Chapter 10

This is a super-long chapter, but it feels like the perfect gift for a long Mother's Day weekend. I'll be out of town, so I'll not be able to answer questions or post again until the middle of next week.

Enjoy!

-XXX-

Hoggle seemed to imply that Samhain offered some kind of potential for passage back to the Above. Sarah was determined to find out whether or not that was the case. Naturally, she turned to the library.

Libraries had long been her refuge. It had not always been that way. Somewhere around the age 15 something snapped in Sarah. Maybe it was Karen's repeated badgering that she find a boyfriend or at least friends. Her father's disappointed expression when she returned home from the park in costume, again, flowers in her hair. Or maybe it was after Toby's near-death experience. Whatever the cause, she made a true attempt a growing up, setting aside the more immature interest. After she shoved boxes of toys and childish games, costumes and fantasy posters, there wasn't much left in her room besides books. So she turned to them. And when she ran out…

Fantasy novels felt a little less dangerous. They weren't her daydreams. She didn't have an impulse to play act them, incorporate them into her life in quite the same way as some of her more juvenile books. Her school library quickly ran dry forcing her to use the city's. College was a busy time, but the university's massive collection beckoned nonetheless.

Maybe it was boring interest, but it was hers. And here, it was serving her well.

It took sometime to find something that would elaborate on what, precisely, was possible on the Samhain. Some books indicated that one would need to use magic to attempt to cross through the veil. Others seemed to imply that a simple mirror would do the trick, if only she said the right words. Sarah attempted to memorize the words, fearful that if she dared write them down, Jareth might find them.

With some planning, she conceived something of a scheme. If Jareth would let her go before Samhain ended, she could give the mirror in her room a try.

If only she had something left from home. The books indicated that having something from the place you wanted to go with you would help. But Meldy had taken the clothes she'd arrived in. Her phone had disappeared upon her arrival, the watch she'd worn, even the earrings -

But were the earrings gone? She could remember handing them to Meldy one morning, after her bath. Had the goblin kept them? Or had these too been tossed? Surely not, they were amethyst in a white gold setting, birthday gift from her parents on her nineteenth. They were nice.

Determined to find them, Sarah dove into the depths of her dressing room, digging through every drawer and box. She did not often explore on her own. Her maid was rather possessive, so Sarah didn't have a complete idea of what the closet contained. She was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer mass. Soon there was a circle of jewelry boxes and cases encircled around her.

That's where Meldy found her. "Can I help you, miss?" she asked cautiously.

"Oh." Sarah straightened as best she could from her sitting position. "Um, yes, I'm looking for the earrings I was wearing when I arrived. The purple studs. Do you know where they are?"

The goblin hesitated.

"Meldy?" Sarah narrowed her eyes. "What happened to them?"

"The master had everything you came with disposed of, miss," she said. "I gave them to him months ago. You might try asking him."

Sarah groaned. Of course Jareth had taken everything.

It was still possible that he might. All she had to do was ask. After all, what was the worst he could do? A try couldn't hurt.

-XXX-

As it turned out, a try could hurt. A lot, in fact.

Sarah had not wanted to appear desperate, however, she figured showing Jareth a sweeter side might give her some advantage. So she wore a dress that was little lower cut than usual, a smidge tighter. She made sure her ring was on, and she flashed a smile to the mirror several times before leaving her room, wanting to make sure she could offer something close to a genuine smile.

Jareth was waiting for her on the pavilion, wearing an immaculate white poet's shirt that exposed his crescent pendant and tight navy pants tucked into polished black boots. Much more relaxed of an outfit than usual. Sarah felt that they were well-matched for once.

His brows rose upon the sight of her with a basket and a blanket folded under her arm. "A picnic?"

"It's around teatime," she said casually as she offered the blanket. "Shall we?"

He followed her out to the gardens. They slowly picked a path to the lake. Sarah tried to be extra conversational, as well as perhaps a little more physically affectionate than usual. When she stumbled she reached for his shoulders, when it was windy she moved closer to shield herself. Her fingers brushed his arm as they walked side-by-side down narrower stretches of path. Observing him closely she saw the occasional tightening of knuckles or abrupt twitch, but otherwise he revealed no excitement or discomfort.

He let her pick a sunny spot, quietly observing as she set up the spread. He was being suspiciously quiet, all things considered. Sarah supposed that her invitation - the first time she had voluntarily asked him to accompany her for an activity - was a little shocking. He ought to have been thrilled, but his pensive mood didn't bode well. Fearful, Sarah wondered if perhaps Meldy had tipped him off and he was onto her motives for this picnic. Only time would tell….

His eyes rose when she pulled a bottle of red wine from the depths of the basket. Ignoring his gaze, she loaded two plates with bread, cheese, cured meats, and fruit. With practiced easy, she lounged on the blanket. Jareth followed suit, his easy much more natural. They ate and drank, making small talk. Sarah inquired about Samhain, its traditions and origins. She asked if the Goblin Kingdom had any region-specific traditions and watched some measure of pride swell in the king's chest.

When he was properly relaxed, Sarah made a small, almost sorrowful observation regarding their location. It was well-timed.

"My parents used to take me to a lake like this," she said, wistful. "For my birthday and stuff like that."

"Human birthdays are very interesting," Jareth remarked. "Your lives are so short, yet you take great pleasure in marking the passing of years."

"It's a way of celebrating life, I suppose." Taking a measured sip of wine she let her hand briefly skim his as she reached for a napkin. "Do you exchange gifts for birthdays, here?"

"Certainly."

"What kinds of things?"

Jareth mused. "Jewelry, books. Trinkets, mostly."

"We do that as well. I did not get much jewelry, though," she admitted. "I think the last thing I got were some amethyst earrings." Then, as though the memory pained her, Sarah looked down at her lap, letting her lip jut out. "I think I may have lost them when I came here."

"What a pity," Jareth said, face betraying nothing.

Sarah sipped her wine again, frustrated thoughts coloring her vision. The snake wasn't going to admit that he'd seen them, let alone kept or disposed of them. Sarah bit back a sigh. She would not bother asking outright, for fear that he might discern her plans. No, she'd have to try to think up another way.

On the walk back to the castle she'd dropped the act, but Jareth had not gotten the memo. He loomed closer than he ever would have before. It was mildly annoying until she'd stumbled on an unseen tree root and he had swiftly caught her.

Trembling in his arms, she winced as he righted her, their chests brushing. Their faces were very very close as Jareth steadied her, hands spanning her hips. His sea-colored eyes flicked to her mouth. Sarah took a breath, which was quickly released when she tried to put weight on her right foot.

"OW!"

Cursing, she let the Goblin King help her limp to a nearby rock so that he might remove her shoes and socks. Tenderly, he removed them, fingers gently prodding. Once he finished examining the area, he proclaimed it merely bruised, not sprain. Sarah groaned.

"I am no healer, but I believe you'll be back to walking without pain in just a day or two," he said, rolling her sock back up gently. "You could have it far worse. But never fear," the king added with a grin. "You'll be back to one hundred percent in time for Samhain."

"Yipee," Sarah replied, sarcasm in full swing. "That was truly my greatest concern"

Jareth patted her head. "I know. Worry not."

With that he produced a crutch and helped her hobble up to the castle where he turned her over to Meldy and the white-haired healer Sarah had often seen at court. Before he left her lounging in a chaise in one of the drawing rooms, he pressed a quick kiss to her head.

"See you at Samhain."

As soon as the door closed behind him, Sarah scowled. Meldy, ever-knowing, suppressed a smile.

-XXX-

The day came and this time Sarah was where she needed to be in time to please Meldy. The feast this time was beginning just after sundown so that families would still have the chance to celebrate on their own afterwards, so Sarah stayed in bed past noon, knowing over half her day would be spent preparing.

Meldy wasted no time getting her in a bath. Sarah soaked for nearly an hour, then was removed to have her hair dried and nails painted. Following that she was dressed in her undergarments, including a corset, stockings, camisole and chemise. Then Meldy took on the task of arranging her hair, first curling it then setting it at the base of her head in a heavy knot consisting of a series of braids and twists held into place by pins tipped with crystal chips.

Next came the makeup. Sarah enjoyed the feeling of the brushes against her skin, so she did not mind sitting for so long as Meldy painted on various cosmetics. She took after her mother in her appreciation of makeup, and had a large collection at home, carefully organized in her vanity, though here in the Underground she'd refrained from wearing it too often. There just didn't seem to be any point. When she got the chance, it was usually Meldy who applied it, as she was more familiar with the Underground fashions.

"Not too much," Sarah asked as the goblin considered the various pots and jars. "I'd rather not look like I'm trying to celebrate Halloween."

The maid shook her head. "Your silly human holidays. Most cultures have at least a notion of what the Samhain is about, but this idea of costumes…"

"It's fun," Sarah insisted. "I promise. Tricker treating and candy, all of the parties and parades, it's all a lot of fun. I always loved picking out my costume."

"Hm." Meldy was unconvinced.

The seamstress arrived with her dress - it had been ordered last minute when Meldy decided that none of Sarah's existing gowns would suit. Sarah had protested restraint - "I've got nearly a dozen of these things," she'd said, swatting a tulle skirt as she pushed past it. "Surely enough!" - but the maid had insisted. Samhain was different. She wanted Sarah to look her very best. Sarah got the distinct feeling her maid was not telling her something.

Treda took the gown out of the bag gently, laying on the bed with great care. Then she and Meldy stood back, letting Sarah look.

The main body of the dress was of a dark material shot through with metallic threads of silver and blue that caught the light. The collar rose up in back in a dramatic fan of an opalescent blue. The neckline was a daring "v", offset by long, tight sleeves of velvet that matched the bodice. The rest of the dress was relatively close-cut, belling out once it reached her calves, nothing like the ballgown she'd worn at the equinox. A silver belt sat above the hips with one long tail stretching out to the bottom of the dress, creating a "y" shape.

Breathless, Sarah stroked the fabric, in awe. It was a dark and dangerous dress, too too much for her. She could envision the swell of her bosom, the way the material would stretch out over her hips. It was not a "Sarah Williams" dress. It was a "Goblin Queen" dress.

"Are you sure -" Her voice caught for a moment before she composed herself. "This is appropriate? It seems awfully -"

"You will look splendid," Treda assured her.

Meldy swiftly agreed. "You will outshine them all."

"That was not my goal," she croaked.

It was even worse when she put it on. The dress fit like a glove. She couldn't stop looking at herself. The drama and darkness was infused in every stitch. Her eyes, lined darkly and deep shadows, stared out with apprehension.

"What kind of night-creature have you turned me into?"

"You'll be far better dressed than them," Meldy scoffed. "The Night Folk are very austere."

"Surely there must be something less…" She couldn't find the words.

"There isn't time," Treda said with finality as she finished the last buttons. "You're to meet his majesty in just a few minutes. And to change the dress we'd have to put you in all new stockings, corset, not to mention makeup."

Sarah felt like the pair were bluffing. Conspiring against her. Stockings did not need to be changed. Still, she was never going to get out of this thing on her own (and maybe that was their plan). She let them put on the final touches in a bit of the huff. Even when Meldy brought forth a case of jewelry and clasped a gorgeous sapphire and jet necklace round her neck, paired with perfect sapphire drops for her earrings, Sarah couldn't break a smile.

Tonight she met Jareth on the landing of the staircase overlooking the double doors to the great hall. She had a hard time moving due to the tightness of the dress, so she was forced to take small steps, prolonging her motion. Jareth had plenty of time to gape. And gape he did.

Sarah avoided his gaze as she moved towards him, looking just past his ear. She didn't look at him until she was standing before him. He was still agape.

"Sarah," he managed before she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Laugh it up. This is what your maid put me in."

"I'm not laughing," he said, breathlessly. There was no defensiveness. "You...this will certainly suite the festivities."

"That's good, I suppose," she said, rubbing her arms. "I feel quite uncomfortable."

"Why? You look utterly beautiful." He looked fearsome himself, head-to-toe in black with a long coat that reached his boots, along with heavy boots and a cape with a high collar that curled back dramatically, held with a silver clasp just below a scarlet cravat.

"Despite the fabric, I do feel rather exposed."

This struck him as confusing, and as he move for take the hand, he said quietly, "I am sorry for that. But know that you do look wonderful. Like a queen."

Sarah squeezed his hand. His words was meant to be comforting. They felt heavy on her chest. She was determined to ignore that pressure. Taking a breath, she allowed herself to be led down the stairs and into the dining hall.

The colors were far darker than they had been at the equinox. Everything was shades of black and grey, dark blues and maroons. As this was a smaller party, announcements were not necessary and they started eating immediately. Sarah felt eyes on her, which was nothing unusual, the tone of the gazes felt different. When she looked out at them she couldn't not discern what they wanted. She simply lifted her chin, staring back out without blinking.

"They're starting to respect you, I think," Jareth said quietly. "You don't partake in gossip and you don't let them forget who you are."

"I should think that they would loathe me for it." Her studies so far had shown her that when it came to humans, the Underground had very little regard or use for them. The Goblin Kingdom was relatively sympathetic, but just about everyone else wasn't a fan. And they were certainly were not a fan of a human coming in a claiming a seat that many would see a rightfully another fae's.

"You're exceeding their low expectations." His voice was amused. "You're much more respectable that they would have guessed. Many of them have never seen a human before you.."

Sarah was not sure what say to that. He was clearly pleased that they were starting to see her as a true contender for the throne. She, on the other hand, had mixed emotions. On one hand, she did not really care what they thought of her. Being queen was not an aspiration she held. On the other hand, she felt strangely glad that they might consider her.

Jareth had explained a few weeks ago that they were not considered formally betrothed - there was a ceremony for that, one was he was not keen to push her into should she not wish it. He had been surprisingly patient since their talk months ago, when she had begged that they start with friendship. He had not mentioned marriage unless she brought it up first, though it was made known since the equinox that they were vaguely intended.

Thankfully, there was minimal dancing tonight. Sarah wasn't certain she could have handled it in this dress. As the festivities were much more casual, the king need not open the dance. A mild-mannered duke from some far-off corner of the kingdom had that honor. Sarah allowed Jareth lead her in a dance with a slower song that did not require a wide range of footwork.

After only two hours things were winding down. Sarah was relieved. She just had to endure Jareth's invitation, whatever was, then she'd be free. As they resided over the last dance, she wonder how long he planned on keeping her.

"Shall we?" he asked as they turned about the room.

"Are we okay to slip out early?"

"No one will mind," he assured her, pulling her from the dance floor, past those that skimmed the walls. "Come."

She followed him up the grand staircase, taking small, measured steps. The turned left, heading an unfamiliar direction. There was a great deal of the castle Sarah had not seen in her months in the Goblin City. As the walked, her eyes were drawn to the pictures, suits of armor, and tapestries that lined the walls. Particularly when they passed through what appeared to be a portrait gallery. Sarah stopped walking altogether upon the sight of a portrait of the Goblin King himself.

He was seated at his throne. Dressed in a formidable black cloak, grey trousers and a simple white poet's shirt, he didn't look so different. His hair was a little more tame, face a touch thinner, expression caught between boredom and condescension. Regardless, he was utterly captivating.

Jareth doubled back to see what she was looking at, smirking when he realized that it was his own portrait. "Like what you see?"

She elbowed him in the side, eyes trained on the painting. "You look younger here. How old were you?"

The Goblin King chuckled. "Now, that would be telling. Suffice it to say I'm older than you but quite a bit."

"You look every inch of it too."

He elbowed her back. "This was painted two hundred years after I ascended the throne. That was awhile ago."

"Are there any other pictures here of you?"

"Yes, but we haven't the time." He waved his hand. "If you'd like, I'll give you a full tour sometime. But tonight we must be on our way."

"Where are we going?"

"My apartments."

She'd never been in royal apartments and was not interested in seeing them tonight. It was already late - Samhain would be ending in two hours. She ought to try to get back to her rooms soon, else she'd miss her chance. Sarah knew her escape attempt was a longshot, but she would kick herself if she failed to at least make a try. As she crossed the threshold, Sarah took a deep breath.

"I don't know, Jareth, I'm feeling rather ill. My head is killing me, I think I might like to lie down -"

He turned, causing Sarah to stop short and nearly collide against him. Reaching out, he placed his fingers against her temples. Sarah froze, waiting as Jareth closed his eyes, seeming to focus. For a moment, her head felt very cool. Without a word, he withdrew his hands with an expectant look.

"Better?"

Even though her headache was a fiction, her head did feel clearer, lighter. Sarah nodded, a little stunned.

"Y-yes, thank you."

Taking her hand in his, Jareth led her further into the room. It appeared that this first room was something of a sitting chamber with several armchairs and a chaise, oil painting upon the walls and dark green curtains framing the windows narrow. It was simple in style, not what she would have guessed for the often-gaudy king.

"It is a tradition on Samhain to reflect on the year and gather with loved ones." He crossed the room to light a few candles along the wall. "I know that in some parts of the Above, people observe the opportunity to think on those passed on. It's a misplaced sense of the season - They can feel something is off, and they assume to be a bridge between the living and the dead. They're partially right. Something bridging, but it's between the Above and Under."

"Is it?" Sarah asked innocently. She sank into one of the brown leather armchairs.

The Goblin King appeared amused. "I think you knew that, didn't you?"

"Not at all."

"Some people," he continued. "Take the time to attempt to cross over, though fewer and fewer each year. Less interested, I suppose. Not many humans believe in our kind, anymore. That does make it easier to pass through unnoticed."

"How interesting."

"Come, Sarah," he chided. "Don't be coy. I know you find all of this utterly fascinating."

Sarah simply smiled. "It is interesting, but I'm so tired, Jareth."

"I cannot let you go quite yet." He approached the chair to kneel beside her. Reaching for her hand, he lifted it to his face. "Sarah, I'll only keep you a few moments." With his other hand he reached into his pockets. Jareth took up her other hand, pressing a small box into it. Curious, Sarah took both of her hands back to examine her gift.

The tiny square rosewood box was inlaid with mother-of-pearl and carved with lovely blossoms. The hinges were stiff so it took her a moment to pry at the seams. She nearly dropped it trying to open it, only to have Jareth save it before it hit the floor. He returned it with a raised brow, opening it with a quick motion and returning it to her.

Nestled inside were two sparkling amethyst studs set in white gold. Sarah gasped.

"It is easiest to see into the Above, this time of year," Jareth said. "I thought you might like to scry your family."

Sarah's mouth was still open as she stared at him. The fae produced a tarnished hand mirror from a side table.

"If you think of them, they'll appear," he said softly. "Hold the earrings and that might help."

Without a word she followed his instructions. Holding the mirror before her in one hand and the earring in the other she inhaled, closing her eyes. For a moment it seemed as though nothing was going to happen. Then she heard a laugh. Toby's laugh, loud and astonished. She opened her eyes.

Toby's blonde hair poked out from underneath an elaborate hat featuring a pair of large googly eyes. Several stuffed snake-like limbs were attached to his torso. Sarah almost laughed. He was an octopus, one of his favorite creatures. She spotted an orange plastic jack-o-lantern basket in one of his chocolate-stained hands. He was trick or treating.

Karen and Robert came into view. They had good-naturedly put on costumes too - Karen wore lab coat and Sarah's father a cowboy hat. They beamed as Toby accepted candy with a polite thank you.

"After this can we go home and watch a scary movie?" Toby asked as they moved on to the next house. It was a William's family tradition to end the night with a horror film. When Sarah was young, her parents only let her watch old black and white films that were more corny than scary. Toby was getting the same treatment. Last year, they had all stayed up eating popcorn balls and watching Bela Lugosi's Dracula. Toby had gotten sick off of his sugar high.

The memory struck Sarah in the heart. She felt it clench as her father replied.

"There is a toll," he said. "Five pieces of candy!"

"For each of us," Karen added playfully.

While Toby moaned, Sarah felt the pinprick of tears in her eyes. She wanted to be home, in a stupid costume, taking her little brother door to door to gather candy. She wanted to sit on the couch next to Merlin and Toby, wrapped in a throw, drinking cider and watching a black and white movie. She wanted to watch her father fall asleep in his armchair, Karen lose focus of the plot while she crocheted.

The picture started getting muddled, though Sarah was not sure if that was a result of her tears or the scrying was starting to fail. The happy chatter of her family, unconcerned with their forgotten family member, faded. Soon, she was left staring at her own reflection. Red eyes and wet cheeks stained with black faced her.

Jareth still kneeled before her. He removed the mirror from her, setting on the side table. "Sarah," he beckoned gently. "Are you alright?"

"I -" She didn't know what to say. She always found herself speechless around him.

"I meant for this to be a happy treat." He squeezed her hands. "Not make you miserable. To show you they're doing well. Sarah, please don't cry."

She couldn't stop. The pain of her separation from her family felt as fresh as her first day here.

Jareth sighed. He drew her over to the chaise, arranging it so that she rested against him in the crook of his neck, murmuring words of comfort until she drifted off.

-XXX-

Kind of a rougher end there, but that's life right?

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