chapter 5 A Fresh Start
Sarah had dozed off nearly by the stroke of 2 on the giant wall clock. Jareth had spent the majority of the night in his throne room, reviewing statutes and previously passed laws. At one point a messenger had even delivered a message from one of the neighbouring kingdoms. But it was bad new for the Goblin King. He was denied support. All he could do was hope that someone else, other than Lord Byron would lend their support. If not, he would take matters right to the council. And, if need be, marry his beloved before any law could be passed. He would never see Sarah as a servant or slave. Especially to the likes of Olaris. And, in the midst of all these ocurrances, the Goblin King, mighty as he was, fell asleep in his own throne.
Morning came with the loud thud of the large, ornate, and heavy wooden doors of the castle being slammed open by a slew of goblins. All ready, and eager to make a mess of the place again. Jareth awoke with a start, and with a yawn, glanced at the clock that hung on the far wall. The sword hands pointed to seventeen minutes after eight. Things were running behind schedule. He covered his mouth as he yawned, and stretched his arms. He had not meant to fall asleep in his own throne. "How grotesque.", he thought silently to himself. Then he remembered Sarah.
He walked up the winding stairs adjacent from his throne, and slowly opened his chamber door. It gave a slight groan as it swung on the old hinges. There was Sarah. Still peacefully asleep under the soft blankets. She looked so at peace, that Jareth could not bring himself to wake her. She needed her rest. Though she had classes in nearly an hour of above ground time, Jareth felt that his actions were truly justifiable. So, he left her to her slumber. The only thing that he did was cautiously walk to his wardrobe, and pull out a clean outfit, much like he wore every other day, except with black breechess instead of grey. Sarah stirred slightly in the bed. This made Jareth dress quickly, that way she could be left alone to sleep peacefully.
When he entered the throne room, once again, he found that the place had already been littered with rotting vegetable matter. He shook his blonde maine with dismay, and quickly booted a goblin on his behind to show his contempt." A throne room in shambles. Much like the kingdom.", he thought quietly. Why had his parents left him to do this? Something that he hated the most. He knew that Sarah was right. How could they be happy, if they weren't happy with themselves? A question that he was unable to answer. And now with all the arising issues, and no support to aid him, Jareth was feeling more and more threatened.
He soon found the way to his library. The only sanctuary that he really had. There, he could feel the relief of his duties and responsibilities being lifted from his shoulders. Books had always seemed to be his companion. Especially in a world where human contact was, as a rule, somewhat rare. He sat infront of the large fireplace, the fire long since burned out. There was a faint odour of charred wood in the air, along with that of ancient papers. Jareth sat in his chair, staring at the ashes that still slightly smoked.
Outside, bird like creatures were frolicing about in mid air. Swooping, turning and gliding on the gentle breeze. They somewhat resembled a lark, but had large bills, and brightly colored tails that trailed off like ribbons. Such strange creatures, yet normal in a strange land. But Jareth payed no attention to them.
The thoughts were spinning around in his head so fast, that he could barely keep up with them. What was he to do? He could not keep lying to Sarah. She would find out the truth sooner or later. That their world was threatened because of a decision he had made nearly eight hundred years ago. He was now beginning to question his choice. Was it for the better, or would it have made and even worse mess of things that were already considered dire? He rested his face in his gloved palms, and was near tears. For once in his life, the mighty Goblin King, did not have the solution. For once in his life, he was scared. Scared that he would lose everything. Even Sarah.
At some point, he summoned a goblin, and told him to retrieve Hoggle. It was a time for action to be made.
After sometime, the dwarf ambled in, with a small shuffle and a grunt or two. He didn't trust Jareth. Never had, and never would. Especially after what he'd done to his friend.
"You wanted me, Your Majesty?", he asked humbly, with a bow that took him nearly head over heels.
"Hedwort-", Jareth began, but Hoggle cut in.
"Name's Hoggle, Sire. I'd be preciatin' it if ya would be callin' me by me name, Sir." Hoggle's eyes displayed his hatred and distrust for Jareth.
"Whatever. As you wish. I ask you to send word to the head Council, that I wish to meet with them. Over a matter of great importance. And that I intend to make council with them in two days. I want you to relay that message for me, as I think that you are the only one capable of doing it right." Jareth waved his hand, signalling that he was dismissing Hoggle from the room. But Hoggle stood his ground.
"Hear's that you be tendin' to marry Sarah, Sire. That is, word says it's true." Hoggle looked down at the floor, and kicked his right foot at the thin air.
"And of what importance is it to you, Hoggle? The Lady Sarah and I do plan to wed. In the near future as it may seem. But I am left wondering as to why you wish to make it your business." Jareth loked at him with a hint of jealousy in his eyes.
"She's my friend, Sire. The first, and only I's ever had. And-she- she don't deserve you! She deserves better than you." Hoggle stepped back, hoping that what he had said hadn't upset the Goblin King too badly.
"For such insolence, Hagwart, I will personally see to it that you are tipped head first into the Bog of Eternal Stench. Then-", Jareth heard someone walk accross the floor and stand nearly behind him.
"I hardly find that fair, Jareth. After all, he's only looking out for me."
Hoggle looked and seen Sarah standing beside Jareth, with a hand on his shoulder. He was taken back a bit by the sight of two enemies suddenly being madly in love with one another.
Sarah looked Jareth in the eyes, scanning them for some hint of humanity.
"Jareth, he's my friend. Please, don't do anything like that. He doesn't deserve it." Her eyes were pleading wiht Jareth's. Practically begging for some compassion.
"I do believe that now everyone seems to be informed on our personal lives, My Dear." He turned and looked at Sarah with a grin. "You know, I do so believe that we should just let everyone tell us what we are going to do next, you know. Perhaps- perhaps even plan the ceremonies. What do you think?" He was speaking with pure sarcasm. Sarah rolled her eyes.
"Hoggle, I think that you should go now." The dwarf looked at Sarah, not really wanting to leave her alone with Jareth. He now associated Jareth as being the enemy. And nothing could change that for him. Nothing. He looked up at Sarah.
"You be callin' us if ya's be needin' anything, eh Missy?" He was the picture of concern. His wrinkled face portrayed every emotion that a father may.
"I'll meet up with you later, Hoggle. And Ludo and Didymus. This afternoon. I'll send for you." Sarah smiled and glanced toward the door signalling for him to go. Hoggle reluctantly left. He glanced back over his shoulder, and watched the door close gently behind him.
Sarah turned to Jareth. "I think that you have been lying to me.", she said softly. "I heard you say that you are meeting with the council. Things must be very bad if you're doing that, Jareth." She spun around and looked him in the eyes. His strange mismatched eyes. So strange, and yet so appealing. She walked over to the chair she had sat in, only a few hours ago. Her nightgown trailed out behind her, flowing gently.
Jareth watched her. His eyes showed a hint of jealousy in them. Jealousy that she had always seemed ot treat Hoggle so well. And it was only now that she was beginning to treat him like that. " I can't lie, Sarah. Things are becoming tense. It has been escalating for the past few years. And now... well-Olaris is just trying to start a war. It is nothing." He turned away and rested his hand on his fireplace, leaning over and examining the ashes.
"It must be bad if you start telling me what is going on, and then just try and stop. And then change the subject. You want me to trust you. Then you have to trust me. How am I supposed to help you rule-to be your queen, if you can't tell me what's going on? You can't hide it forever, Jareth. Just please, come level with me. Tell me exactly what is going on." Her eyes were pleading with him, hoping for some kind of enlightened information, as to the oncomings of her future home.
Jareth scanned her face. Her expression broke his heart. Shattered it as a window would shatter when broke. What could he possibly tell her? That he was going to war, but everything was going to be alright anyway? That wasn't the way war worked. Not Aboveground. And not Underground.
"Sarah, I can't tell you everything. I don't know everything. I only know what Lord Byron has informed me of. And..well." He shook his head, not knowing what to say. "For once in my life, I have found someone who I can treat as my equal. And now, all that I have gained- have accomplished- is falling to pieces at my very feet. And I feel like I have no where to turn."
Sarah wore a shocked expession on her face. She knew that this was her fault.
"Can you not appeal to anyone fo help?", she asked meekly.
Jareth snorted. "Already have I appealed to the surrounding kingdoms for support. But, alas, no one offers the Goblin King any support. Except for Lord and Lady Byron. So I must appeal to the Head Council. And, if you truly do tend to marry me, Sarah, we are going to have to do so quickly. For, I fear that time is beginning to run out."
"Jareth, what caused all this?", Sarah asked sheaking her head from side ot side in a rythmic manner.
"Call it sour grapes.", he said as he chuckled. Then he became quite serious. "Nearly eight hundred years ago, Olaris' father, Mondavo, appealed to my parents to arrange a marriage between myself and their daughter, Lee. Needless to say, I came right out and refused. She is a rather drab woman, whom I never particaulary cared for, either personally or professionally. Olaris, her only sibling, never forgave me. Even though I knew that it was to be a marriage of convience, to allign our two kingdoms. So, we went to war." Jareth's mind began to drift back to that time. He felt like he was almost actually there, alongside his father, fighting, with Lord Byron by his side. He began speaking in a low tone, signifying his memory regression, and his eyes were blank. Void of any type of emotion. "For three hundred years we fought. And, one day, Mondavo killed my parents. Out of rage, I killed him, and his wife. An eye for an eye, you might say. And ever since, Olaris and I have quarrelled. Now, he wants to rob me of everything. My kingdom, my political standing, and most of all, you. Now, you can see why I have held back from you, Sarah. Now, you can realize that I am not a monster, but a product of the evil that has been against me all my life." He turned and looked at her, his arms hanging limply at his sides. "I respect mortals. I only steal children that are wished away. And yet at times, I actually seem to be a monster. Not just to myself, but to others as well."
"I understand, Jareth. And, I agree that we must move quickly. I don't want to lose you. And..." She rose form the chair, and went to his side. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and nuzzled her face into his his neck. "I don't think that you're a monster. I think that I would be cruel at times too, if what was done to you, had of been done to me too." She smiled. "But now, we can start fresh. Once we're married, nothing can seperate us. Olaris will probably give up once he finds out that we've already been married.What use will fighting do? It wouldn't change anyhting." She shrugged her shoulders to signify that it would only be a drop in the bucket to her.
He cupped her face in his hand, and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "Perhaps you are right. Carry a somewhat optimisitc view and perhaps things will be alright. Am I not right?" He smiled slightly, feeling some relief from coming clean with the truth.
Sarah nodded in agreement, and then spun around."So, we have a wedding to plan. Decorations, gowns, food, the whole nine yards. And here you are, worrying about what some guy might do." She spun around the room merrilly, laughing. Jareth watched her, quite amused. Her hair was wrapping about her, and the dressing gown was alomst floating in the air. She looked like a small child who dances around when she is all dressed up in a party dress of sorts.
He knew that Sarah would always hold a special place in his heart. No matter what. And if anything ever did happen to him, she would be well cared for, in the Underground.
He grabbed her by the waist, and pulled her close to him. He entangled himself in her chocolate hair. Her scent drove him mad. A soft perfume always seemed to linger around her. He had dreamed of being able to hold her since the very first day he had laid eyes on her in the park. She accepted him for what he was. Not what he was worth. And that was all that he asked for in the vast eternity that he had already spent without her.
She whispered his name into his ear, and pulled away from him, looking into his eyes.
"I love you.", she said as she rested her head on to his chest. "I have to go to school soon. I wish that I could stay with you now. I don't want to go now."
"Then stay. Stay as long as you like. I will take care of everything, Sarah. Everything." He smiled gently, relishing every moment of having her near to him. It always seemed ot excite him.
"What about Karen and Dad?", she asked. "They'll miss me."
"I will take care of it. Perhaps that woman would appreciate a visit from a few choice goblins and a firey or two. We could always see if she would want to meet the mighty Goblin King then. Hmmmmm?" Jareth loved playing the part of the evil man, out against all odds. Especially when it came to people like Karen. Mere mortals who possessed no power of any sort.
"I think that if the Goblin King, himself, appeared, it might be rather funny, watching her squirm like a worm. Then I would turn her inot a goblin. A really ugly one. And then send her to an oubliette to rot in." Sarah smiled to herself as she pictured the scenerio.
"Remember, Dear. It is my job to be cruel. Your job to be kind. Well, on some occassions anyway. But I think that a personal appearance by yours truly can be arranged. And I want you to look your best, My Dear. A fesh face, for a fresh start."
Sarah had dozed off nearly by the stroke of 2 on the giant wall clock. Jareth had spent the majority of the night in his throne room, reviewing statutes and previously passed laws. At one point a messenger had even delivered a message from one of the neighbouring kingdoms. But it was bad new for the Goblin King. He was denied support. All he could do was hope that someone else, other than Lord Byron would lend their support. If not, he would take matters right to the council. And, if need be, marry his beloved before any law could be passed. He would never see Sarah as a servant or slave. Especially to the likes of Olaris. And, in the midst of all these ocurrances, the Goblin King, mighty as he was, fell asleep in his own throne.
Morning came with the loud thud of the large, ornate, and heavy wooden doors of the castle being slammed open by a slew of goblins. All ready, and eager to make a mess of the place again. Jareth awoke with a start, and with a yawn, glanced at the clock that hung on the far wall. The sword hands pointed to seventeen minutes after eight. Things were running behind schedule. He covered his mouth as he yawned, and stretched his arms. He had not meant to fall asleep in his own throne. "How grotesque.", he thought silently to himself. Then he remembered Sarah.
He walked up the winding stairs adjacent from his throne, and slowly opened his chamber door. It gave a slight groan as it swung on the old hinges. There was Sarah. Still peacefully asleep under the soft blankets. She looked so at peace, that Jareth could not bring himself to wake her. She needed her rest. Though she had classes in nearly an hour of above ground time, Jareth felt that his actions were truly justifiable. So, he left her to her slumber. The only thing that he did was cautiously walk to his wardrobe, and pull out a clean outfit, much like he wore every other day, except with black breechess instead of grey. Sarah stirred slightly in the bed. This made Jareth dress quickly, that way she could be left alone to sleep peacefully.
When he entered the throne room, once again, he found that the place had already been littered with rotting vegetable matter. He shook his blonde maine with dismay, and quickly booted a goblin on his behind to show his contempt." A throne room in shambles. Much like the kingdom.", he thought quietly. Why had his parents left him to do this? Something that he hated the most. He knew that Sarah was right. How could they be happy, if they weren't happy with themselves? A question that he was unable to answer. And now with all the arising issues, and no support to aid him, Jareth was feeling more and more threatened.
He soon found the way to his library. The only sanctuary that he really had. There, he could feel the relief of his duties and responsibilities being lifted from his shoulders. Books had always seemed to be his companion. Especially in a world where human contact was, as a rule, somewhat rare. He sat infront of the large fireplace, the fire long since burned out. There was a faint odour of charred wood in the air, along with that of ancient papers. Jareth sat in his chair, staring at the ashes that still slightly smoked.
Outside, bird like creatures were frolicing about in mid air. Swooping, turning and gliding on the gentle breeze. They somewhat resembled a lark, but had large bills, and brightly colored tails that trailed off like ribbons. Such strange creatures, yet normal in a strange land. But Jareth payed no attention to them.
The thoughts were spinning around in his head so fast, that he could barely keep up with them. What was he to do? He could not keep lying to Sarah. She would find out the truth sooner or later. That their world was threatened because of a decision he had made nearly eight hundred years ago. He was now beginning to question his choice. Was it for the better, or would it have made and even worse mess of things that were already considered dire? He rested his face in his gloved palms, and was near tears. For once in his life, the mighty Goblin King, did not have the solution. For once in his life, he was scared. Scared that he would lose everything. Even Sarah.
At some point, he summoned a goblin, and told him to retrieve Hoggle. It was a time for action to be made.
After sometime, the dwarf ambled in, with a small shuffle and a grunt or two. He didn't trust Jareth. Never had, and never would. Especially after what he'd done to his friend.
"You wanted me, Your Majesty?", he asked humbly, with a bow that took him nearly head over heels.
"Hedwort-", Jareth began, but Hoggle cut in.
"Name's Hoggle, Sire. I'd be preciatin' it if ya would be callin' me by me name, Sir." Hoggle's eyes displayed his hatred and distrust for Jareth.
"Whatever. As you wish. I ask you to send word to the head Council, that I wish to meet with them. Over a matter of great importance. And that I intend to make council with them in two days. I want you to relay that message for me, as I think that you are the only one capable of doing it right." Jareth waved his hand, signalling that he was dismissing Hoggle from the room. But Hoggle stood his ground.
"Hear's that you be tendin' to marry Sarah, Sire. That is, word says it's true." Hoggle looked down at the floor, and kicked his right foot at the thin air.
"And of what importance is it to you, Hoggle? The Lady Sarah and I do plan to wed. In the near future as it may seem. But I am left wondering as to why you wish to make it your business." Jareth loked at him with a hint of jealousy in his eyes.
"She's my friend, Sire. The first, and only I's ever had. And-she- she don't deserve you! She deserves better than you." Hoggle stepped back, hoping that what he had said hadn't upset the Goblin King too badly.
"For such insolence, Hagwart, I will personally see to it that you are tipped head first into the Bog of Eternal Stench. Then-", Jareth heard someone walk accross the floor and stand nearly behind him.
"I hardly find that fair, Jareth. After all, he's only looking out for me."
Hoggle looked and seen Sarah standing beside Jareth, with a hand on his shoulder. He was taken back a bit by the sight of two enemies suddenly being madly in love with one another.
Sarah looked Jareth in the eyes, scanning them for some hint of humanity.
"Jareth, he's my friend. Please, don't do anything like that. He doesn't deserve it." Her eyes were pleading wiht Jareth's. Practically begging for some compassion.
"I do believe that now everyone seems to be informed on our personal lives, My Dear." He turned and looked at Sarah with a grin. "You know, I do so believe that we should just let everyone tell us what we are going to do next, you know. Perhaps- perhaps even plan the ceremonies. What do you think?" He was speaking with pure sarcasm. Sarah rolled her eyes.
"Hoggle, I think that you should go now." The dwarf looked at Sarah, not really wanting to leave her alone with Jareth. He now associated Jareth as being the enemy. And nothing could change that for him. Nothing. He looked up at Sarah.
"You be callin' us if ya's be needin' anything, eh Missy?" He was the picture of concern. His wrinkled face portrayed every emotion that a father may.
"I'll meet up with you later, Hoggle. And Ludo and Didymus. This afternoon. I'll send for you." Sarah smiled and glanced toward the door signalling for him to go. Hoggle reluctantly left. He glanced back over his shoulder, and watched the door close gently behind him.
Sarah turned to Jareth. "I think that you have been lying to me.", she said softly. "I heard you say that you are meeting with the council. Things must be very bad if you're doing that, Jareth." She spun around and looked him in the eyes. His strange mismatched eyes. So strange, and yet so appealing. She walked over to the chair she had sat in, only a few hours ago. Her nightgown trailed out behind her, flowing gently.
Jareth watched her. His eyes showed a hint of jealousy in them. Jealousy that she had always seemed ot treat Hoggle so well. And it was only now that she was beginning to treat him like that. " I can't lie, Sarah. Things are becoming tense. It has been escalating for the past few years. And now... well-Olaris is just trying to start a war. It is nothing." He turned away and rested his hand on his fireplace, leaning over and examining the ashes.
"It must be bad if you start telling me what is going on, and then just try and stop. And then change the subject. You want me to trust you. Then you have to trust me. How am I supposed to help you rule-to be your queen, if you can't tell me what's going on? You can't hide it forever, Jareth. Just please, come level with me. Tell me exactly what is going on." Her eyes were pleading with him, hoping for some kind of enlightened information, as to the oncomings of her future home.
Jareth scanned her face. Her expression broke his heart. Shattered it as a window would shatter when broke. What could he possibly tell her? That he was going to war, but everything was going to be alright anyway? That wasn't the way war worked. Not Aboveground. And not Underground.
"Sarah, I can't tell you everything. I don't know everything. I only know what Lord Byron has informed me of. And..well." He shook his head, not knowing what to say. "For once in my life, I have found someone who I can treat as my equal. And now, all that I have gained- have accomplished- is falling to pieces at my very feet. And I feel like I have no where to turn."
Sarah wore a shocked expession on her face. She knew that this was her fault.
"Can you not appeal to anyone fo help?", she asked meekly.
Jareth snorted. "Already have I appealed to the surrounding kingdoms for support. But, alas, no one offers the Goblin King any support. Except for Lord and Lady Byron. So I must appeal to the Head Council. And, if you truly do tend to marry me, Sarah, we are going to have to do so quickly. For, I fear that time is beginning to run out."
"Jareth, what caused all this?", Sarah asked sheaking her head from side ot side in a rythmic manner.
"Call it sour grapes.", he said as he chuckled. Then he became quite serious. "Nearly eight hundred years ago, Olaris' father, Mondavo, appealed to my parents to arrange a marriage between myself and their daughter, Lee. Needless to say, I came right out and refused. She is a rather drab woman, whom I never particaulary cared for, either personally or professionally. Olaris, her only sibling, never forgave me. Even though I knew that it was to be a marriage of convience, to allign our two kingdoms. So, we went to war." Jareth's mind began to drift back to that time. He felt like he was almost actually there, alongside his father, fighting, with Lord Byron by his side. He began speaking in a low tone, signifying his memory regression, and his eyes were blank. Void of any type of emotion. "For three hundred years we fought. And, one day, Mondavo killed my parents. Out of rage, I killed him, and his wife. An eye for an eye, you might say. And ever since, Olaris and I have quarrelled. Now, he wants to rob me of everything. My kingdom, my political standing, and most of all, you. Now, you can see why I have held back from you, Sarah. Now, you can realize that I am not a monster, but a product of the evil that has been against me all my life." He turned and looked at her, his arms hanging limply at his sides. "I respect mortals. I only steal children that are wished away. And yet at times, I actually seem to be a monster. Not just to myself, but to others as well."
"I understand, Jareth. And, I agree that we must move quickly. I don't want to lose you. And..." She rose form the chair, and went to his side. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and nuzzled her face into his his neck. "I don't think that you're a monster. I think that I would be cruel at times too, if what was done to you, had of been done to me too." She smiled. "But now, we can start fresh. Once we're married, nothing can seperate us. Olaris will probably give up once he finds out that we've already been married.What use will fighting do? It wouldn't change anyhting." She shrugged her shoulders to signify that it would only be a drop in the bucket to her.
He cupped her face in his hand, and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "Perhaps you are right. Carry a somewhat optimisitc view and perhaps things will be alright. Am I not right?" He smiled slightly, feeling some relief from coming clean with the truth.
Sarah nodded in agreement, and then spun around."So, we have a wedding to plan. Decorations, gowns, food, the whole nine yards. And here you are, worrying about what some guy might do." She spun around the room merrilly, laughing. Jareth watched her, quite amused. Her hair was wrapping about her, and the dressing gown was alomst floating in the air. She looked like a small child who dances around when she is all dressed up in a party dress of sorts.
He knew that Sarah would always hold a special place in his heart. No matter what. And if anything ever did happen to him, she would be well cared for, in the Underground.
He grabbed her by the waist, and pulled her close to him. He entangled himself in her chocolate hair. Her scent drove him mad. A soft perfume always seemed to linger around her. He had dreamed of being able to hold her since the very first day he had laid eyes on her in the park. She accepted him for what he was. Not what he was worth. And that was all that he asked for in the vast eternity that he had already spent without her.
She whispered his name into his ear, and pulled away from him, looking into his eyes.
"I love you.", she said as she rested her head on to his chest. "I have to go to school soon. I wish that I could stay with you now. I don't want to go now."
"Then stay. Stay as long as you like. I will take care of everything, Sarah. Everything." He smiled gently, relishing every moment of having her near to him. It always seemed ot excite him.
"What about Karen and Dad?", she asked. "They'll miss me."
"I will take care of it. Perhaps that woman would appreciate a visit from a few choice goblins and a firey or two. We could always see if she would want to meet the mighty Goblin King then. Hmmmmm?" Jareth loved playing the part of the evil man, out against all odds. Especially when it came to people like Karen. Mere mortals who possessed no power of any sort.
"I think that if the Goblin King, himself, appeared, it might be rather funny, watching her squirm like a worm. Then I would turn her inot a goblin. A really ugly one. And then send her to an oubliette to rot in." Sarah smiled to herself as she pictured the scenerio.
"Remember, Dear. It is my job to be cruel. Your job to be kind. Well, on some occassions anyway. But I think that a personal appearance by yours truly can be arranged. And I want you to look your best, My Dear. A fesh face, for a fresh start."