A/N See I told you I would post two chapters. And it's a long one too, tons
of new stuff happen in this one. Well I said all I had to say in the last
chapter so I'll let you get right to the story. () - what was said, {} me
butting in, ~ telepathic speaking.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or the idea of Labyrinth.
What If II The Nightmare
By
Melissa aka Angle 1
Jareth must have fallen back asleep, for he was being jostled awake. He tried to ignore it and hide away back in slumber, until he realized that it was Nikko who was begging him to wake up. The tiny goblin never entered his quarters before, something must be terribly wrong. Bolting upright he gazed down at Nikko as she jumped off his bed and joined the other privileged goblins, who had gathered in the room, they all looked wide-eyed in worry. Nikko turned to face him, she was blushing furiously, no doubt from simply being in his room.
"Nikko what's wrong?" he asked sliding out of bed. A few high-pitched squeaks told him that Nikko wasn't the only female goblin in his room, and he quickly conjured his clothes and got dressed, all the while poor Nikko was trying to explain what was wrong.
" Master, It's Sydney" she said following him around as he got dressed.
"What!" He quickly shrugged on his leather jacket and crouched down to talk to her as he put on his gloves. " Nikko what's happened?" the memory of last night rushed back to him and he worried that he made a mistake in not helping Sydney.
" Sir, she.she, destroyed her room, completely destroyed and she's sitting against a wall and I don't think she got any sleep at all and she won't talk to me or any one else. Something terrible must have happened." Nikko said all of this in one big hurried breath and now big tears started to fall from her green eyes.
Jareth sighed in relief, " Don't worry, I know that she destroyed her room, it can all be fixed in a second you know that." He said gently, picking her up and motioning for the others to follow. He grabbed his heavy black cape before leaving the room and headed down the Sydney's quarters. When he got there he set Nikko down and told her to go ahead and start the chefs on working on breakfast and not to worry any more. Nikko sniffed, wiped way her tears and hopped down the stairs. He then told all the others to go about their daily chores and they too hopped away.
He turned put on his cape, and slowly opened Sydney's door and almost gasped at the sight of her room. Nikko wasn't lying when she said the room was destroyed. He put on a calm face and stepped in, treading carelessly on feathers, pages of books and sharp glass. Spotting Sydney sitting against the wall with her legs drawn up to her chest, her hair wild and tangled and falling in her face, and staring off directly at him but not really seeing him. Jareth walked up to her, kicking a table leg out of his way. He crouched down and looked directly at her, he got no response. He waved a hand in front of her eyes, not even a blink.
"Sydney?" he said,.nothing. " Sydney, Love, I hope you didn't hurt yourself doing all this." A quick look showed no wounds or scratches, only a faint bruise on her face from his slap. The sight of it caused his mask of arrogance to slip, but he recovered and sighed, " Well I guess your not going to talk to me are you?" .she said nothing. Jareth sighed again, 'fine play it you way' he thought as he wrapped his arms around her legs and back and effortlessly picked her up and carried her into the bathroom. She didn't make a sound nor did she move.
Walking over to the tub he magically filled it with not warm but cold water, and dropped her in it, pajamas and all. The shock of falling and hitting the cold water brought Sydney out of her daydreaming stupor. Coughing and choking she sat up, wiping the wet hair from her face. Jareth stood, arms crossed and watched as she got her bearings back.
"Jareth!" she said as she coughed . Jareth smiled and shifted.
" Welcome back, you had a lot of us worried." He drawled.
" You.you jerk!" she yelled, splashing a wave of water right at him. Jareth was splashed right in the face. He stood there, arms still crossed, eyes closed, with water dripping from his face and hair. As he slowly slid his eyes open, he saw Sydney staring, she obviously didn't think that he would allow the water to hit him. She was struggling to keep a straight face, but busted out laughing. The sound was like music to Jareth.
" Pay back" Sydney shouted as she sent another wave of water his way. But this time he dodged it and made the stupid mistake of sitting on the edge of the tub. Sydney promptly reached over and grabbed his jacket and pulled him straight in. Sydney laughed so hard she was starting to cry.
Just like how Jareth had cried out his anger, Sydney had let go of all her anger too, only she had to completely trash her room. Now she was free of hate.for the moment.
Jareth sat up, legs still hanging over the side of the tub, and looked at Sydney, she was clutching her sides now, laughing. His blonde hair was completely ruined, it no longer stood in spiky wisps but now hung dripping wet, and when Jareth wiped the water from his eyes he smeared his makeup right off. Smiling, Jareth couldn't help but join in her laughter. Sydney was laughing so hard she could hardly climb out of the tub, but with the help of Jareth, they were both able to climb out. Water sloshed form their clothes creating a slippery puddle on the bathroom floor. Jareth kept a firm hold on Sydney so she wouldn't fall, She was still laughing when Jareth used his magic to dry both of them.
Before he would allow her to walk back in the room he returned it to normal. Every book was returned, every feather back in the pillows. The furniture was returned and the glass also.
" Sorry about all that." Sydney whispered, as she looked over his shoulder at her room, suddenly ashamed of throwing such a childish fit.
" No need to be sorry, I've done worse." He stated leading her back in the room. "Now," he turned to face her " Get dressed and I promise to wait for you to come down to breakfast on your own." He moved to catch her eye. When he did he looked questioningly at her. "Alright?"
"Okay." Sydney sighed
" Good, I'll see you in fifteen minutes?" he asked
"Better give me twenty-five, I've got to brush the rats nest out of my hair." Sydney said and smiled at Jareth's confused look. " It has a lot of tangles in it." she explained.
" Ah, yes. I see, fine then, twenty-five minutes." With that he bowed and left her. Jareth closed the door softly behind him, and sighed, that was quite a shock. He had never seen such devastation after an anger- induced tantrum, except by himself; of course he had magic to help him. Sydney had done all that on her own, and he knew that most if not all of that anger was because of him. He didn't blame her, after what he did, he was surprised she was talking to him at all.
Heading down to the dinning room, he wondered about how Sydney's dreams and fear related to the pain he felt. Was she having nightmares? Jareth almost laughed at this thought.and yet. Nightmares would explain her trouble sleeping and the crying and tossing and turning. But it would not explain his pain, or the fact that he couldn't read what she was thinking or doing. For the past two days, he couldn't pick up on her thoughts. He had no idea she was going to splash him with the water, so he didn't have time to react. Yesterday, when the goblins all came to see them, he could tell she was very uncomfortable. But every time he tried to see what she was thinking, he was shoved away. Almost as if she has an unbelievably strong mental shield, the harder he tried the harder he was shoved away.
He suddenly found himself sitting at the table, not remembering the trip here at all. He was served, and not long after that, Sydney strolled in, and took her seat next to him. They ate in a pleasant conversation.
Sydney sat with her back against the throne; Jareth had again insisted that she be there with him. Though she did not know why, he could handle it al by him self, but Sydney thought it best not to start a argument when it seemed that they had just made up. And again many, many goblins stopped by just to see her and gossip. Thought there was still quite a few who did come just for counsel and permission on many things from the King. Sydney took deep calming breaths when the crowd got too much for her to bare, but refused Nikko's request for her to ask her Master permission to go, she didn't have to leave just yet. And again, though it didn't anger her, Jareth continued to constantly pet her as he talked, sometimes he playfully pulled out a pin or tie from her hair, which would earn him a punch in the arm, and a request that he stop his petting. Of course, he never complied, instead he would rest his gloved hand across her cheek, and Sydney would find herself leaning to his touch before she could catch herself in time to swat his hand away.
Now the crowd had reached the amount that it was when Sydney and Nikko had made their escape, and she moved to hide behind Jareth's throne. The only goblins on this side of the throne was the normal castle goblins, and Sydney was fine with them staring at her, thought they did not.
"Quite!" Jareth shouted suddenly. The room died down to a very low hum. Sydney looked over to see what had caused Jareth to demand silence, and sat open mouthed, gapping at the woman in the doorway. Her dress was ruby red and hugged her in all the right places before flaring out in a impressive array of skirts that touched the floor, low on the neckline and looked to weight a ton. The woman's hair was raven black and hung straight and perfect, large jewelry adorned her.
" You Majesty, my how regal your looking today" the woman said, her voice was honeyed and seductive. She curtsied low.
Sydney slammed back against the throne, hopping that the woman didn't see her, silently begging Jareth not to drag her out in the open. This woman was absolutely beautiful, much closer looking to Jareth's age, and extremely confident in herself, things that Sydney was not.
"Alma" Jareth responded halfheartedly, " You also are looking as beautiful as ever." He stood up and walked over to the doorway to meet her. Sydney stole a glance to see Jareth bow and kiss her palm.
Sydney was stunned to feel the first threads of jealously weave around her. ' Oh come on Sydney, o.k. No use denying it anymore, I like him, BUT I don't love him.right? And what if he does have a girlfriend, that shouldn't make me jealous, he's obviously had multiple lovers, I mean he practically told me, and that didn't make me jealous. Whatever I do, don't show it.'
Alma laughed politely, " Oh Jareth you charmer." She glanced quickly about the room. Jareth noticed, and he knew that Alma was not dropping by to see just him.
" And to what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked locking eyes with her and holding his ground. Alma looked away, hating the strange difference in his eyes.
" Oh yes! Well I'm holding my annual masquerade ball tonight, and, as you know, word has been flying that you have kept a mortal girl here in your castle with you. I do hope you will bring her along, as your companion of course your majesty."
The overly cheeriness in Alma's voice grinded so much on Sydney's nerves that she shivered, like she heard nails across a chalkboard.
Jareth seemed to genuinely love the idea, " Why yes Alma, I think I will take up your invitation and I'm sure Sydney will love to come."
" You honor me with your presence at the ball." She said and again curtsied. " Sydney? Is that her name? Such a strange.yet beautiful name of course, may I see her?"
' No Jareth she may not, please.' Sydney begged.
Jareth cocked his head to the side, Sydney was unknowingly directing a thought to him, but he couldn't make it out. He shook his head a little and returned his smile on Alma, who was waiting patiently. " Yes of course you may." He turned around. " Sydney, Alma wants to meet you."
' Damn'
"Sydney? Don't be shy." His polite yet arrogant voice grinded even more on Sydney's nerves but thought what the heck. Oh well.
Sydney stood up from behind Jareth's throne, and walked to the front of it and all the goblins. Alma gasped and approached her.
" Well, I've never seen a mortal before, save his Majesty's mother." She said as she got near.
" Your mother was mortal?" Sydney asked, Jareth nodded but kept his smile, thought Sydney knew too well that Alma had just gave out some news that Jareth didn't want to have given out. Alma looked shocked, whether it was from addressing Jareth as she did, or because she spoke, Sydney didn't know. But the look on Alma's face suddenly made Sydney think she was being extremely disrespectful, and she became shy, Sydney bowed her head and stared at the ground while she crossed her arms in front of her protectively.
Jareth knew a submissive move when he saw one but he couldn't understand, why a woman like Alma would bring it out of her.
Sydney could feel Alma look her up and down, and knew she was staring at her Aboveground clothes. Compared to Alma, Sydney looked to be trash; Sydney knew this too and also became very self-conscious standing next to such a radiant lady. Alma stepped up to her and took hold of her chin and tipped Sydney face up so she could see her better.
" A little plain looking isn't she." Alma said over her shoulder to Jareth. Sydney had an insult to spit back, but she forced herself to swallow it, though it was difficult.
Jareth was impressed by Sydney's show of control, he knew how hard it must have been for her to hold back the insult he knew she was going to say. Though not as hard as it was to hold back the insult he was also about to say, for he could tell that Sydney's feelings were hurt and he remembered the promise about telling him if any one teased her. He felt extremely guilty about not being able to stop this.
" Yes well," Alma continued when Jareth gave her no answer. " Do make sure she is in proper dress at the ball, alright Jareth." Alma finally let go of Sydney's face and turned on her heal and stepped up to Jareth. " I'll see you later tonight then your Majesty?" she curtsied.
"Yes" Jareth replied, bowing. Alma then turned and left. He sighed when she was finally out of site.
"What do you mean we're going to a ball?" Sydney asked to his back. " I don't even know how to dance!" At this bit of news, the room full of goblins started to murmur to them selves. Jareth turned back around and crossed his arms.
"Don't worry, it's quit easy."
" Ya for you, you've been dancing for five thousand years." Sydney said.
Jareth sighed, " Come with me." He held out a hand to her, she hesitated but finally took his hand and Sydney suddenly found herself in his room.
"What are we doing here, and why couldn't we have walked! I'm getting tired of all the glitter." She said as she dusted herself off.
" I'm going to teach you to dance, wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of the entire party now do you?" He said, laughing as he swept off his cape and threw it on his bed. " Now all our dances are the same, the only difference is that some are faster, some are slower. Now take my hand." He held out his hand, Sydney took it. " Not so hard Love, were dancing not fighting."
" Just.get on with it," she said, not wanting this to drag out longer than it had to. Jareth again transformed into his smooth wise talking self, and didn't trust him being only ten feet from his bed. And the shock of meeting someone who was not a goblin had Sydney feeling much too nervous about doing anything.
" Right,. now," he took her other hand and placed it high on his shoulder. " Keep your other hand here." He then wrapped his arm high around her waist. The whole time he was giving instructions; he never took his eyes off her, and watched as she absorbed the simple first rules. When she felt comfortable in their position, Jareth taught her the steps one by one.
For an hour they danced. or tried to, Sydney tripped, stumbled and stepped on Jareth more time than she cared to admit, but Jareth never scolded, only complemented, and soon they both laughed at her mistakes. Then before she knew it, they were floating across his bedroom floor, feeling like they had danced together in years. He taught her how to turn with out loosing her focus, how to change direction at a moments notice, incase the dance floor got a little crowded. And the proper way to curtsy.without falling over.
" There is only one other dance that we have, and it's a fairly easy one." Jareth said after he thought he could no longer teach Sydney anymore.
" Alright! You know I could get use to this kind of dancing, Aboveground I don't think anyone knows how to dance like this."
" Like what?" Jareth asked as he stood her in front of him and got in his position.
" You know, having to touch and all, our dancing is a strictly not hands on kind of dancing, unless it's a slow song of course, or what our parents call 'dirty dancing'."
" You don't touch when you dance?" Jareth was shocked. Sydney shook her head. "Well why not, when two people dance.their making love."
"Whoa, man down here, you people take your dancing seriously don't you." Sydney said backing up a step.
Jareth shrugged " Well at a party like the one we're going to, it's just a way for others to see where you stand.the higher classed you are the better you dance."
"But you're the King, does that mean that you dance better than all the rest?"
Jareth nodded. And continued " But when two people who are very special to each other dance.then its like making love... in front of everyone."
Sydney blushed at the vision it brought on, and Jareth chuckled at her reaction. " Now this dance is easy, if you can memorize then you'll have no problem." He again placed her in front of him and stood about four feet away. " First you curtsy," Jareth said, and he bowed as she did. He then held out his hand almost as if he was raising his hand in school only not so high. " now put you hand on mine." She did. " Now step to the left." Jareth was facing the opposite direction so he had to step to the right. Sydney was suddenly reminded of Victorian line dancing. And sure enough that's what it practically was. They stepped until they were half way around them changed direction. And then he showed her the different steps, when to clap, when to turn,( curtsy here, turn then, hold on to both of my hands.) All in all it was a very long dance, and they hardly moved from the starting point, but fairly easy to remember.
Finally Jareth suggested that it was about time they took their baths and got ready for the ball. Jareth escorted her back to her room, and always a gentleman, bowed and kissed her palm and walked back to his own room.
*******************************************************************
A/N I have to got to a required orientation today, along with my English lab so I might not have the chance to post a third chapter today, but I will not wait almost a week to post the next ones, like I did this week. * slaps hand* Bad Melissa, what did I tell myself about waiting to long to update and writing small chapters.
Lots of Love And I hope you will review.Please. ^_^x
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or the idea of Labyrinth.
What If II The Nightmare
By
Melissa aka Angle 1
Jareth must have fallen back asleep, for he was being jostled awake. He tried to ignore it and hide away back in slumber, until he realized that it was Nikko who was begging him to wake up. The tiny goblin never entered his quarters before, something must be terribly wrong. Bolting upright he gazed down at Nikko as she jumped off his bed and joined the other privileged goblins, who had gathered in the room, they all looked wide-eyed in worry. Nikko turned to face him, she was blushing furiously, no doubt from simply being in his room.
"Nikko what's wrong?" he asked sliding out of bed. A few high-pitched squeaks told him that Nikko wasn't the only female goblin in his room, and he quickly conjured his clothes and got dressed, all the while poor Nikko was trying to explain what was wrong.
" Master, It's Sydney" she said following him around as he got dressed.
"What!" He quickly shrugged on his leather jacket and crouched down to talk to her as he put on his gloves. " Nikko what's happened?" the memory of last night rushed back to him and he worried that he made a mistake in not helping Sydney.
" Sir, she.she, destroyed her room, completely destroyed and she's sitting against a wall and I don't think she got any sleep at all and she won't talk to me or any one else. Something terrible must have happened." Nikko said all of this in one big hurried breath and now big tears started to fall from her green eyes.
Jareth sighed in relief, " Don't worry, I know that she destroyed her room, it can all be fixed in a second you know that." He said gently, picking her up and motioning for the others to follow. He grabbed his heavy black cape before leaving the room and headed down the Sydney's quarters. When he got there he set Nikko down and told her to go ahead and start the chefs on working on breakfast and not to worry any more. Nikko sniffed, wiped way her tears and hopped down the stairs. He then told all the others to go about their daily chores and they too hopped away.
He turned put on his cape, and slowly opened Sydney's door and almost gasped at the sight of her room. Nikko wasn't lying when she said the room was destroyed. He put on a calm face and stepped in, treading carelessly on feathers, pages of books and sharp glass. Spotting Sydney sitting against the wall with her legs drawn up to her chest, her hair wild and tangled and falling in her face, and staring off directly at him but not really seeing him. Jareth walked up to her, kicking a table leg out of his way. He crouched down and looked directly at her, he got no response. He waved a hand in front of her eyes, not even a blink.
"Sydney?" he said,.nothing. " Sydney, Love, I hope you didn't hurt yourself doing all this." A quick look showed no wounds or scratches, only a faint bruise on her face from his slap. The sight of it caused his mask of arrogance to slip, but he recovered and sighed, " Well I guess your not going to talk to me are you?" .she said nothing. Jareth sighed again, 'fine play it you way' he thought as he wrapped his arms around her legs and back and effortlessly picked her up and carried her into the bathroom. She didn't make a sound nor did she move.
Walking over to the tub he magically filled it with not warm but cold water, and dropped her in it, pajamas and all. The shock of falling and hitting the cold water brought Sydney out of her daydreaming stupor. Coughing and choking she sat up, wiping the wet hair from her face. Jareth stood, arms crossed and watched as she got her bearings back.
"Jareth!" she said as she coughed . Jareth smiled and shifted.
" Welcome back, you had a lot of us worried." He drawled.
" You.you jerk!" she yelled, splashing a wave of water right at him. Jareth was splashed right in the face. He stood there, arms still crossed, eyes closed, with water dripping from his face and hair. As he slowly slid his eyes open, he saw Sydney staring, she obviously didn't think that he would allow the water to hit him. She was struggling to keep a straight face, but busted out laughing. The sound was like music to Jareth.
" Pay back" Sydney shouted as she sent another wave of water his way. But this time he dodged it and made the stupid mistake of sitting on the edge of the tub. Sydney promptly reached over and grabbed his jacket and pulled him straight in. Sydney laughed so hard she was starting to cry.
Just like how Jareth had cried out his anger, Sydney had let go of all her anger too, only she had to completely trash her room. Now she was free of hate.for the moment.
Jareth sat up, legs still hanging over the side of the tub, and looked at Sydney, she was clutching her sides now, laughing. His blonde hair was completely ruined, it no longer stood in spiky wisps but now hung dripping wet, and when Jareth wiped the water from his eyes he smeared his makeup right off. Smiling, Jareth couldn't help but join in her laughter. Sydney was laughing so hard she could hardly climb out of the tub, but with the help of Jareth, they were both able to climb out. Water sloshed form their clothes creating a slippery puddle on the bathroom floor. Jareth kept a firm hold on Sydney so she wouldn't fall, She was still laughing when Jareth used his magic to dry both of them.
Before he would allow her to walk back in the room he returned it to normal. Every book was returned, every feather back in the pillows. The furniture was returned and the glass also.
" Sorry about all that." Sydney whispered, as she looked over his shoulder at her room, suddenly ashamed of throwing such a childish fit.
" No need to be sorry, I've done worse." He stated leading her back in the room. "Now," he turned to face her " Get dressed and I promise to wait for you to come down to breakfast on your own." He moved to catch her eye. When he did he looked questioningly at her. "Alright?"
"Okay." Sydney sighed
" Good, I'll see you in fifteen minutes?" he asked
"Better give me twenty-five, I've got to brush the rats nest out of my hair." Sydney said and smiled at Jareth's confused look. " It has a lot of tangles in it." she explained.
" Ah, yes. I see, fine then, twenty-five minutes." With that he bowed and left her. Jareth closed the door softly behind him, and sighed, that was quite a shock. He had never seen such devastation after an anger- induced tantrum, except by himself; of course he had magic to help him. Sydney had done all that on her own, and he knew that most if not all of that anger was because of him. He didn't blame her, after what he did, he was surprised she was talking to him at all.
Heading down to the dinning room, he wondered about how Sydney's dreams and fear related to the pain he felt. Was she having nightmares? Jareth almost laughed at this thought.and yet. Nightmares would explain her trouble sleeping and the crying and tossing and turning. But it would not explain his pain, or the fact that he couldn't read what she was thinking or doing. For the past two days, he couldn't pick up on her thoughts. He had no idea she was going to splash him with the water, so he didn't have time to react. Yesterday, when the goblins all came to see them, he could tell she was very uncomfortable. But every time he tried to see what she was thinking, he was shoved away. Almost as if she has an unbelievably strong mental shield, the harder he tried the harder he was shoved away.
He suddenly found himself sitting at the table, not remembering the trip here at all. He was served, and not long after that, Sydney strolled in, and took her seat next to him. They ate in a pleasant conversation.
Sydney sat with her back against the throne; Jareth had again insisted that she be there with him. Though she did not know why, he could handle it al by him self, but Sydney thought it best not to start a argument when it seemed that they had just made up. And again many, many goblins stopped by just to see her and gossip. Thought there was still quite a few who did come just for counsel and permission on many things from the King. Sydney took deep calming breaths when the crowd got too much for her to bare, but refused Nikko's request for her to ask her Master permission to go, she didn't have to leave just yet. And again, though it didn't anger her, Jareth continued to constantly pet her as he talked, sometimes he playfully pulled out a pin or tie from her hair, which would earn him a punch in the arm, and a request that he stop his petting. Of course, he never complied, instead he would rest his gloved hand across her cheek, and Sydney would find herself leaning to his touch before she could catch herself in time to swat his hand away.
Now the crowd had reached the amount that it was when Sydney and Nikko had made their escape, and she moved to hide behind Jareth's throne. The only goblins on this side of the throne was the normal castle goblins, and Sydney was fine with them staring at her, thought they did not.
"Quite!" Jareth shouted suddenly. The room died down to a very low hum. Sydney looked over to see what had caused Jareth to demand silence, and sat open mouthed, gapping at the woman in the doorway. Her dress was ruby red and hugged her in all the right places before flaring out in a impressive array of skirts that touched the floor, low on the neckline and looked to weight a ton. The woman's hair was raven black and hung straight and perfect, large jewelry adorned her.
" You Majesty, my how regal your looking today" the woman said, her voice was honeyed and seductive. She curtsied low.
Sydney slammed back against the throne, hopping that the woman didn't see her, silently begging Jareth not to drag her out in the open. This woman was absolutely beautiful, much closer looking to Jareth's age, and extremely confident in herself, things that Sydney was not.
"Alma" Jareth responded halfheartedly, " You also are looking as beautiful as ever." He stood up and walked over to the doorway to meet her. Sydney stole a glance to see Jareth bow and kiss her palm.
Sydney was stunned to feel the first threads of jealously weave around her. ' Oh come on Sydney, o.k. No use denying it anymore, I like him, BUT I don't love him.right? And what if he does have a girlfriend, that shouldn't make me jealous, he's obviously had multiple lovers, I mean he practically told me, and that didn't make me jealous. Whatever I do, don't show it.'
Alma laughed politely, " Oh Jareth you charmer." She glanced quickly about the room. Jareth noticed, and he knew that Alma was not dropping by to see just him.
" And to what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked locking eyes with her and holding his ground. Alma looked away, hating the strange difference in his eyes.
" Oh yes! Well I'm holding my annual masquerade ball tonight, and, as you know, word has been flying that you have kept a mortal girl here in your castle with you. I do hope you will bring her along, as your companion of course your majesty."
The overly cheeriness in Alma's voice grinded so much on Sydney's nerves that she shivered, like she heard nails across a chalkboard.
Jareth seemed to genuinely love the idea, " Why yes Alma, I think I will take up your invitation and I'm sure Sydney will love to come."
" You honor me with your presence at the ball." She said and again curtsied. " Sydney? Is that her name? Such a strange.yet beautiful name of course, may I see her?"
' No Jareth she may not, please.' Sydney begged.
Jareth cocked his head to the side, Sydney was unknowingly directing a thought to him, but he couldn't make it out. He shook his head a little and returned his smile on Alma, who was waiting patiently. " Yes of course you may." He turned around. " Sydney, Alma wants to meet you."
' Damn'
"Sydney? Don't be shy." His polite yet arrogant voice grinded even more on Sydney's nerves but thought what the heck. Oh well.
Sydney stood up from behind Jareth's throne, and walked to the front of it and all the goblins. Alma gasped and approached her.
" Well, I've never seen a mortal before, save his Majesty's mother." She said as she got near.
" Your mother was mortal?" Sydney asked, Jareth nodded but kept his smile, thought Sydney knew too well that Alma had just gave out some news that Jareth didn't want to have given out. Alma looked shocked, whether it was from addressing Jareth as she did, or because she spoke, Sydney didn't know. But the look on Alma's face suddenly made Sydney think she was being extremely disrespectful, and she became shy, Sydney bowed her head and stared at the ground while she crossed her arms in front of her protectively.
Jareth knew a submissive move when he saw one but he couldn't understand, why a woman like Alma would bring it out of her.
Sydney could feel Alma look her up and down, and knew she was staring at her Aboveground clothes. Compared to Alma, Sydney looked to be trash; Sydney knew this too and also became very self-conscious standing next to such a radiant lady. Alma stepped up to her and took hold of her chin and tipped Sydney face up so she could see her better.
" A little plain looking isn't she." Alma said over her shoulder to Jareth. Sydney had an insult to spit back, but she forced herself to swallow it, though it was difficult.
Jareth was impressed by Sydney's show of control, he knew how hard it must have been for her to hold back the insult he knew she was going to say. Though not as hard as it was to hold back the insult he was also about to say, for he could tell that Sydney's feelings were hurt and he remembered the promise about telling him if any one teased her. He felt extremely guilty about not being able to stop this.
" Yes well," Alma continued when Jareth gave her no answer. " Do make sure she is in proper dress at the ball, alright Jareth." Alma finally let go of Sydney's face and turned on her heal and stepped up to Jareth. " I'll see you later tonight then your Majesty?" she curtsied.
"Yes" Jareth replied, bowing. Alma then turned and left. He sighed when she was finally out of site.
"What do you mean we're going to a ball?" Sydney asked to his back. " I don't even know how to dance!" At this bit of news, the room full of goblins started to murmur to them selves. Jareth turned back around and crossed his arms.
"Don't worry, it's quit easy."
" Ya for you, you've been dancing for five thousand years." Sydney said.
Jareth sighed, " Come with me." He held out a hand to her, she hesitated but finally took his hand and Sydney suddenly found herself in his room.
"What are we doing here, and why couldn't we have walked! I'm getting tired of all the glitter." She said as she dusted herself off.
" I'm going to teach you to dance, wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of the entire party now do you?" He said, laughing as he swept off his cape and threw it on his bed. " Now all our dances are the same, the only difference is that some are faster, some are slower. Now take my hand." He held out his hand, Sydney took it. " Not so hard Love, were dancing not fighting."
" Just.get on with it," she said, not wanting this to drag out longer than it had to. Jareth again transformed into his smooth wise talking self, and didn't trust him being only ten feet from his bed. And the shock of meeting someone who was not a goblin had Sydney feeling much too nervous about doing anything.
" Right,. now," he took her other hand and placed it high on his shoulder. " Keep your other hand here." He then wrapped his arm high around her waist. The whole time he was giving instructions; he never took his eyes off her, and watched as she absorbed the simple first rules. When she felt comfortable in their position, Jareth taught her the steps one by one.
For an hour they danced. or tried to, Sydney tripped, stumbled and stepped on Jareth more time than she cared to admit, but Jareth never scolded, only complemented, and soon they both laughed at her mistakes. Then before she knew it, they were floating across his bedroom floor, feeling like they had danced together in years. He taught her how to turn with out loosing her focus, how to change direction at a moments notice, incase the dance floor got a little crowded. And the proper way to curtsy.without falling over.
" There is only one other dance that we have, and it's a fairly easy one." Jareth said after he thought he could no longer teach Sydney anymore.
" Alright! You know I could get use to this kind of dancing, Aboveground I don't think anyone knows how to dance like this."
" Like what?" Jareth asked as he stood her in front of him and got in his position.
" You know, having to touch and all, our dancing is a strictly not hands on kind of dancing, unless it's a slow song of course, or what our parents call 'dirty dancing'."
" You don't touch when you dance?" Jareth was shocked. Sydney shook her head. "Well why not, when two people dance.their making love."
"Whoa, man down here, you people take your dancing seriously don't you." Sydney said backing up a step.
Jareth shrugged " Well at a party like the one we're going to, it's just a way for others to see where you stand.the higher classed you are the better you dance."
"But you're the King, does that mean that you dance better than all the rest?"
Jareth nodded. And continued " But when two people who are very special to each other dance.then its like making love... in front of everyone."
Sydney blushed at the vision it brought on, and Jareth chuckled at her reaction. " Now this dance is easy, if you can memorize then you'll have no problem." He again placed her in front of him and stood about four feet away. " First you curtsy," Jareth said, and he bowed as she did. He then held out his hand almost as if he was raising his hand in school only not so high. " now put you hand on mine." She did. " Now step to the left." Jareth was facing the opposite direction so he had to step to the right. Sydney was suddenly reminded of Victorian line dancing. And sure enough that's what it practically was. They stepped until they were half way around them changed direction. And then he showed her the different steps, when to clap, when to turn,( curtsy here, turn then, hold on to both of my hands.) All in all it was a very long dance, and they hardly moved from the starting point, but fairly easy to remember.
Finally Jareth suggested that it was about time they took their baths and got ready for the ball. Jareth escorted her back to her room, and always a gentleman, bowed and kissed her palm and walked back to his own room.
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A/N I have to got to a required orientation today, along with my English lab so I might not have the chance to post a third chapter today, but I will not wait almost a week to post the next ones, like I did this week. * slaps hand* Bad Melissa, what did I tell myself about waiting to long to update and writing small chapters.
Lots of Love And I hope you will review.Please. ^_^x