MORTAL BELOVED
(Chapter 11)
BLAST FROM THE PAST.
DISCLAIMERS: WELL, THIS DISCLAIMER IS SAYING THE EXACT SAME THING THAT IT SAYS FOR ALL OTHER TEN CHAPTERS SO IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW THEN GO AND CHECK ONE OF THOSE :O)
BIG THANK-YOUS TO ALL MY PRECIOUS REVIEWERS, PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING GUYZ, I LLOOVVEE IT!! ^_^
Findlay sighed and leaned against the throne, he had been doing nothing for what seemed like days, weeks even. There had been no disturbances of the peace and not even a peep from Ragan. He grimaced, Findlay really was starting to miss his old life, he knew beforehand that he would probably be bored, but this was just ridiculous. Findlay fingered the scar on his mouth, His feyan blood had healed him as it had done so many times in the past. Findlay had realized that Rohwan would need time to adjust but he never imagined it would be this much time. Findlay's main worry now was the possibility that Ragan had convinced Rohwan that he had been lying and that he wasn't his son, but he knew that if he thought about it for too long it would drive him crazy. Findlay envied Jareth, who got to spend all day everyday with the woman that he loved, and actually got to do things that provided entertainment. If this didn't break soon, he would be forced to adopt Jareth's old bad habit of seeing how far he could kick a goblin into the bog. Findlay shuddered, he did not want to be reduced to that.
* * *
Alanya sat in her room, going over some foreign peace treaties. She inclined her head and gazed out the window, deep in thought. She was very pleased that Sarah and Jareth had managed to get their act together, but a traitorous part of her mourned the loss of having to work with Findlay to get them to do so. Alanya shook her head as if to clear it and silently admonished herself for indulging in such feelings. It was as though she were on the peak of an impossibly high cliff, knowing that if she jumped, waiting to meet her would be Findlays warm embrace and love, but terrified to leap out into the air and let go of everything she held dear.
Brushing the thought promptly aside, she looked determinedly at the demands for money and land that would facilitate this treaty being signed, but she couldn't concentrate. Alanya rose to her feet and went to stand beside the window, breathing in the crisp rose scented air that permeated the room. Nothing could stop the fact that Findlay and herself were the ones that needed matchmakers not Jareth and Sarah, occurring to her. She experienced the irony and felt a wry smile lace across her ruby lips.
Hand in hand with the irony came an image of Findlay, rugged, handsome, stoic Findlay, oh yes, she knew she harbored feelings for him, but to what extent she was unsure, Her days as a matchmaker were through, and she knew that she would have to act on the tingling sensation she got deep in the base of her belly whenever she caught his gaze, or the electricity that shot through her at his slightest touch.
* * *
Sarah sat on her bed in the morning light and rubbed her sore neck, she hadn't slept well last night and had been tormented by faceless horrors in her dreams more than once jerking awake with a shrill shriek.
Sarah opened her palm and looked at the locket that it contained. Sarah had had the locket for as long as she could remember and inside was a picture of her family. Not Karen, not even Toby, just her, her mother and her father. The were happy in the tiny photo and she kept the picture close to her always, holding it dear, regarding it as one of her most precious possessions.
Sarah had come to terms with the fact that David was indeed not her biological father but he was what she had known for almost all of her life and the truth was she thought of him still as her father, even now.
Sarah rose to her feet and felt the heavy brocade folds of her satin chocolate brown dress brush the floor. Suddenly there was a knock at the door, Unsure of who it would be, Sarah walked over and opened the heavy oak door.
"Jareth!" she exclaimed, running straight into his arms, Jareth stood there, with a pleased expression on his face, she looked up at him and ran a slim finger along his porcelain chin and followed it with a soft kiss.
"mmm, I like your welcomes" he drawled lazily and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"What can I do for you?" enquired Sarah, eyebrow raised. Jareth smirked and then a nonchalant expression spread over his face,
"Where should I start?" he asked in a tone of complete innocence and utter wickedness rolled into one.
Sarah rolled her eyes and slapped his arm playfully, feigning indignation.
"Jareth!" she exclaimed.
Jareth walked into the room, and sat down on the bed, stealing a glance at the locket, which lay open on the cover.
Jareth lounged arrogantly on the bed and looked up at Sarah who was still standing.
"I was thinking we could go down into the Goblin City today, if you wanted" he stated,
Sarah thought a moment, She really didn't want to do anything today apart from take it easy and nurse her sore neck.
Jareth looked at her for a moment and then dipped into her thoughts.
"Inside it is then" he stated with relish and Sarah frowned.
"You have to teach me how to do that!" she exclaimed and Jareth nodded absently. Jareth rose and lifted Sarah easily off her feet and into his strong arms.
"Jareth, my neck may be sore, but I can still walk you know!" she stated. Jareth silenced her with a single glance from his changeling eyes.
"Then again.." she continued and lay her head down on his chest.
Jareth walked into the bathroom and instantly the bath was filled with steaming aromatic waters. There were groups of ivory and gold candles all around the exterior of the bath and thousands of red rose petals floated on the waters surface. Jareth gently placed Sarah back on her feet and began unlacing the back of her dress. The gown slid to the floor in a hiss of satin and immediately disappeared.
Jareth helped Sarah out of her underwear and then wrapped her in a luxuriously soft cream towel. He guided her over to the tub and held the towel out around her as a barrier as she slipped beneath the soothing waters.
Sarah marveled at Jareth's respect for her privacy but then realized that she could expect no less from the dashing, chivalrous, wonderful fey before her.
* * *
Jareth lowered the towel and looked at Sarah, she was the paragon of beauty and virtue, and he had no idea what he had done to deserve her.
She rested her head on the edge of the tub and Jareth knelt behind her. With deft hands, he began massaging her shoulders, kneading away the knots that were tightly wound within them. At first Jareth felt her tense under his ministrations, but soon after she exhaled and relaxed, letting her form go limp and lax and his grasp. He gently worked his way up to her neck and she winced slightly, It was if he could feel her pain and she frowned.
"Oh, Jareth" she sighed and he looked up momentarily before continuing. After he had felt the stress and strain go out of her neck, he took a sliver of soap from a sideboard and a wash cloth. Jareth nudged her forward and she complied, leaning over in the waters. Jareth soaped her back gently and then dipped the washer in the water, he sponged her back clean and rinsed the water over it. Jareth, sighed and felt as though he were in heaven, he could feel the warm slippery softness of her flesh beneath his touch and it gave him heady pleasure.
The thick wafting of steam surrounded them and lulled them into a dreamlike state. Jareth leaned Sarah back against the tub and slowly soaped her breasts and belly, every touch sent shockwaves through him he stroked the wash cloth over her and felt his pulse skyrocket,
"Mmm" she moaned softly and Jareth rinsed her down. Then he grabbed the same towel and helped her out of the tub, she stood, naked and trembling before her as he wrapped her up protectively in the towel.
"Jareth?" she asked. Jareth looked down at her, The skin that was showing, a rosy hue from the heat of the water.
"Yes?" he asked, and placed a slim finger beneath her chin inclining her face upwards.
"Kiss me" she said, softly, voice filled with need.
Jareth placed a soft kiss on her parted lips and when he went to step back she circled her arms around his neck and continued to kiss him.
Jareth groaned, he knew that this would only end in one thing and that she wasn't ready for it. Reluctantly he pulled away from her warm embrace and snapped his fingers. Instantly she was dressed in a silver dress that shone like the luminescent stars.
"Let's take that walk to the Goblin City shall we?" he enquired politely, trying with every fibre of his being to keep his desire in check. Sarah looked momentarily stunned, but agreed and took the arm that was offered.
* * *
Findlay stood inspecting the scene before him. The Labyrinth, in all it's glory was magnificent. Flowers were blooming and there were baby creatures of all kind cavorting around everywhere. He smiled to himself and reflected that this was the effect that love could have on a fey like Jareth.
Suddenly something occurred to him, It was in fact almost the turn of the warm season and that meant that in a two days time should be the annual seasons ball. Findlay thought a moment he hoped that Jareth would let the ball proceed with the threat of Ragan still at large. He always enjoyed the ball, but this year it would be different, he knew this year it would be special because he would win back the Lady Alanya on this night. He knew he could do it, and he would, he swore to himself that it was time to move on with his life and try, at last to leave his past suffering behind him. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he summoned the Goblins and told them to immediately start preparing for the ball and to get the invitations delivered by nightfall.
* * *
Some time later, after Jareth and Sarah had returned from their walk, Alanya returned from her ride. Alanya dismounted from her horse and fed him the apple that she had in her pocket, "Good boy" she soothed, as she let the stable hand tie him up, feed and water him. Alanya hurried into the castle and was almost bowled over by an anxious Goblin running down the hall.
"Sorry milady" squeaked Corah.
Alanya laughed. "That's quite all right Corah, tell me why are you running around so?" she enquired and Corah smiled.
"All goblins are very busy milady, we are preparing for the seasons ball which is to be held two days from now" she declared.
Alanya grinned. "The seasons ball! Oh yes I had quite forgotten about that! How lovely" she stated and Corah hurried off, to continue her errands.
::It's perfect:: though Alanya to herself. ::I shall tell Lord Findlay of my feelings at the ball! How romantic:: Alanya continued down the hall and promptly ran into Sarah, she reflected that she didn't seem to be having much luck at avoiding collisions that day.
"What are you looking so dreamy about mother?" asked Sarah.
Alanya grinned. "There is going to be a ball in two days Sarah" she exclaimed excitedly.
"A ball?" asked Sarah smiling. Alanya nodded. Sarah laughed,
"That's fantastic, I can't wait" she exclaimed.
Jareth came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "What cannot you wait for my love?" he asked and Sarah turned. "Why the ball of course" she exclaimed, and Jareth frowned. "Ball? What ball?" he asked and Sarah and Alanya exchanged glances.
"This is Findlay's doing, for I certainly would not have remembered the Ball of Seasons while Ragan was still a threat" he rationalized and then smiled.
"Yes, it will be rather fun won't it" he said cryptically, looking at Sarah then Alanya and smirking slightly.
::I know why Findlay wanted to hold the ball:: Jareth thought to himself and grinned wickedly.
* * *
Over the next two days all Sarah saw were mere blurs as the Goblins were a flurry of activity preparing for the ball. The meat and other such delicacies had arrived and chef had begun preparing the feast for the ball this evening. Alanya and Sarah were in the great hall, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness flooded their beings.
Suddenly a bent, elderly man hobbled into the room. Sarah jumped up, shocked,
"Who are you?" she enquired and the man gave her an odd look with his unusually bright emerald eyes.
Jareth appeared beside her and immediately went to the man before her.
"Gregan, It's wonderful to see you again, I'm glad you could come" he stated respectfully and the pair exited the room.
Sarah shot Alanya a look and Alanya motioned for Sarah to sit beside her.
"That, as you heard, is Gregan. He is Jareth's oracle and old friend" she explained and Sarah nodded. She then rose, and went to follow Jareth, yet before she turned out of the great hall, she heard voices, one clear and distinct, Jareth. Yet the other, aged and scratchy like crumpled paper. Sarah assumed that the second voice was Gregan and before she turned to leave them be, she heard a snatch of what Gregan was saying.
"I recognize her Jareth, it's like I've seen, no hang on, It's like I know her, her spirit, the fire I've seen it before but for the life of me I cannot place it. Be careful my friend, be careful.." The voice broke off and with a short gasp Sarah quickly teleported to her room. She wondered what the Oracle had meant when he had spoken those words and whether it was her he was referring to, she hoped not, she didn't like the sound of what he had been saying.
* * *
The evening came faster than Alanya would have liked, leaving her with little time to prepare for he confrontation with Findlay. She stuck her head out of her open window and saw an assortment of beautiful creatures arriving at the castle gates in many varied modes of transport, from beautiful carriages to large winged creatures. She smiled and checked her reflection. She wore a striking two piece violet dress, with diamonds embroidered into the bodice and a substantial train at the back of the skirt. Alanya's hair was piled on top of her head and a tiny diamond tiara was set in front of it. She hoped she looked ok, and that Findlay would like the gown she had chosen especially for him.
She sat down on her bed and slipped on her silver heels. She then checked her make up one last time and hurried out of the room and down the hall to Sarah's room.
Alanya walked in and thought that she would faint when she saw Sarah. She was wearing a dress that couldn't be defined simply as silver, or white or cream there was extensive detail on the front and the sleeves bunched at the upper arm to make a stunning puff of the luminescent material. Sarahs hair was slightly teased and there were two exquisite silver hair pieces on both sides pulling back parts of her hair from her slightly made up face.
"Oh my, Sarah you look simply beautiful" breathed Alanya, and Sarah smiled.
"This dress and I have a history" she stated and took Alanys hand, giving her an encouraging smile as they left her quarters and headed down to the ball.
* * *
Jareth stood next to Findlay and smiled cordially, welcoming each of his guests.
"Where are the lady's?" asked Findlay quietly, but Jareth didn't know what was detaining mother and daughter so he merely shrugged. After the last invited guest was inside, the string quartet started playing and Jareth mingled with his guests urging them to eat, drink and be merry.
Suddenly Jareth felt the urge to turn around. When he did, he felt that he was indeed in another world. Descending the stairs slowly, was Sarah she was wearing, if he was not mistaken, but no he could never forget that dress, she was indeed wearing the dress he had placed her in when he had cruelly tricked her in the ballroom illusion. Jareths breath caught, if it was possible she looked even more radiant now than she had then. It was his fantasy dress, just as she was his fantasy. Before he realized it she was before him and they were dancing as they had done on that fateful day two years ago. But now there was no malice or cruel intent only love.
* * *
Findlay felt a soft tap on his shoulder and turned to see who it was, there standing before him was an angel, that was what he thought at first as he took in the stunning beauty before him.
"Findlay, I-I have something I must confess to you" stammered Alanya. But Findlay placed a silencing finger over her lips.
"Shh, I know what you want to say, and I too feel the same" he stated softly, leaning in to claim her lips in a soft but incredibly passionate embrace.
Alanya clasped Findlay to her and smiled into his neck,
"Oh Findlay, I'm sorry for the way I acted when you kissed me, I guess, well I haven't had a man in my life for a long time I didn't think that I could love again, and I got scared" she whispered. Findlay drew back and looked her deep in the eyes,
"Alanya, you have nothing to apologize for I too felt that same fear, yet when I hold you, I can no longer feel it, you make the pain leave Alanya, no one has ever been able to do that for me, not even myself" he stated quietly and they continued to dance, looking into one another's eyes as if they were the only people in the entire Underground.
* * *
As Jareth and Sarah continued dancing, Sarah began to tremble slightly in Jareths embrace and Jareth pulled away from her so he could look into her eyes. Jareth saw that they were closed and he was indeed holding her up.
Sarah closed her eyes and what she saw there scared her. Sarah felt herself tremble as though she were a current of electricity and then an image lit up. Sarah saw a woman with flowing red hair, fighting in an army of soldiers, fighting nightmare creatures, she rode a white stallion and had a long shiny steel sword with which she fought valiantly. The woman wore a green and brown tunic and appeared to be the leader of the soldiers she thrusted forward with her sword and parried impossibly hard blows from her opponents as the scene faded, Sarah saw the woman remount her steed and order that the army do so to, then with a shrill battle cry they fled from the fray.
"Ooohh" moaned Sarah and held her head in her hands. She was sitting; well lying on the stairs and Jareth was holding her. When Jareth saw that she had come to, he leaned over her.
"Are you all right Sarah?" he asked, worry obvious in his tone.
Sarah sat up abruptly, "What happened?" she asked and Jareth stared back at her. "I'm not sure Sarah, one minute we were dancing and the next you were out like a light" he explained.
Sarah recalled, what she had seen, she decided not to tell Jareth just yet, she needed to think over it and discover what it meant.
Sarah rose shakily to her feet and suddenly she felt something wash over her. She felt like she was on a cloud and floating, she surrendered to it and let whatever was happening run it's course.
Sarah walked past Jareth and suddenly felt the strangest urge to go onto the stage and sing. Ignoring Jareth's protestations at her leaving, she called back;
"I'll be fine Jandar" and kept on going,
Jareth stood there shocked, Had she just called him Jandar? Why would she call him his fathers name, as far as Jareth knew, Sarah didn't even know his fathers name.
Frowning, Jareth followed Sarah back into the ballroom.
* * *
Looking over Findlay's shoulder, Alanya couldn't believe what she was seeing, Sarah, her tone deaf daughter had taken the stage and was now singing with a voice as clear and sweet as a nightingale. Alanaya also noted much to her distress that the language Sarah was singing in was Elven. ::Sarah doesn't know how to speak Eleven, let alone sing it:: she thought and frowned.
Jareth hurried up to her, and she and Findlay broke apart,
"I didn't know Sarah could sing" stated Jareth surprised, looking at the stage.
Alanya followed his gaze. "She can't" she replied and the three looked at each other worriedly.
After the song had finished, Sarah left the stage and walked toward the stairs, but before she got there, she collapsed once more. Instantly Jareth, Alanya and Findlay were at her side.
Sarah quickly re-opened her eyes.
"What was that Sarah? Why did you sing? How?" demanded Alanya, eyes darting between her daughter and the men before her.
Sarah frowned.
"Mother, what on earth are you talking about, I didn't sing anything You know I'm about as musical as a creaky door, why do you think I would get up on stage and attempt to sing if I can't?" Sarah replied crankily.
Alanya gasped and the men stepped back slightly.
Jareth frowned and then, stepping forward placed a hand on her brow.
"You honestly don't remember singing in front of the entire ball?" he asked. And Sarah rolled her eyes.
"I don't remember because I didn't do it!" she exclaimed. Sarah retreated upstairs and Alanya, Findlay and Jareth had a quick conference.
"I don't know what in the seven hells just happened but that was weird" stated Findlay soberly and the other two nodded.
"Something is going on here, and we need to find out what," stated Jareth darkly.
* * *
Sarah sat in her room several hours after the ball had finished and the guests had been fare welled. She was puzzled; Jareth, her Mother and Findlay wouldn't have made something up like that.
She wondered, musing aloud. "I didn't sing…Did I?"
PLEASE REVIEW GUYZ, I LOVE YOUR OPINIONS AND THEY REALLY INSPIRE ME TO KEEP WRITING.
**GETS DOWN ON HER KNEES AND BEGS**
thanx,
Eve Lindsey.
(Chapter 11)
BLAST FROM THE PAST.
DISCLAIMERS: WELL, THIS DISCLAIMER IS SAYING THE EXACT SAME THING THAT IT SAYS FOR ALL OTHER TEN CHAPTERS SO IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW THEN GO AND CHECK ONE OF THOSE :O)
BIG THANK-YOUS TO ALL MY PRECIOUS REVIEWERS, PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING GUYZ, I LLOOVVEE IT!! ^_^
Findlay sighed and leaned against the throne, he had been doing nothing for what seemed like days, weeks even. There had been no disturbances of the peace and not even a peep from Ragan. He grimaced, Findlay really was starting to miss his old life, he knew beforehand that he would probably be bored, but this was just ridiculous. Findlay fingered the scar on his mouth, His feyan blood had healed him as it had done so many times in the past. Findlay had realized that Rohwan would need time to adjust but he never imagined it would be this much time. Findlay's main worry now was the possibility that Ragan had convinced Rohwan that he had been lying and that he wasn't his son, but he knew that if he thought about it for too long it would drive him crazy. Findlay envied Jareth, who got to spend all day everyday with the woman that he loved, and actually got to do things that provided entertainment. If this didn't break soon, he would be forced to adopt Jareth's old bad habit of seeing how far he could kick a goblin into the bog. Findlay shuddered, he did not want to be reduced to that.
* * *
Alanya sat in her room, going over some foreign peace treaties. She inclined her head and gazed out the window, deep in thought. She was very pleased that Sarah and Jareth had managed to get their act together, but a traitorous part of her mourned the loss of having to work with Findlay to get them to do so. Alanya shook her head as if to clear it and silently admonished herself for indulging in such feelings. It was as though she were on the peak of an impossibly high cliff, knowing that if she jumped, waiting to meet her would be Findlays warm embrace and love, but terrified to leap out into the air and let go of everything she held dear.
Brushing the thought promptly aside, she looked determinedly at the demands for money and land that would facilitate this treaty being signed, but she couldn't concentrate. Alanya rose to her feet and went to stand beside the window, breathing in the crisp rose scented air that permeated the room. Nothing could stop the fact that Findlay and herself were the ones that needed matchmakers not Jareth and Sarah, occurring to her. She experienced the irony and felt a wry smile lace across her ruby lips.
Hand in hand with the irony came an image of Findlay, rugged, handsome, stoic Findlay, oh yes, she knew she harbored feelings for him, but to what extent she was unsure, Her days as a matchmaker were through, and she knew that she would have to act on the tingling sensation she got deep in the base of her belly whenever she caught his gaze, or the electricity that shot through her at his slightest touch.
* * *
Sarah sat on her bed in the morning light and rubbed her sore neck, she hadn't slept well last night and had been tormented by faceless horrors in her dreams more than once jerking awake with a shrill shriek.
Sarah opened her palm and looked at the locket that it contained. Sarah had had the locket for as long as she could remember and inside was a picture of her family. Not Karen, not even Toby, just her, her mother and her father. The were happy in the tiny photo and she kept the picture close to her always, holding it dear, regarding it as one of her most precious possessions.
Sarah had come to terms with the fact that David was indeed not her biological father but he was what she had known for almost all of her life and the truth was she thought of him still as her father, even now.
Sarah rose to her feet and felt the heavy brocade folds of her satin chocolate brown dress brush the floor. Suddenly there was a knock at the door, Unsure of who it would be, Sarah walked over and opened the heavy oak door.
"Jareth!" she exclaimed, running straight into his arms, Jareth stood there, with a pleased expression on his face, she looked up at him and ran a slim finger along his porcelain chin and followed it with a soft kiss.
"mmm, I like your welcomes" he drawled lazily and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"What can I do for you?" enquired Sarah, eyebrow raised. Jareth smirked and then a nonchalant expression spread over his face,
"Where should I start?" he asked in a tone of complete innocence and utter wickedness rolled into one.
Sarah rolled her eyes and slapped his arm playfully, feigning indignation.
"Jareth!" she exclaimed.
Jareth walked into the room, and sat down on the bed, stealing a glance at the locket, which lay open on the cover.
Jareth lounged arrogantly on the bed and looked up at Sarah who was still standing.
"I was thinking we could go down into the Goblin City today, if you wanted" he stated,
Sarah thought a moment, She really didn't want to do anything today apart from take it easy and nurse her sore neck.
Jareth looked at her for a moment and then dipped into her thoughts.
"Inside it is then" he stated with relish and Sarah frowned.
"You have to teach me how to do that!" she exclaimed and Jareth nodded absently. Jareth rose and lifted Sarah easily off her feet and into his strong arms.
"Jareth, my neck may be sore, but I can still walk you know!" she stated. Jareth silenced her with a single glance from his changeling eyes.
"Then again.." she continued and lay her head down on his chest.
Jareth walked into the bathroom and instantly the bath was filled with steaming aromatic waters. There were groups of ivory and gold candles all around the exterior of the bath and thousands of red rose petals floated on the waters surface. Jareth gently placed Sarah back on her feet and began unlacing the back of her dress. The gown slid to the floor in a hiss of satin and immediately disappeared.
Jareth helped Sarah out of her underwear and then wrapped her in a luxuriously soft cream towel. He guided her over to the tub and held the towel out around her as a barrier as she slipped beneath the soothing waters.
Sarah marveled at Jareth's respect for her privacy but then realized that she could expect no less from the dashing, chivalrous, wonderful fey before her.
* * *
Jareth lowered the towel and looked at Sarah, she was the paragon of beauty and virtue, and he had no idea what he had done to deserve her.
She rested her head on the edge of the tub and Jareth knelt behind her. With deft hands, he began massaging her shoulders, kneading away the knots that were tightly wound within them. At first Jareth felt her tense under his ministrations, but soon after she exhaled and relaxed, letting her form go limp and lax and his grasp. He gently worked his way up to her neck and she winced slightly, It was if he could feel her pain and she frowned.
"Oh, Jareth" she sighed and he looked up momentarily before continuing. After he had felt the stress and strain go out of her neck, he took a sliver of soap from a sideboard and a wash cloth. Jareth nudged her forward and she complied, leaning over in the waters. Jareth soaped her back gently and then dipped the washer in the water, he sponged her back clean and rinsed the water over it. Jareth, sighed and felt as though he were in heaven, he could feel the warm slippery softness of her flesh beneath his touch and it gave him heady pleasure.
The thick wafting of steam surrounded them and lulled them into a dreamlike state. Jareth leaned Sarah back against the tub and slowly soaped her breasts and belly, every touch sent shockwaves through him he stroked the wash cloth over her and felt his pulse skyrocket,
"Mmm" she moaned softly and Jareth rinsed her down. Then he grabbed the same towel and helped her out of the tub, she stood, naked and trembling before her as he wrapped her up protectively in the towel.
"Jareth?" she asked. Jareth looked down at her, The skin that was showing, a rosy hue from the heat of the water.
"Yes?" he asked, and placed a slim finger beneath her chin inclining her face upwards.
"Kiss me" she said, softly, voice filled with need.
Jareth placed a soft kiss on her parted lips and when he went to step back she circled her arms around his neck and continued to kiss him.
Jareth groaned, he knew that this would only end in one thing and that she wasn't ready for it. Reluctantly he pulled away from her warm embrace and snapped his fingers. Instantly she was dressed in a silver dress that shone like the luminescent stars.
"Let's take that walk to the Goblin City shall we?" he enquired politely, trying with every fibre of his being to keep his desire in check. Sarah looked momentarily stunned, but agreed and took the arm that was offered.
* * *
Findlay stood inspecting the scene before him. The Labyrinth, in all it's glory was magnificent. Flowers were blooming and there were baby creatures of all kind cavorting around everywhere. He smiled to himself and reflected that this was the effect that love could have on a fey like Jareth.
Suddenly something occurred to him, It was in fact almost the turn of the warm season and that meant that in a two days time should be the annual seasons ball. Findlay thought a moment he hoped that Jareth would let the ball proceed with the threat of Ragan still at large. He always enjoyed the ball, but this year it would be different, he knew this year it would be special because he would win back the Lady Alanya on this night. He knew he could do it, and he would, he swore to himself that it was time to move on with his life and try, at last to leave his past suffering behind him. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he summoned the Goblins and told them to immediately start preparing for the ball and to get the invitations delivered by nightfall.
* * *
Some time later, after Jareth and Sarah had returned from their walk, Alanya returned from her ride. Alanya dismounted from her horse and fed him the apple that she had in her pocket, "Good boy" she soothed, as she let the stable hand tie him up, feed and water him. Alanya hurried into the castle and was almost bowled over by an anxious Goblin running down the hall.
"Sorry milady" squeaked Corah.
Alanya laughed. "That's quite all right Corah, tell me why are you running around so?" she enquired and Corah smiled.
"All goblins are very busy milady, we are preparing for the seasons ball which is to be held two days from now" she declared.
Alanya grinned. "The seasons ball! Oh yes I had quite forgotten about that! How lovely" she stated and Corah hurried off, to continue her errands.
::It's perfect:: though Alanya to herself. ::I shall tell Lord Findlay of my feelings at the ball! How romantic:: Alanya continued down the hall and promptly ran into Sarah, she reflected that she didn't seem to be having much luck at avoiding collisions that day.
"What are you looking so dreamy about mother?" asked Sarah.
Alanya grinned. "There is going to be a ball in two days Sarah" she exclaimed excitedly.
"A ball?" asked Sarah smiling. Alanya nodded. Sarah laughed,
"That's fantastic, I can't wait" she exclaimed.
Jareth came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "What cannot you wait for my love?" he asked and Sarah turned. "Why the ball of course" she exclaimed, and Jareth frowned. "Ball? What ball?" he asked and Sarah and Alanya exchanged glances.
"This is Findlay's doing, for I certainly would not have remembered the Ball of Seasons while Ragan was still a threat" he rationalized and then smiled.
"Yes, it will be rather fun won't it" he said cryptically, looking at Sarah then Alanya and smirking slightly.
::I know why Findlay wanted to hold the ball:: Jareth thought to himself and grinned wickedly.
* * *
Over the next two days all Sarah saw were mere blurs as the Goblins were a flurry of activity preparing for the ball. The meat and other such delicacies had arrived and chef had begun preparing the feast for the ball this evening. Alanya and Sarah were in the great hall, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness flooded their beings.
Suddenly a bent, elderly man hobbled into the room. Sarah jumped up, shocked,
"Who are you?" she enquired and the man gave her an odd look with his unusually bright emerald eyes.
Jareth appeared beside her and immediately went to the man before her.
"Gregan, It's wonderful to see you again, I'm glad you could come" he stated respectfully and the pair exited the room.
Sarah shot Alanya a look and Alanya motioned for Sarah to sit beside her.
"That, as you heard, is Gregan. He is Jareth's oracle and old friend" she explained and Sarah nodded. She then rose, and went to follow Jareth, yet before she turned out of the great hall, she heard voices, one clear and distinct, Jareth. Yet the other, aged and scratchy like crumpled paper. Sarah assumed that the second voice was Gregan and before she turned to leave them be, she heard a snatch of what Gregan was saying.
"I recognize her Jareth, it's like I've seen, no hang on, It's like I know her, her spirit, the fire I've seen it before but for the life of me I cannot place it. Be careful my friend, be careful.." The voice broke off and with a short gasp Sarah quickly teleported to her room. She wondered what the Oracle had meant when he had spoken those words and whether it was her he was referring to, she hoped not, she didn't like the sound of what he had been saying.
* * *
The evening came faster than Alanya would have liked, leaving her with little time to prepare for he confrontation with Findlay. She stuck her head out of her open window and saw an assortment of beautiful creatures arriving at the castle gates in many varied modes of transport, from beautiful carriages to large winged creatures. She smiled and checked her reflection. She wore a striking two piece violet dress, with diamonds embroidered into the bodice and a substantial train at the back of the skirt. Alanya's hair was piled on top of her head and a tiny diamond tiara was set in front of it. She hoped she looked ok, and that Findlay would like the gown she had chosen especially for him.
She sat down on her bed and slipped on her silver heels. She then checked her make up one last time and hurried out of the room and down the hall to Sarah's room.
Alanya walked in and thought that she would faint when she saw Sarah. She was wearing a dress that couldn't be defined simply as silver, or white or cream there was extensive detail on the front and the sleeves bunched at the upper arm to make a stunning puff of the luminescent material. Sarahs hair was slightly teased and there were two exquisite silver hair pieces on both sides pulling back parts of her hair from her slightly made up face.
"Oh my, Sarah you look simply beautiful" breathed Alanya, and Sarah smiled.
"This dress and I have a history" she stated and took Alanys hand, giving her an encouraging smile as they left her quarters and headed down to the ball.
* * *
Jareth stood next to Findlay and smiled cordially, welcoming each of his guests.
"Where are the lady's?" asked Findlay quietly, but Jareth didn't know what was detaining mother and daughter so he merely shrugged. After the last invited guest was inside, the string quartet started playing and Jareth mingled with his guests urging them to eat, drink and be merry.
Suddenly Jareth felt the urge to turn around. When he did, he felt that he was indeed in another world. Descending the stairs slowly, was Sarah she was wearing, if he was not mistaken, but no he could never forget that dress, she was indeed wearing the dress he had placed her in when he had cruelly tricked her in the ballroom illusion. Jareths breath caught, if it was possible she looked even more radiant now than she had then. It was his fantasy dress, just as she was his fantasy. Before he realized it she was before him and they were dancing as they had done on that fateful day two years ago. But now there was no malice or cruel intent only love.
* * *
Findlay felt a soft tap on his shoulder and turned to see who it was, there standing before him was an angel, that was what he thought at first as he took in the stunning beauty before him.
"Findlay, I-I have something I must confess to you" stammered Alanya. But Findlay placed a silencing finger over her lips.
"Shh, I know what you want to say, and I too feel the same" he stated softly, leaning in to claim her lips in a soft but incredibly passionate embrace.
Alanya clasped Findlay to her and smiled into his neck,
"Oh Findlay, I'm sorry for the way I acted when you kissed me, I guess, well I haven't had a man in my life for a long time I didn't think that I could love again, and I got scared" she whispered. Findlay drew back and looked her deep in the eyes,
"Alanya, you have nothing to apologize for I too felt that same fear, yet when I hold you, I can no longer feel it, you make the pain leave Alanya, no one has ever been able to do that for me, not even myself" he stated quietly and they continued to dance, looking into one another's eyes as if they were the only people in the entire Underground.
* * *
As Jareth and Sarah continued dancing, Sarah began to tremble slightly in Jareths embrace and Jareth pulled away from her so he could look into her eyes. Jareth saw that they were closed and he was indeed holding her up.
Sarah closed her eyes and what she saw there scared her. Sarah felt herself tremble as though she were a current of electricity and then an image lit up. Sarah saw a woman with flowing red hair, fighting in an army of soldiers, fighting nightmare creatures, she rode a white stallion and had a long shiny steel sword with which she fought valiantly. The woman wore a green and brown tunic and appeared to be the leader of the soldiers she thrusted forward with her sword and parried impossibly hard blows from her opponents as the scene faded, Sarah saw the woman remount her steed and order that the army do so to, then with a shrill battle cry they fled from the fray.
"Ooohh" moaned Sarah and held her head in her hands. She was sitting; well lying on the stairs and Jareth was holding her. When Jareth saw that she had come to, he leaned over her.
"Are you all right Sarah?" he asked, worry obvious in his tone.
Sarah sat up abruptly, "What happened?" she asked and Jareth stared back at her. "I'm not sure Sarah, one minute we were dancing and the next you were out like a light" he explained.
Sarah recalled, what she had seen, she decided not to tell Jareth just yet, she needed to think over it and discover what it meant.
Sarah rose shakily to her feet and suddenly she felt something wash over her. She felt like she was on a cloud and floating, she surrendered to it and let whatever was happening run it's course.
Sarah walked past Jareth and suddenly felt the strangest urge to go onto the stage and sing. Ignoring Jareth's protestations at her leaving, she called back;
"I'll be fine Jandar" and kept on going,
Jareth stood there shocked, Had she just called him Jandar? Why would she call him his fathers name, as far as Jareth knew, Sarah didn't even know his fathers name.
Frowning, Jareth followed Sarah back into the ballroom.
* * *
Looking over Findlay's shoulder, Alanya couldn't believe what she was seeing, Sarah, her tone deaf daughter had taken the stage and was now singing with a voice as clear and sweet as a nightingale. Alanaya also noted much to her distress that the language Sarah was singing in was Elven. ::Sarah doesn't know how to speak Eleven, let alone sing it:: she thought and frowned.
Jareth hurried up to her, and she and Findlay broke apart,
"I didn't know Sarah could sing" stated Jareth surprised, looking at the stage.
Alanya followed his gaze. "She can't" she replied and the three looked at each other worriedly.
After the song had finished, Sarah left the stage and walked toward the stairs, but before she got there, she collapsed once more. Instantly Jareth, Alanya and Findlay were at her side.
Sarah quickly re-opened her eyes.
"What was that Sarah? Why did you sing? How?" demanded Alanya, eyes darting between her daughter and the men before her.
Sarah frowned.
"Mother, what on earth are you talking about, I didn't sing anything You know I'm about as musical as a creaky door, why do you think I would get up on stage and attempt to sing if I can't?" Sarah replied crankily.
Alanya gasped and the men stepped back slightly.
Jareth frowned and then, stepping forward placed a hand on her brow.
"You honestly don't remember singing in front of the entire ball?" he asked. And Sarah rolled her eyes.
"I don't remember because I didn't do it!" she exclaimed. Sarah retreated upstairs and Alanya, Findlay and Jareth had a quick conference.
"I don't know what in the seven hells just happened but that was weird" stated Findlay soberly and the other two nodded.
"Something is going on here, and we need to find out what," stated Jareth darkly.
* * *
Sarah sat in her room several hours after the ball had finished and the guests had been fare welled. She was puzzled; Jareth, her Mother and Findlay wouldn't have made something up like that.
She wondered, musing aloud. "I didn't sing…Did I?"
PLEASE REVIEW GUYZ, I LOVE YOUR OPINIONS AND THEY REALLY INSPIRE ME TO KEEP WRITING.
**GETS DOWN ON HER KNEES AND BEGS**
thanx,
Eve Lindsey.