Title: Something's Missing
Author: Kathea
Chapter 7.5: What Have We Learned From This
Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own this.
A/N: I'm so so sorry that this took so long. I only have four chapters left to write and post. I'll do it as fast as possible. At least they are outlined. Please review.
Sarah flopped face first on the bed. The dark coverlet was cool against her flushed face. Today had been very different that was for sure. Children with magic, a woman with the ability to make a story visible, and a perplexing visit from the Goblin King. He hadn't been the gruff, malicious man she'd been expecting which was probably the problem. She was taking things for granted again. Doing that could only lead to trouble. Something still felt out of place. The emptiness that Sarah had grown accustomed to in her life had lessened when she had wished herself away. But it wasn't completely gone. It was like she was waiting for something to click into place, one small thing missing to fill a hole. The frustrating thing was she didn't know hat. She usually didn't notice that little pangs of loneliness unless she was alone. People, magic, Jareth all masked that echo of the pain. All this self-reflection and though were accomplishing nothing. Sarah had yet to figure out what to do. Sarah figured that a power nap would do her good and quickly fell asleep. About an hour later, after a bizarre dream about birds, Sarah woke refreshed and ready for whatever dinner held. After a leisurely bath, Sarah walked into her closet to pick out something to wear.
There were definitely more choices for formal wear this afternoon than this morning. The gleaming satin and silk, the quiet brush or chiffon, the jewel and pastel colored fabrics whispered through her fingers. The midnight blue brocade caught her eye. The cloth, normally thick and bulky, was thinly woven to form to the wearer's body. It was pricked with silver strands that flashed in the light. The strapless sheath dress would fit tightly to her body and thigh high slits ran from the floor sweeping hem to mid thigh. Sarah sincerely hoped this was considered formal and thanked whoever was listening for it didn't have a corset. The matching shoes gave Sarah another three inches in height. There was something exquisitely feminine about dressing up. A certain kind of pleasure comes from doing your hair and makeup. Magic, Sarah learned, was very useful when electricity was not available. Sarah's dark locks pulled back from the sides of her face and secured in the back with a crystal encrusted comb. Her hair fell down her back in long loose curls. Silver chandelier earrings dangled from her ears but she left hr neck strikingly bare. There was a sharp, short nock on the door, and Sarah was started from her mirror gazing. The door handle turned smoothly in her hand, and the door opened to reveal none other than the Goblin King in all his glory.
His white hair flowed down over his shoulders and was streaked with silver. A smirk appeared over his face as he stood still for Sarah's perusal. A black jacket was fitted tightly to his body and ended snugly at his waist. It covered a silver silk shirt. Black leather breeches showed off the muscles of his thighs and black knee high boots completed his ensemble. My, my, don't you look lovely Sarah, he thought. A little time can do a lot for a girl. Of course he'd known she would wear that dress. No, he hadn't "done" anything to it of her either. An escort should always coordinate with his lady. They would make a stunning couple. They were like mirror images, his darkness to her light. If only she weren't so oblivious. Sarah was happy with her new life and home. She didn't know what Jareth knew. The reports Sebal brought about whole woodlands dying and fields of wildflowers turning to dust were disturbing. A blight was creeping closer to the Labyrinth and his people, to all he held dear. Jareth grimaced at the thought of how destructive this could be to his kingdom.
"Do you not approve?" Sarah asked with spite in her voice. In the ultimate female gesture, Sarah placed her hands on her hips and waited for an answer. Jareth took his time looking her over. He lingered over her face before looking down the rest of her body.
"Oh, I guess you will do." Jareth said cheekily.
"I will do?" Sarah asked her voice a command and her head titled regally. At this Jareth laughed heartily and earned a disgusted look from Sarah. Jareth sobered quickly not wanting to spoil what was sure to be an eventful evening.
"I beg your pardon. You look beautiful, very ...regal." Sarah removed her hands from her hips and composed herself. Jareth extended a hand out to her and was pleasantly surprised when she politely accepted it. A shock went up his arm at the feel of her skin against his and desire started to swirl around him. Leading Sarah out of her room he shut the door behind her. Then crossing the hall closed the door to his own suite of rooms. There was a roguish grin on his face when he turned back to Sarah and her mouth had formed a small "o" as realization hit her.
"A bit presumptuous, don't you think?" she quipped.
"It was that or bunk with the maids. I thought you'd prefer your own rooms."
"How thoughtful," Sarah murmured unconvinced.
The ballroom was set up for dinner and dancing. The austere stone walls were masked by sheer golden fabric and tiny lights twinkled sweetly. The terrace doors were thrown open and a warm breeze rustled the fabrics on the walls. To Sarah's surprise, the dining table was filed with people and only two empty seats. Everyone rose from the table when Jareth entered the room. The only two familiar faces were Kilera and Sebal. Sarah's grip tightened on Jareth's arm as they walked closer to the table. Standing beside Kilera was a man and a woman or at least she thought they were male and female. They both had abnormally sharp, high cheekbones and long aquiline noses. Their skin looked blue-green and seemed to sparkle. They both had long white hair with a strange blue sheen to it. "Everyone," Jareth said informally. "I would like to introduce Sarah, the newest member of our underground family." Jareth motioned toward the couple Sarah had first noticed and began introductions. "Merona and Nerin, High Lady and Lord of Aquatia. Prelenar and Ralata, High Lord and Lady of Felinia. Rosana and Shevit, High Lady and Lord of Ledona. And last but not least, Delios and Aphrena, High Lord and Lady of Centera." Jareth seated himself and Sarah and the other couples followed suit. The first course of dinner was served and light conversation flowed around her. Sarah focused her attention on the monarchs from Felinia. If the name of their domain was any indication, the feline cast to their features and oddly shaped eyes made sense. They did not seem as impressed with the salad as the couple from Centera. Weren't centaurs supposed to be half horse, she thought. Shevit and Rosana were obviously elves. The wide almond shaped eyes and delicately pointed ears were a dead give away. As the main course was presented, Jareth paused the conversations and called for attention from the group. "My Lords and Ladies, I wish this could be a purely social engagement. Unfortunately, we have business to discuss. Sebal has received the reports from each of your territories regarding the spreading darkness. I have also read these reports. I know you are concerned for your people and lands. I too am deeply troubled. I will be mounting an offensive very soon. Since you all know the prophecy, I won't repeat it. I believe that the prophecy refers to this plague on our lands. Since the Labyrinth in the in the center of the underground, should you feel the need, you can evacuate your people to my kingdom. Also, if you need help with your defenses or supplies please contact Sebal. I believe that is enough unpleasantness for one evening." Jareth seated himself and conversations resumed but at a subdued level. Sarah stayed out of the conversation as much as possible. After several more sumptuous courses the meal was finished. Music, which had once been in the background, now flowed throughout the room. Taking Sarah's hand, Jareth drew her to her feet. The music had changed to a stately waltz and Jareth carefully guided her around the dance floor skillfully avoiding the other couples.
"You could have told me there would be other people here."
"Oh, my apologies dear. I was under the impression that you didn't want to be alone with me."
"It's not that." Sarah stopped abruptly. "You could have warned me."
"These people are the leaders of the territories that lye in the shadow of the Labyrinth. Even though they are technically my kingdoms, I much prefer someone else to run them. One kingdom is enough for me. I guess you didn't know there were other people here."
"You have been somewhat remiss in my education." Sarah said sullenly. The wine she had consumed at dinner made her lean into Jareth's embrace more than she normally would have. The music changed then from a waltz to something slower and more intimate. Jareth pulled her unresistingly closer to him. Sarah stiffened as memories flooded over her. The dress, the dance, the laughing masked figures that had once swirled around her frightened her. Jareth sighed as he felt her back go ramrod straight under his hand. Releasing her from his hold, he led her over to the open terrace and out the door. Leaning against the stone balcony, Sarah drew in several deep lungfuls of air. A cool hand lifted the hair off the back of her neck.
"Sarah?" She turned to look at him. He was thrown back by the look in her eyes. There were no tears or shock only anger.
"Do you know how long I've wondered what would have happened if I'd stayed in the ballroom or hadn't said the words? Do you know the nightmares I've had because of this place? Why did I come back? Why am I here?"
"Sarah," he said turning her towards him. "I am sorry." And she believed him. It was said with such sincerity and remorse; an apology for so many things. Sarah only nodded her head and let the tension release from her neck and shoulders.
"Alright, Jareth. Let's just go back inside. You shouldn't neglect your guests." Sarah turned and walked away and didn't hear him mumble, "But you are more important." The rest of the evening was spent in pleasant conversation with the mixed company. Sarah regaled them with a version of her Labyrinth adventure. The group good naturedly berated Jareth for his actions. It was late, even by underground standards, when the party finally broke up. After the last person had left, Sarah and Jareth were left lounged in chairs on the terrace. The air had stilled and nights insects formed a new chorus. Jareth watched as Sarah concentrated on the night sky. He could tell she'd had a little too much wine tonight and would probably not remember what he was going to say, which was probably a good thing. Jareth took several deep breaths before starting a shortened version of the history of the underground. Sarah listened quietly as he spoke of its creation and first inhabitants. The different people groups that lived in the surrounding lands were both mythical and magical. He spoke of the merfolk who had both land and sea holdings. A race of intelligent felines had colonized the mountains. The elves ruled the forests and the centaurs the grasslands.
"I knew it." Sarah interrupted. "But how?"
"They shape change. Almost every creature in the underground does it."
"Oh."
"The Labyrinth and my kingdom have the most human population. The other races prefer to keep to their kind. Does that answer some of your questions?"
"No."
"Damn." Jareth said with a smile.
"Did you forget about the coming darkness comment?"
"No," he said crossly.
"Spill it."
"Tone," he said quietly before continuing. "Let me explain the prophecy first. A seet named Kil'tena told of prophecies for every King or Queen of the goblins. They are given at birth and are usually a test. I know mine has something to with the changes happening in the Labyrinth."
"I've felt it." Sarah said softly.
"What?" Jareth asked surprised.
"I feel something out there. Something that is very wrong."
"Tell me."
"I have these dreams. Dreams that I'm a bird and flying and with me is this huge white owl. We fly over the land and around the edges there is this stain. Something skulking across the land and changing it and I want to stop it but I don't know how."
"Sarah, it's getting late." Jareth said suddenly, hoping to keep her attention away from the current conversation and his own discomfort.
"I know but you never told me the prophecy." Sarah said sleepily.
Jareth whispered the words he had long ago memorized. When he looked up he noticed that Sarah had fallen asleep. Scooping her off the chair he popped them to the hallway in front of her door. Setting her gently on her feet, the motion woke her up.
"Sarah. It's time to go to bed, love."
"Hmmm."
"Time for bed, I said. Open your door and go in. I can't."
"Oh. Good night Jareth." Sarah said as she stumbled into her rooms and shut the door behind her. Stripping down, Sarah slipped on the black silk nightgown some kind soul had left out for her. Snuggling under the covers, Sarah swiftly fell asleep. In the rooms across the hall, Jareth sat surrounded by darkness. In one hand was snifter of brandy, the other hand clinched and unclenched around his signature amulet. Black silk pajama pants covered his long legs. Things were moving much to slowly. If Sarah waited much longer, the destruction will have gone to far. Three days was all the time she had left. Suddenly a voice in his mind screamed and the snifter of brandy crashed on the stone floor.
"JARETH! HELP ME! JARETH, I NEED YOU!" Ok, it might take me a while to post the rest of the chapters but I will write as fast a possible. Please review and let me know what you think.
Author: Kathea
Chapter 7.5: What Have We Learned From This
Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own this.
A/N: I'm so so sorry that this took so long. I only have four chapters left to write and post. I'll do it as fast as possible. At least they are outlined. Please review.
Sarah flopped face first on the bed. The dark coverlet was cool against her flushed face. Today had been very different that was for sure. Children with magic, a woman with the ability to make a story visible, and a perplexing visit from the Goblin King. He hadn't been the gruff, malicious man she'd been expecting which was probably the problem. She was taking things for granted again. Doing that could only lead to trouble. Something still felt out of place. The emptiness that Sarah had grown accustomed to in her life had lessened when she had wished herself away. But it wasn't completely gone. It was like she was waiting for something to click into place, one small thing missing to fill a hole. The frustrating thing was she didn't know hat. She usually didn't notice that little pangs of loneliness unless she was alone. People, magic, Jareth all masked that echo of the pain. All this self-reflection and though were accomplishing nothing. Sarah had yet to figure out what to do. Sarah figured that a power nap would do her good and quickly fell asleep. About an hour later, after a bizarre dream about birds, Sarah woke refreshed and ready for whatever dinner held. After a leisurely bath, Sarah walked into her closet to pick out something to wear.
There were definitely more choices for formal wear this afternoon than this morning. The gleaming satin and silk, the quiet brush or chiffon, the jewel and pastel colored fabrics whispered through her fingers. The midnight blue brocade caught her eye. The cloth, normally thick and bulky, was thinly woven to form to the wearer's body. It was pricked with silver strands that flashed in the light. The strapless sheath dress would fit tightly to her body and thigh high slits ran from the floor sweeping hem to mid thigh. Sarah sincerely hoped this was considered formal and thanked whoever was listening for it didn't have a corset. The matching shoes gave Sarah another three inches in height. There was something exquisitely feminine about dressing up. A certain kind of pleasure comes from doing your hair and makeup. Magic, Sarah learned, was very useful when electricity was not available. Sarah's dark locks pulled back from the sides of her face and secured in the back with a crystal encrusted comb. Her hair fell down her back in long loose curls. Silver chandelier earrings dangled from her ears but she left hr neck strikingly bare. There was a sharp, short nock on the door, and Sarah was started from her mirror gazing. The door handle turned smoothly in her hand, and the door opened to reveal none other than the Goblin King in all his glory.
His white hair flowed down over his shoulders and was streaked with silver. A smirk appeared over his face as he stood still for Sarah's perusal. A black jacket was fitted tightly to his body and ended snugly at his waist. It covered a silver silk shirt. Black leather breeches showed off the muscles of his thighs and black knee high boots completed his ensemble. My, my, don't you look lovely Sarah, he thought. A little time can do a lot for a girl. Of course he'd known she would wear that dress. No, he hadn't "done" anything to it of her either. An escort should always coordinate with his lady. They would make a stunning couple. They were like mirror images, his darkness to her light. If only she weren't so oblivious. Sarah was happy with her new life and home. She didn't know what Jareth knew. The reports Sebal brought about whole woodlands dying and fields of wildflowers turning to dust were disturbing. A blight was creeping closer to the Labyrinth and his people, to all he held dear. Jareth grimaced at the thought of how destructive this could be to his kingdom.
"Do you not approve?" Sarah asked with spite in her voice. In the ultimate female gesture, Sarah placed her hands on her hips and waited for an answer. Jareth took his time looking her over. He lingered over her face before looking down the rest of her body.
"Oh, I guess you will do." Jareth said cheekily.
"I will do?" Sarah asked her voice a command and her head titled regally. At this Jareth laughed heartily and earned a disgusted look from Sarah. Jareth sobered quickly not wanting to spoil what was sure to be an eventful evening.
"I beg your pardon. You look beautiful, very ...regal." Sarah removed her hands from her hips and composed herself. Jareth extended a hand out to her and was pleasantly surprised when she politely accepted it. A shock went up his arm at the feel of her skin against his and desire started to swirl around him. Leading Sarah out of her room he shut the door behind her. Then crossing the hall closed the door to his own suite of rooms. There was a roguish grin on his face when he turned back to Sarah and her mouth had formed a small "o" as realization hit her.
"A bit presumptuous, don't you think?" she quipped.
"It was that or bunk with the maids. I thought you'd prefer your own rooms."
"How thoughtful," Sarah murmured unconvinced.
The ballroom was set up for dinner and dancing. The austere stone walls were masked by sheer golden fabric and tiny lights twinkled sweetly. The terrace doors were thrown open and a warm breeze rustled the fabrics on the walls. To Sarah's surprise, the dining table was filed with people and only two empty seats. Everyone rose from the table when Jareth entered the room. The only two familiar faces were Kilera and Sebal. Sarah's grip tightened on Jareth's arm as they walked closer to the table. Standing beside Kilera was a man and a woman or at least she thought they were male and female. They both had abnormally sharp, high cheekbones and long aquiline noses. Their skin looked blue-green and seemed to sparkle. They both had long white hair with a strange blue sheen to it. "Everyone," Jareth said informally. "I would like to introduce Sarah, the newest member of our underground family." Jareth motioned toward the couple Sarah had first noticed and began introductions. "Merona and Nerin, High Lady and Lord of Aquatia. Prelenar and Ralata, High Lord and Lady of Felinia. Rosana and Shevit, High Lady and Lord of Ledona. And last but not least, Delios and Aphrena, High Lord and Lady of Centera." Jareth seated himself and Sarah and the other couples followed suit. The first course of dinner was served and light conversation flowed around her. Sarah focused her attention on the monarchs from Felinia. If the name of their domain was any indication, the feline cast to their features and oddly shaped eyes made sense. They did not seem as impressed with the salad as the couple from Centera. Weren't centaurs supposed to be half horse, she thought. Shevit and Rosana were obviously elves. The wide almond shaped eyes and delicately pointed ears were a dead give away. As the main course was presented, Jareth paused the conversations and called for attention from the group. "My Lords and Ladies, I wish this could be a purely social engagement. Unfortunately, we have business to discuss. Sebal has received the reports from each of your territories regarding the spreading darkness. I have also read these reports. I know you are concerned for your people and lands. I too am deeply troubled. I will be mounting an offensive very soon. Since you all know the prophecy, I won't repeat it. I believe that the prophecy refers to this plague on our lands. Since the Labyrinth in the in the center of the underground, should you feel the need, you can evacuate your people to my kingdom. Also, if you need help with your defenses or supplies please contact Sebal. I believe that is enough unpleasantness for one evening." Jareth seated himself and conversations resumed but at a subdued level. Sarah stayed out of the conversation as much as possible. After several more sumptuous courses the meal was finished. Music, which had once been in the background, now flowed throughout the room. Taking Sarah's hand, Jareth drew her to her feet. The music had changed to a stately waltz and Jareth carefully guided her around the dance floor skillfully avoiding the other couples.
"You could have told me there would be other people here."
"Oh, my apologies dear. I was under the impression that you didn't want to be alone with me."
"It's not that." Sarah stopped abruptly. "You could have warned me."
"These people are the leaders of the territories that lye in the shadow of the Labyrinth. Even though they are technically my kingdoms, I much prefer someone else to run them. One kingdom is enough for me. I guess you didn't know there were other people here."
"You have been somewhat remiss in my education." Sarah said sullenly. The wine she had consumed at dinner made her lean into Jareth's embrace more than she normally would have. The music changed then from a waltz to something slower and more intimate. Jareth pulled her unresistingly closer to him. Sarah stiffened as memories flooded over her. The dress, the dance, the laughing masked figures that had once swirled around her frightened her. Jareth sighed as he felt her back go ramrod straight under his hand. Releasing her from his hold, he led her over to the open terrace and out the door. Leaning against the stone balcony, Sarah drew in several deep lungfuls of air. A cool hand lifted the hair off the back of her neck.
"Sarah?" She turned to look at him. He was thrown back by the look in her eyes. There were no tears or shock only anger.
"Do you know how long I've wondered what would have happened if I'd stayed in the ballroom or hadn't said the words? Do you know the nightmares I've had because of this place? Why did I come back? Why am I here?"
"Sarah," he said turning her towards him. "I am sorry." And she believed him. It was said with such sincerity and remorse; an apology for so many things. Sarah only nodded her head and let the tension release from her neck and shoulders.
"Alright, Jareth. Let's just go back inside. You shouldn't neglect your guests." Sarah turned and walked away and didn't hear him mumble, "But you are more important." The rest of the evening was spent in pleasant conversation with the mixed company. Sarah regaled them with a version of her Labyrinth adventure. The group good naturedly berated Jareth for his actions. It was late, even by underground standards, when the party finally broke up. After the last person had left, Sarah and Jareth were left lounged in chairs on the terrace. The air had stilled and nights insects formed a new chorus. Jareth watched as Sarah concentrated on the night sky. He could tell she'd had a little too much wine tonight and would probably not remember what he was going to say, which was probably a good thing. Jareth took several deep breaths before starting a shortened version of the history of the underground. Sarah listened quietly as he spoke of its creation and first inhabitants. The different people groups that lived in the surrounding lands were both mythical and magical. He spoke of the merfolk who had both land and sea holdings. A race of intelligent felines had colonized the mountains. The elves ruled the forests and the centaurs the grasslands.
"I knew it." Sarah interrupted. "But how?"
"They shape change. Almost every creature in the underground does it."
"Oh."
"The Labyrinth and my kingdom have the most human population. The other races prefer to keep to their kind. Does that answer some of your questions?"
"No."
"Damn." Jareth said with a smile.
"Did you forget about the coming darkness comment?"
"No," he said crossly.
"Spill it."
"Tone," he said quietly before continuing. "Let me explain the prophecy first. A seet named Kil'tena told of prophecies for every King or Queen of the goblins. They are given at birth and are usually a test. I know mine has something to with the changes happening in the Labyrinth."
"I've felt it." Sarah said softly.
"What?" Jareth asked surprised.
"I feel something out there. Something that is very wrong."
"Tell me."
"I have these dreams. Dreams that I'm a bird and flying and with me is this huge white owl. We fly over the land and around the edges there is this stain. Something skulking across the land and changing it and I want to stop it but I don't know how."
"Sarah, it's getting late." Jareth said suddenly, hoping to keep her attention away from the current conversation and his own discomfort.
"I know but you never told me the prophecy." Sarah said sleepily.
Jareth whispered the words he had long ago memorized. When he looked up he noticed that Sarah had fallen asleep. Scooping her off the chair he popped them to the hallway in front of her door. Setting her gently on her feet, the motion woke her up.
"Sarah. It's time to go to bed, love."
"Hmmm."
"Time for bed, I said. Open your door and go in. I can't."
"Oh. Good night Jareth." Sarah said as she stumbled into her rooms and shut the door behind her. Stripping down, Sarah slipped on the black silk nightgown some kind soul had left out for her. Snuggling under the covers, Sarah swiftly fell asleep. In the rooms across the hall, Jareth sat surrounded by darkness. In one hand was snifter of brandy, the other hand clinched and unclenched around his signature amulet. Black silk pajama pants covered his long legs. Things were moving much to slowly. If Sarah waited much longer, the destruction will have gone to far. Three days was all the time she had left. Suddenly a voice in his mind screamed and the snifter of brandy crashed on the stone floor.
"JARETH! HELP ME! JARETH, I NEED YOU!" Ok, it might take me a while to post the rest of the chapters but I will write as fast a possible. Please review and let me know what you think.