Double Trouble

Sarah found herself floating around her small home, easily stepping around the goblins who were scurrying between her legs. She was humming a nonsensical tune as she packed the small bag that sat on her couch.

"Boss Lady! Boss Lady!"

Sarah found herself flinging out her arms to keep herself from falling forward as a goblin collided with the back of her legs, clinging to them with an iron grip. This was quickly followed by two more goblins, causing her to fall into a sitting position on the couch.

"What is it little ones? You know I have to pack for my trip."

The three goblins were shaking like leaves adrift in a storm, and Sarah found her brow knitting in concern. One of the goblins whimpered out,

"It's the Kingy, Boss Lady, ee's in a bad mood."

Another nodded in agreement, not loosening his grip on her sun dress.

"Threaten' to bog any goblin who gets in his way."

Sarah reached down and patted the three goblins on the head, which calmed them slightly.

"I can't do much about that sadly, but you three are more than welcome to hide out here until his highness calms down. The three of you know the rules, as long as things are kept tidy I don't mind the company."

She received three nods, and her legs were freed as the three scurried off to find some where cozy to ride out the storm that was the Goblin King's temper. The other two goblins who had been rushing about exchanged a glance before following their brethren to sanctuary. Shaking her head at their antics, Sarah stood up and began her task anew with a small frown on her face.

It wasn't her place, but she wondered what had the royal Fae in such a mood that the goblins were actively fleeing to her for safety. Zipping her bag shut, she pondered if she should mirror Hoggle before leaving to make sure her friend steered clear of the Goblin King and his thunderous mood. A knock at her door stopped her from doing just that, and checking the time found her curious at who was coming unannounced.

Pulling open the door Sarah found herself at a loss,

"John? What are you doing here so early?"

She stepped aside to let him in, her eyebrow raised at his disheveled appearance and the lack of his normally confident air.

"I didn't sleep well last night, that's all my dear. I figured I would come see you early and we could head out once you were ready."

Sarah gave a soft smile as she shut the door and lead John over to the sofa to sit.

"That sounds lovely. I just need to grab one or two more things and I'll be ready to go."

John nodded, his head leaning back against the couch as he shut his eyes. Making her way upstairs, Sarah quickly gathered her coat and a handled mirror in case of an emergency. Walking over to her vanity she sat down, placing her hand on the large mirror that took up most of her wall.

"Hoggle, are you there?"

There was silence and then a ripple flowed from the center of the mirror, hitting the side of wood before the once she called appeared.

"Sarah? I can't speak long. His highness is in a foul mood and I don't want to be bogged for speaking with you."

Sighing in aggravation, Sarah nodded in acquisition,

"So he is upset with me again? Truly, what could it be this time?"

Hoggle merely shrugged,

"When isn't he Sarah, it comes and it goes. Some days he is accepting of you remaining in the human world and other's you would swear it was the end days…"

That got a dry chuckle from both, and Sarah found herself standing up more at ease with the situation.

"I just wanted to warn you of his mood, but it seems you are aware. I'll be gone for the next few days, I'll check in when I return. Send my love to the others."

Hoggle gave a short bow,

"Of course, my Lady."

Sarah frowned,

"Hoggle, we've spoken of this…"

"And my response is the same, if he has to be my King then the Labyrinth needs you as it's lady. Don't matter if you refuse to be his, the Labyrinth choose you."

With that, the mirror rippled and the image faded. Sarah felt her mood drop slightly at the reminder that she was so irrevocably bound to that other world. Most days she could forget, but others it was as plain as the stars in the night sky. Shaking her head clear, she took a deep breath and relaxed, a smile slowly returning to her face.

That wasn't important now.

She had been looking forward to this weekend since John had suggested it, and nothing was going to distract from that. Placing her jacket over her arm she made her way downstairs, smiling as John rose to take her arm.

This weekend would be perfect.

Susan moved around the old estate with a heavy heart.

She could still hear the ghosts of her siblings laughing and playing in the empty halls. It was a melancholy feeling, but she still welcomed the reminder of her past in these trying times.

"Susan…"

Spinning around, Susan's eyes narrowed as she scanned the sun lit hallway. There were small tuffs of dust dancing in the early morning sunlight but nothing else moved.

"Lady Susan…"

She spun on her heal once more, trying to locate the sound of the voice. Her ears were straining to detect any sound in the empty manor house. Silence was the only response until a breeze kicked up all the dust in the hall way.

"Susan!"

The dust danced around Susan, and for a moment she thought she saw a large form moving toward her. She blinked to clear the dust from her eyes, but by then the hall had returned to its original quiet state. Taking a deep breath, Susan made her way out of the quiet hall.

Watching her retreat, two golden eyes peered at the woman's back in concern.