Training and Dating Part 2
Training everyday had been taxing on Sarah. The travel between realms was tiring enough, but to have to learn about which spoon was appropriate for which meal reminded her of why she hated cotillion. So far the dining aspect of the training seemed rather remedial. It seemed more like a refresher course with a twist. She was not allowed to sit until Oberon had made his toast, and sat.
Another thing that she learned was that she would be served all manners of dishes, old platters would be removed and new ones served. "How do I make them stop serving me?" Sarah asked. "Simple, when you are finished eating for the evening, turn your plate upside down. I made that mistake at my first ball, and had indigestion all night. It is of great offense to leave food on your plate untouched." Titana answered.
"And you must stay with Jareth from the time you arrive, dine with him and also have at least danced the first two dances with him. You are technically not married, but as you know are already considered Queen of the Goblins by the Labyrinth and it's citizens. The more you are seen with its king, the better." Sarah dropped her spoon in a fit of anger. "Look, lady! I am just a simple girl, with simple wants and needs. I didn't ask to be thrown into this mess. All these years, we haven't even spoken to each other. Now he needs me and I am completely unprepared for this next 'adventure.'"
Titiana took no offense, and kept sipping her tea. "My dear, that is neither here nor there. It is all for the greater good of the people we are in charge of. You have done the best you can over the years, don't think those in my realm have not noticed. You care a great deal for those creatures, and won their loyalty when no one else has. As for Jareth, what's done is done. He must live with the consequences of his choices. Do not think I am too happy with his recent actions." Sarah couldn't help but smirk at that.
"So after the first two dances, can anyone just grab me and force me to dance?" She asked. "No. Rule of etiquette deems one of two are allowed. If you stand at Jareth's side, and he holds a favor of yours on his person, openly where it can be seen, the individual must ask him for permission to ask you to dance. The favor can be anything you want. If Jareth does not hold a favor from you, then they are free to ask you directly."
Sarah pondered for a moment. "Well, is he free to dance with whomever, or is the woman the only one this applies to?" The queen laughed. "No. You do not need to hold anything of his, because no matter what every female must come and ask you for the right to dance with him." With that both women began to laugh.
Sarah went home that night, tired and sore. Part of the night was studying ballroom etiquette, and the rest of the night studying magic. Titana would began teaching her how to use the glamour spells, when to conserve energy, and how to transport. Jareth took it upon himself to teach her to focus on combat spells mostly, and a few tricks she might need to conserve energy. They knew they did not have much time, and her energy would be quickly depleted if she used too much too soon.
When she arrived at home each night, she tried to convince herself that all she needed was a long bath, and a shot of whatever was in her cabinet to get a good night's sleep. As usual, she checked her messages. Karen, Karen, Dad, Jasmine…
"Hey Sarah. It's Stephen. I hope I am not calling too late. I just wanted to let you know I will be flying in this weekend. I'll be staying at the Royal Palace. I was hoping to take you to dinner, if you don't have any plans. Call me at…" She quickly checked the time he called, and the time it was now. She quickly picked up the phone, and dialed.
Three rings later, and he answered.
"Hello"
"Hello, yourself. Sorry I was in the shower, and hoped you were still awake. Did I disturb you?"
"No. Not at all. I am pulling an all-nighter myself."
"Sounds about right, I am sure Daddy is driving Karen up the wall right about now."
"Well, I don't know much about that, last I spoke to her she had made sure to let me know that I was invited to Thanksgiving dinner. She made sure to tell me how much you wanted me there, and I should try your world famous pie."
"She did, now did she?"
"Oh, yes. She said that you were very shy, and did not want to seem too forward by inviting me yourself. "
"Why that conniving woman! Why she doesn't have a job like a normal person, I'll never know."
"She even offered me a guest room."
"She WHAT?! They don't have a guest room. Just my old room upstairs. I knew she left me off the hook to soon when I said I couldn't make it over there."
"Look, I am not going to intrude on your family's dinner. I just wanted to give you a heads up, as a fellow target in Karen's scheme's. I find it rather offensive that she thinks a grown man doesn't know how to court a beautiful woman like yourself properly. I also find it insulting that she feels you are too naive to see a good catch when you see one." He laughed to himself.
"You got that right!...Hey! I take offense to that mister. But yes, I agree. Karen needs to pay. She has meddled for the last time. Stephen, how would you feel about a little payback?"
"I would love it!"
"I Sarah Williams, formally invite you to have thanksgiving dinner with my family, as my escort, I expect us to arrive promptly at my parents house at 2 pm. When you get into town, I know a restaurant where we can go over the details of my plans. I just have one question. How far are you willing to go to extract a little revenge?"
Stephen laughed on the other end, and after five more minutes of good natured joking they both said goodnight. Sarah finally turned in, she layed down and tucked her hair behind her ears. She sighed, quietly, and began playing with the pointy tips of her ears.
She began to concentrate, she felt exhausted, but didn't give up. Finally, she felt the tip of her ears begin to round in a normal human shape. Tears began to flow down her face, her lips quivered into a sad smile, and she slowly drifted off to sleep.
Sarah is very busy these days. Karen has also been very busy. I wonder what Jareth has been up to? And where did all the goblins go? They have been extremely quiet. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. There is more to come. Any special request will be taken into consideration.
