Chapter 21 – Twenty Questions
When Sarah walked out of the kitchen the morning after returning from her weekend in the Underground, she was surprised to discover a large fresh bouquet of orchids in all shades on her dining room table. Some petals were solid in light lavender, violet purple, or white while another had gorgeous white and purple flowers that seemed to have their own color per petal. In the center of the bouquet was a cascade of light blue petals on a branch with leathery dark green leaves.
She smiled in delight, wondering when Jareth had delivered them and inhaling their subtle fragrance. A second small splash of color caught her eye, and looking up to her left, she noticed a single pink rose in full bloom in a small vase on the mantle. Turning towards the loft, she realized there was a vase of red and yellow tulips by the fantasy chess set. Heading upstairs, she found another single pink rose in full bloom waiting by her easel while a small clay container planted with multi-colored pansies was resting by her computer.
"How can one man be so thoughtful", she wondered. If his intent was to make her feel cherished, then he certainly succeeded.
Turning to her sketchbook, Sarah took some time to sketch the images of the Ball before they dimmed in her memory. When the High King over all kingdoms in the realm requests to see your drawings, it is a command, not a solicitation. She chose three different perspectives; the first was her overall impression of the ballroom as they were introduced at the top of the stairs. The second was a view from the floor as everyone danced while the third was during an intermission during which time everyone rested and conversed.
She concentrated on capturing the visual impression of the scenes rather than an exact representation, making sure to capture the movement of light and colors. Finally satisfied with the sketches, she set them aside to transfer to canvas at another time.
For the rest of the day, she worked to finish her current contract for a book cover. She had only a few touches left that had required the oils to dry before completing. She needed to finish it for an upcoming meeting with the author and marketing team, so suggested to her ever-faithful Squeeker that he might want to eat Underground and kept working past her normal quitting time, using the special illumination in the loft to maintain the appropriate lighting.
So intense was she on the final details that she failed to notice Jareth's appearance in her home at first. He heard music playing and stepping out into her living room, he found her muttering to herself as she added a final few specks of a glittering gold to a character's armor. He stood still, just watching her work on the canvas, admiring her focus and intensity.
She finally nodded and stood back and he could make out her comments. "There you are my charming warrior; finally finished. Not that a real warrior would be wearing gilded armor out on the battlefield, but maybe you would want to blind your opponents. And you, gorgeous lady, should fit the author's requirements for a sword dancer."
She stood back, and rolled her head around in a circle, hearing her neck crack, before bending backwards stretching her muscles. It was as she was nearly bent over that she saw him watching her with both an appreciative and amused expression.
"I can see I'm going to have to put a bell around your neck" she said pointedly. "But thank you not breaking my concentration. I needed to finish this for a meeting tomorrow."
"I could see how intensely you were focusing, Sarah. The couple looks fascinating from here. You called her a sword dancer?"
"Yes, the author developed an entire weapons mastery that involves intricate movements and footwork that is so complex, the practitioners are perceived to be dancing."
She came down the stairs, rubbing the back of her neck. When she was intensely working on the details of a picture, she would work for hours without noting the strain on her muscles until she was finished. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, he reached for her shoulder asking "May I?" before touching her.
She smiled at him and with a small nod, then stood still as he gently massaged the base of her neck and stiff shoulders with ungloved hands. "Mmm, you leave a tingle behind you" she mentioned as she felt a slight pleasurable flutter along her nerves.
He leaned forward and lightly lowered his lips to the back of neck in a gentle caress, inhaling her scent and lightly tasting her, smiling as she shivered. He moved her hair aside and used his mouth to trace a path along her neck to her shoulder, enjoying her taste and her response to his gentle touch. She twisted to look at him in surprise.
"You're affectionate tonight" she said slightly breathlessly.
"Is it unwelcome, Sarah?" He looked with concern in her eyes. Perhaps Aboveground customs were different, he thought. He did not want to offend her when they were just starting their new relationship.
"No, just unexpected. Until yesterday, you barely kissed my hand."
He smiled down at her, raising a hand to gently caress her cheek. "Until yesterday, I did not have your permission to court you. Even removing my gloves before then was a liberty I probably should not have indulged in."
Her eyes widened as she understood the restraint he had shown. "And here I thought he wasn't interested in me that way" she thought. She turned to face him before reaching up and brushing a strand of hair away from his eyes. Her hand continued through his hair, then paused to lightly caress his ear, enjoying his slight shiver in response. He leaned forward slowly, to give her time to avoid him if she chose, and then gently pressed his lips to hers tenderly, sliding his hand away from her cheek, through her hair, enjoying the luxurious silken texture.
"Have you eaten, Precious? Squeeker said you worked through your normal supper hour."
"I couldn't be bothered to eat while finishing" she smiled. "I have some fruit cut up in the refrigerator. Would you like some?"
"No thank you, my love, although I might pour myself a glass of that excellent pinot noir that Brian selected."
While he did that, she changed out of painting clothes into black jeans and a sapphire blue silk blouse, and then came and filled a plate with fresh cut cantaloupe, honeydew melon and watermelon.
Once in their normal spots near the fireplace, she asked how his court session had gone.
He smiled at her interest. "Mostly minor incidents, although I did have an irate father who insisted I determine which of his daughter's two suitors was the father of her unborn child."
"Can you do that? Does your magic identify parentage?"
"It is possible after baby is born, which should be soon. Between the father of the girl, and the parents of the two youths, it made for a strident afternoon."
Sarah chuckled mischievously. "Well, if demanding parents annoy you, you will be happy to know that you will not have to meet my parents any time soon."
"Is that an Aboveground courtship ritual that is normally difficult, my love?" he asked. "I certainly have no objections to being formally introduced to your parents, or to Toby again for that matter."
"Many men find meeting the parents an onerous chore, but my father had to go overseas for several weeks and since Toby is out of school on his summer vacation, my stepmother and brother joined him. They should be back in another three weeks though."
"Then we will visit them when you feel the time is right, Sarah." He wanted to establish a good rapport with the people that were important in her life, especially as he would want to ask her father for her hand in marriage at some point.
While thinking those thoughts, he watched her finish her light supper and settle back into the chair across from him. Jareth couldn't help but admire her lovely hourglass figure; she was truly magnificent, he thought. He realized he was staring when she raised an eyebrow at him questioningly.
Recalling himself, he said "We talked about getting to know one another better, perhaps by just answering each other's questions. Or has your painting been too intense today and you would prefer to simply relax?"
She shook her head. "I would love to learn more about you and answer any questions you have, Jareth. What do you suggest? Ten questions each?"
He chuckled at the notion of keeping track, but readily agreed to it. "You go first, Precious."
She thought about it and then said "Would you tell me about your family; your parents, siblings or any extended family?"
"Gladly, my love. My parents were part of an arranged marriage, but they learned to love each over time. I have no siblings. Fae parents with more than one child are relatively rare. As a result, an extended family is unusual, and I have no aunts, uncles or cousins."
She nodded her understanding. "Your turn then Jareth."
"I will start simple with my first question. What is your favorite and least favorite color and why?"
"Oh dear. I like different colors for different reasons. I like light blues, beiges and creams for decorating my personal space as you can tell. I like jewel tones for clothing, such as emerald green, ruby red or this sapphire blue. My least favorite colors are ones that jar the senses, like neon lime green. For my second question, how did you spend your childhood?"
He tried to think of how to answer the question without taking all evening. "As a youth, my parents tried to spend time with me daily, whether just playing or talking. As soon as I was old enough, I had tutors in languages, mathematics, history, magic, weapons and riding. My parents and their chancellor trained me in statesmanship, whether it was reviewing historical treaties to find the advantages and disadvantages, to discuss taxes, maintaining roads, bridges, planning for disasters and the like. As I reached my adolescence, I was included as a silent member of council meetings and then discussed the meeting and the reactions of the participants afterwards with my parents. That helped me learn the ways of governance."
Jareth sipped his wine and smiled at her. "What types of music do you most enjoy and why?"
"That's an easy one. I love most of the classics, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Vivaldi. They are either peaceful or uplifting. I like Jazz for the improvisation it includes. I like pop and soft rock if the lyrics are uplifting or at least neutral. My favorite instruments to listen to are the harp, piano and flute, although I enjoy listening to percussion as well. Ravel's Bolero is a favorite of mine."
She looked at him curiously. "Tell me about your first love" she requested.
"Ah…she was exquisite, a lovely girl with curly auburn hair and hazel eyes. She had a passionate personality; nothing was ever in shades of gray to her. She either loved or hated passionately; fortunately there was not much she hated. She could also beat me in foils, maces and staves, although she did have the advantage of being the Weapon master's daughter."
"What happened to her?" Sarah asked.
"We grew up. Did I mention we would have been the equivalent of 10 or 12 of your years?" He smirked at her and then laughed as she stuck her tongue out at him. "My turn…of what are you the most proud to have accomplished in your life?"
"Oh my…that's a loaded question Jareth." She looked up at him from under her lashes. "A few years ago, I would have said I was most proud of completing the Labyrinth, even though I was ashamed for wishing Toby away. However, I think I am most proud of the friends in my life. I am very blessed to have such incredible people in my life. My friends are my strength, my anchor, a well-spring of joy and contentment." She spoke with simple sincerity and he smiled tenderly at her.
"My turn Jareth. What was the most memorable trip you can recall taking?"
He tipped his head curiously. "A trip? As in a journey?" At her nod, he thought carefully. "Several journeys are very memorable, but the most is when I made my first journey around my kingdom, learning every part of it, meeting my people, seeing what needed improvement or changes. Through that journey, I strengthened my ties to the land until I can just think of an area and immediately sense what is there. Riding boundaries as the sovereign is unlike anything else."
"Tell me Sarah, what are three goals you have for your life?"
"Hmm, only three… Well, fiscally my goal is to always be financially independent, so that I work because I want to, not because I have to. A personal growth goal is to never stop learning, to always be studying something. I still have a list that I'm working on from archaeology to playing musical instruments to interior decorating and exterior landscaping. For the third, I have a goal to try to stay physically fit, to maintain a healthy weight and eating habits."
Looking at him, she remembered he was an immortal being and wondered whether war ever affected immortals. "Have you ever been to war?"
He frowned slightly in memory. "I have been out on the battlefield. While I would like to say that the Underground has found a method of avoiding all conflict that is not true. There will always be someone who wants what they have not earned and sometimes it takes physical force to defend oneself or others."
"For my fifth question, what irritates you the most or makes you angry, Sarah?"
The question teased a chuckle from her. "Fortunately not as much as when you first knew me. I get angry over discourtesy and disrespect. I become absolutely livid when someone tries to control or manipulate me. If someone tries to bully or intimidate me (or someone I care about), I'll go on the offensive."
That explained her reaction to being considered a suitable marriage partner, he though. She might see it as being controlled or manipulated.
She noticed his wine glass was empty and stood, taking it to the kitchen, refilling it and pouring herself a glass of ice water. She smiled as he stood as she did and waited for her to be seated before reseating himself, after thanking her for the replenished wine.
"How do you want to be remembered, Jareth?"
He blinked in surprise at the question. "I do not know that I have ever actually thought of that question, Precious." He paused for a while thinking before saying "I would like to be remembered as an honorable and decent man who also happened to be a King".
He decided to brave a question that might be a tender subject. "Do you want children and if so, how many Sarah?"
She smiled, knowing he was remembering her "brood mare" comment. "I always assumed I would have children. I would prefer not to have a single child; they lose too much not having siblings, so a minimum of two. But I would want them for the right reasons; not just because a large family would be useful for making alliances between families or kingdoms. And certainly not just because humans are fertile." She gave him a sharp glance and he grimaced, wishing he had never said anything about humans being fertile and wondering why he hadn't immediately re-ordered time when he had.
"So tell me, what is the most difficult lesson you've had to learn Jareth?"
He readily responded "That being a King is not only about having great power, but is also about possibly making great sacrifices. Just because one is a King does not mean one will get what one wants. Frequently the needs of kingdom outweigh personal needs."
He sipped his wine, savoring the flavor. He should have a cask of this Underground, he thought. "If you could change something in your life, what would it be Sarah?"
She considered. "Change something? Oh my. I wouldn't change having wished Toby away, because then I would never have met you and the rest of my Underground friends." She lifted her hand to her medallion and felt devotion and unconditional support flow through her. "I wouldn't even wish away all of life's rough spots and tough times. Without hardships, we don't grow."
"My father would agree with you, my love. He stood aside and let me make my own mistakes if only to learn from them." He smiled fondly in memory.
Sarah continued, "If my mother hadn't put her acting career above her marriage vows and familial duty, I would never have realized how one person's actions can impact so many other people. If I hadn't been a self-centered teen, I would never have experienced the Labyrinth. If my heart hadn't been broken, I wouldn't realize what it feels like to love and be loved. If I hadn't lost loved ones to death, I wouldn't know to appreciate every moment and overlook the minor irritations."
"So what would I change in my life? I think I would be more careful of my words. I would keep the ill-timed truths to myself, I would be sure to utter the kind words that may have made a difference in someone's day. I would learn to bite my tongue rather than deliberately allow my words to hurt someone." Her necklace shimmered and moved on her neck and she reached a hand up, letting it soothe her.
He reached over and lifted her hand to his lips, then squeezed it gently. "Your turn Sarah".
"I've lost track of how many questions we've asked" she said with her velvet laugh.
"That was our seventh, my love."
"OK, I'll use one of yours. What are your favorite and least favorite colors and why?"
He chuckled. "I am partial to black, gray, jewel tone blues and whites for my clothes. I used to be partial to dark colors for my own rooms, but having seen how you decorated your home, I've come to appreciate a slightly lighter touch. My least favorite? The color orange is fine in nature, but I am not fond of it in clothing or accoutrements."
"Since you used one of mine, I will use one of yours. Tell me about your first love, Sarah."
"Hmm, that would be Andy Wrenth. Blonde curly hair, blue eyes, freckles and dimples. He stood up for me when a bully picked on me, then held my hand and kissed my cheek." She enacted a love-struck swoon and he felt a prick of jealousy. "Just when was this, Precious" he purred dangerously. "Well, let's see…second grade, so I think we were about eight." She grinned at him.
"So how large of a family do you want Jareth? Meaning how many of either sex?"
He responded easily. "I never expected to have more than one child, and having that one born healthy and to grow up to be honorable is all I would hope for. Were I to be blessed with more, it would be a rare delight."
"For my ninth question Sarah, what trait do you think is most important for a life mate to have?"
"A life mate? As in spouse?" He nodded, swirling his wine in the glass as he watched her. "In general or for me specifically?
"I didn't realize the answer would be different, but for you specifically then."
She thought about it. "Well, while I would prefer a loving heart, it may not be the most important, because there can be good marriages based on less than love. Patience is good for both partners. A sense of humor is important, but I'm not sure it's the single most essential trait. Intelligence is important. Perhaps it would be honesty. From honesty grows honor, dignity, integrity and decency." She nodded. "I would say honesty for now."
"For my last question Jareth, what gives you the greatest joy and the greatest displeasure?"
He chose not to mention how great his joy was when he held her in his arms. "When I am able to take a child out of an abusive home and find them a happy home here Underground, then see them grow to be happy adults is one of my greatest joys. Seeing an innocent child abused and mistreated raises an implacable fury in me". He felt a scowl cross his face as he thought of the last battered child that had wished himself away, and then pushed the anger aside as he remembered how well that boy was doing with his new loving adoptive parents.
"For my last question then…let me think." He paused. "What is it about me that you like, Sarah?"
"Looking to get your ego stroked, Jareth?" He smirked at her double entendre, trying to hide his sense of curiosity at her answer. "I like that you are courteous and respectful, thoughtful and kind, determined, intelligent, and have a wicked sense of humor. Of course, the fact that you are moderately attractive and a superb dancer is a pure bonus." She winked at him and he chuckled.
"And although you have used up your ten questions Precious, you should know that I like your intelligence, compassion, thoughtfulness, your ability and willingness to perceive all sides of an issue, your grace and your delightful modesty. Of course, the fact that you are beautiful beyond compare and a magnificent dancer is a bonus" he ended with a smirk as she blushed becomingly.
Standing, he reached down and drew her up beside him. "I enjoyed this discussion, precious. You asked some questions that surprised me and I will have to consider them further in case my first response might not be the best. Perhaps we can do it again some time?"
"I agree. You made me really think several times. I enjoy a challenging discussion." She smiled at him, pleased with how easily they discussed their pasts and their personal thoughts.
"It is getting late, and I should let you get some rest." She stepped closer to him and he accepted the unspoken invitation, cupping her face and leaning down to press a gentle kiss on her soft lips, inhaling her special scent of vanilla and almonds. "Sweet dreams, my precious Sarah and thank you for sharing your life with me."
***************