AN: Small tid bit of J/S, the feedback is great guys, I love reading what
you have to say. :D This is dedicated to Ootori, who's name I spelled wrong
and is quite wonderful for reviewing every chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own labyrinth, no copyright infringement intended.
*
Strangely Devine Chapter Five: Crystals in the Dark
*
Fiona was a rake thin girl with dyed black hair and blonde roots. She wore black jeans and a ragged grey sweater as well as clompy black boots on her feet. Her arms wrapped around her small frame and she seemed to be shivering even though it was nearly eighty degrees outside the flat. She stared at Emily with kohl-rimmed eyes, trying to take in what her friend was saying.
"She's gone?" Fiona said through chattering teeth.
Emily nodded franticly "She's completely vanished, I called her father and stepmother, and she's not there. I don't know where else she would be!"
Next to Fiona was an impeccably groomed blonde boy "Hang on, she can't just disappear" said Griffon "Something had to have happened to her. Or else she went of her own accord"
"Did you call the police?" asked Timothy; he was leaning against one of the large bay windows that looked out over the tree-lined street below.
"Yes!" Emily moaned and pushed her hands through her hair "And she's been gone since yesterday, guys. I mean. Where could she have gone?"
*
"I still don't see the point" Sarah mumbled. She and Gwendolyn were sitting in the large library in overstuffed chairs with huge volumes open in their laps. Much to Sarah's surprise she found that many of the books were written in Latin. Much to Gwendolyn's surprise Sarah was fluent in the dead language.
"Oh yeah' Sarah nodded "Well it was the elective of choice for premed students and the lit kids, not really an art department course though"
Gwendolyn's expression was one of awe as she rested her chin in her palm, they had been discussing university for more then an hour and she couldn't quite grasp idea of thousands of young people studying in one place. "His majesty would find this fascinating" she sighed
Sarah pulled a face "Why don't you have schools in the Underground?"
Gwendolyn stared out a large stained glass window "I don't know" she said thoughtfully "I suppose. most commoners are dwarves, they make up most of the population of the Underground. and they're notoriously stupid. So perhaps, it is simply more convenient for the nobles to educate their children with a tutor like me" she sighed "But it does sound wonderful, they way you describe it"
Sarah thought for a moment. "Well. College was good, High school was horrible though" She went on to describe the horrors of being a drama geek, the prom, and the evil of all evils, the cheerleading squad. Sarah was just getting around to describing what a football game was when one of the funnily dress servants appeared before them.
"My ladies" he said, bowing low. "Lady Sarah, Prince Jareth and Princess Aislinn request your company in the Princess's chambers."
Sarah pulled a face at Gwendolyn "What on earth could they want?" she moaned
Gwendolyn put the tips of her fingers together "It could be that he wants to apologize for his behaviour" she said diplomatically. At Sarah's snort of disbelief she continued "Or they're on some mission from the High Queen"
"Like what?" Sarah looked at the servant. He was attempting to appear as though he wasn't listening.
"Like," Gwendolyn made a vague gesture. "Find out if you have ulterior motives"
The servant raised his eyebrows at Sarah's shocked expression. He would be sure to let maids know that the High Queen felt her son's new play thing had ulterior motives. It was the general consensus of the castle's help that 1) Jareth had fallen for the little Marquis Daughter, head over heels like none other, and that 2) She was not thrilled. The high Prince would always get his way in the end though. There wasn't a woman in the Underground who could resist his charms for long.
"Ulterior motives?" Sarah repeated "But it isn't my fault!" she took a deep breath and stood, muttering "This is ridiculous as she followed the servant from the library. Gwendolyn sighed. Mortal women were just to bloody stubborn.
*
It was with trepidtion and awe that Sarah entered the Princesses chambers. When she had been small she wished, like all other little girls, that a prince would come take her away like in Snow White or Sleeping Beauty, and she would be a princess in a frilly pink dress and live in a gorgeous castle.
From what she'd seen from the Gardens the castle was a looming stone fortress with high turrets and pale blue flags flying in the breeze. She hand't really had the chance to look at the palace in any other respect then as a prision where she would be held the rest of her life, no matter how beautiful it was.
Upon entering Aislinn's chambers Sarah suddenly remembered why all little girls wanted to be princesses. The room was decorated in light colours and what looked like hundreds of different flowers were displayed around the room. Aislinn sat with her ankles crossed on a chaise lounge the colour of cream with gold piping. She wore a high collared peach coloured dress made of satin and on top of her cascading white blonde locks sat a shining tiara with gems in the colour of moonlight and the night sky. She was utterly gorgeous.
"Erm." Sarah said as the Servant scurried off.
"This is the part where you curtsy" said Jareth coolly. He looked hugely out of place among the frills and flowers of his sister's room in a dark leather jacket and knee high boots.
Sarah glared at him but curtseyed anyway.
"Then you say, 'it is an honour to have tea with you, your highnesses'" said Aislinn in an equally cool voice that matched her brother's tone almost exactly.
Sarah sighed and repeated it in a bored voice. She glanced at Jareth sideways "Why is it you wish to speak with me?" she asked
Jareth stood up and walked around a particularly large begonia, his mismatched eyes met his sisters for a moment and a silent exchange took place. "Mother seems to quite like you" he sneered "And she has asked that my dear sister and I keep your secret quiet, and that we make you as comfortable as possible" the last words he spoke dripped so heavily in disdain Sarah winced.
"Why do you dislike me so much?" she asked quietly, thinking about how the icy goblin king had acted with his family. It was like there were two different people inside that beautiful head.
Surprise flashed across his palled face but then the insolent King she knew so well was back. "Why do you think?" he asked
"Because I beat your Labyrinth and you're still mad about it" she deadpanned
Jareth's eyes flashed angrily and he strode towards her, Sarah nearly took a step back but held her ground. "I don't much care for you either way, darling." His voice was low and dangerous, his face mere inches from hers. "As I said then, I gave you everything, I was generous beyond any stretch of the imagination, and you still whined your way about my Labyrinth like a spoiled child!"
Sarah's eyes blazed "I'm spoiled!" she shouted, "You are a bloody hypocrite!"
"I," he countered softly "Am a king."
"Yeah," Sarah took a step forward, pleased to see her boldness spurred at least some reaction in him. "But you're also-"
"Children" said Aislinn calmly, "Please stop this silly fighting"
Jareth and Sarah glared at each other, neither willing to back down. Aislinn made a soft sound "Now" she said in a deadly voice
Finally Jareth stepped away and returned to his sister's side. The anger ebbing slowly from his eyes as he slowly reigned in control. Sarah looked to Aislinn, and was surprised to see something like respect in her eyes as the princess regarded Sarah.
"I see you are not afraid of much" she said, and at this Jareth shot a look towards Sarah that could only be triumph. They both knew she was still afraid of him. "That's admirable. In any case, have you thought any about what you will do now that you are a part of our world?'
Sarah bit her lip. She didn't want to think about it. "No," she said softly "I suppose I'm still hoping Dolan will find a way to send me back"
Aislinn's eyes softened "In any case" she said, gesturing for Sarah to sit beside her "Have you thought about marriage?"
Sarah sat, mostly because she was confused by this question. "Er-no, not really"
Aislinn nodded "Well, it would be tricky, considering you are from a made up village. I'm sure we could find a baron somewhere to take you in and-"
"Hold it" Sarah held her hands up, stopping the Princess from saying anything further "Why would I want to get married?"
Aislinn frowned "What else are you going to do my dear? And anyway, I should think you grateful, that my mother is willing to arrange your marriage. Not all girls are as lucky as to have the high Queen arrange their marriage"
Sarah's eyes were as wide as saucers. She'd only heard the words 'arranged marriage' and she was already planning ways to run from the room. Oh god. She was stuck in a different world and now the uber-bitch princess of bloody elves was trying to marry her off to a stranger. Oh. Gods.
"Mother wants to set an arranged marriage for Sarah?" Jareth asked in a soft voice.
His sister looked up at him sweetly "I know, isn't it lovely?"
His eyes darkened "More along the lines of uncouth"
"Yeah!" Sarah joined in, she was not sure why he seemed apposed to marrying her off and getting her out of his castle but it didn't matter. "That's completely-uncouth. You can't just go marring people off like that"
"Actually, we can" said Aislinn. "And I believe my mother has entered into talks with-"
"No!" Sarah shook her head furiously "I don't know how you arrange your marriages here, but in the above ground I'm much to young to be married and I'm not in love with anyone. Besides, what good will I be to your court politically? I'm from a town that doesn't exist!"
Aislinn folded her hands and frowned "Perhaps you should return to Lady Gwendolyn, you seem very much opposed to an idea that is quite common down here"
"No it isn't" said Jareth, his voice was still soft as he spoke "Sarah is right, you don't just go marrying people off"
Aislinn glared up at him "That doesn't mean we can't" she said icily.
*
Sarah clamped her hands over her mouth and screamed loudly once she had sprinted a fair distance away from Aislinn's chambers. The Princess had 'dismissed' her and Sarah promptly broken into a run once she was outside the room. The words 'arranged marriage' were still ringing through out her mind. It sounded like Aislinn disliked her nearly as much, if not more than the Goblin King. Sarah could only assume this would mean she would be married off to some old fat drunken dwarf who lived in the mountains and had very little hair.
Tears welled up in her green eyes and she gave a soft sob as she looked around. There was not a person in sight, only stonewalls lined with elaborate tapestries and glowing torches. Sarah leaned her back against the cool flagstone wall and ran her hands over her face while she cried silently. To make matters worse, she was now completely lost in this stupid castle.
She sobbed harder at her own stupidity and realized she would just have to walk aimlessly because she had been given no map.
She pushed off the wall, tears still streaming down her face when something occurred to her. The Goblin King had given her something. Sarah leaned back against the wall and searched her pockets for the crystal but she hadn't bothered to bring it, and sitting on the desk in her room would do no good to her now.
She turned towards the stone wall and rested her forehead against the cool rock. With a furious snap of her wrist she wished she hadn't been so daft and had the crystal right now.
Sarah felt something solid drop into her hand. She started and looked down. Sitting in her palm was the crystal. Her first reaction was to be shocked. Had she just done magic? How had she just done magic? But then she realized it probably wasn't her who had done magic, but some outside force just like when she wished away Toby.
Sniffing pitifully, Sarah looked down into the crystal, wondering where the Goblin King was right now and how this was supposed to help now that she had it.
That's when a long fingered hand touched her shoulder gently. Sarah shrieked despite herself and spun around to face the Goblin King. He had what could have been a tender look on his face but it was quickly erased and replaced by blankness.
"I-" said Sarah, she looked down at the crystal and wiped at her eyes furiously. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her sobbing like a fool. "How did I do that?"
"Which?" Jareth asked softly "Summoning me or the crystal?"
She looked at him wearily "Either"
He saw her lower lip quiver and for one desperate moment thought she was going to start crying again. Of course, she wanted to hide it from him but her swollen red eyes made it far too obvious. Honestly, the last thing he wanted was for this woman to break down sobbing in front of him. Jareth didn't like huge displays of emotion. He thought there were much more useful ways of conveying feelings.
He decided not to answer her question and decided on a different tact. "Why are you crying?"
Sarah gave a short bark of laughter "I am *not* crying" she said, glaring at him.
Jareth reached out with one gloved hand and placed his fingers to her temple, she began to visibly shiver and Jareth wondered if it was out of fear or something else as he traced his index finger down the side of her face. "You are" he intoned
Sarah swallowed but didn't move away from his touch. "Why do you think?" Your sister is horrible" she added bitterly
Jareth smirked, his pointed teeth making him look a bit more sinister then the expression was meant to be. "She is" he agreed and caught her eyes. "Sarah" he breathed and she shut her eyes, hoping against hope that he wouldn't make her name sound so lovely on his lips again. Jareth continued "I won't let her"
Her eyes snapped open and Sarah stared for a long moment at Jareth. For his part Jareth made his face void of any emotion and wished he hadn't said that last part. "Thank you" she said calmly.
He nodded, obviously uncomfortable "Now," his tone was business like again "What is it you wanted?"
Sarah blinked, oh yes, she was lost. She had forgotten what with all the. face touching. "Er-I'm lost" she admitted with a slight blush.
To her surprise the Goblin King laughed, seeming genuinely amused by her predicament "Forgive me," he sighed, "I have forgotten how difficult the castle is to navigate."
"So," Sarah couldn't help her curiosity "Do you live her then? What about the Goblin Castle?"
Jareth regarded her with surprise "I live at the Goblin Castle, but my sisters and I are staying here during the peace talks" He rolled his eyes sarcastically "And as absolutely fabulous it is to have all my family together again, I wish it were under different circumstances. Certainly ones that didn't involve a load of trolls and vampires complaining would be better. "
Sarah cocked her head to the side "Do you not see your family often?" she asked
He raised an eyebrow "You ask a lot of questions"
"Why shouldn't I" Sarah asked, shrugging mildly "You are a villain after all, most villains I know don't have kind families or great friends like Gwendolyn"
"Do you know many villains then?" his tone was icy, almost put out.
"No, only you" she grinned and he rolled his eyes.
"Am I such a villain?"
Sarah snorted, "I don't want to get into it again. I think my reasons are obvious"
Jareth folded his arms over his chest and stared down at her, that controlled blank look situated pristinely on his face. Sarah found that she was blushing under his gaze and willed herself to stare back. Meeting his eyes caused her stomach gave a small flip. Sarah was not blind. She was very much aware of the attractive qualities the Goblin King possessed. She fought the urge to look him over. The long thin legs, slim hips and slender waist. From the neck up he possessed a sort of beauty she didn't think existed in the mortal world.
Sarah pretended to be tired "The reason I summoned you is that I am lost and there doesn't seem to be anyone around to direct me" she moved her arms in a circle "So, direct me, your highness"
Jareth looked smugly amused "You think you summoned me?" he asked
Sarah frowned "I don't know what I did" she admitted
He waved her off "There are no maps of the castle so I will just tell you" he gestured down one end of the hallway. "This way goes towards the north tower where the servants that belong to the castle live. I wouldn't go there, most of them are rather nasty. This way is the east wing of the castle, where the royal family lives. That is where you must have come from" Sarah nodded vaguely and he continued "Your room is down a few floors in this wing"
Sarah nodded, already trying to figure out how she would go down a few levels. She hadn't seen a staircase in the whole castle, except for the one in the Ballroom. "Right" she nodded "Well.. I suppose there must be stairs somewhere"
Jareth sneered but Sarah was sure it was to cover up an actual smile. "Why don't I just do it the simple way?" his voice was low and he reached for her elbow and pulled her close. The back of Sarah's head bumped against his thin chest and she sucked in a deep breath, hoping she wouldn't do something stupid like letting him think she actually liked the way he grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. That would never do.
They disappeared out of the hallway and reappeared in Sarah's bedroom. She shook her head but didn't move away from him. Jareth had one arm slung low around her waist, holding tightly to his lithe frame. She fought to ignore the way his breath lightly brushed against the back of her neck.
"Can you--?" she was sure her heart was pounding loud enough for him to hear it, she didn't mean too, but she leaned back against him anyway. Damn it. "Can you teach me how to do that?"
"You're human" his voice buzzed against her ear and she shivered. Jareth lowered his face to her ear and sighed, his warm breath fanning out across her face and causing her to flush. "A delicate human" he whispered and let her go.
Sarah stumbled away and whirled around. "Is diner to be a huge affair again?" she asked, raising her chin slightly and ignoring the feelings coursing through.
Jareth smirked "Yes and I'm sure you'll look lovely" his tone was once again sarcastic.
Sarah gave him a look of her own in return "Will I be on your arm again?"
Jareth clicked his tongue "I suppose, Aislinn is supposed to charm the Prince of the trolls, so I doubt she will have much time to torment you"
Sarah found this highly amusing since he, above anyone else, seemed to take joy in her torment.
"Mother wants to speak to you again, as well as Father"
Sarah swallowed and looked up at him through her eyelashes "They won't really marry me off to some baron will they?"
Jareth found it the most unnerving thing ever the way her green human eyes pleaded with him. He found it very difficult to say something cutting or frightening. "No" was all he said "I promise you Sarah, they won't"
*
AN: Well, that was a bit short. *shrugs*
Thanks Emerald Sky: You really are fabulous for reviewing every chapter. It's good to know people are reading. Skye Haerrington: You're lucky it's all coming quite fast right now. Usually I just take ages to update something, hopefully not in this case though :D Winter: I actually started one of those books, but then I never finished it. Anyway, Taliesin's name is in no relation to that, I just happened to be looking about for a name and I happened to look over at the bookshelf and see it. Ootori: *begs forgiveness on her knees* Sorry, sorry, my horrible fault. Arianne: Thank you for that little boost of confidence, I thought I was writing Jareth a bit out of character *shrugs* thanks. :D mimi3272000: *sighs dreamily* I think we all wish the movie was a bit more romantic. Oh well, that's where fan fiction is great. Missy: Thank you very *very* much. Michiru-san: She thinks Jareth's original! *does the Jareth-is original dance* Yay!
*
Strangely Devine Chapter Five: Crystals in the Dark
*
Fiona was a rake thin girl with dyed black hair and blonde roots. She wore black jeans and a ragged grey sweater as well as clompy black boots on her feet. Her arms wrapped around her small frame and she seemed to be shivering even though it was nearly eighty degrees outside the flat. She stared at Emily with kohl-rimmed eyes, trying to take in what her friend was saying.
"She's gone?" Fiona said through chattering teeth.
Emily nodded franticly "She's completely vanished, I called her father and stepmother, and she's not there. I don't know where else she would be!"
Next to Fiona was an impeccably groomed blonde boy "Hang on, she can't just disappear" said Griffon "Something had to have happened to her. Or else she went of her own accord"
"Did you call the police?" asked Timothy; he was leaning against one of the large bay windows that looked out over the tree-lined street below.
"Yes!" Emily moaned and pushed her hands through her hair "And she's been gone since yesterday, guys. I mean. Where could she have gone?"
*
"I still don't see the point" Sarah mumbled. She and Gwendolyn were sitting in the large library in overstuffed chairs with huge volumes open in their laps. Much to Sarah's surprise she found that many of the books were written in Latin. Much to Gwendolyn's surprise Sarah was fluent in the dead language.
"Oh yeah' Sarah nodded "Well it was the elective of choice for premed students and the lit kids, not really an art department course though"
Gwendolyn's expression was one of awe as she rested her chin in her palm, they had been discussing university for more then an hour and she couldn't quite grasp idea of thousands of young people studying in one place. "His majesty would find this fascinating" she sighed
Sarah pulled a face "Why don't you have schools in the Underground?"
Gwendolyn stared out a large stained glass window "I don't know" she said thoughtfully "I suppose. most commoners are dwarves, they make up most of the population of the Underground. and they're notoriously stupid. So perhaps, it is simply more convenient for the nobles to educate their children with a tutor like me" she sighed "But it does sound wonderful, they way you describe it"
Sarah thought for a moment. "Well. College was good, High school was horrible though" She went on to describe the horrors of being a drama geek, the prom, and the evil of all evils, the cheerleading squad. Sarah was just getting around to describing what a football game was when one of the funnily dress servants appeared before them.
"My ladies" he said, bowing low. "Lady Sarah, Prince Jareth and Princess Aislinn request your company in the Princess's chambers."
Sarah pulled a face at Gwendolyn "What on earth could they want?" she moaned
Gwendolyn put the tips of her fingers together "It could be that he wants to apologize for his behaviour" she said diplomatically. At Sarah's snort of disbelief she continued "Or they're on some mission from the High Queen"
"Like what?" Sarah looked at the servant. He was attempting to appear as though he wasn't listening.
"Like," Gwendolyn made a vague gesture. "Find out if you have ulterior motives"
The servant raised his eyebrows at Sarah's shocked expression. He would be sure to let maids know that the High Queen felt her son's new play thing had ulterior motives. It was the general consensus of the castle's help that 1) Jareth had fallen for the little Marquis Daughter, head over heels like none other, and that 2) She was not thrilled. The high Prince would always get his way in the end though. There wasn't a woman in the Underground who could resist his charms for long.
"Ulterior motives?" Sarah repeated "But it isn't my fault!" she took a deep breath and stood, muttering "This is ridiculous as she followed the servant from the library. Gwendolyn sighed. Mortal women were just to bloody stubborn.
*
It was with trepidtion and awe that Sarah entered the Princesses chambers. When she had been small she wished, like all other little girls, that a prince would come take her away like in Snow White or Sleeping Beauty, and she would be a princess in a frilly pink dress and live in a gorgeous castle.
From what she'd seen from the Gardens the castle was a looming stone fortress with high turrets and pale blue flags flying in the breeze. She hand't really had the chance to look at the palace in any other respect then as a prision where she would be held the rest of her life, no matter how beautiful it was.
Upon entering Aislinn's chambers Sarah suddenly remembered why all little girls wanted to be princesses. The room was decorated in light colours and what looked like hundreds of different flowers were displayed around the room. Aislinn sat with her ankles crossed on a chaise lounge the colour of cream with gold piping. She wore a high collared peach coloured dress made of satin and on top of her cascading white blonde locks sat a shining tiara with gems in the colour of moonlight and the night sky. She was utterly gorgeous.
"Erm." Sarah said as the Servant scurried off.
"This is the part where you curtsy" said Jareth coolly. He looked hugely out of place among the frills and flowers of his sister's room in a dark leather jacket and knee high boots.
Sarah glared at him but curtseyed anyway.
"Then you say, 'it is an honour to have tea with you, your highnesses'" said Aislinn in an equally cool voice that matched her brother's tone almost exactly.
Sarah sighed and repeated it in a bored voice. She glanced at Jareth sideways "Why is it you wish to speak with me?" she asked
Jareth stood up and walked around a particularly large begonia, his mismatched eyes met his sisters for a moment and a silent exchange took place. "Mother seems to quite like you" he sneered "And she has asked that my dear sister and I keep your secret quiet, and that we make you as comfortable as possible" the last words he spoke dripped so heavily in disdain Sarah winced.
"Why do you dislike me so much?" she asked quietly, thinking about how the icy goblin king had acted with his family. It was like there were two different people inside that beautiful head.
Surprise flashed across his palled face but then the insolent King she knew so well was back. "Why do you think?" he asked
"Because I beat your Labyrinth and you're still mad about it" she deadpanned
Jareth's eyes flashed angrily and he strode towards her, Sarah nearly took a step back but held her ground. "I don't much care for you either way, darling." His voice was low and dangerous, his face mere inches from hers. "As I said then, I gave you everything, I was generous beyond any stretch of the imagination, and you still whined your way about my Labyrinth like a spoiled child!"
Sarah's eyes blazed "I'm spoiled!" she shouted, "You are a bloody hypocrite!"
"I," he countered softly "Am a king."
"Yeah," Sarah took a step forward, pleased to see her boldness spurred at least some reaction in him. "But you're also-"
"Children" said Aislinn calmly, "Please stop this silly fighting"
Jareth and Sarah glared at each other, neither willing to back down. Aislinn made a soft sound "Now" she said in a deadly voice
Finally Jareth stepped away and returned to his sister's side. The anger ebbing slowly from his eyes as he slowly reigned in control. Sarah looked to Aislinn, and was surprised to see something like respect in her eyes as the princess regarded Sarah.
"I see you are not afraid of much" she said, and at this Jareth shot a look towards Sarah that could only be triumph. They both knew she was still afraid of him. "That's admirable. In any case, have you thought any about what you will do now that you are a part of our world?'
Sarah bit her lip. She didn't want to think about it. "No," she said softly "I suppose I'm still hoping Dolan will find a way to send me back"
Aislinn's eyes softened "In any case" she said, gesturing for Sarah to sit beside her "Have you thought about marriage?"
Sarah sat, mostly because she was confused by this question. "Er-no, not really"
Aislinn nodded "Well, it would be tricky, considering you are from a made up village. I'm sure we could find a baron somewhere to take you in and-"
"Hold it" Sarah held her hands up, stopping the Princess from saying anything further "Why would I want to get married?"
Aislinn frowned "What else are you going to do my dear? And anyway, I should think you grateful, that my mother is willing to arrange your marriage. Not all girls are as lucky as to have the high Queen arrange their marriage"
Sarah's eyes were as wide as saucers. She'd only heard the words 'arranged marriage' and she was already planning ways to run from the room. Oh god. She was stuck in a different world and now the uber-bitch princess of bloody elves was trying to marry her off to a stranger. Oh. Gods.
"Mother wants to set an arranged marriage for Sarah?" Jareth asked in a soft voice.
His sister looked up at him sweetly "I know, isn't it lovely?"
His eyes darkened "More along the lines of uncouth"
"Yeah!" Sarah joined in, she was not sure why he seemed apposed to marrying her off and getting her out of his castle but it didn't matter. "That's completely-uncouth. You can't just go marring people off like that"
"Actually, we can" said Aislinn. "And I believe my mother has entered into talks with-"
"No!" Sarah shook her head furiously "I don't know how you arrange your marriages here, but in the above ground I'm much to young to be married and I'm not in love with anyone. Besides, what good will I be to your court politically? I'm from a town that doesn't exist!"
Aislinn folded her hands and frowned "Perhaps you should return to Lady Gwendolyn, you seem very much opposed to an idea that is quite common down here"
"No it isn't" said Jareth, his voice was still soft as he spoke "Sarah is right, you don't just go marrying people off"
Aislinn glared up at him "That doesn't mean we can't" she said icily.
*
Sarah clamped her hands over her mouth and screamed loudly once she had sprinted a fair distance away from Aislinn's chambers. The Princess had 'dismissed' her and Sarah promptly broken into a run once she was outside the room. The words 'arranged marriage' were still ringing through out her mind. It sounded like Aislinn disliked her nearly as much, if not more than the Goblin King. Sarah could only assume this would mean she would be married off to some old fat drunken dwarf who lived in the mountains and had very little hair.
Tears welled up in her green eyes and she gave a soft sob as she looked around. There was not a person in sight, only stonewalls lined with elaborate tapestries and glowing torches. Sarah leaned her back against the cool flagstone wall and ran her hands over her face while she cried silently. To make matters worse, she was now completely lost in this stupid castle.
She sobbed harder at her own stupidity and realized she would just have to walk aimlessly because she had been given no map.
She pushed off the wall, tears still streaming down her face when something occurred to her. The Goblin King had given her something. Sarah leaned back against the wall and searched her pockets for the crystal but she hadn't bothered to bring it, and sitting on the desk in her room would do no good to her now.
She turned towards the stone wall and rested her forehead against the cool rock. With a furious snap of her wrist she wished she hadn't been so daft and had the crystal right now.
Sarah felt something solid drop into her hand. She started and looked down. Sitting in her palm was the crystal. Her first reaction was to be shocked. Had she just done magic? How had she just done magic? But then she realized it probably wasn't her who had done magic, but some outside force just like when she wished away Toby.
Sniffing pitifully, Sarah looked down into the crystal, wondering where the Goblin King was right now and how this was supposed to help now that she had it.
That's when a long fingered hand touched her shoulder gently. Sarah shrieked despite herself and spun around to face the Goblin King. He had what could have been a tender look on his face but it was quickly erased and replaced by blankness.
"I-" said Sarah, she looked down at the crystal and wiped at her eyes furiously. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her sobbing like a fool. "How did I do that?"
"Which?" Jareth asked softly "Summoning me or the crystal?"
She looked at him wearily "Either"
He saw her lower lip quiver and for one desperate moment thought she was going to start crying again. Of course, she wanted to hide it from him but her swollen red eyes made it far too obvious. Honestly, the last thing he wanted was for this woman to break down sobbing in front of him. Jareth didn't like huge displays of emotion. He thought there were much more useful ways of conveying feelings.
He decided not to answer her question and decided on a different tact. "Why are you crying?"
Sarah gave a short bark of laughter "I am *not* crying" she said, glaring at him.
Jareth reached out with one gloved hand and placed his fingers to her temple, she began to visibly shiver and Jareth wondered if it was out of fear or something else as he traced his index finger down the side of her face. "You are" he intoned
Sarah swallowed but didn't move away from his touch. "Why do you think?" Your sister is horrible" she added bitterly
Jareth smirked, his pointed teeth making him look a bit more sinister then the expression was meant to be. "She is" he agreed and caught her eyes. "Sarah" he breathed and she shut her eyes, hoping against hope that he wouldn't make her name sound so lovely on his lips again. Jareth continued "I won't let her"
Her eyes snapped open and Sarah stared for a long moment at Jareth. For his part Jareth made his face void of any emotion and wished he hadn't said that last part. "Thank you" she said calmly.
He nodded, obviously uncomfortable "Now," his tone was business like again "What is it you wanted?"
Sarah blinked, oh yes, she was lost. She had forgotten what with all the. face touching. "Er-I'm lost" she admitted with a slight blush.
To her surprise the Goblin King laughed, seeming genuinely amused by her predicament "Forgive me," he sighed, "I have forgotten how difficult the castle is to navigate."
"So," Sarah couldn't help her curiosity "Do you live her then? What about the Goblin Castle?"
Jareth regarded her with surprise "I live at the Goblin Castle, but my sisters and I are staying here during the peace talks" He rolled his eyes sarcastically "And as absolutely fabulous it is to have all my family together again, I wish it were under different circumstances. Certainly ones that didn't involve a load of trolls and vampires complaining would be better. "
Sarah cocked her head to the side "Do you not see your family often?" she asked
He raised an eyebrow "You ask a lot of questions"
"Why shouldn't I" Sarah asked, shrugging mildly "You are a villain after all, most villains I know don't have kind families or great friends like Gwendolyn"
"Do you know many villains then?" his tone was icy, almost put out.
"No, only you" she grinned and he rolled his eyes.
"Am I such a villain?"
Sarah snorted, "I don't want to get into it again. I think my reasons are obvious"
Jareth folded his arms over his chest and stared down at her, that controlled blank look situated pristinely on his face. Sarah found that she was blushing under his gaze and willed herself to stare back. Meeting his eyes caused her stomach gave a small flip. Sarah was not blind. She was very much aware of the attractive qualities the Goblin King possessed. She fought the urge to look him over. The long thin legs, slim hips and slender waist. From the neck up he possessed a sort of beauty she didn't think existed in the mortal world.
Sarah pretended to be tired "The reason I summoned you is that I am lost and there doesn't seem to be anyone around to direct me" she moved her arms in a circle "So, direct me, your highness"
Jareth looked smugly amused "You think you summoned me?" he asked
Sarah frowned "I don't know what I did" she admitted
He waved her off "There are no maps of the castle so I will just tell you" he gestured down one end of the hallway. "This way goes towards the north tower where the servants that belong to the castle live. I wouldn't go there, most of them are rather nasty. This way is the east wing of the castle, where the royal family lives. That is where you must have come from" Sarah nodded vaguely and he continued "Your room is down a few floors in this wing"
Sarah nodded, already trying to figure out how she would go down a few levels. She hadn't seen a staircase in the whole castle, except for the one in the Ballroom. "Right" she nodded "Well.. I suppose there must be stairs somewhere"
Jareth sneered but Sarah was sure it was to cover up an actual smile. "Why don't I just do it the simple way?" his voice was low and he reached for her elbow and pulled her close. The back of Sarah's head bumped against his thin chest and she sucked in a deep breath, hoping she wouldn't do something stupid like letting him think she actually liked the way he grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. That would never do.
They disappeared out of the hallway and reappeared in Sarah's bedroom. She shook her head but didn't move away from him. Jareth had one arm slung low around her waist, holding tightly to his lithe frame. She fought to ignore the way his breath lightly brushed against the back of her neck.
"Can you--?" she was sure her heart was pounding loud enough for him to hear it, she didn't mean too, but she leaned back against him anyway. Damn it. "Can you teach me how to do that?"
"You're human" his voice buzzed against her ear and she shivered. Jareth lowered his face to her ear and sighed, his warm breath fanning out across her face and causing her to flush. "A delicate human" he whispered and let her go.
Sarah stumbled away and whirled around. "Is diner to be a huge affair again?" she asked, raising her chin slightly and ignoring the feelings coursing through.
Jareth smirked "Yes and I'm sure you'll look lovely" his tone was once again sarcastic.
Sarah gave him a look of her own in return "Will I be on your arm again?"
Jareth clicked his tongue "I suppose, Aislinn is supposed to charm the Prince of the trolls, so I doubt she will have much time to torment you"
Sarah found this highly amusing since he, above anyone else, seemed to take joy in her torment.
"Mother wants to speak to you again, as well as Father"
Sarah swallowed and looked up at him through her eyelashes "They won't really marry me off to some baron will they?"
Jareth found it the most unnerving thing ever the way her green human eyes pleaded with him. He found it very difficult to say something cutting or frightening. "No" was all he said "I promise you Sarah, they won't"
*
AN: Well, that was a bit short. *shrugs*
Thanks Emerald Sky: You really are fabulous for reviewing every chapter. It's good to know people are reading. Skye Haerrington: You're lucky it's all coming quite fast right now. Usually I just take ages to update something, hopefully not in this case though :D Winter: I actually started one of those books, but then I never finished it. Anyway, Taliesin's name is in no relation to that, I just happened to be looking about for a name and I happened to look over at the bookshelf and see it. Ootori: *begs forgiveness on her knees* Sorry, sorry, my horrible fault. Arianne: Thank you for that little boost of confidence, I thought I was writing Jareth a bit out of character *shrugs* thanks. :D mimi3272000: *sighs dreamily* I think we all wish the movie was a bit more romantic. Oh well, that's where fan fiction is great. Missy: Thank you very *very* much. Michiru-san: She thinks Jareth's original! *does the Jareth-is original dance* Yay!