A/N: Once again, I want to thank at least million times my fantastic, fantastic beta, Anaknusan, for her help. Also thank you my fantastic reviewers and readers. I'm happy the story's kept your interest! I promise, the plot shall start to unfold now on.
Disclaimer: No. Not mine. But maybe I could have my own Goblin King if I asked nicely?
The Land That Is Not
Chapter 12
Working as a lady in waiting wasn't as bad as she first envisioned. Sarah had to leave the goblins and the grand hall she shared with them, of course, since Phaedra appeared to disapprove of their company. That didn't prevent the goblins from popping up to meet her every now and then though. Naturally, living in the Goblin King's castle meant not seeing them was an unrealistic expectation, even if they seemed to try to avoid Phaedra. Not that Sarah blamed them. Something in the way Phaedra carried herself and spoke made Sarah wary. Phaedra never acted hostile but in some ways she seemed even more dangerous than the Goblin King.
What exactly Phaedra's realtionship with Jareth was, Sarah couldn't quite figure out. Jareth certainly acted politely towards her - almost respectfully, and Phaedra appeared to devote a lot of energy and time to the King. They could hardly be described as lovers, however. It confused Sarah. If Phaedra wasn't Jareth's lover, why did she live in the castle? Moreover, what had Jareth meant when he said that Phaedra didn't belong to the Underground? She had asked the goblins about it and received some very vague and confusing answers.
When it came to the Goblin King, Sarah did her best to avoid him. Unfortunately, Phaedra didn't share her opinion. Phaedra demanded that Sarah attend her every time she met with the Goblin King. After all, as her lady in waiting Sarah should be available for possible urgent tasks. Since her urgent tasks were more like an exception instead of rule, it meant Sarah spent idle hours in the same room with the King. A few times, she tried carefully to suggest to Phaedra that she could wait outside but the woman didn't listen to her, making a nonchalant gesture with her hand.
"Nonsense! Of course you'll be there. How else can I train you?" Phaedra snapped without troubling to explain it better.
Her lack of any sense of personal space or privacy bothered Sarah as well. Phaedra kept on greeting her with a kiss each day, which Sarah found extremely annoying. As with her plea to be left outside when she met Jareth, her suggestion to try different means of greeting also fell on deaf ears. This tendency not to listen to any suggestions annoyed Sarah the most. Phaedra could spend hours exhausting Sarah with her endless questions without any effort to listen to the explanations. It was as if she didn't even care.
"She drives me crazy! Always ordering me around, making me groom her as if she couldn't comb her hair without help. And those questions! As if I'd know why people built shopping malls or why the driving license is limited to sixteen years. Gods, why couldn't Jareth just tell her no? I know he's just as uncomfortable seeing me as I am seeing him. He almost never speaks to me when Phaedra's present," Sarah complained to Itys, who was helping her to change into her new gown - another replica of ancient Greek or Roman dress.
"Miss Sarah should be very nice to Lady while the King's away. Itys knows when he visits the Aboveground he can't look after Sarah." Itys' answer sounded more slurred these days, Sarah noted absently, fidgeting with her sleeves. Maybe the dreams had started to bother him again. She shook her head.
"I don't understand. It's been at least two weeks now and he still hasn't found my brother." Sarah bit her lip, a sense of apprehension returning. What if Jareth had lied to her? What if he was behind Toby's disappearance? She stared at her image, barely able to recognize herself. Her white and red clad reflection returned her wide-eyed stare and the helpless gesture of her hands. "How can it be so difficult?"
Instead of answering, Itys only muttered something incomprehensible.
"Itys?" Sarah looked down and a small smile started itching on her lips. Itys's dark-haired head was barely visible in the cloud-like cuckoo's nest of her dress he had wrapped around him. Carefully, she knelt down to pick him up in her arms. The goblin snored loudly, a stream of drool dripping from the corner of his mouth. Some of it had already spilled on her dress.
"Oh, what have I gotten myself into?" Sarah mused, lowering the goblin down to her bed and stood unmoving with her eyes fixed on the small creature. Despite the fact that Sarah now had her own little room in the same quarters with Phaedra, Itys continued to sleep with her. The devotion and trust he placed in her both warmed and worried Sarah. She sighed, pulling herself upright, and stole a glance at the mirror. Her hair had grown, Sarah realized, gingerly touching the pile of her dark tresses, more than should be possible in only couple of weeks. Somehow, the thought worried her even more.
Sarah reached Phaedra's rooms just in time. She could already hear the woman's snappy shouts as she instructed her goblins. It hadn't taken a long time to realize Sarah had seen both Eudes and Kylos among other goblins in the great hall, usually delivering food to her ladyship. They had once confessed her they tried to avoid the task but Phaedra tolerated only their presence.
"Sarah, wherever have you been? I've been desperate with these two dimwits, who have no idea how to tie a decent bow!" Phaedra turned around as Sarah entered room, extending her hand to demonstrate her words. Her long sleeved dress still needed to be tied together from the arms, and the separate pieces of light blue cloth hung down on her like a pile of limp legs.
"I'm sorry. I'll help you immediately." Sarah hurried to Phaedra, giving a slight nod to the goblins. They backed away with an air of relief lingering about them. She stole a wayward glance at Phaedra while fastening the sleeves together, wondering once again why Jareth tolerated her in the Labyrinth. She showed no remorse toward his goblins, detesting nearly everything about them. How funny that she should care so much about the king of the goblins.
"It might be we have some one else joining our dinner tonight," Phaedra spoke unexpectedly.
"Oh?"
"My brother-in-law." Something in her tone sounded troubled.
"Do you wish me to leave you three alone?" Sarah asked, trying to hide the hopeful tremble in her voice. She'd learnt to detest dinners. Most of the time she spent in a tense silence, dreading the chance either one would address her. As she forked her food with little appetite, missing the cheerful companionship of the goblins, she listened to Jareth and Phaedra half-heartedly. It drove her mad. Occasionally, Sarah felt an annoying itching as if she almost - though never quite - understood the context. Certainly, she had heard about the topics somewhere. Most unnerving was that even if Jareth addressed Phaedra, his eyes kept on searching for Sarah before the King turned away face unreadable. Sarah noticed only then that she released the breath she had contained, a nauseous apprehension fluctuating in her stomach. She glued her attention to her plate afraid that Phaedra might have noticed the King's glance.
"Don't be a simpleton, Sarah. I'm merely informing you that he might join us tonight. I actually think you might find him - likeable."
"He's married to your sister?" Sarah couldn't help from asking.
"Yes. And before you ask, no, I'm not close with her," anymore, the unspoken word lingered in the room. "But I do like her husband." Phaedra's lips curved slightly as if with a private joke and her gaze turned distant. "He doesn't like Jareth very much though, and you should do well to keep that in mind."
Before Sarah had time to ask more, Phaedra changed the topic, back to her usual self. She inspected Sarah from head to toe with a critical eye. "I rather think you should be presentable. I do hope you've learnt something by now so not to totally embarrass me." She glanced outside to the darkening Labyrinth, already striding toward the door. "Come along, Sarah. We haven't got all night."
"Ah, Phaedra!" Jareth stepped forward, taking Phaedra's hand to kiss it, as they stepped in the dining hall. His eyes flickered in Sarah's direction and he gave her a polite bow. "Sarah. Shall we go?"
To her surprise, he lead them through open doors to the terrace where burning torches cast away the dark that threatened to cover the trees, flowers and marble statues of his garden below. The birds of the night sung softly, telling of secrets only those who dared to listen would be able to find. She almost recognized the scent the wind caressing her face carried. The night felt unusual, bearing traces of wildness - forests, fruits and berries. A clear tune filled the air, accompanying the birds' song. The music sounded as wild as the night, rich and heated, telling about moments of pleasure, friendship and mirth. An image from her past returned from her university days. She smiled at the memory of chasing Sir Didymus and Ambrosius in the student dormitory's corridor laughing and desperately worried that her schoolmates might wake up to the ruckus the valiant fox knight caused. Other images came back to her mind - evenings spent with friends drinking wine and talking until the break of dawn, Hoggle's dazed expression when he realized she'd forgiven him at the gates of the Goblin City, and her party with her friends after she returned from her first trip to Labyrinth.
Somehow, the night brought these lost moments back to her mind. Memories, gentle and wild, big and small alike, came alive. She followed Jareth and Phaedra from a few feet behind into the garden, gazing around in a quiet wonder, feeling little bit giddy and bold, while listening to Jareth's and Phaedra's quiet conversation.
"I wonder," Phaedra mused, glancing over her shoulders, at Sarah, "how will he be today?"
Jareth snorted. "I've no doubt he'll be as insufferable as usual. He's taken up his reputation very seriously. It's the only thing he attends to. And when it comes to his unexpected visit, it makes me wonders…" his interrupted in mid-sentence.
"Maybe he has changed?" Phaedra suggested weakly after a while, clearly not believing in her own words.
Jareth didn't bother to answer, and Sarah wondered who was the person Jareth so clearly disliked yet still was going to meet.
The music grew stronger the deeper they ventured. Burning lights flashed in different colors, sending sparks of red, violet, and green like small fireworks. Finally, they cleared the gardens and arrived in the centre of a clearing. Blinking her eyes, Sarah stopped, thinking for some time she imagined the sight. Torches and colorful lanterns illuminated the area, and someone had setup on the grass a huge white tent. A low wooden table stood beneath the tent, surrounded by big soft-looking cushions. She saw the musicians, barely clad nymphs and furry fauns dashing around, flutes and lyres in their hands, laughing, singing, and drinking. When they entered the clearing, the creatures halted and the music died.
Sarah noticed then a man sitting by the table, looking in their direction. A decorated diadem adorned his forehead and his long dark hair waved about him. The man's youthful features were expressive with sublime pleasure and ecstasy. On his strong shoulders, he wore a long and richly folded purple robe.
"Giver of wings." Jareth bowed his head to the man with an act of the uttermost sincerity. "You do me honor by gracing me with your presence. A long time has elapsed since we last met."
"A long time indeed, Jareth. Please do have a seat," the man suggested absentmindedly, taking a sip from the golden goblet he held in his hands. Jareth stepped closer, and the fauns and satyrs recoiled further from him, hissing and sneering angrily at the Goblin King. He didn't even bother to look at them, sitting opposite the man, who patted the cushion on his left. "Phaedra, Daughter of Pasiphae. I extend my tent, wine and table for you to share. Have a seat by my side."
"Sotar Dionysus. You give me great honor."
"Undoubtedly and undeniably that must be true if you say so." He quickly flashed a peculiar smile, before he fixed his dark eyes on Sarah. Despite his apparent drunkenness, his eyes were sharp. His hard and cruel gaze burned with a feverish fire, and Sarah felt a shiver running down her spine, almost terrified by the sight of the untamed god. "I fear we haven't been met before, my lady. You must be Sarah."
"Yes, my lord Dionysus."
"Ah, woe! How dark is night tonight, clothing the world like a jealous man his wife. Please step closer, Sarah. I wish to admire you in the light of my hearth, let it unwrap the envious darkness that hides you from my sight."
Sarah took a careful step forward, feeling suddenly bashful of the god's attention. The god spoke slowly, still maintaining eye contact, "Stories of your bravery and beauty have traversed far. Nevertheless, they've only been stories thus far. Lady Sarah, a sight of you gives me great pleasure. You are far fairer than the stories tell."
"Thank you, my lord." Blushing, Sarah looked down, flustered and annoyed at the same time. Were all gods such sweet talkers?
"Fear not, child. Have a seat, let my cupbearer pour you wine. My satyroi, seilenos and mainades! Come and serve me and my guests!" Dionysus clapped his hands and a young toga-clad man with a delicately leafed vine adorning his waist stepped forward. He held a painted clay vase in his hands. A group of nubile nymphs and fauns followed him, carrying plates with piles of food. The silence that had fallen after they entered the clearing was broken, and his cohorts gradually started their previous diversion. Quietly, Sarah accepted the place on the other side of the god and muttered her thanks to the young man filling her cup. She followed with her gaze the collection of most odd-looking creatures, half-naked nymphs and intoxicated fauns, running around the tent, disappearing into the darkness of the garden. Her face turned pink as she picked up voices of faint moans and cries.
The god lifted his goblet, speaking loudly as if to overcome the noise his minions caused, "For the night, may its reveries be wild!"
"For the night!" They toasted, and she took a sip, surprised to find the wine like nothing she'd ever tasted. Smooth and cool, it tickled her tongue, nourishing her with a single sip. She took another sip, savoring the sweet and fresh flavors until she dared to steal another glimpse about. The young man, standing by the table, noticed her gaze, and winked at her suggestively and Sarah blushed.
"My lord, I hope you have been well." Jareth's voice snared back her attention.
"As always, Jareth. As always. My wife sends her warmest greetings and regrets for she's unable to visit you." His words, despite being polite, held an odd undertone, which Sarah couldn't quite determine. Like resentment, she thought, briefly glancing at Phaedra.
A jaded smile lingered on Jareth's face, and a shadow slid over his face. He bent his head. "I'm grateful for her kind words. May I dare ask you to return her my greeting as well? The Labyrinth remains forever open to her."
Dionysus' expression darkened. "I'll tell her your words. My lady Phaedra," he turned to address her, "I'm surprised to find you here. I never thought you'd find pleasure within the walls of the Underground maze."
"Times change, my lord Dionysus."
"Yes, indeed. They do," he replied slowly. "Speaking of which, I was hoping to see the new heir on the throne of the Land Beyond. I was left under the impression he would be with you already."
Sarah's head perked up, the color draining from her face. A new heir? Hastily, she looked in Jareth's direction, sure that they were talking about Toby. That had to be his plan, to make Toby his heir. A burst of anger churned her throat but she held her mouth, clutching her fists together underneath the table. She would have time to question Jareth later.
"Unfortunately, he is unable to join us tonight," Jareth tersely replied, shoulders erect.
"What a pity. It would bring me a great pleasure to meet him. I must demand you to convey to him my best regards." Dionysus mused, eyes briefly flickering as if he knew some sort of secret joke. He took a sip of his wine, masking his expression.
"I will, my lord," Jareth said sincerely but something in his voice told Sarah he wouldn't do as bided. The Goblin King looked angered, staring at the god with his chin set, and asked coldly, "I assume these…rumors brought you so suddenly to my court, even if I hardly see a reason for that. There's never been much friendship between our worlds."
Dionysus only smiled, taking another sip. "Now, now Jareth. You must remember the Underground and the world of gods share a long history. And when it comes to rumors, maybe they sparked my interest. Or maybe the woman you've snared from my brother? Lady Sarah, I've understand you come from the world above. Tell me, how is the world today? Do people still enjoy the gifts I bestowed them with?"
Slightly baffled at the unexpected question, she answered as politely as possible, "Yes, my lord. Wine is widely cherished. Tragedies and comedies are well known too, even if the plays have changed somewhat since your days."
"Those are happy news! You must share a cup with me! Don't be bashful. Just drink it all down for Komos' wine never ends."
The cupbearer youth stepped closer and filled their goblets another time. Sarah gasped, for now the wine tasted very different, of wild strawberries, cherries and pine. She chuckled for no reason, taking another sip, closing her eyes and enjoying the wild taste of the god's wine.
Be careful with your drinks, Sarah. Mortals are seldom invited to share the wine of the gods for a reason. The words penetrated her mind, a distantly familiar voice speaking inside her head. She jolted and looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice. A faint echo of a snort lingered in her mind before vanishing. She locked her gaze together with Jareth, noticing his tense shoulders. A ghost of a frown lingered behind his face and his eyes. She blinked, lowering the goblet carefully to the table.
"Komos, my boy! Pour the lady some more!" Dionysus ordered hastily.
Sarah shook her head, eyes searching for confirmation from Jareth, before she turned towards the god. "I fear," her voice cracked, "my lord Dionysus that I have to decline. I have drunk too much of your excellent wine already."
The god curved his brows, watching Sarah intently. Her heart skipped a few beats at his attention as she strived to banish the lightness of her head. She shivered under his scrutiny and felt his gaze boring through her. Finally, the god broke the eye contact and looked away, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Komos, obey the young lady and fill her cup with water. I think his majesty and I have some things to discuss in private. While we're gone, entertain the ladies the best you can."
"My lord, you're very courteous today to grant us this pleasure," Jareth inclined his head, a trace of resentment in his voice.
"Only you know that in the end, Jareth," the god said all friendliness abandoned now, rising to his feet. "Come, join me, I insist."
Clearly reluctantly, Jareth followed the god. Together they walked away, disappearing into the darkness of his garden side by side, a robust bare-chested god and lean blond Goblin King. Sarah turned to Phaedra, opening her mouth to question her. A quick shake of Phaedra's head silenced her, however.
"My ladies, please enjoy your meal," Komos told in a soft voice, a radiant smile on his face. "We shall play, sing and dance while you dine." As he spoke, a young man with donkey ears protruding from his head stepped in the circle of light. He held a wooden pipe in his hand, caressing his instrument with closed eyes. As if in a trance, he started to play. Soon a loud and fast drumming joined his melody, and when that happened, a group of satyrs and nymphs screamed with delight, jumping on the grass. The pipe player kept his eyes closed, moving slowly as if drugged, and Dionysus' followers danced around him. Sarah could hear them singing.
Bacchus, I call, loud-sounding and divine, fanatic God, a two-fold shape is thine: Thy various names and attributes I sing, O, first-born, thrice begotten, Bacchic king:
The frantic beat of the music speed up and slowed, and the dancers became like shadows. Enthralled, Sarah tried to catch their faces and forms but discerned only flashing shapes - a piece of a white dress, bare legs and hoofs, and swaying hair. Faster they danced, and less she saw. The music throbbed in her ears, louder, demanding, rushing towards a climax she could feel tangible in the air. The lights flickered, the shadows grew, and the music kept on playing. She discerned Phaedra's pale face and the odd scar around her neck. Despite the fact that she held her eyes closed as if enjoying the music, her whole body was rigid as if she struggled with something within her. She clutched her trembling fists, pressing them against the table. Sarah looked away, listening to the words.
Tis thine mad footsteps with mad nymphs to beat, dancing thro' groves with lightly leaping feet. Bassarian God, of universal might, whom swords, and blood, and sacred rage delight…
An odd heaviness crept through her limps; the sight of dancing shadows watered her eyes. Unconsciously, she started swaying to the rhythm, feeling the burning sensation of Dionysus' wine in her veins. She tried to resist the call, but her eyes felt so heavy, and they soon fluttered shut. It felt harder to breath; the swirling colors and darkness dizzied her. Her hands trembled. She itched to tear off her clothes and bask in the alluring darkness. Sarah blinked, fighting against the heat of the music. The music rushed through her body, calling, begging her to let go. It wanted - no, she wanted! To cry! Yes, she wanted to dance! She wanted to laugh and weep, and tear her hair out. She wanted all that and she wanted more! Sarah wiped her face, which was wet with tears. Her knees buckled under her as she tried to get up, and crying like a desolate a banshee, Sarah fell over the table.
The music continued, still calling for her but now Sarah sobbed, suddenly afraid. Through her burning mind, she realized the music had taken control over her body. She convulsed as the melody pierced her mind, feebly attempting to cover her ears but the wine weighted her limps. Helplessly, she cried, confined against the table.
Help me!
"Enough!" The word echoed like a boom, killing off the song, and the satyrs and nymphs scattered screaming from the clearing. The Goblin King strode from the darkness his face a mask of pure rage. "How dare you to play that song in my land? You know what it does to mortals!" he snarled at the cowering creatures, bending over the weeping Sarah. His touch burnt, and she whimpered, too afraid to open her eyes. Cursing softly, Jareth swept her into his arms, draping his cape around her.
"That's the only song we know, your majesty," Sarah barely heard Komos soft voice replying.
"Then I think it's time to learn something new. If I ever again hear the tunes of the Panic Song even your father will be unable to save you."
"Jareth…"
"And you! Why didn't you do anything?"
Phaedra inhaled sharply. "In many ways I'm just as much mortal as she is. I wasn't granted with the gift of your mother, as you know. I hardly was able to endure the song myself."
He took a long calming breath, speaking at last through gritted teeth. "Are you able to take her to her room then?"
"Yes but -"
"I don't need a nanny," Sarah tried to speak, fluttering her eyes, but the words came out slurred, sounding more like, "Aye doennh neaa-a-nanniee..."
"Don't try to speak, Sarah," Jareth ordered shortly, looking down at her. She barely recognized his shadowy, furious face through her hazy eyes, and shivered from sudden fright. Noticing her fear, Jareth explained in a gentler tone, "Phaedra will attend you for now."
Sarah smelled Phaedra's perfume enveloping her as Jareth passed her off to Phaedra's arms. Vaguely, she wondered at it; she'd never imagined Phaedra could be so strong.
"Jareth, for gods' sake! You cannot be serious! Besides, he's most likely already gone." Phaedra hissed.
"No he's not. The borders closed the moment he broke the rules. The gods have no power here. That was the agreement they made, and I'm going to take every advantage of that," Jareth reminded her gleefully. He pulled himself further from Phaedra, talking darkly, "Take her inside and be sure she's unharmed. I'll continue the interrupted discussion with my - guest."
"You're impossible! Just don't do anything stupid!" Phaedra snapped. Next, Sarah felt a familiar lurch in her stomach. The rustling of the leaves faded as they left the gardens and the Goblin King behind them.