Chapter Eight

No Sleep

Sarah still felt shaken when she got back to her apartment. She showered the sweat and mud off, then changed into what in the above ground would be considered a vintage sundress from the fifties, but was the latest fashion in the Underground. By the time she was finished curling her hair, Sarah was reasonably calm, and could think clearly.

Through some miracle of forethought, she had arranged a meeting next week. She was going to have to rearrange her plans because of it, but that could be done. The main thing she had to do was make her plan of attack, determine how to pacify Jareth without losing her own integrity. Setting herself up as anything but his equal would be a disaster. If she could get him to see her as someone worth respecting she had a chance. What did Jareth respect?

Going off what she knew, there was: power, ambition, confidence, and commitment. She could showcase those qualities. And what if she had an offer she could give him? A solid reason not to continue to attack her and her business? Trade was always good, trafficking Aboveground items into the Underground had been more of a long term goal, but it could technically be moved up... if they were willing to put some of their expansions on hold, hire more people, and if she dropped out of school –

No! Her inner ambition flared up, Don't you Dare. We've come too far for us to quit. This is our dream, our life and our time, we deserve to at least finish school... especially since we gave up on being the valedictorian... a small lump of sadness formed as she remembered that.

Sarah sighed, then her resolve hardened; no, she wasn't going to drop out, there had to be another way.

She slipped on a pair of flats, picked up the invention Rupual and given her, and went to the mirror in her living room. The invention acted as a key, once placed on the portal mirror, it opened the way to a sunny garden path. Through mirror she saw Rupual and Princess Beatrice turn to see where she was about to enter.

She took a breath and stepped through into the afternoon sunshine, attempting to push thoughts of Jareth to the back of her mind. Time for business.

Sarah stepped out through another mirror – this one attached to the garden wall – into the fresh air.

She was greeted by Rupual, followed by the Princess, and they exchanged pleasantries. They headed towards a fine silver pavilion in the center of the of green.

It was a lovely venue: the garden sat atop a hill that provided a stunning view of the mountains to the north, and other than a few huge oak trees and four white fountains, all at parallel distance from one of the pavilions corners, it was very open. Normally she would have enjoyed it, if she wasn't feeling quite so emotionally and physically drained, and a hollow feeling was forming in her chest. It will all be fine, Maybe she would nap when she got home, relax for a while.

"So Miss Williams, if you do not mind my asking, is there any young man to share your business and success with?" Beatrice's asked, her voice was deep and polished, rather reminiscent of a pipe organ.

"No, not right now. I separated from the last man I was with about three years ago. Since then I haven't had the time for other relationship." Sarah gave the basic answer. Her head wasn't really in the game right now.

That led them to a conversation about Carl, and men in general. Yes, Carl and Sarah were still on good terms, but he didn't do long distance relationships.

Her Highness politely declined to say who she liked, man or woman, but did dispense friendly teasing to Rupual, who had a known lover in Lord Heljen. Apparently they were utterly inseparable and adorable together.

This trend got them sitting down with tea and tiny sandwiches. They all sipped and chewed comfortably for a moment, and then her Highness spoke: "So, Miss Williams, I take it most of your acquaintances and family live in the Aboveground?"

"Yes your Highness, as far as I know I'm the only mage in my family. I don't even know exactly where my powers come from," Sarah replied before taking a bite of her sandwich. It was quite good.

"Running that monster's Labyrinth is renowned for having unexpected effects on people. Have you spent much time in the Underground since you came into your power?" Beatrice said.

"No, your highness." Sarah shook her head.

"A pity. You should spend more time down here among us; learn culture, see what there is to see. It would be such a shame for you to spend all your time up there or in The Land of Stench. All work and no play-" Beatrice said teasingly.

"My work is very important," Sarah objected. Why couldn't people understand that?

"Yes Sarah, we know," Rupual placated, "But you deserve some time to yourself."

Oh okay, nothing to get upset about. Just nerves... Stay calm and keep your head... Sarah rallied herself.

"You need to slow down. Come and visit Rupual and his lover, I'm sure they would love to have you; and of course you should come visit me. You really shouldn't miss the culture," Beatrice agreed.

"Rupual has already been very kind in helping me understand your culture," Sarah saw an opening to get business done and took it, "I find I am fascinated by the Marred mines."

"Ah yes, with its holes where you can fall into space," Beatrice grinned, showing her large white teeth "They say that at night, or in unlit places, the undead corpse of miners rise up and walk the halls. Their skin is a rotten green. They go about moaning, and hunting down the unsuspecting."

Sarah smiled mischievously back, "Their skeletons also rise up, riding huge spiders as big as a man," She turned serious, plunging head first into probably the most controversial topic you could bring up with a Troll. "What actually fascinates me the most is the the miners themselves. I hear there had been a good deal of debate about them over the last few years."

"That is true," Beatrice said with a little bit of s sigh, and a wave of a hand, "The issues and problems there go back hundreds of years."

"I am aware of that," Sarah continued on, glad Beatrice wasn't going on the defensive. Rupual stayed quiet. "What I have been wondering is why not just install protection spells and safety charms? From all I hear even the most basic would solve many problems."

"My Uncle and Lady Falvek care only about profits. They are as cheap as they come, and do not care about bad press." Beatrice said stiffly.

Probably an over simplification, at least I hope it is. Do people really work like that? "How much do they lose from having their work force constantly diminishing? Besides, don't healthier workers mine more ore? I cannot imagine how anyone could say that having that high a death toll is an intelligent business decision, let alone morally right."

Rupual nodded, "I must agree with her your highness. Miss Williams is full of ideas and plans that would make sure the right thing is done for all Trollish citizens, both morally and financially. However," here he turned to Sarah, "Only members of the Kings household are admitted to speak with the Lord and Lady of the mines, and even then they need the lord and lady's personal seal to gain admittance to speak with them about the mines."

Sarah frowned. It did further explain how the mines continued the way they did for hundreds of years. But still what self absorbed, power tripping bureaucrat made such a rule? And why on earth was it allowed by the rest of the troll government?... Oh right, probably because said bureaucrat had all the iron.

"Do we know anyone who they would admit?" Sarah asked, look hopefully towards Beatrice.

"My Uncle and I are not on the best of terms," Beatrice said frowning, "We had a rather heated disagreement only last week."

"And they would never admit me," Rupual said regretfully.

Beatrice seemed to think for a moment, "I do not know of anyone who we could get to do it that could also convince them. Unless," Her tone changed to something more delicate and persuasive, "Unless, Miss Sarah, you were willing to do it?"

Sarah brain short-circuited for split second – the only people who could talk to them were members of the kings household, and to become part of the a King's household was to swear your life, and often the lives of your children, to serve that king's family forever. Her brain decided it was officially done taking in new, possibly life changing concepts. "I don't understand," was all she managed.

Rupual's face had already lit up, "A new face. That might catch their curiosity, especially someone who has become successful so young."

Sarah's brain took that information in, wishing it actually could go on strike.

Rupual continued: "If I know anyone who could do it, Sarah –"

"Peace," Beatrice cut over him with a tone full of disdain, "Can't you see her mind working? You move to fast."

"Thank you," Sarah said, buying time for her to find something to actually say.

"Forgive me," Rupual said.

"It's fine," Sarah said, Think, think, think, and make sure you aren't jumping to conclusions... "It's just such a large proposal. I take it that you suggesting I become part of the Kings household?"

"Yes," Beatrice nodded, "Forgive me, I would not wish to burden you. Sometimes it seems certain people are in the perfect position to cause change. You could make a stir easier then most of us; everything Lord Rupual does is seen as a grab for attention and power, because of his families reputation, and everything I do is similarly picked apart. You are new to this scene, and, one might say you are untainted by your ancestors bad press."

Sarah nodded, and spoke very carefully, "I understand you, but I need to think on this."

"Of course," said Rupual, a little too quickly, and overly understanding. Beatrice shushed him. But could Sarah really blame him for being so eager to relieve suffering and save lives? What on earth could be wrong with that?

Sarah got up, "Would it be alright if I went home and thought about this? Rupual has my phone number and knows how to reach me."

"Yes, yes," Beatrice rose, "Go home and rest. You look half dead."

"Thank you your highness." Sarah curtsied, Rupual got up and kissed her hand.

"I hope we see you soon Sarah." he said.

Sarah left them.

As she walked back to the mirror something nagged at the back of Sarah's mind. She couldn't pinpoint it right off, but something was off.

She got home, pulled out her overnight stuitcaise, and started packing for her overnight trip to her father's house.

The first thing that came to mind was: Why does this have to be me? That seems like it's going a little too far? Surely there is someone else who the Lord and Lady would admit that would be willing to give my, -our- arguments, or at least some way other then having me commit to serve the troll King for life. In fact I probably should have told them that... She wasn't sure why by the whole thing about her being some kind of savior just seems too... cheesy...

Alright, that couldn't count as an actually legitimate complaint, but still. Clearly trolls of high rank care about this, and it is their country; they are chiefly responsible for it, in a way Goblins can't be.

In many ways Goblins were still the human children they had been created from, since thay lacked the maturity to really look after themselves. Trolls had been born out of... rocks? and had like, hard wood hearts or something? Sarah didn't really remember, Carl had told her once, either way the point was Trolls actually grew up and became responsible adults; Sarah was more then willing to help them... but not give her life to them.

That was just too much... right?

Her brain unhelpfully did some math. If over twenty eight people died every week, then wouldn't about a thousand three hundred and some trolls die every year?

Sarah did not sleep well that night.

The next morning Sarah drove to her she childhood home in Nyack, spending the whole drive wondering about Trolls, Jareth, School, The Bog, and questions concerning the worth of a living soul.

She arrived feeling utterly worn out. Seven-year-old Toby didn't really notice, chattering happily away when they went to the park and played spy cars in his room, but her Father and Stepmother did. After Toby went to bed, they all sat in the living room. Sarah told them how she had an argument with their main operations landlord, and how she she was going to try to patch things up. Talking felt good. Somehow it seemed to lift some of the wight off her shoulders.

"Here is what you do," Irene said gently, her arm resting on her step daughters shoulder. "Tell him you are sorry for losing your temper, you were offended by his comments, and that you hope you can move past it as business partners. You don't have to give him anything more, not more money, not part of your business; cut all those ideas out right now. From what I'm hearing it sounds like you don't owe him anything more then a sincere apology, and the fact that you're meeting him for a private dinner to make your apology speaks volumes in the sincerity department. You'll be fine."

"Yes, you can't let anyone walk on you Sarah. You have rights and needs that should be taken into account." Her father, Robert Williams said, smiling fondly, "You're a strong young woman Sarah, but it looks like you could use some sleep."

"Yes, for god's sake take a break off work and go to sleep, tomorrow I'm taking you shopping," Irene said. She had always been a in-charge kind of woman, something Sarah could be very thankful for; she really did need a break, and Irene made her have one. Sarah went upstairs to her old room, downed a sleeping potion, and fell soundly asleep in the guest bed that had replaced her old one. God thank you for my family, She thought as she fell into a deep sleep.

Unfortunately, they didn't go shopping the next morning, Robert woke her about ten AM telling her Izzylyn was on the phone for her.

"Hey Sarah? Look I really hate to bother you, but you really need to get down here. Hoggle's been fired."

...

"Sarah?" Izzylyn asked.

"I'll be there," Sarah's voice was calm, too calm, while her hands shook. Alright, you can do this, just breathe and move on. She took a long breath, "I'll be there as soon as I can, see you Izzy."

"Thank god for you Sarah, glad you can make it."

Sarah hung up, then turned to tell her family that her plant manager had just walked out.

They gave her hugs, told her not to work too hard, come back and see them. Sarah gave reassurances, and smiled, then got into her car and drove to the next town over. She felt... she felt a sort of calm nothing. She drove, and not really anything else. Everytime she thought about what she had just heard over the phone her mind to say: Hoggle's fired. Okay, I suppose we have to go do something... Fancy that... huh... I really should care more them I seem to... Oh well. She reached the next town, stopped at the first restaurant she saw, and used its bathroom mirror to take her to the Prince of the Land of Stench's residence.

A/N Hey guys! Thanks for all your reviews! keep them coming, good, bad, different, I want to know so I can improve.

Because you guys are such good sports, I'm going to give you an exclusive look into how I write my work:

Step one: Add One Sarah,

Step two: Implement Murphy's law.

Step three: Have Jareth go through a live changing crisis off screen.

Step four: Fill all remaining backgrounds with as many funny and nerdy references as possible.

Step five: Laugh for a while about how you are the only one that knows how it's all going to end.

Step six: Start writing and uploading to Fanfiction, and repeat step five.