Thanks again to those of you that have sent me your reviews. I'm happy to say that I got another chapter out and am excited about the developments within this chapter. There is also my first attempt at putting in a song I hope its okay for my first try at it. I'll stop babbling now and let you get to the story. EnjoyJ
To What May Come
Chapter 13
The streets of the Goblin City were flowing with creatures of all kinds as it was filled with Elves, Gnomes, Goblins, Fairies (the non biting kind), and Lords and Ladies of the Court. Along the streets booths were overflowing with goods of silks, rare jewelry made by the most skilled elves, and perfumes made by the Gnomes of the Elkin Region, a place that is said to be one of the most exotic regions within the Underground. Enchanted music filled the air along with the scents of exotic foods and treats.
The sunlight felt inviting, filling her with a feeling of contentment. Her hand rested within the Goblin King's arm as they walked side by side down the street of the Goblin City. Sarah felt like a little girl emerged into a world of magic and beauty that she had never before seen. Everything was so delightfully new, the scents of the festival and the hum of the creatures of the Underground walking the streets enjoying the booths and the tastes of the land. When she was a little girl she used to imagine herself in a place like this, but to now be living it was overwhelmingly wonderful. Sarah felt a happiness that she had not felt in a long time and she had the very Fae that walked next to her to thank for that.
Watching her as they walked, Jareth was filled with a happiness he had never felt before. The light that sparkled in her eyes as she saw their surroundings filled him with warmth. She was so beautiful, a vision of exquisiteness that made his heart flutter.
Eyes watched the two as they passed by, whispers and giggles at the obvious pairing. The two looked like they belonged together. The whispers were of gossip about the Kings guest Lady Sarah. By what they saw, it looked as if the Goblin King had finally found his Queen. To them it seemed fitting that the only one to ever solve the Labyrinth be the one that would become its Queen. All that observed agreed that Lady Sarah was indeed beautiful and earned a few jealous gazes from some of the Ladies of the court that would pass by, bowing slightly to the King as he nodded in return and kept forward.
A sparkle from one of the booths caught Sarah's attention as she stopped in their walk. Jareth stopped with her and started to lead her towards the booth that he noticed caught her eye. Jareth grinned to her in a way that made her cheeks flush as he backed towards the both tugging her with him.
As they reached the booth Sarah looked in awe at the various pieces of finely crafted jewelry. She had never before seen such beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
The keeper of the booth, a tall thin elf with short black hair and deep velvet eyes, grinned at the young woman that was looking over his work. Seeing that the Goblin King was standing with her he stood proud and confident polishing a small silver bracelet that thread in a Celtic design. It was an honor to have the Goblin King within his booth. Bowing slightly to the king, he spoke to the young lady, "Ah, young lass does thou see something to your liking?"
Sarah smiled unable to look away from the necklaces of silver, "They're all so beautiful!"
Jareth leaned forwards whispering into Sarah's ear, "None are as beautiful as you my dear. Pick something and it is yours."
With his warm breath caressing against her ear and his words she turned towards him not able to keep herself from blushing. Sarah wished that she would stop doing that. Eyes locking with his she looked away as she saw the look of intensity within his gaze. Looking over the items she found it difficult to decide as they were all so lovely.
A sparkle caught her eye and she looked towards its source. There in the corner of the booth hung a single silver chain and attached to that necklace was a sliver locket with engraving of a Unicorn edged into its surface. Stepping towards it she gently took the delicate locket in hand for a closer examination. It was simple yet beautiful, exactly how she liked jewelry, Sarah was never one for gaudy and overly decorative jewelry.
The elves words broke her concentration of the locket, "Ah, now that there is a lovely item. I carved that one as I watched one of those heavenly creatures grazing in a field. After I had finished with crafting it the Unicorn had notice and approached me, the daftest thing that I ever did see. I stood there, I did, frozen in my place unable to utter a word or even blink. So bewildered by the creature's approach I dropped that there locket from my hands and it fell to the ground at my feet. The Unicorn stopped its approach and lowered its head towards the locket, touching it with its horn. There is a little magic wound in that there pendant."
With a flourish of his wrist, Jareth handed the elf a small pouch, "I trust that this will be enough to pay for such an enchanting piece."
Taking the offered pouch the elf poured its contents into his hands and about fell over by the amount that he saw. Blinking twice as much as usual the elf stuttered his thanks and watched with opened mouth as the two walked away from his booth. Oh, the misses was never going to believe this!
Sarah delicately ran her finger over the locket as she gazed at it in admiration, "Thank you."
Jareth grinned to her, "My pleasure, here allow me." Taking the locket from her he clasped it around her neck as he stood behind her. After doing so he rested his hands on her bare shoulders leaning into her he softly spoke, "There is nothing that I would not give nor do for you to make you happy."
Her heart raced at his words her eyes closing from the feel of him so close. She felt herself tremble from his touch, her mind unable to concentrate on anything other than his close proximity and his hands caressing her against her skin, her skin tingling from the warm contact.
Jareth grinned at his effect on her feeling an overwhelming need to turn her in his arms and taste her sweet inviting lips that intoxicated him whenever they embraced. Knowing that certain eyes were watching he reluctantly pulled away not caring to display his affections in public. The Goblin King did after all have a reputation to maintain. Backing away slightly he lightly traced his fingers over her jaw line, "Come there is so much more to the festival I want to show you."
A bit disappointed that he did not kiss her like she was craving for him to do, she accepted his arm and walked on to see more of the festival. Her other hand stroked the smooth silver surface of the locket that Jareth had bought for her. The sights and sounds that surrounding her took most of her attention but the other half was quite aware of Jareth walking beside her.
Deep green eyes sparkled with devious intent as he stepped from behind one of the buildings of the Goblin City. He had watched the display between the Goblin King and this Lady Sarah that he had heard about. She was indeed lovely, a shame. Finally he had found the King's weakness and he would use that knowledge to finally attain his goal.
The gentle breeze caressed against her face, as if a gentle caress from the essence of the Underground. Magic was in her blood, she could feel it within the air around her, within her. The gardens sometimes heightened her awareness of its power. Scents of roses and of the hedges that surrounded her seemed more potent, it was strangely comforting, yet frightening at once. Fayla had always held a more powerful hold of magic than most of her kind but she always made well to hide it. Such abilities with an Elf of her station being known would put her and those around her in danger. Not even the Goblin King could be able to protect her. As unfair and as cruel as it was, she was a servant, and being in such a station made it an insult not to mention a crime to hold such power. So she hid it, never allowing anyone to see nor since it.
Shaking herself from such thoughts she sat at the edge of the pond within the garden and fingered the grass at her side. The soft cool grass passed beneath her fingertips sending trickles of magic through her touch. Lost in the view she started to hum an old song passed down to her by her mother:
"Songs of lore,
Magic of days,
Place me within your embrace.
Love so divine,
Welcomed within my heart.
I am not alone,
He's within my heart.
My soul, my soul,
Yearning to be free.
A caress in the night,
A gentle caress against the coldness of life.
Songs of lore,
Magic of days,
Place me within your embrace."
Her voice danced about the garden caressing against any entity that would hear. Edward sighed at the sound, Fayla had the voice of an angel. When she sang, it was like an enchantment pulling at one's soul. Turning a corner of another hedge within the garden, Edward saw her sitting by the pond looking out over the waters and singing as if lost in distant memories. Would she be able to accept him within her heart, other than that of a friend when he wanted so much more? He would have to be careful, for he did not want to ruin the relationship, what they already had, though it was not what he craved for.
Making his way towards her, he stood behind her, watching her, allowing her to finish. Silence consumed the gardens, as her voice no longer rang. The silence was such that it seemed as if the gardens around them were saddened that the song had ended, that she was no longer singing.
Fayla's eyes were closed the sadness of a lost love still weighing heavily on her heart. Gaylon's face was edged within her memory and she tried not to project it within her mind, it was too painful still. A single tear escaped from her closed eyes.
Edward sat beside her, watching as a single tear escaped closed lids, no, he could not pursue her the way he wished, not yet. She still mourned her husband, his best friend. By all that was magic, how much he missed his friend! Gaylon was one of those beings that made the world a better place to exist in, gave others purpose and hope that life was not in vain. No, she was not ready to love another. Edward just hoped that someday she would.
Gently placing his hand on her shoulder, he smiled warmly towards her as her eyes opened to his, "Your voice is as enchanting and awe striking as always."
Fayla smiled at his words, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear your approach."
Edward looked to her seriously, "Fayla, you should not still be torturing yourself with his death." She was about to argue but he pressed a finger to her lips, "I miss him as well, but it happened and he would not want you to be still morning his passing."
Looking away she swallowed an upcoming sob, "I know, you are right but it still hurts so much. I thought that Gaylon and I would still be enjoying together. It was not his time."
Seeing that she was holding back the sobs, he pulled her towards him, holding her against him to comfort her, "Let it out Fayla. It is not good to hold back your feelings and keep them locked within."
She could not hold back the tears any longer, as she sobbed against his chest. Edward's embrace gave her comfort that she had not felt in a long while. Fayla had locked up her feelings, not allowing anyone to know her pain for so long. To finally be able to allow herself to openly let out her pain to someone that she knew understood her loss was a comfort within itself.
His heart broke at the knowledge that she had been keeping these emotions locked up for too long. He should have come to see her sooner, he should have been there for her. He would do anything to make her pain go away but, all that he could do was be her comfort, her confidant.
Finally spent, Fayla noted how she had soaked Edward's shirt and grimaced, "Forgive me, I don't know what is wrong with me."
Edwards pulled away cupping her face within his hands, "Don't apologize. I should have been there for you."
Pulling his hands away she looked within his eyes, "No, you had your reasons. I hold no ill will towards you. Please, let us converse on other things, happier things. I have not seen you in years and we do have much to catch up on."
Edward nodded in agreement, "I would like that, but first let us stroll through the gardens and take in its peaceful surroundings."
Rising off of the ground they made their way through the gardens with no more talk of broken hearts and lost loved ones. They had much to catch up on and much to talk about before they would have to go back to their duties.