That's what I have always been told," Anna said.

Jarlaxle rested his cheek against hers, "Why would someone tell you such a thing? The touch of another is a wondrous thing," he told her. Gently rubbing her back he asked, "Do you enjoy this?"

"Yes," she said.

"Do you enjoy this?" the drow asked as he leaned down to kiss her shoulder.

"Yes," she said. She looked up at uncertainly as he gently laid her against the comforter and pulled her arms away from her chest. Anna turned bright pink as his eyes roamed over her breasts.

"You are beautiful and should be proud of your body," Jarlaxle said brushing his fingers against the side of her breast. Anna jerked at the feel of his hands against the sensitive skin. Ignoring her unease he slowly stroked and caressed her. He didn't leave any part of her untouched as he explored her soft skin. He lightly ran his hands along her shoulders and down her arms pausing to kiss the inside of her elbow. She stiffened when his hands returned to her breasts. Cupping the delicious weight in his hands the drow teased her nipples with his thumbs. Anna gasped in shock at the intensity of her reaction to the gentle assault.

"Do you enjoy this?" Jarlaxle teased as he lowered his lips to her breast. Anna gasped as his mouth closed over her nipple. She moaned softly as he flicked the tip with his tongue. Gripping the nipple between his teeth his lightly tugged and then circled the areola with his tongue. Just when Anna thought she couldn't take any more he moved to the opposite nipple. She moaned and arched against him as he nipped and teased the hard tip. Jarlaxle kissed the underside of her breast and then ran his tongue down her stomach. Reaching her belly button he circled it with his tongue. Sliding his hands up her ribs he cupped her breasts while continuing to tease her bellybutton with his lips and tongue.

Lifting his head the drow noted the glazed look in her eyes. Moving his hand down to her waist he undid the fastening of her skirt and started to slid it down her hips. Anna squeaked in alarm and grabbed his hands. "Do not fear my touch," he said meeting her eyes, "I won't hurt you."

Anna bit her lip nervously as she loosened her grip on his hands. As he slid the skirt down her hips the dark elf groaned silently. There were more layers of clothing under the skirt. Exactly how many layers of clothing did she have on? At this rate it would take all night just to get her out of her clothes. The drow couldn't remember ever having put this much effort into seducing someone.

Anna felt strange. Her thoughts were fragmented and confused. Her heart was racing and her skin tingled where the drow had touched her. Was this seduction? She felt the drow slide her skirt down her hips and begin gently tugging at her undergarments. The cool breeze coming in the window raised goose flesh on her exposed skin. She should be mortified by her state of undress. But the feel of the drow's fingers dancing along her skin was all she could think about. She wanted to ask if he was seducing her but her thoughts were too scattered to form a sentence. She heard him whisper an endearment as his fingers slipped between thighs.

Anna abruptly sat up and grabbed his hand. She turned shocked eyes towards him. "What are you doing?" she squeaked finally starting to feel embarrassed again.

Jarlaxle leaned forward to lightly brush his lips against hers, "You will enjoy this," he murmured against her mouth. As his lips moved against her mouth he slipped a finger inside her. Anna jumped at the unexpected touch and tried to pull away. "Trust me," the drow whispered. Anna whimpered in embarrassment as his fingers explored the soft folds of skin between her legs. She couldn't hold back a moaned as he gently rubbed the sensitive flesh.

"I feel strange," Anna moaned. Jarlaxle's hand stilled as he paused to look at her.

"How so?" he asked.

"I can't think. I feel hot and uncomfortable," Anna gasped.

"That is how you are supposed to feel," Jarlaxle told her and then laughed softly at her disgruntled look. Withdrawing his hand the drow removed the rest of his clothing.

When the drow stopped touching her, Anna finally was able to collect her scattered thoughts. She looked at him wondering why he had stopped touching her. Her thoughts came to a screeching halt as she realized the drow was naked. Now Anna had seen any number of naked boys and men during the war. So it shouldn't have shocked her to see the drow's naked body. Anna shrieked and covered her eyes. Jarlaxle pulled her hands away from her face. She slowly opened her eyes to find the drow looking at her in amusement.

"Surely you have seen men unclothed before," Jarlaxle said.

"Of course, it's just...," Anna paused trying to keep her eyes from drifting lower, "They don't look like you," she stammered as her cheeks turned bright red.

Releasing her hands, Jarlaxle laid back against the pillows. "Look at me," he instructed her.

Anna's mouth went dry as her eyes slowly roamed over his body. Every inch of Jarlaxle's body was hard lean muscle. Broad shoulders tapered sharply into narrow hips. Her eyes stopped at his hips staring at the part of his body that was very different from hers. She noticed that his skin was completely smooth. She resisted the urge to see if his skin felt as smooth as it looked.

Jarlaxle relaxed, watching her expressive face in amusement. He bit back a laugh when she frowned at his hips. She stared intently at his arousal a look of confusion crossing her face. "What confuses you?" he finally asked curiosity getting the best of him.

Anna flushed a deep red and quickly looked away which only increased the drow's curiosity. She was quiet for a long time and he thought she might not answer. Finally she motioned towards his aroused member, "You look different," she said trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Different how?" Jarlaxle asked.

"Um…well…you're really smooth," Anna swallowed uncomfortably. This was quite possibly the most embarrassing conversation she had ever had, "And your…bigger…," she stammered avoiding his eyes.

Jarlaxle started to laugh. Anna glared at him. The drow's eyes softened, "Elves do not have body hair," he said taking her hand and guiding it to his member. Anna's eyes widened as he wrapped her fingers around him. "Touch me," Jarlaxle encouraged her.

Anna glanced at his face and then to the hard flesh beneath her fingers. This part of his body was much warmer. The sharp contrast in their skin tones held her attention. Like the rest of his body this part was coal black as well. It felt like warm velvet under her fingers. Anna traced a vein that pulsed with blood. Jarlaxle hissed as she ran her finger along the vein. "Did I hurt you?" Anna asked anxiously moving her hand away.

Jarlaxle caught her hand and brought it to his lips, "On the contrary," he said. Pushing her back against the pillows he nudged her legs apart and knelt between them.

"What are you doing?" Anna asked pushing at his shoulders as he leaned down. Jarlaxle glanced up and gave her a wicked grin. Anna gasped in shock when he put his mouth between her legs. Her embarrassment faded away as he slid a finger inside her and then sucked gently on the soft folds. She moaned and whimpered as he licked and teased the sensitive flesh. Anna had never imagined she could feel anything like what the dark elf was making her feel. Her breath came in ragged gasps as he continued to stroke, lick and rub her. She felt feverish unable to do more than whimper in need.

Jarlaxle stopped his assault and moved up to cover her with his body. Anna came abruptly back to her senses. Lowering his head he kissed her gently and settled between her legs. As he kissed her the drow reached between her legs and inserted two fingers inside of her. Anna moaned as he skillfully massaged the sensitive flesh. She was feeling strange again, hot and uncomfortable. She wanted more but she wasn't sure what it was that she wanted.

The dark elf adjusted his position above her. Jarlaxle hesitated. It was going to be impossible to make her first time entirely pleasant. She was far too tight and he had been able to feel her maidenhead with his fingers. The trick was making the experience pleasant enough that she would want to repeat it. He was going to have to be very careful. The drow groaned silently. This was going to severely test his self-control. It wasn't that the dark elf doubted his self-control, but it was possible he may have to wait on finding his own release. A thought the drow didn't relish.

"Relax," Jarlaxle told her as he slowly eased into her body. Anna's pleasant fog evaporated as she felt the drow replace his fingers with something else. Anna stiffened and shifted underneath him. This was beginning to hurt a little. Not bad, but uncomfortable. Jarlaxle stilled and looked at her, "You need to relax. This is your first time and your body hasn't adjusted to me yet," he instructed her.

Anna looked back at him and frowned, "I don't like this as much," she said.

"It is only because you are unused to such things," Jarlaxle explained remaining still. Brushing his lips against hers he whispered, "Relax. You're too tense." Anna took a deep breath and concentrated on relaxing. She trusted Jarlaxle. She still wasn't sure why but she trusted him. "That's better. Now, this is going to hurt a little," he warned her before pushing through her maidenhead.

Anna cried out in surprise and pain. She felt something warm leak onto her thighs. Her eyes shot to Jarlaxle's. The drow didn't move as he waited for her body to adjust to the intrusion. Leaning forward he kissed her nose, "Be at ease, the pain will not last," he said.

Anna grimaced. The pain was receding but it was still very uncomfortable. She started to protest when she felt the drow slip his hand between them and touch her where they were joined. "Hush, I am making it easier for you," Jarlaxle murmured as his fingers skillfully caressed her. Anna bit her lip as he started to move in and out while still using his fingers. To her surprise Anna began to find the experience more pleasant.

It was with no small effort that Jarlaxle kept his movements slow and steady. Normally the drow enjoyed a much more energetic encounter. So he was surprised to find himself nearing release. The dark elf didn't know if it was the amount of effort he had put into his latest acquisition or perhaps the length of time it had been since his last encounter. Whatever the reason he was relieved to be able to find release before she became too sore to continue.

Anna moaned as she felt an uncomfortable need begin to build again. It begged for release but she didn't know what to do. She suddenly felt the drow stiffen and then shudder. A moment later he relaxed and she noticed that although she could still feel him inside of her it felt different. Still inside of her the drow used his fingers to bring her need to a fevered pitch. Murmuring softly in her ear he told her not to fight and to let go. Anna wasn't sure what he meant but soon she didn't care. Her body felt like it was on fire. All she could feel was the need for release. Then she suddenly jerked against his hand. If asked, Anna would have been hard pressed to describe the sensation. Her entire body shook as she found release. A feeling of intense relief followed rapidly by euphoria washed over her. She went limp beneath him panting and sweating.

Jarlaxle eased out of her and reached for a rag he had tucked beneath the pillow. Rolling to the side he gently cleaned her. He kissed her cheek and then settled her against him. Anna didn't speak as she buried her face in his chest. Her breathing was slowing and she sighed softly as she wiggled into a more comfortable position.

The drow held her close. He knew that cuddling with her afterwards would make her bond to him. It was a strange fact about human females that he had learned after coming to the surface. To the drow sex was merely an act of physical release but to humans, females in particular it could be an almost spiritual experience. After this it would be far easier to control her. The drow rested his pointed chin on the top of her head and smiled.

Author's Note: Sooo…how did you like this chapter? ;)

RT86: Thanks! Yeah the end is near but if I am ever going to start on another story this one will need to end. LOL

Yulandia: Drunk Betsy was so much fun and you are right, Artemis' reprieve will be short lived! As for Jarlaxle love is such a foreign concept to the drow that I am not sure if he would recognize it.