Disclaimer: Oh c'mon, you know this drill by now! ;) The Labyrinth crew belongs to Jim Henson and those wonderful folks. The only character I claim sole posession of is Fif.
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Chapter Four
"What is he doing?!" Jareth roared, hurling the crystal he'd been holding against the opposite wall. It bounced harmlessly to the ground, then disappeared. "I knew of Oberon's prejudice against mortals, but this is going too far! He knows that child is under my protection, and still he--"
"Under your protection?" Sarah echoed, arching an eyebrow. "Jareth, since when has my brother been under your protection?
"You're my wife, and he's part of your family, which therefore makes him part of mine," the Goblin King growled. "I will not let my family be put into danger."
"So there's only one thing to do, then."
"And what do you propose that is?"
"Go find him ourselves and bring him back here." Sarah's chin was tilted slightly, her eyes flashing defiance. Jareth sighed and shook his head, raking fingers back through his hair.
"It's not that simple, Sarah. Going against Oberon's direct orders would cause an uproar I don't think I'm prepared to handle at this point. Our powers are evenly matched -- or close enough, in any case. A fight could last longer than either of us would like…and while the Imperial Diadem is missing, all the realms need to remain united."
"Tell that to the elves," Sarah grumbled, having witnessed firsthand what Elvish ire was like. Even this far to the east, the aftershock of their magic was easily felt. While those of the fae used magics based more in Air, Fire, and Spirit, the elves' magic was comprised entirely of Earth elements…and in many ways, that was much more powerful.
"The elves are of little concern to us right now," Jareth murmured thoughtfully. "Unless Toby should stray into their land…However, I believe that compass stone he was given should be reliable enough…"
"That's it!" Sarah's sudden exclamation brought a startled jerk from her husband. "Everlind! Jareth, we can find Everlind and ask her to help us! She doesn't want Toby to go on this quest any more than we do…She has to help!"
"How are we going to reach her when she's inside Oberon's castle?"
She paused a moment in thought, then looked up again and said simply, "Puck."
It was Jareth's turn to arch a brow. "How is Puck going to help us? I don't trust that fae as far as I can throw him, as you would say Aboveground. Why did he take Toby to Oberon in the first place? He could have just as easily escorted him here."
"Maybe he really believed Oberon would help," Sarah suggested. "Or maybe he's like Hoggle used to be with you. Oberon can be intimidating, you know. It's not all that different a situation from the one you put Hoggle in. Or have you conveniently forgotten about that time?" She had the satisfaction of seeing her husband squirm uncomfortably.
"Point taken, my dear. Very well, since you seem to have things so under control, I'll leave it to you to contact our friend."
"Me?" Sarah squeaked. "I thought you said Toby was under your protection!"
"A king and his queen must share responsibilities," Jareth replied smugly. "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll leave this in your oh so capable hands." Without another word he disappeared, leaving Sarah to stare disbelievingly after him.
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"I wish you luck, Toby," Everlind murmured, clasping his hand tightly. They had reached the expansive front entrance to the castle, and it was there that the servant girl had to stop. A pair of guards pulled open the heavy wooden doors, allowing bright sunlight to pour through. "My thoughts will be with you constantly."
"Thanks, Everlind." Toby smiled with more courage than he felt, gave her slim hand one last squeeze, and forced himself to walk through the open doorway. Inside, his stomach was knotted into a cold ball of terror. Despite the compass stone and Puck's bag of magic, he still felt alone and vulnerable…and completely lost. He wanted to fling himself at the fae king's feet and beg to be released from such a task, yet what pride was left to him refused to allow such a show of weakness. Toby was constantly trying to make his parents see that he was no longer just a kid; now was his chance to prove it.
Except it won't matter at all if you're dead, spoke the little voice inside his head. Toby very nearly whimpered at the thought, but thankfully choked back the embarrassing noise. How far would he get if he kept thinking like that?? Pushing the dubious murmurings out of his mind, he held the compass stone before him and started turning in a slow circle. When the object began to glow so brightly he could no longer look at it, he closed his hand and glanced in the direction he'd be heading. For now, at least, the small stream bordering Oberon's castle flowed in the same direction. He set off resolutely, his hand so tight around the compass stone that its rounded edges pressed achingly into his palm.
Despite his fear, Toby had to admit that Faerie was a very lovely place. Everything was so green and calm, as pristine as his own world must once have been before people had begun creating machinery. There were groves of white birches; flowering shrubs that were much too perfect to be growing wildly; colorful beds of wildflowers; and deep, cool forested springs where pixies played. Toby often found himself veering off his original path to explore the surrounding land, fascinated with the pure…perfection…of such a place. Maples, oaks, elms, and other such commonplace trees from the mortal realm were nowhere to be found in this magical place; the dominant tree here was the white birch, one that Toby had always felt was completely out-of-place in his world. One of the hidden springs he'd found had been nestled protectively under weeping willow trees, and after traveling even deeper into the forest he discovered a copse of ancient, dark and gnarled trees. Moss and vines were creeping profusely along the trunks of these imposing towers, and the sunlight seemed dimmer somehow. Upon closer inspection, Toby found a cobwebbed grotto hidden beneath the enormous roots of one tree, and clambered eagerly down to investigate. Sunlight filtered between the roots, creating golden beams in the dusty air. Tiny plant roots and vines hung from the ceiling, brushing lightly against Toby's head as he walked. But there was something almost eery about the damp grotto, and it didn't take long for Toby to turn and make a hasty exit. As well he did, too, for no sooner had he vacated the area did its owner return with new treasures to hoard away.
Realizing that he'd strayed too far from his original course, the young boy set back for the way he'd come…and came across the willow spring again. Tinny laughter sounded from within the leafy curtains, but it suddenly stopped as he drew nearer. Thinking he'd chased off the creatures who were playing, Toby started to hasten away but a voice called out to him. It was rich and melodic, nearly hypnotizing in its lilt and tone. All that was said was "Come play with us!" but it was as though the voice possessed uncanny powers of persuasion. Without the slightest doubtful thought, Toby swept aside the yellow-green canopy and paused along the grassy bank. There, his eyes went round with wonder and embarrassment. Swimming in this wide spring were five -- no, six -- water nymphs, each of them ethereal and lovely. The sixth was perched on a large stone at the other end, and the other five were watching him with playful, expectant gazes. Not a one of them had any clothes on.
"Come play with us!" one of them repeated. This was followed by an echoing chorus from the other nymphs. The sixth, unashamed of her naked beauty, never moved from her seat upon that rock. Her hair, a fiery auburn, flowed softly over one shoulder and down almost to her feet. Even from the other side of the spring, Toby could see that her eyes were green.
"I…I need to leave," he stammered, fist clenching even more tightly around the compass stone. All six nymphs turned to each other and laughed, but the sixth never took her twinkling gaze from his face.
"Your business can wait a little longer," she cajoled, her voice carrying sweetly across the water. "We so seldom find playmates this far into the forest."
It quickly became apparent that she had been the one to call Toby into this sheltered hollow, though by that point he was too bewitched to realize it. Her voice held all the promise of the world, all the tantalizing excitement he'd ever wished for. Before he realized it, Toby was in the water with them, splashing and playing as he might have with any of his friends back home. Their playfulness occasionally grew more rough and forceful, as they either dunked or pulled him underwater and held him there. Several times, Toby came to the surface spluttering and afraid they meant to drown him -- and even more afraid that he might have accidentally swallowed some of that water -- but just one word from that quiet nymph on the rock soothed his worries and brought back his playful spirit. It was as though his mind had been put in a haze…but when the sky began to grow dimmer, even in this golden basin, the nymphs climbed out of the water. They said not a word to the bewildered Toby as they left, running fleet-footed into the forest. Toby climbed onto the bank dazedly, wondering where all the time had gone and how he'd come to be in that spring in the first place. Shivering, he pulled his clothes back on and hurried out of the willow-circled hollow.
Sunset had transformed Faerie into a burnished landscape of fiery pearl. Long shadows filled hollows and valleys, while trees and hills were painted with saffron, gold, and autumn crimson. Fireflies -- or were they tiny pixies? -- bobbed and flashed in the darkening air, and the smell of blossoms became cool and sweet. The stream, when Toby was able to find it again, shimmered like liquid flame in the sunset glow, but by that point the young boy had ceased to find enjoyment in his surroundings. Fear had once again started his heart pounding; how could he have spent so long inside that forest? Damn his curiosity!
Before long, the last vestiges of sunlight were gone and darkness had settled heavily upon the land. Those bobbing dots of light had disappeared, and suddenly all those harmless little noises filling the air became louder and more sinister, foreign and unrecognizable. Toby's gaze darted everywhere, and his ears were more sharply attuned than ever. Were there any creatures out here that would harm him? He was still relatively close to the castle (or so he hoped), but did that matter in this place? Maybe mortals weren't protected in the same way that any other denizen of Faerie would be…
Inevitably, it grew so dark that Toby could no longer see where he was going. The stream was a comforting babble that drowned out some of the wilderness noises, but those that could still be heard seemed to close in around him. The whisperings of small breezes tousled his hair like invisible spirits, and the grasses beneath his feet swayed and brushed against his legs like living things…and then something large and dark swooped inches in front of his face, so close that it almost collided with his head. Crying out, Toby lifted his arms defensively in front of him…and the compass stone flared into blinding brilliance.
Whatever creature that had nearly struck him was gone now, invisible in the surrounding darkness, but the compass stone made a comforting aura of light for several feet around him. Feeling buoyed by this newfound use for Everlind's gift, Toby quickened his steps and continued walking. The stone was held outward from him, his hand blocking its bright glow from his eyes, but ahead the way was made as bright as if he'd been shining a car's headlight. He could see the stream clearly now, could see the flowers and grasses as they swayed in the breeze…and those two pinpricks of light that looked suspiciously like a pair of eyes…
In the time it took for Toby to get over his surprise, the eyes were gone. It had happened so quickly, in fact, that the boy wondered if he hadn't just imagined the whole thing. After all, it was easy to let one's imagination run away with himself out here in this unfamiliar territory. Cursing himself for an idiot, he continued walking. "You're too big to get scared by the dark," he told himself firmly.
"Yes indeed, you're much too big to jump at shadows," agreed a voice from within the surrounding darkness. Toby nearly dropped the compass stone, he was so startled. After a quick scramble, he flung his hand around to shed light in the direction of the voice…and instead he found himself engulfed in complete darkness. Bright peals of laughter filled the air. "I can think of better ways to shed light than by a rock!"
"Who are you?" Toby cried, trying not to let his fear show.
"Just someone who wants to help you," the voice -- distinctly boyish -- replied. A moment later, a small ball of light formed next to Toby's ear. It dipped and bobbed teasingly around his face in the manner of an irritating firefly, and wouldn't stop no matter how much Toby swatted at it. After a few minutes of this game, the tiny dot finally distanced itself from Toby and grew slightly larger, until it had illuminated the face of the one who'd been speaking.
He didn't look dangerous, Toby decided after a short scrutiny. The ball of light had illuminated dirty-blond -- almost light brown -- hair that was carelessly shorn and sticking out in all directions; bright hazel eyes that looked upon Toby with an inquisitive twinkle; and a broad, smiling mouth with teeth that were only just too big. He looked no older than Toby, and despite his teasing seemed to be friendly enough. As long as one didn't trust him too implicitly, of course.
"You'll be going the wrong way soon, you know," the stranger told him casually, once their mutual study was finished. Toby frowned.
"What do you mean?" he demanded. "I know exactly where I'm going! To the east, toward Og'Mael!" He paused. "And who are you, anyway?"
"Fif Oran," the fae 'boy' responded. Toby had a feeling he was probably older than he looked. "And what makes you so eager to visit the gnomes?" He wrinkled his nose distastefully. "Dirty creatures, gnomes. Especially the farther east you travel. You don't look the sort to go into Gnomish lands."
"I have to." Here, Toby lifted his chin proudly. "I'm on a quest. From King Oberon."
"Oh ho! From the king himself, you say? You must be quite an important guest of Faerie, to be sent on a quest from King Oberon!" Fif leaned in closer, close enough that Toby caught the smell of damp earth and new spring leaves -- an almost comforting scent. "You do realize, then, that he's leading you in the wrong direction?"
As though he'd been slapped, Toby recoiled. "W-what?" he stuttered, caught completely offguard. "Why would he do that? He wants me to help him!"
The boy laughed. "Friend, even a stranger such as I can see that you are a mortal. No denizen of Faerie -- or any of the surrounding realms -- would need a little trick such as that rock to navigate! And if there is one thing the Fae hate most, it is a mortal in their lands. You, apparently, were spared an immediate death. However, it appears that King Oberon has planned a more…creative end for you."
For several minutes, Toby stood in contemplative silence. On one hand, he thought, he had no idea who this 'Fif Oran' was. He was trying desperately to remember Puck's lessons, but they were all swirling chaotically in his head and he couldn't remember much more than "Don't trust anybody." But on the other hand, what Fif had said mirrored his own fears: that Oberon was merely trying to get Toby out of the way. Titania hadn't seemed to want Toby dead, but then again, faeries were tricky. Hadn't he learned that already, first with Ti and then later with the nymphs? Everlind seemed genuine enough, though, he mused. I wish she was here right now! Nothing happened.
"How do I know you're telling the truth?" Toby asked at last. "You just popped out at me from the dark! You could be an elf or something!"
"An elf?" Fif hooted with laughter. "Elvish magic comes from the earth, don't you know that? I couldn't be doing this" -- he gestured to the globe of light hovering just above and to the left of his head -- "if I was an elf! Who would you be more willing to trust? A king who sends you off on some strange quest, or a friend who wants to help you get back to your family? You must be the brother of Queen Sarah, after all. Wouldn't you rather find her again?"
"You know my sister?" Toby blurted. Fif grinned.
"Who doesn't know of your sister?" he retorted. "First mortal queen of the Underground! For that matter, she could very well be the first mortal queen in any of our realms! And considering the magical shock that went through Faerie upon your arrival, it was not so hard to guess that you were related to that great lady. Which is why I want to help you."
"Doesn't seem like much of a reason to me," Toby replied, hoping to catch the stranger offguard. "I'm still a mortal."
"And I should let you walk on to your death, true," Fif agreed solemnly. "But given what happened when you entered our realm, I would hardly like to find out what happens when you leave it, and in such an untimely manner! Therefore, if you refuse to believe that I want to help you out of noble intentions, think of it as self-preservation. You see, I don't want to find out that the aftershock of your death would also cause my death. I'm only a few centuries old, and in the prime of my life!"
At this remark, Toby couldn't help but laugh. The youthful fae was so amiable that one couldn't help being drawn in by his easy charm. In the end, Toby decided to trust this Fif Oran…if only a little. "Well, I think I'll keep going the way I was going," he said slowly, "but you can come with me if you want. Y'know, to tell me if I'm going to fall off a hidden cliff somewhere."
Fif chuckled. "I accept. But only because I'm curious about you…what's your name?"
"Toby."
"Ah. Well then, Toby, shall we continue? Which direction does your little rock say you should go?"
"East."
"East it is, then! Come now, we'll follow the river right through to Og'Mael. I wouldn't mind a small skirmish with some gnomes. Haven't fought one of them in…cor, it's been at least a century! But gnomes don't change. They're always the same filthy, smelly little creatures."
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Notes: Sorry it's taken me so long to update! I was hoping to have written a few more chapters, but I've just been lazy lately, so I decided to go ahead and post this chapter. ;) And now to the thank-you's!
Labyris - I was hoping a nice Toby story would change the pace a bit! I agree, there just aren't too many fics out there about him!
BloodIce & Jareth_is_SO_cute - Thank you! ^_^ I'm glad to know you both like it so far!
Raven - Oh my gosh. You don't even know how much that second review of yours means to me. Actually, you sound exactly like me when I really get excited about a good story, because I always end up writing gushing emails/reviews! Unfortunately, I think they tend to scare off the authors. *blushes* But seriously, when I read that review I just sat here for like 5 minutes grinning like and idiot and ducking my head in that "Aww, that's so sweet!" sort of way. I'm so glad you like my stories! (And I wish I knew what happened to SkItZoFrEaK, because she was an awesome author too, hehe!)
Chapter Four
"What is he doing?!" Jareth roared, hurling the crystal he'd been holding against the opposite wall. It bounced harmlessly to the ground, then disappeared. "I knew of Oberon's prejudice against mortals, but this is going too far! He knows that child is under my protection, and still he--"
"Under your protection?" Sarah echoed, arching an eyebrow. "Jareth, since when has my brother been under your protection?
"You're my wife, and he's part of your family, which therefore makes him part of mine," the Goblin King growled. "I will not let my family be put into danger."
"So there's only one thing to do, then."
"And what do you propose that is?"
"Go find him ourselves and bring him back here." Sarah's chin was tilted slightly, her eyes flashing defiance. Jareth sighed and shook his head, raking fingers back through his hair.
"It's not that simple, Sarah. Going against Oberon's direct orders would cause an uproar I don't think I'm prepared to handle at this point. Our powers are evenly matched -- or close enough, in any case. A fight could last longer than either of us would like…and while the Imperial Diadem is missing, all the realms need to remain united."
"Tell that to the elves," Sarah grumbled, having witnessed firsthand what Elvish ire was like. Even this far to the east, the aftershock of their magic was easily felt. While those of the fae used magics based more in Air, Fire, and Spirit, the elves' magic was comprised entirely of Earth elements…and in many ways, that was much more powerful.
"The elves are of little concern to us right now," Jareth murmured thoughtfully. "Unless Toby should stray into their land…However, I believe that compass stone he was given should be reliable enough…"
"That's it!" Sarah's sudden exclamation brought a startled jerk from her husband. "Everlind! Jareth, we can find Everlind and ask her to help us! She doesn't want Toby to go on this quest any more than we do…She has to help!"
"How are we going to reach her when she's inside Oberon's castle?"
She paused a moment in thought, then looked up again and said simply, "Puck."
It was Jareth's turn to arch a brow. "How is Puck going to help us? I don't trust that fae as far as I can throw him, as you would say Aboveground. Why did he take Toby to Oberon in the first place? He could have just as easily escorted him here."
"Maybe he really believed Oberon would help," Sarah suggested. "Or maybe he's like Hoggle used to be with you. Oberon can be intimidating, you know. It's not all that different a situation from the one you put Hoggle in. Or have you conveniently forgotten about that time?" She had the satisfaction of seeing her husband squirm uncomfortably.
"Point taken, my dear. Very well, since you seem to have things so under control, I'll leave it to you to contact our friend."
"Me?" Sarah squeaked. "I thought you said Toby was under your protection!"
"A king and his queen must share responsibilities," Jareth replied smugly. "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll leave this in your oh so capable hands." Without another word he disappeared, leaving Sarah to stare disbelievingly after him.
"I wish you luck, Toby," Everlind murmured, clasping his hand tightly. They had reached the expansive front entrance to the castle, and it was there that the servant girl had to stop. A pair of guards pulled open the heavy wooden doors, allowing bright sunlight to pour through. "My thoughts will be with you constantly."
"Thanks, Everlind." Toby smiled with more courage than he felt, gave her slim hand one last squeeze, and forced himself to walk through the open doorway. Inside, his stomach was knotted into a cold ball of terror. Despite the compass stone and Puck's bag of magic, he still felt alone and vulnerable…and completely lost. He wanted to fling himself at the fae king's feet and beg to be released from such a task, yet what pride was left to him refused to allow such a show of weakness. Toby was constantly trying to make his parents see that he was no longer just a kid; now was his chance to prove it.
Except it won't matter at all if you're dead, spoke the little voice inside his head. Toby very nearly whimpered at the thought, but thankfully choked back the embarrassing noise. How far would he get if he kept thinking like that?? Pushing the dubious murmurings out of his mind, he held the compass stone before him and started turning in a slow circle. When the object began to glow so brightly he could no longer look at it, he closed his hand and glanced in the direction he'd be heading. For now, at least, the small stream bordering Oberon's castle flowed in the same direction. He set off resolutely, his hand so tight around the compass stone that its rounded edges pressed achingly into his palm.
Despite his fear, Toby had to admit that Faerie was a very lovely place. Everything was so green and calm, as pristine as his own world must once have been before people had begun creating machinery. There were groves of white birches; flowering shrubs that were much too perfect to be growing wildly; colorful beds of wildflowers; and deep, cool forested springs where pixies played. Toby often found himself veering off his original path to explore the surrounding land, fascinated with the pure…perfection…of such a place. Maples, oaks, elms, and other such commonplace trees from the mortal realm were nowhere to be found in this magical place; the dominant tree here was the white birch, one that Toby had always felt was completely out-of-place in his world. One of the hidden springs he'd found had been nestled protectively under weeping willow trees, and after traveling even deeper into the forest he discovered a copse of ancient, dark and gnarled trees. Moss and vines were creeping profusely along the trunks of these imposing towers, and the sunlight seemed dimmer somehow. Upon closer inspection, Toby found a cobwebbed grotto hidden beneath the enormous roots of one tree, and clambered eagerly down to investigate. Sunlight filtered between the roots, creating golden beams in the dusty air. Tiny plant roots and vines hung from the ceiling, brushing lightly against Toby's head as he walked. But there was something almost eery about the damp grotto, and it didn't take long for Toby to turn and make a hasty exit. As well he did, too, for no sooner had he vacated the area did its owner return with new treasures to hoard away.
Realizing that he'd strayed too far from his original course, the young boy set back for the way he'd come…and came across the willow spring again. Tinny laughter sounded from within the leafy curtains, but it suddenly stopped as he drew nearer. Thinking he'd chased off the creatures who were playing, Toby started to hasten away but a voice called out to him. It was rich and melodic, nearly hypnotizing in its lilt and tone. All that was said was "Come play with us!" but it was as though the voice possessed uncanny powers of persuasion. Without the slightest doubtful thought, Toby swept aside the yellow-green canopy and paused along the grassy bank. There, his eyes went round with wonder and embarrassment. Swimming in this wide spring were five -- no, six -- water nymphs, each of them ethereal and lovely. The sixth was perched on a large stone at the other end, and the other five were watching him with playful, expectant gazes. Not a one of them had any clothes on.
"Come play with us!" one of them repeated. This was followed by an echoing chorus from the other nymphs. The sixth, unashamed of her naked beauty, never moved from her seat upon that rock. Her hair, a fiery auburn, flowed softly over one shoulder and down almost to her feet. Even from the other side of the spring, Toby could see that her eyes were green.
"I…I need to leave," he stammered, fist clenching even more tightly around the compass stone. All six nymphs turned to each other and laughed, but the sixth never took her twinkling gaze from his face.
"Your business can wait a little longer," she cajoled, her voice carrying sweetly across the water. "We so seldom find playmates this far into the forest."
It quickly became apparent that she had been the one to call Toby into this sheltered hollow, though by that point he was too bewitched to realize it. Her voice held all the promise of the world, all the tantalizing excitement he'd ever wished for. Before he realized it, Toby was in the water with them, splashing and playing as he might have with any of his friends back home. Their playfulness occasionally grew more rough and forceful, as they either dunked or pulled him underwater and held him there. Several times, Toby came to the surface spluttering and afraid they meant to drown him -- and even more afraid that he might have accidentally swallowed some of that water -- but just one word from that quiet nymph on the rock soothed his worries and brought back his playful spirit. It was as though his mind had been put in a haze…but when the sky began to grow dimmer, even in this golden basin, the nymphs climbed out of the water. They said not a word to the bewildered Toby as they left, running fleet-footed into the forest. Toby climbed onto the bank dazedly, wondering where all the time had gone and how he'd come to be in that spring in the first place. Shivering, he pulled his clothes back on and hurried out of the willow-circled hollow.
Sunset had transformed Faerie into a burnished landscape of fiery pearl. Long shadows filled hollows and valleys, while trees and hills were painted with saffron, gold, and autumn crimson. Fireflies -- or were they tiny pixies? -- bobbed and flashed in the darkening air, and the smell of blossoms became cool and sweet. The stream, when Toby was able to find it again, shimmered like liquid flame in the sunset glow, but by that point the young boy had ceased to find enjoyment in his surroundings. Fear had once again started his heart pounding; how could he have spent so long inside that forest? Damn his curiosity!
Before long, the last vestiges of sunlight were gone and darkness had settled heavily upon the land. Those bobbing dots of light had disappeared, and suddenly all those harmless little noises filling the air became louder and more sinister, foreign and unrecognizable. Toby's gaze darted everywhere, and his ears were more sharply attuned than ever. Were there any creatures out here that would harm him? He was still relatively close to the castle (or so he hoped), but did that matter in this place? Maybe mortals weren't protected in the same way that any other denizen of Faerie would be…
Inevitably, it grew so dark that Toby could no longer see where he was going. The stream was a comforting babble that drowned out some of the wilderness noises, but those that could still be heard seemed to close in around him. The whisperings of small breezes tousled his hair like invisible spirits, and the grasses beneath his feet swayed and brushed against his legs like living things…and then something large and dark swooped inches in front of his face, so close that it almost collided with his head. Crying out, Toby lifted his arms defensively in front of him…and the compass stone flared into blinding brilliance.
Whatever creature that had nearly struck him was gone now, invisible in the surrounding darkness, but the compass stone made a comforting aura of light for several feet around him. Feeling buoyed by this newfound use for Everlind's gift, Toby quickened his steps and continued walking. The stone was held outward from him, his hand blocking its bright glow from his eyes, but ahead the way was made as bright as if he'd been shining a car's headlight. He could see the stream clearly now, could see the flowers and grasses as they swayed in the breeze…and those two pinpricks of light that looked suspiciously like a pair of eyes…
In the time it took for Toby to get over his surprise, the eyes were gone. It had happened so quickly, in fact, that the boy wondered if he hadn't just imagined the whole thing. After all, it was easy to let one's imagination run away with himself out here in this unfamiliar territory. Cursing himself for an idiot, he continued walking. "You're too big to get scared by the dark," he told himself firmly.
"Yes indeed, you're much too big to jump at shadows," agreed a voice from within the surrounding darkness. Toby nearly dropped the compass stone, he was so startled. After a quick scramble, he flung his hand around to shed light in the direction of the voice…and instead he found himself engulfed in complete darkness. Bright peals of laughter filled the air. "I can think of better ways to shed light than by a rock!"
"Who are you?" Toby cried, trying not to let his fear show.
"Just someone who wants to help you," the voice -- distinctly boyish -- replied. A moment later, a small ball of light formed next to Toby's ear. It dipped and bobbed teasingly around his face in the manner of an irritating firefly, and wouldn't stop no matter how much Toby swatted at it. After a few minutes of this game, the tiny dot finally distanced itself from Toby and grew slightly larger, until it had illuminated the face of the one who'd been speaking.
He didn't look dangerous, Toby decided after a short scrutiny. The ball of light had illuminated dirty-blond -- almost light brown -- hair that was carelessly shorn and sticking out in all directions; bright hazel eyes that looked upon Toby with an inquisitive twinkle; and a broad, smiling mouth with teeth that were only just too big. He looked no older than Toby, and despite his teasing seemed to be friendly enough. As long as one didn't trust him too implicitly, of course.
"You'll be going the wrong way soon, you know," the stranger told him casually, once their mutual study was finished. Toby frowned.
"What do you mean?" he demanded. "I know exactly where I'm going! To the east, toward Og'Mael!" He paused. "And who are you, anyway?"
"Fif Oran," the fae 'boy' responded. Toby had a feeling he was probably older than he looked. "And what makes you so eager to visit the gnomes?" He wrinkled his nose distastefully. "Dirty creatures, gnomes. Especially the farther east you travel. You don't look the sort to go into Gnomish lands."
"I have to." Here, Toby lifted his chin proudly. "I'm on a quest. From King Oberon."
"Oh ho! From the king himself, you say? You must be quite an important guest of Faerie, to be sent on a quest from King Oberon!" Fif leaned in closer, close enough that Toby caught the smell of damp earth and new spring leaves -- an almost comforting scent. "You do realize, then, that he's leading you in the wrong direction?"
As though he'd been slapped, Toby recoiled. "W-what?" he stuttered, caught completely offguard. "Why would he do that? He wants me to help him!"
The boy laughed. "Friend, even a stranger such as I can see that you are a mortal. No denizen of Faerie -- or any of the surrounding realms -- would need a little trick such as that rock to navigate! And if there is one thing the Fae hate most, it is a mortal in their lands. You, apparently, were spared an immediate death. However, it appears that King Oberon has planned a more…creative end for you."
For several minutes, Toby stood in contemplative silence. On one hand, he thought, he had no idea who this 'Fif Oran' was. He was trying desperately to remember Puck's lessons, but they were all swirling chaotically in his head and he couldn't remember much more than "Don't trust anybody." But on the other hand, what Fif had said mirrored his own fears: that Oberon was merely trying to get Toby out of the way. Titania hadn't seemed to want Toby dead, but then again, faeries were tricky. Hadn't he learned that already, first with Ti and then later with the nymphs? Everlind seemed genuine enough, though, he mused. I wish she was here right now! Nothing happened.
"How do I know you're telling the truth?" Toby asked at last. "You just popped out at me from the dark! You could be an elf or something!"
"An elf?" Fif hooted with laughter. "Elvish magic comes from the earth, don't you know that? I couldn't be doing this" -- he gestured to the globe of light hovering just above and to the left of his head -- "if I was an elf! Who would you be more willing to trust? A king who sends you off on some strange quest, or a friend who wants to help you get back to your family? You must be the brother of Queen Sarah, after all. Wouldn't you rather find her again?"
"You know my sister?" Toby blurted. Fif grinned.
"Who doesn't know of your sister?" he retorted. "First mortal queen of the Underground! For that matter, she could very well be the first mortal queen in any of our realms! And considering the magical shock that went through Faerie upon your arrival, it was not so hard to guess that you were related to that great lady. Which is why I want to help you."
"Doesn't seem like much of a reason to me," Toby replied, hoping to catch the stranger offguard. "I'm still a mortal."
"And I should let you walk on to your death, true," Fif agreed solemnly. "But given what happened when you entered our realm, I would hardly like to find out what happens when you leave it, and in such an untimely manner! Therefore, if you refuse to believe that I want to help you out of noble intentions, think of it as self-preservation. You see, I don't want to find out that the aftershock of your death would also cause my death. I'm only a few centuries old, and in the prime of my life!"
At this remark, Toby couldn't help but laugh. The youthful fae was so amiable that one couldn't help being drawn in by his easy charm. In the end, Toby decided to trust this Fif Oran…if only a little. "Well, I think I'll keep going the way I was going," he said slowly, "but you can come with me if you want. Y'know, to tell me if I'm going to fall off a hidden cliff somewhere."
Fif chuckled. "I accept. But only because I'm curious about you…what's your name?"
"Toby."
"Ah. Well then, Toby, shall we continue? Which direction does your little rock say you should go?"
"East."
"East it is, then! Come now, we'll follow the river right through to Og'Mael. I wouldn't mind a small skirmish with some gnomes. Haven't fought one of them in…cor, it's been at least a century! But gnomes don't change. They're always the same filthy, smelly little creatures."
Notes: Sorry it's taken me so long to update! I was hoping to have written a few more chapters, but I've just been lazy lately, so I decided to go ahead and post this chapter. ;) And now to the thank-you's!
Labyris - I was hoping a nice Toby story would change the pace a bit! I agree, there just aren't too many fics out there about him!
BloodIce & Jareth_is_SO_cute - Thank you! ^_^ I'm glad to know you both like it so far!
Raven - Oh my gosh. You don't even know how much that second review of yours means to me. Actually, you sound exactly like me when I really get excited about a good story, because I always end up writing gushing emails/reviews! Unfortunately, I think they tend to scare off the authors. *blushes* But seriously, when I read that review I just sat here for like 5 minutes grinning like and idiot and ducking my head in that "Aww, that's so sweet!" sort of way. I'm so glad you like my stories! (And I wish I knew what happened to SkItZoFrEaK, because she was an awesome author too, hehe!)