Chapter Six
Astario, bored in his castle, decided to pay a visit to the Goblin Kingdom, to see how well the little pests were doing their jobs.
Donning his most regal clothes Astario decided to make the visit under the pretence of realm relations..
Jareth was going through some things.
~ Brother, we have a visitor. ~ Trent said, his voice slightly wry. The barrier he had set up sensed Astario's presence as he had made his way into the kingdom.
*Oh wonderful...* Jareth answered, quite sarcastic
~ And I am sure you can imagine who it is... ~
Jareth glanced at Quinx on his shoulder, *Oh yes. I have an idea*
~ Yes? ~
*Our most esteemed neighbor from the Fay kingdom?* Jareth guessed.
~ Yes ~
*Well then I suppose I ought to go speak with him...* Jareth said
Jareth was about to go out and meet Astario when he paused and glanced at Quinx on his shoulder.
The Indreve shot around from shoulder to shoulder with lightening speed.
"You my little friend ought to stay in here I think," Jareth said.
"Nuh uh!" Quinx stopped and blinked up at Jareth. "Nuh UH!"
"Are you sure? I am going to meet with the... nasty man."
"You safe. You strong. I won't go."
Jareth smiled slightly at that.
Quinx settled. "Mebe good!"
"You must be good, and quiet."
"Promise..." Quinx said slowly, as though he didn't quite understand the concept of 'promise'.
"Other wise I will make you stay with your friends in my Labyrinth."
"Mrr." Quinx pouted.
"Ready?"
"Uh huh!"
Jareth teleported outside to the front gate where Astario was waiting.
The Fay Prince gave a bow which might have been mocking. "Good day, Jareth."
"Good day," Jareth answered politely.
Astario rose, a small smirk on his lips. It wasn't a particularly nice sight. He looked at the Indreve on the Goblin King's shoulder and one lip curled disdainfully. "A pet, Jareth?"
"When he pleases me."
The Fay prince sneered slightly. "I would have thought you would have your work cut out controlling a creature like that. And you do have a kingdom to run, unless that is left to your elder, now?"
"My work cut out in controlling a creature like this?" Jareth repeated, "Oh certainly not." He stroked Quinx's fur gently, "He is no trouble at all, I can certainly manage my kingdom... something perhaps you do not know the full details of."
Astario half wanted to rip both Jareth and Quinx into small pieces, then changed his mind. "As you say." He said dismissively. "I did not, however, come to regard your new - pet - or the running - or lack of - your kingdom. We-" he said, using the Royal 'we' rather than 'I'. "-have been considering attempting to establish a better stance between our realms."
"Oh, alright," Jareth said, "I'm glad that your mother has finally been able to talk some sense into you."
Astario made a small, indistinct sound in the back of his throat. "Quite." he gritted.
Jareth nodded, "Yes. Well then perhaps the two of us can schedule a time to meet."
"I will be representing the Fay Kingdom." Astario said coolly. Quinx blew a raspberry at him.
"Oh?" Jareth sounded intrigued, "Your mother trusts you with it now?"
"My mother trusts me with my kingdom, yes." The prince hissed.
"With hers you mean." Jareth never missed an opportunity to remind Astario that while he was a prince of a powerful kingdom, Jareth was a king.
Astario hissed dangerously, and his violet eyes flashed as Quinx sniggered.
"What exactly did you have in mind then?" Jareth asked
"We considered perhaps holding trade negotiations. You are in possession of a particular gemstone we like, whilst we are in possession of a larger supply of water."
Jareth nodded regally.
Astario was more than tempted to thump the goblin king square in the center of his arrogant face, but decided that might look a little out of place.
"We shall have to meet formally to discuss this," Jareth said
"That is why I came to this kingdom," Astario refused to use the term 'your kingdom'. "To arrange a formal and proper meeting."
Jareth snapped his fingers and a small notebook appeared in his hand.
Astario rolled his eyes; showoff.
Quinx squealed delightedly, then noticed Astario giving him a killer look and hid behind Jareth's collar.
"Now then," Jareth said, consulting his book, "I think perhaps the fifteenth?"
"Seventeenth." The Fay prince was not meeting on Jareth's own terms. "We have other business on the fifteenth."
"Fine."
"Fine." Astario repeated.
"Then I shall expect you and your mother then," Jareth said
"I am conducting this business, Jareth," Astario said lethally.
"Then I shall see you," Jareth answered
"You shall."
"Until then," Jareth said politely.
Astario turned on his heel and stalked off, highly irritated.
Quinx sniggered from underneath Jareth's hair.
Jareth maintained a blank face until Astario was out of sight
Qunix peered around at the goblin king.
"Very interesting," Jareth said
The Indreve giggled. "Stupidnastymangone!"
"For now."
"Huh? Hecome back?" Quinx sounded disappointed.
"He usually does."
"Hmph."
"But we shall be ready for him," Jareth said. *Trent?*
~ Yes? ~
*He has gone, for now*
~ Good, I was hoping he would not stay for too long... ~
*He plans to return though* Jareth said, *Something about negotiating trade*
There was a small mental snort from Trent, who was obviously trying to compose himself. ~ ...trade...? ~
*Yes* Jareth sounded just as amused.
~ Trade? ~ Trent repeated. ~ What does he want to trade...? ~
*Near as I could gather, water.*
~ I see... ~ Trent was still obviously amused. ~ What did you tell him? ~
*That I would meet with him to discuss it*
~ Good answer, brother. ~
*Yes. And he was not at all pleased to see Quinx*
~ I would have assumed he would be displeased... Especially given that the Indreves haven't destroyed the Labyrinth as he wished... ~
*Yes,* Jareth agreed, *I don't think he expected his plan to go quite this awry* He regarded Quinx fondly.
Over in Trent's room, Denni was cutely curled up on his shoulder asleep.
Trent looked down on his shoulder, then quirked one eyebrow. ~ No, I don't think he did... ~
Denni cuddled closer to him.
The prince gently picked Denni up and placed her on a handy cushion, before reclining back in his chair. ~ What preparations are we to make for Astario's next arrival, brother? ~
*Can we make it so that he is powerless in my Labyrinth?* Jareth asked.
~ I don't think that's possible... ~ Trent mused.
*Well, what is the best that you can mange?*
~ I could speak with Madam Fyreflyght, if you wish? ~ Trent suggested, picking up a nearby book and leafing through it. ~ I may be able to make it so he cannot use his powers to such a great effect... ~
*Yes,* Jareth said, *For I have had a very interesting idea indeed...*
~ Pray do tell, brother. ~
*I think it will keep for the moment* Jareth said with a smile at Quinx.
Trent sighed. ~ As you wish, Jareth, ~ he sounded a little exasperated, but then again, Trent was used to his little brother. ~ I will look into the spell, unless you wish I converse with Trisanalysia? ~
*I would rather you looked for a spell for yourself first, Her spells tend to... burn.*
Trent chuckled. ~ Yes, I know... ~
*I will leave you to your research then*
~ Thank you brother... ~ Trent's psychic voice was already distant, as though miles elsewhere. Which, given that this was Trent, wouldn't be that surprising.
Denni shifted, woke up and squeaked, as this wasn't where she remembered falling asleep.
Trent looked around and put a reassuring hand out to Denni. "Calm down, it's a pillow..."
She hopped onto his hand
He smiled at her. "All right?" he questioned. He was, although he was loathe to admit it, already becoming rather fond of her.
"Okie!"
"Good good, I have some research to do..."
"Whatfor?" she asked, climbing up his arm.
Trent gave a small grin as Denni tickled him whilst climbing; he was very ticklish. "I need to find out how to drain magical powers for a short time..."
"Yeh?"
"That is all..."
"Oh," she didn't seem particularly worried about this, occupying herself with running back and forth across his shoulders.
"Denni, could you possibly stay still for a moment?" Trent was finding it very hard to (a) concentrate and (b) turn the pages whilst the Indreve was running around.
She held still. For a moment and then went back to running around.
Trent rolled his eyes good-naturedly and turned the page, idly humming to himself.
After a minute she crawled up into his hair and settled down.
He chuckled. "Comfortable?"
"Yup yup!"
"There is a pillow over there you know..."
"Nuh-uh. Here better."
Trent laughed. "If you insist..."
"Yup!"
The prince hummed to himself as he attempted to work out the correct formula for a temporary power drainage spell...
Denni rustled around in his hair for a bit more and then was still.
"Got it!" Trent exclaimed, leaping into the air in his relief. He quickly and gently caught Denni, whom he had knocked from his head whilst jumping.
She eeped
"Sorry Denni..." ~ Brother, I do believe I have it! ~
*Good!*
~ So, what would you like me to do now...? ~
*I would like to be able to contain Astario for a time in a certain area of the labyrinth, as powerless as you can manage.*
~ I should be able to do that, yes... ~
*Good* Jareth said, *Then I think we can have quite a bit of fun...*
~ What are you scheming, little brother? ~ Trent teased.
*Oh just a little good-natured revenge.*
Trent chuckled. ~ I doubt it will be good natured on Astario's part... ~
*Well after all, brother, he did keep them in a tiny cage...*
Trent's eyebrows rose. ~ Indeed... ~
*I am, after all, just looking out for the well-being of our new friends.*
~ Exactly... It's not at all personal, is it brother...? ~
*Not a bit.*
Trent smirked, and that was apparent in his message. ~ I see... ~
*You doubt me?* Jareth asked.
~ No, not at all... ~
*Wonderful* Jareth said with a grin
Trent chuckled. ~ I shall find a spot for this spell today, as I need time to prepare it... ~
*Good, good* Jareth said, *Thank you, and let me know if you need any help.*
~ I will... Let you know, that is, not need help... I doubt I'll need any help, but you never know... ~
Jareth nodded. *Yes. I am going to speak with the Indreves now... wish me luck.*
~ Good luck brother... ~ Trent chuckled.
Jareth nodded and teleported out to the Labyrinth where the others were
The Indreves were charging around as they were like to do. The younger ones were playing games with each other.
Jareth turned to Quinx, "Get their attention please."
Quinx made a very piercing noise, and the Indreves ground to a halt. Quinx smiled at Jareth. "Alldone."
"Thank you," Jareth said to Quinx, to the others: "I would like to speak to all of you if you do not mind."
There was a loud chorus of answers ranging from "no" to "speakspeakspeakspeakspeak"
"Regarding Astario."
A few of the younger Indreves shrieked and dived behind any vague protection they could find. The older ones hissed and growled amongst themselves.
"I realize that you are not fond of him."
The Indreves hissed louder and shook their heads in a consecutive gesture of dislike for Astario.
"Would you like to have some fun?"
The Indreves all nodded, the little ones bouncing and cheering at the word 'fun'.
"Perhaps at Astario's expense?"
"Yehyehyehyehyeh!" one of the Indreves bounced around.
"What if he were here, powerless?"
There was a slightly sinister murmur from the group.
"But I want him to remain in one piece. Just enough to teach him not to fool around with you."
"yeh!"
"As I remember correctly, you just like to play..."
"Yeh! We like to play!"
"So you may play with Astario as you see fit."
The murmur wasn't quite as sinister as before, in fact, it had become rather mischievous.
Jareth smiled.
Quinx tweaked his ear. "Theysay they'll playnice and notkillnastyman." he said, trying to sound knowledgeable.
"Good."
Quinx jabbered a few things to his companions considerably too fast for Jareth to understand, but they all seemed to agree to whatever it was he had said.
Jareth looked mildly amused
The Indreve on his shoulder resettled himself and tried to look noble. "I sortedit." he said, almost falling over his pose was so ridiculous.
"did you now?" Jareth asked.
"Yep!" Quinx said, again attempting his 'regal' pose. "Allsorted!"
"Alright then," Jareth said, "Now tell me, will your friends be requiring any other... toys?"
Quinx jabbered at the others. One of the littlest ones piped up, and Quinx looked at Jareth. "Canshehave adoll?" he asked.
Jareth blinked and a small doll appeared above the little ones head.
She squealed in delight and grabbed it, clutching it to her and jabbering contentedly. This action seemed to make Jareth even more popular with the Indreves.
"If this is to be your new home, it may as well be comfortable," he said.
The little Indreve shot over to Jareth and gave him her best equivalent of a hug (considering she was about as tall as his ankle).
Jareth smiled.
The Indreve chattered merrily and nibbled his ear, then shot off again as Quinx flapped his hand at her.
"Anything else?" Jareth asked.
"Socks!" one Indreve called unexpectedly.
Even Quinx looked surprised, but shrugged.
"Andshirts!" another cried.
Jareth blinked, and waved a hand and two large trunks appeared against the far wall.
The Indreves seemed delighted and flew over, and soon the air was thick with flying clothes.
Jareth opted to vanish
Quinx was giggling.
Jareth returned to his room
"Theyhappy! Theylikeyou lots!"
"Well I'm glad of that."
"Yeh. Theythinkyou're strongandbraveandcooland-"
"I get the idea."
Quinx stopped midjabber.
"I think that I shall see how Trent is doing..."
"Yeh?"
"Yes. With the spell to stop Astario's power."
"Spell? Ooh! Spell! Spellspellspellspellspellspell-"
"Yes," Jareth interrupted.
Quinx blinked. "-oh!"
*Trent?*
~ Hmm? ~
*How are things going?*
~ Not too badly... Although I think Denni's hidden my quill... I can't find it! ~
Jareth laughed both mentally and aloud.
Quinx looked inquisitive. "Wha? Whawhawha?!" he squeaked, almost knocking himself of Jareth's shoulder again.
~ I'm glad someone finds it amusing, ~ Trent said wryly.
*Well at least it has gotten no worse then that* Jareth said with a smile, to Quinx he said, "Nothing."
In Trent's room, Denni peeked out from under the bed, quill pen firmly in her paws.
"Denni?" Trent called. "Do you have my quill...?" ~ Hmph. ~
Denni giggled.
Trent sighed. "Denni..."
"Whatwhat?"
"Do you have my quill, Denni...?"
"Whatquill?"
"My quill, the one I like to write with..."
"Ooo!"
"Yes, that one."
It floated in the air and orbited his head as she giggled.
Trent caught it. "Thank you..." he sighed and tutted.
She giggled again and darted out, practically running up him.
"Ah!" Trent exclaimed in surprise.
Denni giggled again, "Likeyou!"
"Pardon?"
"Me like you," she said slowly and carefully.
Trent blinked. "...oh." he said, sounding rather surprised.
She nuzzled him.
He smiled and petted her gently.
She made a rather delighted sound.
He smiled and did it again.
She practically purred.
Trent smiled.
She burrowed closer into his shoulder
"Are you quite comfortable there?" Trent asked, a slight tinge of amusement in his voice.
"Yupyup."
"Good..." he smiled lopsidedly and tapped his quill onto the parchment in front of him, trying to remember what he had wanted to write in the first place...
Denni peered over his shoulder.
He shivered as she accidentally tickled him.
"Whatcha doin'?"
"Trying to remember what I wanted to write..." Trent said absently.
"ooo!"
"Yes..."
"From book?"
"I think so, possibly..." Trent looked at the book and flicked through the pages.
"Ooo!"
Trent honestly couldn't remember why he'd needed the quill in the first place, and sighed.
Denni slid down from his shoulder onto the desk and batted at the quill
He moved it.
She followed.
He lightly tapped her over the head with it.
She giggled
He chuckled and did it again.
Denni cracked up.
Trent laughed a little, then turned the page of the book and jotted a few things down on the paper, spell ingredients and the like.
"Didja remember it?" she asked.
He nodded. "I did..."
"Yay!" she cheered
"Thank you..."
Denni settled down and just watched him.
Soon Tent had finished listing down the ingredients and instructions he would need - he didn't want to have to carry the great hardback book everywhere with him! - and stood up.
She watched him.
~ Hmm, brother, I'll need some assistance with my ingredients.. ~
*Alright,* Jareth said, *Just let me know what you need...*
Denni launched herself at Trent.
Trent gave a mental and an audible squeak of surprise and managed to jerk backwards in shock to such a degree that he fell from his chair with a small 'crash'.
*Trent?* Jareth asked.
Denni landed on his neck and peered down at him in concern.
He chuckled. ~ Yes? ~
*What was that?*'
~ Err... Nothing much... ~ Trent sounded sheepish.
*Alright...*
Trent grinned lopsidedly. ~ So... I'll need you to come over and check out the ingredients list, when you've got a minute or two. ~
Jareth appeared in the room
"Ah - wasn't expecting you so soon... brother..."
"I can see that," Jareth sounded amused
Trent looked sheepish again.
Denni cooed at him softly.
He smiled at her. "Denni, I'm going to sit up, okay?"
"Kies!" she moved down and hung on to his shirt.
He sat up and looked at Jareth. "Right, ingredients list..." he pointed to the parchment.
Jareth took the parchment and studied it.
Trent hummed as he waited for Jareth to finish reading. "Whatever you can get hold of, brother, would help."
Jareth nodded, "Yes. I will get to work on this right away."
"Thank you."
Jareth vanished, taking the list with him.
Trent watched him go, and pondered for a moment, then groaned. "I needed that as well!"
"What that?" Denni asked.
"That was my list."
"Forwhat?"
"Ingredients for a spell..."
"Ooo spell!"
"Yes, spell..."
She bounced a bit
"What?"
Denni smiled at him cutely.
Trent grinned.
Denni hopped down and looked at the book again.
Trent gently moved her so he could copy down the ingredients again.
"Lotta stuff," she said.
"Yep, a lot of stuff for a complicated spell..."
She nodded, "comp-li-cated," she repeated carefully.
He nodded. "Yes, very."
"Big spell?" she asked
"Well, it isn't big, but it's hard to do."
"Ohh..."
"Yep."
"Important stuff?"
"It is, very. I have to get it done before someone visits..."
"oo?"
"Yes, we don't want him to hang around for too long..."
"No?"
"No, he's not a very nice man... He's the one who kept you and your friends locked up..."
She squealed in fright and dove down Trent's shirt, curling up into a little quivering ball.
He gave a squeak of surprise as she did so.
She pressed up close against him.
He stroked her head gently. "Don't worry..."
"He nastynastynastynastynastynastynasty-"
"He is, yes..."
"An' scary."
"Not to me he isn't."
She peeked up at Trent.
He smiled at her. "You don't need to worry, Denni."
She gazed up at him adoringly.
Trent's eyebrow rose a little. "Now, would you come out of my shirt?"
She crawled out
He smiled. "Now, relax, and I'll sort this out..."
She nodded, "What'reyou gonna do?"
"I'm going to create a spell which will render him devoid of his magical powers for a period of time..." Trent then remembered Denni probably wouldn't have understood what he'd just said. "I'm going to take his magic away from him."
"So... he can't do anything?" she asked
"You got it."
She smiled.
"So, no need to worry."
Denni nodded
Trent smiled.
"Shoulda known you before..." she said
"Hmm?"
"I shoulda known you before," she repeated.
"Whatever for?"
"Before nastyman came."
"I see, yes..."
She cuddled close to him.
He smiled and petted her lightly.
Denni purred softly
Trent chuckled.
"You work on spell now." she told him.
"I will," He smiled.
"Good." she closed her eyes
Trent hummed softly as he wrote down the spell instructions.
Denni cooed along with him.