Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
AN: Well, this is chapter Two! Only about seven or eight more to go before I'm back where I was! Here goes! Oh, and I want everyone to review at the end of this chapter and critique Jareth's little breakfast greeting! I don't know if it's the actual event itself or the reaction, but something just doesn't feel right about it to me! Then again, maybe I'm just going crazy!
CHAPTER 2: Papercut
Why does it feel like night today?
Something in here's not right today
Why am I so uptight today?
Paranoia's all I got left
I don't know what stressed me first
Or how the pressure was fed
But I know just what it feels like
To have a voice in the back of my head
It's like a face that I hold inside
A face that wakes when I close my eyes
A face that watches every time I lie
A face that laughs every time I fall
[And watches everything]
So I know that when it's time to sink or swim
The face inside is hearing me
Right underneath my skin
It's like I'm paranoid – lookin' over my back
It's like a whirlwind inside of my head
It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within
It's like the face inside is right beneath my skin
I know I've got a face in me
That points out all the mistakes in me
You've got a face on the inside too
You're paranoia's probably worse
I don't know what set me off
But I know what I can't stand
Everybody acts like the fact of the matter is
I can't add up to what you can
But everybody has a face that they hold inside
A face that awaits when they close their eyes
A face that watches every time they lie
A face that laughs every time they fall
[And watches everything]
So I know that when it's time to sink or swim
The face inside is hearing you too
Right inside your skin
Linkin Park Papercut
Sarah went to bed that night, and dreamed her strange dreams again, only this time, she was more conscious of what was going on. The two arguing entities from her first visit were there, as well as the hard-tempered woman that had been appearing to her. In her mocking way, the woman introduced the two new beings as Rhille – the strong, powerful voice – and Irilana – the serpent-like tone, names that she had mentioned before. Neither of the two appeared before her, but their voices echoed in her mind. It was peculiar; the way they seemed almost to pity her and feel sorrow for her constantly but never gave her a reason why. She did learn that they were sisters, of a sort, but they were reluctant to talk about much, and when Sarah woke, she had few answers and even more questions. As she dressed in the same outfit she had worn the previous day, Sarah almost wished that the elfin woman would appear before her. Just as she was pulling on her pants, a knock sounded at her door and before she could reply, someone entered.
"Good morning, Miss Sarah." A being said cheerfully, pulling thick, emerald drapes back from French-Paned windows and letting in the brilliant sunlight. She smiled out at the world and set a thick emerald bundle at the bottom of the bed, turning to Sarah with a startled expression. "Oh, milady, you mustn't do that! You've got to be dressed and ready for breakfast in just a few minutes!"
Sarah, who was tripping over the pants leg she couldn't manage to get her foot into only managed to reply "Huh?"
"Jareth, uh – ah – I mean His Highness expects you at breakfast any moment, Milady! You must get dressed, and Lady Raven's clothes most certainly don't fit you! Now, see here, I have a nice dress all ready for you – his Highness had it made for you last night just for this special purpose – and if you'd only allow me to help you, I'll have you fixed up nice in no time." She gave a bold smile and Sarah blushed. Undressing in gym had nothing on this, but somehow she managed it.
Then she experienced a part of history that she had never wanted to become familiar with – six layers of clothing under the actual dress that, in itself, weighed a ton! She liked the result, she had to admit, as she admired herself in the mirror, but she missed a decent pair of jeans and a t-shirt terribly. It was almost painful the way the corset squeezed her already-trim stomach. The gobliness gasped in true astonishment.
"My Lady!" She exclaimed in amazement. "You look positively stunning! You need something to go with that dress!" She disappeared through a tiny door in the wall that Sarah had not noticed before. Sarah could get the chance to rebuke the goblinette about entitling her Milady, but she resolved to do it when the girl returned. For the few moments in which the goblin was gone, Sarah stood and admired herself in the mirror, thinking on what the goblin had said.
It was true. Even in Sarah's own eyes, she looked stunning, and that scared her. On Earth, she had been an average beauty at most, with nothing more than a trim, healthy body to offer. Here, in the Underground, no physical change had taken place, but she glowed with a new something that made her look positively radiant. A noise issued behind her and she found the goblin had returned. She smiled at the creature.
"Now, don't let's say anything, but I took the liberty of relieving the Countess of Rel of this little trinket. I didn't steal it," She assured Sarah quickly, "She won't miss it anyway with all those useless baubles of hers. And besides, I think it would look much better on you, Milady."
Sarah took her opportunity to correct the goblin's mistake. "Look. I think everything is lovely and I appreciate everything you've done for me, but I have to tell you, I'm not a 'Lady' in any sense of the word. I'm just a lowly human whom Jareth happened to know from a long time ago."
A look of horror crossed the girl's face, and she started to whimper. "No, Milady, don't say such things! Someone might overhear and get us all in a massive heap of trouble. You must not tell anyone of your origins, or you, and all involved with you will be put to death!"
"Oh! Whatever was wrong with what I said?"
The girl nibbled her lower lip before replying. "Well, Milady, by royal decree, it's illegal to harbor adult humans in the Underground for more than twenty-four human hours, on the pain of death. And, of course, with Jareth being the High King's son and all, the punishment will be infinitely worse if either of you are discovered. His Highness risks all to keep you here, and it is against the wishes of all of his advisors that he does this. Thankfully even with all of the rumors flying about in court about you, no one seems to have noticed that you are… what you are." The girl smiled.
"His Majesty is really taken with you, I must say." She reached up to fasten the necklace she had liberated from the countess around Sarah's neck, talking as she did so. "As a matter of fact, there is a pool in the servant's quarters about which of the two will win your heart." She leaned around and winked at Sarah. "To tell you the truth, I've put my money on His Majesty, though most of the odds are going against me."
Sarah smiled and replied, "You never know."
The servant laughed inwardly and wondered where all the money would go if Sarah said she was in love with both, and worse yet, what it would do to the two friends competing for her affection.
"All done!" The goblin exclaimed, and moved around her, making little clucks of approval as she went. It was a thin gold and emerald necklace, flat, with alternating panels of gold and emerald. "Perfect!"
Sarah smiled. "Well, I wouldn't say that, but it does look rather nice thanks to your expertise."
"Now just a touch of make-up and you should be fit enough to be High Queen one day."
Sarah raised an eyebrow at that remark but soon had to put it down to accept the translucent color that the goblin added to her face.
"Now, we must hurry, Milady, if you are to make it in any kind of time!"
The servant ran for all she was worth, and Sarah did her best to keep up with her in soft-soled slippers and a dress that was larger and weighed more than Sarah. It wasn't easy but they made it in time, and Sarah made the best entrance that she possibly could have made.
She stepped uneasily into the room, her face schooled to a perfect calm. She pretended to be unaware that every eye had settled on her, but soon forgot everything when she noticed that the room wasn't a room at all. It was a great oval platform, made entirely of a single slab of marble, with just a small back wall. The rest of the room opened up on the most beautiful view Sarah had ever seen. Gardens and forests stretched as far as the eye could see out to a beautiful, clear, blue water that beat on a picturesque white sand beach on the left. To the right, tall, stately, snow-topped mountains imposed their ancient figures on the world. Straight ahead, nothing but farmland filled with graceful beasts that resembled cows with a more refined, delicate air.
The next thing she knew, Sarah found herself leaning over the edge, straining for a better view, but she felt a hand reach out from behind her and claim her before gravity could take its toll and pull her over the edge. The silence struck Sarah as she turned to find everyone in the room staring covertly at her. Ter's hand remained on her shoulder, and caressing her neck gently, he led her over to a chair. As she started to sit, he applied the slightest upward pressure, still smiling at the silent room.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce Lady Sarah." There was still that enraptured silence from before, which was only broken when Raven laughed, and approached her, a jovial look on her face. "I see Jareth wouldn't let you get away with wearing anything but the finest for long, my dear Sarah. Well, fret not! I have more sway than he does in the clothing department, whether he will admit it or not, and I'll make sure you don't have to suffer long." She noticed the necklace roped around Sarah's neck and turned to Ter with a hateful glower.
He had noticed it too and merely shrugged innocently. Then he realized that his sister was subtly leading Sarah away from him and hurried to catch up. She had quite given him a beating yesterday after that little scene in the garden. Raven had, unfortunately, seen the whole thing, and not approved. Then she told him of Jareth's plans to wed the human. When Ter would not concede to leave the girl be, Raven had refused to speak to him, and had maintained her silence the whole morning – longer than they had gone without some sort of contact in all of their lives.
Sarah, after being pulled from Ter's grasp, turned to studying the people in the room. It was a small group indeed: she, Ter, and Raven were the only ones she knew. The rest of them consisted of a huge, burly man with flame red hair and beard and a loud rumbling voice. He was laughingly teasing a spiteful youth with a black scowl on his face. The boy, who was a pale gold all over – down to his amber eyes and corn-silk hair – had a twin with the exact same features altered to meet the demands of a woman's body. The last person in the room was female, but wasn't associating with anyone else and instead sat haughtily in a chair as far as possible from the society of these obvious friends. She was beautiful, no doubt, but cold and Sarah immediately drew her gaze away from the woman.
Raven led her to the closest group of socializing people, which happened to include the bear-looking man. He was introduced as Arne, and as she extended a hand in greetings, he swept her up in a big, dizzying hug and squeezed the air out of her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, lass!" Sarah noticed a thick brogue, and she had to smile. How had a Scottish man made it to the Underground? He then set her down, winking at her, and nudged her with his huge elbow, almost bowling her over. "I hear that you're the one that got the best of Jareth! Well, congratulations! He needed to be humbled a little!"
Sarah couldn't help but liking this man, for who couldn't like someone so decidedly friendly?
Raven turned to the still-sullen boy. Sarah noticed that he was scowling at Ter. She looked askance at Raven, but the woman turned to Arne with a helpless look.
He grinned. "Oh, laddie here is angry at Ter over a woman…" He nudged the boy again, and the boy turned his dark look on Arne.
"When I want someone to know my business, Arne, I'll tell them myself." He turned and kissed Sarah's hand with a desultory air, only slightly relaxing his hateful look. "Ind, ma'am. It's a pleasure."
She looked confusedly at him, a little taken aback. Sarah had realized that Ter was an incredibly handsome Fae, and had guessed that many women had tried their luck with him, but she had had no idea that what that terribly disagreeable woman had said about him might be true. That he would squabble with this youth over any woman was something that shocked her even more. She resolved to be more reserved with her feelings towards Ter, because she did not want her heart broken, and she didn't want to return home, either. However, she couldn't live with either herself or Ter if something happened between them only to be destroyed by another woman. Besides, imagine what Jareth would think…
After a few more minutes of light, inconsequential conversation, Sarah was led over to where Ter chatted up the young blonde girl. Sarah wondered if this was the thing they were fighting over, and if maybe the two pale children weren't twins.
Ter grew quiet as they approached, but then laughed his infectious laugh and held out his hand to Sarah, which she took. "Arie, I would like you to meet Sarah." He grinned at her from underneath his thatch of unruly black curls. One had flung itself away from its companions and hung irritatingly in his face. He kept trying to brush it away but in vain.
Sarah, remembering that this might be another of Ter many love interests, wrenched her hand away from his to offer it to Arie, and the girl daintily took it with a smile. She was quiet in every sense of the word, and bashful to boot. Sarah couldn't help thinking to herself that Teriel was wasting himself on such a cool, timid little thing. He needs a woman with fire and spirit and passion, she thought. And who, echoed a mocking voice inside her that Sarah was beginning to dread, could you possibly be thinking that he needs? Yourself? Ha!
Sarah blocked her out and smiled her most dazzling smile at the young girl, who was sixteen at most. Robbing the cradle, are you Ter? She thought, but yet again, that sarcastic, derisive person answered her thoughts. Very, very jealous, are we Sarah? I mean, you're what? Two years older than her? In my opinion, you're both too young for him… He is, after all, several millennia old. That far outdoes either of you… Then again, we all know my view on the subject now, don't we?
Sarah pushed the thoughts out of her mind and focused on Arie, who at the moment was telling Sarah how much she admired her courage and her beauty. "Well," Sarah said, unable to keep a touch of venom out of her voice, "I guess it's obvious to everyone that my beauty and courage are far surpassed by yours, but I thank you for the immense compliment." She shot Ter a look of contempt as she said this.
Ter, at that moment, was at a loss as to why she was so cold to him all of a sudden. Then he thought about it, and he and his sister realized Sarah's mistake at the same time. Raven, however, beat him to the punch.
"Oh, look! Here's Jareth now! I'm sure he'll want to admire you in your new dress, Sarah! Let's leave Ter and Arie to their discussion and go see him!" She practically drug Sarah away with her, and Ter watched them go, quietly cursing.
"What was that all about, Teriel?" Arie asked, a little stunned at Sarah's anything if not outright hostile greeting.
"Don't worry about it dear. It was a misrepresentation which I intend to fix as soon as possible," he growled, "So don't let it trouble your pretty head. It's not you she's mad at."
As he stalked away, Arie rolled her amber eyes and glanced at Ind, who was stalking towards her. Would she never be rid of hopeless, lovesick men and their desperate inadequacies? Raven would never have Ind, even if Ter did give his consent, which would never happen, so why did he insist on being so ugly about it? Arie had resigned her love of Jareth to an inaccessible place in her heart long ago when she realized that Jareth would never see her as anything more than a little sister. She was determined to teach Ind to do the same.
She watched Jareth's reaction to Sarah very closely as he entered. Just like she had expected, and secretly dreaded, he stopped dead in his tracks, and so lost was he that his normally hard mask of composure was broken and he stared open-mouthed and awed. Arie couldn't help but feel a little pang of jealousy towards this woman – she who commanded not only the exaltation of Ter, which every woman in probably the whole Underground had tried to attain to no success, but also had the affection of the Goblin King. It was this victory that Arie coveted most, for the man she loved, whose cold refusal of love and all of its trials and tribulations had earned him enmity from many bordering provinces since that dreadful incident with Dulsinea was enamored with her. Arie wished that she could possess that spark – that special something that made men fall at Sarah's feet – but knew that that was not her place, and instead comforted Ind as best she could while fighting off her own sadness.
Raven, also, was astounded at Jareth's reaction. Ever since they had been children playing at her father's castle, Jareth had guarded his emotions – especially his tender, vulnerable ones – well. One look at Sarah, her eyes flashing a verdant jungle fire, and the entire smooth, marble exterior melted away like ice during a heat wave. His total and absolute devotion to that woman was laid bare for the whole world to see, and Raven was positive that it was noticed. That is, by everyone except for Sarah, who was staring at her feet and concentrating on not slipping on the stairs or her dress. Raven was sad that the girl didn't see how much Jareth loved her, what he was willing to put on the line for her.
The elfin woman didn't exactly approve of the idea of Jareth marrying a human, that was for sure, but she had experienced such complete love before, and lost it as she hoped Jareth never would. Raven wondered how many nights the Goblin King had laid awake, thinking about this woman, and Raven could almost feel the pull that others obviously felt. It was like a magical calling to like Sarah and Raven truly wanted to obey it, but she guarded her emotions better than anyone did because pain was an all-too-real thing for her.
Raven stopped on the broad, flat step below where Jareth stood, still unable to collect himself, and Sarah stopped with her, but a powerful emotion the likes of which Sarah had never felt before, flooded over her, and she found she was unable to look up. It probably was for the best that she didn't, however, because her image of the haughty Goblin King would have been shattered forever at this tongue-tied boy with his mouth working soundlessly and his heart in his eyes. Conversation around the room stopped, and Sarah was aware that every person was watching this little drama unfold – some, a little jealously, others with a happy smile, and one never looked up, only stared forward with a proud countenance – and still she couldn't move her eyes. Her heart kept beating faster and louder, and she thought for a minute that everyone in the room had silenced because of the thunderous booming, but that was ridiculous, and she soon dismissed the idea.
Jareth still hadn't said anything and the tension began to build, but before it could impress itself on everyone and ruin the light-hearted morning, something happened. The Goblin King slowly reached out a hand – as though afraid he might scare her into running from him if he made any sudden moves – and parted the silky cascades of ebony hair that hid Sarah's face. Still moving as though afraid of shattering her, he placed three fingers underneath her chin and slowly lifted her face towards his. Still, she averted her eyes and unconsciously licked her lips, unaware of the effect it had on him. With his fingers still resting underneath her chin, he led her up to the step he was on, unable to take his eyes off her face. He lost all sense of anyone else in the room – all he knew was Sarah, and that moment.
Without realizing he was doing it, he whispered "Sarah…"
She finally looked up, but before she could turn her eyes elsewhere, they were focused on his and she was lost. All she knew was his touch on her suddenly warm skin, and his changeling eyes staring into hers with all the earnestness she had ever hoped to see in anyone's eyes. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, she felt his fingers guiding her face towards his, and she was powerless to resist – locked into eyes so deep and full of emotion you could drown in them. That first touch of his firm lips against hers was electrifying – just a brush that sent every butterfly that had been fluttering around her stomach up to buffet her heart. He drew back and looked into her eyes, almost as if asking permission. Too full of emotion to speak, she simply closed the gap between them, touching her lips to his again. If this is the way it's going to feel every time, Sarah thought, then I don't ever want to stop. Then she lost the capacity for thought as he began to deepen the kiss, and she made no move to resist him.
"Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho!" She heard Arne exclaim, and pulled back self-consciously, blushing furiously. Jareth only grinned down at her, making her color even more feverishly.
"Good morning to you too," He said, still smiling.
The silence stretched almost paper thin, and then broke out into a lively, determined burst of conversation. Sarah was able to unglue her feet from the floor, and everyone proceeded to the table with thoughts only for the delectable aromas lifting up from the freshly-laid trays. Lids were removed and wonderful-smelling breads and pastries and fruits were laid out for their dining pleasure. Sarah sat gingerly in the chair that Ter pulled out for her, conscious of her heartbeat and the thousands of yards of fabric constricting her movement.
Instantly she was accosted by the delicious sights and scents that came at her from all sides, and wasn't aware until it was too late that she was seated between Jareth and Ter. The silent woman made no move to join them, but only continued to look on. Sarah also noticed that no one else paid heed to her, and decided to ask Raven about her later. She ate as daintily as possible, remembering that every bite was a potential extra pound and also what her real mother had taught her about high-class eating, and was most mortified when she nearly spilled strawberry tart all over her dress. Thankfully, no one had noticed that.
Jareth and Ter decidedly ignored each other the whole meal, and Ter ignored Ind's attempts at engagement, which left only Sarah for Ter to converse with. This, however, inflamed Jareth to no end, and so the rest of the table had to suffer for the whole morning as the two men competed for her attention. Of course, she had to suffer too, because through it all that nagging woman kept making hateful, degrading comments to Ter and equally pouring out honeyed observations of Jareth's good points, both physical and mental. Of course, this made Sarah blush furiously when she had no call to.
When it looked like Ter and Jareth were ready to come to blows over her, Raven stepped in and begged Sarah to join her for a ride through the surrounding country. Sarah accepted instantly, and before it was over, no one ended up staying behind.
While the ladies went to get dressed, Jareth rescheduled all of his appointments for a later time and Arne, Ter and Ind went to saddle the horses. Domesticated mounts were not to be had in the Underground. For some reason their young would not kindle – many supposed it was the magic in the air – and therefore all of Jareth's stables were stocked with fine young animals bought off an enterprising Fae who had taken up residence Aboveground just for such purposes as selling them to rich immortals.
When everyone reconvened at the front gates at a later time – the Countess's necklace having been discreetly returned without incident – there were several horses awaiting them including an Arabian, a Thoroughbred, an Andalusian, a Tennessee Walker, two quarter horses and one huge Cleveland Bay all standing munching grass patiently. Sarah was delighted, for wasn't it she who had taken riding lessons since she was six in the vain hopes of one day owning a horse? And wasn't it she who stole the idea of Ellen Tree from the book Little Women? That branch was still saddled in their backyard as far as Sarah knew.
Raven had informed her earlier that she would have a horse brought for her, but it would not be hers. At Sarah's query, Raven replied that all horses in the Underground were bred specifically to their master's temperament. Sarah's would be lacking in the sensitive responsiveness of the other horses, but still a fine animal. She patiently waited until everyone else selected his or her personalized mount, and found her own not to be lacking.
Jareth chose the beautiful Arabian, as unpredictable and full of spirit as his master, and as fiery red as the setting sun. That long tail flickered behind it like a banner over a hard-won battlefield, spotless white socks flashing as it reared. Ter chose the Andalusian, as completely black and mysterious as its master. It was a small horse, trim, sleek and built for speed, and it gnashed its teeth in challenge at Jareth's stallion, which was also small, as desert horses tended to be. The two pale yellow quarter horses went to Ind and Arie, as Sarah expected because they were by far the most docile of the group. Raven picked the Tennessee Walker, a larger, more subdued, chestnut version of Jareth and Teriel's stallions. The Cleveland Bay looked like the only one suitable to hold Arne, so Sarah deftly mounted the dark grey Thoroughbred, feeling its thick muscles ripple beneath her knees. It sidestepped anxiously and tossed its head at her touch, but was not arrogant and challenging like Ter and Jareth's stallions.
There was a burning excitement in Sarah's chest and all she wanted to do was race across the fields, feeling the thunder of her horse's hooves beneath her. "Are we ready?" She asked breathlessly, casting a quick glance at everyone else.
A collective nod came from the group and before Sarah could stop herself, she kicked her stallion into a high gallop, astonishing everyone as a primal shout of joy tore from her chest. One and all glanced blankly at each other before following her, Jareth and Ter chasing desperately to catch up while the rest of the group set off at a slower pace, Arie and Raven exchanging knowing looks over Ind's head. The two male Fae quickly overtook Sarah as she raced along as fast as she could – unaware of anything but the complete bond between her and the horse.
With Ter on her right and Jareth on her left, she ran as far as she could, racing down broad, flat, dusty country roads that slowly deteriorated into small, winding trails. Tall trees began to spring up around her in ones and twos and soon in whole stands until she was surrounded on both sides by a dense forest of ancient vegetation. The open track quickly became narrower until only a small animal trail remained of it. There was no room for two to ride abreast, and the perilous footing forced her to slow her pace until it was a lazy canter.
The thickening trees began to blot out the sun and a light chill entered the air. Sarah shivered and looked around her, but there was no sign of her companions. She tried to rein in her horse and wait for them, but he ignored her command and picked up the pace, making it impossible for her to dismount safely. An icy tendril of fear wrapped itself around her heart and a sense of wrongness overcame her. Something was incredibly amiss, and the Thoroughbred sensed it.
"Nothing's wrong, Sarah." A voice whispered in her ear, and Sarah barely managed to keep in her saddle. She was growing to hate the woman who suddenly appeared riding behind her. "I just thought you'd like some company."
"I wouldn't mind any company but yours," Sarah snarled, unable to contain her rage at this being intruding on her innermost thoughts, "so please leave my friends and me be."
The woman's hand snaked into Sarah's hair and wrapped fingers into it like the talons of an eagle latching onto its prey. Wrenching back painfully, the woman looked deep into Sarah's eyes and snarled a reply. "No matter whose company you might desire, Sarah. You are stuck with me for a long, long time. And I advise you, my dear, to be kinder to me, or you might regret it."
Enraged at being held captive and being unable to control her horse, which was still running at a precarious pace through the woods, Sarah tried to wrest her head from the woman's grasp to no avail and spat back a reply. "I'll never be more kind to you than you deserve!" She tried more desperately to struggle out of the woman's grasp and regain control of her horse, reaching behind her and grasping whatever she could get hold of, but still without result. The woman, whose name Sarah still didn't know, bashed her in the back of the head with an unknown object, and Sarah saw stars dance before her eyes and her vision dimmed.
Sarah immediately went limp. She knew when she'd been defeated. There was no escaping this creature who was neither human nor quite beast. "What do you want of me?" She asked, gritting her teeth against the pain and the sick feeling of blood running down the back of her head and matting into her hair.
"What do you think I want, Sarah? I want to watch you cower in some small, dark corner of your mind while I take control. I want to claim Jareth as you never will. I want to watch this world crumble beneath us both as it has been destined to do. And I cannot possibly do that without Jareth's precious little human, now can I?"
Sarah had no reply to that. She had known somehow that there was something dark inside her, even when she was back Aboveground, but she had thought that to be depression. Now a cold sensation started to crawl up Sarah's spine. What had she unleashed?
Having invaded Sarah's thoughts as easily as she always had, the Woman hissed an answer, "I am one of the nine, Sarah. The most powerful of us all, they only await my return to smote this world, to destroy it. But as there must always be a balance, as there can be no evil without good, I had to find a host that would accept me. Now all I am doing is lying in wait for the time when all nine of us will rise up and ride the winds of destruction again. For now, you can play your little games, but don't forget that I am always watching…"
Suddenly, Sarah' frightened mount burst through the vegetation onto a stretch of pristine white sand and warm sunlight. With the creature gone again, Sarah felt used in a way that she couldn't even describe to herself, and reined in her panting horse to look for her companions.
An indeterminate amount of time passed between Sarah's arriving at the beach and her friends catching up to her. It may have been a minute or it may have been an hour, but she knew that they were afraid for her the moment she saw their eyes.
Jareth's red Arabian, its white socks spattered with mud and decaying plant material, raced up and the Goblin King jumped from the saddle, leaving the horse to slow down at its own pace. He grabbed Sarah, who felt like she was in a trance, and pulled her from her mount. "Sarah, Sarah, are you okay? What happened? One minute you were riding along with us and the next… I couldn't find where you'd gone! I was so worried!" He looked deep into her eyes, but they were glazed and unfocused.
Ter rode up at that instant and leaped from his horse, reaching for her as Jareth had done.
Sarah couldn't bring herself to concentrate on anything, and somehow stuttered out a mechanical response: "I – I don't know… I guess the horse got spooked."
Ter who had been staring at her, panting, reached out and touched the back of her head. She winced. "Sarah. You're bleeding. Are you sure you're alright?"
She reached up absently and touched the back of her head where she'd been hit. She brought her hand back to look at it and bright red blood coated her fingertips. "I don't know," she replied, slowly coming back to herself, "I must've gotten hit in the head when the horse took off." She looked up at them with a lost and innocent look.
Jareth and Ter's hearts melted at the same moment, and they both probably would've reached to kiss her had the others not crashed through the brush at the same moment. Raven's usually neat black hair was messy, her violet eyes emitting sparks, and her mouth spitting such foul curses that any sailors within hearing would have blushed. She had leaves and twigs caught in her hair and clothing, and her sword was out, obviously having been used to hack at the weeds.
"How in the name of all the Gods did you manage to get through there? Those blasted vines nearly choked me!" She rode up, with a slightly scared Ind and Arie at her heels. "What's wrong? Sarah, why are you bleeding?"
Sarah blinked and shook herself. "Nothing, Raven. My horse spooked and my head hit a branch. I'm fine, just a little shaken up." She looked around at the group before continuing, "Say, where's Arne?"
"Here!" The great man shouted, his horse lumbering towards them. "And I brought lunch!" Indeed, he had huge saddle bags that emitted a wondrously delicious aroma, and the tell-tale click of dishware.
As everyone else rushed off to help with the food, Sarah blinked. She wondered what had come over her to make her lie to Jareth and Ter. She shrugged and went to round up the horses, which had wandered off. She found her Thoroughbred cheerfully munching the fruit that had fallen from a tree to the south of the beach. He cooperated with her, and she led him back to where Arne and Jareth had set up a small picnic area, complete with a small dining table, floating chandeliers and servants. She looked askance at Raven, who only shook her head in a defeated way and indicated that it was Jareth and Ter's doing. Indeed, they each seemed to be trying to outdo the other with their magical extravagance.
Sarah tied the grey up slightly downwind of the others and went to look for Jareth and Ter's stallions, which had disappeared. A quick search of the beach in the direction they had run turned up nothing. She heard a soft whicker, and turned to see the bright red rump of Jareth's stallion vanish into the foliage. She noticed that she was a good distance away from her companions, and was hesitating to enter the dark woods when the beast whinnied softly again, and she followed it.
The creature led her further into the woods, always staying just at the edge of her vision. Every time she sped up to catch it, it would increase its speed as well, and every time she would be caught on a branch or stuck in brambles the horse would stop and wait patiently for her to extricate herself. It led Sarah far back into the woods, where a meadow sprawled lazily before her, dotted with flowers.
The horse trotted to the middle of the field where it settled down next to Ter's stallion, and both of them lazed about, unconscious of the world around them. She slowly approached, afraid to spook them, until she was inches away from the beautiful red creature. Standing there, she admired its glistening red coat and its soft, dark eyes. Ter's horse had a curious air about him, and flicked his ears at her several times, stretching his neck so he could get closer to her. Both of them radiated majesty and power, just like their masters.
She slowly extended her arm towards the red horse, her fingers trembling with desire to touch it and a little trepidation. She leaned closer, and closer still, unaware of anything but the horse. And she was right – the velvety softness of its nose was indescribable, and it complacently let her caress it with the tips of her fingers.
"His name is Aikanaro. It's Elvish. It means 'hell fire'."
Sarah jumped at the voice and spun around, barely suppressing a scream. Jareth stood at the edge of the meadow, an abashed smile on his face.
"I saw you going off into the woods and I didn't know where you were going. I thought I'd follow you just to make sure you were safe."
Sarah's heart was still pounding in her chest, and she stuttered out, "I-I was rounding up the horses. You just let them wander off and I didn't think you'd wanna search for them later."
Jareth shook his head and laughed, walking up to where she was standing. "No, that should have been the least of your worries, Sarah. These horses know to come when called." He turned to Aikanaro and patted his neck. "Isn't that right, old boy?" Sarah watched as Jareth continued to lovingly rub the stallion, and she swore its eyes narrowed in almost cat-like pleasure.
Calmer now, she asked, "And what's his name?" She indicated the black horse staring at them attentively.
"Him? He was named Osse, after the Elvish God of Storms. Doesn't he just look it, too?"
Sarah admired the stallions again, thinking that their names fit them almost perfectly. Jareth settled down on the grass between the two horses, sharing his attentions between the two. Sarah joined him after a few seconds, and began to run her fingers lightly over the rippling muscles of both horses.
"Ind's horse," he continued, "Is Herenya Sul, meaning 'lucky wind'. Arie's is Elle Aina Arddun, which translates roughly into 'little holy beauty'. Arne's Clydesdale is Coia Serke, which means 'life blood'. He never would explain to us why that name fit his horse so well, but the beast didn't seem to mind it too much. Raven's, the dear old brute is Orome, after the Elvish God of Battle."
Sarah sighed as she continued to stroke Osse behind the ears, and said, "The Elves are such beautiful people: they have a beautiful language, beautiful lands, beautiful minds and beautiful souls. It's a wonder they're not Gods."
Jareth was preparing to reply angrily when he remembered that Sarah was a mortal, and didn't know the history of the underground. "Sarah, what are you saying? Do you know nothing of the Underground?"
Sarah shook her head. "Only what I saw when I was last here, Jareth, and that wasn't too informative. Why do you ask?"
"Sarah, the Elves are not beautiful. Yes, they had beautiful bodies, wondrous gardens and palaces beyond all imagining, and some of the finest and most breathtaking songs, jewelry, and clothing, but somewhere deep down inside them, there was a disease. It corrupted their minds and rotted their souls. They were the rulers of the Underground for a long time, Sarah. By the time the people of this world woke up to what was happening around them, it was too late. The Elves, in their quest for power and total domination had enslaved those they had once ruled. Fey and Goblin and Ghoul and Dragon toiled side by side in the mud and the muck, with no hope for any future but the hell they were living in.
"It became too much for us all, and the peoples revolted. But of all the races that did fight, the Fey battled hardest. We are distant cousins of the Elves, Sarah, and as their relatives, we felt their crimes all too deeply. When the days were at their darkest and it seemed that our Masters would crush us for good and for all, a Great Alliance was formed. The Fey, the Dragons, the Merpeople, the Pixies and the Dwarves all joined together in an effort to fight the Elves. It was a long war, and many died because of it. When all was said and done, the Elves were driven back and penned between the Serke Mountain Ranges and Arrn Ocean. It has been many, many years since they were exiled, and should any of them have survived they still live in the far reaches of the mountains."
"In the aftermath of the war, there was a cry from among the different peoples for a new type of government – one that would allow all races a voice in the law. That's when the council was formed. Each specific nation would have its own government, which would in turn answer to the council. The council consists of two representatives from each kingdom, which, regardless of race or creed, speak for their kingdom as a whole, as well as fifteen speakers, each of which comes from the fifteen different races of the world, and speak for the wellbeing of their race, rather than their nation. All of this is presided over by the High King, which is a direct descendant of Darron, a Fey hero of the Elvish War. He was my great-grandfather, which puts me in line for the throne of the High King, when my father retires his seat. And when I produce an heir, they will be put in charge of the Goblin Kingdom, as I was when I was a boy, and will follow me onto the High King's seat. Thus the balance is maintained."
Sarah blinked. She'd had no idea that there had ever been wars in the Underground. She had always naively believed that all of the kingdoms had existed in peace and harmony as far back as the beginning of time. Now she knew differently.
"I'm sorry, Jareth, for saying what I said, then. I didn't know what the Elves truly were, but now I do. I have a question, though."
"Hmm?" He answered absentmindedly as he stood up and brushed the grass from his breeches.
"If the Elves are so hated, then why do you know Elvish?"
Jareth laughed and extended a hand to help Sarah up from the ground. "All Fey know Elvish, Sarah, from the tiniest toddler to the oldest rambler. It is ingrained in us, and comes as naturally as breathing. We refrain from speaking it, for the most part, because it offends other races that are still very sensitive over the Elvish War."
Sarah had no reply to that, so she accepted his hand and pulled herself up. It was warm and dry, and even after she stood up, it held onto hers. She found she couldn't look up into his eyes, but stared at their intertwined fingers. She felt like she had to say something.
"Jareth, I…" She looked up at him and couldn't finish, for her mouth was instantly claimed by his. Heat burned through her whole body, and she felt herself responding to his kiss. Her arms snaked up and latched around his neck, and she vaguely felt his wrapping around her waist. It was as if electricity was flowing from his mouth into her body, and she thrilled with it.
Sarah's knees grew weak, and she silently thought, 'Traitors…' and she collapsed against the Goblin King's muscled chest. Somewhere deep in the back of her mind, a cold voice cackled triumphantly, and Sarah stopped, pulling back.
"What's wrong?" Jareth asked, his heart pounding in his chest and his hands itching to touch her silky skin just once more.
"Nothing," Sarah replied breathlessly, "But don't you think we should be getting back? I'm sure the others are worried about us."
"I suppose," he answered reluctantly, and followed her as she headed back towards the beach.
Their companions had indeed been searching for them, and were relieved when both emerged unharmed from the woods. Arne, who was the first of the companions they met, blinked once to see them together, then smiled a knowing smile and laughed. Sarah couldn't help but blush, and immediately started talking, trying to explain why she and Jareth were alone in the woods together. Her words spilled out of her mouth much too quickly for the calm image she was trying to create, however.
"I went off searching for the horses because I didn't think that anyone would want to search for them later and I found them in a field. Jareth came up and told me their names and when I said that I thought Elves were beautiful creatures he explained about the Elvish War and how the government in the Underground works now. And then he explained why all Fey know Elvish and I said we should be getting back and we left." Even to her it sounded lame.
"It's okay, lassie. I understand, but let's be getting back before the food gets cold, eh? You wouldn't be wanting me to shrivel up now, would you?"
Sarah shook her head with a smile and took a deep, steadying breath.
When they arrived back at the beach, most of the extravagance had been removed, and only the food remained, spread out on the extravagant tablecloth that had covered the table previously. Raven stood over everything, nodding. "I took the time while you were away to send all of the excess back. Now we have a nice picnic and no butlers. She shot a look at Jareth and Sarah would have sworn she saw him blush.
"Now that we're all here," Raven said, "Let's eat."
They ate their light lunch, and most of their entertainment came from Jareth and Ter, who told funny stories of their time with the soldiers during the Long Night's War. Stories of incompetent commanders, cowardly troops and horrid eating kept the others laughing, but all Sarah could do was pick at her food. After everyone was finished, the food was magicked back into Arne's saddle bags, and as everyone prepared to leave, Osse and Aikanaro galloped up and stood, waiting patiently for their masters, who mounted them accordingly. Sarah, who was about to mount her own stallion, turned to Jareth and said, "Jareth, you never told me the name of my horse."
Jareth opened his mouth to reply, but Ter beat him to it. "His name used to be Rien A Aeglos, which is roughly translates into 'crown of snowthorns'. However, when his mistress disappeared, it became N'Uma Esse, which means 'no name'. I'm sure Dulsinea wouldn't've had it any other way."
Jareth hung his head, and refused to speak to anyone the rest of the ride back. When they arrived at the castle, he dismounted and walked silently to his room, after which no one could bring him out.
Sarah shook her head and went to her own chambers, where she found an entire wardrobe waiting for her, and a small goblin accompanying it. Sarah hung her head. "I supposed I have to go through this?"
The goblin girl nodded, and Sarah set to it, brooding over Jareth's sudden withdrawal, but happy with the cut and design of her new clothes. As she directed the goblin on changes that needed to be made to the various garments, that familiar voice whispered, "You're settling in quite nicely, Sarah. You could almost be queen the way you're ordering that goblin around. Are you sure you won't reconsider being High Queen?"
Sarah bit her lip, determinedly ignoring the voice, and continued to direct the goblinette.
Good God, it's done! That's kinda scary. Oh well. Now that I'm back into writing, the story should progress smoothly from here on out. I can't wait to finish the next chapter. Hope you enjoyed!