Chapter 11, A Moment Forgotten
Sarah huffed and threw herself into a nearby chair. Still bowing, Jareth raised a curious eyebrow waiting for her demands. There was an awkward silence while she thought.
"Oh you can stand up now." She spat with irritation. Jareth straightened himself up, looking at her questioningly.
"Sarah, I recommend reconsidering your tone with me." He stood tall and stiff, a hint of agitation growing in his eyes. Sarah waved a hand in front of her face.
"I-I'm sorry. I've been working on my temper, I just get so angry sometimes." She waited for him to scold her. A grim hum washed over her, she hadn't wanted conflict especially with Jareth. "You don't have to make it up to me. You've done far too much already." Part of her was honest, the other was trying to suck up a bit.
He stepped towards her, kneeling before her, placing his hands on her thighs. She folded her hands in her lap.
"Sarah, what is the reason for this rage?" He asked calmly. She shifted uncomfortably before answering.
"Um, I don't know. I mean, yea I was a troublesome teen, who wasn't? But, ever since my father remarried...I would just get so angry." She looked at him with a forced smile. "After everything that happened here, the first time, I tried to see things differently. I tried change, to not be so selfish. And, I believe it worked. The only thing is I have this crazy pent up rage for some reason." She tried to laugh it off, but failed.
Jareth thought on what she said. She wasn't telling him everything. He gently squeezed her legs, moving his hands up and down in a rhythmic motion.
"I believe, that you have a fight in you, a real warriors heart. And, I believe that perhaps in your efforts to diminish it, you simply made it more...compacted, less...diluted." He was lost, staring at the way his fingers moved across the folds of her dress.
Sarah wasn't sure if what he was saying was good or bad when he finally looked up at her.
"You are strong Sarah Williams. This power you have fascinates me. I am quite fond of your fight, your will. Though, I don't wish to see it directed at me in such a manner." He noticed Sarah fumbling with her hands as he spoke. He slowly took one of her hands in his and placed a chaste kiss upon her palm. He stood and brought her hand with him. "Come, I gave up my day to keep you entertained and I'll be damned if we spend it screaming or sulking." Sarah stood and took his lead towards the door.
"You shouldn't have done that. I'm sure you have a lot of responsibilities, I won't have you slacking on the kingdom on my behalf." Jareth paused to open the door.
"Not you too." He said with a laugh. Sarah looked at him confused. He gave her an impish grin before they both disappeared in a shimmering cloud.
Sarah inhaled a puff of dust, and coughed. She and the Goblin King were now standing in the middle of a dirt path. A cart had whipped by, kicking up a trail of dust along the way. Sarah took his arm as she momentarily staggered.
"Where are we?" She mumbled between chokes. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the bright light of their new surroundings.
"Why the Goblin Market of course!" Jareth beamed, walking her into the bazaar. "This is the economic center of my kingdom. If u want to find one of everything my domain has to offer, this is the place to find it." Furry creatures, goblins and dwarves were scurrying about. She noticed that no matter how fast they were going, they always managed to keep at least a one foot radius from them.
Sarah was overwhelmed by all the commotion, thinking through each step before she took it.
"Do you come here often?" She asked, still stuck to his side.
"On occasion. I usually send my assistant in my stead." He walked fearlessly through the crowd.
There were rows of small shops on either side. Ranging from furniture stores and seamstresses, to small shacks selling all kinds of odd and exotic foods, and oh so many trinket carts. Through all the spectacle she couldn't help but notice how dirty and barren everything was. She looked from the street to Jareth. He was certainly clean, healthy and vibrant. Was this just the Goblin way, or was Jareth neglecting his duties?
she couldn't think of him that way. Sure he was an arrogant bastard, but she had always assumed he was a serious and honorable king.
"Jareth? Are Goblins like this by nature?" She tried to not accuse him of anything. her eyes darted from cart to cart. They carried everything from old pots and pans to broken toys.
"Sadly, yes. I know this scene must look begrimed to you, but this is how they prefer it. I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've tried cleaning up the place, but it always ends up like this by morning. They're very primitive, dirty. oh, and they're hoarders. They'll take anything and everything they can get, believe me it is not my wish to have such a random assortment of junk circulating throughout my kingdom." He snickered to himself with the thought. "But they aren't all bad. They possess many good qualities. Though not the brightest subjects, they are loyal and hard working. They can be compassionate and cruel. They make the best with what they're given and that is an honorable trait to have. I would much rather rule them than any other kingdom."
She gawked at him through his entire speech.
"You truly care deeply for your people. You are a fine king." She said admiringly.
"I know." He peered down at her with a boyish grin.
They stopped in front of a small stand carrying all kinds of shiny metals and gems. Something in particular caught Sarah's eye. She approached the stand and greeted the man behind the counter.
"Well good day my lady. What can I interest you in today?" He leaned towards her.
Sarah spotted a necklace dangling from a rack. It was such a light silver, and shone so bright it looked like the glow of a star. Hanging from the chain was a pendant. It was a silver and glass owl. Lain within the metalwork were two sparkling diamonds for eyes, there were also small sections of what looked like pearl throughout the breast of the bird. On either side of the chain connecting to the pendant were beautiful celtic looking designs of metal and glass.
"What is that?" She pointed to the rack, the man behind the counter turned to look.
"That would me my seal." Came a dark and charming voice from behind her. Both Sarah and little merchant Goblin turned to look at him.
"Oh my, Majesty! Forgive me, I didn't know you were there. Please, take anything you desire." The goblin was as excited as he was frightened to be graced by his King's presence. Ignoring the little man, he continued to Sarah.
"Do you like it?" He whispered into her ear, a devious playfulness on his lips.
"It's beautiful." She quietly replied.
"She'll take it." He said to the merchant.
"Of course, of course your Highness." He quickly scampered about trying to retrieve the necklace.
"Oh, no no. It has to be worth quite a bit, I can't just take such a sale from him." She said smiling at the little man. The corner of Jareth's mouth silently curled at such a display of honor. He conjured a crystal which turned into a small sack of coins.
"Here, this should be more than enough." He said tossing the sack over the counter.
"Oh, thank you Sire, thank you." He muttered with sporadic bows.
"Do not thank me." He stated. The Goblin turned towards Sarah.
"You are most gracious my lady, thank you." He said smoothly, with a slow bow.
"What is your name?" She replied. Jareth watched out of the corner of his eye.
"Duarb, my lady." His voice was soft and gentle.
"I thank you Duarb, for having such beautiful jewelry. I shall be sure to visit you often." She said, the day light shining against her smile.
Little Duarb was caught up in this strange woman's smile, simply releasing the necklace into her palm. She nodded once more before Jareth led her away.
She held the gleaming pendant in her hands, examining every swoop and curve of the design. Jareth stopped in front of her and took the necklace from her hands. He unclipped the chain and refastened it around her neck. The pendant settled perfectly at the top of her bosom.
"So this is really your crest? I can't get over how beautiful it is." Her finger tips fluttered over it.
"Heh, yes. I'm sure you were simply too preoccupied to notice it plastered all throughout the castle your first visit." He took her arm in his and continued down the path.
"My last visit...yea. I find myself almost forgetting that ever happened." Her mind trailed off.
"I don't" He stated frankly.