Long time, no see this story, eh? I'm a horrible person. I need to get on the ball. But which ball to stay on is the ultimate question. So here's the next chapter, and Chapter 9 is mentally written so it shouldn't be long before that comes out. See how I say that with confidence? Ha ha ha ha ha.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I'm getting used to it. Chapter title brought to you by the incomparable Berlin.
Between Dreams and Reality
By Lyra Matsuoka
Rated PG-13
Chapter 8 : Take My Breath Away
Sarah blinked at the shower of glitter that had sprayed over everyone, reaching out to brush it off her dress. The silver haired stranger, Luster had called him Kemal, shook his head slightly and walked toward Jareth.
"Queen Amalthea of Summerhaven sends her greetings, and offers you my services in the coordination of the Midsummer Night Ball," he said, sweeping a slight bow. Jareth nodded curtly.
"I thank the Queen for her generosity, and look forward to enjoying the pleasure of her company on the night of the ball."
"I shall convey the message," Kemal responded, inclining his head. Sarah tipped her head back to look at Jareth. The Goblin King looked as haughty and as distant as she had ever seen him; a man bound by courtesy and duty. Kemal stepped to one side and bowed to a willowy woman whose green hair seemed to be comprised of maple leaves as the band struck up a sprightly tune, and the new arrivals moved into the crowd. Sarah felt her hand being tucked into Jareth's arm as he moved her toward a bench near the edge of the dance floor.
"So, any explanations for the disappearing act that Luster just pulled?" Sarah asked as she lowered herself to the cool marble seat. Jareth sank down beside her, nodding and waving as various creatures danced by.
"The rulers of each kingdom receive an invitation to the Midsummer Night Ball each year, and each ruler selects those members of their court who will attend as an entourage. Of that entourage, the ruler, or rulers, select one member to send ahead and assist in the preparations. It is considered a great honor to be chosen. Queen Amalthea has chosen her heir, Prince Kemal, as her emissary. As Luster just demonstrated, she is less than happy to see him, which will lead to some very interesting situations, I don't doubt."
"She doesn't like him?" Sarah asked, tilting her head to one side.
"I will say only that the two of us are likely to be left to our own devices for the duration of your stay. Luster will be far too busy handling her own affairs to meddle with matchmaking."
"Oh, is that what she was trying to accomplish by locking us in a room together. I never would have guessed," Sarah drawled, causing Jareth to chuckle and slip an arm around her waist.
"I'd say she was fairly successful," Jareth whispered in her ear. Sarah turned and smiled at him before darting off the bench and turning to face him.
"Cocky, cocky. Don't you know I'm supposed to play hard to get?"
Jareth snorted. "What about our relationship has been easy?"
Sarah laughed aloud and walked quickly back into the crowd. She heard Jareth sigh behind her and turned slightly to watch him rise from the bench and proceed after her. It wasn't long until a young man with antlers bowed and asked her for a dance. Sarah complied with a smile, noticing that a lovely woman with green skin and scarlet hair had waylaid Jareth. Sarah thought she looked a bit like a Christmas tree as the music swept around her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Several hours later, with stars glittering in the night sky, Sarah and Jareth sat talking quietly about various subjects. Sarah thought privately that Jareth was turning out to be a very interesting person.
The rose petals scattered on the floor hadn't hurt in the calculation of her opinion.
Nor did the fact that while she had begun the conversation in her own chair, Sarah had gradually gravitated toward Jareth until there was really only one step left to take. So it was the Sarah found herself sitting in the Goblin King's lap, in a silk bathrobe, facing the open window in her chambers and watching the stars dance.
"Were you always this romantic?" she asked softly.
"Mmm," Jareth murmured. "Always. Born this way. Nothing to be done about it."
Sarah giggled. "The rose petals are a little better than re-ordering time. Not much, you understand, but slightly."
"You cut me to the quick, my lady," Jareth said, pulling his head away from hers. "More impressed by a simple trick than a great magical feat?"
"Infinitely," Sarah said, nodding her head solemnly. Jareth smiled, and she leaned her head down until their foreheads were touching.
"As my lady wishes," he said, and Sarah frowned a question at him. Jareth pulled away slightly and Sarah felt the brush of silk on her cheek. Looking down, Sarah saw a deep red rose petal resting on her chest. Slowly, Sarah turned her eyes upward, and gasped. Rose petals were falling gently from the ceiling, creating a rain of silken red. Sarah snapped her mouth shut before a rose petal fell into it, and turned her eyes back to Jareth.
"Showoff," she muttered, and bent to kiss him. He twisted slightly and their pendants clinked lightly together, Sarah felt the world slip away as her heart and mind merged with Jareth's.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Luster walked quickly down the hall toward her chambers. Jareth had been able to quickly settle the new arrivals, thanks in no small part to his reputation. Everyone was more than a bit afraid to argue with him. Luster allowed herself a tired smile. She had not been quite so lucky. All those afraid to take complaint with Jareth had brought their troubles to her, and each one had required a delicacy and tact that Luster found in short supply. But now it was over, all the guests settled and if she could just make it to her room...
"Good evening, my lady."
Luster came to a stop, and turned slowly.
"Greeting, Kemal." Luster inclined her head a fraction of an inch before returning to her regal position.
The silver haired man stepped from the shadows, his silver sigil shimmering in the moonlight. "You've been avoiding me."
"Not at all. I have been occupied with matters of etiquette. I trust your quarters meet with your approval?" Luster kept her tone polite and quiet, in deference to the late hour. Kemal paused a few steps away from her and nodded.
"My quarters are most satisfactory."
"Then I bid you a good night," Luster inclined her head and turned once more, intent on reaching her bedroom as quickly as possible.
"I won't disappear if you pretend you don't see me, Luster."
"I live in hope," Luster retorted, continuing on her way.
"As do I, princess. As do I."
Luster whirled around, furious, but Kemal was gone. She heard the soft click of a lock and knew that Kemal had withdrawn to his room. Clenching her fists, Luster stalked back to her chambers.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"I have a question for you," Sarah stated, fastening her eyes on Jareth. He turned his eyes upward quizzically. "You sang, while I was in the Labyrinth; and in the ballroom, you sang for me. I know you did, and Luster has been singing since the day I met her. Why?"
Jareth cocked his head to one side and looked into the dancing flames contained in the fireplace.
"It has to do with magic, and how it can easily go awry. It is necessary for every mage and magical creature to personalize or carefully direct a spell before casting it. Music is a trans species expression of emotion and power, so if a spell is cast in musical form, then the magician retains control over each aspect of said working. It's a very personalized way of casting a spell. Of course, dance or poetry has the same effect."
"So anyone can do it?"
"Can everyone in your world sing?"
Sarah grimaced. "No."
"Then you know what I mean. Allow me to assure you, it is the same here. Not everyone who believes they can performance-cast is able to do so. And some that can are not nearly as adept as they believe."
Sarah burst into laughter at the expression on Jareth's face. "I take it you've heard some of these magicians in concert."
"The memory gives me a headache," Jareth muttered and Sarah dropped a kiss on the crown of his head. They were silent for a few moments before Sarah leaned back again.
"Luster sings all the time. And Prince Kemal was singing when he arrived. It's beautiful, but I think it would get annoying after a while."
"How right you are. Unicorns, my dear, are a unique species. They are able to draw all kinds of magic from all kinds of things. It is a gift specific to unicorns. You see, each species has a unique brand of magic, and a unique source for that magic. I, for example, draw my power from my native people and from the Labyrinth herself. Unicorns do not have an especially unique type of magic; they use the magic of the world that they are in. Unicorns use elemental magic and the magic that stems from the fabric of the worlds themselves. It is an old power, one that only the unicorns have been able to tap into. In addition to that, unicorns are able to call upon all other sources of magic. And they use a universal language - music - to call the power to them. However, once they have it, there is no more need for music. But most unicorns love to sing and play instruments, and many are performers at heart, so they continue doing so with or without a specific need."
"They can use any kind of magic?"
"They can, though they usually can't find a reason to do so. You must have noticed Luster's vanishing and reappearing, her costume changes?"
"Who could miss them?"
"Very true. Those are talents that every magical creature possesses. Each form of elemental, Fae, and other species can perform those tricks. As a rule unicorns rarely venture outside of Summerhaven, and those who do are powerful enough to draw magic from unused sources. They can use more than one form of magic at once, but not without a great price. If you think of all magic as a sort of a thread, then unicorns would be the spindle. Unicorns can gather and hold different magic's, and the different beings that use them, together and use them for a single purpose. For example, unicorns created the Labyrinth."
"How?"
"My, my, aren't we full of questions?"
"A person can't learn anything if she doesn't ask."
"Fair enough. There was a need for a way to test the faith and strength of mortals and fae who put their own wants above the needs of their loved ones. Primarily children are wished away, but occasionally a spouse or a friend will wish their partner or loved one away. Then they must run the Labyrinth."
"So the Labyrinth is just a test?"
"It is a test and tool for instruction. You yourself learned many lessons in the Labyrinth. You learned about strength, endurance, ingenuity and friendship. You learned to treasure your brother and that just occasionally, reality is more fascinating than imagined worlds. Such is the purpose of the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth instructs. Even those who fail to reach the end take a great deal more from the Labyrinth than they brought with them when they entered its gates. The Underground as a whole saw that there was a need for such a tool, and the Unicorns bound the magic's of all the Fae and immortal creatures together to create a great maze."
"Really?" Sarah asked, a smile on her lips.
"Is your curiosity satisfied, my lady?"
"It is for now, good sir," Sarah replied, tossing her hair back and smiling at him. Jareth smiled and inclined his head toward the window. Sarah turned and watched dawn break over the Labyrinth.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Twelve hours later, Sarah had crossed her emotional spectrum three times and she was working on her fourth. She and Jareth were right back where they had started...at each other's throats.
"Jareth, this is not 986 A.D. or whatever archaic time you were born in!"
"Very clever Sarah. But my decision stands."
"And why, pray tell, do you get to make all the decisions?"
"Because this is my castle! If you don't like my rules, get your own castle!"
Sarah paused for a moment. As immature as that line of reasoning was, she had to admit that he had a point.
"Do you have any conception of how ridiculous you are being?"
"If you weren't being juvenile..."
"Children, don't make me separate you," Luster appeared quickly, but without her usual dramatic flair. No glitter, no smoke, no music, and most surprisingly of all, no outrageous costumes. Her plain white dress was simply cut and cleanly styled. Jareth frowned.
"Luster, are you ill?"
"Not at all," she said briskly. Sarah was blinking at Luster in absolute astonishment. "I am incognito."
"Any particular reason, or did you just feel the driving need converse with the natives?"
"Remind me to tell you someday how funny you are," Luster replied. "What are the two of you fighting about now?"
"I need to go home and grab my laptop. My fantasy series isn't going to finish itself!"
Luster nodded once.
"Then why are you here instead of on your way home?"
"He won't let me go!" Sarah charged, pointing an accusing finger in Jareth's direction. "He refuses to take me!"
"I did not refuse. I said 'later'."
"And when is later?"
"Later is...later."
"Well, thank you for that brilliant contribution to the discussion!"
"Sarah, I will retrieve your...what did you call it?"
"Laptop."
"Yes, that. I will retrieve it when I have time."
"I have time. I have plenty of time. Nothing but time on my hands. There is no logical reason why I shouldn't be able to go right now!"
"You cannot go because I say you cannot go."
"Don't you get high and mighty with me, Your Majesty! What are you going to do, throw me in the Bog? Don't you think that's getting a little passé?"
Sarah felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Hold on!" Sarah snapped, turning her head for a split second. She did a double take when she saw what Luster was holding.
"I brought the whole thing. All your disks, manuals and your cellular phone, just to be safe." Luster held out the laptop and Sarah grabbed it quickly. Jareth glowered at the slim machine and Sarah clutched it tightly to her chest, shooting him a warning glare. Luster rolled her eyes. "Now, will both of you do me a favor?"
"What?" Sarah and Jareth muttered in unison.
"For the sake of my sanity, attempt to behave like adults."
And Luster was gone. No glitter, just gone. Jareth stared at the place she had been only moments before. Sarah stared right along with him. That had been a great exit.
"Interesting. I wonder what has her so upset."
"She doesn't seem like the type to forgo a moment of honest drama," Sarah inserted, watching Jareth intently for any sign that he intended to make a grab for her laptop.
"She isn't." Jareth was frowning. "But she also isn't the type to get upset over nothing." He stroked his bottom lip with his thumb, looking at the place where Luster had stood mere moments before. Sarah turned toward the doorway and did an instant double take. Prince Kemal was heading towards them, and he looked like a man on a mission.
"Well, I wouldn't call him 'nothing', per say..." Sarah commented, raising her eyebrows. Jareth frowned slightly and spun around just in time for Prince Kemal to perform a perfunctory bow in the direction of the Goblin King. Jareth inclined his head slightly, and Sarah watched the haughty mask slide into place. Their brief skirmish was forgotten as Jareth moved into politically charged waters.
"May I help you?" Jareth enquired. "As you can see, the decorating and cleaning is well in hand."
"I'm afraid I did not seek you out to offer my services as chambermaid, Your Majesty," Kemal said, his tone as neutrally pleasant as Jareth's had been. "Though if you have need of such help, do not hesitate to ask. I wondered if you knew where the Princess might be?"
Sarah moved quietly to Jareth's side, noting the careful play of etiquette and neutrality of phrasing that both men seemed so adept at. Kemal had acknowledged Jareth's superior rank and had referred to Luster as 'Princess'. Sarah made a mental note to ask Jareth what that was all about.
"If you are referring to Luster Skydreamer, I haven't the faintest notion where she might be. May I suggest the gardens?"
Sarah had to give Jareth the thumbs up on that one. Very subtle insinuation and a clever insult; the Goblin King was on friendly terms with Luster, while the Prince was forced to remain formal in his address. Very subtle.
And evidently very cutting. Sarah saw Kemal's lips twist before he schooled his face to impassivity once again.
"Thank you for the suggestion."
Kemal inclined his head slightly and turned to walk away.
"If Luster cannot be found, you might be wise to consider the possibility that she does not wish to spend time in your company."
Sarah winced. That final barb might have thrown a wrench into the quietly turning machine of the conversation. Kemal froze and turned back around.
"You would do well, Goblin King, to keep your opinions to yourself; especially those regarding a matter that you know very little about."
With that parting shot, Kemal turned and walked out of the room. Sarah tightened her arms around her laptop and glanced up at Jareth. The Goblin King wore a thoughtful expression.
"Penny for them," she said after a few moments of silence.
"He is very determined. And so is Luster."
"But determined about what? But feel free to keep me in the dark if you want to brood and ponder. I wouldn't want to get in the way of melancholy thoughts."
Jareth smiled slightly, but the smile did not last long. Concerned now, Sarah caught his chin with her right hand and turned his face toward hers.
"What is it?"
"It is not my story to tell," Jareth said, regret in his tone. Sarah gazed into his mismatched eyes, searching for any information that might be hidden there.
"Is there anything you can tell me? I want to help," Sarah said.
Jareth sighed and slowly shook his head. "It is Luster's to tell to whomever she wishes. I cannot betray her confidence."
Sarah nodded slowly. She understood trust and friendship. But that didn't mean she would stop trying to solve this puzzle. It promised to be an interesting picture once completed.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
There you have it. Answering some questions, creating a few others. How about that? Please leave comments, questions or answers in the little box. Peace out.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I'm getting used to it. Chapter title brought to you by the incomparable Berlin.
Between Dreams and Reality
By Lyra Matsuoka
Rated PG-13
Chapter 8 : Take My Breath Away
Sarah blinked at the shower of glitter that had sprayed over everyone, reaching out to brush it off her dress. The silver haired stranger, Luster had called him Kemal, shook his head slightly and walked toward Jareth.
"Queen Amalthea of Summerhaven sends her greetings, and offers you my services in the coordination of the Midsummer Night Ball," he said, sweeping a slight bow. Jareth nodded curtly.
"I thank the Queen for her generosity, and look forward to enjoying the pleasure of her company on the night of the ball."
"I shall convey the message," Kemal responded, inclining his head. Sarah tipped her head back to look at Jareth. The Goblin King looked as haughty and as distant as she had ever seen him; a man bound by courtesy and duty. Kemal stepped to one side and bowed to a willowy woman whose green hair seemed to be comprised of maple leaves as the band struck up a sprightly tune, and the new arrivals moved into the crowd. Sarah felt her hand being tucked into Jareth's arm as he moved her toward a bench near the edge of the dance floor.
"So, any explanations for the disappearing act that Luster just pulled?" Sarah asked as she lowered herself to the cool marble seat. Jareth sank down beside her, nodding and waving as various creatures danced by.
"The rulers of each kingdom receive an invitation to the Midsummer Night Ball each year, and each ruler selects those members of their court who will attend as an entourage. Of that entourage, the ruler, or rulers, select one member to send ahead and assist in the preparations. It is considered a great honor to be chosen. Queen Amalthea has chosen her heir, Prince Kemal, as her emissary. As Luster just demonstrated, she is less than happy to see him, which will lead to some very interesting situations, I don't doubt."
"She doesn't like him?" Sarah asked, tilting her head to one side.
"I will say only that the two of us are likely to be left to our own devices for the duration of your stay. Luster will be far too busy handling her own affairs to meddle with matchmaking."
"Oh, is that what she was trying to accomplish by locking us in a room together. I never would have guessed," Sarah drawled, causing Jareth to chuckle and slip an arm around her waist.
"I'd say she was fairly successful," Jareth whispered in her ear. Sarah turned and smiled at him before darting off the bench and turning to face him.
"Cocky, cocky. Don't you know I'm supposed to play hard to get?"
Jareth snorted. "What about our relationship has been easy?"
Sarah laughed aloud and walked quickly back into the crowd. She heard Jareth sigh behind her and turned slightly to watch him rise from the bench and proceed after her. It wasn't long until a young man with antlers bowed and asked her for a dance. Sarah complied with a smile, noticing that a lovely woman with green skin and scarlet hair had waylaid Jareth. Sarah thought she looked a bit like a Christmas tree as the music swept around her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Several hours later, with stars glittering in the night sky, Sarah and Jareth sat talking quietly about various subjects. Sarah thought privately that Jareth was turning out to be a very interesting person.
The rose petals scattered on the floor hadn't hurt in the calculation of her opinion.
Nor did the fact that while she had begun the conversation in her own chair, Sarah had gradually gravitated toward Jareth until there was really only one step left to take. So it was the Sarah found herself sitting in the Goblin King's lap, in a silk bathrobe, facing the open window in her chambers and watching the stars dance.
"Were you always this romantic?" she asked softly.
"Mmm," Jareth murmured. "Always. Born this way. Nothing to be done about it."
Sarah giggled. "The rose petals are a little better than re-ordering time. Not much, you understand, but slightly."
"You cut me to the quick, my lady," Jareth said, pulling his head away from hers. "More impressed by a simple trick than a great magical feat?"
"Infinitely," Sarah said, nodding her head solemnly. Jareth smiled, and she leaned her head down until their foreheads were touching.
"As my lady wishes," he said, and Sarah frowned a question at him. Jareth pulled away slightly and Sarah felt the brush of silk on her cheek. Looking down, Sarah saw a deep red rose petal resting on her chest. Slowly, Sarah turned her eyes upward, and gasped. Rose petals were falling gently from the ceiling, creating a rain of silken red. Sarah snapped her mouth shut before a rose petal fell into it, and turned her eyes back to Jareth.
"Showoff," she muttered, and bent to kiss him. He twisted slightly and their pendants clinked lightly together, Sarah felt the world slip away as her heart and mind merged with Jareth's.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Luster walked quickly down the hall toward her chambers. Jareth had been able to quickly settle the new arrivals, thanks in no small part to his reputation. Everyone was more than a bit afraid to argue with him. Luster allowed herself a tired smile. She had not been quite so lucky. All those afraid to take complaint with Jareth had brought their troubles to her, and each one had required a delicacy and tact that Luster found in short supply. But now it was over, all the guests settled and if she could just make it to her room...
"Good evening, my lady."
Luster came to a stop, and turned slowly.
"Greeting, Kemal." Luster inclined her head a fraction of an inch before returning to her regal position.
The silver haired man stepped from the shadows, his silver sigil shimmering in the moonlight. "You've been avoiding me."
"Not at all. I have been occupied with matters of etiquette. I trust your quarters meet with your approval?" Luster kept her tone polite and quiet, in deference to the late hour. Kemal paused a few steps away from her and nodded.
"My quarters are most satisfactory."
"Then I bid you a good night," Luster inclined her head and turned once more, intent on reaching her bedroom as quickly as possible.
"I won't disappear if you pretend you don't see me, Luster."
"I live in hope," Luster retorted, continuing on her way.
"As do I, princess. As do I."
Luster whirled around, furious, but Kemal was gone. She heard the soft click of a lock and knew that Kemal had withdrawn to his room. Clenching her fists, Luster stalked back to her chambers.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"I have a question for you," Sarah stated, fastening her eyes on Jareth. He turned his eyes upward quizzically. "You sang, while I was in the Labyrinth; and in the ballroom, you sang for me. I know you did, and Luster has been singing since the day I met her. Why?"
Jareth cocked his head to one side and looked into the dancing flames contained in the fireplace.
"It has to do with magic, and how it can easily go awry. It is necessary for every mage and magical creature to personalize or carefully direct a spell before casting it. Music is a trans species expression of emotion and power, so if a spell is cast in musical form, then the magician retains control over each aspect of said working. It's a very personalized way of casting a spell. Of course, dance or poetry has the same effect."
"So anyone can do it?"
"Can everyone in your world sing?"
Sarah grimaced. "No."
"Then you know what I mean. Allow me to assure you, it is the same here. Not everyone who believes they can performance-cast is able to do so. And some that can are not nearly as adept as they believe."
Sarah burst into laughter at the expression on Jareth's face. "I take it you've heard some of these magicians in concert."
"The memory gives me a headache," Jareth muttered and Sarah dropped a kiss on the crown of his head. They were silent for a few moments before Sarah leaned back again.
"Luster sings all the time. And Prince Kemal was singing when he arrived. It's beautiful, but I think it would get annoying after a while."
"How right you are. Unicorns, my dear, are a unique species. They are able to draw all kinds of magic from all kinds of things. It is a gift specific to unicorns. You see, each species has a unique brand of magic, and a unique source for that magic. I, for example, draw my power from my native people and from the Labyrinth herself. Unicorns do not have an especially unique type of magic; they use the magic of the world that they are in. Unicorns use elemental magic and the magic that stems from the fabric of the worlds themselves. It is an old power, one that only the unicorns have been able to tap into. In addition to that, unicorns are able to call upon all other sources of magic. And they use a universal language - music - to call the power to them. However, once they have it, there is no more need for music. But most unicorns love to sing and play instruments, and many are performers at heart, so they continue doing so with or without a specific need."
"They can use any kind of magic?"
"They can, though they usually can't find a reason to do so. You must have noticed Luster's vanishing and reappearing, her costume changes?"
"Who could miss them?"
"Very true. Those are talents that every magical creature possesses. Each form of elemental, Fae, and other species can perform those tricks. As a rule unicorns rarely venture outside of Summerhaven, and those who do are powerful enough to draw magic from unused sources. They can use more than one form of magic at once, but not without a great price. If you think of all magic as a sort of a thread, then unicorns would be the spindle. Unicorns can gather and hold different magic's, and the different beings that use them, together and use them for a single purpose. For example, unicorns created the Labyrinth."
"How?"
"My, my, aren't we full of questions?"
"A person can't learn anything if she doesn't ask."
"Fair enough. There was a need for a way to test the faith and strength of mortals and fae who put their own wants above the needs of their loved ones. Primarily children are wished away, but occasionally a spouse or a friend will wish their partner or loved one away. Then they must run the Labyrinth."
"So the Labyrinth is just a test?"
"It is a test and tool for instruction. You yourself learned many lessons in the Labyrinth. You learned about strength, endurance, ingenuity and friendship. You learned to treasure your brother and that just occasionally, reality is more fascinating than imagined worlds. Such is the purpose of the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth instructs. Even those who fail to reach the end take a great deal more from the Labyrinth than they brought with them when they entered its gates. The Underground as a whole saw that there was a need for such a tool, and the Unicorns bound the magic's of all the Fae and immortal creatures together to create a great maze."
"Really?" Sarah asked, a smile on her lips.
"Is your curiosity satisfied, my lady?"
"It is for now, good sir," Sarah replied, tossing her hair back and smiling at him. Jareth smiled and inclined his head toward the window. Sarah turned and watched dawn break over the Labyrinth.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Twelve hours later, Sarah had crossed her emotional spectrum three times and she was working on her fourth. She and Jareth were right back where they had started...at each other's throats.
"Jareth, this is not 986 A.D. or whatever archaic time you were born in!"
"Very clever Sarah. But my decision stands."
"And why, pray tell, do you get to make all the decisions?"
"Because this is my castle! If you don't like my rules, get your own castle!"
Sarah paused for a moment. As immature as that line of reasoning was, she had to admit that he had a point.
"Do you have any conception of how ridiculous you are being?"
"If you weren't being juvenile..."
"Children, don't make me separate you," Luster appeared quickly, but without her usual dramatic flair. No glitter, no smoke, no music, and most surprisingly of all, no outrageous costumes. Her plain white dress was simply cut and cleanly styled. Jareth frowned.
"Luster, are you ill?"
"Not at all," she said briskly. Sarah was blinking at Luster in absolute astonishment. "I am incognito."
"Any particular reason, or did you just feel the driving need converse with the natives?"
"Remind me to tell you someday how funny you are," Luster replied. "What are the two of you fighting about now?"
"I need to go home and grab my laptop. My fantasy series isn't going to finish itself!"
Luster nodded once.
"Then why are you here instead of on your way home?"
"He won't let me go!" Sarah charged, pointing an accusing finger in Jareth's direction. "He refuses to take me!"
"I did not refuse. I said 'later'."
"And when is later?"
"Later is...later."
"Well, thank you for that brilliant contribution to the discussion!"
"Sarah, I will retrieve your...what did you call it?"
"Laptop."
"Yes, that. I will retrieve it when I have time."
"I have time. I have plenty of time. Nothing but time on my hands. There is no logical reason why I shouldn't be able to go right now!"
"You cannot go because I say you cannot go."
"Don't you get high and mighty with me, Your Majesty! What are you going to do, throw me in the Bog? Don't you think that's getting a little passé?"
Sarah felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Hold on!" Sarah snapped, turning her head for a split second. She did a double take when she saw what Luster was holding.
"I brought the whole thing. All your disks, manuals and your cellular phone, just to be safe." Luster held out the laptop and Sarah grabbed it quickly. Jareth glowered at the slim machine and Sarah clutched it tightly to her chest, shooting him a warning glare. Luster rolled her eyes. "Now, will both of you do me a favor?"
"What?" Sarah and Jareth muttered in unison.
"For the sake of my sanity, attempt to behave like adults."
And Luster was gone. No glitter, just gone. Jareth stared at the place she had been only moments before. Sarah stared right along with him. That had been a great exit.
"Interesting. I wonder what has her so upset."
"She doesn't seem like the type to forgo a moment of honest drama," Sarah inserted, watching Jareth intently for any sign that he intended to make a grab for her laptop.
"She isn't." Jareth was frowning. "But she also isn't the type to get upset over nothing." He stroked his bottom lip with his thumb, looking at the place where Luster had stood mere moments before. Sarah turned toward the doorway and did an instant double take. Prince Kemal was heading towards them, and he looked like a man on a mission.
"Well, I wouldn't call him 'nothing', per say..." Sarah commented, raising her eyebrows. Jareth frowned slightly and spun around just in time for Prince Kemal to perform a perfunctory bow in the direction of the Goblin King. Jareth inclined his head slightly, and Sarah watched the haughty mask slide into place. Their brief skirmish was forgotten as Jareth moved into politically charged waters.
"May I help you?" Jareth enquired. "As you can see, the decorating and cleaning is well in hand."
"I'm afraid I did not seek you out to offer my services as chambermaid, Your Majesty," Kemal said, his tone as neutrally pleasant as Jareth's had been. "Though if you have need of such help, do not hesitate to ask. I wondered if you knew where the Princess might be?"
Sarah moved quietly to Jareth's side, noting the careful play of etiquette and neutrality of phrasing that both men seemed so adept at. Kemal had acknowledged Jareth's superior rank and had referred to Luster as 'Princess'. Sarah made a mental note to ask Jareth what that was all about.
"If you are referring to Luster Skydreamer, I haven't the faintest notion where she might be. May I suggest the gardens?"
Sarah had to give Jareth the thumbs up on that one. Very subtle insinuation and a clever insult; the Goblin King was on friendly terms with Luster, while the Prince was forced to remain formal in his address. Very subtle.
And evidently very cutting. Sarah saw Kemal's lips twist before he schooled his face to impassivity once again.
"Thank you for the suggestion."
Kemal inclined his head slightly and turned to walk away.
"If Luster cannot be found, you might be wise to consider the possibility that she does not wish to spend time in your company."
Sarah winced. That final barb might have thrown a wrench into the quietly turning machine of the conversation. Kemal froze and turned back around.
"You would do well, Goblin King, to keep your opinions to yourself; especially those regarding a matter that you know very little about."
With that parting shot, Kemal turned and walked out of the room. Sarah tightened her arms around her laptop and glanced up at Jareth. The Goblin King wore a thoughtful expression.
"Penny for them," she said after a few moments of silence.
"He is very determined. And so is Luster."
"But determined about what? But feel free to keep me in the dark if you want to brood and ponder. I wouldn't want to get in the way of melancholy thoughts."
Jareth smiled slightly, but the smile did not last long. Concerned now, Sarah caught his chin with her right hand and turned his face toward hers.
"What is it?"
"It is not my story to tell," Jareth said, regret in his tone. Sarah gazed into his mismatched eyes, searching for any information that might be hidden there.
"Is there anything you can tell me? I want to help," Sarah said.
Jareth sighed and slowly shook his head. "It is Luster's to tell to whomever she wishes. I cannot betray her confidence."
Sarah nodded slowly. She understood trust and friendship. But that didn't mean she would stop trying to solve this puzzle. It promised to be an interesting picture once completed.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
There you have it. Answering some questions, creating a few others. How about that? Please leave comments, questions or answers in the little box. Peace out.