Hello, my dear readers! I hope all of you have been well! Time to see what happens after Jareth's unfortunate arrest!
Enjoy!
~SealedHearts
I open my eyes to be greeted by cheerful sunlight, and yet I find there is little to be cheerful about. Every time I woke from chaotic dreams, Jareth's resigned face filled my mind's eye. There must be something I can do. I need to talk to Lionel after breakfast.
Even as I don a pale pink bodice with a white skirt among the flurry of servant girls, I involuntarily shiver. Jareth's predicament isn't the only thing that kept me up, I confess to the Lord. I had that dream again, but it was different this time. The glass acted like a wall and the figure and I were separated. What else happened? I grasp at the threads of the sleepy vision before it can unravel. We were closer than before, facing each other. I…I put my hand up to the glass and the figure did the same. Suddenly, it pressed its dark hand against the glass and passed through the barrier like it wasn't even there! It sought to seize my wrist—and then I woke up.
Even as Selene brushes my hair, I find my heart beats like a frightened bird. Something is going to happen, Lord. I understand that now. Please guard me, and keep me wary of Your Spirit.
"What a night we've had," Selene's voice cuts into my thoughts, her comment making me aware of how quiet the room actually is.
"Yes," I answer softly, even as the faerie skillfully entwines ribbon through my dark locks.
"Take heart, dear one," she reassures me with a gentle stroke on the head. "His Lordship is under God's protection. No harm will befall him lest it is the Father's will."
I manage a small smile. "Thanks, Selene."
Even as she curtsies and departs, I can't help but feel her words also pertain to my unsettling dream.
As soon as breakfast is over, I meet with Lionel, who leads me to a private study. Dressed in an attractive emerald tunic and black breeches, the nobleman reclines in a chair by a window; absorbed in his thoughts, he rests his chin on top of a gloved hand.
I take a seat opposite him, spreading my skirt out like a flower's petals. We are both silent for a moment until I inquire, "What does Jareth want us to do?"
Lionel takes a moment to answer my question, choosing to rise and cross the room to the fireplace, whose ashes have been swept out. Leaning against the mantelpiece, he runs a hand through his brown hair and heaves a sigh. "He wants us to speak to the witnesses and verify their certainty that they saw Jareth commit these crimes. If there is any doubt, any at all, that will help us."
"I understand," I reply, nodding in agreement before noticing he watches me carefully.
"There is something else on your mind," he remarks, his tone sending the message I shouldn't deny it.
Feeling his patient eyes rest on me, I become self-conscious. "It's…not that important," I answer weakly. "Jareth's predicament is what we need to focus on."
"You are bothered," he bluntly states, returning to his seat so he can properly face me, "and in order to focus on aiding Jareth, I need to be able to depend on you. If something is preoccupying your thoughts, it would be wise to disclose it before we go any further."
The genuine concern written across Lionel's face convinces me to grant him a resigned smile. "Very well. At first I thought it was nothing, so I put it aside, but…" I tell him about the dreams, as well as my analysis of them.
He is quiet as I reveal this information to him. "Be wary," he finally cautions. "God has spoken through dreams before. Keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary and I will do the same. Now," he says, changing subjects, "Jareth's family has been informed of recent events. The twins conveniently want to do some shopping in Ravani, so the ladies and Grigel will go there to see what they can uncover. You and I will go to Drachea and speak with Lady Meralin. Hopefully, she just confused His Majesty with someone else."
It's not long before we're among the bustling throng of people again. Their countenances have changed though… The joyful giggles sound more nervous, and the excited chatter fades into wary whispers. While some wear masks of attempted cheer, others forsake the pretense and give into the gloom that hangs over them.
"It's different here," I remark as I follow Lionel, weaving in and out of the swirling crowds and past stationed guards.
"News travels fast," he replies, ignoring the cold stare of a Dakiel goblin nearby.
We come to the fountain, which mischievously flicks sprits of water on us. I wait for my companion to get his bearings before we cut through the crowd to a slim alleyway dotted with quaint buildings. "I believe she has her shop in this vicinity," the nobleman was saying. "She's a dwarf who specializes in glassware."
Passing by a few elves and goblins, we come to a fork in the street.
"I'll go left and you go right?" I propose.
He nods in agreement. "We'll meet back here in about ten minutes. If we fail to locate her, we shall look elsewhere."
We separate.
As I stroll down the small lane, I can't help but notice the glaring sunlight has been reduced to gleaming patches sprawled over the cobblestone path. Without the sun, it's almost chilly. Passing by a pair of guards that stand watch, I glance in the shop windows as I walk through. Books, no. Armory, cool, but not it. Some kind of postal service, nope. Apothecary, nu-uh. A pub? Definitely not. Little homes are sandwiched between the businesses like sardines, their windows shuttered to turn away curious onlookers.
To my chagrin, I come to the end of the alleyway, aware I've come back to the fountain. Stepping into the light, I bask in the sun's warmth and watch people walk by for a moment.
"Time to head back," I choose, "just in case I missed anything." Turning to go back down the curving alley, I suddenly feel the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
Someone's watching me, I realize, tensing, but where, Lord? I look back to scan the crowd, the buildings encompassing the people. Nothing. I whirl around to check the alley, and I feel my blood run cold.
The man in the red cloak.
Several feet away, he casually leans against the wall of the pub, regarding me in cool silence.
Time to go, I decide, taking a few steps back into the sunlight before turning and dashing away. The sound of footfalls alerts me the stranger is following in pursuit. Oh my gosh, I think as I increase speed, he really is after me! Quickly scanning my surroundings, I instruct myself, The crowd—shake him off there.
I plunge into the wave, losing myself among the faeries, dwarves, elves, and other creatures. Making a beeline past the fountain to the opposite side of the vicinity, I then duck down and travel to the left. If I circle around, I might be able to catch sight of Lionel and—the guards. Taking refuge behind a barrel stationed outside a tavern, I risk a peek. The red-robed man is in the midst of the disorienting crowd, checking every petite brunette in pink he can possibly find.
Just what does this creep want?
I jump when I hear a small pop! and a sly voice whisper in my ear, "And what are we doing that makes us look very suspicious?"
I whip around to see a certain pixie fluttering next to me.
"Phalax!" I exclaim relieved, "I'm sure glad to see you!"
"And why," he asks, although clearly pleased, "should you be happy to see a thieving scoundrel like yours truly?"
"Because you can help me."
Phalax displays a naughty smirk. "And does Mr. High-and-Mighty know of this little…collaboration?" He whispers, referring to Jareth.
"He would understand, trust me," I assure the pixie, who is beginning to quiver with anticipation. "Do you see that man over there?" I point out my stalker, who is now beginning to scan above the crowd. I shrink back behind the barrel just as Phalax catches sight of the stranger.
"What do you want me to do? Scratch him? Pull his hair?"
"Anything you can do to buy me some time. Be creative."
The blue creature flits close to my face. "What do I get in return?" He asks, surveying me with eyes trained to catch the slightest of glints.
"I…" I find I'm at a loss when he suddenly flies towards my hand. Perching on the back of it, he attempts to pull the sapphire ring off of my finger.
"This," he declares, "or no deal."
I bite my lip in hesitation before realizing I have no choice. Now I know why You had me buy this, I think as I reluctantly slip the ring off for the pixie to take. Hindsight's 20/20 after all.
Phalax lifts the trinket into the air with ease. "At your service," he chirps before disappearing with a little pop! A moment later, he reappears hovering over the stranger, who is now looking in my direction. Even as the man spots me, I see Phalax swoop down.
I leap from my place and sprint for the alleyway's entrance. "Sorry," I cry, pushing by pedestrians, "excuse me!"
I hear my stalker give a growl of pain: Phalax has bitten him.
Now at the beginning of the corridor, I risk a look back. The little pixie is gallantly buzzing about the stranger's covered face, infuriating him. The man suddenly shoots a dark glare towards me and, in one fierce swipe, mercilessly clubs Phalax to the side. The distraction taken care of, he races towards me without delay.
I turn and tear down the alleyway, screeching around the left corner. Spotting Lionel standing nearby, I watch as he comes to meet me. "Stay there!" I shout, dashing by him, "I need you to cut him off!"
Aware the stalker is close behind me, I am relieved when I catch sight of the two guards from before. Hearing our frantic footsteps has alerted them to attention, and they seem surprised to see me streak towards them.
"What is the matter, milady?" the dwarf asks as I stand panting before them.
"Him!" I manage, turning to see my stalker round the corner. Even as I slip between the soldiers, I watch the cloaked man halt his purposeful advance at the sight of the guards.
He displays a smile that sends a shiver down my spine. "Very clever," he remarks for the first time. "Very clever indeed."
Sword drawn, the elf steps forward. "What business do you have with this maiden?" he questions.
The stranger steps back in response to the inquiry, only to turn and perceive Lionel blocks his escape. Instead of fleeing, however, he thrusts a glance in our direction. "I'll just have to keep you guessing," he declares. In one fluid movement, he spins, arching the end of his scarlet cloak around himself—and disappears in a flurry of shadow.
When he's convinced the threat is gone, Lionel is by my side in a flash. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, thank you," I reassure him, "and thank you for acting on such short notice."
"Do you know why that man was after you?" the elvish guard inquires.
"I have no idea," I reply with an exasperated sigh. "I ran into him once before, but thought it was just an accident. Now I know otherwise."
By the time I finish speaking, I hear the familiar pop! and Phalax alights upon my shoulder.
"Phalax, are you okay?" I ask gently.
"Just barely," he replies, wings drooping. "He hit me pretty hard."
"I'm sorry you got hurt, but I thank you for your valiant effort," I praise him, watching him perk up ever so slightly. "Your timing was perfect. But, tell me, did you see his face at all?"
The pixie shakes his head. "No. He wore a mask of sorts," he answers, glancing up at me suspiciously. "Just what are you mixed up in?"
"I wish I knew," I say honestly, watching the small creature abandon his perch and flutter into the air.
"Well, this wasn't a total loss," he reminds me triumphantly, stretching the pain out of his little body, "as I now have a new trinket to enjoy."
"One which you didn't have to steal, I presume?" Lionel inquires, raising an eyebrow.
At the mention of his disgraceful occupation, Phalax notices the guards eye him with wary interest. "About that…that is for another time," he answers quickly, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
I shake my head in disbelief before turning my attention to the two guards.
"And here I thought today's shift would be boring," the dwarf mumbles.
I chuckle, saying, "Well then thank you for being so quick to take action."
They salute at my commendation.
"'Twas our pleasure!" he exclaims, at attention.
"Do you require any further assistance?" The elf questions me.
After a quick glance at Lionel, I reply, "No, I believe we will be fine. Thank you."
As we depart from that end of the alley, Lionel is quick to entwine my arm along his own.
"Do you think this is what my dreams meant?" I ask softly, once the soldiers are out of hearing.
"I pray that was the event played in its entirety," he answers, anxiety lacing his words. "Hopefully he was just an unstable individual, one which did not stand on premeditation."
"Hopefully," I echo. But only You know for sure. "So," I change subjects, "did you find anything on your end?"
"Yes," Lionel confirms, enthusiasm returning to his voice, "Lady Meralin lives just at the end of this street."
It's not long before he leads me to a charming shop filled with glittering baubles and fragile glass creations. Phalax would have a field day in this place, I think as we enter.
As I linger to admire crystal figures of mermaids, Lionel makes his way to an old dwarf in a corner who is surveying the mingling shoppers with trained eyes. Although I keep my attention fixed on Lionel, who is inquiring if Meralin is available, I notice a rather peculiar glass statue with wings for arms and a scaly tail. "What creature is this?" I murmur to myself. "A sea-fairy?"
"That, elfling, is what they call a 'human,'" answers a wizened goblin to my right.
"Really?" I prompt, successfully keeping the amusement out of my voice.
"Well," he admits with a dry chuckle, "they say humans can travel both the skies and the seas. Of course, I've never seen one before. I wouldn't be surprised if they were just a myth."
"A myth, huh? Fancy that." I comment, stifling a grin, when I see Lionel motioning me over.
I leave the goblin and trot over to my companion.
"He's gone to inform Meralin of our calling," Lionel explains, and before he's finished speaking, a female dwarf emerges from a back room.
"Yes?"
"Lady Meralin?" Lionel bows, and I follow suit. "My name is Lionel Farron, and this is Christine Heartilly. We were wondering if we could ask you some questions regarding last night."
"But of course," she obliges, nodding. "What would you like to know?"
"Are you absolutely certain it was His Majesty you saw?"
"Yes, I know it was him," she replies with conviction, and she suppresses a shudder. "He…was merciless," she whispers as she relives the horrific memory.
She's telling the truth, I realize. Without a doubt, she believes Jareth is the one responsible.
Shaking herself of the event, Meralin sets her eyes on me, as though acknowledging my presence for the first time. "And you…" she begins, and her pained demeanor suddenly twists into cold fury. "You were there."
Hold on a sec. Did I hear right?
"Excuse me?" I say, puzzled.
She jabs a bony finger in my direction. "You were there," she exclaims, her voice rising, "and you stood by and just watched with perverse glee! How dare you show your face to me, you little witch!"
Whoa! What the heck? Looks like the plot thickens!
Things to keep in mind for next time...
1. What do you think about Christine's changing dream? In what way could events be escalating?
2. Regarding Phalax and the ring, it's neat to see how God works within our lives, allowing us to see the whole picture when He's finished. Thinking about your own life, how has God provided for you in an unexpected way?
(Also, since Jareth is no longer in charge, it's implied that Lionel has now taken the lead being besties with the King and the highest in rank among the nobles. Although we are not present for it, before meeting with Christine, he assigns the nobility the task of keeping their eyes open for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.)