Chapter Six
Fits of Compassion
They came to two very large oak doors and Jareth paused a moment. Sarah noticed, he was trying to ready himself for something. This worried her, but he quickly concealed his fearful feelings and opened the doors. Two men and two women were sitting at the table. The first man was old, he had long snowy white hair, kind gray eyes. The next was a younger man with black hair. He had a sly look to him, his hair slicked back, shiny with gods know what. The older woman had light reddish-copper hair with light blond streaks through them. She wore half-moon glasses and was amazingly thin. She wore a black dress that clung to her small figure, but was added to by a belt that was wrapped around her waist. The other woman was young, light blond hair, liquid blue eyes, but her face was hidden under massive amounts of make-up. No one spoke, but the older woman kept looking at Sarah. Jareth pulled a chair out for Sarah, eyeing him worriedly she sat and he took a seat himself.
"Now that you've finally graced us with your presents, Jareth," the younger man said in a disgusted tone "we can begin."
"Brian," the older man said slowly. His voice was laced with age but he spoke smoothly and kindly, though he was chastising the young man. "Show some respect to our host. He is royal and just because we are here on business doesn't mean you can be disrespectful." Brian went quiet, heeding the man's words and nodded slowly.
"Forgive me," he said "I've been rude."
"No mind," Jareth said shaking if off "please, go on."
"I'm so sorry we have to do this," the older woman said "but you know Jareth, the entire Underground is in dire need of ruling. And we all believe you need someone… someone feminine to help you rule. For a man cannot rule alone, especially one that appears to be as cold as yourself." Sarah noticed the woman said appears to be, as if he wasn't. The woman gave a brief glance in Sarah's direction and looked back to Jareth. "And Bridget is willing to handfast you." Jareth looked at Sarah, to see her expression.
Do you understand? he thought to her but she just looked at him well? Think something back to me.
Hear me now? she gave an annoyed expression.
Yes, he answered and don't give facial expressions. The idea is not to let other's know your communicating.
What's handfasting? she asked.
Handfasting is a trial-marriage, he explained it's a temporary agreement, that expired after a year and a day. However, it could be made permanent after at that time, if both spouses agreed.
So you gotta get married, she thought for one year because they think it'd be good for the kingdom?
Exactly, he said and if they like what she does, and she wishes to stay married we will. I have no say in the matter.
Why? she frowned but quickly hid it because the older woman was looking at her now you just said it'd be permanent if BOTH agreed.
Not in my case, he said because I'm king and if it's good for the kingdom, well, the kingdom comes first. Sarah couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
So who you gotta get married to? she asked. Maybe she wouldn't be so bad.
You see the young woman? he asked you know, the one with massive amounts of make-up covering her face?
Her? Sarah couldn't help but make a face well maybe she's really nice. Jareth actually laughed and everyone looked at him.
"I'm sorry," he said "this whole thing is comical. Can we move along?" They started discussing a few things, but Sarah didn't bother paying attention. Maybe that woman really WAS nice. Nothing was what it seemed Underground. "Perhaps someone else?" Sarah looked up and they were all looking at each other.
"Someone else!" the girl screeched "no, no, no. I'm the only one, in the whole kingdom willing to marry him. No one else has come forward, I'm the only one. If I don't this land will die under his rule." She paused. "With me helping it will be much more livable. More buildings, cars, stores," the girl grinned "we really need a mall down here. More like Aboveground." Sarah watched Jareth wince, but his mask came back up, making him look stone cold. More like Aboveground? Sarah wasn't too fond of being kidnapped, but she did like the Underground the way it was. So maybe it was a little glittery and so maybe they had fireies that wanted to take off your head and so maybe there was a bog that smelt like… who cares what it smelt like? So maybe it was a little dangerous and defiantly odd but, it was full of magick. Aboveground, there was no magick there, none at all. And at least everything Underground was fun, in one way or another. Sure, the fireies were headhunters but they were just having fun, they didn't KNOW that not everyone could take their head off. And the bog was interesting in its own way… sort of. But to take it and make it into something it wasn't… that was just… just… cruel.
"Give me a week," Jareth said "I'll find someone else."
"Jareth," the older man said quietly "I'm afraid if you don't have someone in mind now, we can't give you any time." Jareth looked at Sarah.
No, she thought blankly.
Sarah, he started but she glared at him. Do you WANT this place to be turned into some huge amusement park?
Not my problem, she thought.
You said you'd help me, she could hear him becoming desperate.
Alright, first of all, that was the owl thing, she snapped second of all, just because you don't like this girl doesn't mean she's THAT bad. And besides, I'm sure you can overrule anything she has in mind.
Don't believe me? he thought simply ok, listen.
"Could you give the rules of this engagement, please?" Jareth asked Brain.
"Ahem." Brian started "in the current situation we are hoping to bring some feminine quality to the Underground. And so, the Queen, whomever she may be, will take over almost completely for the first year and a day. After which, all changes of hers will become permanent, but the King and her shall share equal power. For the first year (and a day) the Queen holds the dominant authority in the household. She-"
"Thank you Brian," Jareth muttered. Sarah's face was red, she was trying not to laugh.
Its not funny, he growled.
I'm sorry, he thought quickly I'm not trying to laugh. But I just can't see you anything but dominant, sorry. He seemed proud of this and seemed to sit up a little straighter. She paused a long moment and thought. This is marriage though, I mean, there are things husbands and wives do and uh, no offence but I don't think I want to save the Underground THAT badly.
You won't have to, his face was more relaxed now because you'll hold dominant authority over me. I have no say in the matter.
You mean if she wants to- she started and Jareth nodded just enough for her to notice. Even if you don't want to? Even if you don't love her?
Yes, his voice, even telepathically sounded sad.
Who the hell came up with these stupid rules? she thought more to herself than to Jareth. Two things. One, if I go through with this, after this whole year and a day crap would you PLEASE send me home?
If you wish, he thought quietly.
Tell them to give you a week, she sighed. A brash smile covered Jareth's face and he nodded.
"Give me a week," he said "I believe I have another… partner."
"What?" the young girl asked.
"Who?" the older woman smiled.
"Amelia, do you recall when I told you about Sarah?" he asked. The older woman nodded. "Her."
"The Sarah?" Brian asked.
"Yes," Jareth rolled his eyes.
"No!" the girl snapped "I refuse such a ridicules request. "
"Too bad," Amelia smirked and they all vanished.
"I swear-" Sarah sighed once they'd all left.
"Yes you do," Jareth agreed "quiet a bit. In fact, could you stop it?"
"I was," she paused and rolled her eyes "never mind."
"I know what you mean," he laughed and she leaned back some and looked up at the ceiling.
"You have an interesting life Jareth," she muttered "you really do." She paused. "That girl's annoying."
"Tell me about it," he grumbled.
"And I'm not doing this for you," she said.
"I know," he agreed, almost sadly. She was quiet for a moment and watched him, he seemed worried and relived all at the same time.
"You gonna be alright?" she asked.
"Why the concern Sarah?" he asked blankly "I mean, it isn't that you care."
"What would you LIKE me to say?" she snapped "especially after you kidnap me from my home? That I'm doing this to help you because we're such good friends? I don't think so, but if you want the truth Jareth, here you go. I'm doing this for multiple reasons. Yes, I'm doing it to save the damn Underground, help my friends, and get me home. I'm ALSO doing it because I don't really believe your evil Jareth, though you insist that I do for some god given reason. I don't think you should have to marry that… thing for any amount of time, SO, that's why I'm doing it."
"Because you pity me," he snapped.
"No," she snapped back "because I have a certain amount of respect towards you because I know you can be nice when you try. And I can actually get along with you then. Not because I pity you, because in some off way you are my friend and I don't think anyone should be forced into marrying someone they don't care about."
"You are," he said.
"I'm not being forced," she said quietly "and its obvious I care about you some Jareth, or I would have let you pass out on the throne room floor the other day." They both didn't say anything for a long time.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
"Don't mention it," she said "seriously."
Author's note: So everyone's like… okay, why's Jareth getting drunk. :laughs: I'd get drunk too if I had to marry that thing. Anyways, Conner got his own bed for his birthday because he's always slept in my bed with me since I can't have him walking around the house, sleeping on the couch because of my mom. But see, he won't sleep in his new bed now either. He thinks he needs to protect me (I say he's a big scaredy cat).
Conner: Am not!... maybe a little.
Aw:hugs: it's alright. I'm afraid of vacuum cleaners so, I won't say anything. :laughs at self: Anyways, I'm doing better in math (so please chill out motherly like reviewers :laughs:) And oh, have I told you what happened when Conner was dreaming? He-
Conner:glares:
Kidding. :grins: oh, and speaking of! What's with you people thinking something is going on with me and my muse? I'm getting reviews about licking cake off him. Um… no. I tease him, I poke him, he may sleep in the same bed as me… but sorry guys, no licking. Well, here's my updates and keep scrolling, you probably have more than one reply. :sighs: you guys keep me so busy.
Acantha Mardivey: Drunk anything with magick I wouldn't wanna encounter :hides the beer from Conner:
Theshadowcat: Well I DO love your story :grins:
ItsACrystalNothingMore: ok… no more sugar for you.
Lisa Jane: Wow, I liked your review. Thank you so much for reading my story -
Moonjava:winks: ty!
Cindi: I do, I got 4 pages of writing, 2 pages of thanx. - I'm balanced like that.
Lyn: Four whole words. Wow, I feel special. How is it I get some excitement out of your reviews with four words? Probably because you usually put two. :smiles: HA-HA! Two extra!
LadyLuck321:laughs: don't tell my goblins that they cant keep a secret.
Conner: Aww :blushes: thanks.
sparkling silver angel wings: Glad you like the chap. Hey, what's with you and your muses humm? You all seem really… tense lately.
jumping-jo: I love your reviews, they make me laugh.
Hya-chan: TA DA:giggles: I updated.
WildPixieChild16: Aw, thanks.
Rosakara: Thank you! -
LadyAniviel: Hangovers are great! Well… not really but in the story it is! … no wait… not there either. Damn hangovers, think they rule the world.
hippie99: I suppose when your floating in a tin can you make up people, I think that's who major tom is :laughs:
LadyAniviel: Aw, I know, I love Jareth :hugs Jareth and quickly pulls away: well… sometimes.
ItsACrystalNothingMore: I get these ideas from YOU ya know? You and all that singing :laughs.
ItsACrystalNothingMore Top of Form
angelwingz202:laughs: I think he IS a spoiled little kid at heart lol.
draegon-fire: I'm not sure if he even CAN kid. And YAY, I clarified stuff! Don't worry, I usually tell junk later, it makes sense in the end mostly. Lol.
Almost Funny: Thank you, loved your review. -
Jumping-jo: Thanx, mucho happy you like it.
Musicgirl141: Ewoks rock my socks. :laughs: I do love them tho, they be cute mubobers.
Magic and sparkle: Sorry for the shortness.
Beverly: Good, because I wrote more - And I'm glad you like it and you've joined us:grins:
Conner: thank you - had a great b-day
Angelwingz202:- Well thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
LadyAniviel: (hey you don't sing bad!) Uh, bricks? Humm, I may add that in somewhere lol.
LadyLuck321:grins: thank you.
Chaimera:grins: glad you like. YAY DAVID BOWIE! We have this ongoing argument about him and tube socks… I'll tell you later. Lol
Theshadowcat: I know, my grammer/spelling isn't too keen. But oh well. - what's with your new obsession with my homework:laughs: thanks though! I feel loved.
Bottom of Form
Acantha Mardivey: No they aren't too good in math, but then neither am I.
Conner: No tutoring, yes singing and truthfully, I don't think anyone's going to be cowering in fear of you. Your too sweet.
Watergoddesskasey: Thanx, we will.
ItsACrystalNothingMore: Conner:laughs: Interesting way to blow off steam.
Sparkling silver angel wings:sighs: Ok, this is how me and Conner fix things. (Actually this is how Conner fixes things) :throws both reviewer and her muse in a closet and locks the door until they stop fighting: Yeah, I TRY to get along with Conner now. Now, both of you. Maybe you could stop watching that move so much and Ferd, maybe you could be a little nicer? And stop calling him that! Now :taps foot impatiently: you better both make up or I'll keep you locked together in that very small closet forever. Understand?
