AN: here is the next chapter of Vendetta. So sorry to keep everyone waiting. I've been having a hard time getting to the important parts and I can't lie, I've been caught up in my new story "Survive" *ducks and hides from the flying rotten peaches. * But I'm getting back on track. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. Keep 'em coming!!
A lesson in immortality...
Aiden's castle was still as elegant and lively as Sarah remembered it. It was even more so this time. As much as she loved Jareth's castle, not even it could be compared to Aiden's marble mansion. It shone like a sparkling beacon in the light of the sun drawing all travelers to gaze upon its beauty. Sarah was walking in the gardens, while Jareth and Aiden discussed some strategies for court. She had spent much of the afternoon with them, wondering just how on earth they would convince the court that Sarah belonged with Jareth. She needed to get away from it all. It gave her a tremendous headache. This whole situation still seemed completely asinine to her.
It was obvious that she belonged with Jareth, she loved him and it was he who brought her into the Underground. But alas, Jareth and Aiden didn't believe that things would be that simple. The court was a strange and unpredictable place. Nearly anyone could stake a claim on her.
"Stake a claim." She snorted. "It's like I'm a piece of land to be won. Disgusting. And they think that mortals are uncivilized. " How dare they. She was going to stay with Jareth or she wouldn't go with anyone. She wasn't Fae, why should she be subject to their rules?
"Sarah!! What a pleasant surprise to find you here!" Sarah spun to see Cyla standing not far from her and beside her side was a very handsome young man that didn't look much older then Sarah.
"Cyla. I didn't know that you were here? I thought you were back in Darkwood."
The red headed Fae flashed her a warm smile. "Aiden invited me to help prepare for the ball. I used to love them when I was younger. Sarah, I'd like to introduce you to my son, Iysis."
The young man had short dark hair and the bluest eyes she had ever seen. He wore tan pants with knee high black boots, a wine colored shirt and a black cape over that. He bowed gracefully and reached for Sarah's hand placing a kiss upon the skin. "My mother has told me much about you, but I'm afraid her description is frail and meek compared to the actual beauty I see before me."
Sarah couldn't help but blush. Some of these Fae were just too charming. She never got this much attention back home. "It's wonderful to meet you Iysis. You should be very proud of your mother. She cares a great deal for you and risked much to keep you safe."
He nodded. "Yes. She is a good woman and I am thankful that she is my mother." Sarah noticed that he had yet to let go of her hand and he again bowed his head, placing a soft kiss on her skin that made her shiver.
"Sarah, there you are." Jareth strode into the small clearing and shot a very nasty look at the young man who held his lover's hand. Iysis took the gaze in stride and lowered her hand, finally releasing it. "Aiden was just telling me that you were here Cyla and this must be your son?" Jareth asked coming to stand beside Sarah. He placed a protective arm around her shoulder.
"Yes we just arrived a short while ago. Jareth this is my son Iysis. Iysis this is Jareth, the Goblin King and ruler of the Labyrinth."
Iysis bowed slightly before Jareth. "Ah yes, I've heard much about you Goblin King. I hear that your maze is unbeatable, except for one instance when a mortal defeated you." He glanced at Sarah and gave her a dashing smile. Sarah desperately tried to hide the blush she felt rising on her cheeks.
"A very special mortal was the victor and she claimed much more then victory over my Labyrinth." Jareth grinned deviously at Sarah and she smacked him playfully on the arm. Iysis did not miss the display.
"Ah yes, the same mortal made the Goblin King soft, from the rumors I hear." Iysis said coldly.
Jareth ignored the remark and turned to Cyla. "Aiden asked me to send you both inside. He wishes to discuss the preparations for the ball. He says that you are quite a decorator, Cyla. He was impressed by how quickly Darkwood has changed."
Cyla nodded and thanked Jareth before she and her son made their way toward the castle. When they had gone Jareth reached for Sarah, pulling her into his arms. He placed a kiss into her hair.
"I don't want you trusting either one of them, is that understood?" He whispered into her hair.
"Where did that come from?"
"I mean it Sarah. These are very dangerous times. We don't know what side is up or down, never mind who we can trust. Remember that Aiden is the only one we can trust completely. Cyla may appear to be on our side, but we can never be too sure and I do not yet know her son. There is something about him that I don't like"
Sarah pulled away from him. "I can't believe you! You still can't get over what happened in the past. And on top of that you're jealous!! News flash Jareth, the past is over."
'I'm well aware that the past is over and I thank those who came before me for that. And I can't help but feel protective of you. I mean what I say, do not be so willing to trust anyone. Fae are manipulative, it is their nature. We can't say too much in front of anyone or everything may be lost."
Sarah walked over to a marble bench and sat upon it, the pale yellow of her dress pooling around her. "I still can't believe that we have to go through with this."
He sighed, sitting beside her. "Sarah I don't like this anymore then you do. In fact I hate this. But the rules are the rules. I killed Farris, regardless of the reason, I killed him and I brought a mortal into the underground. Both things that the court feels the need to address. The Underground has been run this way for thousands of years. They aren't going to change the system for us just because we want them to."
"But I still don't understand why they are summoning you to court. What do they care about me or about us for that matter?"
"They don't care. Although some may see you as a threat as I've said before. Others will want you because you will be a trophy to them. They would proudly display you and tell all that you are the only one to have defeated the Labyrinth. In the eyes of the court I broke the rules. I interfered in human affairs by bringing you here without your permission. Regardless of the debt. They don't see that as a good enough excuse. Fae are bound by law not to interfere with humans unless summoned. You did summon me in a way but simply saying my name will not be good enough for them either. The first time I brought you was an exception and was part of the rules. You asked me to take the child and I did and you beat me and you both went home." He sighed taking her hands into his. "This time I brought you back and forced my ways upon you."
"Good God Jareth! You're not Farris for goodness sakes! Yes you may have brought me here in an unfavorable way but things changed. I'm glad to be here and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but with you." She knew he was feeling guilty and he was second guessing himself. Now was not the time to be doing that.
Jareth wasn't listening to her. "I was never a favorite in court. The rumors have been spread by Farris. They may all know that I have a weakness for you, just as Farris knew. And what then? They'll certainly take you away. Then there is the immortality issue. Aiden heard word from a friend that the court also knows of my offer to make you immortal. The court doesn't know what to make of that and they are chaotic and distraught like bees who have just lost their hive. We tread very dangerous ground by just speaking of making you immortal."
"How would I become immortal?"
"I intended for it be a gift. My magic combined with that from a book I have in my possession, but Aiden informed of something just this morning. I need to be completely honest with you Sarah." He lowered his voice and Sarah nearly toppled over when she saw his pale face flush. "If we continue to remain intimate, physically, being in contact with me so often will make you immortal. I am immortal and a being of magic. My magic flows within you already and it will only grow and consume you further, if we continue."
"So you're saying that if we keep making love, every time there is a joining between us it is a step closer to me becoming immortal?"
He nodded. "Remember our first night together, after Farris had been defeated?"
"How could I forget it? It was the most incredible night of my life."
"Remember when you asked me if it always felt like that?" She nodded. "At the time I didn't really understand it myself. I never in my 900 years have felt such feelings for or with anyone. That night something happened between us and I didn't understand it until Aiden and I talked about immortality. Magic is part of me and it flows within me; in my blood and everything that I am. You are a non magic Sarah. Every time we join, my magic enters your body and stays there. Coursing your blood, becoming part of you until over time enough of it has built up within you that you will become immortal. You will never have the powers that Fae have but you will have immortality. Living so closely to us, you will become vulnerable to iron just as we are. You will begin to fear the metal as we do. You will be changed forever and will not be able to return to the Aboveground and if you do, you will be able to stay long. I did not know that bringing you here and being intimate with you would change you. Had I known, I would not have brought you here."
"This changes a lot of things." Sarah said softly.
"I understand, just as I will understand if you decide to leave."
"What? Jareth. I'm not going to leave you." She reached for him. "I love you Jareth. Toby is the only thing I care about Aboveground and if I can visit him, just for a little while ever so often, then my life will be complete."
"You mean you don't wish to return aboveground?"
"No. My place is here with you."
He let out s sigh of relief and lowered his head beckoning her lips to dance with his. "I love you." He whispered softly.
"I love you too."
Jareth buried his face into her neck and pulled her closer to him. "I'm afraid Sarah. I'm so afraid that I will lose you. I need you. You're the air that I can not live without."
Sarah hugged him tightly. "This is like a nightmare that won't end." She whispered.
"We will find a way to end it."
"But what if we can't end it on our favor, what then? Jareth I can't live in this world without you. I won't go to the highest bidder, unless that's you."
He picked up his head, fiddling with her hair, looking anywhere on her face except her eyes. She felt him tremble. "Then I will send you home."
She pulled back, glaring at him through wide eyes. "You heard me correctly. I will send you home. " He repeated. "You have paid the debt, if we lose all you need do is ask me to send you back and I will do so."
"But what about you ?"
"I..I don't know." He trembled as he said this and she didn't miss it.
"You do know! Jareth I have to know what would happen?" He looked away from her. "Jareth?" She gripped his shoulders, her voice full of panic. "What would happen? Tell me the truth."
He closed his eyes. He had promised to be truthful with her, always. He couldn't lie even if he desperately wanted to. "If..if the court does not put me out of my misery for sending you away....then I will." He looked at her with a sad serious look in his eyes.
Sarah let out a horrified cry and buried her face into the warmth of his chest. "No...no. I don't care what happens. I'm not leaving. I will NEVER tell you to send me home. Never..." She began to sob, clutching his shirt in her fists. She would not be responsible for his death or his downfall.
"Then we are at the mercy of the court." He whispered trying to soothe her. He had frightened her terribly and he had frightened himself, for he knew he meant those words. He would rather die then live with out her. "But you must promise me something Sarah." He gently pulled away from her, lowering his head to gaze into her tear filled eyes. "You must promise me that if all does not go well in court, that you will say the words. That you will ask me to send you home. I will not live to see you suffer here or to see you the slave or trophy of another."
"No!" she cried out at him. And she pushed him violently away from her. "No! I will never say them!" She cried.
"Please Sarah, you must promise me that you will say them. I will not see you suffer."
"And I will not condemn you to death which is what those words will do! They will NEVER fall from my lips do you hear me?? NEVER!!" She was shaking so badly. She was frightened and frantic and it was taking all of his will power to stare her down to try and force her to give into him instead of scooping her up into his arms. The court was not something to take lightly. The court scared him when he was younger and now it terrified him. The court was the only thing that could take Sarah away from him and destroy his life, his kingdom and everything he had worked so hard to make right. He wouldn't let them win, he wouldn't let them take Sarah. He would lose everything before he lost her. He would see the downfall of the underground before he let them take her..
He couldn't deal with the fact that he had frightened her so badly. He was an idiot for trying to make her promise to say the words. An anguished cry escaped his lips and he pulled her to him in a crushing embrace.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. I could never make you promise what I just asked. I'm sorry Sarah. Please forgive me...." He hugged her tightly. Burying his face into her hair, soft sobs escaped him.
It was moments later that he felt her hands smoothing his hair and he could feel her rocking him in her arms. He rested his head on her shoulder and let out a shuddering sigh. "We have to win this, Jareth... we have to." She whispered into his hair, still stroking the soft blond strands.
"I know..."
A lesson in immortality...
Aiden's castle was still as elegant and lively as Sarah remembered it. It was even more so this time. As much as she loved Jareth's castle, not even it could be compared to Aiden's marble mansion. It shone like a sparkling beacon in the light of the sun drawing all travelers to gaze upon its beauty. Sarah was walking in the gardens, while Jareth and Aiden discussed some strategies for court. She had spent much of the afternoon with them, wondering just how on earth they would convince the court that Sarah belonged with Jareth. She needed to get away from it all. It gave her a tremendous headache. This whole situation still seemed completely asinine to her.
It was obvious that she belonged with Jareth, she loved him and it was he who brought her into the Underground. But alas, Jareth and Aiden didn't believe that things would be that simple. The court was a strange and unpredictable place. Nearly anyone could stake a claim on her.
"Stake a claim." She snorted. "It's like I'm a piece of land to be won. Disgusting. And they think that mortals are uncivilized. " How dare they. She was going to stay with Jareth or she wouldn't go with anyone. She wasn't Fae, why should she be subject to their rules?
"Sarah!! What a pleasant surprise to find you here!" Sarah spun to see Cyla standing not far from her and beside her side was a very handsome young man that didn't look much older then Sarah.
"Cyla. I didn't know that you were here? I thought you were back in Darkwood."
The red headed Fae flashed her a warm smile. "Aiden invited me to help prepare for the ball. I used to love them when I was younger. Sarah, I'd like to introduce you to my son, Iysis."
The young man had short dark hair and the bluest eyes she had ever seen. He wore tan pants with knee high black boots, a wine colored shirt and a black cape over that. He bowed gracefully and reached for Sarah's hand placing a kiss upon the skin. "My mother has told me much about you, but I'm afraid her description is frail and meek compared to the actual beauty I see before me."
Sarah couldn't help but blush. Some of these Fae were just too charming. She never got this much attention back home. "It's wonderful to meet you Iysis. You should be very proud of your mother. She cares a great deal for you and risked much to keep you safe."
He nodded. "Yes. She is a good woman and I am thankful that she is my mother." Sarah noticed that he had yet to let go of her hand and he again bowed his head, placing a soft kiss on her skin that made her shiver.
"Sarah, there you are." Jareth strode into the small clearing and shot a very nasty look at the young man who held his lover's hand. Iysis took the gaze in stride and lowered her hand, finally releasing it. "Aiden was just telling me that you were here Cyla and this must be your son?" Jareth asked coming to stand beside Sarah. He placed a protective arm around her shoulder.
"Yes we just arrived a short while ago. Jareth this is my son Iysis. Iysis this is Jareth, the Goblin King and ruler of the Labyrinth."
Iysis bowed slightly before Jareth. "Ah yes, I've heard much about you Goblin King. I hear that your maze is unbeatable, except for one instance when a mortal defeated you." He glanced at Sarah and gave her a dashing smile. Sarah desperately tried to hide the blush she felt rising on her cheeks.
"A very special mortal was the victor and she claimed much more then victory over my Labyrinth." Jareth grinned deviously at Sarah and she smacked him playfully on the arm. Iysis did not miss the display.
"Ah yes, the same mortal made the Goblin King soft, from the rumors I hear." Iysis said coldly.
Jareth ignored the remark and turned to Cyla. "Aiden asked me to send you both inside. He wishes to discuss the preparations for the ball. He says that you are quite a decorator, Cyla. He was impressed by how quickly Darkwood has changed."
Cyla nodded and thanked Jareth before she and her son made their way toward the castle. When they had gone Jareth reached for Sarah, pulling her into his arms. He placed a kiss into her hair.
"I don't want you trusting either one of them, is that understood?" He whispered into her hair.
"Where did that come from?"
"I mean it Sarah. These are very dangerous times. We don't know what side is up or down, never mind who we can trust. Remember that Aiden is the only one we can trust completely. Cyla may appear to be on our side, but we can never be too sure and I do not yet know her son. There is something about him that I don't like"
Sarah pulled away from him. "I can't believe you! You still can't get over what happened in the past. And on top of that you're jealous!! News flash Jareth, the past is over."
'I'm well aware that the past is over and I thank those who came before me for that. And I can't help but feel protective of you. I mean what I say, do not be so willing to trust anyone. Fae are manipulative, it is their nature. We can't say too much in front of anyone or everything may be lost."
Sarah walked over to a marble bench and sat upon it, the pale yellow of her dress pooling around her. "I still can't believe that we have to go through with this."
He sighed, sitting beside her. "Sarah I don't like this anymore then you do. In fact I hate this. But the rules are the rules. I killed Farris, regardless of the reason, I killed him and I brought a mortal into the underground. Both things that the court feels the need to address. The Underground has been run this way for thousands of years. They aren't going to change the system for us just because we want them to."
"But I still don't understand why they are summoning you to court. What do they care about me or about us for that matter?"
"They don't care. Although some may see you as a threat as I've said before. Others will want you because you will be a trophy to them. They would proudly display you and tell all that you are the only one to have defeated the Labyrinth. In the eyes of the court I broke the rules. I interfered in human affairs by bringing you here without your permission. Regardless of the debt. They don't see that as a good enough excuse. Fae are bound by law not to interfere with humans unless summoned. You did summon me in a way but simply saying my name will not be good enough for them either. The first time I brought you was an exception and was part of the rules. You asked me to take the child and I did and you beat me and you both went home." He sighed taking her hands into his. "This time I brought you back and forced my ways upon you."
"Good God Jareth! You're not Farris for goodness sakes! Yes you may have brought me here in an unfavorable way but things changed. I'm glad to be here and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but with you." She knew he was feeling guilty and he was second guessing himself. Now was not the time to be doing that.
Jareth wasn't listening to her. "I was never a favorite in court. The rumors have been spread by Farris. They may all know that I have a weakness for you, just as Farris knew. And what then? They'll certainly take you away. Then there is the immortality issue. Aiden heard word from a friend that the court also knows of my offer to make you immortal. The court doesn't know what to make of that and they are chaotic and distraught like bees who have just lost their hive. We tread very dangerous ground by just speaking of making you immortal."
"How would I become immortal?"
"I intended for it be a gift. My magic combined with that from a book I have in my possession, but Aiden informed of something just this morning. I need to be completely honest with you Sarah." He lowered his voice and Sarah nearly toppled over when she saw his pale face flush. "If we continue to remain intimate, physically, being in contact with me so often will make you immortal. I am immortal and a being of magic. My magic flows within you already and it will only grow and consume you further, if we continue."
"So you're saying that if we keep making love, every time there is a joining between us it is a step closer to me becoming immortal?"
He nodded. "Remember our first night together, after Farris had been defeated?"
"How could I forget it? It was the most incredible night of my life."
"Remember when you asked me if it always felt like that?" She nodded. "At the time I didn't really understand it myself. I never in my 900 years have felt such feelings for or with anyone. That night something happened between us and I didn't understand it until Aiden and I talked about immortality. Magic is part of me and it flows within me; in my blood and everything that I am. You are a non magic Sarah. Every time we join, my magic enters your body and stays there. Coursing your blood, becoming part of you until over time enough of it has built up within you that you will become immortal. You will never have the powers that Fae have but you will have immortality. Living so closely to us, you will become vulnerable to iron just as we are. You will begin to fear the metal as we do. You will be changed forever and will not be able to return to the Aboveground and if you do, you will be able to stay long. I did not know that bringing you here and being intimate with you would change you. Had I known, I would not have brought you here."
"This changes a lot of things." Sarah said softly.
"I understand, just as I will understand if you decide to leave."
"What? Jareth. I'm not going to leave you." She reached for him. "I love you Jareth. Toby is the only thing I care about Aboveground and if I can visit him, just for a little while ever so often, then my life will be complete."
"You mean you don't wish to return aboveground?"
"No. My place is here with you."
He let out s sigh of relief and lowered his head beckoning her lips to dance with his. "I love you." He whispered softly.
"I love you too."
Jareth buried his face into her neck and pulled her closer to him. "I'm afraid Sarah. I'm so afraid that I will lose you. I need you. You're the air that I can not live without."
Sarah hugged him tightly. "This is like a nightmare that won't end." She whispered.
"We will find a way to end it."
"But what if we can't end it on our favor, what then? Jareth I can't live in this world without you. I won't go to the highest bidder, unless that's you."
He picked up his head, fiddling with her hair, looking anywhere on her face except her eyes. She felt him tremble. "Then I will send you home."
She pulled back, glaring at him through wide eyes. "You heard me correctly. I will send you home. " He repeated. "You have paid the debt, if we lose all you need do is ask me to send you back and I will do so."
"But what about you ?"
"I..I don't know." He trembled as he said this and she didn't miss it.
"You do know! Jareth I have to know what would happen?" He looked away from her. "Jareth?" She gripped his shoulders, her voice full of panic. "What would happen? Tell me the truth."
He closed his eyes. He had promised to be truthful with her, always. He couldn't lie even if he desperately wanted to. "If..if the court does not put me out of my misery for sending you away....then I will." He looked at her with a sad serious look in his eyes.
Sarah let out a horrified cry and buried her face into the warmth of his chest. "No...no. I don't care what happens. I'm not leaving. I will NEVER tell you to send me home. Never..." She began to sob, clutching his shirt in her fists. She would not be responsible for his death or his downfall.
"Then we are at the mercy of the court." He whispered trying to soothe her. He had frightened her terribly and he had frightened himself, for he knew he meant those words. He would rather die then live with out her. "But you must promise me something Sarah." He gently pulled away from her, lowering his head to gaze into her tear filled eyes. "You must promise me that if all does not go well in court, that you will say the words. That you will ask me to send you home. I will not live to see you suffer here or to see you the slave or trophy of another."
"No!" she cried out at him. And she pushed him violently away from her. "No! I will never say them!" She cried.
"Please Sarah, you must promise me that you will say them. I will not see you suffer."
"And I will not condemn you to death which is what those words will do! They will NEVER fall from my lips do you hear me?? NEVER!!" She was shaking so badly. She was frightened and frantic and it was taking all of his will power to stare her down to try and force her to give into him instead of scooping her up into his arms. The court was not something to take lightly. The court scared him when he was younger and now it terrified him. The court was the only thing that could take Sarah away from him and destroy his life, his kingdom and everything he had worked so hard to make right. He wouldn't let them win, he wouldn't let them take Sarah. He would lose everything before he lost her. He would see the downfall of the underground before he let them take her..
He couldn't deal with the fact that he had frightened her so badly. He was an idiot for trying to make her promise to say the words. An anguished cry escaped his lips and he pulled her to him in a crushing embrace.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. I could never make you promise what I just asked. I'm sorry Sarah. Please forgive me...." He hugged her tightly. Burying his face into her hair, soft sobs escaped him.
It was moments later that he felt her hands smoothing his hair and he could feel her rocking him in her arms. He rested his head on her shoulder and let out a shuddering sigh. "We have to win this, Jareth... we have to." She whispered into his hair, still stroking the soft blond strands.
"I know..."