The sun was setting. Every night, like clockwork, it seemed they found one another. It loomed large in the sky, brilliant, imposing, tearing through a misty gradient of red and gold and black. He watched it lower slowly, a movement that ached, rippling and shredding that deep, ominous color as it sank once more beneath the horizon. Such power, he thought. Such perilousness. He gazed a gazeless stare, for what he saw was not the sun, was not the night encroaching upon him, but a figment of inky blackness far heavier, that shone bleak with stern resilience against him. T'was a bruise upon the sunset, a very scar he felt upon his own heart.
He cared not for the shadows that weighed on his shoulders. Cared not for that light that reached so far. What he sought was something far more elusive: the glow of a candle through a mere window, in a tower in a castle far beyond his sight. He cared for that place most perilous, that place that hovered in twilight. It was only in these brief few minutes each night that their gazes might cross. Might he see it now? Might he be staring back? The night came as it always did, black and empty, turning its own back as he so often did.
"Ahem….Sire?"
He'd heard the sound of boot on stone echoing towards him for some time, yet still he hesitated to respond. Beguiling was that view, that most seductive glimmer of hope.
"Do you have news for me?" he asked, staring straight ahead. That place contended with the sun fought against being swallowed by it, its silhouette vibrating against the light. He need not turn to face his answer; he'd known it all along.
"Nothing new unfortunately...shall we...try again?"
His brow softened at the defeated tone of his subordinate. Surely his shoulders were hunched, surely he was staring at the back of his head with wide-eyes that were worried. He lowered his own head then.
"He does this to spite me, I know that, and still I thought we would find a match by now. It seems there are none so irresistible…"
"Perhaps...rather than irresistible, we must simply find one more suitable…?"
"One more suitable than our first dozen? Hundred? Two?" The young lad was surprised to see him turn back with a smile on his face. It was weak. Hollow. "He does this out of petulance. I fear merit will not win us this battle."
There was silence after that. He held his head high but could sense his companion's lower to the floor. He was content to end the discussion there, and turned as if to leave...
"Then perhaps we should try a means other than merit."
He paused and glanced back.
"What means?"
"I...I have been thinking...If Your Majesty would be willing to listen, I may have a suggestion."
Chapter 1, Proposition
The sun was setting. The evening was colder than usual. The grass became less vivid beneath her feet, the chains she grasped more sterile. They creaked as she moved, gliding back and forth on a lonely park swing. She stared down at her toes as they dragged through gravel. It was so quiet here, so deathly quiet. The sound of the chains, once obnoxious and rousing, now seemed distant. She was staring off into nothing. It was safer there. Peaceful.
She came here to clear her head. To think things through and make the responsible decision...for her future. She'd had quite some time to contemplate her options after all.
As if on instinct she stopped swinging, dragging her feet until she came to a halt. Her brow furrowed, and the creaking of the chains quelled. She'd gotten a feeling just then ...like someone was watching her. She raised her head and looked to the right.
"Oh. You're quite attentive, aren't you? And here I thought you looked to be in a daze."
What?
Startled, she pulled back from the man sitting in the swing beside her. He had already been staring at her and there was a smile on his face. Huh? When did he get there? How did she not notice? Was she really zoning out that badly?
"...Can I help you?" she asked, eyeing him sternly as a sharp arch lifted his brow. There was a kind of glimmer to his eyes, like deep emeralds, something otherworldly almost. She eyed him precariously as he leaned back and turned towards her a little.
"Perhaps. Or rather, I'm certainly hoping so."
"Excuse me?"
She didn't show it, but such a response actually had her feeling pretty alarmed. What the hell? Who was this guy? Without preamble, he stood and took a few steps to stand in front of her; her fists tightened on the chains that supported her.
"I sense your body tensing, but please be at ease. I mean you no harm, Sarah." Her eyes widened and she went to stand, but his hand reaching out urged her to stay seated. For some reason, she did.
"How do you know my name?"
There was something not-so-friendly forming in her expression. She was in no mood to deal with some creep. Did she know him from school? No, he looked too old to still be in school...maybe work? She wasn't sure; she was usually pretty good with faces but still didn't recognize him.
"I know a great many things about you. It is my prerogative after all."
"What? Who are you?" she asked. The man cracked another grin, one she knew not to trust.
"A friend." She stared at him wordlessly, and the longer the silence stretched the more he realized he was making the complete wrong impression. That glare of hers was so intense. Far too direct. Perhaps he should switch tactics. His gaze narrowed and he tisked a finger at her. "You have a very discerning eye, I see. One might suppose you see me for what I really am."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
There was irritation in her voice, something that warned she should not be trifled with. It was kind of cute. He had to fight hard not to show a smile.
"Hm...Perhaps I will cut to the chase then…"
"Please do."
The man glanced to the ground, hesitant almost, as if he wasn't fully prepared. He should have done more research...he wasn't quite sure which approach to take. Perhaps he should be as forward as her stare.
"Do you know what I am?"
Sarah was silent as the question echoed in the breeze around them, but it was the uncertainty in his expression that truly put her off. What? What kind of question was that? Why did she feel so alarmed by it? Should she...be running for the hills? She stared up at him, inadvertently wide-eyed. It appeared that deep down she knew the answer to such a question. Perhaps he should help pry it out of her.
"I...I don't understand…"
His eyes narrowed and that haphazard grin he'd been suppressing gave way to form a hard line. Her eyes darted as she'd said that, and from said gesture he supposed she understood perfectly well.
"Hm, I see…" Her head darted up, but the man had already looked away. He took a step and kicked a stone. "Nevertheless, I've come to offer you my assistance. If you'll accept it, that is."
"Assistance? With what? How do you even know who I am?" For as caught off guard as she must have been, he was surprised by how composed she was being. In fact, she was a bit too composed. It was highly unexpected.
"You don't trust me. That is understandable, perhaps even wise. However...I would like you to think of me as something of a...oh how do you folk phrase it...a fairy godmother?"
He glanced back at the impulsive giggle the burst out of her.
"Pfft. What? My fairy godmother? Are you kidding me?"
She was actually smiling, but it was a look of absurdity rather than amusement. Clearly she wasn't taking him seriously. He turned a little more and put his hands in the pockets of his jacket.
"No. Not in the slightest. I admit, I am poor at making an entrance but...will you simply entertain me for a moment?" He stood, waiting for a simple answer to his simple question, and thus grew suspicious at the way her own eyes narrowed in kind. Gods her stare was unwavering, like it was boring straight through him. Did she even realize it? Perhaps he was simply unaccustomed to a human so...brazen.
"Your accent. Where is it from?" She changed directions with complete disregard to his request, and to this he pulled back from his contemplation to find her still staring him dead in the eye. He reconsidered his words. She didn't appear to be startled or frightened of him in the slightest.
"Why? Do you recognize it?" He smiled at her wryly, and she narrowed her eyes again. The longer she observed, the more she suspected there was indeed something familiar about this fellow, more than the way he spoke. She eyed him up and down, looking for clues. He was tall, thin, and had inky black hair that was somewhat long and fell messily around his face. His eyes were green, so green she doubted it to be natural. He was dressed rather oddly, Gothic almost, wearing a long black tailcoat with what she might ignorantly call Victorian-style embellishments. Her eyes traveled down to the grass and saw the toe of his boots were gold-plated. Who exactly was this guy...no, no he'd already given it away hadn't he? It wasn't a who, but a what. What...what the heck was this guy?
"...You're not human, are you?"
The man smiled. He smiled widely.
"No. Not in the slightest."
"How did you find me? More importantly, what do you want with me? I didn't make a wish."
"Not verbally, no." He could sense strong defense rising in her voice and, in an effort to appease her, moved to retake his spot on the swing. There was such a brightness to her now. She was alarmed, but in no way surprised. Hm...good, he thought. "I told you, I'm here to offer my assistance. I sense there is much to be gained from one another."
"Hm, a bargain then? Some fairy godmother you are, asking an eye for an eye. How is it you were even able to find me anyway?" She spoke much more boldly now, though he wasn't sure if it was a front.
"Creatures like me-"
"You mean Fae."
He paused at her interruption and cracked a smile. So audacious. Would her tone change if she knew exactly to whom she was speaking?
"Yes...creatures like me…" he continued, glancing down as his fingers laced in his lap. "We are drawn to those touched by magic. Would you not agree that you have indeed been touched?"
"If you're here because of what happened-"
"Pardon?"
"Toby. If you're here to try and take Toby back, I swear I'll-"
"Excuse me but- no. Please-" He raised a hand to calm her down and, when he saw it somewhat worked, he caught her eye and carried on. "Whatever it is you're talking about, or rather preparing to take up arms over, I haven't the slightest notion." He spoke plainly but it didn't seem to be convincing enough. She stared at him for what felt like a long time, noticeably tense. In that brief moment he wondered what exactly had occurred during her time in the labyrinth, what that mongrel had done to her... After a few seconds though she glanced away, her expression now a scowl.
"You knew I was touched by magic…"
"Yes. I can sense it. It is as if my world has left an imprint on you. However, unless you wish to share, the details of your stay...are a complete mystery to me," he explained. Sarah's eyes darted back again.
"So...you being here is just a coincidence then? It has nothing to do with what happened before?"
"Well...not necessarily. Let's just say I'm not the type of person who believes in coincidences," he responded, cryptically. Sarah continued to stare at him. She should be running away screaming right now, and yet she wasn't. Instead she found herself intrigued. What did he want? She couldn't think of any reason why that man would be after her again. Could she really trust this stranger's presence?
"You said you're here to help me. What exactly do you plan to help me with?" she asked, her eyes following him as he began to casually sway on the swing.
"Tell me first...why are you wallowing by your lonesome?"
"That's none of your business," she was quick to respond.
"But it could be. Something troubles you. Here, as an act of goodwill I shall lend you an ear."
He spoke somewhat earnestly and yet kept himself staring straight ahead, like he was merely humoring her. That type of highhandedness irked her.
"From the way you speak it seems like you're pretty self-assured. Should I just assume you already know exactly what my predicament is?" she asked, a bit cattily, and turned away from him. The man paused.
"Your own assurance in my omnipotence is indeed flattering, but admittedly not exactly true. While I can say I do know a great deal about you, as is commonplace for any halfway decent fairy godmother, for the sake of this pleasant conversation here, perhaps you'll tell me more about it anyway."
For some reason Sarah felt some of the fight leave her. It felt like he was scolding her a little. Or perhaps that was her own guilt talking, her own uncertainty at the fact that this man had repeatedly offered to help her and she so direly, foolishly, wanted it.
"I'm...putting my affairs in order," she said, glancing down and letting her toes drag as the swing swayed from the motion.
"Your affairs? My, you're not dying are you?" Such an insensitive comment had her glaring back at him, though it was immediately met with a shrewd side-eye from him. He may be speaking more flippantly, but it seemed this dangerous stranger had gotten a bit more serious. She bit her tongue and scrunched her brow.
"No. I'm not. It's my father."
"Your father?"
"Yes...He's very sick."
"Might I ask what illness afflicts him?"
She pursed her lips and scowled to herself at how pushy he was being. She sat with her shoulders hunched, uncomfortable, and yet for some reason still giving in to his scrutiny.
"He has cancer. He's had it for a while actually, a couple years now. Treatments aren't working though. He's getting worse. Just recently the doctors had the talk with my stepmom and me. He probably won't last more than a few more weeks." As she spoke it seemed the space around her had become sullen, a dull grey mist preceding dusk. She looked around it, peered through it. It was nothing after all. Nothing.
"I see...that is very unfortunate."
"But I assume you already knew that?" she countered. Her hands were gripping the chains of the swing tighter than needed and she peered over to the man with a plea in her scowl. To her surprise, the man had ceased swinging and now sat at full attention. He looked...genuinely concerned. But how could she trust it?
"I knew there was a sickness plaguing your house. It creates a bit of a leering presence around those who suffer it. Grief, worry, resentment-"
"Resentment?" she repeated sharply. The man eased back a bit, a glimmer of knowing deep in his eyes.
"I could have kept investigating your situation until I had proper leverage to help you, but instead I chose to learn directly from you the things I do not know. In order for us to strike a bargain, you'll need to be more honest. Like, for instance, the real reason you're sitting here alone."
"What? So you've been stalking me? What are you- How dare you- I just said-" She stuttered and stammered, flailing around a bit in frustration. She was angry all of the sudden, but more than that, she was in pain. She grimaced away from him and gripped the chains even harder. "What other possible reason could there be for me to be upset?"
"That is, quite simply, what I've come to ask you."
"For someone who's not omnipotent, you seem to have it all figured out," Sarah said, sarcastically, and rolled her eyes. She waited but the man beside her was silent and she realized the conversation would not progress until she fessed up. What the heck was this? She came here to deliberate on her own, she didn't need some random fae popping in to peer pressure her into feeling like an asshole. The silence dragged on, and after another moment of it she sighed heavily and buried her face in her hands. "Hmph, I'm ashamed. Okay?"
"Why?"
Taking a deep breath, she eased up from her position and averted her eyes.
"I...got in a fight with my stepmom today. She hasn't been...handling the situation very well. Actually, it's more like she's coming undone."
"I see. I imagine that is quite the burden."
"Burden? How about I have a six-year-old brother who doesn't understand what's happening, and is confused and afraid of the way his mother's been acting, asking me things like: why does Mommy cry all the time? Why is Mommy yelling? Where's Daddy? Is Daddy still sick? When's Daddy coming home? And instead of considering the emotional welfare of her child, she just keeps losing it. Today I tried suggesting that she start thinking about applying for jobs…" she trailed off, lost in a more dour thought. The man cocked a brow and helped her along.
"And that's what started the fight?"
"Heh, yeah. Don't get me wrong, I like Karen. I do. But honestly? She thinks she's a pretty little princess who's never had to do anything for herself ever. She's had two marriages before my father, both who had money, so she's never had to work a single day in her life. And my father spoils her more than Toby. The prospect of getting out in the world and doing something for herself terrifies her, but more than that, she's terrified by the idea that my dad won't be around -which I get. I'm terrified too, but still. Me bringing up the practicality of getting a job just in case just sent her over the edge, I guess. She refuses to acknowledge the truth of the situation. She will not believe that he is going to die. Ignorance is bliss but only 'till she finds herself on the street flat on her ass." She paused after that and shook her head in exasperation. Relaying all this was just getting her stressed. She didn't even bother to acknowledge how easily she was spilling all these guts of hers to, not only a total stranger, but an otherworldly fae. The man beside her however was patient and allowed her to compose herself. He sat silently until she continued. "What I don't get is how she can be so willfully in denial when she has a child to worry about. I mean, my family is decently middle-class, my dad has good life insurance, but that will only last so long with the way she lives if she refuses to work! And what if she's so unstable she can't keep a job? What will happen to Toby?"
"And...this causes you to feel shame? Why?"
Again Sarah paused, physically this time. He could see how wide her eyes were through her hair as she held her head low.
"Because...because...I'm starting my junior year of college next month…"
This time the man became confused. His brow furrowed and he tilted his head.
"Forgive me, I'm not sure I fully understand-"
"Because college is expensive okay!?" she interrupted him with tightly clamped eyes. "Because it's time consuming. Because my father is dying and the only thing I've been able to think about the last few weeks is what's going to happen after? What's going to happen to me? My future? The school decided to raise my tuition this year and I don't know what to do. I can't afford it out of my own pocket, and I don't have the time to be a full-time student and keep my job and take care of Toby. I'd end up either dropping out or massively in debt with an even more massive amount of guilt on my conscience for putting my own desires first. I didn't expect Karen to be this difficult. I shouldn't need to take care of her too. Expecting her to find a means that will support herself and her son, not even considering me, in my opinion is looking highly improbable. Insurance doesn't cover everything, you know. And even if she does find a job she's actually able to perform, who will take care of Toby? Yes, my dad has life insurance but it's not that much. We have a big house with a big mortgage, and all the medical expenses insurance didn't cover. Will she be able to afford a sitter? Should I help out more? What if I don't have time for school? I won't be able to afford it anyway, so I might as well drop out right? Get a full-time job and help my family? That is the responsible, moral thing to do, isn't it? A good daughter wouldn't hesitate, right? Am I a horrible person for not wanting that? For wanting to put my own success first? For thinking about anything else other than the pain my father is currently going through?"
At this point she was more or less professing to the heavens and he knew that. Instead of responding, he continued to observe silently. She seemed to have a strong character, a sound moral ground. Perhaps she would stand a chance after all.
"I'm being selfish. Right now I should be with my father, appreciating the time we have left and loving him, and instead I'm here worrying about what's going to happen after he's gone, about all the things I won't get to do because he's gone. Is that not plenty of cause to feel ashamed?" She'd calmed down now and turned to him for an answer. He tilted his head again, his stare on her candid.
"I think it is natural to think about the future in a time of great change. I think what is responsible is that you're taking the time to seriously ponder those practicalities."
While on some level such a response soothed her, by her outward reaction it seemed that was not what she wanted to hear. She turned away sharply, still contending with her contrary emotions.
"I'm just...afraid I guess. And I can't even say what I'm afraid of the most is losing my father. I'm afraid of what will happen to me once he's gone. Is that not horrible?"
"I think a fae is perhaps not the best source to inquire on issues of human morality. But, if it's any consolation, I do not frown upon such thoughts in the slightest. Self-preservation is a trait that I think unites all manner of living creature."
He noticed her posture relax after that, her stare on the ground turning somewhat vacant. He was a little surprised she'd taken his words seriously.
"I guess…" she murmured, falling back into her original state of wallow. After a moment, however, she straightened up, brushed a hand across her face, and shrugged. "Well, that's my sob story...You said we could help each other. What is it you're proposing exactly? Going to make all my dreams come true?" she asked.
"Depends on what it is you dream about, I suppose. However, now I think I am able to discern how best to help you. Your father's illness, it would stand to say a great deal of your problems would be resolved if he were to recover, yes?" He caught a type of twitch move through her and suddenly her gaze was beaming at him. "What if I told you I could heal your father? Not only that, I could ensure the longevity and prosperity of your entire family for the rest of their lives, for generations even."
"What? You can do that?"
"Human disease is a trivial matter to someone like me. I am familiar with this illness; indeed I can perform such a feat. A fae's blessing is...well, a blessing." Sarah's eyes flickered with a type of light she hadn't been privy to for a long time. She sat up a little straighter, but that was all the reaction she would allow as her brow instead drew tight.
"But not for free right? That's what you're getting at, isn't it? You said we could bargain, gain from one another. What is it you want from me exactly?" He was impressed by the level of resolve she displayed, a level so high it took precedent over the hopeful, or rather hopeless, tears she kept restrained behind it. He smiled then, a one-sided grin, and turned away.
"You are very cautious. That is good. You'll need that."
"What?"
"Sarah, what I'm offering to do for you is indeed very generous, but I won't pretend that what I'm about to ask for in return would not be equally, maybe even more, generous of you." He leaned forward and steepled his hands. His crimped, curly locks obscured his eyes from her, something that had her leaning towards him subconsciously. "To put it plainly my dear...I need a bride."
"What?" was her immediate response. She stared at him, no, gaped, her brow drawing into a look that was akin to horror. Whatever it was she might have imagined he'd ask for, it sure as hell wasn't that. "You want me to marry you?"
"Hm? Oh heavens no!" he was quick to say. He turned back to her and couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face after seeing the abhorred reaction she was giving him. "No, it is my master I wish you to marry."
This time Sarah blinked. As if that clarification made it any better!
"What? What the hell? Why?" She drew back from him in alarm but it was not something he seemed surprised by.
"My master...is very stubborn. He is a prince, you see, and his father -the king of my land- has been trying to arrange a marriage for him for quite some time. However, His Highness refuses suitors left and right."
"So you're getting desperate enough to offer up humans? Is that it?"
"...Essentially, yes."
Sarah rose her head to the sky and rolled her eyes, splaying her hands and clenching them again in the effort not to freak the fuck out.
"Why...why does The King want his son to be married so badly?" she asked, finally getting a grip over the initial shock. The man eyed her carefully but otherwise seemed unaffected by her display. Almost like he was expecting it. Good, she thought. Maybe that meant it was an appropriate reaction to have.
"Well...I suppose it is within your right to know. The King only has one son. Additionally, there are currently several families making a quick climb to power. He wishes to reinforce his family's claim to the throne by strengthening the bloodline, by generation, as it were."
"So he wants grand-kids. That's it? And he doesn't care with whom they are conceived?" she asked, only slightly exasperated. So in less elegant terms, she was being pimped out? For real?
"There are other incentives...various political factors that have led us to our current, as you say, desperation; but as long as they are legitimate by rite of marriage, yes. That is the gist."
"Jesus…"
"I understand it is a lot to consider."
"Why me?"
The man paused this time. It was clear this was quickly becoming overwhelming for her. His eyes flickered away briefly. If only she knew the half of it...
"Because you were easy to find. And of course, I have something you need," he said, plainly.
"I...I don't know...that's...that's crazy," she said, shaking her head and waving him off. Her? Marry a fae prince? What the fuck? As if she didn't have enough on her plate already.
"I understand this would not solve all of your problems. You would no longer be able to attend school, of course. You would also be leaving behind the reality you know. But...you would be gaining a new infinite reality. You would become a princess, later even a queen. But, more importantly, your father will be saved. Your family's well-being would be preserved, the well-being of your younger brother." The man's words rang like lewd temptations in her ears. In truth it helped calm her. That was true, wasn't it? She'd be saving her father...
"And you can promise me that?" she asked, a slight waver to her voice.
"The word of a fae is sacred."
"What about...what about when I'm gone? Won't I have gone missing? Won't they be distressed that way?"
"When a creature of your world slips into ours, it is as if their existence itself shifts dimensions. Should you accept my offer and pass into the Underground with me, your identity in this plane will cease to exist. Your family will not mourn you, for they will have never known you to exist." While the man thought such words would bring her ease, he found her actual reaction to be of great sadness. He could see her frowning through her hair. Unexpectedly...he found himself frowning as well. "Sarah...I admit I was skeptical when coming to this realm, but after speaking with you I believe you to be a fine candidate. You may not have pedigree but there is something of substance to you, that is why I will sweeten my end of the deal." and to that she peered up. " Whether or not you are presented by The King, it is still The Prince's decision to accept you. All I ask is that you journey with me, make an honest attempt. If The Prince should accept you, then you will uphold your responsibilities with nobility. If however he should reject you, I will return you to this place without constraint." He almost smiled when her eyebrows rose high with hope.
"What? But...my existence?"
"Surely you must realize from the last time you crossed worlds? Once you re-enter this realm, your existence shall return with you. It will be as if you never left. If he refuses you, I will return you here and, upon my honor, even still I shall uphold my promise to heal and protect your family -as a true fairy godmother should. " Now her eyes went wide. Yes, he was making this deal irresistible. He had to. Little did she gather just how desperate they were... His eyes flickered down and became humble, and she realized...this man was different from him. "I will do all of that for you. That is how much faith I am putting in you."
Sarah hesitated before responding. Somewhere along the line it seemed like she'd gained the upper hand. She was the one groveling but a moment ago and yet here this man was, his head bowed to her and offering her something she never would have even dreamed of. It was too much. Too sudden. She didn't...know what to say.
"The King...he's really okay with his only son marrying a human? That his heirs will be half human?"
"It may be an...unconventional union, but certainly not unheard of. My kind have often taken human partners in the past. As for your offspring, anything born in my world will be born with magic. Simply put, even though you are human, your children will be pure fae."
"Oh…." and her eyes lowered to the ground. Then they quickly sprang back up again. "This king. It's not...the King of Goblins, is it?" She stared at him worriedly, a look that only twitched in confusion when he suddenly laughed.
"Goblins? Oh, gods, no. No, my king is a ruler of fae."
With an inward sigh of relief, Sarah looked away. At least there was that. That brief flare of passion soon faded from her expression, however, and she looked uncertain once more. "I...I still don't…"
"Of course I do not expect an answer immediately," he interjected, earning back her stare. "Go, take your time. Take several days if you wish. When you have decided, come back to this place and call for me. I shall be here."
The man stood and stepped away from her, straightening up his jacket as if preparing to leave. Sarah became alarmed. This was all much too sudden.
"Wha...What am I to call you by?" she asked. The man glanced down to her with a smile.
"It's about time you asked. Lochlan. My name is Lochlan," he said and turned his back to her. "I really do have high hopes for you. I look forward to our next meeting, Sarah. Until then."
He waved as he walked into the night, and she found herself blinking like a fool when he seamlessly became one with it. She gripped the chains of the swing tightly and bit her lip. This was crazy. This was totally insane. She thought she'd put the Underground behind her for good. Could she really go back? Could she trust his word? Who was this man she was to marry? What kind of devil...would he be?
A/N- Hello all. So, I've been in long debate over when to start posting this story. It's been my side project for a while now whenever I'm feeling meh with ATHAM. I have several chapters banked, so I figured what the hell. ATHAM is still my priority, as I'd like to get that finished before I really commit to something new, so I can't say how regularly this story will be updated. But...who knows, maybe I'll find a groove and this one will be updated semi-frequently as well. (I think that is part of why I'm finally posting this. It might make me feel more compelled to work on it.)
Some notes on this brand-spanking-new story...
Those who are familiar with my work know that I try to tackle a different tone or trope with each story I write. I've got the fluff, the hurt/comfort, and the Dark J bdsm. I'm not really sure how I'd characterize this one...but definitely different. For those who were put off by the more controversial content in ATHAM, this will not be like that. While I believe Canon Jareth always has a bit of darkness, I do not consider the Jareth in this story to be a Dark Jareth. I would label him as "deeply troubled" lol. With that said, there are some darker, more serious thematic elements that will come into play at certain points, so I'll leave labeling the true tone of the story up to you.
I'm also excited to be writing a different kind of Sarah than I'm used to in ATHAM -one who is already mature, strong, and open-minded. We can all agree that Sarah is a bit of a brat, but gods it gets exhausting lol. I'm very much looking forward to creating a new dynamic between the two after working solely on ATHAM for so many years.
I did a digital painting a while ago depicting a very important moment in this story (it's kind of terrifying, really). It's the cover image of this story. If you'd like, you can view it on my insta under studio DarkBloom. The painting is titled 'Unseelie' (as if the title of the story isn't spoiler enough). My print shop is also up and running (yay!) so you can now buy prints and originals of all my Labyrinth and Bowie art. You can check out what's available at etsy dot com/shop/studiodarkbloom
I hope you enjoy this tale. At the very least, you know there's going to be a lot of sex. ;)
Thanks for reading -FGBX
