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E. Jane
VII
Plant an Idea Before Dinner
She did not want to see her world fading in front of her, so Sarah took one last look and squeezed her eyes tightly. At first nothing happened. She simply felt...fuzzy around the edges. And then there was a jolt in her stomach, as if she was in a plunging elevator. But she had not moved...
When she opened her eyes Sarah found a leather vest and looked up to see Jareth smiling apologetically down at her. "Sorry, moving through time-space barriers is not always so pleasant." She realized she was clinging to him like a small child and quickly disentangled herself from his consoling embrace. This new Jareth continued to shock her as much as the cruel one had. He was too gentle, too understanding. She laughed at herself and turned to survey the surroundings.
They were in a garden. A wide, sprawling place filled with every plant imaginable. The brick walls were overgrown with ivy, red, yellow, purple, and orange flowers clumped together in varying patterns. Slender trees offered their shade and delicate paths wound through it all, past benches and gurgling fountains. It was as a secret garden should be, just as she'd always imagined. The carefully constructed layout and choice of flora flowed together beautifully. Yet there was an air of excitement, of intoxicating wildness. Just like the Labyrinth...just like it's king. She turned back to him, mouth full of questions, but they died on her lips. He stood before her, hand outstretched, filled with flowers. "For you."
Sarah stepped back to him and cupped the tiny bouquet in her palms, looking up with a whole new set of questions in her eyes. When she smelled them...Oh! How they smelled like home!
"Look," he said softly, pointing at the flowers. "They still have the roots. Pick a place to replant them and they'll flourish. You can have your own little piece of home, right here."
Her eyes filled with tears, ridiculously choosing this moment to show, as she hugged the blooms to her chest. "Jareth, you don't know what this means to me...I...why do you go out of your way for me?" She really was beginning to wonder. The gesture was astoundingly thoughtful, the most out of all of his recent surprises.
He smiled. "I was a different character last time we met, Sarah. Playing the part of your childhood villain to indulge your fantasies and frighten you off. I was what you wanted me to be, although it did not quite work out so well..." A soft chuckle of amusement, his gaze observing the space around him. "I am not all that bad. Most of the time." His teeth gleamed in the sun. "Beside, I want you to be happy here." Jareth turned to look down at her, eyes so full of sincerity that her heart leaped.
What made her do it, she could never tell. Perhaps the fluttering in her stomach, or the sudden intensity in the air between them. Petals clutched under her chin, she stood on her tip-toes and pecked him on the cheek. "I will be," she whispered, then took off down the path to look for a place to plant the flowers.
Jareth raised a hand to the spot on his cheek where her lips had been. Wide mismatched eyes watched her scamper away, searching for an unoccupied spot of dirt. He stood like a statue, marveling at the sensation. His brain did not work anymore.
"Jareth!" A sudden clap on the shoulder sent him spinning around in surprise. "My dear boy, you've finally come back! We were about to send a search party Aboveground for you!" He found the voice coming from the man beside him.
"Hello, Adamo," he grinned. "I was not gone all that long."
The old man, half a head shorter than Jareth, crossed his arms, silver hair catching the light like a spider's web covered in dew. Mischievous grey eyes twinkled behind his round spectacles. "Did you...accomplish the mission?" His mouth was suddenly fighting a smile, Jareth could tell.
Wickedly the Goblin King grinned and turned to follow Sarah, his back to Adamo.
"Now, now, Jareth! Fess up! Is that any way to treat your highly esteemed tutor?"
Jareth grunted. "I am no longer a child-you haven't tutored me in centuries."
Adamo sighed heavily. "I still like to pretend. Royal Advisor is far more complicated-"
"Jareth!" Sarah came springing around the corner, flushed with excitement. "I found the perfect place, beside the willow. Tree." She came to a standstill in front of the two men, surprised at this new character. Suddenly she felt ridiculously under dressed in their company-jeans and a t-shirt did not suit royalty well, or royal gardens. She glanced at Jareth and noticed with a shock he had changed-painter's shirt, grey breeches, boots, gloves, vest. Even the hair was back, falling around his shoulders in disorderly, strangely alluring blond layers. Automatically everything fit together, the crazy outfit perfect for this place of magic. "Hello," she tried, turning back to the other man.
He stepped up, took her hand delicately, and placed a kiss on her knuckles. "It is a pleasure to finally meet the Lady Sarah."
"L-lady? How do you know my name?" She looked accusingly at Jareth. He was glaring at the man, arms crossed over his chest, and mumbling something suspiciously like "show off."
The old man chuckled warmly. "Everyone knows your name, my dear." At once Sarah was very comfortable around this man, with his easy-going nature and laughing eyes. He seemed...grandfatherly, almost. "After all, you are the only one to beat Jareth's Labyrinth."
"Sarah," the aforementioned king said, draping an arm casually around her waist, "this is Adamo. My tutor as a child, now the kingdom's Royal Advisor. My right-hand man." He gestured to Adamo, who bowed theatrically with a spinning twist of the fingers. Sarah giggled.
"Very nice to meet you, Sir Adamo." She tried a little curtsy, which was difficult considering the pants.
Beaming, he straightened and swiftly swept her from Jareth. "Come, let us see the spot you have picked out for your flowers." He offered his arm and they turned an ivy covered corner. Jareth sighed at the sky and began to follow, more than annoyed that Adamo had taken Sarah from him. Suddenly an idea struck, and he conjured a crystal out of thin air. Quietly he whispered to it, blew the delicate orb over a wall, and, smirking, followed the sound of voices down another path.
It was only seconds before he found them in a separate part of the garden. This spot was mostly luxurious grass and a silver-blue pond. A large willow stood sentry to the side, boughs dragging the ground, leaves swaying in the delicate breeze. Sarah was sweeping her arms to and fro over a patch of earth and Adamo was nodding enthusiastically. "This is where you want to put your flowers?" Jareth asked quietly, right behind her. She spun, sparkling up at him.
"Is it alright? I thought it looked good for them..." She glanced lovingly at the the petals in her arms.
"It's perfect," he smiled. "But you'll need some help planting them." Right on time, he mused as a distinct grumbling approached from the direction that he had just come. Jareth stepped to the side, to let Sarah see the newcomer.
"Always got somethin' more 'portant for me ter do than my actual job-" came the muttering, but the dwarf froze when he turned the corner. "Sarah?"
"Hoggle!" she shrieked and flew at him, kneeling on the ground to squeeze him better. Jareth looked on, hands clasped behind his back as the two met in excitement. A flurry of words rose between them, trying to figure out what had happened a few nights before.
"You're very fond of the girl, Jareth," Adamo said softly. The King turned sharply, unaware that he was being watched. Instantly his features became an unreadable mask.
"She's important to the Underground. A guest in my kingdom," he said imperiously.
"Do you indulge all of your guests in such pleasures? Flowers, reacquainting them with old friends? Jareth, you've gone soft!" he chuckled, impervious to his ruler's slanted frown, and poked him in the chest.
"Adamo-"
"No, won't hear it. And you shouldn't deny yourself the truth either," he refused, holding up his hands. "But while we have a moment..." They looked to the two reunited friends. Sarah had led Hoggle over to the designated area by the hand, pointing to places on the ground. "I'm afraid I have some news." He withdrew an envelope from his breast pocket and handed the embellished letter inside to Jareth.
He scanned it quickly, mask slipping to reveal a face of stony displeasure. Jareth growled and thrust the message back at Adamo. "You can't be serious!"
"I'm afraid it is inevitable, Jareth. We all must attend."
"All?" Questioningly he looked to his advisor, then Sarah.
"Didn't you tell her that she would accompany you to certain functions?"
"Yes, but so soon? Can't we simply decline?" he huffed, knowing the question to be wasted breath.
Adamo guffawed. "Good one, Jareth! The prince of the High Court cannot forsake his duties. And Marraine's anniversary is very important, indeed. I understand your hesitation, given the past. But still. We must celebrate the birth of our closest ally."
"As close as an ally can be, what with our strained relationship," the king groused to his boots.
"And another thing."
"What..." he sighed, tilting his head back and closing his eyes, rubbing his forehead.
"I've been thinking, as Royal Advisors tend to do. If Sarah is to reside here permanently, don't you think the rumors will fly?" He sent a meaningful glance.
"Rumors about Sarah?" Jareth repeated confusedly, then blinked with recognition. "Surely not-"
"I'm afraid so. As per your wish, I am the only one who knows she possesses your dreams, save her three friends. But everyone else will think that you are keeping a very lovely young woman in your castle all to yourself."
"Absurd," he dismissed. "Just because she shows up rather suddenly, intends to stay, won't be working..." Realization stopped him short, mouth twisting unpleasantly.
"Exactly. And you know how the Fae are," Adamo reminded. "Thriving on rumors, looking for excitement and scandal below the exterior of our rigid rules. Frankly, they expect it, can't see why it hasn't happened before now." Jareth scowled hugely. "Well? You are a king, after all, and have every right to do as you wish. Everyone would simply turn the other cheek. But obviously that is not what you intended for Sarah."
"No," he replied tersely. "Definitely nothing like that. Such loathsome notions some of those scoundrels have..."
"I most certainly agree," the advisor nodded. "So, the way I see it, you have two options."
Jareth waved a hand for him to continue.
"First, you tell everybody the secret and run the risk of her harm. You know there are many out there who seek nothing more than your power, your control over the Labyrinth. And they'll go to almost any lengths to get it," he tried softly, patiently.
The Goblin King had paled considerably at this option, mouth tight. "Two?"
"Second, you do the appropriate thing. Court her." That insufferable twinkling was back in his eyes, hands spread wide in offering.
"Court her?" Jareth hissed so that Sarah would not hear. "What do you mean by that?"
Adamo rolled his eyes heavenward. "She will have unwavering protection from all, save the handful that are repulsively ignorant. No one in their right mind will dare lay a finger on her. And..." He wiggled his eyebrows.
"Fine," Jareth grumbled, trying to disregard the pleasant feeling unfurling in his chest. "For her protection, and only if she consents." Then he thought of something. "I wonder how Irene will react to Sarah." A slow smile was making it's way onto his face.
"Sparks will fly," Adamo muttered happily, turning to the girl and dwarf. "Sarah!" he called, and she spun from her engagement. "It's nearly dinner. Would you care to join us, Hoggle?" he asked politely as the two approached. Sarah's face was lost in delight of her plans for the garden.
"No, thank you kindly. I still have ter finish up a few things afore the day is done." He turned to Sarah and patted her hand. "They'll grow fine, jus' make sure teh water 'em a little every day." Jareth looked to the plot of newly turned earth behind them, the flowers already tucked neatly into the ground.
"Thank you, Hoggle," she smiled, crouching down to kiss his weathered forehead. "I'll see you soon?"
"Sooner than later," he gruffed happily, blushing as hard as a dwarf could, and was gone. Jareth's mouth tilted down in a brief frown, thinking that she had shared that same kiss on his cheek with his grubby gardener.
"I think I'll go ahead to the kitchens and check on everything," Adamo offered thoughtfully. "But perhaps you two would like to take the scenic route?" With that he snapped his fingers and disappeared. Sarah blinked.
"Does everybody do that around here?" she grumbled to the empty place Adamo had just occupied.
Jareth chuckled. "A select few of us. It's much more pleasant than crossing between worlds, I assure you. But still, we may as well take Adamo's advice and walk."
Sarah nodded gratefully, keen to take in her surroundings the easy human way. "Will I be able to do that?" She snapped her fingers experimentally. Nothing. Jareth laughed a little louder, watching the disappointment steal across her face.
"Eventually, but not for some time. You don't have enough magic yet. Hmm..." He thought aloud, absentmindedly taking Sarah by the arm(Ha. Hobble could not do that.). Instinctively she curled her fingers over his elbow as they walked.
"Hmm...what?" she asked, noticing the trees start to thin as they came out of the garden.
"Well, someone if going to have to teach you how to control your magic. It can be terribly unstable at first. I think lessons are in order." They were on a cobbled path now, under a long series of arches draped with greenery. It was a little like a leafy tunnel.
"Lessons? From Adamo," she guessed.
"Maybe sometimes, but mainly from me, I think."
"Why is that?"
"Because part of your magic used to be mine, remember? Besides," he smirked, "if you blow us all to smithereens, it will technically be my fault." He couldn't help but playfully torment her, and watched with delight as she formed a retort.
"We're here," Jareth interrupted, sweeping his hand about. They were on a kind of patio, smooth black stone underneath their feet. A few wrought iron chairs and a table were situated in the center, and beyond them lay the castle. It was mighty, imposing, windows catching the golden sun. Somehow it seemed far grander than the last time she had been here, although the distractions then might have contributed to her lack of observation.
Jareth led her to the table, pulled out her chair for her, then seated himself. Sarah continued to look around in awe. The patio itself was small, very private, with the castle on one side and the entrance to the gardens opposite via an arched doorway. The remaining sides were an amazing view of the rolling lands beyond, sun sinking low into the hills, and the other a brick wall.
"I'm never going to get used to the beauty of this place," she marveled, oblivious to Jareth's watchful stare. "Every turn is something different." Sarah turned back to him and nearly gasped on pure air. The fading sun had lit him up, hair aglow like a halo, electric eyes blazing. It was exhilarating, terrifying, beautiful... He cocked an eyebrow.
"Alright, Sarah?"
"Fine, fine," she managed, waving a hand in the air. "I just feel a little..." She stole a glance at her jeans. "Out of place."
He grinned. "Is that so?" Under the table he snapped his fingers.
"Oh!" Sarah gasped and jumped from her chair. Gone where her Aboveground clothes-she was in a filmy dress, a light new-leaf green that seemed to be made entirely of air. She twirled and the bottom flared, just below her knees. The front dipped low, pulled together by a sparkling brooch at her sternum, and the sleeves were capped and slitted. It clung to her like a second skin and...matched her eyes.
"Thank you!" she proclaimed to a beaming Jareth, completely lost in the mesmerizing texture.
"My pleasure."
She sat again to examine her new footwear-a strappy silver thing with a heel. Quite possibly she might break her ankles. Jareth laced his hands and rested his elbows on the table. With a subtle flick of his fingers, torches placed at intervals around the patio flared to life. It would not be light much longer. Pleased with Sarah's tangible happiness, he rested his chin atop his hands and waited.
Adamo materialized subtly a few feet away before coming to join them. "They'll be bringing dinner out in a moment. Meanwhile-" He twisted his wrist and a tall bottle appeared along with three glasses. Delicately he poured and handed the first to Sarah. "My dear, you look simply divine! That dress matches your lovely eyes," he said, shooting Jareth a knowing glance. The king's lips only curled up slightly.
Sarah blushed prettily and hid in the large glass. "Thank you-Jareth did it," came the somewhat muffled response as she waved in his general direction. When she tasted the wine Sarah instantly met bliss-it was like drinking berries and sunshine. Jareth noticed the happy smile on her lips right away.
"Bringing up bottles from your private stores again?" He leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and looked to his advisor.
"Of course!" the old man replied brightly, pouring the other two glasses. "After all, this is a special occasion." He raised his glass high above his head, torchlight bouncing from the rim. "To the Lady Sarah!" he declared, then clinked glasses with Jareth. Both drank deeply and went in for a second round. Did they want to make this shade of maroon her permanent color? She went back to hiding in her own glass.
By now the sun was completely down, the only light coming from the blazing torches. She marveled at how time between the worlds seemed to fluctuate at random intervals and felt something akin to jet-lag. Before long servants came laden with trays to sit before the three. Sarah could not see them properly in the firelight, but they looked very human-or at least as human as Jareth and Adamo did.
She ate in stunned silence-everything was amazing. Fruits, meats, cheeses, bread all artistically arranged and perfectly prepared. Very soon they were all near to bursting, heaving great contented sighs. Sarah felt her head begin to nod soon after her silverware came to rest on the table.
"Oh, dear. Our guest must be dreadfully tired. I'm afraid it's been a trying few days, hasn't it Sarah?" Adamo chuckled sympathetically.
She stifled a yawn and nodded. Jareth rose gracefully and offered his hand. "I'll show you to your quarters, Sarah."
"Goodnight, Lady Sarah." Adamo rose and gave a slight bow.
She smiled sleepily and bowed her head in acknowledgment. Right now she could not trust her shoes, sleep, or wine to curtsy properly. "Goodnight, Sir Adamo." Gratefully she clasped Jareth's waiting hand.
They were in a stone hallway, a red runner on the floor. Sconces burned brightly on the walls and before them was a small wooden door. Sarah tipped precariously into Jareth. She was so tired, exhausted from all the new encounters of the day, and had sampled quite a bit of wine. She didn't care that he chuckled softly and swooped her up into his arms, didn't notice him lay her gingerly in the middle of an enormous bed. Especially she did not have any sensation of her beautiful dress being replaced with a white slip by a wave of his hand, or when her eyes closed. Perhaps they had been that way for some time. What she did notice was the warm, fluffy softness of the sheets, and how willingly her body was giving in to sleep. But she was gone before Jareth leaned over to sweep his lips against her cheek, a kiss for a kiss, and whisper, "Sweet dreams, love," in her ear.
