Sarah really should have known better. She felt so out of place and bored. An old college roommate had gotten married today. Sarah drove four hours to attend. Of course, she would have brought a date had she known the newlyweds had been too stingy to invite most of the people she knew from her college days. What a terrible let down. She was looking forward to seeing some people from her former life. She didn't have it in her to schmooze with the other wedding guests just yet either. She needed a few drinks for that.
Besides, most guests had taken off to the reception venue while the wedding party went for pictures. What else was she supposed to do with the nearly two hours until then? Cursing her lack of foresight,she decided a visit with some old friends would help. So, she went back to the church bathroom with the floor length mirror. Taking a minute to adjust the sleeves and hem to her dusty pink mini dress, she scanned the room for anyone else. There wasn't a soul in sight. Then, after saying her right words, Sarah stepped through the mirror and vanished.
A draught of that florally stuff that Hoggle home brewed in his little shack of a cottage would be lovely she thought while taking her first high heeled step Underground. What was Didymus calling it that had her in a fit of giggles last time? Oh, yes. The Hypomnesia Hootch. She smiled at the memory. Sarah was a sucker for alliteration.
Up ahead the dwarf was bent over some patch of vegetation.
"Hiya, Hoggle!" Sarah knowingly spooked him with the interruption. The dwarf jumped in fright as she tried to hide a mischievous grin.
"Blasted banshees, Sarah! I nearly soiled myself there."
"Sorry to frighten you. I know we have plans for Tuesday, but I figured you wouldn't mind if I swung by."
He eyed her heels and outfit shrewdly. "You a bit overdressed for a social call."
"Yes, it does seem that way."
She sighed before continuing, "That wedding I mentioned a few weeks back? Well, it's today. I didn't realize that I wouldn't really know anyone there. I figured you wouldn't mind that I pop in for a visit before the wedding dinner and reception. I mean, I could use a little of that home brew of yours to overcome the awkwardness of it all.", she suggested.
"And I did miss you, by the way." She added with a grin.
How could Hoggle resist? Especially when she smiled so sweetly at him.
"Well, since ya mentions it, I do have something new in the works that I been meaning to imbibe a thimbleful or two of."
"That's perfect then! I hope it's as good as that Hypomnesia stuff!"
After showing her the new "stuff" and filling their second round, Hoggle was adamant that Sarah see where he discovered the latest main ingredient.
"Yous got to see it! They only bloom every other decade, ya know. And the nectar in them is already as potent as a gorgon's wink!" Hoggle continued his rambling as he led the way through the trees. Sarah did her best to keep up. This unexpected forest walkabout was a struggle in heels. Not to mention the effects of the little miracle brew was already beginning to kick in. She followed along all the same.
"...it's the end of the season, but you'll still love to see it. You need to give the raw nectar a taste too. I'm just pleased I got to most of it before those glittered up winged bastards did. It's just around this bend here."
Unfortunately, this was where fate and perhaps the power of the "jinx" came into play. Said winged bastards were having their fill of the flora when the two friends approached.
Then all Hell broke loose.
oOo
"Why didn't we bring your damn fairy sprayer?! Those stupid little vermin!" Sarah shrieked in exasperation as she stumbled out from amongst the foliage with one high heel dangling in each hand. The shoes may have been a pain in the ass to walk in, but they sure came in handy when the swarm of heathens struck.
She let out a grumble that sounded suspiciously like "fucking fairies" before checking out the damages. Her dress was mottled with a mixture of green and purple stains. Blotches of glitter and bits of vegetation covered her as well. Not to mention the little bite marks along her calves and forearms. Was that blood too? She couldn't go to the reception in this state.
"Dammit, Hoggle." Sarah muttered while limping her way into the clearing. That dress wasn't exactly affordable.
Except where was Hoggle,anyway?
It didn't take long to find him. Standing no further than twenty feet ahead, she noticed that he wasn't alone. Hoggle's back was to her. A figure dressed in tight black breaches and an open slightly less black shirt stood before the dwarf. And that particular recognizable figure was looking straight at her.
Yes, Hoggle was with Him. The Goblin King. Of course it was. And of course he saw her stumble out. Her amiability with him was already precarious enough. And the fairies had already killed her buzz. Sarah was still undecided if this was a good or bad thing given her new twist in circumstances.
Maybe she got lucky and he didn't see the entire episode with the fairies play out.
The glimmer in his eyes may have said otherwise.
"And here I thought your battles were exclusive to goblins and sovereigns." He said before approaching her from the otherside of the dwarf. It seemed Hoggle wasn't worthy of further attention.
Taking a few seconds during his approach to scan her, he then reached forward and withdrew something caught in her hair before she could respond. It pulled on the strands for a heartbeat as Sarah winced from the brief pain.
"It seems you've branched out." He added while holding the small limb up.
"How funny you are, Your Majesty." She deadpanned before massaging her scalp.
"I beg to differ, my dear. You and your inane companion seem to have monopolized the market when it comes to entertainment. Though I do question your wardrobe choice in this endeavor."
Sarah gave a shaky mock curtsy in response. One heel still held in each hand. She'd become mature enough not to fall so quick to bickering with him over the years, but she had to do something to satisfy her pride.
His eyes held amusement as they glanced over her. He chose to overlook the antic.
"I doubt that number will hold up to many more encounters like that. It's not the wisest garment of choice for nectar harvesting, I should think."
"No, you're right about that. Speaking of, I've got my own problems to figure out now. If you'll excuse me..." Sarah said quickly before brushing past the monarch towards Hoggle.
She was completely mortified. She couldn't let him know it either. Naturally, that just made it even worse. The best thing to do was get out of there fast. Maybe she could go back to the hotel room. There was an olive green sundress in her suitcase that could work. It was nowhere near as formal. And she would definitely lose the edge she was hoping to have. Might garner a few looks down some long noses, but anything was better than her current embarrassment.
"Hoggle, we'll have to regroup later. Hopefully, before Tuesday!" Sarah rushed as she gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
Still slightly intimidated by the king's presence, Hoggle gathered his courage to respond, "Oh, Sarah. You looked pretty as a princess! Now look at the state of ya!"
She was only half listening as she discreetly checked her silver wrist watch mid shoulder pat.
"Oh hell, I've got to be at that wedding reception in less than a half hour! Hoggle, I really need to jet, but-"
Feeling further shame and disappointment in himself he loudly continued, "It's all my fault! I'm a terrible friend to have. I shoulda never gotten you into that situation!" His head was cast down.
A sigh of exasperation could be heard from somewhere in the background.
Though in a rush, Sarah couldn't overlook the hurt in her friend's voice. Kneeling down the best she could considering the dress and bite marks, Sarah put her other hand on his opposite shoulder.
Someone nearby may have let out a grumble of disgust, or perhaps jealousy, at the scene.
"Don't feel that way. You know you're still my friend. A little territory battle with those pipsqueaks isn't going to ruin that. Besides, those flowers were beautiful. Mission accomplished, right? And, you got to the main harvest of the nectar before they did. That sounds like a win in my book."
She chuckled before continuing.
"If my outfit paid the price for that, then it's well worth it. I don't really need to go to that stupid wedding anyway."
The Goblin King was midway through rolling his eyes when her last words piqued his interest. He knew an opportunity when it arose.
"A wedding, you say?" He interrupted curiously. "Why ever should you be denied presence in a celebration?"
"It's really not that big of a deal."
The Goblin King extended a gloved hand towards the still kneeling woman.
"Come, Sarah. We can't find a solution to this dilemma with you down there."
She hesitated before letting him assist her to her feet. He dusted off her nearest shoulder while she tried to ignore the warm tingles the actions brought on.
It was Hoggle's turn to roll his eyes. Everyone knew Jareth had an interest in Sarah. Well, maybe not Sarah so much. He didn't even want to go there. The boys had never brought it up in conversation with her. Thankfully, she hadn't either.
The king tilted his head slightly to the side as he examined her a bit more.
"Hogwank, I believe I'm feeling quite generous. Perhaps from the earlier entertainment."
He glanced towards the dwarf.
"I believe our Cinderella here will be attending the ball."
Now it was Sarah rolling her eyes at the allusion.
"Really, it's just the marriage of my college roommate from Sophomore year. I really can take care-"
"Nonsense. Before that recent turn of events, I'm sure you looked quite splendid. Not that your current accessories don't lend a", he paused to look her over once more, "...certain appeal."
An eyebrow arched and a wicked smile appeared before he continued,"I doubt you would go to such lengths if this occasion was that meaningless to you. Why else would you wear those heels if not to make a statement?"
"Wha…" She was shocked at his insight. And yet, still slightly mortified. Should she really be surprised by his wardrobe analysis? Maybe she did want to show her former roommate that she was looking great. Feeling fantastic in fact. So what if everything in her life didn't fall into place like the brides did, right? So what if Sarah didn't live in a half a million dollar house or drive a Lexus. Didn't have a hot emotionally stable fiance. Well, make that husband now. Her 4-Runner was fine. Her apartment was fine. Her current lack of a love life was fine.
Dammit all to Hell. The Goblin King was good.
"Yes, it's settled. I will be benevolent on this occasion, my dear. Let's restore you to your former glory before we attend this wedding."
With the flash of a thrown crystal, Sarah felt as if a warm breath were blowing across her entire body. In moments she was restored to her former, prefairy attack, glory. Well, nearly. A few of the nastier bites still remained as small blemishes. Easily overlooked in the dim lighting of a wedding reception though.
Sarah soon caught herself before getting too involved in the moment. He said "we". She was certain he had.
"Gob-"
"You have my permission to use my given name." He interrupted before looking towards Hoggle.
"Return to your dwelling. Or better yet, take care of that infestation in the Cruellery Bushes, Hagwar."
"If you do anything to upset Sarah, I'll-"
"I'll see to it that Sarah is well taken care of." He interrupted. With a snap of his fingers, Hoggle had disappeared.
"Was that really necessary?"
Sarah was still incredulous at the swift turn in events.
"Oh, yes, Sarah. It certainly was. Now, if we leave soon, we can make that reception on time."
"Wait, what? No…"
"Ah, you prefer a fashionably late arrival? We can grab some cock-"
"No! No, I'm good."
They made eye contact then. That tingly feeling rising once more. She sighed relenting.
"Goblin King. I mean, Jareth. Are you sure about this? Wouldn't it make things a bit weird?" She silently wished she had been more eloquent with her words.
"Be assured, Sarah. I'll look and act the part if that is what you're concerned about."
"No. It's just. What part would that be anyway? Besides, I marked down on the RSVP that I was coming alone."
"That's nothing I can't easily modify. As for part, I had hoped you wouldn't mind having a…" He paused, eyes searching, "Ah, a date to this wedding. No one, especially the Champion of My Labyrinth should attend a celebration alone."
"Well, what about your kingdom? You can't really just up and abandon it."
"The Labyrinth has already acquiesced.", he responded cryptically.
"And the goblins? Aren't you worried they'll tear the kingdom apart or something?"
"Really, Sarah. I appreciate the concern, but a goblin has yet to arise that could raise more mischief in this kingdom than what you did in your first visit."
He had a point.
They looked at one another for a few seconds longer then Sarah felt comfortable with. She took a deep breath.
"Alright. Yeah, alright."
He smiled and reached out for her hand. She placed it in his. Then, with another flash of a crystal, they were transported back to her side of the mirror.
"Wow, that feels almost like a third glass of Hoggle's stuff." Sarah managed to say upon arrival.
Jareth reached out to steady her.
"I'll have to take your word on that, my dear."
Once everything was still again, She looked towards her unexpected date and gasped.
"Oh, you look… You look so different. I didn't even see the crystal. Did you just do that?"
The Goblin King no longer looked like himself. Instead, he looked rather like a human man. To a degree at least. His hair was shorter. The markings on his face were gone. And, he had a very fetching dark grey suit on. He was very handsome.
"Is that a bit of drool I see there?" He joked.
"What? No!"
"Do you not approve of the glamour?"
Despite his confidence, Sarah could tell that he genuinely wanted her approval.
"Is that what you call it? I've heard it mentioned in books and stuff before, but never considered if that was the actual terminology used. I do though. Like it, that is. I mean, I like your true form the best. Nobody should feel like they need to change who they are."
She was worried her skin was beginning to turn the same shade as her dress from embarrassment at her tangent.
Jareth smiled. Things were looking up for him indeed.
"I agree, Sarah. Worry not. It helps to fit in when one needs to. The glamour is a worthwhile inconvenience. I enjoy coming above and get few opportunities to do so. Believe me when I say, this will be a night to relish."
He took a moment to look around the room. The large mirror they returned through was behind Sarah with a table containing powder room items to their right. A portrait of Mother Mary hung above it. A quiet laugh escaped him.
"You entered my kingdom through a church mirror? Why, Sarah, that must be close to borderline blasphemy."
"Oh, Jesus." She covered her mouth and groaned. Of course she would say that in a church of all places. He laughed again.
Sarah glared. It seemed like she was destined to embarrass herself at every opportunity whenever he was around.
Sensing he was making her uncomfortable, the glamoured king cleared his throat.
"I am sorry. I don't mean to mock you. Honestly, it actually makes sense. This is a customary place for marriages to occur. How convenient. Clever of you to pass through here."
The glare was no longer there.
"Yeah, well, we better get out of here anyway. Better head towards the venue before anyone walks in on us in the church ladies restroom of all places."
This time, it was Sarah who reached out for his hand.
