::sniffles:: Just two more chapters to go and it will soon be over. I just love weddings! Maybe I'll not write the wedding night ::wicked grin:: Nah!! You guys would probably peach me. Not to mention a certain Fae in tights whom would do me major bodily harm if I don't write it. Enjoy this chapter. I do have a surprise within. I'll never tell!!
Chapter 38
The Goblin City was in a bustle, as all were getting ready for the wedding of the century. To the secret amusement of most, it was long believed that the Goblin King would never settle down. The morning had already past, the King having a private sitting with Sarah's parents and her young brother Toby, which had greatly amused him. Meanwhile, Sarah was a nervous wreck.
Sitting out on the veranda, Sarah chewed nervously on the inside of her cheek as she nibbled occasionally at a croissant. She was all too nervous and anxious about the upcoming wedding thinking, "What if I make a fool out of myself and trip over my wedding dress going down the isle? God, I'm going to be in front of all those people!"
Finally tired of just sitting there nibbling at her lunch, Sarah decided that she needed to get out of this room. Fayla had told her that she needed to stay in the room so as not to run into Jareth, as it would be bad luck to see the bride before the wedding ceremony.
"I guess there are some Aboveground customs that are universal!" Sarah mused silently to herself.
Deciding that she would just have to risk bumping into a certain Goblin King, the thought of seeing him making her smile in spite of her emotional state. She could not get that Fae out of her mind as his features, the way he kissed her, held her, came rushing fresh in her memory. God she missed him!
Reaching the door to freedom, Sarah slowly turned the knob and as the door opened she slowly peeked her head out the door and was instantly disappointed. Frowning, she was slightly miffed to be caught by a grinning Fayla who had her hands firmly placed on her hips, her head shaking side to side in disapproval. "Busted!" quickly came to mind.
With a sigh, Sarah stepped back allowing Fayla entrance and closing the door behind her with a resounding click. Silently, she walked past Fayla and threw herself onto the bed with a pout.
Trying not to laugh at her friend's antics, Fayla only smiled before lightly commenting, "And just where did you think you were going young lady?"
Resting her elbows on the bed to prop herself into a half seated position, Sarah let out a puff of breath, causing a strand of hair that was in her face to fly up into the air. "I feel trapped! I've been in this room all day," she pouted.
Extending her hand to help Sarah up from the bed, Fayla calmly tried to ease Sarah's spirits, "But there is still so much to do before the wedding ceremony. You do want to look your best?"
Allowing Fayla to help her rise off the bed, Sarah allowed herself to be led to sit in front of the vanity mirror. "Yes," she fidgeted, "Its just nerves I guess! I keep envisioning myself tripping on my way down the isle and falling flat on my face or embarrassing myself in front of all present. Oh Fayla, can't we cancel the big ceremony and Jareth and I go and elope? You know private ceremony with just close family members and friends?"
Pulling Sarah's hair back from her shoulders Fayla leaned forward resting her chin on her shoulder, "Sarah, you are not going to do anything to embarrass yourself. Trust me, as soon as you step down the isle and see Jareth there waiting for you, he will be all that you will see."
"Do all brides feel this nervous the day of their weddings or is it just me?" Sarah groaned as she squeezed Fayla's hand.
"It is perfectly natural. Now lets see what we are going to do with your hair and makeup and then before you know it you will be in your wedding dress and the ceremony will be only moments away."
Standing at the window of his room, Jareth was tempted to look in on his love but stopped himself before conjuring one of his crystals. As foolish as the custom of not seeing your bride on the day of the wedding before the ceremony was he restrained himself from breaking tradition.
Spending most of the morning conversing with Sarah's parents, Jareth found himself in a fountain of information of his love. They had some rather interesting stories of Sarah, enjoyable tidbits of events in her life that he had not known. Some he would later have to ask her about. Jareth's eyes sparkled at the thought.
Then there was Toby. Oh, what a bright young child he had become! He was so very much like his sister. The thought of Sarah made him long for her company, her touch, her laugh, and so much passion that she had within just waiting to be explored. Suddenly a few hours were starting to feel as if it were an eternity.
Needing something to distract him from checking in on Sarah he conjured a crystal to look over the preparations for the wedding and the gathering of the guest instead. His observations were cut short though as one of his goblins came hurriedly within the throne room.
Nervously the goblin bowed before his king, "Majesty they're here!"
"Bring them, " stopping the goblin before he could scurry to do his bidding Jareth added, "and remember that they are guests and are to be treated as such."
Shaking his head enthusiastically in confirmation the goblin scurried out of the throne room.
Seating himself within his throne Jareth only had to wait for a short while when his guests entered the room. With his usual mask of indifference he concealed a grin as he watched them nervously enter.
"Well, well, well, it has been a long time, has it not?" Jareth asked casually.
Proudly with head held high, the young fox Knight paused a moment in contemplation before bowing with a sweep of his hat, "Your majesty. I congratulate thee on thy fortune of your soon to be marriage."
In acknowledgement Jareth replied, "I thank you Sir Didymus."
The small dwarf limped slightly forward with brows furrowed, "Will we be able to see her?" Hoggle nervously asked.
"Sarah fwiend!" was the excited reply from the large monster, Ludo.
Rising from the throne Jareth approached them, "Yes, but not until the ceremony. I wish for this to be a pleasant surprise for her. Until then feel free to enjoy the luncheon that is being held for the other guests."
With that dismissal Sir Didimous, Ludo, and Hoggle made their exit of the throne room. They were all excited with the prospect of seeing their dear friend after all these years. They missed her dearly.
Sarah smiled at her reflection; Fayla had transformed her. She really did look like a Queen! Her hair was pulled up into an elegant French twist, the top of her dark hair tumbling in curls. Silver glitter sparkled within her hair and on her skin, covering her shoulders, arms, and chest. Her eyelids were painted with dark silver eyeliner and light silver eye shadow making her blue eyes sparkle. Her cheeks were lightly tinged with a light peach the silver glitter subtly sprinkled upon her brow, under her eyes and face. All in all, Sarah practically glowed.
Smiling at her reflection she dabbed her lips with peach colored lipstick. At the sound of the door opening Sarah looked to Fayla through the reflection of the mirror.
Entering Sarah's chambers, after speaking with some of the goblin servants, Fayla was pleased with her work as she saw Sarah looking at her through her mirror, "Sarah I must say that you look radiant! And we have yet to dress you in your wedding dress."
Sarah blushed, "Thank you. Did you find out how my parents and Toby are doing? Is Toby enjoying himself?"
Making her way towards Sarah, Fayla answered, "They are well. My and Toby is such a lovely child! I promise that I will keep special watch on him and your family. Now, let us see about getting that dress on."
Looking to the mannequin that held the dress, Sarah asked, "How are we going to get it on without getting my makeup and hair messed up?" Before Fayla could answer Sarah shook her head, "Magic right?"
Grinning Fayla replied, "Exactly!"
Standing from her seated position Sarah closed her eyes and waited for Fayla to start. In moments, she felt the magic being conjured as it flowed around her. Then all was calm. Opening her eyes Sarah almost came to tears at the image of her reflection.
The strapless white wedding dress was stunning against her ivory skin that gleamed from the sparkle silver glitter. The top of the dress hugged her bountiful cleavage, but in a way that was flattering to her features and did not look too revealing. Sarah ran her hands across the silky material admiring the princess cut waist, the thick lining wrapping around her front and ending to the back where the dress drooped down slightly showing her silky shoulder blades and forming a long train of white silk and crystal. The skirt of the dress swept down in a straight line to the floor, ending just at her feet where she wore crystal and white slippers.
With tears bordering her eyes Sarah softly whispered, "Its like a dream."
Coming to Sarah's side, Fayla dabbed the corner of Sarah's eyes, "Ah, but so much more!" after a moment's pause she continued, "and now for the finishing touch."
Sarah watched as Fayla placed a small box down on the vanity and then turned to face her, "This is the finishing touch." As Fayla said this she lifted the lid allowing her friend to see what lay inside.
A gasp escaped her lips at what she saw. Within the velvet casing laid a small crown of silver and crystal, its design small and elegant. Within the circle of the crown sat teardrop crystal earrings and necklace.
Breathlessly Sarah watched as Fayla lifted the crown from its seat of satin and placed it upon her head. Shakily Sarah lifted her hands up to touch the crown, barely able to believe that this was indeed real. Never in her life had she felt so beautiful.
Placing the earrings and necklace on her, Fayla stood back admiring her work, "You are the most lovely Queen I have ever seen. It is so rare for one to have inner beauty as well as outer."
Sarah could only stare at her reflection, her lips slightly parted in wonderment and awe. Having to swallow several times before she could get her throat to work Sarah broke her gaze from her reflection to look to her friend.
"Oh Fayla, thank you!" Sarah said as she hugged her.
Releasing herself from her friend's hold, Fayla stood back holding both of Sarah's hands in hers, "Now we have a few moments before we start to head down to the ceremony. Remember that when you reach the end of the isle you will allow your father to place your hand in Jareth's and then follow his lead. This ceremony is not only one of ritual but spiritual. Open yourself up to it and trust in your love and your heart."
Sarah laughed nervously, "You sound like one of those greeting cards!" At Fayla's raised brow she shook her head, "Never mind, it's an Aboveground thing!"
Squeezing Fayla's hand, Sarah followed her to the door and out towards where the ceremony would be. Taking deep breaths, Sarah made sure that she held her head high and walked proud and strong though inwardly she felt as if she would faint. She had studied acting for a long time; she could do this.