Chapter 9: The Trickster in Love?

All she could think of was how she was lost in his eyes. His eyes sparkled with an unrecognizable emotion, and they started floating out the window. They landed at a clearing in the forest. She let go of Jareth and leaned back against a tree. He quickly pulled her away from it.

"Jareth!" His face was flushed.

"Thank you." A silky voice said. She turned around, looking for the voice's origin.

"Who are you?" Jareth bowed slightly to the tree.

"I apologize Dhiarra. She doesn't know these things." Sarah arched an eyebrow. The tree slowly took a form, it's bark twisting and pulling. Two legs, a long torso, arms, and a face emerged.

"Thank you. No need to apologize for that though, I wouldn't expect a magick slayer to understand." She said, eyeing Sarah coldly. Jareth sighed.

"She's not doing it of free will. The Hunter owns her. She managed to escape him." She snorted.

"And weasel her way into the Goblin King's heart. Just because he technically owns her doesn't mean she had no say in what she did. And I quote, 'My will is as strong as yours.'" A woman stepped out of the tree in green vines that covered only what was necessary on her body. Her hair was flaming red with small flowers. She slunk up to Jareth and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him thoroughly, and Sarah watched in complete shock.

"Ah Dhiarra, I've missed you." He hugged her, then noting Sarah's discomfort, he stepped back. "Sarah, this is Dhiarra. Dhiarra, this is-" The Dryad looked annoyed.

"I know who that is. That heartless slime who's not fit to breathe the air that surrounds us." Jareth shook his head, but Sarh stood her ground.

"That's not my fault! I can't choose who I'm given to as payment" Dhiarra just stared at her, letting her stand uncomfortably in accusation. To further irritate Sarah, she wrapped an arm around Jareth's waist.

"Shall we get back to the castle?" He said, looking directly at Sarah.

"Aw, little whiny brat can't have another woman all over her man?"

"He's not my man. Take him, what do I care? He's my friend, not my lover."

"But you love him."

"Like a brother." Dhiarra rolled her eyes.

"Don't make me laugh. You've loved him since you first laid eyes on him." Sarah tried not to let herself be humiliated.

"Remind me once again, just exactly who is clinging to who at this point?" Dhiarra glared.

"Well, you know what, if you'd been courting someone for well over four moons you would be protective of what is yours." Sarah's brow quirked.

"Ah, so when exactly did I become a threat?" she said with her knowing smirk.

"Since you tried to buddy up with him as soon as things went wrong with Christian." Dhiarra said. Jareth took her hand.

"Cme on, this isn't going to get us anywhere. Dhiarra, we came so I could show Sarah more of my kingdom-"

"That she helped destroy." Dhiarra cut in. He glared at her.

"NOT to start a jealousy war." he said firmly.

"Fine." She led both Jareth and Sarah into the forest. They soon came to what appeared to be a city, except it was almost invisible. Most of the landings and homes she could see were up in the trees. Dhiarra stepped onto a wooden cicle with a rope through the middle. Sarah eyed it, then joined them, hating the sight of Dhiarra clinging to Jareth. She crossed her arms and turned around. Dhiarra pulled the rope twice, then the circle lifted into the air, rising to a suspended platform.

"Welcome home Dhiarra." A dryad said. He looked at Sarah suspiciously but said nothing. "Your mother, her Highness Titania awaits you." he said to Jareth. A woman with light blue skin, dark blue eyes, and long silver hair approached them. She wore a long white gown lined with silver. Jareth smield, and his tension was momentarily relieved. He hugged her.

"Mother, it's been awhile." She smiled warmly.

"It's been too long Jareth. Who are your companions?"

"I am Dhiarra, daughter of Earth." Jareth smiled and put an arm around her waist. Titania looked to Sarah.

"You are the slayers property, are you not?" Before Sarah could answer her, she saw a hawk flying straight at her. It landed on a branch and shifted form.

"Terenduin." Jareth said flatly, not hiding the dislike from his tone. He grinned and hopped down onto the platform.

"Ah Jareth, and of course my humble apologies to you, milady Queen for disturbing your family reunion."

"State your purpose Terenduin. I am not amused." She replied.

"I am but a messenger." he said, walking around the platform with an innocent smile. He stopped at Dhiarra and took her hand, kissing it lightly. "Hello." she blushed, and Jareth shoved him.

"You will maintain yoru distance from the lady I am courting." he snapped coldly. Allowing her a final look of lust, he moved on, this time stopping in front of Sarah.

"My message concerns you, dear lady." he offered her an arm. Jareth stepped forward.

"Ah ah Jareth. You are courting Dhiarra, are you not?" Titania glared.

"Say what you have come to-" He put a hand up.

"I will, to Sarah alone." Sarah looked at Jareth, noted the arm around Dhiarra, then took the offered arm. He led her away and back down to ground level.

"Damn him! He's going to manipulate her, use her, then discard her." Jareth said pacing. Dhiarra said nothing as she watched Terenduin lead Sarah away.

Terenduin brought her to a garden just outside of Jareth's castle. A fountain sat in the middle and she sat on it's edge. Terenduin sat beside her. She stared into the crystal waters and skimmed her hand at surface level.

"He's coming for you, you have to know that." She nodded. "What will you do? As long as you remain pure, you stand no chance of freedom." Standing, Sarah noddded. He rose behind her and pushed her sot curls over her shoulder. His brow furrowed seeing the top of her back. Along the line of her dress, he could see a few of the lighter scratches. He began unfastening her dress quickly and his eyes flushed with anger. Hers filled with tears. She winced as he ran a gloved hand over it, then gently wrapped his arms around her. and huged her.

"Christian, I will kill you for this." he whispered. Sarah gently laid her arms over his. He had to care, didn't he? Someone had to care about her, even in if twas Terenduin. He just hehld her in silence, she turned around and collapsed to silent tears on his shoulder. Tears for Christiian, tears for her lost brother and father, tears for the unicorns, but above all, tears of regret.

I think that's the end of this chapter... BUT because I didn't leave too badly of a cliff hanger, I shall ask you these questions...

How will Jareth take it when he sees Sarah in another mans arms? Why is Dhiarra constantly watching Terenduin's every move in a stalker sort of way? Will Jareth ever admit to Sarah that he loves her? What about Christian? How will she escape him?

Truth be told, I have no idea. shrugs smiling I suppose I shall just have to write more and find out. Stupid love triangles. They make things difficult. I've never written one before, so if this does in fact SUCK which I am going to assume, i'm sorry.

When I get 5 more reviews, I'll update. I'm sorry I'm asking a lot, but eh, whaddaya gonna do.

Ravey, Brittany, Mandi, I MISS YOU ALL WHY AREN"T YOU TALKING TO ME?!?!?!?!?! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I miss you all very much. Please don't forget about me down here!

Anyway, review, and then I shall be content!