MORTAL BELOVED
(CHAPTER 8)
DOWNTIME
DISCLAIMER: WELL IF THERE IS ANYONE OUT THERE WHO DOESN'T KNOW I DON'T OWN ANY PART OF THE LABYRINTH.
Findlay stood in front of a floor length mirror in the throne room. Sarah, Alanya and Jareth were all there. The first trying hard not to laugh, the second failing dismally and the third looking very pleased with himself.
"Are you sure about this?" Findlay questioned Jareth, The Goblin King nodded.
"I knew when I let him go that there was no way Toran could resist coming back and trying once again to harm me" stated Jareth.
Findlay turned and looked at his friends. Jareth was his best friend and his family, and in his own way he loved the wicked fey, but all that aside Findlay knew that this was going a bit far.
He turned and glared at Jareth, "These tights are too tight!" he exclaimed.
Jareth laughed, "Not at all my friend, I wear them like that all the time" replied Jareth.
Findlay glared harder "Yeah and look how you turned out Goblin Boy!" he said laughing. Jareth's brows knitted "Hmph!" he exclaimed, then face clearing he walked over to Sarah and whispered in her ear. Sarah nodded and whispered something back laughing. "What are you two planning?" asked Findlay shooting a look at Alanya. Sarah shrugged and Jareth held up his hands. "Nothing, not me nope, no way" said Jareth with considerably less than his normal level of composure. Jareth turned to face Findlay, and held up his hand about to snap his fingers when Findlay started to move toward Jareth.
"Whatever it is Jareth, please don't do it! You know you don't want to! come on!"
he exclaimed. Jareth grinned wickedly. "Sorry Finn, can't resist" he replied. With that Jareth snapped his fingers and instantly there appeared a runway throughout the throne room. Blue beams spotlighted and circled the catwalk Sarah's idea came into play as Cyndi Lauper's "Girls just wanna have fun" came belting through the air. Findlay appeared, in dark tights, a white poets shirt and a blue glitter jacket. Obviously under Jareth's control, Findlay sauntered down the runway. When he reached the end Findlay stopped, hands on hips and turned, as he was turning the platinum wig went flying and landed on poor ambrocious who had just padded into the room curious. The spell temporarily broken, Findlay looked at the runway then himself and then yelled "JARETH!" jareth merely laughed. Findlay hissed and disappeared. Jareth looked over at Ambrocious who was still wearing the long platinum wig. "Hmm…have to do something about that" he stated and the trio fell about laughing.
* * *
Alanya rose to her feet and explained that she had some foreign peace treaties to look over and approve. She walked out of the room and Jareth and Sarah were left alone.
"How is your body healing?" asked Jareth concernedly. Sarah smiled softly.
"I'm going to be ok Jareth, Its still very painful but I am recovering several times faster than a mortal and I'm going to be ok" she replied. Jareth smiled sweetly.
"Do you know, your beautiful even when your injured? Most beings fey or otherwise can't say that, but you are" he answered. Sarah cast her eyes downward.
"Is that all that you think of me? That I'm beautiful?" she asked hurt registering slightly.
Jareth stepped closer. "Sarah, I think the world of you" he replied. Sarah smiled and her gaze slid from the floor to his face, she took it all in, the sharp face that could be as easily cruel as it could kind, those marvelous changeling eyes and that mouth uncharacteristically delicate. "And you Jareth, are my universe" she said softly, warm breath slightly ruffling his wispy platinum locks.
Jareth bent to kiss her lips but she turned.
"We should go and apologize to Findlay" she said rawly and walked toward the door that led out of the room. Cursing silently, Jareth followed her.
* * *
Alanya found Findlay on one of the balconies of the north tower. "Findlay," she said, coming up towards him.
Findlay turned and as he did so, noticed the stunning mahogany of the woman's eyes.
"Lady Alanya, I'm sorry for leaving as I did, it was rude" he stated humbly.
Alanya smiled. "I can understand why you did, Jareth went too far this time, and to think that Sarah was involved," she said severely. Then her features relaxed.
"You mustn't take yourself so seriously, I can see how loyal you are to Jareth and even if you can't I can see how much Jareth relies on you and appreciates you"
she continued.
Findlay smiled and leaned back against the stone railing. "I know, I get upset easily, and that's why he loves to tease me so, but truly we are closer than brothers" he replied.
Alanya nodded. And touched his arm.
"Now what are we going to do about those two? They have absolutely no hope" stated Alanya. Findlay nodded in affirmation "I think we already have basically what we need" he replied and Alanya raised an inquiring eyebrow.
"Jareth needs me to assume his identity while Toran is at large, so what is he going to do with ALL that extra time on his hands?" asked Findlay, eyes twinkling. Alanya grinned. "Jareth will be drawn to her and they will be spending so much time with each other that it will be impossible for them not to realize and speak their feelings for one another!" she exclaimed and Alanya hugged Findlay impulsively.
Finn looked down at her and kissed her ever so lightly on the lips. Alanya's eyes widened in comprehension and she spun in his arms turning away and running back into the castle.
"Alanya!" he called after her, but she was already gone.
* * *
Jareth and Sarah were walking down one of the many halls of the Castle, approaching the entry to the balcony when they heard a voice that sounded like Findlay's call "Alanya!" Sarah stood shocked as her mother ran past her and down the hall from which she and Jareth had just come.
"Mother?" she called. But Jareth placed a hand on her arm.
"Let her go, she needs to be alone" he spoke quietly.
They walked onto the balcony and saw Findlay standing, hands spread apart on the railing and leaning forwards. Sarah could hazard a guess at what had happened but wanted to talk to her mother before she passed judgment. Jareth walked over to Findlay and patted him on the back.
"Finn, I'm sorry about before I went too far" he said subdued.
Findlay nodded acknowledging the apology and turned to face them. Sarah looked into his eyes and saw the pain that she had only ever glimpsed in their shadows, now shining like a beacon. She felt her heart pull and felt a rush of sympathy for them both. Sarah desperately wanted to go to her mother but knew that she Jareth was right and that she needed time.
Findlay stood and squared his shoulders, the pair saw Findlay's shields go up around him and watched as he walked back inside. When they were in the great hall, they sat down to their lunch and nobody was surprised when Alanya didn't appear.
* * *
Toran watched Sarah and Jareth like a hawk, he watched every smile, every laugh, every touch and felt as though he might be sick. He could still not understand Sarah's motivation when it came to the Goblin King.
::surely she knows it's a lost cause:: he thought to himself. He sat back, and watched again. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before he would have his own way, Jareth would perish, Sarah? He wasn't sure yet what he would do with her. And that petulant Findlay wouldn't be any trouble. He looked over at the book. "Oh yes, it is only a matter of time Jareth, I learned my lesson the first time. There will be no impulsiveness this time around and there will be no second chances for you and your mortal wench." He said menacingly, glaring into the basin until it shattered under the weight of the fey's anger.
"I will strike when you least expect it, and this time, time will be on my side, I will be stronger, and I will triumph!" he ranted.
* * *
Jareth let a smile cross lazily over his face as Sarah and he sat on one of the small slopes of grass surrounding his garden, bathed in the late afternoon sunlight. He looked down at the girl whose head rested on his lap so lightly to was as if it wasn't there at all and he realized how close he had come to never seeing her again, that if she hadn't given up her three mortal rights… he couldn't even bear to think what it would have been like. She made a sound and Jareth instantly checked to see if she was ok. He knew that Sarah's fey half was healing her entire body rapidly, which was good, but seeing how spent she was after short periods of time was not. "Sleep my fair Sarah" he murmured to the wind and stroked her long chestnut locks with one finger brushing away stray strands out of her eyes. He had convinced her to leave her mother be after the episode earlier that day and he knew that Findlay also wanted to be alone with his thoughts, so they left, taking a basket of food and wine and spent the afternoon in that very position, occasionally reading verse to one another.
Sarah opened her eyes, looked alarmed for a moment, saw Jareth's face and then relaxed. "What time is it?" she asked sitting up. Jareth smiled.
"Shh, there is no hurry, it is almost five and the sun has not yet set" he replied.
Sarah rose unsteadily to her feet. "five?" she demanded and Jareth nodded, still lounging on the grass. Sarah began walking very fast toward the castle. Jareth was by her side instantly. "Why didn't you wake me up? I have to talk to my mother about what happened and see if she's all right! She probably thinks that I don't care" she ranted. Sarah stopped, her ribs were throbbing in protest of the exertion. Jareth took stock of this, picked her up nimbly and teleported her to Alanya's room. "Jareth put me down!" echoed over the hills.
Sarah knocked and upon hearing a quiet "Come in" she entered her mother's room. Alanya was standing over the bed, a gown in hand. She folded the delicate material and threw it with gusto into the awaiting travel bag.
Sarah ran to her side. "What are you doing?" she asked incredulous.
Alanya turned to face her, face marred by tears.
"I'm sorry Sarah, I thought that I was ok, with Findlay, I did, he kissed me and I got upset and then I was ok and thought that I could handle it…But I cant!" she answered shakily. Sarah embraced her mother and Alanya held on tight.
"Mother, you deserve to be happy, but if you need to leave the castle then I will support you" Sarah stated. Alanya smiled and broke away.
"Thank you Sarah, I think it would be better if I returned home to the elven city for a while, I remember you told me that Jareth has undone the spell that requires you to ask him before you leave the castle, so come and see me when you are feeling better" she stated. Sarah nodded and followed after her mother as she left her room, went down into the stables and saddled her stallion. Mounting her steed, she called "Farewell my daughter,"
and was soon no more than a speck on the darkening horizon.
* * *
Sarah returned to the castle and went to see Hoggle, Ludo and Sir Didymus, they always cheered her up and now she needed it. She told them all what had happened and they told her not to worry, that Alanya would be back soon.
After she had excused herself, Sarah went to change for dinner. When she got to her room, there was a stunning sapphire ballgown hanging up in the wardrobe and she knew that it was from Jareth.
"I wonder how that fey came to have such exquisite taste in dresses?" she mused amusedly to herself and quickly removed the bodice and skirt of the emerald dress she had been wearing.
Going into the bathroom, Sarah unwound the bandage that was wrapped tightly around her midsection. It really did feel better today and she lightly fingered the bones under her skin. All appeared to be healed apart from one which was almost there. She quickly replaced the old bandage with a fresh one and hastily applied some make up. She slipped into the dress and twirled around softly, adoring the way the skirt would rise and billow as she did so. Sarah walked out of her room and down the hall into the main dining hall. Jareth and Findlay were already seated, and deep in discussion, rising from their seats as she entered the room.
"Tomorrow I will begin as Goblin King" announced Findlay with an air of pride as Jareth pulled out her chair and helped her sit.
"That's wonderful Findlay, I have every faith that you can pull it off" she replied with a smile. Findlay's eyes looked to the entrance and then to Sarah.
:Where is the Lady Alanya?" he remarked looking questioningly at Sarah. Srah looked away and she could feel both of the feys eyes on her.
"Mother went home" she stated. Trying to temp her voice. Findlay arose and started pacing furiously, but Jareth told him to sit back down.
"She was overwrought, needed to get away" continued Sarah carefully. Jareth studied Sarah and she knew that he was wondering why she didn't ask him to help persuade her mother to stay, But Sarah felt a fierce loyalty to her mother, and knew that she would have respected her wishes no matter what.
"She has returned home to the elven city, and I am sure that when she feels comfortable she will return" stated Sarah, attempting to pacify the two feys.
Findlay merely nodded and Jareth snapped his fingers, causing the appearance of the same two blonde Goblins that had served last time. Sarah knew that Jareth felt sorry for his friend and she also knew that he might try and persuade Alanya to come back to the Castle, but Sarah knew that that was one thing that she mustn't allow the Goblin King to do.
* * *
Alanya sat on her bed in her own home and smiled sadly. She had rushed from the balcony so quickly she had not even gotten to see Findlay's reaction to their kiss. Alanya felt the warmth, sear across her once more and for a moment was swept away. Yet then, regaining her composure, she brushed the mere thought of a romantic involvement from her mind.
Alanya hadn't been lucky with the few men to grace her life, taking after her mother. And now, faced with the current situation, she couldn't help but recall, the fey that had captured her heart, Sarah's true father, the one from which she gained her fey half from. It didn't surprise Alanya that Sarah was powerful, even more than she knew, both her grandmother and her father had been incredibly powerful. The young fey's face traced it's way across her conciousness, and then changed to an image of David, the warm, kind man who had taken in both her and her infant daughter in their time of need. Reflecting now, Alanya realized that she never was truly able to give David what he needed, deserved. No she hadn't a good history with men, both cases ending tragically. Alanya didn't know if she could indeed steel her heart to it a second time. She didn't want to, she told herself, Wondering how it could work out, a mortal and a fey. She didn't want to think about it for any longer tonight and lay down, bringing the covers up to her chin and curling up. No she wouldn't dream of Findlay…She wouldn't.
* * *
Jareth sat with Sarah on his couch, Findlay had left a long time ago, leaving only the two of them in the huge castle. Jareth had displayed his recently acquired good nature and had given his Goblins the rest of the night off. He had also arranged a large festival in the city for them so they could have some fun. Sitting near the window, the pair had a stunning view of the ink black sky that every so often was set alight by a firework tracing a path and then exploding in a shower of sparkle and light. Sarah leaned back against Jareth and could feel the taut muscles of his chest rippling beneath her. He smiled angelically and wrapped his arms around her.
"Is Finn ok?" she asked sleepily.
Jareth nodded. "He was a bit shocked by it all, from what I could gather he kissed her, she freaked out and left, then he realized he kissed her and he just freaked out in general" he replied muffled, into her hair.
"I think it brought back memories for them both.." she trailed off and Jareth nodded.
"Indeed both of family and lost loved ones" Answered Jareth, tightening his grip on her as he spoke the last three words. Sarah sighed.
"It's just so sad, They would be great for one another, if only we could get them to see that" she exclaimed.
The idea occurred to them at the same moment and they both laughed softly, each marveling at their connection.
"It's perfect" stated Jareth smugly.
"Indeed it is my Lord, indeed it is" replied Sarah, amused.
* * *
Findlay sat in the very tavern in which Toran had been captured and drank himself into a stupor. He couldn't believe he had been so stupid. He had rushed Alanya, because of some selfish desire that he had, not out of consideration of her feelings. Findlay thought of his beautiful little daughters and son. They had smiled as he had left for the castle that day, they had smiled. It drove a fresh sliver of pain through his heart and Findlay sat, nursing his wine and melancholia.
* * *
Alanya was dreaming, she saw Sarah's father, she saw David and she saw Findlay. All three were pursuing Alanya and she tossed and turned as in her dream she kept on running but never seemed to gain any ground.
"You can't escape us Alanya, you belong to us" they taunted eerily and that was where the dream ended as Alanya sat bolt upright, still shaking with the intensity of the dream. Alanya made a decision then, she decided that she could no longer run from her past or her future as she had fruitlessly tried to in the dream. She looked out of the window and saw that the sun was rising. Making up her mind quickly, before she could change it, Alanya dressed and, using her mothers heritage, teleported to the above ground. She needed closure, and she knew exactly where to get it from.
* * *
Sarah awoke and looked around wondering where she was. Realizing that Jareth was slumbering peacefully beside her, she knew that they were in his tower. The memory of last night came back to her, they had talked late into the night and had also plotted ways of getting Alanya and Findlay together. Sarah liked the thought of being a matchmaker and smiled smugly to herself. She realized that the sapphire dress was creased beyond belief and she gently extracted herself from Jareth embrace, he promptly rolled over and kept on sleeping. Sarah chuckled and exited the room. She walked through the halls and into her bedroom. When she walked through the door, she was surprised to see Hoggle sitting on her bed.
"Hi Hoggle, what's up?" she asked lightly, not sure what he was there for.
"Sarah!" he exclaimed jumping off the bed and running to her.
"Where have you been?" he demanded. She started to explain. But Hoggle interrupted. "Never mind, It's Lady Alanya," he stated sadly.
Sarah felt her stomach lurch. "What's wrong?, what's happened to her?" Demanded Sarah. Hoggle looked woefully down at the floor, and then answered. "She's gone"
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(CHAPTER 8)
DOWNTIME
DISCLAIMER: WELL IF THERE IS ANYONE OUT THERE WHO DOESN'T KNOW I DON'T OWN ANY PART OF THE LABYRINTH.
Findlay stood in front of a floor length mirror in the throne room. Sarah, Alanya and Jareth were all there. The first trying hard not to laugh, the second failing dismally and the third looking very pleased with himself.
"Are you sure about this?" Findlay questioned Jareth, The Goblin King nodded.
"I knew when I let him go that there was no way Toran could resist coming back and trying once again to harm me" stated Jareth.
Findlay turned and looked at his friends. Jareth was his best friend and his family, and in his own way he loved the wicked fey, but all that aside Findlay knew that this was going a bit far.
He turned and glared at Jareth, "These tights are too tight!" he exclaimed.
Jareth laughed, "Not at all my friend, I wear them like that all the time" replied Jareth.
Findlay glared harder "Yeah and look how you turned out Goblin Boy!" he said laughing. Jareth's brows knitted "Hmph!" he exclaimed, then face clearing he walked over to Sarah and whispered in her ear. Sarah nodded and whispered something back laughing. "What are you two planning?" asked Findlay shooting a look at Alanya. Sarah shrugged and Jareth held up his hands. "Nothing, not me nope, no way" said Jareth with considerably less than his normal level of composure. Jareth turned to face Findlay, and held up his hand about to snap his fingers when Findlay started to move toward Jareth.
"Whatever it is Jareth, please don't do it! You know you don't want to! come on!"
he exclaimed. Jareth grinned wickedly. "Sorry Finn, can't resist" he replied. With that Jareth snapped his fingers and instantly there appeared a runway throughout the throne room. Blue beams spotlighted and circled the catwalk Sarah's idea came into play as Cyndi Lauper's "Girls just wanna have fun" came belting through the air. Findlay appeared, in dark tights, a white poets shirt and a blue glitter jacket. Obviously under Jareth's control, Findlay sauntered down the runway. When he reached the end Findlay stopped, hands on hips and turned, as he was turning the platinum wig went flying and landed on poor ambrocious who had just padded into the room curious. The spell temporarily broken, Findlay looked at the runway then himself and then yelled "JARETH!" jareth merely laughed. Findlay hissed and disappeared. Jareth looked over at Ambrocious who was still wearing the long platinum wig. "Hmm…have to do something about that" he stated and the trio fell about laughing.
* * *
Alanya rose to her feet and explained that she had some foreign peace treaties to look over and approve. She walked out of the room and Jareth and Sarah were left alone.
"How is your body healing?" asked Jareth concernedly. Sarah smiled softly.
"I'm going to be ok Jareth, Its still very painful but I am recovering several times faster than a mortal and I'm going to be ok" she replied. Jareth smiled sweetly.
"Do you know, your beautiful even when your injured? Most beings fey or otherwise can't say that, but you are" he answered. Sarah cast her eyes downward.
"Is that all that you think of me? That I'm beautiful?" she asked hurt registering slightly.
Jareth stepped closer. "Sarah, I think the world of you" he replied. Sarah smiled and her gaze slid from the floor to his face, she took it all in, the sharp face that could be as easily cruel as it could kind, those marvelous changeling eyes and that mouth uncharacteristically delicate. "And you Jareth, are my universe" she said softly, warm breath slightly ruffling his wispy platinum locks.
Jareth bent to kiss her lips but she turned.
"We should go and apologize to Findlay" she said rawly and walked toward the door that led out of the room. Cursing silently, Jareth followed her.
* * *
Alanya found Findlay on one of the balconies of the north tower. "Findlay," she said, coming up towards him.
Findlay turned and as he did so, noticed the stunning mahogany of the woman's eyes.
"Lady Alanya, I'm sorry for leaving as I did, it was rude" he stated humbly.
Alanya smiled. "I can understand why you did, Jareth went too far this time, and to think that Sarah was involved," she said severely. Then her features relaxed.
"You mustn't take yourself so seriously, I can see how loyal you are to Jareth and even if you can't I can see how much Jareth relies on you and appreciates you"
she continued.
Findlay smiled and leaned back against the stone railing. "I know, I get upset easily, and that's why he loves to tease me so, but truly we are closer than brothers" he replied.
Alanya nodded. And touched his arm.
"Now what are we going to do about those two? They have absolutely no hope" stated Alanya. Findlay nodded in affirmation "I think we already have basically what we need" he replied and Alanya raised an inquiring eyebrow.
"Jareth needs me to assume his identity while Toran is at large, so what is he going to do with ALL that extra time on his hands?" asked Findlay, eyes twinkling. Alanya grinned. "Jareth will be drawn to her and they will be spending so much time with each other that it will be impossible for them not to realize and speak their feelings for one another!" she exclaimed and Alanya hugged Findlay impulsively.
Finn looked down at her and kissed her ever so lightly on the lips. Alanya's eyes widened in comprehension and she spun in his arms turning away and running back into the castle.
"Alanya!" he called after her, but she was already gone.
* * *
Jareth and Sarah were walking down one of the many halls of the Castle, approaching the entry to the balcony when they heard a voice that sounded like Findlay's call "Alanya!" Sarah stood shocked as her mother ran past her and down the hall from which she and Jareth had just come.
"Mother?" she called. But Jareth placed a hand on her arm.
"Let her go, she needs to be alone" he spoke quietly.
They walked onto the balcony and saw Findlay standing, hands spread apart on the railing and leaning forwards. Sarah could hazard a guess at what had happened but wanted to talk to her mother before she passed judgment. Jareth walked over to Findlay and patted him on the back.
"Finn, I'm sorry about before I went too far" he said subdued.
Findlay nodded acknowledging the apology and turned to face them. Sarah looked into his eyes and saw the pain that she had only ever glimpsed in their shadows, now shining like a beacon. She felt her heart pull and felt a rush of sympathy for them both. Sarah desperately wanted to go to her mother but knew that she Jareth was right and that she needed time.
Findlay stood and squared his shoulders, the pair saw Findlay's shields go up around him and watched as he walked back inside. When they were in the great hall, they sat down to their lunch and nobody was surprised when Alanya didn't appear.
* * *
Toran watched Sarah and Jareth like a hawk, he watched every smile, every laugh, every touch and felt as though he might be sick. He could still not understand Sarah's motivation when it came to the Goblin King.
::surely she knows it's a lost cause:: he thought to himself. He sat back, and watched again. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before he would have his own way, Jareth would perish, Sarah? He wasn't sure yet what he would do with her. And that petulant Findlay wouldn't be any trouble. He looked over at the book. "Oh yes, it is only a matter of time Jareth, I learned my lesson the first time. There will be no impulsiveness this time around and there will be no second chances for you and your mortal wench." He said menacingly, glaring into the basin until it shattered under the weight of the fey's anger.
"I will strike when you least expect it, and this time, time will be on my side, I will be stronger, and I will triumph!" he ranted.
* * *
Jareth let a smile cross lazily over his face as Sarah and he sat on one of the small slopes of grass surrounding his garden, bathed in the late afternoon sunlight. He looked down at the girl whose head rested on his lap so lightly to was as if it wasn't there at all and he realized how close he had come to never seeing her again, that if she hadn't given up her three mortal rights… he couldn't even bear to think what it would have been like. She made a sound and Jareth instantly checked to see if she was ok. He knew that Sarah's fey half was healing her entire body rapidly, which was good, but seeing how spent she was after short periods of time was not. "Sleep my fair Sarah" he murmured to the wind and stroked her long chestnut locks with one finger brushing away stray strands out of her eyes. He had convinced her to leave her mother be after the episode earlier that day and he knew that Findlay also wanted to be alone with his thoughts, so they left, taking a basket of food and wine and spent the afternoon in that very position, occasionally reading verse to one another.
Sarah opened her eyes, looked alarmed for a moment, saw Jareth's face and then relaxed. "What time is it?" she asked sitting up. Jareth smiled.
"Shh, there is no hurry, it is almost five and the sun has not yet set" he replied.
Sarah rose unsteadily to her feet. "five?" she demanded and Jareth nodded, still lounging on the grass. Sarah began walking very fast toward the castle. Jareth was by her side instantly. "Why didn't you wake me up? I have to talk to my mother about what happened and see if she's all right! She probably thinks that I don't care" she ranted. Sarah stopped, her ribs were throbbing in protest of the exertion. Jareth took stock of this, picked her up nimbly and teleported her to Alanya's room. "Jareth put me down!" echoed over the hills.
Sarah knocked and upon hearing a quiet "Come in" she entered her mother's room. Alanya was standing over the bed, a gown in hand. She folded the delicate material and threw it with gusto into the awaiting travel bag.
Sarah ran to her side. "What are you doing?" she asked incredulous.
Alanya turned to face her, face marred by tears.
"I'm sorry Sarah, I thought that I was ok, with Findlay, I did, he kissed me and I got upset and then I was ok and thought that I could handle it…But I cant!" she answered shakily. Sarah embraced her mother and Alanya held on tight.
"Mother, you deserve to be happy, but if you need to leave the castle then I will support you" Sarah stated. Alanya smiled and broke away.
"Thank you Sarah, I think it would be better if I returned home to the elven city for a while, I remember you told me that Jareth has undone the spell that requires you to ask him before you leave the castle, so come and see me when you are feeling better" she stated. Sarah nodded and followed after her mother as she left her room, went down into the stables and saddled her stallion. Mounting her steed, she called "Farewell my daughter,"
and was soon no more than a speck on the darkening horizon.
* * *
Sarah returned to the castle and went to see Hoggle, Ludo and Sir Didymus, they always cheered her up and now she needed it. She told them all what had happened and they told her not to worry, that Alanya would be back soon.
After she had excused herself, Sarah went to change for dinner. When she got to her room, there was a stunning sapphire ballgown hanging up in the wardrobe and she knew that it was from Jareth.
"I wonder how that fey came to have such exquisite taste in dresses?" she mused amusedly to herself and quickly removed the bodice and skirt of the emerald dress she had been wearing.
Going into the bathroom, Sarah unwound the bandage that was wrapped tightly around her midsection. It really did feel better today and she lightly fingered the bones under her skin. All appeared to be healed apart from one which was almost there. She quickly replaced the old bandage with a fresh one and hastily applied some make up. She slipped into the dress and twirled around softly, adoring the way the skirt would rise and billow as she did so. Sarah walked out of her room and down the hall into the main dining hall. Jareth and Findlay were already seated, and deep in discussion, rising from their seats as she entered the room.
"Tomorrow I will begin as Goblin King" announced Findlay with an air of pride as Jareth pulled out her chair and helped her sit.
"That's wonderful Findlay, I have every faith that you can pull it off" she replied with a smile. Findlay's eyes looked to the entrance and then to Sarah.
:Where is the Lady Alanya?" he remarked looking questioningly at Sarah. Srah looked away and she could feel both of the feys eyes on her.
"Mother went home" she stated. Trying to temp her voice. Findlay arose and started pacing furiously, but Jareth told him to sit back down.
"She was overwrought, needed to get away" continued Sarah carefully. Jareth studied Sarah and she knew that he was wondering why she didn't ask him to help persuade her mother to stay, But Sarah felt a fierce loyalty to her mother, and knew that she would have respected her wishes no matter what.
"She has returned home to the elven city, and I am sure that when she feels comfortable she will return" stated Sarah, attempting to pacify the two feys.
Findlay merely nodded and Jareth snapped his fingers, causing the appearance of the same two blonde Goblins that had served last time. Sarah knew that Jareth felt sorry for his friend and she also knew that he might try and persuade Alanya to come back to the Castle, but Sarah knew that that was one thing that she mustn't allow the Goblin King to do.
* * *
Alanya sat on her bed in her own home and smiled sadly. She had rushed from the balcony so quickly she had not even gotten to see Findlay's reaction to their kiss. Alanya felt the warmth, sear across her once more and for a moment was swept away. Yet then, regaining her composure, she brushed the mere thought of a romantic involvement from her mind.
Alanya hadn't been lucky with the few men to grace her life, taking after her mother. And now, faced with the current situation, she couldn't help but recall, the fey that had captured her heart, Sarah's true father, the one from which she gained her fey half from. It didn't surprise Alanya that Sarah was powerful, even more than she knew, both her grandmother and her father had been incredibly powerful. The young fey's face traced it's way across her conciousness, and then changed to an image of David, the warm, kind man who had taken in both her and her infant daughter in their time of need. Reflecting now, Alanya realized that she never was truly able to give David what he needed, deserved. No she hadn't a good history with men, both cases ending tragically. Alanya didn't know if she could indeed steel her heart to it a second time. She didn't want to, she told herself, Wondering how it could work out, a mortal and a fey. She didn't want to think about it for any longer tonight and lay down, bringing the covers up to her chin and curling up. No she wouldn't dream of Findlay…She wouldn't.
* * *
Jareth sat with Sarah on his couch, Findlay had left a long time ago, leaving only the two of them in the huge castle. Jareth had displayed his recently acquired good nature and had given his Goblins the rest of the night off. He had also arranged a large festival in the city for them so they could have some fun. Sitting near the window, the pair had a stunning view of the ink black sky that every so often was set alight by a firework tracing a path and then exploding in a shower of sparkle and light. Sarah leaned back against Jareth and could feel the taut muscles of his chest rippling beneath her. He smiled angelically and wrapped his arms around her.
"Is Finn ok?" she asked sleepily.
Jareth nodded. "He was a bit shocked by it all, from what I could gather he kissed her, she freaked out and left, then he realized he kissed her and he just freaked out in general" he replied muffled, into her hair.
"I think it brought back memories for them both.." she trailed off and Jareth nodded.
"Indeed both of family and lost loved ones" Answered Jareth, tightening his grip on her as he spoke the last three words. Sarah sighed.
"It's just so sad, They would be great for one another, if only we could get them to see that" she exclaimed.
The idea occurred to them at the same moment and they both laughed softly, each marveling at their connection.
"It's perfect" stated Jareth smugly.
"Indeed it is my Lord, indeed it is" replied Sarah, amused.
* * *
Findlay sat in the very tavern in which Toran had been captured and drank himself into a stupor. He couldn't believe he had been so stupid. He had rushed Alanya, because of some selfish desire that he had, not out of consideration of her feelings. Findlay thought of his beautiful little daughters and son. They had smiled as he had left for the castle that day, they had smiled. It drove a fresh sliver of pain through his heart and Findlay sat, nursing his wine and melancholia.
* * *
Alanya was dreaming, she saw Sarah's father, she saw David and she saw Findlay. All three were pursuing Alanya and she tossed and turned as in her dream she kept on running but never seemed to gain any ground.
"You can't escape us Alanya, you belong to us" they taunted eerily and that was where the dream ended as Alanya sat bolt upright, still shaking with the intensity of the dream. Alanya made a decision then, she decided that she could no longer run from her past or her future as she had fruitlessly tried to in the dream. She looked out of the window and saw that the sun was rising. Making up her mind quickly, before she could change it, Alanya dressed and, using her mothers heritage, teleported to the above ground. She needed closure, and she knew exactly where to get it from.
* * *
Sarah awoke and looked around wondering where she was. Realizing that Jareth was slumbering peacefully beside her, she knew that they were in his tower. The memory of last night came back to her, they had talked late into the night and had also plotted ways of getting Alanya and Findlay together. Sarah liked the thought of being a matchmaker and smiled smugly to herself. She realized that the sapphire dress was creased beyond belief and she gently extracted herself from Jareth embrace, he promptly rolled over and kept on sleeping. Sarah chuckled and exited the room. She walked through the halls and into her bedroom. When she walked through the door, she was surprised to see Hoggle sitting on her bed.
"Hi Hoggle, what's up?" she asked lightly, not sure what he was there for.
"Sarah!" he exclaimed jumping off the bed and running to her.
"Where have you been?" he demanded. She started to explain. But Hoggle interrupted. "Never mind, It's Lady Alanya," he stated sadly.
Sarah felt her stomach lurch. "What's wrong?, what's happened to her?" Demanded Sarah. Hoggle looked woefully down at the floor, and then answered. "She's gone"
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