Chapter 10- Finding Common Ground
"I'm sorry!" Sarah shouted, as her eyes flew open. She was breathing heavily, as if she had been chased. And, in fact, she felt that she had been; chased by Jareth's past and feelings toward her. Chased by her past mistakes and future burdens. Focusing on her surroundings, Sarah realized that she was still in Jareth's bedroom. But now, she was alone.
Sunlight streamed in through the window. She had no idea how much time had passed; minutes, hours, days. She jumped up, stumbling at first as if intoxicated. Her first thought was of Jareth. The next was of the Breanons, and hope that they had survived the attack by the dark shadows. She had a choice; she could either search out Jareth and confront him about the dreams he had sent her, hopefully beginning the healing process, or she could retreat, find the castle exit, and return to the Breanons, forming a plan from there. She finally decided in favor of the former plan.
The first person she ran into, however, was not the goblin king. It was Jareth's diminutive servant, Gragar.
"Miss Sarah," the dwarf rasped. "I'd like to thank you for the kindness you paid me the other day." Sarah gave a half smile, and nodded. "King Jareth would have sent me straight to the bog had he known," Gragar continued.
"Consider it a gesture of friendship," Sarah told him, smiling downward. "You would have done the same for me." Gragar considered her words for a moment, a scowl crossing his features.
"I don't believe that his majesty would allow me to be friends with his enemy," the dwarf said quietly. "But when it comes down to it, Miss Sarah, remember that I am on your side." With a small bow, Gragar hurried off.
"Wait, Gragar!" Sarah called. The dwarf paused, turning to face her. "Where is Jareth?" she asked.
"Throne room," Gragar answered, turning and continuing on his way. That would have helped, Sarah thought, had she known where the throne room was.
An hour later, Sarah had to admit that she was lost beyond recognition. She had begun by trying to find the throne room, but after walking in circles for forty minutes, she had decided to settle for finding her way back to Jareth's chambers, instead. That, she was coming to realize, was also hopeless. The castle was a labyrinth in itself, and each corridor looked exactly the same. Stairways forced her up and downwards, and would disappear when she turned to use them again. Doors of all shapes and sizes littered the hallways. She had tried a few of them, curious as to what rooms someone like Jareth would possibly need in his castle. Each room was curious, and most of them contained elements of magic. One chamber boasted a full orchestra, instruments which could play themselves, and were visibly agitated at being disturbed by her intrusion. Another was a kind of day care for goblin, human, elven, and other species of children and babies. Two elderly female goblins snapped at Sarah when she entered, telling her to close the door before the children wandered out.
At one point, Sarah came across the Escher room that she had found previously, when she had been chasing Toby. As painful memories rushed back to her, she slammed the door, nearly rocking it on its hinges. Even though she knew the room would lead her toward the throne room, she could not handle the twists and turns without being heartbroken. Frustrated, she slumped to the floor in the hallway, biting back the childish words that perfectly described her situation. It's not fair, she thought.
Wandering down the hallways once more, Sarah found herself at the end of a hallway, with a huge, elaborately carved door guarding against further entrance. Taking a deep breath, Sarah turned the doorknob, and gently pushed the door open.
"Miss Sarah!" A small voice shouted. In another moment, Sarah found herself looking into a small pair of brilliant blue eyes.
"Miriam?" Sarah looked up in shock and saw Dorian, also smiling softly at her, and Mr. Breanon with Meril in his arms. "You're okay! Wait, where's Mrs. Breanon?" Sarah's relief turned into concern at the missing Breanon matriarch. The gazes of each of the Breanons turned sad, and Miriam whimpered softly, turning toward her brother.
"She tried to follow you, into the shadow," Mr. Breanon answered, failing to hide the bitterness in his voice. "King Madriel tried to tell her that you were on your own journey, to restore balance to the underground, but she was determined to help you, save you from the shadow. In the morning, she was gone." Tears were streaming down Miriam's face, who held tightly to both her father and brothers' hands.
"But she might still be okay, right?" Sarah asked, grasping for any bit of hope.
"Unlikely," Mr. Breanon answered, keeping his voice low. "The shadow is not in the habit of leaving survivors. I must say that we are all quite surprised to see you still alive." Sarah blinked back tears. How could she convince Jareth to embrace the light with so much darkness surrounding them? "I've come to the castle to seek refuge for my children," Mr. Breanon continued. "There are ancient goblins who watch over the little ones here, and can take over Meril's care. Dorian has been accepted as an apprentice to the stable master. My sister works in the kitchens here, and will be able to assume responsibility for Miriam. I cannot provide a home and food for us all; I'm afraid this is the only solution." Sarah could see that, despite his rough demeanor, Mr. Breanon was fighting emotion at losing his children.
"Can I help?" Sarah asked softly. She tried to look strong, for the sake of the children.
"I think you've helped enough," Mr. Breanon answered. "We'll thank you to be on your way." Feeling the sting of rejection, and extreme guilt at the disappearance and likely death of Mrs. Breanon, Sarah turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. She wandered back down a hallway, tears blinding her vision.
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"Sarah has returned to the castle," Hoggle reported, half-excitedly. He was still suspicious of the cloaked man, but figured that he had the underground's best intentions at heart.
"You have a high regard for Miss Sarah, don't you, Hoggle?" Grishnak rasped, examining the dwarf with hidden eyes.
"She's my. . . my friend," Hoggle answered, baring his heart to the evil man.
"Well," Grishnak hissed, trying to sound comforting, "best that you hurry on your task then, Master Hoggle. Sarah will be agitated with her situation, and is in more danger every moment that the king possesses that piece of emerald. You don't want harm to come to Sarah, do you, Hoggle?"
"'Course not," Hoggle answered. He looked at his shoes, and then up at the man's cloaked face. "I'll try to get it tonight."
"Good," Grishnak answered. "You are a true hero, Hoggle."
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Sarah opened a door and was greeted by the smell of tomatoes, garlic and fresh cooked bread. Her stomach rumbled as she examined the contents of the room. This seemed to be the castle kitchens; about ten goblin women with bandanas covering their heads were busy cooking. Some stirred large pots over the long fireplace that occupied the north end of the room; others were kneading or rolling out dough with a rolling pin. One woman was chopping vegetables, another peeling potatoes, a third basting what looked like chicken.
Throwing caution aside, Sarah decided to talk to the women within.
"Please," she ventured, "I'm very lost. I wonder if I could help you, in return for some food?" A few of the women smiled up at her, one answered.
"You need not help us, Lady Sarah," she answered. "Here, have some bread and jam." The woman cut a thick slice of steaming bread, and handed Sarah a kind of wooden jar with a gooey substance within it.
"Thank you," Sarah said, accepting the food, "but I insist on helping when I've finished." She munched on the bread, trying to make it last by eating it slowly, but failing when she realized how hungry she was. When she had finished, a woman directed her toward a washbasin, which she used, and then Sarah hovered, trying to figure out where she could be of help.
"I suppose you could stir this pot," a woman rasped, directing Sarah toward a cauldron on the fire. "Take care not to get singed." Despite the warning, Sarah was not used to being in dresses. Within ten minutes, the hem of her dress was in flames. Shouting, the goblin women brought a pitcher of water, and eventually got the fire out. Sarah, however, was cast from the room.
"I'm sorry," she cried as the door shut behind her. Fresh tears filled her eyes as she turned from the room. She was not left alone in misery however; the goblin king, in intimidating glory, stood before her, scowling at her appearance. As well he might, she thought; the bottom of her dress was burned, she had red eyes from crying, and she was absolutely miserable with guilt and mourning. "I'm sorry," she echoed to him, her voice coming out weak and vulnerable.
"What new torment have you been bringing to my castle, Sarah?" the goblin king asked, raising one eyebrow. Sarah looked downward, biting back tears, willing her strength of will to return to her, but not succeeding. She was overwhelmed. She raised her eyes to Jareth's, desperation filling her eyes. Without knowing why, she stepped toward him, tentatively rested her head on his chest, and rested her hands on his waist. She trembled, silent sobs wracking her, afraid of the man she was trying to take comfort from, but fearing a complete breakdown more. After a moment, a hand rested upon her head, and another gently held her to him.
Jareth looked down at the sobbing girl he held in his arms. How did she continue to leave him defenseless? He was using all the strength he possessed to keep her at arm's length, and still she managed to haunt him. Wrinkling his brow, he decided to give her this one moment of comfort before distancing himself from her once more. He couldn't help but notice the silkiness of the strands beneath his touch. . .
When, long minutes later, he could feel her calming, Jareth released Sarah. He backed himself against the wall and took a breath to compose himself.
"Th- thank you," Sarah whispered, not yet able to look him in the eye.
"Because of this new turn of events," Jareth said, "your status has been altered. We will discuss this at a later time."
"The dreams," Sarah began, "I wanted to talk to you about them," Jareth's expression grew grim.
"There's nothing to talk about," he voiced. "You have been made aware of the consequences your decisions have brought about. The underground has moved on, but not without scars. The Breanons informed me of your roll in their loss." New hurt struck Sarah's heart at his words. "To make reparations," Jareth continued, "you shall continue aiding Master Dorian and Mistress Miriam with their studies, in between working for me. As you already know, Miriam has a place in the kitchens, and Dorian in the stables. You shall assist in the children's ward. You are already acquainted with young Meril. You shall sleep in the servants' quarters, and eat with them as well." Suddenly remembering her quest, Sarah spoke up, tentatively.
"Jareth," she ventured, "how will I be able to make reparations to you?" The monarch tilted his head at this inquiry.
"What?" he asked, startled.
"I don't know how to convince you that I was too young and immature the last time I was here to fully understand the implications of what you were offering me," she began. "But I understand the hurt it has caused you, and what that has meant for the underground. As I said before, I have fallen in love with you. I don't expect you to return my sentiments. But, perhaps," she faltered, trying to read his gaze, "Perhaps we could try to get to know each other. Become friends?" The goblin king chuckled coldly at her request.
"Such dependence upon others, Sarah," he mocked. "You certainly have changed." He turned from her for a moment, then faced her once more, exhaustion creeping into his eyes. "Alright," he agreed. "I will allow you to meet with you every evening for one hour. In that time, we will be civil, and will engage in conversation." Sarah nodded, accepting the terms. Jareth cursed himself for being so weak. This was not the way to keep her at arm's length!
"I- I have one more request," Sarah stated. Jareth looked annoyed, at the very least.
"Again, Sarah, I am exhausted from living up to your expectations," he voiced. Meekly, Sarah met his gaze.
"I know, but I- I'm lost. Could you please give me a hint as to where I am?" Biting back a laugh, the goblin king masked his amusement with annoyance. Snapping his fingers in the air, Sarah disappeared.
If she ever got out, she was going to kill him, Sarah swore, holding her hands in front of her nose. Despite her love for him, it was not in her nature to turn a blind eye to his manipulations. The bog of eternal stench was no less odorous than she had remembered it. Carefully picking her way among the rocks, she watched her steps with deadly accuracy so as not to land in the cursed water.
"Sir Didymus!" she called desperately, closing her mouth immediately to guard against the stench. She called again, looking around frantically for the destroyed bridge.
"My lady?" A small, high voice called quietly from somewhere ahead of her. Almost immediately, a small, furry body was in front of her, jumping in excitement. "My lady! You have returned!" Smiling for the first time that day, Sarah embraced her friend, so happy to see a familiar face that she could have cried.
"Sir Didymus, I'm so glad to see you!" Sarah cried.
"My lady, you must come and greet my brother, Sir Ludo!" The small mammal grabbed her hand in his paw, and, despite being so small, dragged her toward the remains of the bridge.
"Sarah, Sarah back!" A familiar tone met her ears, and she saw her gigantic friend, donning a ridiculous hat which mimicked the one that Didymus wore. Laughing, Sarah hugged the beast, and sighed in relief. Perhaps fate had not been so cruel sending her here, after all. Despite her joy, however, she had to once again cover her nose, and was surprised that Ludo, who previously had not been able to stand the smell of the bog, was able to withstand it quite easily.
"You can't smell the bog, Ludo?" she asked quietly. Ludo looked confused for a moment, then recognition lighted his eyes.
"Jareth friend. Made Ludo magic so he could guard rock bridge with brother." Sarah glanced at the bog where the bridge had been, and noticed that the rock bridge Ludo had invoked so long ago still remained.
"Oh, so it's a spell," she acknowledged. "Ludo, Didymus, I'm so glad to see you, but I'm afraid that I must get out of this bog!" She pleaded with her friends.
"Of course, m'lady!" Didymus chimed up. "Let us lead the way."
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Hoggle crept toward Jareth's bedroom, trying not to tremble as he considered the task before him. Cautiously, he reached for the doorknob, and was about to turn it when a voice interrupted him.
"Hoggle, what are you doing?" It was the King's head assistant, Gragar.
"Eh,
nothing, nothing at all," Hoggle lied. He struggled to keep his manner calm. I's
lost is all, and I thought this was a hallway connected to the entrance. . ."
Gragar smirked. He didn't know what his fellow dwarf was up to, but was sure it
had something to do with Sarah's arrival.
"Sarah is staying in the
servants quarters," Gragar stated.
"Sarah? Oh!" Hoggle answered, relieved. "Thank you, Master Gragar, Please, uh, don't tell Jareth I was lookin' for her." Gragar nodded, smiling, as Hoggle backed away from the bedroom door and down the hallway.
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I've started to realize that I'm missing some people with reviews; I've been going by emails that tell me when people review, but I think that I've missed some people that way. I apologize if I've skipped you and haven't responded; I am so happy that you are enjoying my story, and the reviews are all so very wonderful!
kober- Thank you so much! I'm glad that in your opinion I've kept him in character. I've had to stop and watch the movie a bunch of times just to make sure that I have kept him true to my original interpretation of him.
Anime-Moon-girl16- Aw, thanks! Hopefully this chapter was just as good!
Neoshipper- Thanks! Yes, he's not going to be able to let her win so easily this time. She's wounded his pride and he's going to keep her away from him as much as he can, which makes her job harder!
Cherokeelady- Wow, twice! What a compliment! Yes, although I'm not sure that it's so much that he's opening himself up as showing her the damage she's caused. I'm not going to say much more because it would spoil the ending. ;-) Haha, more heated words to come! Thanks!
Zabella- Thank you so much!
Daydreaming beauty- Thanks, I'm glad that you are still enjoying it!
Silver Space- It means so much that you've reviewed though! Thanks for the compliment!
The Lady of Shallotte- Hehe, well thank you! And sorry. . . hopefully I'm not keeping you in suspense for TOO long.
Draegon-fire- Yes, now things are finally explained a little bit. He's given her the opportunity to get to know him now, although it's not going to be easy by any stretch of the imagination!
Phoebemoon- I agree. He's got some major bitterness going on. Hopefully though, he'll show his soft side soon enough. ;-)
Lost Angel- Thanks so much!
Xaviere Jade- First of all, I've been reading your story, and it's amazing! Wonderful interpretation. Yes, I've realized that I tend to start slow and build up, even within chapters; hopefully it's not too slow and confusing though; with practice I hope I'll get better at starting off with a bang. Thanks so much for the constructive feedback!
Neva- Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it!
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