Chapter 9: An Awkward Dinner
Sarah wanted to bang her head against the table, figurative of course, for she was truly at a loss of words. There he sat no more than a few seats away in all his finery and glam, yet she could not think of a single topic. Yes, she had planned to ask about the council, but now that she was here she felt she could do better. Besides, she had learned during her etiquette class that fey didn't enjoy talking business at social events. Dinner for them was a social event, but looking over at Jareth silently eating, Sarah had her doubts. If she was going to attempt to really communicate with him, she had to do better than discussing her classes.
Jareth and Sarah were the only two to sit and eat at the large rectangle dining table. There were plenty of seats for the goblins. Instead, they chose to dart about the room; some eating, playing, or riding a chicken like a pony. Sarah had noticed that the Goblins primarily did their own thing. They were practically everywhere she went, but they weren't destructive in any sense. Once she learned how to communicate with them, they weren't so bad. They are able to follow the simplest instructions and they are fiercely loyal to Jareth. Oddly still, Jareth himself seem comfortable and well situated amongst the goblins. Even in all his regal.
Sarah watched from the corner of her eye as Jareth brought another spoon full of soup to his thin lips. She noticed that he always ate very properly; siting straight, spoon held delicately in hand, napkin in lap, the whole nine yards. This frustrated Sarah to no end. No matter what he did he always looked so damn proper making her own insincerities rise. Next to him she always felt like the country bumpkin in her jeans and t-shirt. What frustrated the most was what she was doing at this very moment. Whenever she could, she would watch him out of the corner of her eye. Stealing glances of him or catching herself in long enamored stares. She couldn't help herself, he was memorizing to look at. Annoyed that she was doing it, yet again, she quickly forced herself to keep her eyes on her bowl of soup.
Not only did she fell inferior in looks and etiquette she also felt unease speaking to Jareth. Anytime she would start to say something the words stuck to her lips. Confusion engulf her as she attempted to pinpoint her hesitation. This irritated her even more because she had always thought herself an outspoken person. Looking back on her time in the Underground as an adolescent she realized just how much harder she had made the run because of her unruly month. Even as an adult she carried that outspokenness, but here she was at a loss of how to proceed. Was it because of her revelation early that day? When she thought back on her peach dream and wondered was the Goblin King trying to seduce a child? A blush creep up on her face. Shaking her head vigorously she to rid herself of that particular thought. Thinking that way will only be awkward. At least for me, damn it! I'm sure he doesn't care, Sarah thought to herself. So caught up in the thought she didn't even notice she had started to murmur to herself.
"Did that soup say something practically interesting?"
Sarah shot straight up not realizing what she was doing. Glaring down the table she saw Jareth smirking back at her. Great, she thought to herself. Here I was trying to wreck my brains for something to say. To break the tension in some profound way, and here I look like a mad women talking into her soup.
"I was just reviewing my today's lessons." Bully for you Sarah! That was quick thinking!
Sighing Jareth continued, "Well then, anything interesting in your lesson's today, Lady Sarah?" Jareth said as he brought another spoon full of soup to his lips. Not a very interesting topic.
"Actually, yes! We started to learn about the Natur-" Before Sarah could finish, a crash sounded from across the main hall. The entrance doors was thrown open hastily. Goblins, startled by the noise, scrambled in every direction. Some of which proclaiming the castle was under attack.
Looking in the direction of the noise Sarah saw the heavy double doors had been thrown open wide and a dark haired stranger was briskly walking toward the table. Jareth stood abruptly and haughtily strode toward the new comer. "What are you doing here?"
The stranger didn't respond. They stood before each other glaring until the new arrival's frown started to crack around the edges. He broke into a full hearted laugh moments before Jareth followed in chorus. Jareth's elegant arms wrapped around the other in a friendly embrace.
"I feel as if I haven't seen you in ages! You had my goblins in a fright! Come to the table and have dinner with me." He led the other to the table where, dumbfounded, Sarah sat directly across.
"You know how it is, friend. We must keep them on their toes or they will become fat and lazy." Noticing another was in the room he pause mid sit. "Hello, My Lady." He stood straight and bowed low in her direction.
"This is Lady Sarah." Said Jareth lazily gesturing in Sarah's direction. "Lady Sarah, this is Sir Calenth, a dear and true friend of mine and my General of the Goblin Armies."
"It is truly an honor." Sitting down in the set offered by Jareth. He neatly settled a napkin in his lap as a goblin offered a place setting for him. Before Sarah could respond, addressing Jareth he said, "So the rumors are true. You have lost your throne to a human girl." Sir Calenth winked a bright purple eye in Sarah's direction. Sarah couldn't help, but to remark on his features. Jareth had a few inches on him, but they were of similar build. Where Jareth was pale and light colors, Calenth was in stark contrast. He had midnight black hair and deep purple irises. Breathtaking, Sarah thought, are all men here gorgeous male idols?
Jareth sat down in his seat with a huff, "Is that what the Faerie Court is saying? Nonsense! Have they nothing better to do then sit around sipping elf wine and talking about what they do not know of other kingdoms?"
"You are exactly right my friend! There is truly nothing better to do at court then to gush about the unfortunate down-fall of the great and handsome King Jareth." Grinned Calenth, "Beside you know the rumors only spread faster and more ridiculous since you have yet to return to court after your meeting with the Natural Council."
Jareth held up his hand, "Yes, yes I know. Rumors spread like a wild fire in the Norockus Desert whilst I'm away from court. What am I to do? Gallivant to court and leave a naïve human girl on my throne?"
"I am literally sitting right here, Jareth!" Sarah spat from her seat no more than four feet away from Jareth's seat.
Calenth burst into a thunderous laugh, "Apparently, I have missed much since my departure!"
Ignoring Sarah, Jareth continued, "As you can tell, she struggles with faire etiquette. Having her accompany me to court is out of the question. It would be a disaster."
A pout touched Sarah's lips. This was exactly the awkwardness she was trying to avoid. She didn't know what she had done to humiliate herself, but she felt as if she had gained some type of demerit. From what she had learned from her lessons the female fey and men were practically complete equals. Although, the fey society seemed of a medieval flavor they had a very modern thinking in many aspects. One obvious difference was that women were able to assume just as much power and responsibly as any man. Something she quit envied about this world. Yet at this moment she felt as if she made some faux pas and she was certain it wasn't because she spoke out of turn. There was so much she needed to learn.
"Jareth, don't be so hard on the girl. You know best of us how their world works. Be patient with her." Calenth smiled humbly at Sarah. Sarah returned his smile and resumed eating without saying much more during the meal, opting to look extremely engrossed in her meal.
"You know patience isn't one of my forte, Calenth."
"Don't we know it!" Sarah stifled a giggle as Jareth glared at his general. The rest of the dinner resumed without incident. Jareth and Calenth fell into a causal conversation about people and places that Sarah had little to no knowledge of. After dinner she excused herself and returned to her bed camber leaving the men to their whims.
Sorry this took so long. Hope you enjoy!
