I'm pleased to announce that the reviews count for this story has reached the big 50!! *they love! sniff!* I wanted to let you know I may have some difficulties posting, seeing as our college computers are being blocked by some stupid block sit. It's cause of the Christian High School here. But don't panic. I will continue and hopefully nothing goes wrong. Just to let you know.
I wanna thank my regulars, Unicorn Lady (love your stories, please add more to "The Searcher". You got me reading Harry Potter now *^^* Always said I wouldn't. Now I've finished!!!), Sky Dragon (I just love reading your comments), Usagi Tsukino ( I get a good laugh at each time you beg for more! Very encouraging ^^), crystal moon2004(always encouraging), traeumenHerz(always giving helpful hints. Yeah, I'll work on getting a beta reader, once someone shows interest), Melissa Davis (wow! My fave author comes and visits!), and to all I have not mentioned(sorry, not much time to say all), thank you all for your continuing support and patience. I've been doing a lot of reading of other fics and I love them! Maybe one day Cousin D will drop by? Hmmm, D, are you out there? *sigh* Now, on with the show!
*~SFS~*
Chapter Eight
--------------
Meeting
--------
Birds chirped as he played his flute, the wind breezing through the trees. He heard a sudden snap and jumped, hiding behind the large boulder.
A girl, maybe 18 or 19, slowly came out of the woods and into the small glen. She looked around as if searching for something. He sighed. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her long dark hair was intricately braided about her head while the rest flowed freely to her waist. Her dress gently hugged her and flowed below, a pale blue and she moved like a moonbeam, a certain sparkle about her. He frowned a bit. She didn't appear to be neither human nor fae. Her skin was a paler color, like milk. Slowly he came from behind the rock.
The girl gasped. He smiled. Must be the ears and the eyebrows. They usually did startle most others. "Welcome, my lady. Thou hast found mine hiding place."
She spoke quietly, like a sweet whisper, still surprised, "I was enchanted by a melody and it drew me from the path. Pray tell, was it thee?"
He held up the flute, smiling, "It was I who played but I may not think it enchanting."
"Oh, but it was," she came forward, then stopped, blushing, "Forgive me, I should not have interrupted. I shall leave," she turned to the wood.
"No," he said suddenly, feeling a bit awkward, "Stay. It is not often that I have a beautiful maiden visit my grove. Let me show thee a bit of it?" he offered his arm.
The girl smiled and nodded, taking his arm.
After about half an hour they stood where she had first appeared, "I had a lovely time, thank you."
He smiled, "The pleasure was all mine," he kissed her hand and looked into her eyes, so dark and lovely. she did as well, they couldn't tear their eyes away from each other. As they leaned closer there was a sudden sound of voices not far off, calling for someone. The girl turned to the woods and started to it. He didn't let her go, "wait, thou wilt need a guide through there. Had it not been for my flute, thou wouldest not have found this place. It is harder yet to leave."
Blushing, she nodded.
Soon they reached the forest path, the voices not far down the path. She turned, "I thank thee again." Turning, she ran nimbly down the path.
"Wait," he called, "Shall I see thee again?"
She looked back as she ran, her face saddened, "I fear not. Farewell."
Then she was gone. He sighed. No, she was not of this place and somehow it seemed impossible he'd ever see her again. He went back to his grove, jumping nimbly onto the large boulder and sat down, gazing into the small pool below. He heard a sudden chuckle, "Well played."
He frowned, looking at the source, "It was not a play and you know it."
A dark hair fae stood in a high tree, smirking at the man below. Nimbly, he landed on the ground and walked to him, "Come now brother. You desire this one very much. And she is ripe for the picking."
"I will not hear such fowl comment from thee!" he thundered, pointing a finger at him as he leapt from the boulder. The other mockingly gestured to himself, "I make such comments? My, why the sudden formality? We are not in the court nor in royal presence." Then he stopped himself, sweeping a ridiculous bow, "Forgive me, I forget I am in royal presence. I humbly apologise." He smirked.
The man frowned, "That will do. I will hear no more." He walked away a bit, leaning on the boulder, "I never asked to be king."
"No," the other spat, "Just decided to be born first. As if you ever fought against the right for ruling. No, you accepted, fawning humble acceptance. And now you pretend this girl means nothing. Spell her, take her away. Make her your wench!"
The angered man suddenly came at the other, kicking him to the ground, a sword suddenly at the fallen man's throat, "I said, do not speak of her like that," his voice seethed. He stepped back, sheathing his sword.
The other coughed a bit, holding his chest as he rose, "You attacked me?"
The other looked sternly at him, "If you were not my brother, I'd have marked you for life!"
The other stared, then he sneered, "I see you have great love for me. Fae struck is indeed a harsh punishment." He suddenly smiled, giving a bow, "As you say, you have no play with her. So be it. But who's to stop any other who will?"
The angered man spun, sword drawn. The other was gone but he heard his voice echoing, "Do not fear, brother. I harbour no hard feelings," he laughed, his voice disappearing, "Not yet," he whispered.
He again put away his sword, glaring at the spot where his brother had been, then sadly shaking his. What had happened to the little brother he once knew? What had changed him? He had been so much more angered when their father died and he was crowned heir to a kingdom he knew nothing about. His brother had left in an angry state that day.
Jealousy? Why? Did he not know they would always be together, that they were all each other had? Their mother had died when the younger one was born and only he, crowned prince, remembered her, her laughter, her smile, gold hair and the smell of roses wafting around her. He'd been three when she died.
He sighed, wishing for guidance in this. His brother was right on one thing though. He did hold a fancy for this girl. But he'd never see her again. Right?
Putting it out of his mind, he continued playing his flute.
* * *
A restless Jareth sat sleeping in his throne, waking very little. A lady appeared glowing, looked at him and then walked over to a tall mirror she made appear. It fogged over and the white dressed lady appeared, her face still half shadowed.
The lady before the mirror curtsied. The mirror woman chuckled, "Felara, you needn't be formal. You are still as family to me."
"I'm sorry. It was just out of habit. Forgive me for calling you."
"It is important, I expect," she looked over at Jareth, "He sleeps?"
"By his own free will. He dreams as well. Perhaps we could help?"
The other shook her head sadly, "We cannot interfere. These things must happen on their own."
"How then could the others be brought to it? I know many have not but these have. Are not these two just as important?"
"Yes, they are but you realise, necessity brought the others forth. They who remember who they were did so with little help."
Felara tried again, "But is not this dark one a reason to awaken these thoughts? He may win otherwise."
The mirror glowed a bit brighter then dimmed, "No, it cannot happen. We cannot bring back everything, it would be dangerous. But we can induce a little thought. The identities are still hidden, for their own sake."
Felara nodded, "It will do. I hope that it may help."
The white lady nodded as well and looked at Jareth, her hands posed as if releasing something. A soft light appeared and, like a sparkling mist, floated toward and surrounded Jareth's head. It looked as if it absorbed through and then it was gone. The lady dropped her hands and turned to Felara, "You may take care of Sarah. I must depart. My time is limited here. Be well, Felara," and the mirror vanished.
Felara sighed and looked at Jareth, whispering, "Remember, King. Please, you have to for the sake of your kingdom. And your love."
* * *
He entered the court as hushed talking happened in small groups here and there. He approached the throne where the king and Queen were talking with other counsel members. Going to one knee, he bowed, "Your majesties."
They turned and King Oberon smiled, "Ah, Prince. I thank thee for joining us."
"I came as soon as I could," he rose, "May I ask why I was summoned?"
Queen Titania smiled, her golden-red hair waving as she moved, "We have a guest in our court. We could not find thee before so thou were not introduced." She gestured to a small group and a tall girl emerged, her chocolate coloured hair elegantly braided on her head and a soft dress of pale blue. He gasped as she deemed a little startled as well, but then hid it with a dazzling smile.
"Prince, I am please to introduce Princess Quafina of Endora. Princess, Ediean, Prince of the Underground."
The princess curtsied as he bowed, still in shock, "I am pleased to meet thee, prince."
He took her hand, raising it to his lips, "As am I," he said, kissing her hand and softly saying for only her ears, "again."
She blushed slightly as he stepped back. Queen Titania smiled, "The princess will be staying with us for a week or two. Her aunt felt the experience would be good for her." This causing the princess to look away, embarrassed. Titania continued, "I thought that perhaps that thee, good prince, could guide her through our kingdom."
He grinned, "I would be honoured."
Titania and Oberon both nodded and continued their discussion with councilmen and officials. He offered his arm, which she graciously took, as he led them out of the court. As the large doors were closed behind them and they walked down the hall, she chuckled, "Fancy us meeting again."
"Quite amusing," he agreed, "Thou didst not tell me that thee were a princess."
She grinned, "Thou did not ask."
"Endora? I knew thou were not from here but I have never heard of that place. Pray tell, where is it?"
She looked away, "Far away," she said quietly. She released his arm as they reached a large window, and went forward, gazing out. Concerned, he stepped forward, "Forgive me, my lady, but have said something to offend thee?"
She shook her head not turning, "It is not thee. It is... nothing." She seemed to swipe quickly at her face and turned, smiling, "Tell me, is Ediean thine real name? It did not sound quite right."
Taken aback, he spoke, "Why... how... actually, not it is not. It is a name used in court when others who are not of the court are present. To protect our real identities in case of trouble. But how did you..."
"Oh," she grinned, "I'm not sure. It has been a gift of mine since I was a child. I could take things from peoples minds without trying, just by their feeling."
"An empath?" he spoke quietly to himself, then gave quite the cocky grin, "I'm guessing thou art not Quafina either?"
She gave a surprised look, about to question when he tapped his head. She grinned.
"Same reason, I suppose." She nodded, "Ridiculous protocol, I think. But new names are intriguing. May I know thine real name?"
He told her as she did him. "Would it be all right if while outside the court, we may drop formality?" she asked, "It does get rather tiring."
He chuckled and agreed. Taking his arm again as he led them through the castle, she smiled, "I believe we shall be great friends."
I wanna thank my regulars, Unicorn Lady (love your stories, please add more to "The Searcher". You got me reading Harry Potter now *^^* Always said I wouldn't. Now I've finished!!!), Sky Dragon (I just love reading your comments), Usagi Tsukino ( I get a good laugh at each time you beg for more! Very encouraging ^^), crystal moon2004(always encouraging), traeumenHerz(always giving helpful hints. Yeah, I'll work on getting a beta reader, once someone shows interest), Melissa Davis (wow! My fave author comes and visits!), and to all I have not mentioned(sorry, not much time to say all), thank you all for your continuing support and patience. I've been doing a lot of reading of other fics and I love them! Maybe one day Cousin D will drop by? Hmmm, D, are you out there? *sigh* Now, on with the show!
*~SFS~*
Chapter Eight
--------------
Meeting
--------
Birds chirped as he played his flute, the wind breezing through the trees. He heard a sudden snap and jumped, hiding behind the large boulder.
A girl, maybe 18 or 19, slowly came out of the woods and into the small glen. She looked around as if searching for something. He sighed. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her long dark hair was intricately braided about her head while the rest flowed freely to her waist. Her dress gently hugged her and flowed below, a pale blue and she moved like a moonbeam, a certain sparkle about her. He frowned a bit. She didn't appear to be neither human nor fae. Her skin was a paler color, like milk. Slowly he came from behind the rock.
The girl gasped. He smiled. Must be the ears and the eyebrows. They usually did startle most others. "Welcome, my lady. Thou hast found mine hiding place."
She spoke quietly, like a sweet whisper, still surprised, "I was enchanted by a melody and it drew me from the path. Pray tell, was it thee?"
He held up the flute, smiling, "It was I who played but I may not think it enchanting."
"Oh, but it was," she came forward, then stopped, blushing, "Forgive me, I should not have interrupted. I shall leave," she turned to the wood.
"No," he said suddenly, feeling a bit awkward, "Stay. It is not often that I have a beautiful maiden visit my grove. Let me show thee a bit of it?" he offered his arm.
The girl smiled and nodded, taking his arm.
After about half an hour they stood where she had first appeared, "I had a lovely time, thank you."
He smiled, "The pleasure was all mine," he kissed her hand and looked into her eyes, so dark and lovely. she did as well, they couldn't tear their eyes away from each other. As they leaned closer there was a sudden sound of voices not far off, calling for someone. The girl turned to the woods and started to it. He didn't let her go, "wait, thou wilt need a guide through there. Had it not been for my flute, thou wouldest not have found this place. It is harder yet to leave."
Blushing, she nodded.
Soon they reached the forest path, the voices not far down the path. She turned, "I thank thee again." Turning, she ran nimbly down the path.
"Wait," he called, "Shall I see thee again?"
She looked back as she ran, her face saddened, "I fear not. Farewell."
Then she was gone. He sighed. No, she was not of this place and somehow it seemed impossible he'd ever see her again. He went back to his grove, jumping nimbly onto the large boulder and sat down, gazing into the small pool below. He heard a sudden chuckle, "Well played."
He frowned, looking at the source, "It was not a play and you know it."
A dark hair fae stood in a high tree, smirking at the man below. Nimbly, he landed on the ground and walked to him, "Come now brother. You desire this one very much. And she is ripe for the picking."
"I will not hear such fowl comment from thee!" he thundered, pointing a finger at him as he leapt from the boulder. The other mockingly gestured to himself, "I make such comments? My, why the sudden formality? We are not in the court nor in royal presence." Then he stopped himself, sweeping a ridiculous bow, "Forgive me, I forget I am in royal presence. I humbly apologise." He smirked.
The man frowned, "That will do. I will hear no more." He walked away a bit, leaning on the boulder, "I never asked to be king."
"No," the other spat, "Just decided to be born first. As if you ever fought against the right for ruling. No, you accepted, fawning humble acceptance. And now you pretend this girl means nothing. Spell her, take her away. Make her your wench!"
The angered man suddenly came at the other, kicking him to the ground, a sword suddenly at the fallen man's throat, "I said, do not speak of her like that," his voice seethed. He stepped back, sheathing his sword.
The other coughed a bit, holding his chest as he rose, "You attacked me?"
The other looked sternly at him, "If you were not my brother, I'd have marked you for life!"
The other stared, then he sneered, "I see you have great love for me. Fae struck is indeed a harsh punishment." He suddenly smiled, giving a bow, "As you say, you have no play with her. So be it. But who's to stop any other who will?"
The angered man spun, sword drawn. The other was gone but he heard his voice echoing, "Do not fear, brother. I harbour no hard feelings," he laughed, his voice disappearing, "Not yet," he whispered.
He again put away his sword, glaring at the spot where his brother had been, then sadly shaking his. What had happened to the little brother he once knew? What had changed him? He had been so much more angered when their father died and he was crowned heir to a kingdom he knew nothing about. His brother had left in an angry state that day.
Jealousy? Why? Did he not know they would always be together, that they were all each other had? Their mother had died when the younger one was born and only he, crowned prince, remembered her, her laughter, her smile, gold hair and the smell of roses wafting around her. He'd been three when she died.
He sighed, wishing for guidance in this. His brother was right on one thing though. He did hold a fancy for this girl. But he'd never see her again. Right?
Putting it out of his mind, he continued playing his flute.
* * *
A restless Jareth sat sleeping in his throne, waking very little. A lady appeared glowing, looked at him and then walked over to a tall mirror she made appear. It fogged over and the white dressed lady appeared, her face still half shadowed.
The lady before the mirror curtsied. The mirror woman chuckled, "Felara, you needn't be formal. You are still as family to me."
"I'm sorry. It was just out of habit. Forgive me for calling you."
"It is important, I expect," she looked over at Jareth, "He sleeps?"
"By his own free will. He dreams as well. Perhaps we could help?"
The other shook her head sadly, "We cannot interfere. These things must happen on their own."
"How then could the others be brought to it? I know many have not but these have. Are not these two just as important?"
"Yes, they are but you realise, necessity brought the others forth. They who remember who they were did so with little help."
Felara tried again, "But is not this dark one a reason to awaken these thoughts? He may win otherwise."
The mirror glowed a bit brighter then dimmed, "No, it cannot happen. We cannot bring back everything, it would be dangerous. But we can induce a little thought. The identities are still hidden, for their own sake."
Felara nodded, "It will do. I hope that it may help."
The white lady nodded as well and looked at Jareth, her hands posed as if releasing something. A soft light appeared and, like a sparkling mist, floated toward and surrounded Jareth's head. It looked as if it absorbed through and then it was gone. The lady dropped her hands and turned to Felara, "You may take care of Sarah. I must depart. My time is limited here. Be well, Felara," and the mirror vanished.
Felara sighed and looked at Jareth, whispering, "Remember, King. Please, you have to for the sake of your kingdom. And your love."
* * *
He entered the court as hushed talking happened in small groups here and there. He approached the throne where the king and Queen were talking with other counsel members. Going to one knee, he bowed, "Your majesties."
They turned and King Oberon smiled, "Ah, Prince. I thank thee for joining us."
"I came as soon as I could," he rose, "May I ask why I was summoned?"
Queen Titania smiled, her golden-red hair waving as she moved, "We have a guest in our court. We could not find thee before so thou were not introduced." She gestured to a small group and a tall girl emerged, her chocolate coloured hair elegantly braided on her head and a soft dress of pale blue. He gasped as she deemed a little startled as well, but then hid it with a dazzling smile.
"Prince, I am please to introduce Princess Quafina of Endora. Princess, Ediean, Prince of the Underground."
The princess curtsied as he bowed, still in shock, "I am pleased to meet thee, prince."
He took her hand, raising it to his lips, "As am I," he said, kissing her hand and softly saying for only her ears, "again."
She blushed slightly as he stepped back. Queen Titania smiled, "The princess will be staying with us for a week or two. Her aunt felt the experience would be good for her." This causing the princess to look away, embarrassed. Titania continued, "I thought that perhaps that thee, good prince, could guide her through our kingdom."
He grinned, "I would be honoured."
Titania and Oberon both nodded and continued their discussion with councilmen and officials. He offered his arm, which she graciously took, as he led them out of the court. As the large doors were closed behind them and they walked down the hall, she chuckled, "Fancy us meeting again."
"Quite amusing," he agreed, "Thou didst not tell me that thee were a princess."
She grinned, "Thou did not ask."
"Endora? I knew thou were not from here but I have never heard of that place. Pray tell, where is it?"
She looked away, "Far away," she said quietly. She released his arm as they reached a large window, and went forward, gazing out. Concerned, he stepped forward, "Forgive me, my lady, but have said something to offend thee?"
She shook her head not turning, "It is not thee. It is... nothing." She seemed to swipe quickly at her face and turned, smiling, "Tell me, is Ediean thine real name? It did not sound quite right."
Taken aback, he spoke, "Why... how... actually, not it is not. It is a name used in court when others who are not of the court are present. To protect our real identities in case of trouble. But how did you..."
"Oh," she grinned, "I'm not sure. It has been a gift of mine since I was a child. I could take things from peoples minds without trying, just by their feeling."
"An empath?" he spoke quietly to himself, then gave quite the cocky grin, "I'm guessing thou art not Quafina either?"
She gave a surprised look, about to question when he tapped his head. She grinned.
"Same reason, I suppose." She nodded, "Ridiculous protocol, I think. But new names are intriguing. May I know thine real name?"
He told her as she did him. "Would it be all right if while outside the court, we may drop formality?" she asked, "It does get rather tiring."
He chuckled and agreed. Taking his arm again as he led them through the castle, she smiled, "I believe we shall be great friends."
