Two hours later Sarah could barely lift her arms up high enough to strip the dress off her sweat soaked body. Delaina had been relentless in her attacks, barking orders and yelling out possible solutions to her mistakes. The workout was vigorous but Sarah felt she did more than well, and at the end, Delaina agreed with her, saying she was improving by leaps and bounds, taking her lessons in gulps.
Finally freeing herself from the thick folds of her dress, Sarah walked over and eased herself into the steaming tub.
"Mmmmm." Leaning her head back against the side of the tub, Sarah closed her eyes and let the hot water relax her sore muscles.
Letting her mind drift she thought about her dream with Elustris. Why had she brought her there in the first place? Just to test her sword fighting skills? But why? And what had she meant about the High God's veiling not working in that place?
Sarah sighed and turned to the shelf of oils and soaps. Quickly washing her hair and smoothing it down with some conditioning oils, she pulled it up and pinned it high on her head leaving her neck exposed.
After washing her face and body Sarah carefully selected a rosewood body oil. Dabbing a little on her fingers she slowly began to work the oil into the tight muscles of her neck.
She felt him come in, so she wasn't startled when he spoke, "Would you like some help?"
She saw his surprise when she turned and smiled at him, "Please. My shoulders are so tight; I could use your hands."
Giving her a smile that shot heat straight to her core, he walked over and took the bottle from her. Rolling up his pant legs he sat with his feet and calves in the warm water as she took a position in between his legs. Applying a generous amount to her skin he slowly began to massage the oil into the sore muscles of her neck and back.
"I didn't think you'd want to talk to me. Are you upset that I asked Delaina to come talk to you?" He said as he firmly rubbed the oil into her skin.
Sarah sighed and rolled her head forward stretching her muscles a little more, "To be honest with you, I wasn't really up for talking with anyone. But talking with Delaina did help." Sarah turned so she was looking up at him, "I should have talked with you, but I was upset and …"
Jareth shook his head, "You don't need to explain yourself." He smiled at her, "This isn't exactly a simple straight forward situation; you have every right to be confused." He reached down and rinsed his hands free of the oil then he took her hands in his, "But I want you to know that I would never deceive you. I tell you what I can."
Sarah looked down as tears welled up in her eyes; last nights exhaustion was catching up to her and she was having trouble controlling her emotions.
"Sarah, I .."
A sob escaped through her lips as the tears began to fall. Feeling as if his heart was being torn right out of his chest Jareth slid into the water and wrapped his arms around her. Her hands gripped his shirt as she held on tightly. Stroking her hair gently he let her cry out her frustration. After a few moments she took a few deep breaths to get herself under control then pulled back to look at him.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I just... I feel so confused."
Jareth pulled her close against his chest, "Shhhh. I understand. I wish I could do more. I wish I could explain everything. But I … just can't."
Sarah nodded, eyes closed leaning against his chest, "It's funny; isn't it? How things are."
Jareth nodded and kissed the top of her head. The pair stood wrapped in each other's arms for a few more moments before Sarah started to chuckle.
"What's so funny?"
She took a step back and smiled up at him, "You're fully clothed."
Jareth smiled, "Well, there were more important things on my mind at the time." Jareth sighed and kissed her lips, "We need to get ready. Everyone is probably waiting for us by now."
Sarah nodded but pulled him back when he started to leave. Pulling him close, she pressed her lips hard against his. Wrapping his arms around her waist Jareth pulled her roughly against his increasingly throbbing erection.
Breathing heavily Sarah pulled back just slightly, "No one will care if we're just a few more minutes late, will they?"
Jareth smiled against her own lips, "Damn them if they do."
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII************************************************************************
Libby gently wiped her lips with her napkin as she studied Sarah from across the breakfast table. She sat in between Delaina and Jareth smiling at something the latter has just said. Sighing quietly, she let her mind wander back to the conversation last night in her room. They'd told her everything; and while she'd been in disbelief at first, the more they talked the more things seemed to fall into place. She'd been shocked but elated at their explanation, finding hope in a confusing dark time; until they told her she wasn't allowed to tell anyone. She'd ended up swearing to keep silence; not that it took a lot of convincing; death was a strong enticement. When everyone had left, Garrett stayed behind to talk to her. Her suspicion had hurt him, but he understood what it must have looked like.
"Next time, just, please, ask me." He had said.
"I barely even know you, though." He sighed and they decided that it was one of those things they would just drop. Otherwise they would have to examine their barely blossoming romance and neither was ready to do that. They decided against staying the night together but had spent an hour kissing and holding each other, making small plans about the future that they knew might never come true.
"Are you all right?" Libby was pulled away from her musings by his question.
Giving him a small smile she nodded and turned her attention back to Sarah. Whatever Delaina had told her obviously had done the trick. She was back to smiling and giving the occasional laugh, even though she had yet to talk to Libby herself.
Adam stood then bringing everyone's attention to him, "Since everyone's done with breakfast, we should be headed out. I've arranged a carriage to take us to Balasmasna so the girls may see the countryside. Why don't we pack up and leave within the half hour?"
After everyone voiced their agreement and headed off in opposite directions, Libby found herself headed down the same hallway as Sarah. The two walked in silence until they got to their separate doors.
"Can we talk?"
Libby was a little surprised that Sarah was the one to ask, but nodded and motioned the other woman into her room.
Sarah walked through the door and took a seat on Libby's bed. Getting right to the point she said, "I'm not mad at you."
"Really?"
Sarah smiled, "Yes. You were just looking out for me." She hesitated a second, "Delaina talked to me and explained a few things. She said she talked to you to?"
Libby nodded and went to grab her bag. She began packing up her things to avoid Sarah's questioning eyes.
"You aren't going to tell me." It wasn't a question, and Libby could here the reluctant acceptance in the statement.
"I can't."
Sarah smiled at her, "I know. That wasn't the reason I came in here. I just wanted to say I'm not mad. I don't want things to be strained between us."
Libby smiled. It was different already. Knowing what she did. But this was still her best friend, and no matter what, that would never change.
"I'm glad." She glanced at the clock, "You better get packed."
Sarah nodded, "I'll see you downstairs."
She walked over and the two hugged tightly before she left for her own room.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII************************************************************************
The journey to Balasmasna was over too soon for Sarah. The spacious coach had been richly furnished with plush seating, snacks, and plenty of drinks. They had traveled through mountains, wetlands, and desserts seeing species of all different kinds. Ground trolls, nymphs, herds of unicorns, winged horsed, griffons, centaurs, and so many other creatures that both women's eyes began to get sore. They passed by the Elf Kingdom and the Sprite Kingdom before Sarah questioned how they were getting around so quickly.
Adam chuckled, "I wondered if you'd even notice. Delaina, Jareth and I magicked the coach before we left. It stops for only so long in each part of the underground before transporting to another part. It would usually take days to get this far. But thanks to our combined powers we will reach Balasmasna by noon."
Garrett sighed, "Just enough time to get ready for the ball."
Jareth turned to Sarah, "Alwen will have arrived by now, I'm sure. I'll send for her when we arrive. You two can talk while you get ready. We don't make an entrance to the ball until all the guests have arrived, so you should have plenty of time."
Libby suddenly had a thought, "What are we supposed to wear to this ball?"
Jareth waved a hand as if to dismiss her worry, "Gweneth already had your measurements so my mother instructed her to make you and Sarah up dresses. They'll be in your rooms at the castle by now, but if they aren't to your liking, please, let my mother know. She can have a new one made in plenty of time before ball."
Libby nodded, slightly uncomfortable. She wasn't used to having such things at her disposal.
The rest of the trip was spent talking a little about the different parts and creatures of the kingdoms but mostly about the upcoming ball. Sarah and Libby were briefed on how they would enter and what would ensue once the ball started. Both women were becoming a bundle of nerves when they finally reached Balasmasna. Everything after that happened so quickly it left Sarah's head spinning. The moment the coach pulled through the last set of iron gates and the party began to shuffle out; Martha appeared frowning on the steps.
Jareth groaned and Sarah grinned behind one hand then asked as a thought occurred to her, "How come the servant elves can appear and disappear in the castle, but no one else can?"
"Oh, well the servant elves can only appear and disappear after they have entered the castle. They couldn't be in the Goblin City and try to appear in the castle or vice versa. They can only go from room to room in the castle. Most of the servant elves live in the castle anyway so it's not a problem, but a select few do have houses in the city." He answered as they approached the irate servant elf.
"You were supposed to be back and hour and a half ago. You've completely disarranged my schedule."
Jareth grinned innocently at her, "You see we just…"
But she held her hand up and cut him off, "I don't want to hear it." Turning the Libby and Sarah she pointed a finger at the door, "You two, come with me now. We have much to do. And I want you away from prying eyes. People have been showing up hours early hoping to catch a glimpse at the two of you. The whole castle is a buzz about the two mortal women that mysteriously appeared in the underground. Queen Seriana has had her hands full greeting and dancing around questions." She shot a look of disapproval at Jareth, "You should have been here to help."
Jareth shrugged and grinned trying to win her over, "Not my fault. If they want to show up early they should expect things to be off schedule."
Libby raised an eyebrow as Martha began vehemently shooing them through the doors, "How do they know about us?"
The small elf sighed, "It's a large castle my dear. You can't keep secrets for long." Sarah looked at her and sighed at the elf shot her a pointed look. She knew that her relationship with Jareth would be taking a turn that night. Even if these people didn't know that they were sleeping together, they most certainly would assume that anyway.
Especially when I show up on his arm tonight.
Martha called over her shoulder to the others to hurry up and get on schedule as she quickly ushered the Sarah and Libby through the front doors.
Vivi met them on the stairs and took Libby with her. Throwing Sarah a look that said, "Good luck," Libby and Vivi disappeared around the corner toward her room.
The minute they entered Sarah's own room, Martha put Sarah through the paces of getting tediously ready for a ball. A steaming bath had already been drawn and oils add to soften her skin. Sarah sunk lower in the tub as three other servant elves appeared in the room but Martha informed her that they were there to help wash her long hair, dry it, and start styling it.
After she was done bathing Sarah was wrapped in a long fluffy robe and the three servant elves began combing, drying, and curling her hair all at once. Sarah winced at they tugged and pulled at her hair, while yet another servant elf appeared with a tray of colored pastes, powders, and small brushes to apply her makeup. After sitting for what seemed like an eternity in which she couldn't even talk to anyone, because Martha has disappeared and the other women spoke only to each other in French, the servant elf applying her makeup smiled and nodded that she was done. Since the women styling her hair had stopped a few moments before, Sarah stood stretching her legs thankfully. In response, Martha appeared frowning and told her that her hair was done being styled but she still had to sit for a while longer as the women tucked small diamonds into her hair to add the desired effect that the gown would need. Sarah sighed and sat down, growing more annoyed as her left foot fell asleep and began to tingle. Nearly another half an hour passed before her hair was finished and she was finally free to stand and walk around her room. The servant women had left as soon as their job was completed, leaving her in blissful silence for a few moments. Sarah leaned back on the bed, eyes closed, just letting her mind wander and enjoying the peaceful quiet when Martha appeared once again.
"I'm going to throw you out a window." Sarah replied, eyes still closed.
She heard the servant elf chuckle and began moving around her room. Cracking an eye open she saw Martha had conjured up a table and was going about setting up tea and finger cakes.
Sitting up straight Sarah question, "What's this for?"
Martha looked at her oddly before replying, "You have a meeting with Alwen, remember?"
Sarah nodded hastily, "I remember." But in fact with all the hustle and bustle, she had nearly forgotten her requested meeting with the dreamcaster. Running her hands over her soft black robe, Sarah felt the first stir of nervousness churn in her stomach.
Martha set a steaming pot of tea in the center of the table then turned to Sarah and smiled, "There's no point in dressing you just yet. None of the other ladies in the castle will be dressing until right before the ball as well so as not to ruin their dresses, including Alwen. So I'll have you change from your robe into this." Martha held up a dark blue gown with ribbons on the side that seemed to have no back.
Raising an eyebrow slightly at the gown Martha huffed and rolled her eyes. Striping the robe off, Sarah walked over and Martha showed her how the gown slipped on from the front then wrapped around her back side like a towel. The ribbons tied on the sides to keep the garment in place. Feeling more secure after the ribbons were tied, Sarah sat on one of the plush chairs around the table and waited for Alwen, whom Martha had gone to fetch. Twice she raised her hand to her mouth to begin biting her nails before deciding to go ahead and pour the tea. She had just finished pouring Alwen's cup when she heard a short nock on the door.
Standing, she smoothed the front of her wrap down, and walked over to open the door. She knew that she was staring and her mouth was probably hanging open, but the small woman in front of her was definitely not what Sarah was expecting. She was dressed in the same style wrap that Sarah wore making her feel a little less uncomfortable.
Alwen was definitely petite, her height coming just below Sarah's shoulders with a very slim waist and small firm curves. A thick mass of curly bubble gum pink hair was pinned back from her face but fell naturally down her back reaching the back of her thighs. The streaks in her hair changed with how the light hit it showing barely noticeable shades of blues, reds, and gold. Her eyes were so bright green that they almost were glowing. The diversely brilliant colors of this woman came together perfectly making the overall sight of her breathtaking. Her small mouth was full and smiling causing Sarah to smile back.
"Hi, I'm Alwen. And you're Sarah. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Pleasure to meet you." Sarah replied, welcoming her into the room.
Sarah led her over to the tea table and sat, feeling an more than noticeable sense of happiness and serenity.
Sarah looked at her curiously, "I feel so calm and happy."
Alwen nodded and smiled brightly, "It's an effect of being around a dreamcaster. When we feel emotions strongly we tend to adversely project them on to those around us. It doesn't mean that you don't feel your own feelings. You just tend to get glimpses of ours as well."
Sarah nodded slowly, "I see." She led the dreamcaster over to the table. Sarah took a sip of her tea and glanced up to see Alwen smiling at her, "You probably are waiting for me to tell you about my visions?"
Alwen nodded, "Whenever you're ready."
The two sipped their tea for a moment before Sarah began. She told Alwen about the rippling television, and the visions about the wasted underground. Then about hearing water and seeing her vanity mirror ripple in the same way right before she saw then heard Hoggle. She guessed that Jareth had already told her about the green eyed man, but she told her about him again anyway. She decided not to tell her about the dream with Elustris; not just yet anyway.
Alwen sat, frowning slightly as she tapped a matching pink fingernail to her chin. After a few moments she looked back up at Sarah.
"Well, the first part I think is relatively easy. I can say that I don't think your visions are real. Dreamcasters can sense visions and dreams that contain magic. From what you described, that's what it sounds like."
Sarah nodded solemnly.
"From the sounds of things I would say that someone is using unmentionable magic to reach you. I think Garrett and Velron are right. I believe you were brought here to distract Jareth and perhaps everyone else as well. That isn't hard to figure out once you put everything together. And this man, this green eyed man, actually told you that he was the one to bring you to the underground." Alwen tapped her chin a few more times then continued, "But as for this man. Sarah, were his eyes green like yours or glassy green like mine?"
Sarah thought a minute, "They were like yours. They definitely weren't like any mortal's eyes I've ever seen, nor like Garret's eyes."
Alwen sat thinking for a minute more, "This is where it gets tricky. Most fae have pretty docile eyes; very colorful but not glassy. That trait is normal, however, for dreamcasters and nightmarecasters. But there are some fae that have that type of eye color as well. So you can see how it's going to be pretty impossible to figure it out just on that. What else did he look like?"
Sarah described the man again.
"Hmmm. Black hair, tall, green eyes; nothing extraordinary there. But he dropped a crystal to disappear?" She tapped her chin again. "That magic is exclusively for the fae only."
Sarah sat up anxiously, "So he's a fae?"
Alwen bit her lip as she chewed over the answer, "No, not necessarily. Vampires use crystals since they are half fae. Elves don't, and dreamcasters don't, but that's not saying that a mixed couple's child wouldn't. It's all variable really."
Sarah looked at her puzzled, "What do you mean?"
"If a fae and an elf married, for example, and have children, the child possibly could inherit the gene for fae magic. It all depends on the child. Intermixed marriages are very common and have been since the beginning. Usually a child from different specie parents takes one gene or the other. Most people of the underground are part fae as it is, so it's never a problem. But there are occasions where a child will look like one parent and have the magic of the other. There is only one time in history that a mix resulted in a child with both parent's abilities and looks. I believe that the creation of the vampires at the start of the world was the first and only complete mix of two different species; the fae and mermaids. So this man that you saw could look like a dreamcaster, but actually be a fae. Or he could be tricking us somehow. I'm not sure. I would just say that until we know more, I wouldn't rule anything out. But the more important question is why bring you here as a distraction? What's the point?"
Sarah sighed dejectedly, "Jareth and I have been asking ourselves that since I got here."
Alwen nodded as she nibbled on a cake. Smiling suddenly she said, "Well, while this situation is unfortunate we shouldn't waste this beautiful night. And I for one am a little grateful that you were brought here, or I never would have met you."
Unable to help herself Sarah felt herself smiling back. Reaching for a cake of her own she asked, "So what should I expect at this ball tonight?"
Alwen's face brightened at the change of topic and Sarah got the impression that this woman probably spent most of her day smiling.
"Well, the beginning of the ball isn't all that special or particularly entertaining. The guests will arrive and be escorted by Garrett's personal army group to a ballroom. You see with all the rulers of different kingdoms in the same room, it could be disastrous if something were to happen. So the ballroom, along with the balconies that are scattered around it, is magicked with powerful protection spells. Once everyone is there, then the royal family and important persons of Balasmasna are announced and enter the ball. The ball starts promptly at eight. Once you are in the ballroom you may not leave unless you are leaving for good. Even then, you will be escorted to your room," she smiled mischievously, "or whoever's room you choose. The rooms are then sealed until morning."
Sarah chewed her lip nervously, "And the people don't mind being kept here like captives?"
Alwen laughed and Sarah swore she heard chimes softly ringing, "No, no. The threat of something happening is greatest when there is no order to things. If everyone was allowed to come and go as they pleased, just imagine who could sneak in. It's been done this way since the first ball was held in the underground. Besides, "she said lowering her voice, "I said only the beginning of the ball was dull. Formalities will have to be made and influential people chatted with. We eat, toast to the Spring Solstice, and make the necessary rounds. But at eleven all the children are sent to their rooms with their nannies, and that's when the liquor is brought out."
Sarah sat back with an obvious shocked expression on her face, "You mean, you drink at this ball?"
Alwen laughed and again Sarah definately heard chimes, "We only have two balls a year in which the crème de la crème of the underground get together. And only this one is celebrated this way. Do you know what it takes to run a kingdom or a successful business like the wealthy?"
Sarah shook her head.
"A lot. This is the one and only time a year they can completely let go. Even the people who don't warrant and invitation to the ball still spend the night celebrating. The people of the cities set up large enclosures and dance and drink the night away celebrating the end of spring and the coming of the summer months."
Sarah smiled, "So everyone dances and gets drunk?"
Alwen nodded, "Among other things. It's a night free of regrets; full of tables of delicious food, barrels of wine, and exemplary music. When the people of the underground celebrate something, they make sure nothing is lacking."
Sarah nodded and for the first time felt a small stir of excitement. From the sound of it the night at least would prove to be anything but dull.
"You are going with Jareth I presume?"
Sarah nodded.
"Have you practiced your curtsies?"
Sarah nodded once again.
"Good, you'll be doing a lot of that tonight."
"Who are you going with?"
Alwen's beamed at Sarah, "I'll be escorted by my fiancé, Prince Trenton of the Elvin Kingdom."
Sarah felt her smile falter as she swallowed a lump in her throat. She knew she was being biased, but everything she had seen and heard about elves were nothing short of awful.
"I didn't know you two were engaged." The rough edge in her voice had Sarah quickly continuing to explain herself, "I mean, he's a prince so doesn't he have to marry a princess? Or at least an elf?"
Alwen chuckled, "No, no. As I said, we're all a type of fae so that's never a problem in choosing a lover. Our children will be either Elvin or dreamcaster. It's like hair color almost, genetics choose what magic they will have. That's not to say that royalty can marry just anyone though. Things are very formal here. Prince Trenton could marry who he wanted, but then he would risk war with his parents and the threat of not inheriting the Elvin Kingdom. My family is very influential in the Dreamcaster Kingdom so the match was not unexpected. We are to be married this winter."
"So it's like an arranged marriage?"
Alwen nodded shortly, "Kind of. You see, in the underground the higher your station, the less say you have in who you marry. Most marriages are arranged for profitable gain and to continue a strong blood line. It doesn't matter if you're male or female. In our stations, Trenton and I can say our peace about the matter and hope that our parents take our wishes into consideration, but that's about it. Ultimately it's up to the heads of the families. Once the families agree on a match, a betrothal is arranged."
Sarah furrowed her brow, "A betrothal? Is that the same as an engagement?"
"A little. But a betrothal is set in writing. That way the parties must abide by it. If either side backs out, it would fall upon the parents to make compensations."
"So what would happen if you backed out of the marriage? Could they make you marry him anyway?"
Alwen shook her head, "No. Ultimately it's all about choice. Like I said before, Trenton could marry anyone he wanted. But if it's not the person his father chose, then he would be an outcast to the Elvin Kingdom. Same with my father. He would disown me and I'd be penniless. There are occasions where someone will forsake their high station for love, but most of the time we compromise."
Alwen continued in a more cheerful manner, "But I'm making this sound so gloomy. Trenton is a wonderful man, and we have come to care for each other greatly. We respect our situation and each other. I look forward to marrying him."
Sarah nodded mutely and decided to let the subject drop. The two women spent the rest of the time talking about the aboveground and comparing different legends and how they were originally founded. At one point Sarah asked a servant elf if she would go see if Libby would like to join them, since she wasn't comfortable walking the halls in her thin wrap; but the small elf came back with news that Libby was preoccupied and would join her later after they were dressed. Sarah laughed and divulged the tiny bit of information that was Libby and Garrett to Alwen. Time flew for the two women as they laughed and formed an immediate bond. All too soon a servant elf came and escorted Alwen back to her own room so Sarah could be dressed. Immediately her nerves flared back up, making her feel light headed. Martha, of course, came to supervise as two servant elves brought in Sarah's dress. To her surprise they left as soon as they spread her dress carefully out on the bed. Martha closed the door behind them and turned back to Sarah.
"A little trick that ladies of court do to help prevent sweat on the body, which causes chafing of the dresses, is to rub a dry oil-powder mixture on their skin before they put their dress on." She said handing Sarah a small glass jar, "Normally their maids would do this for them but I thought you would be uncomfortable with that."
Sarah smiled and took the jar, "Thank you. I appreciate that." Taking off her wrap she began to liberally apply the mixture.
Martha nodded and turned to pick up Sarah's dress, "I know you were uncomfortable with them washing your hair this afternoon. I hope you realize that is was necessary though."
Sarah finished rubbing the powder on her legs and started on her stomach and breasts, "I understand. It's just so different than what I'm used to back at home."
"What's it like in the aboveground?" Martha asked in a neutral voice.
Sarah thought for a moment as she started on her shoulders.
"Oh, you know, a lot different from here I supposed. Things are more technical there. Lots of technology."
"You don't make that sound like a good thing?" Martha probed.
Sarah shrugged, "There are things that I do miss about the aboveground. Everything here revolves around magic, so there are times that I just feel so helpless. At home I was independent; I didn't have to rely on anyone. I had a job, was enrolled in college, and had my own place. Here, I rely on Jareth and Delaina for what I need."
Martha chewed over her answer for a moment before commenting, "So there's nothing really particular in the aboveground you miss; you just miss being able to do things on your own?"
Sarah paused and looked at Martha. She didn't know where the other woman was coming from, but her observations were running too close to Sarah's own feelings.
"I … I guess it doesn't really matter. I'm finished, can I dress now?" Martha noted the obvious change in subject but smiled anyway. She walked over and held the dress up for Sarah to inspect. To Sarah's delight the dress wasn't large and extravagant. The dress itself was white with pink lace; the material was thinner than her normal dresses and shimmered with a silkiness that made Sarah shiver as Martha helped her slip it over her head. It fit against her body perfectly, and without the tightness of the normal corset style, the dress flowed and moved with her body. The neck line was cut low and wide, exposing an ample amount of chest, while the sleeves were long and hung low with delicate lace. The shoulders were slightly flared, done up in a crisscrossing pattern of fabric, while the skirt, free of petticoats, swirled weightlessly around her narrow hips.
Bringing Sarah over to the full length mirror, Martha grinned as Sarah stared at herself. Her hair had been curled, twisted, and pinned high up on her head where tiny diamonds winked at her from the beautiful dark mass. Her make up consisted of light browns and pinks that complimented her dress and exotic beauty perfectly. Reaching out to touch her reflection Sarah swallowed hard. It's hard to believe that's me in there. Wearing this outfit, going to a ball in the underground, and dancing with a king."
Martha handed her a pair of white sandal high heels that wrapped around her ankles, "So, do you like it?"
Sarah nodded, brow furrowed slightly, "It's beautiful. I just thought it would be more, well, extravagant."
Martha chuckled, "The winter ball is very formal. There is wine and champagne there, but there is only light ballroom dancing and most of the time is spent doing business mingling." She was interrupted by a short nock on the door, "But the spring ball is more about celebration. You'll notice lots of different colors and dress styles at this ball." She called over her shoulder as she went to open the door.
Gwyneth grinned from the doorway, "Hello Martha, how're things going?"
Martha stood aside so Gwyneth could see Sarah.
"Oh my. Well I'm certainly glad that I stopped by, it's such a rewarding feeling to see one's work worn on such a perfectly shaped and beautiful woman."
Sarah blushed, "Thank you."
Gwyneth bustled into the room to circle Sarah, "I just stopped by to check that nothing needed altering. After making the queen's dresses for ages, I knew what to expect for her, but Libby's dress did need a slight more lace in her, um, bust area."
Sarah hid a giggle behind one hand.
"Well, on to business. Let me look at you."
Gwyneth circled Sarah once more, noting things to herself before stepping back and smiling, "I think you're set to go my dear. Everything is in place."
Martha clasped her hands together, "Wonderful. We're doing perfectly on time." She turned to Sarah, "There are perfumes on the vanity that I brought up for you to choose from. Why don't you do that whilst I go and let Jareth know you're ready."
Sarah's heart skipped a beat.
"All right. Thank you for the beautiful dress, Gwyneth. And thank you for helping me get ready, Martha."
Gwyneth smiled, "Always a pleasure, my dear."
Martha nodded in agreement.
The two women left and Sarah was finally alone. Taking a deep breath she walked over to the vanity, trying all the while to stop the constant fluttering in her stomach. She picked up each of the bottles, held them to her nose, then set them back down. They all smelt striking but fresh, and she smiled at how well Martha was starting to know her. She eventually settled on one that had a heavy smell to it, instead of the light ones she normally wore. It had a clean deep feeling about it, and smelt like the flowers in Jareth's gardens. After selecting her perfume, she checked her reflection in the mirror once more, then settled on her window seat to wait for Jareth. She forced herself to look out the window and not the door, but as a loud nock reverberated through her silent room, Sarah raced over to it.
She couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed that it was only Delaina and Libby.
Delaina laughed at Sarah's downtrodden face, "Well, hello to you too. Might I wonder who you thought we were?"
Sarah smiled sheepishly and noticed Delaina's dress almost immediately. It was completely black and very tight, fitting the curvaceous woman like a second skin. Two long slits ran up her thighs ending only an inch below her full rounded hips. A thick strap went around her neck and then v'd all the way down to her naval. Three thick diamond cords held the dress together in the front. As she walked in the room Sarah noticed the back was open except for three thin black straps that crossed on her lower back. Her hair was up, for once, tightly pinned up and studded with tiny rubies. Her makeup, as always, was dark ebony with shockingly red lips. Black stilettos completed her outfit.
"Jareth is going to be a few more moments so we thought we'd come see how you were doing."
Sarah sighed, "Nervous."
Libby smiled "Don't be. You'll do fine. And just remember." She caught Sarah's eyes, "You do have friends that will be watching out for you."
At that thought Sarah relaxed slightly and smiled, "Thanks. That means a lot."
Her eyes ran over Libby's dress and Sarah immediately thought of Garrett, "Where is Garrett? Has he seen you yet?"
Libby smiled seductively, "No." Her dress was light pink with tiny straps that went over her shoulders. The front was cut lower than Sarah's but had plenty of ruffles along the side to help distract from Libby's full figure. The dress was long and cut in layers, with a v up the front to almost her knees. A thick slightly darker pink band was wrapped around her waist. On her feet was a pair of white flat knee high boots with pink vines wound around them. Her hair left down, parted on the side with bangs that fell over one eye. Sarah smiled; Garrett was going to have to pick his jaw up off the ground.
"Garrett was called away with Jareth, one of the balconies wasn't passing security inspection for some reason, so they had to go and recast the spells." Libby said.
Delaina looked out the dark window before turning to the other women, "Actually we don't have to stay here. All the guests will be in the ballroom by now, so we could go to the queen's waiting room and wait for the guys there. We'll all meet there before the ball starts anyway."
Sarah and Libby looked at each other and shrugged, "Sound good to us."
The three women left the room, and made their way to one of Seriana's waiting rooms, which Delaina told them, was just off the ball.
A guard answered the door to Delaina's nock, looked them over, then admitted them in.
The queen stood to greet the women and Sarah couldn't believe that this was Jareth's mother. She looked ravishing in a simple deep purple gown that was loose and flowing like Sarah's. Thin straps wound over her shoulders while the dress itself was cut deeply but hid any amount of cleavage behind thick bands of lace. The empire waist was a simple band that circled her narrow bust then fell freely in a thin lace covered skirt. Her hair was in the usual tight bun, but tonight she had added a light purple veil to cover her hair. The overall effect made her look much younger, and very beautiful.
"I'm so glad you ladies decided to come here and wait. I've been dreadfully bored."
Sarah and Libby made themselves comfortable while Delaina talked briefly with the guard.
"Alwen will be joining us soon as well. She'll be announced as a guest of the royal family tonight, for all her help."
Sarah turned to Libby and gave her and the queen a brief overview of what Alwen had told her.
Delaina walked over obviously hearing their conversation, "We'll find him. He has to make a mistake sometime."
The women all fell silent until the guard moved to open the door to Alwen. The atmosphere in the room brightened immediately. Alwen smiled and curtsied low to the queen. She had on a dress that was more than different from everyone else's. The dress was long sleeved and off the shoulder. Light green, with a white sash that started on her right shoulder and ended at the left side of her waist. But what made her outfit so different and so completely Alwen, was the fact that it was cut to mid thigh. It bounced around her slender thighs as she walked over to them and sat down. White tights and a pair of green high heeled boot matched her outfit perfectly.
"Hello, you must be Libby. I'm Alwen." She said, offering her hand to Libby.
Libby stared at the strange pink haired woman before smiling at her, "Hello." She replied taking the offered hand.
"And Delaina, it's been so long. Going with anyone special this year?"
Delaina rolled her eyes obviously immune to the other woman's charms, "You're too happy you know that?"
Alwen laughed, "And you're too serious."
Delaina smiled and shook her head, "No. Adam and I will be going together as delegates of our kingdom, as usual."
Alwen nodded then turned to Sarah, "You look very pretty."
Sarah blushed at her sudden change in topic, "Thank you."
"I just heard from Trenton, the others are on their way up to collect us." She said with a smile and an excited laugh.
As if on cue, the guard stood up and went to the door.
Instead of letting them in he nodded and turned back to the women. Seriana stood up and motioned for them to follow her, "It's time to go."
She strode out the door followed shortly by the other women. Sarah had to suppress a laugh as the conversation that was flowing between the men stopped suddenly upon their arrival. She wasn't sure what the other men's reactions were to their respective date, because Sarah had eyes only for Jareth. He was gorgeous. He had on dark brown breeches, with a tan poet's shirt. A dark brown vest and a set of jeweled daggers at his waist were the only accessories he sported. His hair was wild and untamed, just like Sarah loved it. His eyes traveled over her form hungrily as he drank in the sight of her. Her round breasts were slightly visible due to the low cut of her dress. And the thin material hung off her curves in a most enticing way. He immediately couldn't wait for this ball to be over, and Sarah in his bed, moaning loudly beneath him.
Walking over to her, he noticed her eyes were devouring his body much as he had just been doing.
Trying desperately to take his mind off of those long legs and firm curves, Jareth held his arm out to her and led her to a set of doors that glowed with a multitude of colors.
"Are you ready?"
Sarah smiled up at him. With Jareth by her side she was calm for the first time that night, "I am now."
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII************************************************************************
