* * * * *
The Same Moon Part 9
* * * * *
With a harrowing thud she landed on dirt. Well at least it wasn't stone this time, she thought. Sarah squinted as she realised she had landed in a beam of sunlight which had been able to escape through the thick covering of trees. Beneath her was a dusty dirt floor where through lack of sun few plants grew. Under the thick cover of leaves lighting was hazy and the air cool and sweet. Tree trunks sparkled with dew and spider webs and Sarah sighed in relief to be away from that man. Against one of the glistening trunks slumped a still unconscious Alanna, red hair hanging limply around her face and a pale green dress hung almost in tatters around her battered frame. Next to her Christian had been staring in concern trying to gently wake her but he shot up once he saw Sarah.
"I was wondering when you were going to get here. You all right?" he asked. His hair was loose around his face and his brown breeches and white shirt were too just tatters. Blood trickled from his right arm where a scrap of material had been wound tightly to stop the flow.
"Ouch, you're meant to be healing the bloody thing not breaking it all over again." Nathaniel protested loudly from the floor beside them, dust caking his sweaty cheeks and goatee as Arram knelt over his left leg, grey magic glinting from his outspread palms. Nathaniel grunted, his face a grimace and squirmed half trying to sit up to see what Arram was doing.
"I'll break both your legs if you don't stop whining very soon and sit still." Arram warned still staring at the bleeding leg, voice serious. His right eye was swollen and purple and his dark hair ruffled, but apart from that he looked pretty much together.
"I'm fine," Sarah replied heaving herself up with all her strength, trying to fix her dress. Suddenly she froze and looked at Christian, eyes glazed. "Where's Jareth?" she asked, some distress straining her voice.
"Sarah, could that possibly be concern?" Sarah whirled and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when she saw him sat upon a tree stump looking in the opposite direction, one hand beneath his chin as he gazed into the distance.
Sarah ignored his baiting her, "Your brother? He's your brother?" She questioned, "You never told me that," She shook her head. Jareth rose and crossed his arms across his chest, looking once again indifferent and aloof.
"Does it matter?" he asked, annoyance in his voice. Sarah caught her breath, that wasn't the question she really wanted to ask. What she was more preoccupied with was the fact that Jareth had had a daughter, a daughter that Rugar killed. The banquet she thought, *He wasn't always like this.*
"No, I just think you should have told me that's all." She replied, chin raised defiantly.
"I *should* have done a lot of things," He replied sauntering towards her, he shrugged when he was up close to her once more, "But what's done is done." Sarah scowled, she knew he only said that only to annoy her, and it worked. He raised a leather clad hand and pressed it to the side of her scalp, her head tingled in pain. When he brought it back it was covered in blood. "You're bleeding." Sarah felt the side of her head.
"It's nothing, It's just a scratch," She replied quicker then she should have, trying to work out his motives. He raised his eyebrows in disbelief then pressed his leather hand against the cut, a white light glowed then disappeared and with it the pain. Sarah swallowed, "Thanks." she said quietly. Jareth looked at her blankly before moving away.
"That's it now Arram, no more magic until we reach Arwyn otherwise Rugar will know where we are." He commanded voice serious.
Arram stood, "I've finished anyway." He wiped the beads of sweat from his brow. Jareth nodded.
"We can't move yet Jareth, Alanna's in no state to go anywhere, we may as well rest and wait till morning."
Jareth reached the sleeping woman and knelt beside her removing a glove. Then his bare hand was pressed to her forehead. A glow emerged from his hand and then Alanna seemed to sigh, red lips opening slightly before she returned to sleep once more.
Nathaniel broke the silence, "Well that's it then the whole damn Kingdom's his," He laughed insanely completely defeated and helpless, "And then Nefar will be next and then every single bloody realm, well we've got a few fun weeks in front of us," He shook his head, "I wish that bastard had aimed for my heart rather then my bloody leg." He leant backwards laying his head on his hands.
"Not necessarily Nathaniel, we can still get the Labyrinth back but not if you don't stop being such a defeatist." Christian leant wearily against a tree trunk. Arram sat beside him, he looked in disgust at Nathaniel and his attitude, "Once we reach Arwyn we've still got time to prepare Sarah for another passing and then we can kill that goddamn brother of mine."
Nathaniel chuckled again not moving from his position, "Don't be bloody stupid Chris old boy, we're the only ones left. Everyone else Galen, Rhia, Jerin, the Mages they're all in his bloody realm and soon we'll be joining them, I vote we all just slit our wrists now and cut our losses," He sat up reaching for his knife, "I'll go first."
"Nathaniel?" Jareth said pinching the bridge of his nose, eyes closed, "Shut up."
Nathaniel returned the knife and shut up.
"We move to the next village and then rest. We won't be recognised," Nathaniel scoffed and Jareth shot him a warning glance before he quickly shut up again, "And if not small hypnotic spells probably won't be identifiable. As soon as everyone's healthy we make the ride to Arwyn, we still have plenty of time to prepare."
Nobody disagreed with him. Arram exhaled loudly, "I'm the least injured I'll carry Alanna."
Such a noble act seemed alien coming from him and Sarah thought about what she had heard him converse with Merrin about. But none of that mattered now did it? There was no chance to overthrow the King, but then someone had allowed Rugar access into the kingdom. Christian said the magic barring him was strong and from what she had been told Arram was a powerful Mage. The break in the I'enti hills, she thought. No, he had fought against Rugar he wasn't in league with him was he? Jareth would know, she reassured herself.
Christian lead the way through the forest weaving between tree trunks with the still hobbling Nathaniel beside him, murmuring something about being out of the frying pan and into the bloody fire. Then Arram followed carrying Alanna in his arms, her weight didn't seem to trouble the large man in the slightest. Sarah wrapped her arms around herself and shivered from the cool moist air here. It almost reminded her of the forests back home and she smiled with new found determination as she remembered who she was doing this for. She'd stop Rugar destroying the Labyrinth and her world, or die trying.
"What are you waiting for," A voice startled her, murmuring close to her ear, "The end of the world?"
Sarah smiled confidently meeting his devilishly handsome sneer, "Not if I can help it."
Jareth chuckled with a smile that spread all the way to his eyes, outlining creases around his face and Sarah was shocked by the warmth that shone there.
And despite the fact that all the realms were faced with a vengeful and horrid evil, despite the fact that their lives were being threatened and the responsibility of carrying them all to the ninth realm was on her head, Sarah felt surprisingly, content.
* * * * *
"Twenty five seren for rooms? You must be bloody joking." Nathaniel stared at the Innkeeper outraged and then looked at the others in justification, but no one was in the mood for arguments. They were all too tired from the trek to the closest town which happened to be Meridia. Named for it's placement by the ocean of west Nefar Sarah learned.
The Landlord of the boardhouse that Christian had discovered shook his head refusing to budge. "Ai, that's right twenty five seren." the man spoke in a heavily accented voice, common compared to Nathaniel's although annoyed, eloquent speech.
"Twenty five...?!?" he fumbled for the words incredulous, he looked at Jareth who rolled his eyes and looked away.
"Just pay the man Nathaniel, I'd like to get some sleep some time in the next few years."
Nathaniel huffed still annoyed and reached in his back pocket for sheets of crisp browny/tawn coloured paper that qualified for money and handed a few over to the satisfied Innkeeper who then proceeded to hand them five keys.
Nathaniel laughed at his wits end once more, "No we said six rooms," he said patronisingly. Nathaniel obviously wasn't a people person Sarah mused. The innkeeper shook the keys. "Sorry folks it's ye festival of'ta Menach. Ain't no rooms left, this'll be the best you'll find in town, ev'ry where's booked up." He shook the keys again, Jareth snatched them his face weary.
"That's fine," He said and glared at Nathaniel before he could protest again. "Alanna and Sarah can share,"
Sarah's head suddenly shot up from where she had been standing almost half asleep.
"Says who?" She asked, pissed off at Jareth's assumption and his further attempts to control her. It wasn't that she minded sharing with Alanna but the fact that he just assumed and didn't even respect her enough to ask her.
Jareth walked quickly by, brushing Sarah's shoulder but not bothering to look at her. "Says me."
Alanna was half conscious on a cushioned bench of the foyer where they stood. With ease Jareth picked her up and she smiled wearily. Sarah couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy at the easiness between them, both comfortable in eachother's presence. He carried her in the direction that the Innkeeper pointed, still counting the numerous bills, very satisfied. Nathaniel shrugged at Sarah who was still annoyed. A what can you do when Jareth's made up his mind? shrug and followed with Arram.
A loose arm wrapped itself around her waist but Sarah didn't notice still reeling in irritation. Christian smiled down at her, she managed a half smile back. "Think we've actually got a chance when he's still acting like an arrogant twat?" She huffed, still sulking.
Christian smiled with a lop sided grin that made her feel at ease, not like walking on broken glass which was what Jareth made her feel like. "No." He replied. Sarah looked at him, surprised. "I think we've got a very big chance." He finished with a quirk of his eyes and Sarah hit him lightly.
Sighing she leant her head against his chest, completely drained. It was a big relief to be able to relax in the comfort of Christian's company, his cheeky wit and reassuring smile.
"Where did you get to before? I came to your room but you weren't there," He asked a note of suspicion in his voice, breaking the relaxed atmosphere.
The kiss..suddenly it came reeling back to her.
"Oh, I kind of got held up, She said feebly, I was just coming to find you when Jareth realised something was wrong." She looked up at Christian to judge his reaction, he nodded biting his lip. Sarah held her breath, she knew Christian didn't trust his brother. He said nothing more though, deep in thought. They reached a half open door at the end of the wooden corridor. The boarding rooms were simple but still elegant. The wing where their rooms were located overlooked the ocean bay and Sarah was looking forward to the refreshing cool air of the sea. They stopped.
"Well goodnight, or," he looked at the strong sun which shone through a large bay window of a balcony opposite the rooms the others had disappeared into, "Good morning."
Sarah smiled and rose on tip toes to kiss him lightly on the cheek. "Sleep well Christian." She opened the door to the room and then closed it behind her with a brief smile.
Christian breathed deeply and stared at the shut door longingly. "You too Sarah, you too."
* * * * *
Moments later Christian appeared at his brother's door. Jareth stopped what he was doing which was sharpening a dagger with a yellowstone, and arched one defined eyebrow intrigued. Christian seemed to be seething where he stood, anger and frustration in his eyes. Jareth smiled, cocking his head to one side,
"Yes?"
"You shouldn't bait her like that, she doesn't deserve it." Jareth rolled his eyes uninterested at Christian's blunt statement, and continued to sharpen the dagger. His legs, now clothed in black tights which he wore with a loose black shirt, were crossed ontop of the table in front of him and he leant back leisurely in his chair. Christian closed the door behind him and stood in front of Jareth, looking as if he was about to blow. His face was hard and cold, so cold Jareth bothered replying to him.
"How I treat Sarah is up to me." He still didn't look at his brother.
"Not when you hurt her, she doesn't deserve to be another of your whims, another one of your toys you can play with and put away when you like." Christian spoke in a hushed, yet still harsh voice, breathing heavily through his nostrils. Jareth inspected the tip of the blade before throwing it on the table in front of him. His eyes looked at Christian's obviously amused, "I wondered when you were actually going to be getting to the point."
Christian placed two palms on the wooden desk and leant forward nearer to Jareth, who didn't even flinch.
"You stay away from her Jareth, I know what happened between you two."
Jareth blinked slowly face blank. "Then you'll know that I didn't have to force her into anything." He didn't smile in victory or anything, just continued to stare his brother straight in the eye.
"I'm warning you brother, you hurt her in any way and you won't have to worry about Rugar any longer."
Jareth was taken aback and half smiled, now Christian's motives were clear. He couldn't remember the last time his younger brother had dared to threaten him.
"You're warning me?" He sneered, "As I said Christian Sarah doesn't need her white knight to save her from anything."
"Maybe you should think with your head for once oh great King instead of other parts of your body." Christian spat.
Jareth's amusement dropped and in a flash of movement he grabbed his brother's neck and held the newly sharpened dagger against it. Christian breathed heavily, his adam's apple bobbing but said nothing, just smiled twistedly. "She'll never have you Jareth," he croaked trying to narrow his throat away from the sharp edge of the silver metal, "You're cold, twisted and bitter and can offer her only a lifetime of misery. She doesn't love you she hates you, she just hasn't got the sense enough yet to realise what a manipulative, selfish bastard you are. Maybe I should tell her about all the other women who tried to get close to you?"
Christian half expected to feel cool metal glide quickly into his throat, so was surprised when Jareth dropped the dagger and resumed his leisurely position. Trying not to seem too relieved Christian stood and massaged the spot where the knife had been held. Gingerly he looked up at his brother, he'd let his anger and his words run away with him, but Jareth's face offered no idea of his emotions, as per usual.
After a few achingly long minutes Christian spoke, "You can't keep on blaming other people for Sonja's death, it's been a century Jareth."
The King dismissed his statement with a snort and Christian said no more.
"So," he began tapping fingers in sequence along the mahogany top, "She'd be better off with you then would she Christian? Her shining Knight?" his voice was sardonic and cold, "Well we'll have to wait and see, won't we? What makes you think she wants you?" He raised both brows, accentuating the harsh curves of his cheekbones.
Christian sighed and moved towards the door, at the last moment he turned.
"You know I forget Jareth, I let everything go because of what happened. But not I realise, you're not cold because of all that's happened to you are you? You were selfish and cruel right before this and always will be. I just hope Sarah realises that before it's too late."
Jareth said nothing and just eyed him coldly still staring at the door after it closed, ignoring the truth in Christian's words, a jealous scowl spread across his face.
* * * * *
Sarah sat up in bed, pale blue cotton sheets wrapped around her body. She pulled the tie from her dark brown now freshly washed hair allowing it to fall around her shoulders. Despite being near to the sea Meridia was hot, something to do with the position of the three suns Nathaniel had told her. Although it was day in Nefar they all slept, exhausted from their journey. The room was grey, curtains pulled to block the bright sun from penetrating the small simple room and Alanna's still form slept soundly.
The gloominess could have sent anyone to sleep but Sarah was wide awake, her waking thoughts consumed with Arram's supposed treachery, but there was no way she could accuse him. From what she had heard he had been a close friend and Advisor to Jareth and the others for years. It didn't make sense, but that didn't stop her from torturing herself about what to do. She needed some objective advice, so pulling herself slowly from the bed so as not to wake Alanna she decided to pay a visit to Nathaniel.
Earlier on Christian had used small amounts of magic to transport some clothes to the room and Sarah slipped out of the pale red night gown and into some of the garments which she had been told people wore on Nefar. Lectured on the importance of appearance so as not to be taken advantage of, the clothes were of high quality. That didn't stop Sarah from feeling adventurous. New found possibilities and achievements empowered her with a new sense of daring. Quietly she slipped into tight midnight blue tights and put on high laced black boots with a slight heel onto her feet which fitted closely to her leg outlining shapely limbs. A matching pale blue shirt with navy lining to match the breeches was slipped on top and she opened some top buttons to expose cleavage. Quickly she raked a brush through her hair and glanced satisfied at her appearance before creeping out of the room.
Nathaniel wasn't to be found in his chambers, but beside his bed was a note and Sarah laughed at his eternal optimism, "Gone to get completely smashed and will continue to until the end of the world."
Overdramatic much? But she knew there was some truth in his words.
The rest of the hotel was empty, but it was after seven and Sarah had been told that most people were out celebrating the Menach, the commemoration of the wedding of the King and Queen of Nefar. After asking the land lord of the boarding house she was told that the nearest bar was one located at the end of the street, no doubt Nathaniel would be there.
"Be careful as you go darlin," The old man warned his grey beard bristling, "People often get rowdy round Menach, not sure its safe for a young girl like you to be wand'rin the streets alone."
Sarah smiled a twinkle in her eye, "Thanks but I'm sure I'll be fine."
* * * * *
Sarah cursed a few minutes later. When am I ever going to learn to listen to other people? Not always think that I know best? Sarah learned very quickly that being the next realm to earth Nefar resembled it in many ways. The streets were an odd mix of glass stone buildings, usually hotels or richer establishments, to wooden built bars and restaurants or houses. It was if the two worlds, Earth and the Labyrinth had clashed. Sarah looked peculiarly at a pale grey stone building with large silver like mirrors towering above her, which contrasted drastically to the bridled horses tied up in front of it sweating in the hot sun and swatting flies with swishing tails. The roads were also an odd mix of cobbled slate and dust, used only for wagons and horses. Banners of ribbons hung from wooden posts lit with fires above in a strange language, the only word she could make out was Menach.
Unfortunately she also realised the people were a lot like those on earth. It was only eight O' clock, yet crowds crammed the streets, shouting and laughing. Sarah wasn't one for the active night life back on earth, so nor did she appreciate it here. From the breath of many people who jostled her she could tell that a lot of them had consumed way too much whisky and liquor for their own good. The streets were alive with a squirm of people celebrating the occasion as much as they possibly could, a young man grabbed her arm, he was dressed in a white shirt with a brown leather waist coat, "Hey sweetheart where you going? How about I make this a very happy Menach for you?" he grinned confidently as he stared down her shirt, but Sarah merely scowled wrenching his arm from her sleeve.
"No thanks." she remarked disgusted, and he shouted obscenities after her as she jostled further through the crowd. The pounding sun and dry air along with the feel of close sweaty bodies began to make her feel claustrophobic, she was more then grateful when she reached a stone building elaborately decorated in carved wood and granite at the end of the street, the establishment the Landlord had spoken of.
Spotting a parting into the crowd she ducked into it and followed the wave of people inside the building. Sarah sighed when she realised it wasn't much different to the atmosphere she had just escaped from.
To the middle of the room was a bar where people rushed to serve rowdy customers. Immediately surrounding that like a ring was open space where couples danced to a strange beat of folk rock under the pale lights. She shivered, this place was too like earth for her tastes, a strange mix of an old pub and modern earth and Sarah realised that this aspect of earth she didn't miss at all. It wasn't that she didn't like dancing but from the signs of raucous laughter, knocked over and scattered chairs and tables, mixed with the sweet smell of alcohol she knew this was the kind of place on earth she avoided. Why did fantasy authors ever think that other worlds would be any different to our own?
Oh God, she thought, how the hell am I meant to find Nathaniel in this? All she could make out was a mass of writhing bodies. As she walked searching frantically for the familiar goatee and dark hair she noticed that her clothes were nothing compared to that other women wore. The fashion seemed to be thigh high boots with short skirts and shirts with billowing arms and corset like coverings. She couldn't help but look in disgust at the way they flaunted themselves around.
Finally in the corner of the room Sarah heard a large shout, a cultured voice compared to the accented murmurs around her. "I don't bloody well think so...." the voice trailed off again and Sarah looked to the source to find Nathaniel nursing a pint at the bar. Many empty glasses were splayed around him as he engaged in a heated discussion with a tall dark tanned man with bright spiky red hair. She made her way towards him and the man dressed in an elaborate dark purple shirt and grey breeches finally noticed her. She murmured apologies as she pushed through to reach him.
"Sarah what are you doing here?" He slurred arms flailing in greeting, the group around him, a mix of both women and men turned to face her. "I want you all to meet Sarah." He announced rather too loudly and drunkenly for her liking. The tanned man slid out of his seat so that could Sarah could sit, smiling appreciatively as she took it.
"I'm surprised Jareth actually let you out of his sight, you know he's going to be royally pissed when he finds you here, and that'll be all my influence or somehow Christian's..." He trailed off into incoherency before breathing deeply after his long slurred sentence and gulping down his beer.
Around them the group continued their conversations or started to dance as the band began a new song. The man with bright red hair wearing a leathery brown shirt leant at the bar next to him. "Sarah is it? Well what brings you to Arwyn then Sarah and with the likes of Nathaniel at that?" He asked light heartedly, speaking loudly over the murmur of voices and the dance beat.
Sarah glanced at her half drunken companion still swallowing his beer and thought of what to tell the stranger, "Just came for the Menach that's all." Sarah replied trying to sound convincing.
The man grinned. He couldn't be more then Sarah's age and was completely gorgeous, "A real night owl then? Funny you don't look like the type to let themselves go easily." He traced the rim of his glass, dimples showing as he grinned.
She raised eyebrows indignantly, Why was it everywhere she went people seemed to think her too serious, too uptight with too much baggage to get caught up with, to ever be any fun to be with? Her expression dropped.
"Sorry," he said quickly, "I didn't mean to offend you, I was just trying to pick you up." He looked shy and vulnerable for a second and Sarah was instantly drawn to him, "I'm sure you're plenty of fun to be with." He leaned closer to her and Sarah noticed he had deep rich hazel brown eyes which complimented his bright red hair well, he winked and Sarah couldn't help but smile.
He offered her a drink, holding clear liquid which smelled like vodka up to her face, she quickly shook her head, not being a heavy drinker. Nathaniel groaned, "Come on Sarah one little drink won't hurt you, his highness isn't here." Another drink was quickly served to Nathaniel.
"No it's okay," he placed the drink down, "She's too good a girl for the likes of drink."
That was it, without even thinking Sarah snatched the glass and downed the liquid in one go. As soon as she swallowed her throat was on fire and she coughed loudly, her mouth open sucking in cool air. The red haired man grinned.
"Well done my girl," Nathaniel was still slumped over the bar eyes blurred and unable to focus, he raised his glass, he'd moved onto rum and quickly downed it after her.
"The name's Steven," The red haired man held out a strong hand and shook Sarah's, she tried to speak but all that came out was a hoarse croak, he smiled seductively at her. "Dance?" He gestured at the gyrating couples in front of them, Sarah bit her lip, her head was still reeling.
"I really need to speak to Nathaniel." she said, genuinely disappointed.
He shrugged and picked up his glass, "Maybe later then Sarah?" She flashed him his best smile as he walked off, a last glance before he disappeared into the crowd.
"Nathaniel? Nathaniel?" Sarah shook the shoulder of the man next to her whose eyes had closed as he slumped on the bar. He opened them slowly, and exhaled through his nostrils.
"This doesn't sound good..." he moaned propping himself up on his elbows and slowly half opening his eyes, "What?" he slurred.
Sarah chewed the side of her mouth, her youthful face wearing a look of anxiousness, brown eyes wide with worry. Noticing her expression, Nathaniel sobered up and looked at her intrigued. "Sarah what's wrong?" He asked concerned, speaking clearly now. The young girl fiddled with her hands, tapping them nervously on the bar.
"Yesterday morning there was that break, in the guards, well..." She paused, "Did you ever find out who was responsible?" Her heart beat wildly in her chest, and the heavy smoky atmosphere of the bar made her sweat even more in anticipation. Nathaniel snorted into his empty glass which he dangled by his lips, his goateed lip raised in disgust.
"Yeah some stupid bloody Mage in the east let it slip, he'd been captured by some of Rugar's cronies. Probably him who gave Rugar an idea of how to break into the passing room," His eyes suddenly clouded becoming suspicious, "Why?"
Sarah sighed in relief a large smile breaking out on her pale lips, "Nothing, I just wondered that's all." She felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Nathaniel nodded and looked at her peculiarly for a second before ordering another drink, as well as a vodka for her. Sarah shook her head profusely laughing, "No I think one's more than enough for me, I better go now." She pulled a face remembering the taste of the strong liquid.
"Come on," He held it in the air teasingly, "Live a little, you don't want the world to end and never have had any fun now do you?"
Sarah looked around her at the band that played loudly in the corner, some kind of folk music. The bar wasn't as crowded now but couples still danced wildly on the floor and laughter emanated in her ears. It was about time she let herself go, hell she was only seventeen. She grabbed the glass and downed her vodka as Nathaniel did his whisky.
"Phwoah!" Nathaniel exclaimed and wiped his mouth when she finished, Sarah just laughed, spirits seemed to be a helluva lot stronger on Nefar. He jumped up animated once more out of his defeated sulk and grabbed her arm. "Right that's it I'm dancing with the most beautiful woman in this place." Sarah continued to laugh and didn't protest as he dragged her towards the moving bodies. The inviting sound of music and escapism pounding in her ears.
* * * * *
A black figure moved determinedly through the busy streets of Arwyn. Although not used to having to walk to places, people seemed to part in front of him and he moved with ease through the crowd. Just to look at his face most would be petrified.
Wearing simple black tights, and knee boots with a large black shirt and leather coat with only his silver medallion, hair wild once more, Jareth was seething. His mismatched eyes narrowed in such coldness and menace anyone who looked him in the eye soon stopped smiling and laughing. The hour was gone midnight and Jareth had planned on attempting to contact Mages in Nefar by messenger to tell them to expect his arrival. No mention of his need for help, though, pride wouldn't allow. But a passing comment from the landlord had alerted him to the fact that the "young girl had gone out alone onto the streets of Arwyn.
The dark streets cackled with laughter and movement, and Jareth scowled in contempt at them all, dark shadows from the full moon cast over his features and further enhancing enraged eyes. Using keen senses and small amounts of magic he attempted to locate the stupid young girl who seemed to be the permanent bain of his life. Stubborn, arrogant and proud, would she never obey him?
At such a late hour the establishment was still reasonably filled, but many, tired from over indulgence in drink, created a heavy and sombre mood. Slow music resonated from the corner and several couples scattered about danced close. Jareth snorted, he was rarely in the mood for company, let alone now. These type of people bored him, concerned only with their mundane lives, using liquor and matters of the flesh to delude themselves that their pointless existences had meaning.
Beside him women paraded themselves, fluttering their eyelashes, attempting to attract his attention, but Jareth's eyes were already focused on an oblivious and drunken young girl sitting in the lap of a man with bright red hair. He pursed thin lips, refusing to let his anger escape, instead his eyes burned and his nostrils widened as he exhaled bitterly.
The man with red hair had his hands all over Sarah's body and Jareth felt a stab of jealousy and possessiveness. Were every one of her actions to anger him further? The girl was laughing loudly and smiling, her face colourful and radiant, probably from too much liquor. Nathaniel would regret the day he was born when he was finished with him.
But Jareth's cool front suddenly dropped and he resumed the familiar role of observer, of watcher. Concern and intrigue emanated from his face as he watched her every move from the safety of the shadows. She seemed happier then she had been in years. The way she was before the Labyrinth. Eyes sparkling, firm, defiant stubborn chin, confident manner, she looked so happy again.
Slowly Jareth moved closer, still unseen in the shadows of the dimmed lights, a piano solo and a bitter
voice echoed in his ears from the stage. But he was unaware, drawn to the girl. He licked a bead of sweat from his pale lips, breathing shallow, and saw her again for the first time.
The child he had glimpsed briefly in a crystal shard too many years ago now. A glimmer of hope, of interest in his empty and solitary life. Her image shining from the dagger like glass, reflected in his eyes in a cold moon. A crystal which in his fury, his anger he had thrown, and there in his desperation her image called out to him. He had been drawn to her, intoxicated by her. She had been his obsession for so long now. And he had ruined it, too long cruel, too long calm, the role of enemy too familiar to lose, too vulnerable without it.
Gloved hands tensed and he leant against the wall, deep in the shadows, deep in thought and watched her like he had done so many times. The child in the crystal shard, he thought, a child no more. He licked dry lips and walked, the conversation automatically dying in Sarah and Nathaniel's small group as he approached the small crowd.
Nathaniel was drunk, but even in his almost comatose state and loose manner he still knew when to be cautious around Jareth. "Jareth let me get you a drink, scotch on the rocks isn't it?" he said, language slow and loose, Nathaniel was a hard drinker and Jareth was used to seeing him act in such a manner. But not used to him dragging other people into his drunken stupor with him. He ignored his supposed friend.
The red haired man, not as drunk as the girl sat close to him, noticed the way Jareth eyed Sarah jealously and tightened his arm around the girl's waist, staking his claim. Sarah smiled at him, genuine delight flickering on her beautiful face under the faded lights. But her eyes didn't really see him, too numbed by the alcohol. Jareth's face remained blank, almost unfeeling. Showing no emotion, he reached for the girl and grabbed her arm.
"Hey what do you think you're doing?" Sarah's companion shouted and grabbed Jareth's arm. He stilled and stared at the man's arm on his own. Slowly he raised his eyes to meet the hazel ones of his opposer.
The man seemed to flinch and recoiled, visually disturbed at the strong emotion and hard expression he saw in strange mismatched eyes. Sarah shook Jareth's arm from her own, and the king complied withdrawing his arm.
"Sarah," he sad sternly, "You're leaving."
"No Jareth." she replied, her speech slurred but nonetheless forceful, "You're leaving, I'm staying." Jareth looked her up and down, God she looked delicious at the moment, but he remained cool. He traced the outline of sharp teeth with his tongue, shadows still playing along his face, jagged silhouettes below high cheekbones.
"Sarah, don't defy me."
She began to laugh, but Jareth didn't even move, expression still stern and commanding. The red haired man tightened his grip on the girls waist as she laughed bitterly, a cruelty in her voice he hadn't heard before. "This game again? Well Jareth you have no power over me." She said, eyes narrowed in resent.
"You heard the lady, why don't you go cool off, she's going home with me tonight, friend."
The red haired man said, smiling with a cocky grin. Jareth wanted to smash his teeth through the back of his skull. But instead Sarah looked up at the insolent youth, eyebrows raised as always when she was insulted.
"I never said I was going home with you." She said, all traces of drunkenness escaped her voice, replaced by concern at her companions changed attitude. He placed another possessive arm around her waist, preventing her from moving.
"Yeah you are sweetheart, remember I give you the drinks, you give me something else?" He smiled, daring her to argue with him, his mind set. Sarah stared at him completely offended before she pursed her lips and ripped a trapped arm from his grip, before slapping him hard across his cheek. Jareth sneered, very satisfied.
The youth stumbled backwards and held a hand to his cheek in shock, he brought it back to reveal a large red palm shaped mark. Sarah stood defiantly. Around them everyone was still and quiet, watching the unfolding events.
"You little bitch!" And then he ran for Sarah, his face bright red in his rage. But before he could touch her he was stopped by a calm, and ever so more cocky Jareth who grabbed his throat tight with one gloved hand, the struggling man no match for him. He sneered.
"I don't think so, friend." Then with the smallest of grunts the youth was thrown across the room, sliding on his backside to crash into tables, glasses falling and shattering everywhere. The piano and singing stopped abruptly and with it everyone stared, and then all hell broke loose. No magical force was nearly as terrifying compared to the destructive nature of a mob of people. Sarah noticed in her drunkenness that Nathaniel was in the midst of it, whooping with delight when he brought a beer bottle down on a larger man's head. Chairs were thrown, and with them punches. The sounds of angry shouts and screams emanated throughout the bar as Jareth dragged a still shocked and dumbfounded Sarah roughly by the wrist through the chaos.
"Yeah take your filthy little whore with you and don't think about coming back!" The red haired youth shouted still on his backside in broken glass and chairs on the floor. Jareth didn't even dignify him with a glance.
When they reached the now piercingly cool night air, in the now deserted streets Sarah tried to wrench her hand free, but his hands gripped hers almost like handcuffs.
"Jareth let me go," She cried still grunting to pull away from him, "You're hurting me."
He exhaled sharply, before loosening his grip. Nathaniel was right, he was royally pissed. Sarah gasped and rubbed her aching wrist, she felt dizzy and woozy and struggled hard to stop from throwing up. Everything was still a blur and she tried to focus on Jareth as she slumped against a stone pillar. He was masked by the shadows of the dark night, highlighted only were the sharp outlines of his cheeks, mismatched eyes and pointed teeth, but she was finding it hard to take anything seriously and felt like spontaneously laughing at any second.
"You stupid girl," He spat. "You could have been killed. Did you even think what it might be like out?" he demanded.
Sarah rolled her eyes, did he have to be all serious now? Not when she felt so sick and not when he looked so good, not when she just felt like....
"Did you?" he demanded once more. Sarah huffed.
"Look I'm fine now, aren't I? Just relax." She stifled the desire to giggle drunkenly and stumbled to be upright, trying to maintain her dignity. Jareth didn't react. She groaned when she saw he was not taking things as lightly as her. She bent over double feeling woozy once more and tried to regain her breath.
"Do you have to always take things so seriously?" She heard him sigh in contempt, so determined to show him she wasn't a stupid drunk little girl tried with all her might to walk. And failed miserably. Suddenly Jareth was to her right, his arm around her waist to steady her.
She immediately sobered and positioned herself so that she looked straight at him, and Sarah noticed how pale his skin was. She wasn't sure if it was the alcohol, but she had never seen him look so handsome and Sarah was positive that the fast frantic beat she felt wasn't just her own heart.
He still stared at her expression blank, and she knew it was now or never. Placing her hands around his neck she pulled him towards her quickly and kissed him, hard. At first he didn't move, but then as fervently as her, his tongue was in her mouth seeking her own. Skillfully he moved his lips, teeth slightly biting, nipping at her lips as he kissed her. Before she realised what was happening she was pushed up against rough wooden wall, cold against her back compared to the warm body in front of her.
She moaned as his hands explored her body, one in her hair then trailing down to her neck and breast till it decided to grip her arm, pinching into her skin. Meanwhile the other smoothed the soft material of her breeches before resting under her thigh and pulling the leg up so that her foot rested on the wall so that he could push himself further up against her, almost squashing her into the wall. He tasted so good, so sweet, the feeling almost empowering.
She remembered how unexpectedly hot his touch was, even through gloves, compared to his usual coldness. Her own hands moved from behind his neck to smooth all over his back and then to push firm buttocks further into her own body. She heard him groan too as he trailed hot kisses down the smooth skin of her neck and across the exposed top of her breasts.
Sarah attempted to focus on the outline of buildings behind him and panted heavily at his caresses, but everything was just a blur, nothing seemed real. Sarah revelled in the feel of him all over her, of the familiar yet forbidden pounding and her intoxicated condition.
Suddenly the hot breath stopped and Jareth pulled away. She moaned, disappointed, Sarah never wanted him to stop. He lifted his head, white blonde hair glimmering to stare at her. He almost looked guilty, but his hands still gripped her. "Sarah, we can't. You're...You're not in the right state." Sarah moved towards him searching for his lips again.
"And?"
Jareth moved away, leaving her completely still pushed up against the wall. She wrapped her own arms around herself wishing they were his. Jareth avoided her hurt stare and she bit her lip trying to breathe normally. He looked so indifferent once more, so regal like when she had first met him and Sarah wondered if he regretted what had happened.
"Don't you want me?" she asked, voice trembling as it threatened to break.
"Sarah," His stern tone was back, "That's all I have ever wanted."
She became frustrated and frowned, "So?" He finally turned to look at her, sighing.
"Not like this. I don't want you to hate me in the morning after you realise what you've done."
She moved towards him and clutched his shirt pressing herself against his body, showing more desperation, more desire then she ever dared if she was sober. "I won't." She assured him, eyes intense. He cupped her chin and pressed a quick kiss to her lips.
"Not like this."
She sighed but she knew it was so hopeless. Feeling dizzy again and now trembling under the effect of the alcohol as well as the cool night, she pressed all her weight against him and burrowed her head in his shirt. Completely trusting him to hold her up in his embrace. She had just meant to close her eyes for a second, to savour the moment, but quickly ended up soundly asleep.
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