A while had past since the thoughts of her adventures in the Labyrinth, and her worries for that place's sovereign had settled back into the recesses of her mind. For the moment, at least. She stretches out her arms, letting the book close over the finger which marks the page she'd left off on. It was pleasurable to read and walk at the same time, and not have anyone fuss at you to do chores or watch a little brother. So, Sarah had read until her arms grew numb and her legs sore. The stretched finished and her arms regaining lost feeling, she chances a quick glance at her watch. Her mind sets off a surprise alarm, and she nearly jumps out of her skin. Late for classes . . . again! Turning on her heal, she runs out of the park so quickly that it felt as though she could take off and begin to fly. If only I could, she thinks to herself, her tone harsh in her mind's ear.
She makes it to her campus quickly, rushing towards the dorms where she is lodged for the year first. Rushing up the stairwell that leads to her destination, she does not pause at the greetings given to her by some of her friends from her drama course (the only class she never is late to). However, she does resign a breath to greet them back as she rushes by them, hearing their laughter and wise cracks at her famous tardiness. It makes her smile as well, knowing it's only meant in fun. After all, they had their faults as well, and she gamed on them when it proved appropriate. Making it to her room, she opens the door and goes in, leaving the entrance unbolted. Not that it mattered, everyone left their doors open when they were in their rooms and didn't mind being bothered. She grabs her book bag that is already stuffed full of the material she needs for that particular day. Right as she goes to leave, she notices something laying on her bed. It is a small, dark red crystal. It was rounded and perfect to behold . . . capturing the light that came near it into it's own glory. Fascination quickly slips away into fear . . . the crystal ball is a slightly altered version of the ones that he had carried with him. And, for another fact . . . she didn't share this room with anyone else. The girl who had been her dorm mate earlier in the year had transferred, leaving this room to Sarah and Sarah alone. So, that meant . . .A note caught her attention, breaking the ending of that thought. The slip of paper sits upon her desk, in the corner of the room. Forgetting the fact that she is already horrendously short on time, Sarah goes to pick it up . . . her pace slow, and cautious. She acts as though the slip of paper could turn into a venomous serpent. But, if he were involved . . . it very well could do just that transformation. Not daring to touch it, she gazes over it . . . The hand writing is neat, and overly flourished. The hand of an artistic female, Sarah noticed . . . and not an arrogant King.
Dearest Roomie, it - the note- began.I'm sure by now it has come to your attention that another individual has the same key as your own. And, putting two and two together like anyone, you have noticed that your old roommate has been replaced. I will be returning soon, so don't be surprised when I have all my stuff moved in. Just wanted to locate the room first, ya know . . . before I trucked all my stuff up here. Lucky for me, my move won't take me long, as my traveling distance is short. See you tonight, at the latest!
Cheers!Ronni Saffe
Ps: The crystal on the bed is a gift for you, it's not much I know . . . but it's pretty to look at. Thought a show of goodwill would do to break the proverbial ice, ya know? Well, as I said before -see you soon!Sarah released a sigh of relief that her worst nightmares . . . and fondest dreams, if she was pressed to admit it (and luckily, she wasn't) . . . were not coming true. Finally, she remembers the fact that she has a host of classes to go to, and that she is already very late for the first one of the afternoon. Leaving the note on the table, she exits the room with her book bag in tow - locking the door behind her as she goes.
~~~~~~~~~~The Underground, about fifteen minutes before Sarah was in her room, reading the note . . .
"You want me to WHAT?" Saffron asked, knowing well that her face was turning red with anger. Jareth merely smirked at her, his amusement residing in his mismatched eyes."You heard me, girl. I want you to go into her world, and befriend her." He replied, after regarding her for a few moments. Then, as though he were revealing something, he stated: "After all, you two should take on well enough."
"What do you mean?" Saffron asked, narrowing her icy blue eyes at him."Your both stubborn and headstrong, but you're both understanding . . . what, do you want me to write you a book of similarities most of those who enter my Labyrinth share?" His growl warned her into silence. She knew when not to bait him, even if she were angry. Malice receding, he continued on with the plan she had interrupted right at the beginning. "As I was saying . . . you will go to her world, befriend her. You will go as her roommate, at her college . . . share several of her classes - but not enough to make her suspicious of you."
"Whoa there, Jare - Highness . . ." She didn't use the familiar of his name when she caught that glint in his eyes. "You're sending me to college?""Yes . . . it is after all, an imperative part in human development these days, is it not? And, it is where Sarah happens to be."
"For people over eighteen that is. I may be four hundred and twenty, but to the above ground, my age is what my looks show. I look sixteen! Sixteen year olds go to Highschool, not college!""Not always." He reminded her. Of course, he knew more about the aboveground than he sometimes let on. "Besides, you are older than you look, and that fact could be easily established in that world."
"Yeah, just downsize the age by four hundred years." Saffron grumbled. Then, another thought came to her head. "So, who will be your eyes when I'm watching Sarah and only Sarah?""I had my ways before you, didn't I?" He questioned, lifting a mocking eyebrow.
"Obviously." She muttered darkly, knowing he was telling her something cruel. Everything was so underhanded with him. He would talk in riddles, and finally she understood most of them, and was just thankful she hadn't started on it yet."O yes, and you will have company of your own. Another one who can transcend worlds without being called or simply believed in." Was that self mockery she heard? He pressed on before she could think on it further. "The sprite known as Mordred will go with you."
God, a sprite . . . and the one called Mordred no less? Sprites were as arrogant as Jareth, and he favored them greatly above all others in his realm. They were nobility . . . and Mordred was, without a doubt . . . the most horrid of them. Why me? She kept that to herself though."Why is he going too?" Was all she voiced.
"His majesty has his reasons, I suspect." Another voice replied. Jareth smiled at the new comer in the conversation and Saffron watched him with glowering eyes. He was handsome, she'd give him that . . . but looks were not something to judge one's personality on. Like Jareth, Mordred was tall and thin. His shoulders were broad though, and he was dressed in silks and leather -all solid black and very elegant in a masculine way. It fit him well. He was a pale creature, with faintly pointed ears and feline features that made him so handsome. Mordred's hair was long, and straight . . . and had the affect of a raven's wing, it was so shiny black. Sterling silver eyes watched her in return, their sharp gaze studying her with all the arrogance she knew resided behind them. Then, he began speaking again. His voice was as silken as his hair, and deeper than the ocean in Jareth's eyes. "Though, I fear neither of us will be told until a later time.""Now, do you still feel left out, my pretty little failure?" Jareth asked, his own eyes settling on Saffron as well. She hated it when he called her that. It had more than one meaning, though . . . and not all of the meaning was directed at her. Some of it was left to himself as well. Not that he'd ever admit that.
"I await your further orders, milord." Was all Saffron replied, not turning her untrusting eyes from her newly appointed work partner."Splendid!" The Goblin King smirked. "Now, let's begin . . ."
**************More Soon!