Chapter 11: The Fae Kingdom- Into The Mouth Of The Dragon
The night passed without any further occurrances. But, the storm still raged outdoors. The brooks became engorged with water, and the small ponds swelled into lakes. It was not uncommon for this to happen at this point in the season. But it did pose inconvenience to many. Especially those whose homes were not in the best of shape.
Jareth and Sarah slept peacefully throughout the entire night. Sarah hadn't even stirred until she was awaken by Maddie, who had already packed her trunk, and sent it down to the awaiting carriage. She helped Sarah quickly dress, and then the two of them hurried down to the main courtyard. There, awaiting Sarah, was Jareth, looking more regal than ever. He was clad in a midnight blue coat, with his black cape draped over his shoulders. His black shirt revealed his golden emblem, which hung about his neck, and his black tights, boots and gloves, seemed to give him a rather imposing feeling, and appearance. He smiled down at Sarah, noting how vitalized she seemed to be today. She was dressed simply in a dark green gown with long sleeves, and a v neck. But she was still beautiful, no matter what she was wearing. Maddie had put her hair up in a bun, and had given her some simple make-up, just to enhance her natural beauty. Jareth knew that his future wife was going to cause a bit of a stir amoung the Fae in the Great City. And he knew that it would be due to her mortality, that now was beginning to slip away.
He held out his hand to her, and helped her into the carriage. It was rather small, but comfortable none-the-less. The cusions were of soft velevet, wine in color, and the doors were gilded in gold. It was pulled by two large black mares, and drove by a goblin, dressed rather smartly in a pair of black pinstripe trousers, a simple white shirt, and a black overcoat. His shoes were small, and made of fine black leather. All in all, he was the best dressed, and well-groomed goblin Sarah had come to see. Maddie quickly jumped into the driver's seat, and then the large whip cracked, and the giant wheels began to move over the cobblestone streets of the Goblin City.
Inside, as the carriage jumped up and down over the bumps, Jareth was watching out the window, and holding Sarah's hand in his own.
"It shan't be too long of a journey, Sarah. I thought that you would appreciate this method of travel much more than just teleporataion. Now you can experience the true beauty of the Underground first hand. And, I might add, that you are now part of that beauty." He smiled gently, and gazed tenderly into her eyes. She could feel her heart begin to melt.
"It's so pretty out here.", she said as she rested her head on the window of the carriage door. "I wonder how everyone's going to react when they see a mortal coming into their city." She laughed slightly. "For some reason, I don't think that I'm going to get the warmest of welcomes. Infact, I doubt anyone will even bother to talk to me. I can just see everyone now, whispering behind my back. Just like the other kids did in school." She looked somewhat depressed.
"Stop trying to fit in so much, Sarah. You are who you are. You believed that it would be their own loss, and I understand what you were trying to do now. Justify your own misery. But it doesn't work. Trust me. I too have suffered from the rejection of those around me. So I became cold. Callous. But, yet here I am, with a beautiful woman at my side, and happiness in the horizon. Just remember what I taught you, and you will be fine. Keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth closed. Everything will be alright. You will see."
Sarah decided not to persist the matter. She just sat, and took the beauty in. In the driver's seat, Maddie and the driver were laughing and carrying on. Joking with one another about everything under the sun. They were quite compatible it seemed. Two goblins romancing one another. It was cute. But, Sarah just watched one kingdom after another roll past her. Each one becoming more and more beautiful. In the distance great mountains could be seen. They shone in the sunlight, and seemed to glow a beautiful silver color. Then, after all the trees had disappeared, and the small houses had vanished, they came to a great wall, that surrounded the city. They were met at the the massive silver gates by four guards, who carried tall spears. They came to the carriage doors, and knocked. Jareth let out a sigh. Such formality always annoyed him. Especially the way that it was carried with such arrogance here.
"Speak your name, and your business.", the head of the guards spoke.
"Jareth, Majesty of the Goblin Kingdom, and my bride. I have an appointment with the Head Council of some matters brought to my attention."
The guard, who was a Fae himself, nodded in acknowledgement. "We have been expecting you, Sire. But, we must search your carraige. Orders of Olaris, and the other members of the governing body." Jareth just waved his hand, signalling them to go on with their search.
Sarah watched as the handsome looking young man began to search the interior of the carriage. He had brown hair, and the most unbelieveable green eyes that she had ever seen. He wore a silver breastplate, and his helmet was silver as well, with a sword in its' sheath at his side. under the breastplate, he had a royal blue frock on, and black breeches, with tall black shiney boots, that were well polished. His face was fair. Not as fair as Jareth's, nor nearly as handsome. He possessed a boyish look, showing that he was rather young, especially to be Head of his troop. But Sarah was fascinated by him. She hadn't seen another Fae. Only Jareth.
After a brief search, the guard apologized for the inconvenience, and bade the group of travellers farewell, and wished them well. What Jareth didn't realize, was that Sarah had left a lasting impression on the young man. But, he quickly hid the minor infactuation, so as not to disclose his feelings to the king, or the young lady.
Once inside the gates, Sarah looked out the window, and what she beheld, made her hold her very breath. Gardens in full bloom, despite the rather chilly day, giant buildings, crowned with golden rooftops. And there were people everywhere. They all held a similar beauty, that she had now come to associate with the Fae. Their skin was fair, and seemed to shine, and their eyes- they were glowing orbs of knowledge, and magic. When they looked at you, it were as if they were searching the very depths of your soul.
The carriage came to an abrupt hault, just outside one of the largest buildings. It lurched forward a bit, and then the driver jumped down from his seat, and opened the door for the couple inside. Jareth helped Sarah out, and gave the driver instructions to carry their luggage to a nearby residence, that had a sign hanging from the front, naming the place, "Dragon's Lair". It looked nice enough on the outside. Surely it would be comfortable inside as well. Sarah noticed several people stopping, and gawking at her. It made her shiver somewhat, despite the cloak she had draped over her shoulders. She could see them holding up their hands to their mouths, whispering, no doubt about her. Jareth was right. And it appeared that it was hurting her deeply.
"I don't fit in here.", she said to him quietly, looking down at the ground. "I know what they are probably saying." Jareth looked at the group of people, and narrowed his eyes. The look on his face sent the people away quickly, though they were not embarassed in the least for what they had done. "Maybe I should just go up with Maddie, to our room. I don't want to cause you any problems, Jareth. Maybe my coming was a bad idea."
"Nonsense! Listen to me. Don't let anyone discourage you. I want the council to know whom I have chosen as a bride. I want them to know, that though you are mortal born, you deserve just as much respect as anyone else in the Underground. I want them to know, who you are. Drown everyone else out here, but for me. Alright?" He looked into her eyes reassuringly, but Sarah couldn't help but to glance behind her, at another group that was beginning to form. "Now, let us rest a while, and then we will meet our appointment. Then perhaps, a wedding gown, especially for my Sarah. How does that sound?" He gave her a slight smile, and kissed her forhead. Then, they went into the inn.
Inside, they were met by the owner, who seemed to know Jareth fairly well. He addressed the king somewhat informally, but Jareth didn't seem to mind. Sarah stood on the sidelines, until Jareth beckoned her to his side. He introduced her to the inn keeper.
"Sarah, I present to you, Damien, the inn keep." The elderly man extended his hand out to Sarah. He didn't gawk at her like the others had outside.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss. We've heard all about you. The two of you for that matter, Jareth. I must be admitting that alot of people aren't happy about what's going on. That rat Olaris is putting a stop to alot of things here. Alot of people who were once mortal, are scared. Terriffied even. They don't want to be made slaves, or sent Above. They couldn't even survive there for long." He began rambeling on and on, until Jareth ended it, telling him that he and Sarah had to rest before they met with the Head Council.
"Of course!", the inkeep exclaimed, smiling greatly, and clasping his hand infront of himself. "How rude I am!" He laughed rather jovially, and called for an attendant. "Take them to the chambers we prepared. And be quick about it, Lad. They're tired. I hope to have the pleasure of chatting further with you, Majesty. My Lady, it has been a pleasure speaking with you. I bid you a healthful rest." Jareth bowed his head in recognition of the good wish, and they followed the young boy up the hall, and onto the stair case. Maddie had already brought up the luggage, along with the driver, and they were now in the servants quarters.
The door was heavy, and squeaked loudly as it slowly opened. Jareth gave the young boy a piece of silver, and gestured for Sarah to go in ahead of him. The room was lit by the large windows, and had small candle holders mounted on the walls. It was scarlet in color, and featured some frescos on the walls. Mainly picutres of the city, and its inhabitants. There was also a rather drab green rug on the flor, and the fireplace was small, but provided some warmth in the room. The bed was soft, but not like the one she had in the castle in her new home, and the only other feature was a small card table, and a shelf of some various papers and other miscellaneous items that were of no real importance.
Sarah sat on the bed, and removed her cloak. She sighed a bit, and looked around the room.
"I don't like this place.", she said quietly. "I don't fit in right. At least back at the castle, I didn't feel like an outsider looking in." Jareth looked at her, and he threw his own cloak on the back of the chair.
"Beautiful as this city is, I never much cared for it myself. Once upon a time, it was different. The people were different. Olaris has polluted everything here. Everything. But do not worry yourself. So long as you are with me, no one will cause you any harm." He sat next to her on the bed. " I must admit, this inn has declined somewhat. It used to be one of the best in the city. Of course that was a long time ago, when I used to be a regualr visitor." Sarah smiled a bit.
"I take it that that wasn't yesterday." She giggled a bit, and Jareth could feel her spirits lighten.
"Why no, it was not. Rather, I belive it to be nearly two ,maybe three centuries ago. Any event, I promised you a good time, and I feel that I must deliver."
"And?" She looked at him, and he knew that he had forgotten to mention something of some importance to her.
"And a wedding gown for my beloved?"
"Yes! I want something elegant, and yet dazzling. I want to show everyone here, that I'm above them all just becasue they're ignorant, and I'm not."
Jareth frowned at her remark. "Sarah, no one is above anyone else here. You must remember that. Otherwise, if you let that notion be known to anyone, then you may be in serious danger. Not just from those out there.", he gestured toward the window. "But from Olaris. That is the sort of attitude he feeds on to cause disruption in any kingdom."
"I'm sorry. But it just makes me so mad! They all just stood there in plain daylight, and gawked at me, like I was a piece of meat in a window. It's not fai-" Then she remembered her lesson from the Labyrinth, and Jareth grinned wickedly at her.
"Remember something that you had learned from your first visit to the Labyrinth?"
"Nothing is fair.", she replied dimly. "But, I don't understand why they had to do that."
"You are a new mortal here, Sarah. But not for long. You must be starting to feel some changes in your body by now. It has been nearly seventy eight hours. Slowly, your mortality should be beginning to slip way. You may not have noticed, but I have. Your skin is beginning to take on a heavenly hue. Your lips are beginning to shine a darker shade of red. You are beginning to eminate a radiance, associated with only a Fae." Sarah looked frusterated.
"I can't feel anything, Jareth. I just can't keep my mind straight anymore! Thoughts are constantly flashing through my mind. Pictures of places I have never seen, are beginning to appear in my head. And they aren't places I imagine either. So don't jump to that conclusion on me. I think I'm going crazy!" Her voice was rising, and her tension could be felt.
"This is all part of it, Sarah. What happened to you yesterday, that may be a part of it too. I am not sure yet. But I promised you that I would find out, and I will. I swear to you. If you felt this way, you should have told me."
"I'm scared. Jareth. I'm scared that this'll all be worth nothing. I'm scared that that stupid council will tell you no. I'm scared that you will go to war. I could lose you, and all this'd be for nothing." She slumped her back against a wall, and fell to the floor, bringing her knees to her chest.
"You are talking nonsense, Sarah. As diplomats, we must think positively. If they say no, there will still be a wedding. Possibly a war to follow it, but there will still be a wedding. If there is a war, I will not leave you. I promise. We have talked about this already. Do not go getting cold feet on me so soon, My Dear. Please?"
Sarah paced the floor of the room. She was wringing her hands, and her face showed how troubled she was becoming.
"I'm not getting cold feet! I just want to get this over with. I want to go home. Back to the castle, where I'm not being stared at. You don't know what it's like, Jareth. You couldn't know." She sat down next to him, and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Now listen to me, smarten up. This is not the way the future Goblin Queen should be acting. You are becoming a a queen, Sarah. And queens don't whine. They take everything in stride. You should have told me that you were having delusions. But, the fact of the matter is that you did not, and there is nothing I can do about it now. What happens today, happens. You will still become the Goblin Queen, and my wife. So long as that is your wish." He gripped her by the shoulders, and shook her. She looked at him with a mixture of surprise and confusion on her face. " I do not mean to be so stern with you, but it is time that you realize that not everything runs like clock work to any specific plan."
"You're right, Jareth. I know I'm acting like a kid, but... I dunno. There is no way that you could understand. I see so many things running through my mind. I look at people, and feel that I don't fit in here. I can just imagine what the people in the damn council are going to think when they see me. I mean, I don't think that they beleive that we should be like this Jareth. Especially after what happened." She spoke with a tone of reverence in her voice. Even the painful memory summoned up feelings of distrought in Jareth. It was impossible for them not to. But things were changing now.
"Come now. Think not of the past, Sarah. Think of the future, and what we will have to gain. Hmmmm? Things are not as hopeless as you beleive them to be. You will realize this." He smiled, and conjured a crystal in his hand, and handed it to her. She gazed into it half heartedly, and pushed it aside.
"When are we going then?", she asked, laying her head on the soft pillow of the bed.
"Within the hour. I trust that you shall enjoy this evening, Sarah. If not, there will be no purpose in a carriage ride back to the Goblin City. Nor to spend the evening here. Though I shall still have to request that you visit Lord and Lady Byron with me. If only for a short while. So as not to cause any ill fellings of the sort between us."
Sarah was becoming a little disoriented. Jareth seen it on her face. Her eyes were cloudy, and her mind far away. If only he had read the signs sooner of how quickly she was changing, then perhaps he could have postponed everything. But it was too late to turn back now. Their future depended upon it. And a cancelled audience with the Head Council, would not leave the most gracious of impressions on the individuals who stood on it.
For the rest of the hour, he sat back, and read through a few matters of importance regarding treaties with other kingdoms, and approving appeals for diplomatic support. He only deneid one request, and that was of Olaris' appeal for nearly five thousand goblin troops. Jareth would not consent to having his army trampling accross the entire of the Underground, on a quest of military conquest. Especially for Olaris.
Sarah tried to rest, but she was rather fitful. Several times Jareth glanced at her, and each time, more and more of her features became more Fae like. She was becoming more defined, more angelic. But the price was her torment. It seemed as though it were happening all at once to his beloved. It usually occurred gradually over the three day period. It was rather strange that in her, the changes deviated from their regualr pattern. But, not many humans converted to Fae. Perhaps from time to time, it affected others differently. Still with what had happened the previous day, could it be just mere coincidence? He had to confess to himself, that the main reason he had brought Sarah with him, was to keep watch over her. The dim witted goblins would have lost her in mere minutes after his departure, and God knows what may have happened to her should the same thing have occurred. But he would not confess that to Sarah. He knew she would have scolded him to no end over it. But he could not help himself but to care about her well being. He loved her with all of his heart and very soul. Should anything have happened to her if he had not brought her with him, he would have been unable to forgive himself. That is why he hadn't teleported to the Great City. That is why he encouraged her to rest. However, right now, her sleep seemed just as tormented as his own at times. She was the light, and he was shrouded in darkness.
For a moment, he reminisced his past. Things had been so much easier when his parents had been amongst the living. He had been the wealthy Goblin Prince. Adored by all in the Underground, and free to do as he wished. He smiled as he remebered his wreckless youth. But he had lacked love. Princesses, Ladies, and every other form of female had bowed down before him, eager to be his bride. But, until Sarah came along, he had held none of their hearts. And utterly, he had spent centuries alone, surrounded by people, and friends, but still, alone. Now, that was about to change. The utter thought that Sarah was thought inferior my many of the Fae shattered his heart, and angered him to no end. He thought that everyone must have forgotten that without the human race, the Fae would have no existence. Trolls, goblins, and fairies would never have been imagined, and fairytales would have ceased being told. But, power erased all notions of right and wrong. Especially for people like Olaris. That name made Jareth's face glow red. After all these centuries, he was still trying to accomplish what his father had failed. Rightfully failed. But it was time for that to pass now. It was time for things to move on. For life to move on. Namely, Jareth's life. Arranged marriages seldom were happy ones in the Underground. That is why his mother had protested so greatly when the notion had entered his father's mind. But now, there was his Sarah. His parents would have adored her. Just as he adored her. But, sadly, they were no longer there to bathe in her radiance.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearly time for the meeting. He thought that perhaps it would prove wiser if he left her to rest. He knew that if he paid the Inn Keep well, that he would keep close watch over her. Besides, the stares, and whispers- he knew that they would upset her greatly. Tonight would be better. Perhaps rest would enlighten her spirits somewhat, and she would change her attitudes towards the Great City.
Jareth left the room, glancing back once to ensure she had everything, and would be alright. When he arrived in the lobby, he approached Damien, pulling a gold piece from the air. He tossed it at him, and motioned for him to step forward.
"I wish for you to watch over Lady Sarah, Damien. She is feeling rather ill presently. And I am scheduled to meet with the Head Council. I shan't be too long. I was hoping that within the hour, you could rouse her, and bring her to to the Council Chambers?" Jareth raised his eyebrow. "Of course, there will be two more gold pieces for you if you do so."
Damien didn't need to give the notion a second thought. His face lit up with the joy of a profit.
"You can be bettin' that I'll have her up, and delivered into yer charge by then, Sire. I hop she ain't feelin' too sick, the poor Miss."
"She is just tired, but I thank your concern. I shall await your arrival then. My driver is at your privledge if you so desire as well." Then Jareth vanished. Damien stood there for a mooment, gaping around, then dismissed the occurrance when another customer rang the counter bell.
The chambers of the Head Council were sheer opulence, at best. Everything was white. White like a vestile virgin. It enraged Jareth that Olaris was attempting to hide behind a curtain of pureness, and innocence. Jareth knew that at least he, himself, was honest. The Goblin King needed no facade to hide from the truth. He was a cruel man. But not domineering. He was cunning, but not a trickster. He was sly, but he never lied, nor revoked a promise. He stopped at a small counter, alomst twenty feet shy of the large white doors. A clerk with a long grey beard, and a rather large pair of brass glasses sat, with a quill in hand, writing a piece of parchment.
He was an ancient man. Frail from the lack of movement his position required. His face resembled shoe leather, brown, and worn from years of scowling. His clothing was rather plain, but kept in good condition. A pair of black breeches, and a poet's shirt being his choice of attire. The lenses of his glasses made his eyes seem extraordinarily large, almost the size of the lenses themselves.
"Speak your business.", was all he said in a mumble.
"Majesty of the Goblin City. I have an appointment with the Head Council." Jareth scowled. He despised having to answer to anyone. Especially the Council. But it was law. And war was something he was trying to avoid.
"You may go in. They're expecting you." And that was it. Jareth was dismissed with a wave of a pauper's hand. As the large doors opened before him, he knew fully well that he was heading into the mouth of a sleeping dragon. No doubt, Olaris would be present, and he would fight to pass his point of view that mortals should no longer be permitted to wed into Fae families. But Jareth would fight. He would fight for his Sarah. And it would be a battle that he would win.
The night passed without any further occurrances. But, the storm still raged outdoors. The brooks became engorged with water, and the small ponds swelled into lakes. It was not uncommon for this to happen at this point in the season. But it did pose inconvenience to many. Especially those whose homes were not in the best of shape.
Jareth and Sarah slept peacefully throughout the entire night. Sarah hadn't even stirred until she was awaken by Maddie, who had already packed her trunk, and sent it down to the awaiting carriage. She helped Sarah quickly dress, and then the two of them hurried down to the main courtyard. There, awaiting Sarah, was Jareth, looking more regal than ever. He was clad in a midnight blue coat, with his black cape draped over his shoulders. His black shirt revealed his golden emblem, which hung about his neck, and his black tights, boots and gloves, seemed to give him a rather imposing feeling, and appearance. He smiled down at Sarah, noting how vitalized she seemed to be today. She was dressed simply in a dark green gown with long sleeves, and a v neck. But she was still beautiful, no matter what she was wearing. Maddie had put her hair up in a bun, and had given her some simple make-up, just to enhance her natural beauty. Jareth knew that his future wife was going to cause a bit of a stir amoung the Fae in the Great City. And he knew that it would be due to her mortality, that now was beginning to slip away.
He held out his hand to her, and helped her into the carriage. It was rather small, but comfortable none-the-less. The cusions were of soft velevet, wine in color, and the doors were gilded in gold. It was pulled by two large black mares, and drove by a goblin, dressed rather smartly in a pair of black pinstripe trousers, a simple white shirt, and a black overcoat. His shoes were small, and made of fine black leather. All in all, he was the best dressed, and well-groomed goblin Sarah had come to see. Maddie quickly jumped into the driver's seat, and then the large whip cracked, and the giant wheels began to move over the cobblestone streets of the Goblin City.
Inside, as the carriage jumped up and down over the bumps, Jareth was watching out the window, and holding Sarah's hand in his own.
"It shan't be too long of a journey, Sarah. I thought that you would appreciate this method of travel much more than just teleporataion. Now you can experience the true beauty of the Underground first hand. And, I might add, that you are now part of that beauty." He smiled gently, and gazed tenderly into her eyes. She could feel her heart begin to melt.
"It's so pretty out here.", she said as she rested her head on the window of the carriage door. "I wonder how everyone's going to react when they see a mortal coming into their city." She laughed slightly. "For some reason, I don't think that I'm going to get the warmest of welcomes. Infact, I doubt anyone will even bother to talk to me. I can just see everyone now, whispering behind my back. Just like the other kids did in school." She looked somewhat depressed.
"Stop trying to fit in so much, Sarah. You are who you are. You believed that it would be their own loss, and I understand what you were trying to do now. Justify your own misery. But it doesn't work. Trust me. I too have suffered from the rejection of those around me. So I became cold. Callous. But, yet here I am, with a beautiful woman at my side, and happiness in the horizon. Just remember what I taught you, and you will be fine. Keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth closed. Everything will be alright. You will see."
Sarah decided not to persist the matter. She just sat, and took the beauty in. In the driver's seat, Maddie and the driver were laughing and carrying on. Joking with one another about everything under the sun. They were quite compatible it seemed. Two goblins romancing one another. It was cute. But, Sarah just watched one kingdom after another roll past her. Each one becoming more and more beautiful. In the distance great mountains could be seen. They shone in the sunlight, and seemed to glow a beautiful silver color. Then, after all the trees had disappeared, and the small houses had vanished, they came to a great wall, that surrounded the city. They were met at the the massive silver gates by four guards, who carried tall spears. They came to the carriage doors, and knocked. Jareth let out a sigh. Such formality always annoyed him. Especially the way that it was carried with such arrogance here.
"Speak your name, and your business.", the head of the guards spoke.
"Jareth, Majesty of the Goblin Kingdom, and my bride. I have an appointment with the Head Council of some matters brought to my attention."
The guard, who was a Fae himself, nodded in acknowledgement. "We have been expecting you, Sire. But, we must search your carraige. Orders of Olaris, and the other members of the governing body." Jareth just waved his hand, signalling them to go on with their search.
Sarah watched as the handsome looking young man began to search the interior of the carriage. He had brown hair, and the most unbelieveable green eyes that she had ever seen. He wore a silver breastplate, and his helmet was silver as well, with a sword in its' sheath at his side. under the breastplate, he had a royal blue frock on, and black breeches, with tall black shiney boots, that were well polished. His face was fair. Not as fair as Jareth's, nor nearly as handsome. He possessed a boyish look, showing that he was rather young, especially to be Head of his troop. But Sarah was fascinated by him. She hadn't seen another Fae. Only Jareth.
After a brief search, the guard apologized for the inconvenience, and bade the group of travellers farewell, and wished them well. What Jareth didn't realize, was that Sarah had left a lasting impression on the young man. But, he quickly hid the minor infactuation, so as not to disclose his feelings to the king, or the young lady.
Once inside the gates, Sarah looked out the window, and what she beheld, made her hold her very breath. Gardens in full bloom, despite the rather chilly day, giant buildings, crowned with golden rooftops. And there were people everywhere. They all held a similar beauty, that she had now come to associate with the Fae. Their skin was fair, and seemed to shine, and their eyes- they were glowing orbs of knowledge, and magic. When they looked at you, it were as if they were searching the very depths of your soul.
The carriage came to an abrupt hault, just outside one of the largest buildings. It lurched forward a bit, and then the driver jumped down from his seat, and opened the door for the couple inside. Jareth helped Sarah out, and gave the driver instructions to carry their luggage to a nearby residence, that had a sign hanging from the front, naming the place, "Dragon's Lair". It looked nice enough on the outside. Surely it would be comfortable inside as well. Sarah noticed several people stopping, and gawking at her. It made her shiver somewhat, despite the cloak she had draped over her shoulders. She could see them holding up their hands to their mouths, whispering, no doubt about her. Jareth was right. And it appeared that it was hurting her deeply.
"I don't fit in here.", she said to him quietly, looking down at the ground. "I know what they are probably saying." Jareth looked at the group of people, and narrowed his eyes. The look on his face sent the people away quickly, though they were not embarassed in the least for what they had done. "Maybe I should just go up with Maddie, to our room. I don't want to cause you any problems, Jareth. Maybe my coming was a bad idea."
"Nonsense! Listen to me. Don't let anyone discourage you. I want the council to know whom I have chosen as a bride. I want them to know, that though you are mortal born, you deserve just as much respect as anyone else in the Underground. I want them to know, who you are. Drown everyone else out here, but for me. Alright?" He looked into her eyes reassuringly, but Sarah couldn't help but to glance behind her, at another group that was beginning to form. "Now, let us rest a while, and then we will meet our appointment. Then perhaps, a wedding gown, especially for my Sarah. How does that sound?" He gave her a slight smile, and kissed her forhead. Then, they went into the inn.
Inside, they were met by the owner, who seemed to know Jareth fairly well. He addressed the king somewhat informally, but Jareth didn't seem to mind. Sarah stood on the sidelines, until Jareth beckoned her to his side. He introduced her to the inn keeper.
"Sarah, I present to you, Damien, the inn keep." The elderly man extended his hand out to Sarah. He didn't gawk at her like the others had outside.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss. We've heard all about you. The two of you for that matter, Jareth. I must be admitting that alot of people aren't happy about what's going on. That rat Olaris is putting a stop to alot of things here. Alot of people who were once mortal, are scared. Terriffied even. They don't want to be made slaves, or sent Above. They couldn't even survive there for long." He began rambeling on and on, until Jareth ended it, telling him that he and Sarah had to rest before they met with the Head Council.
"Of course!", the inkeep exclaimed, smiling greatly, and clasping his hand infront of himself. "How rude I am!" He laughed rather jovially, and called for an attendant. "Take them to the chambers we prepared. And be quick about it, Lad. They're tired. I hope to have the pleasure of chatting further with you, Majesty. My Lady, it has been a pleasure speaking with you. I bid you a healthful rest." Jareth bowed his head in recognition of the good wish, and they followed the young boy up the hall, and onto the stair case. Maddie had already brought up the luggage, along with the driver, and they were now in the servants quarters.
The door was heavy, and squeaked loudly as it slowly opened. Jareth gave the young boy a piece of silver, and gestured for Sarah to go in ahead of him. The room was lit by the large windows, and had small candle holders mounted on the walls. It was scarlet in color, and featured some frescos on the walls. Mainly picutres of the city, and its inhabitants. There was also a rather drab green rug on the flor, and the fireplace was small, but provided some warmth in the room. The bed was soft, but not like the one she had in the castle in her new home, and the only other feature was a small card table, and a shelf of some various papers and other miscellaneous items that were of no real importance.
Sarah sat on the bed, and removed her cloak. She sighed a bit, and looked around the room.
"I don't like this place.", she said quietly. "I don't fit in right. At least back at the castle, I didn't feel like an outsider looking in." Jareth looked at her, and he threw his own cloak on the back of the chair.
"Beautiful as this city is, I never much cared for it myself. Once upon a time, it was different. The people were different. Olaris has polluted everything here. Everything. But do not worry yourself. So long as you are with me, no one will cause you any harm." He sat next to her on the bed. " I must admit, this inn has declined somewhat. It used to be one of the best in the city. Of course that was a long time ago, when I used to be a regualr visitor." Sarah smiled a bit.
"I take it that that wasn't yesterday." She giggled a bit, and Jareth could feel her spirits lighten.
"Why no, it was not. Rather, I belive it to be nearly two ,maybe three centuries ago. Any event, I promised you a good time, and I feel that I must deliver."
"And?" She looked at him, and he knew that he had forgotten to mention something of some importance to her.
"And a wedding gown for my beloved?"
"Yes! I want something elegant, and yet dazzling. I want to show everyone here, that I'm above them all just becasue they're ignorant, and I'm not."
Jareth frowned at her remark. "Sarah, no one is above anyone else here. You must remember that. Otherwise, if you let that notion be known to anyone, then you may be in serious danger. Not just from those out there.", he gestured toward the window. "But from Olaris. That is the sort of attitude he feeds on to cause disruption in any kingdom."
"I'm sorry. But it just makes me so mad! They all just stood there in plain daylight, and gawked at me, like I was a piece of meat in a window. It's not fai-" Then she remembered her lesson from the Labyrinth, and Jareth grinned wickedly at her.
"Remember something that you had learned from your first visit to the Labyrinth?"
"Nothing is fair.", she replied dimly. "But, I don't understand why they had to do that."
"You are a new mortal here, Sarah. But not for long. You must be starting to feel some changes in your body by now. It has been nearly seventy eight hours. Slowly, your mortality should be beginning to slip way. You may not have noticed, but I have. Your skin is beginning to take on a heavenly hue. Your lips are beginning to shine a darker shade of red. You are beginning to eminate a radiance, associated with only a Fae." Sarah looked frusterated.
"I can't feel anything, Jareth. I just can't keep my mind straight anymore! Thoughts are constantly flashing through my mind. Pictures of places I have never seen, are beginning to appear in my head. And they aren't places I imagine either. So don't jump to that conclusion on me. I think I'm going crazy!" Her voice was rising, and her tension could be felt.
"This is all part of it, Sarah. What happened to you yesterday, that may be a part of it too. I am not sure yet. But I promised you that I would find out, and I will. I swear to you. If you felt this way, you should have told me."
"I'm scared. Jareth. I'm scared that this'll all be worth nothing. I'm scared that that stupid council will tell you no. I'm scared that you will go to war. I could lose you, and all this'd be for nothing." She slumped her back against a wall, and fell to the floor, bringing her knees to her chest.
"You are talking nonsense, Sarah. As diplomats, we must think positively. If they say no, there will still be a wedding. Possibly a war to follow it, but there will still be a wedding. If there is a war, I will not leave you. I promise. We have talked about this already. Do not go getting cold feet on me so soon, My Dear. Please?"
Sarah paced the floor of the room. She was wringing her hands, and her face showed how troubled she was becoming.
"I'm not getting cold feet! I just want to get this over with. I want to go home. Back to the castle, where I'm not being stared at. You don't know what it's like, Jareth. You couldn't know." She sat down next to him, and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Now listen to me, smarten up. This is not the way the future Goblin Queen should be acting. You are becoming a a queen, Sarah. And queens don't whine. They take everything in stride. You should have told me that you were having delusions. But, the fact of the matter is that you did not, and there is nothing I can do about it now. What happens today, happens. You will still become the Goblin Queen, and my wife. So long as that is your wish." He gripped her by the shoulders, and shook her. She looked at him with a mixture of surprise and confusion on her face. " I do not mean to be so stern with you, but it is time that you realize that not everything runs like clock work to any specific plan."
"You're right, Jareth. I know I'm acting like a kid, but... I dunno. There is no way that you could understand. I see so many things running through my mind. I look at people, and feel that I don't fit in here. I can just imagine what the people in the damn council are going to think when they see me. I mean, I don't think that they beleive that we should be like this Jareth. Especially after what happened." She spoke with a tone of reverence in her voice. Even the painful memory summoned up feelings of distrought in Jareth. It was impossible for them not to. But things were changing now.
"Come now. Think not of the past, Sarah. Think of the future, and what we will have to gain. Hmmmm? Things are not as hopeless as you beleive them to be. You will realize this." He smiled, and conjured a crystal in his hand, and handed it to her. She gazed into it half heartedly, and pushed it aside.
"When are we going then?", she asked, laying her head on the soft pillow of the bed.
"Within the hour. I trust that you shall enjoy this evening, Sarah. If not, there will be no purpose in a carriage ride back to the Goblin City. Nor to spend the evening here. Though I shall still have to request that you visit Lord and Lady Byron with me. If only for a short while. So as not to cause any ill fellings of the sort between us."
Sarah was becoming a little disoriented. Jareth seen it on her face. Her eyes were cloudy, and her mind far away. If only he had read the signs sooner of how quickly she was changing, then perhaps he could have postponed everything. But it was too late to turn back now. Their future depended upon it. And a cancelled audience with the Head Council, would not leave the most gracious of impressions on the individuals who stood on it.
For the rest of the hour, he sat back, and read through a few matters of importance regarding treaties with other kingdoms, and approving appeals for diplomatic support. He only deneid one request, and that was of Olaris' appeal for nearly five thousand goblin troops. Jareth would not consent to having his army trampling accross the entire of the Underground, on a quest of military conquest. Especially for Olaris.
Sarah tried to rest, but she was rather fitful. Several times Jareth glanced at her, and each time, more and more of her features became more Fae like. She was becoming more defined, more angelic. But the price was her torment. It seemed as though it were happening all at once to his beloved. It usually occurred gradually over the three day period. It was rather strange that in her, the changes deviated from their regualr pattern. But, not many humans converted to Fae. Perhaps from time to time, it affected others differently. Still with what had happened the previous day, could it be just mere coincidence? He had to confess to himself, that the main reason he had brought Sarah with him, was to keep watch over her. The dim witted goblins would have lost her in mere minutes after his departure, and God knows what may have happened to her should the same thing have occurred. But he would not confess that to Sarah. He knew she would have scolded him to no end over it. But he could not help himself but to care about her well being. He loved her with all of his heart and very soul. Should anything have happened to her if he had not brought her with him, he would have been unable to forgive himself. That is why he hadn't teleported to the Great City. That is why he encouraged her to rest. However, right now, her sleep seemed just as tormented as his own at times. She was the light, and he was shrouded in darkness.
For a moment, he reminisced his past. Things had been so much easier when his parents had been amongst the living. He had been the wealthy Goblin Prince. Adored by all in the Underground, and free to do as he wished. He smiled as he remebered his wreckless youth. But he had lacked love. Princesses, Ladies, and every other form of female had bowed down before him, eager to be his bride. But, until Sarah came along, he had held none of their hearts. And utterly, he had spent centuries alone, surrounded by people, and friends, but still, alone. Now, that was about to change. The utter thought that Sarah was thought inferior my many of the Fae shattered his heart, and angered him to no end. He thought that everyone must have forgotten that without the human race, the Fae would have no existence. Trolls, goblins, and fairies would never have been imagined, and fairytales would have ceased being told. But, power erased all notions of right and wrong. Especially for people like Olaris. That name made Jareth's face glow red. After all these centuries, he was still trying to accomplish what his father had failed. Rightfully failed. But it was time for that to pass now. It was time for things to move on. For life to move on. Namely, Jareth's life. Arranged marriages seldom were happy ones in the Underground. That is why his mother had protested so greatly when the notion had entered his father's mind. But now, there was his Sarah. His parents would have adored her. Just as he adored her. But, sadly, they were no longer there to bathe in her radiance.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearly time for the meeting. He thought that perhaps it would prove wiser if he left her to rest. He knew that if he paid the Inn Keep well, that he would keep close watch over her. Besides, the stares, and whispers- he knew that they would upset her greatly. Tonight would be better. Perhaps rest would enlighten her spirits somewhat, and she would change her attitudes towards the Great City.
Jareth left the room, glancing back once to ensure she had everything, and would be alright. When he arrived in the lobby, he approached Damien, pulling a gold piece from the air. He tossed it at him, and motioned for him to step forward.
"I wish for you to watch over Lady Sarah, Damien. She is feeling rather ill presently. And I am scheduled to meet with the Head Council. I shan't be too long. I was hoping that within the hour, you could rouse her, and bring her to to the Council Chambers?" Jareth raised his eyebrow. "Of course, there will be two more gold pieces for you if you do so."
Damien didn't need to give the notion a second thought. His face lit up with the joy of a profit.
"You can be bettin' that I'll have her up, and delivered into yer charge by then, Sire. I hop she ain't feelin' too sick, the poor Miss."
"She is just tired, but I thank your concern. I shall await your arrival then. My driver is at your privledge if you so desire as well." Then Jareth vanished. Damien stood there for a mooment, gaping around, then dismissed the occurrance when another customer rang the counter bell.
The chambers of the Head Council were sheer opulence, at best. Everything was white. White like a vestile virgin. It enraged Jareth that Olaris was attempting to hide behind a curtain of pureness, and innocence. Jareth knew that at least he, himself, was honest. The Goblin King needed no facade to hide from the truth. He was a cruel man. But not domineering. He was cunning, but not a trickster. He was sly, but he never lied, nor revoked a promise. He stopped at a small counter, alomst twenty feet shy of the large white doors. A clerk with a long grey beard, and a rather large pair of brass glasses sat, with a quill in hand, writing a piece of parchment.
He was an ancient man. Frail from the lack of movement his position required. His face resembled shoe leather, brown, and worn from years of scowling. His clothing was rather plain, but kept in good condition. A pair of black breeches, and a poet's shirt being his choice of attire. The lenses of his glasses made his eyes seem extraordinarily large, almost the size of the lenses themselves.
"Speak your business.", was all he said in a mumble.
"Majesty of the Goblin City. I have an appointment with the Head Council." Jareth scowled. He despised having to answer to anyone. Especially the Council. But it was law. And war was something he was trying to avoid.
"You may go in. They're expecting you." And that was it. Jareth was dismissed with a wave of a pauper's hand. As the large doors opened before him, he knew fully well that he was heading into the mouth of a sleeping dragon. No doubt, Olaris would be present, and he would fight to pass his point of view that mortals should no longer be permitted to wed into Fae families. But Jareth would fight. He would fight for his Sarah. And it would be a battle that he would win.