Hey everyone here are a couple of more chapters that I've just recently finished. I hope that it is to your liking. I'm actually very happy with what I've come out with thus far. The usual Disclaimers are in the last postings. Please read and leave me your reviews. I love reviews, they make me happy and inspire me to write more.
To What May Come
Chapter 3
The throne room of the Goblin castle was not the same as it was so long ago. Five years ago, if one visited this room it would have been overrun with Goblins, chickens, and their usual mess, but now it was spotless. Instead of the mounds of cloth and junk within the pit that was at the rooms center, there lay lavish pillows of dark red and purple satin. The throne stood tall in its usual place. the large crown that hung on the wall behind it still present. All in all it looked as if it had been given a make over.
To the side of the room at the large window, Jareth stood in his usual dress attire of black riding boots over gray tights, a white poet's shirt worn under a black vest that shimmered and his amulet that hung over the center of his chest. Mismatched eyes looked over the now newly built Goblin City, no longer the crumbled half held together huts that made up the city. The houses and small buildings were constructed in a pleasing manner, the streets and structures of the city now as spotless and clean as the throne room.
Sarah would not recognize it when she would see it, which was the whole idea. Much had changed since the years that she had entered and then left his world. She had changed it more than she knew. The goblins were still as mindless as ever but they obeyed their King who had forced them to change their messy ways. He no longer allowed them to hang around the castle and throne room, to drink at their leisure, or do whatever they pleased. Now they had duties to take up their time, activities to keep them happy and at the same time controlled.
Her refusal of his heart and of his offered words wounded him more than he would admit even to himself. So much that he had done for her and she still denied him. At first he scoffed at the incident, trying to deny the agonizing feeling that reared its ugly head, claiming that his pride and ego was just injured by her. Love, he could not have been in love with that mortal child, he was Jareth, the Goblin King. He tried to put it off as a lapse of sanity, desperation to win the game, but no. When all was said and done, he had finally accepted the fact that he, a powerful Fae, wielder of magic and of dreams, and Goblin King, really in fact did fall in love with her.
He had let her go. He could have kept her but he allowed her to go free, to return to her world but he planed to return. She was too young, only just coming into womanhood so he waited and now he had her. Sarah Williams was now in his castle, in his possession and he would have her return the feelings that he felt for her. Watching and waiting he knew her more than she knew herself and right now he knew that she was confused. Confused by his actions and by her own feelings. Yes, he knew all to well what that kiss had done to her. The dazed look in her eyes when he pulled away, the confused expression on her face for that brief moment when she knew not how to react.
The sounds of footsteps echoing from behind caused him to break away from his musings, "Fayla, have the letters been sent?"
A young elfin woman with bright green eyes and flowing red hair entered the throne room. Her gown of green, to match her eyes, flickering slightly as a soft breeze entered the room from the window that Jareth was looking out of. Fayla smiled warmly to her King, "Yes your majesty. They have been sent and should be delivered by the end of the morrow."
He turned his back towards the window so that he could face her fully, he grinned slightly, "Good and the preparation for the coming activities?"
"They will be ready when needed." She backed out of the room as Jareth dismissed her with a slight wave of his hand.
Making his way to his throne he sat conjuring one of his crystals as he leaned back and checked on his new guest.
Sarah sat on the large four poster bed her face blank as she looked about the room that he had left her in. It was beautiful, befitting to that of a princess, no, a queen. In front of her sat a large brick fireplace, a fire blazing lazily along with a large portrait of a castle sitting on the edge of a cliff that overlooked the ocean. Her eyes traveled away from the flames towards the other side of the room where she saw a small dainty writing desk, paper and quill at its center. Turning away from that she looked to the opposite side of the room where a door stood halfway open.
Rising from the soft mattress of the bed she cautiously made her way to the slightly open door, pushing it open as she peered inside. The door led to a large bathroom fully loaded with large deep sunken in bathtub, a small bowl and basin atop a tall dark wood table. Above the basin hung a large oval mirror the rimming of gold design. A curtain of white stood at the edge of the bathroom concealing what she presumed was the toilet and toiletries.
Turning to reenter the bedroom she saw another door not to far away from the one that she had just exited. Coming to that door she turned the cold knob of the door opening it slowly not sure what she would see. A closet or the hallway? It was a closet fully filled with dresses and clothes, which Sarah couldn't help but to have her mouth slightly open in awe, they were all so lovely. Clamping her mouth closed as she remembered that she was abducted from her world and placed within this one, Sarah backed out of the doorway slamming it closed. The loud bang of the door gave her a little satisfaction.
Seeing another door on the other side of the bed towards the other side of a room she marched her way to the door only to stop in mid stride as it was swung slowly open. A bit taken off guard she gawked at the strange yet beautiful woman that entered the room. Her intense green eyes and flowing red hair told her that she was not human especially when she tucked some hair behind her pointed ear. An elf, she had to be an elf! Never had she seen anyone so beautiful.
Fayla smiled warmly at the stunned and startled look she received from the human woman known to her as Sarah. Sarah, the one and only mortal to ever successfully traverse the labyrinth and best its King. Closing the door she curtseyed, "Milady Sarah, it is an honor to meet you. I am Fayla your maids servant."
"My maids servant?" she asked in a hushed tone.
Her eyes seemed to shine with warmth, "Yes, his majesty has requested that I attend to your needs. Since it is late I thought that I might assist you into getting ready for bed."
Sarah smiled weekly, she was feeling tired and Fayla was right, it was late. She was so exhausted by the long day and the events of the last twenty or so minutes that she yawned, her hand coming up to cover her opened mouth. "Excuse me."
Fayla walked towards her guiding her towards the large four poster bed, the dark red sheets and blankets depressing under her light weight, "Wait here, I will bring out your nightgown."
Sarah was really too tired to argue. She was barely able to keep her eyes open.
Sarah's demeanor had seemed to have quieted as she looked as if she were about to fall over. Jareth grinned at the sight, she was really quite lovely as she had grown from the lovely young teenager into a devastatingly gorgeous young woman.
His brows rose as he knew all too well that her quiet state was only temporary, for in the morning after she was rested and awake she would probably give him a very difficult time. The years of waiting ,though, had made him patient. Besides, he looked forward to her fiery retorts and the way that she would try and defy him.
His gaze intensified as he saw that Fayla had returned, with her a nightgown. Smiling mischievously, he continued to watch.
Fayla smiled at the sight before her. The poor girl was so tired that she had literally fallen asleep while sitting up. Sarah's head was tilted to the side with her eyes closed her lips parted slightly as she breathed slowly, calmly. About to take off Sarah's shirt Fayla grimaced, someone was watching and she had a pretty good idea as to whom.
Straightening she turned with her hands on her hips looking up towards the ceiling, "Your Majesty!" she whispered with intensity. Tapping her toe against the stone floor she waited for him to stop watching and when she noticed that he had yet to do so she waved her hand in the air in a sweeping motion.
Shaking her head in disapproval she began to change Sarah and get her ready for bed. Sarah, half awake, half asleep, grumbled under her breath in protest as she was not happy about being disturbed. Fayla ignored her groggy protests, continuing with getting her ready for bed and tucked her in.
Jareth watched as Fayla, who was now admonishing him for his looking in, obscured the image of Sarah, asleep sitting up. He frowned slightly with aggravation as she waved her hand using her limited magic to fog his crystal. Allowing the crystal to disappear, he headed to his bedchambers knowing that he was going to be scolded in the morning by a very unhappy elf.
If it were any other creature of his kingdom he would not have allowed her to act in the fashion that she had. Fayla was more so than a servant, as she had been in his service since before he had become King. She had practically raised him. Besides, he had requested her to return to his service in preparations for Sarah's return.
Fayla looked warily to her reflection in the mirror of her vanity as she brushed her long red locks her mind on the past. So many years, she truly missed her husband Gaylon, who had died tragically in an accident eight years ago. When Jareth came to her requesting her service she was all too happy to agree. She had thought that it would take away from free time that she had to linger on her loss, but still there were the lonely nights and that's when her pain was the worst to bare.
Unfortunately the elf's lives where long-lived but not immortal and they were susceptible to death. To an elves life she was still in her prime. Love was such a rare thing and she knew that Gaylon could never be replaced nor did she want him to be. It was the way of the world though sometimes cruel and unforgiving; it had its purpose.
Tears bordered her eyes as she placed the brush on the vanity before her. Her intense green eyes shifted downward away from her reflection just before she clenched them shut. Cursing herself for allowing her thoughts to go to her past, she brushed the tears that had slid down her cheeks away.
She would not allow herself to cry herself to sleep again, it would end up giving her the worst headache in the morning and Jareth needed her to be together. Fayla forced herself to smile, though it came out weakly, Jareth was going to get a good talking to before breakfast, to think that she helped to raise that scoundrel. Really, looking in on that young woman when he knew better! She shook her head at that forcing herself to rise and head for bed, there was much for her to attend to in the morning.
Chapter 4
Turning over on her side she buried her head into the soft pillows beneath her. Sarah's leg protruding halfway out from the soft warm sheets, she kicked her other leg out from the sheets as her leg felt too warm. The air that hit her leg was soothing making her smile in her sleep.
Sarah was getting to that point when you wake up from dreams but you're still asleep almost at the point of waking up. The bed was just so comfortable and she felt so safe and snug.
Fayla gently opened the door to Sarah's room smiling at the sight of Sarah hanging halfway out of her covers still sound asleep. Making her way to the large window of the room she pulled back the drapes that kept the morning sun out.
She cringed in her sleep as the light assaulted her closed lids, turning her back towards the light she pulled the covers up over her head.
Laughing quietly to herself, Fayla made her way towards the bed, sitting on its edge as she softly called, "Sarah, the day is a new. Time to rise from your slumber and face the day."
Groaning from someone's voice breaking the wonderful peaceful silence Sarah grumbled, "Karen, give me a break…we're on vacation."
Fayla grinned, pulling the covers back from covering Sarah's face. Sarah groaned again, her arms coming up over her eyes to block the offending light. Fayla just shook her head, Jareth used to be this hard to wake up in the mornings, "Breakfast will be served soon and Jareth wishes you to join him in the dinning room. Come now, I'll draw you a bath."
Sarah forced one lid opened followed slowly by the other, that name, she knew that name. Memory coming back of what had happened last night, she dragged herself into a sitting position as she squinted against the sunlight. "Jareth," escaped her lips as she remembered what he did, "I can't believe this is happening to me."
Fayla reentered the room as she had made the bath ready for Sarah. Seeing that she was finally awake she smiled warmly to her, "Up I see. Come, if you are to make it on time for breakfast we need to get you bathed and changed."
Sarah looked bewildered to the elfin woman, then she remembered her as Fayla, "No offense, but I could care less!"
Her brows rose at this response, "Now Milady, please, he would be greatly displeased if you were late."
Standing up from the bed, Sarah ran her hands through her tangled and mused hair, "Fayla, right?" Fayla nodded in response. "In case you didn't know, my being here was not by choice and as far as Jareth is concerned, he could kiss my ass." There, she said it, and she felt better for it.
It took all of her will power not to smile at the young woman's response. Yes, Jareth was definitely going to have his hands full with this one. "Well, we will just have to take our time and be a little late, won't we?"
Sarah smiled to this elf; she liked her, "Fayla, I think we're going to make good friends."
She smiled in return, "I would be glad to have you as a friend, but for now, why don't we get ready for the day ahead?"
Sarah nodded, allowing her to show her to the bathroom, were a large bath waited filled with hot water.
Clothed in a loose fitting, creamed colored poet's shirt over black leggings and his black riding boots, Jareth sat at his writing desk overlooking some papers when he heard a soft knock at his bedroom door. Knowing that it was Fayla, he willed the door opened with his magic as he kept his nose buried in the papers before him.
Fayla entered, seeing that Jareth was already immersed in matters of the kingdoms. Walking up towards the desk, she waited patiently for him to address her.
"How is our guest?" he asked, his eyes still scanning a page in front of him.
"She's not very happy with you, you know. As am I!" she stated the last part of her words narrowing her eyes slightly at the King.
His brow rose at this statement, though he already knew that this was coming, "I don't know what you mean?" he feigned innocence.
She scoffed at that, "Now Jareth, I know you were raised better than what you displayed last night."
Allowing his eyes to look away from the papers, he grinned slyly up to her, "Did Sarah say anything about last night?"
Fayla flushed slightly, her words still fresh within her mind, "Um, you could say that."
Jareth's grin broadened at Fayla's response, "As to be expected. She will be joining me for breakfast in the dinning area?"
"Yes, but don't count on her being on time. She is quite insistent on taking her time this morning." Fayla spoke as she headed towards Jareth's closet to get out one of his vests. Upon her return he stood, allowing her to place his vest on.
"I'm sure she is," he returned as she finished fastening the vest up over his shirt. This was definitely going to be an interesting morning.
After she had taken her time soaking in the bath, Sarah towel dried her hair as she reentered the bedroom. As she entered the room, she noted that the bed had been made, and sitting on the bed was a long flowing gown of midnight blue with a pair of matching shoes at the foot of the bed.
Placing the damp towel beside the dress, Sarah traced her fingers over the soft material noting the stitching of darker blue designs sown into the trimming of the dress's bottom, chest, and sleeve area. Putting the dress on, she ran her hands over the front of the dress enjoying the feel of the material against her skin. Walking to the vanity she looked at her reflection in the mirror with approval. She might not like the fact that she was abducted and brought to the Underground against her will, but she could definitely get use to the pampered feeling she was getting from all the luxury that was being offered her.
Mentally hitting herself for such thoughts, she sat in front of the vanity about to run the brush through her hair when she noticed Fayla entering the room.
Entering Sarah's room she made her way towards where she sat taking the brush from Sarah's hand. Sarah was about to protest when she was cut off by Fayla's words, "None of that now. Allow me, Milady, this is what I do."
"Fayla you don't have to do this, I'm perfectly capable of doing this myself." Sarah protested.
Fayla smiled as she started to brush Sarah's hair, such lovely hair, she noted as she softly ran the bristles through the woman's hair. Looking up from the long dark head of hair she noted how Sarah's eyes closed as her lips curved upwards slightly in a smile. Continuing with the act she started humming an old elfin tune, willing her magic into her brush strokes. Sarah's hair began to dry, fluffing into large loose curls as she finished the last stroke.
As the melody was hummed, Sarah found herself mesmerized by the lovely tune. She had never heard of anything so beautiful and as she opened her eyes she stared in amazement at how her hair was reacting to Fayla's brush strokes. Sarah could almost feel a slight hum in the air as her hair was being fashioned before her eyes. Magic, it had to be magic.
Finishing her spell, she pinned the soft curls, stacking them slightly on top allowing half to fall down Sarah's back with small strands dangling on the sides and slightly around her face. Fayla had to smile at her work, she looked exquisite, her face barely needing any makeup, with a touch of lip color and something to accent her cheeks and just a dab for her eyes. After she was done she knew that the King would be very pleased with Sarah's look and not mind at all that she was late for breakfast.
Staring in the mirror at her reflection, she was amazed at how she looked. Her hair which she always wore straight, looked great in soft curls and how Fayla had fixed it was a wonder in itself. Sarah had to remind herself how she came to be in this place and not let these things sway her from reprimanding Jareth for forcing her here. At the thought of Jareth, she flushed at the remembrance of that kiss. God, she could even still feel them pressed against hers…
Fayla noticed as Sarah seemed to drift off into a world of her own, "Sarah," she smiled at the dazed look she received in return. There was a look in the woman's eye's that made her smile, she recognized that look.
"Hmm," why was her mind drifting to that kiss? She had to mentally scream at herself to shake her mind from that moment. It was only a way for him to try and show his power over her, that was all. Then she remembered what he had told her, 'Besides, I can not court you within your world now can I?' He could not have been serious, could he?
Fayla smiled warmly at the look she could see written within Sarah's eyes, they appeared as if they were locked on some moment of the past. She remembered that look, that feeling, and not knowing at the time what it was or what it meant. "Jareth should already be in the dinning area waiting for your arrival. I doubt he'll even take notice that you're late once he takes a look at you."
Sarah blushed at that and with a deep sigh she answered, "Well, let's get this over with!"
Fayla bowed slightly in response, "Follow me, Milady."
"Fayla, please, just call me Sarah," she was not use to being addressed in such a way.
With a twinkle in her eyes and a smile on her face, she started to lead the way, "Sarah, then, but I'm afraid that at any social events or in public company I will have to address you as Milady. It would be improper of my station as maids servant."
Sarah fidgeted with the folds of her dress as she nodded in understanding, she was a little nervous about confronting the Goblin King. That kiss kept running through her thoughts, making her a bit uncomfortable. 'Okay brain, quit going there! He was just trying to confuse you or…something. I'm a grown woman, I can handle this. He's nothing but a snobby Goblin King who is spoilt, cruel, mischievous, handsome…Oh, stop it, so what if he's handsome, not to mention yummy. Stop! Come on girl, this is serious! I mean, he's THE Goblin King. Remember less than thirteen hours of hell you went through because of him. The way he cheated, that peach, the ball, dancing in his arms. Ewe…what is wrong with me?' her mental conversation was brought to and end as they had reached the two large doors that lead to the dinning area.
At the two large doors on each side stood a goblin dressed appropriately in armor both holding a long staff in one hand as they bowed to her before opening the doors. She was surprised that they didn't fall over or something in their performance. Something was different, something she could not quite put a finger on.
As the doors opened, she watched as Fayla swept past her into the dinning area, announcing her arrival. Timidly, Sarah made her way into the room, slightly taken back by the décor. Instead of the gloomy gray messy room that she expected, she saw nothing of the sort. A long dinning table sat at the room's center, covered in a large dark purple table cloth, a large chandelier hung from the ceiling, allowing light within the room. At the foot of the table on the wall, was a large familiar symbol, her mind trying to place where she had seen it before. Before she could come up with any answers though her heart sped up as her eyes fell on the Goblin King.
Sitting calmly in his usual seat, he watched as the doors swung open and Fayla entered announcing Sarah's arrival. The vision that met his mismatched eyes made any thoughts that he had come to a complete, grinding stop. He had to force himself to breathe, to calm his racing heart as he saw her entering the room. She was an amazing sight to behold, looking like the queen he was hoping to soon make her.
Standing, he watched as she slowly came closer to the table, towards him, "Sarah, you look lovely this morning. I hope that you slept well?" Holding the chair out for her, she accepted the offered seat with ease.
She had planed to not sit with him at all, to tell him what she thought of his little stunt of abducting her and then kissing her and proposing that he was gong to court her. Seeing him in person, the way his eyes looked to her, she felt all of her bravery slipping away as that old fear came to the surface.
He watched her as she sat in the chair, her eyes never meeting his but instead focussing fully on the table before her. Jareth could sense her fear of him, making him frown slightly at that, "Sarah, I have no intention of harming you. You are a guest here in my castle. You have no need to fear me."
Her eyes shot up at this as she bit her lip, which his eyes were immediately drawn too, how much he wanted to taste them again. Those eyes, how they looked at her made her hesitate before commenting, "Fear you? Why would I have any reason to fear you?" her courage was returning as her fear was replaced with that of anger. "Oh yeah, let me see, six years ago you had taken my brother and forced me to go through your damn labyrinth to get him back. Now, six years after I defeated your little game, you come back into my life, kidnap me from my home, and then…" she stopped herself before she referred to that kiss. "Fear you, right now I'm anything but afraid. Right now, I would hit you if I knew it would do you any good. Damn it, I did not ask for this and for that whole bull about wanting to court me? You can just take that idea and go swim in your Bog for all I care."
He knew that that spirit would come out and was not at all fazed by her words. In fact, he was quite amused by her outburst and was all the more intent on making her his. She had a beauty and a fire to match. Taking the goblet in hand he returned, "Is that all?"
Sarah narrowed her eyes at the Goblin King, even angrier, seeing that he was not fazed in the slightest by her words. The arrogant bastard was still grinning as if he had not a care in the world. It was infuriating as hell that nothing that she said sparked even a witty comeback or a mocking phrase. Infuriated, outraged, and wanting to scream she abruptly stood form her chair pushing it back as she stormed out of the room.
Fayla had watched the whole incident amused by the display, yet slightly concerned for her charge. She could tell that Sarah was greatly upset and knew that she had better go after the poor woman since it was obvious that Jareth was not. As she started out of the room she was stopped by her King's call.
"Fayla, allow her some time alone. Come join me, it would be a shame to waste all this food."
She shook her head with slight amusement, "Jareth, dear, I wouldn't think it wise to leave her alone for too long. You seemed to have upset her dearly."
"Don't worry, I've weaved a protection spell to watch over her and besides, I don't plan on leaving her alone for too long." He grinned at the look he received from Fayla.
Fayla wasn't sure what game that her King was playing with the poor woman, which made her worry about her even more. There was something also, something in his behavior. That look within his eyes, could it be? She had known Jareth's intentions before he had brought the young woman here but she thought it maybe just a flitting fancy. He was well known for his games of seduction, and quite a few ladies had lost their virtue due to his escapades. Could it be that her King has finally found love? Was he really serious about courting Sarah? Fayla had already answered her own questions. It would explain the letters and the coming events.