Sorry this one is a little rushed. I was looking forward to a little more time to work on this, but alas that time has escaped me. Enjoy the new chapter!
Chapter 7- The Looking Mirror
Fuming Sarah allowed the goblin to show the way to her room. Storming down the corridors turning this way and that, she was finally ushered throw a door leading in to her new sleeping courters. Sarah briefly took in her new room, not really absorbing what she as seeing. When the goblin asked if the room was acceptable Sarah nodded her approval. The creature smiled, but hurriedly scampered out of the chamber.
Once alone Sarah flung herself on the elaborately made four post bed, burying her face in an overly stuffed pillow. Letting a silent screen into the pillow, Sarah thought back on Jareth's words. She wasn't mad that he had said them she was made at the truth in them. Every since she was a child she had always wondered why she got the opportunity to see the underground. Yes, it was scary losing her brother and the worry that she had lost him forever, but one couldn't ignore the incredible opportunity she had been given. A witness to a world no one else had seen; except Toby, but he was too young to remember the details and Sarah never told him about that time. Her! She was chosen and yet again she was brought back for reasons unclear to her. What was she to do? Say no and leave? Miss out on this opportunity?
Sarah sat up on the bed hugging Lancelot close to her chest. What if Jareth was right and I'm not the one for whatever is going on. Maybe there has been a mistake and I should have just left and never returned…
Sarah let the thought die out. Perhaps she hasn't had much struggle in her life, she knew her life could have been worse. She was grateful for what she had. She didn't need Jareth and his high and mighty attitude. Besides, what does he know? I don't need his help. I can figure this out on my own.
Anger ebbing away, Sarah moved from the bed to explore her room, or rooms. The suite was rather pretty, made up or pale purples and greens. When you first enter there was a living area with couches and tables, to the left was her room, and within there was a bathing chamber, and dressing room. Impressed Sarah made her way from room to room. I didn't think a castle ran by goblin and a manic king to be so luxurious. Hand stroking the overstuff bed she made her way bashfully to the dressing room. Knowing it was impossible for her to already have a complete wardrobe already without them knowing her sizes. Standing before the giant wardrobe she was not surprised to find it empty. Slightly disappointed Sarah started to unpack what she had brought.
…..
Three days after Jareth's and Sarah's argument, Jareth sat at the dining table in the formal dining room eating supper alone. He wasn't truly alone. The goblins where scattered throughout the room either eating their own meal or making mischief. Jareth loved the goblins, but they were not the same as having his own kind around. They were like children and he needed the occasional adult time. Not many had the patience for the goblin kind. Most thought them dirty and troublesome, were Jareth saw potential and responsibility. He had been drawn to them, seeing a little of himself in them. Wild and unpredictable, but loyal and strong. After the death of the previous Goblin King, Jareth saw opportunity. Jumping at the chance to rule over these misunderstood, misguided mob of orphans, he conquered the Labyrinth and won his crown.
"Damn it!" Jareth drummed his fingers on the table aggravated as the goblin hushed around him. He fell into silence as his thoughts consumed him. He had fought his way to the castle and earn the loyalty of the goblins. He was a formidable enemy and a strong ally. He is a strong and powerful man, so why was he so anxious when he thought of Sarah. He had not seen her since the day of her arrival and their little spat. Knowing she would stay busy with the schedule he had made her, he assumed he would be seeing her for the occasional meal, at the very least. It being a question of etiquette while staying in another's home.
To satisfy his curiosity of the new house guest he summoned Rayl to give a report of her studies. Just her studies.
Rayl entered the room glancing about at the fun the others were having amongst the room before timidly approaching her king. Large eyes peaking up from a cluster of short cropped brown bangs she asked, "You called, your Majesty?"
"Rayl, tell me, how are Lady Sarah's studies going."
Looking down sheepishly at the floor Rayl inaudible murmured something to the ground.
"What?!" Jareth asked harshly causing the she-goblin to jump. Gently he continues, "Speak up, please."
In a louder clearer voice, but without looking up Rayl answered, "Lady Sarah has not come out of her room. She still remains angry with the King."
Jareth turned scarlet as he jumped to his feet. "What?!"
Rayl took a step back.
Looking down at her he asked, "Why has she not been attending her studies?"
Rayl did not respond, but continued to look down at her hairy feet.
Jareth asked again and Rayl hesitantly answered, "She will not admit, but she was hurt by kings words and she is home sickness."
Jareth relaxed. He knew he was harsh, but she would need to grow thick skin if she was to remain Underground. Many are going to say wounding words and she would have to learn to rise instead of hide. Jareth also knew the pain of leaving your home and facing uncertainty. Perhaps this was not the best time to teach her the lesson of other cruelties. Perhaps he needed to approach this at a different angle.
Looking down at the goblin, "Rayl you did well, you may go play with the other."
Rayl smiled and scamped off to join of group of goblins playing chicken feet.
….
Sarah heard a soft knock on her door. Rayl! Good I'm starving! Sarah eagerly pounced over to her door and opened it, but to her dismay there was no little goblin girl. Instead a goblin king leaned against her door frame.
Crossing her arms in front of her chest she bluntly asked him, "What do you want, Jareth?"
"That is no way to greet a King." He answered with a little irritation in his voice and then adjusting his tone he asked, "May I enter?"
Stepping to the side Sarah allowed him to pass. Jareth took in the room before turning back to her, "Is the room to your liking?"
"Yes." She answered curtly.
"Good. Shall we cut to the point?" Making himself comfortable on one of the sofas in the sitting area she continued, "I want apologize for my heated words."
Sarah notice the strain and how the words were rush out, but she was also taken aback by the sudden unprompted apology. She took a seat on the other side of the sofa unsure how to respond. Good for her he wasn't finished.
"As a token of my sincerity I have a gift." With a flick of his wrist a large object appeared in the room with a large blue satin cloth hung over it hiding what was underneath.
Sarah looked at the object attempting to decipher what it could be, remembering where she was she turn to Jareth and asked suspiciously, "What is it?"
Gracefully moving to his feet he strutted over to the item and removed the sheet. Sarah moved from the sofa to inspect the object.
Before her was a large ornate dressing mirror, confused she asked, "A mirror?"
Jareth waved a gloved hand just over the surface of the mirror, "It's a Looking Mirror. It will show you what you desire to see."
As Sarah peered into the mirror as an image started to form. A person she recognized instantly, "Toby!"
"Aye, it will show you above as well as below." Said Jareth.
Sarah continued to stare into the mirror. That's definitely her Toby, her little brother. He was at her old desk, now moved into his room, leering over a stack of books he was studying. He was a smart boy, so unlike Sarah when she was that age. Sarah had been fond of fancy and faeries, but Toby was rational. He relied on facts and truths. Ironic Sarah thought, he who had seen the Underground.
"I hope this will not distract from your studies."
Sarah sheepishly looked up at him. She got the distinct impression he knew. Knew she hadn't been following the schedule he had outlined for her. Although, she was never directly told when to start, just finding the schedule with books and papered neatly stack on her waiting table. She could just play dumbed, but she didn't want to do that. He had made a gesture and here was her turn to do the same.
"I'm sorry Jareth. I haven't been attending and I wish I could come up with a good reason why, but I can't. Perhaps I'm being spiteful." She offered that up to him, hoping he wouldn't react too angrily.
"I know you haven't been to your lessons, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt this time and this one time only. From here on out you are to do as the Council has required." Making progress to the door he continued, "Remember this Sarah; I am not the one you defy here, it is the council. You do not wish to cross the council. Enjoy the mirror." And with that he was gone from her chambers before Sarah realized she hadn't thank him for the mirror.
Turning again to the mirror Sarah smiled. Perhaps there is hope here. Maybe we can get along after all.
