From: RoyalMumsie (a)crystalcast com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:19 PM
To: GlitterinKing637(a)crystalcast com
Subject: RE: Changes
To
His Royal Majesty,
The Goblin King
My son,
I really should have told you this a long time ago. I may have found some aspects of being Queen less than enjoyable but I never did blame Baldrik for any of it. Our love was enough that I could see beyond those trifles. Once he passed on I... Everything within the Labyrinth walls has an essence of him for me. It's been so long but the pain is still fresh. I think my logic at the time had me believe that if I told you of my plans to leave the throne in your care you would have refused or tried to convince me to stay. Without my beloved husband I felt nothing held me there anymore. It breaks my heart to have you think I abandoned you. I went about things the wrong way but at the time I felt it was all I could do to keep my sanity. I know I should have told you, Darling, but pride and the need to protect your feelings was a terrible mix. I couldn't have anyone believe I was less of a monarch than I was and I also feared my weakness would cause you to lose strength as well. It has been too long to let this be a secret to you and I am so very sorry for it all. Perhaps it is the greatly improved frequency of our communications that has helped me to bring this all to light but I swear to you, I will never keep you in the dark again.
Oh, now I'm even more curious to meet this Sarah girl. Care to share her thoughts on me?
I understand you completely, I just wanted to be sure you weren't completely closed to the idea. If it happens, wonderful. If not, her friendship will be of great value as well. Focus on nurturing what you do have and let it go from there. Let me know of her and Tobias's progress and if anything changes in the status between you. Has she fully recovered from the incident yet? Oh, and do tell me where her talents are focused when you find out. If she is a marvel with water I will just be giddy.
Splendid idea, darling. Perhaps I should wait until towards the end of the event. It wouldn't be very courteous of me to steal the show now, would it?
With all my love,
Her Royal Highness
Queen-Emeritus of the Goblins
Amara
xXx
From: RenfestPrincess(a)yahoo com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 9:42AM
To: FairiesByte(a)yahoo com
Subject: RE:Feather Check
Sarah!!
Yeah, your step-mom always did want you two to be the smartest you could be. I remember when you got so mad she stuck you in college English senior year. Probably wouldn't change that for the world now, right?
Whoa! I haven't seen that side of you since the prom incident. I don't know. I think my fantasy make-up tutor is getting to me. You can't let someone with my imagination have too much time with fantasy make-up.
If you being off work is anything like it used to be, I'm sure your office will be spotless and you'll have a neat pile of things still left to be done... but lets be honest here... you'll probably have to pull an all-nighter to finish it. Do they pay you over time?
If you love kids so much, snag Mr. Right and settle down. I know, I know I'm one to talk. I have millions of guy-friends (courtesy of seven brothers) and NO boyfriends (also courtesy of my brothers)
And don't feel bad about make-up. The only make-up I've used lately is stage make-up. Not kidding this tutor makes me wear it ALL day if I don't make it perfect.
Well, if that was the doctor orders you better check with him before you cut back on the sweets. Always do what the doctor orders... no matter how strange it sounds.
That's good. I hope everything turns out for him. He's such a sweet guy.
Wait who-da-what? Rob saw Jareth in WHAT?! Oh baby! I wanna meet this Jareth guy! No guy has EVER got you in such a twist! Tell me all about it. He wore..."Black jeans, leather jacket, and a rather form-fitted black t-shirt, like that guy on the wrestling team used to wear." Got it! AND "he smelled really good." OOO! With italic emphasis! He must've had on some nice after-shave... cologne never did work for you...
What's wrong with being giddy over a guy I'd like to know?
He came over again?! WOW! Sounds like you've got things made!! I might just drop by unexpectedly so I can meet him! Don't go kissing him so much you don't answer the door when I come. Ok?
JK- don't go throwing pillows at the computer.
Just watch he'll walk in while you have your head in the toilet. (I'm trying to stop you from doing that by the way)
Sue
PS: I was the only girl. I got to do all the girl things. ALL the girl things why else was I on the cheer team?
PPS: Yeah Jake just barely sent them all out.
xXx
From: FairiesByte(a)yahoo com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:45am
To: GlitterinKing637(a)crystalcast com
Subject:I am the Brute Squad
Dear Jareth,
Hey, that's fine. I understand that you are a busy person. And, besides, you've come to visit me practically every night! Not that I mind, of course. You're always welcome. But don't feel lacking. I am feeling better, and you know that if there is any problem, I'll call for you.
Hmm. No, I can't say that I have seen that. I have, however, seen an angry quarterback covered from head to toe with vanilla ice cream. That was pretty scary, too.
Dang straight, I would. Besides, if you did put in lightning sand, I could almost guarantee that I would somehow manage to fall into it, and you'd have to jump in after me, and I don't think you'd want all that sand up your nose. 7:-D
Perhaps you were looking at what you wanted to see... but that's not your fault. Loss is never easy to cope with... how you felt when she left? I understand that, better than most people. But, that's what good friends are for, right? To help you keep the whole picture in perspective.
There is always a book. If you can't find one, if the ones you've typically read have burned you so badly... then perhaps you need to try a new genre. Perhaps even a new Library. With love... fate will find a way. My Dad met Karen three times before he decided to ask her out on a date. He just didn't see it... so fate kept bringing her around, until he did. Watch out, a book might just fall off a shelf and conk you on the head.
You say babbling as if it's a bad thing. I actually rather enjoy sharing my theories of life and love with you, and hearing what you think.
Your friend,
Sarah
P.S. One, Rob does not stare at me like that. Two, that is NOT logical! Three, fine, okay, so Rob does tend to be protective of me a little... but that's a given; he's a gentleman. Four, you are not loathsome, so don't say that.
You had better take my word for it... it's the truth. I'm not dating anyone right now. And how can I possibly address that? I don't even see the look you're talking about... and besides, he's not leering at me. I can't just tell him not to look at me. He lives just down the hall.
xXx
From: GlitterinKing637(a)crystalcast com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:00 AM
To: FairiesByte(a)yahoo com
Subject: My Way's Not Very Sporting
Sarah,
Your timing is impeccable. I was just about to send you an email myself. But more of that in a moment...
Yes, unfortunately I am busy. But at least you may rest assured that I would much rather spend time with you than with Trake-ick the Head-Stomper. Yes, that is his official title. Yes, it is accurate. Why my goblins would choose to annoy the Rain Trolls when there is a village of cheerful, peaceful sprites living just a valley over from them, is utterly beyond me.
Fine, fine. Honestly, if I let you have your way, you would have every aspect of my Labyrinth transformed into fluffy bunnies and rainbows. Really, Sarah, where is the fun in that??
Speaking of Mumsie... As I mentioned, I was going to email you today. She wrote and confided a few things to me that made me feel that... It has been far too long since I have seen her. She is currently amusing herself at the Rose Pixies' Life Celebration and I thought that perhaps I would pay her a surprise visit this evening. Of course the chaos will be even worse when I return, but such is life. My life, anyway. I was wondering if I might ask a favor of you... I hesitate to impose but... You see, Mumsie's taste for chocolate is quite as keen as my own and she so enjoyed the brownies I shared with her. I know that you always have a store of baked goods and I wondered if perhaps you might be good enough to allow me to take a few to her? I know that she would be delighted.
You enjoy my foolish babbling, eh? How about this, then... What if the book for you is a rare and precious thing, kept on a pedestal behind an impenetrable glass wall so that all you can do is stare at it from a distance and wonder?
Yours,
Jareth
PS- Sarah, my dear, I believe you are only seeing one facet of dear Rob. The facet I saw was quite smitten with you. Keeping the whole picture in perspective, correct? :-)
PPS- You insult me, Sarah. I am quite loathsome and terribly proud of the fact. :-P
xXx
From: FaeRel(a)crystalcast com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 1:25pm
To: RoyalMumsie(a)crystalcast com
Subject: RE:Hello!
To
Her Royal Highness
Queen-Emeritus of the Goblins
Your Highness,
Yes, Jareth was very generous in granting me my own Hand Pilot...though I don't know if he will be so pleased I have it. I seem to have upset him. I made a teasing comment encouraging him to pursue the mortal girl and it seems I hit a nerve. It's my own fault I suppose, I should really learn to keep my blasted mouth shut (or in this case still my fingers from typing). He apologized and tells me that he has been under stress but I think I upset him more deeply than he's letting on. I have seen that man stressed and he may lash out, but not in the same way. I don't suppose you have any clues? I feel like an idiot.
I will make certain to inform you of my progress. Lucien, hmm? I think I may have seen his work at some point...the name seems familiar in any case.
I'm beyond flattered that you envision me as the daughter you would have, for my part I have always looked upon you as the mother I wished I could have. I'm sure if my mother had not passed on so early, that you two would have been fast friends.
All my love,
Lady Relisasha
xXx
From: FairiesByte(a)yahoo com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 1:50pm
To: flyfishing4life(a)yahoo com
Subject: RE: An apology
Oh Rob, stop being embarrassed. I'm not.
I understand what you're saying, and I know you weren't specifically telling me or any other woman to wear tight clothes. The point I'm making is that if women have the right to wear something tight, so do men. If any man can appreciate a woman like that, then what is wrong with a woman appreciating a man, doing the same thing? You argue that there are health concerns for men to wear such clothes... well, like I said, women suffered health issues from tight clothes for centuries - and, though a tight shirt may not crack a rib for her like a corset could have in the eighteen hundreds, wearing such suggestive clothing can cause other dangers for her that could cost her life. You never hear about how male joggers are abducted from public parks in the evenings, do you? It's always women.
Basically, what I'm saying is that Jareth has as much right to wear his tight black jeans as I would to wear a push-up bra, if I were so inclined.
No, I'm not going to let you die.
... ruining chances for children... sheesh...
Stop apologizing, alright? You are my good friend and neighbor, and while the whole double-standard thing drove me absolutely bonkers, I'm not mad at you, nor am I morally offended. Besides, I'm worried that in your attempts to win my good favor, you might throw your back completely out.
Speaking of your back, please take it easy. I know it's crazy, but time is time, right? And it was only two hours, but consider what you did in two hours - you pulled an unconscious woman from a burning building. I'd say that would add up to, what, a year of heavy sack-lifting? In that case, six months is nothing. You'll be better in no time. And... if you need any help, please don't feel like you couldn't ask me for help, okay? I really don't want you ending up in a wheelchair or something, so can the macho-instincts when you can't reach the top shelf, and give me a call.
Your good Friend,
Sarah
xXx
From: FaeRel(a)crystalcast com
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2008 2:31 PM
To: GlitterinKing637(a)crystalcast com
Subject: RE: Concerned and/or Irritated
Jareth,
Thank you for the apology. I, too, would like to apologize, I obviously was insensitive. I was not aware my teasing would hurt you, but I should have known. I should have known better and I am sorry. I understand that stress such as you are undergoing can cause one's temper to flare, but I know you, or at least I thought I did, and I think it's something more. If it is, please tell me. I ...I don't want you angry with me.
Draconis is treating me well, lessons are going well and if all goes as planned I should be home by the end of the next week.
I can easily forgive your 'harsh words', Jareth. My own response to them was defensive and short sighted. I was and am greatly angered that you were upset with me, but that anger is not meant for you.
Rel
xXx
From: flyfishing4life(a)yahoo com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 PM 3:16 PM
To: FairiesByte(a)yahoo com
Subject: RE: An apology
Hey, Sarah:
It's not that I don't feel comfortable speaking to you about this sort of thing, it's just that, well, I'm not comfortable speaking about this sort of thing with any woman. I guess that comes from being an only child of a single mother who was a bit overprotective. I guess I've not overcome my childhood yet. Anyway, not that you, or anyone else, needs my permission or approval for any thing they do or don't do, but you wear what you feel comfortable wearing, Jareth can wear whatever he feels comfortable wearing, and I'll keep my appreciation and opinions to myself. It's just easier that way.
But, do you think it's alright to expose your brother to that sort of attire? I mean, when I was that age, my mother would get up-in-arms if I was reading National Geographic. I'm not saying on how your parents should raise your brother or anything, and an adult has the right to choose what they want to wear, he is at an impressionable age.
I'm glad to know that you're not angry at me, or morally offended. I don't think I have enough vacation time to take off for fishing to get over that one.
Actually, I was lugging around 40 pound bags of mail up three flights of stairs last week before the 'incident' at home. Trust me, getting you out of the house was a lot easier (even with having to deal with Duncan) than hauling those mailbags up the stairs. For one thing, those bags were overstuffed and had no nooks to lodge your shoulder into. Not like a human body...Oh, geez...never mind. Let's just say that it's easier to put a woman into a fireman's carry than it is to do the same thing to a sack of mail.
Sorry if I gave you any bruises around your waist and hips, by the way...Oh, dear lord...I mean to say...if you have any bruises that you can't remember getting, it was probably from last week and I'm sorry that you have them.
Anyway, tomorrow is Friday and I will be leaving for the backwoods and the river tomorrow afternoon. If the weather holds out and if the fish are hungry, I won't forget Duncan.
Rob 8-)
xXx
From: KMWilliams(a)hotmail com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 4:03 PM
To: fairiesbyte(a)yahoo com
Subject: How Are You?
Dear Sarah,
I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing after that nasty accident last week. Do you need anything? Are you feeling better? Your father was so worried last week... he said you could barely move!
Please, for the love of my nerves, tell me he was exaggerating...
Toby told me that you were taking the week off of work? I was wondering, that is if you feel up to it, if you wanted to have another shopping trip this weekend? It would do you some good to get out of the house.
Lots of Love,
Karen
P.S. Inform your brother that he will NOT be getting pants with chains on them while he is under my roof. I'm all for expressing yourself... but that's just silly.
Oh, and if you ever need anything, just call me up and I'll be right over!
xXx
From: GlitterinKing637(a)crystalcast com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 5:32 PM
To: FaeRel(a)crystalcast com
Subject: RE: Concerned and/or Irritated
Lady Rel,
Please do not feel bad. The vast majority of our communication is comprised of playful jabs. I am not angry. I suppose that there are wounds that are still more open and sensitive than even I was aware. Let us put it behind us.
A week?! Your Draconis must be an incredible teacher indeed if he managed to teach you all you need to know in a week. It took me 100 years and you were still igniting houseplants with a stray thought. You have not had a falling out with this new instructor, have you?
If so, I would be more than happy to send a few goblins to wait for you at your home and console you when you arrive. 7:-)
Jareth
The Goblin King
xXx
From: FaeRel(a)crystalcast com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 6:00 PM
To: GlitterinKing637(a)crystalcast com
Subject: RE: Concerned and/or Irritated
Jareth,
I'm very happy to know you're not angry; I agree, let us put it behind us.
Yes a week...and yes Draconis is an incredible teacher, but he's not a miracle worker! My lessons are not yet over. I am returning home, but Draconis is coming with me to continue my training.
So not to worry, we have not had a falling out. We did have a bit of a row discussing the different travel methods. He wanted to fly! Ha! How in the seven heavens would I keep up with him? I'm sure I would be stuck in hawk form for a year due to the sheer exhaustion of the trip! The only thing we have agreed on so far is that neither of us is going to take the blasted carriage. I'm torn between smashing it, giving it to your goblins to destroy, or burning it. Alas, if I destroy it I know I'll regret it later.
As for your goblins. I feel it my duty to inform you that if I come home to find goblins in my house, I will fill your castle with fairies and screaming beetles. :P
Rel
xXx
From: GlitterinKing637(a)crystalcast com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 6:16 PM
To: FaeRel(a)crystalcast com
Subject: RE: Concerned and/or Irritated
Lady Rel,
You've managed to convince a Southern Dragon to come north with you? Stars, Rella, what did you do to him? At the very least, he should cause a stir in Taenvale. I doubt they've had a dragon, and certainly not a Southern Dragon, amongst them in centuries. I hope that he can at least assume man form.
As to traveling arrangements, he's not one of those snooty types who refuses to carry a pretty Fae lady like yourself, is he? I've only flown dragon-back a handful of times, but it's quite invigorating. Nothing like ‑
flying under your own power. And if, on the way, you wished to make a quick detour to the Castle Beyond the Goblin City (you know it is not that far out of the way), I should very much like to meet your Draconis. I promise to keep Theeta out of the way. It has been ages, my Lady.
Keep the carriage. They make wonderful planters for Great Termian Ogre-Trap Plants. 7:-)
Now, if you will excuse me, Lady Rel, I must be off. I am headed out to spend the evening with Mumsie. It has been far too long since we have visited.
Jareth
The Goblin King
xXx
From: FairiesByte(a)yahoo com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 6:19pm
To: flyfishing4life(a)yahoo com
Subject: RE: An apology
Rob,
Ah, I know, I know. You had the single mom, I spent a few years with a single dad. Thank goodness he remarried so he'd stop with the overprotective stuff! LOL. But... aw, don't be like that. You'll keep your opinions to yourself? That's just silly. I just... ack, nevermind. I'm not trying to stifle you. You have the right to say whatever... goodness knows that I do.
Ha! The most Toby noticed about Jareth's clothes was the chains, which he thinks are awesome, now. And... for what it is worth, which is perhaps why I fought so hard on this, is that Jareth doesn't usually dress like that. He usually has a more... conservatively-flamboyant sort of style, if that makes any sense. I think he was just trying out a new look. And don't worry about Toby being impressionable... Karen makes sure he dresses as a boy his age should. And when she goes overboard, I step in and give him something trendy. XD
Oh, ha-ha... mortally/morally. Yes, Sarah can spell. Mortality for the sake of the friendship... yes, that's why I chose that word. Yes, of course. LOL.
I suppose you have a point about the human body being easier to carry. Still, I was probably dead-weight, so... that's not always easy.
Ah... yeah, that would make sense. I do have a bit of a bruise, but not on my waist or hips - it's just under my knee, I would suppose from where you hefted me up. But, it's not bad - I barely even noticed it. Heck, if you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have even noticed. No worries, I'm fine.
Good luck on the fishing!
Later,
Sarah
xXx
From: FairiesByte(a)yahoo com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 6:42pm
To: KMWilliams(a)hotmail com
Subject: RE: How Are You?
Hey Karen,
Yes, I am feeling much better. Much, much better. And... I'm actually doing good with anything I need. A close friend of mine stopped by several times to check in on me, and Rob from down the hall, who emailed Dad, has been keeping tabs on me, too. Poor guy... I think he threw out his back from hefting me.
Well... at the time, I couldn't move much, but that's only because I was exhausted. After Dad left, my friend stopped by and made me eat and helped me around, and made sure I went to bed and got plenty of rest. All's good, and I'm happily puttering around and taking care of my apartment.
Yes, I'm off work this week... not by choice, though. My boss forced me to take a week off to recuperate. No biggie.
I'll think about the shopping trip... might be nice to get out for a bit. I've all but stayed indoors this whole week!
Love,
Sarah
P.S. Will do. Boys and their toys, right? LOL. Don't worry, if I need you, I'll call.
xXx
From:FaeRel(a)crystalcast com
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 7:00 PM
To: GlitterinKing637(a)crystalcast com
Subject: RE: Concerned and/or Irritated
Jareth,
Me? Do something to Draconis? I didn't do a thing...alright so maybe I was a little anxious to go home and oversea the changes in the parlor and perhaps I may have talked about it endlessly and maybe just maybe I promised to work especially hard on my lessons and cook spicy rampafar (which I have discovered is a particular weakness my instructor has) if we continued my lessons at home.
Yes, he can assume man form, how else would he fit in my house? I can only imagine what the people of Taenvale will say, if I can convince Draconis to arrive in Taenvale in his man form, perhaps we'll at least have some semblance of peace.
If you'd flown on Draconis's back you would understand why I refused it as an option. He is such a horrible daredevil at times, I'd probably end up a pile of mush on the ground. I think a detour to the Castle Beyond the Goblin City is possible...though you might wish to warn the goblins that the Lady-Who-Spits-Fire is coming and they best not torture her. Ah yes, Theeta. How is she?
Perhaps I will keep the carriage, but I'm not planting Great Termian Ogre-Trap Plants, I can never stop sneezing come spring with those around.
Visiting your Mother? She'll be so pleased! Have fun.
Rel
xXx
CAST
in order of appearance
Amara - La-Petit-Aviateur
Sue - Whisper Branson
Sarah - MartiOwlsten
Jareth - DanikaLareyna
Rel - CoffeeKris
Rob - Yodeladyhoo
Karen - OceanFae
Danika's Note: Woo, short chapter today. At least compared to yesterday's behemoth. You'd think I would take this as an opportunity to go back and work on editing yesterday's chapter. Ha! Like I'm not a lazy bump. I am going to sleep! BWAHAHAHA!
So, in other news, we want to know what you think of Karen. Yes, Sarah's beloved step-momma, as played by the cute-as-a-bug's-ear OceanFae. So come on- spill it! Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!!