Chapter 15
Ballroom Dancing
"Here is your room! I think you will find it suitable." The Baroness said with a flourish. Leading Sarah into a room that was almost as big as Midge's cottage. The room had its own fireplace; a warm and thick threaded rug covered the cold stone floor. There was a large four poster bed with the most comfy looking blankets, there was a vanity and wardrobe, along with a chair next to a small bookshelf full of reading material.
"Fix the Lady Christine a warm perfume bath!" The Baroness ordered the servant girl who had followed them in. The servant bowed her head and walked through an adjoining door that led to a lavoratory. "Why my dear you look white as a sheet! Is everything alright?" The Baroness exclaimed with alarm.
Sarah blushed. "Oh I'm just a little light headed. I'm afraid I didn't have time to eat before I traveled here." she explained, feeling a headache coming.
"Oh you poor dear!" The Baroness cooed. With a snap of her fingers a small table for one appeared with a platter full of fruits, cheeses and bread. "Now you nourish yourself and then take the bath that has been prepared for you. There should be a nice robe in there. I shall return with something nice for you to wear." The Baroness smiled at Sarah before bustling out of the room.
Sarah let her shoulders slouch forward and let out a sigh of relief. "That woman is way too hyper...but atleast she's friendly." she thought. Sarah sat at the table and ate the food greedily. The fruit was so sweet and flavorful, she'd never had anything so good before. The servant girl came and told Sarah that her bath had been prepared. "Thank you." Sarah nodded to the servant before she left.
Sarah walked into the bathing room, letting her eyes go wide. "I could get use to this..." she said aloud. The bath was sunken into the stone floor the room was warm and smelled of fresh cut roses. Kneeling down, Sarah touched the water to feel the temperature. "Perfect...I wonder how they heat it?" she wondered. "Must be magic." she shrugged and quickly pulled off her clothing and sank into the soothing bath. She couldn't remember the last time she enjoyed bathing.
Somewhere in the Labyrinth...
Mirain looked behind her, "I can still see the path..." she confirmed to herself before moving further into the forest. Ahead of her was a small clearing where the music became the loudest. Their were tiny little fairies flittering about in a pool of golden light that filled the little clearing. She looked to see what they were doing, and noticed that they were circling what looked to be a few large bubbles floating mid-air. "Curious." she thought.
The little fairies moved out of Mirain's way as she approached the floating bubbles that made music. They watched her and smiled mischievously as they watched the girl become hypnotized by the music. Staring at the bubbles floating before her, Mirain blinked as she saw and image play inside the bubble. Not even realizing the similarity between these and the crystal that the Goblin King had offered her before. Mirain saw beautiful dancers swaying to the loveliest music within a glittering ballroom. "So pretty..." the girl said in a daze as she reached out and touched the crystal.
The goblins broke out into another bout of laughter as they all watched the girl become trapped inside the crystal once she had touched it. Jareth shook his head, "It's never a challenge anymore." he thought before joining his goblins in their laughter. It was not the laughter of happiness but the cruel laughter that delights in ones misfortune. Jareth threw the crystal up into the air and as he did he vanished in a burst of black and silver glitter. The goblins cheered and watched as the crystal floated back down and hovered at their eye level. They crowded round, to enjoy the spectacle.
Jareth appeared in the crystal ballroom, it was much the same as it had been when he had enchanted Sarah with the peach. Little changes here and there, caused by the dreams of the one who is enchanted. The ballroom was Jareth's enchantment, his arrogant way of distracting beautiful young girls. He watched as Mirain floated around the ballroom, searching for something the same way they all did. Jareth did not try to hide from her, and she found him quickly. "Hmm, she is a fair little thing." he thought, looking at the transformed Mirain and her true potential.
Mirain stood there looking at the King; her cheeks slightly blushed the soft color of pink that matched the gown she was wearing. The gown was a soft pink like the color of spring blossoms. The skirt was full and the neckline modest with little cap sleeves. Her skin was pale and beautifully freckled; her eyes were a pale, sad blue color. Her wavy auburn hair was piled in curls atop her head; a glittering diamond necklace adorned her. She felt beautiful for the first time in her life but couldn't remember how or why she was at this ball.
Another song started playing and the King stepped forward, taking Mirain by the hand and waist. They began to dance, but to Mirain it felt more as if she was floating. Her head felt light and the whole experience was quite intoxicating. "Who is this handsome King? Why does he place his attention on me?" she wondered but could not keep her thoughts straight. Eventually Mirain lost her thoughts completely and abandoned herself to the dance, admiring the King that she danced with.
Jareth danced endlessly with the mortal. He knew she had not the will nor passion to break free from his enchantment, he had a smug grin plastered on his face as the girl looked up at him adoringly. "I've already won." he thought. Jareth did not serenade the girl like he had with other girls, she was intoxicated enough as it was and he had no song for this girl, she was going to be easy to please. "Too easy." Jareth thought.
Back at the Marquee's estate.
Sarah was reluctant to leave the warm bath but she knew the Baroness would be back for her soon. Drying herself off the thought, "I cannot believe they call this place an estate, I can't imagine was the Palaces look like...well Castles that aren't over run with goblins and chickens at least." she smiled. Pulling on the soft sage colored robe, she walked back into the room. Looking around again, her only complaint was that the room was colored in pale pinks and yellows. "Awful colors." she thought to herself.
"There you are! All better now?" Sarah jumped as the silence was disturbed by the loud but friendly voice of the Baroness. Two servants followed the Baroness in, one carrying a sapphire colored gown. "I do say this dress will compliment you very nicely." The Baroness smiled, holding the dress up to Sarah's form. "Now" The Baroness continued hardly stopping to take a breath. "This girls will help you change and get your ready to meet the Marquee!" she beamed. "I'll be back for you in an hour."
Sarah smiled weakly at the two servants. The servants laced up the back of Sarah's gown, the gown was simple in design but made out of the best materials. The sapphire color really did look lovely against her pale skin and dark hair. They plaited her hair, weaving in matching ribbons and applied her makeup. Sarah was intrigued by the fae makeup. The formulas seemed similar to ones from her own world, but the little jars they kept it in were so dainty and delicately carved. Some were made of wood others carved from jade. Last they provided her with some matching slippers.
"What a transformation!" the Baroness exclaimed with delight upon seeing Sarah. "Oh the Marquee will be so pleased with you Christine." she smiled. "Now follow me," she said before hurrying out of the room. Sarah quickly followed.
Sarah was led down a long hallway that came to a stop at two large doors. "This is the Marquee's sitting room, normally you won't be allowed in here. It's reserved for family and close friends." The Baroness explained. Sarah nodded in understanding.
The Baroness opened the doors and led Sarah inside. It was a large room with large half circle backed bench. An array of comfortable looking pillows and cushions decorated the bench. There was a large fireplace and various other chairs scattered about the room. Sarah noticed there was also a table for chess and other things that looked to be games she did not recognize.
A man and woman rose from their place on the bench and the Baroness gave a small curtsy; Sarah followed the Baroness but bowed lower. "May I present to you the Lady Christine." The Baroness introduced Sarah as she rose from her curtsy. "Christine, this is the Marquee Derryth and his wife, the Marchioness Fionna."
"It's a pleasure to have you with us Lady Christine." The Marchioness said. "And thank you for agreeing to come on such short notice." She smiled pleasantly.
"Indeed." The Marquee said, who had been studying Sarah as soon as she walked in the door. "You came highly recommended by our good friend Professor Lugh."
"How kind of him." Sarah said nervously.
"Please sit with us." The Marchioness offered. The four of them sat and the Baroness began to ramble on about the upcoming Ball that evening. Sarah sat and admired the Marquee and his wife. The Marquee was a tall, tan and slender man, very handsome with a very calm but mischievous countenance. His eyes were a piercing, alert blue; his hair was a dark curly brown that fell to his shoulders. While he was dressed and presented like a royal Sarah couldn't help but think that there was something roguish about him.
The Marchioness was one of the fairest women Sarah had ever laid eyes on. Her complexion was pale and perfect. Her hair was a very light blonde falling to her waist; it almost seemed to shimmer soft lavender when the light hit it just so. Her figure was lean and graceful, with a slender neck. Her eyes were shocking amber, which contrasted lovely with her skin.
Sarah's nerves melted away as the Baroness chattered on. "These must be pleasant people if they can sit politely through the Baroness's good-natured babbling. " Sarah though and suppressed a smile.
"Excuse us Beveha, we have things to attend to before the ball begins." The Marquee and his wife excused themselves.
"Well come along with me, my dear." The Baroness motioned to Sarah. The Baroness led Sarah to the Ballroom. "Now here is the Marquee's table." She motioned to a smaller table set above the rest on a large raised portion of the floor. "You'll be sitting here with the jester and the bard during dinner." She gestured towards a smaller table to the right of the dais. "When you sing, you'll be seated here with the musicians." She showed Sarah a dainty cushioned stool that sat among other chairs and instruments.
Sarah's face went pale. "Oh no!" she sighed.
"Whatever is the matter?" Baroness Beveha asked.
"Uh, yes well. You see…" Sarah struggled to find the right words. "I'm not really from around here and I doubt I know any of the same songs that your musicians know…" Sarah was frantic again.
"Oh my, that is a problem." The Baroness said. Just then a group consisting of a lady and two gentlemen came into the Ballroom. "Oh here are the musicians!" she exclaimed.
"This is the Lady Christine." The Baroness introduced her to the musicians. "This is the Harpist Lady Lena, Eagan on the Lyre and Edmund on the flute." Sarah bowed her head respectfully to them.
"Now the Lady Christine tells me she is foreign to our songs, I will leave you together to discuss what you shall do!" The Baroness left Sarah with the group of musicians.
"Why don't you sing some of the songs you do know, and we will try to match their tune?" The Harpist offered to Sarah. Sarah smiled feeling relaxed by Lena's friendliness.
Back in the enchanted Ballroom…Mirain had lost all sense of time as she swirled around the other dancers with the King. All she knew was that she could not and did not want to leave his side. It was all so beautiful; she never wanted it to end. Suddenly a clock began to chime and all the dancers stop and stared at her. The King stopped and let go of her; suddenly she felt exposed and looked around confused. The clock continued to chime while she scanned the room. "Why has everyone stopped dancing?" she thought, wishing the King would hold her again. Finally she spied the clock hanging in the far corner of the Ballroom; it had struck the thirteenth hour. Suddenly everything became clear to her and everyone began to laugh at her, including the King, which she now recognized as the horrible King of Goblins.
"No! It's not fair!" she cried as she collapsed on the Ballroom floor. Jareth looked at the girl somewhat disgusted at her display of weakness. The game was over and the Ballroom faded away and they were left in the Goblin King's throne room. Like Cinderella, her old rags replaced Mirain's beautiful gown.
"Please!" Mirain pleaded. "Don't send me back there without my brother!"
Jareth laughed in his usual mocking tone. "Most people are begging me not to turn their children into goblins at this point."
"At least he shall still be alive!" she shot back.
"You have no love for this child?" Jareth questioned her, eyes narrowed.
Mirain looked down at the ground, ashamed of herself. It was true; she had no love for Baelin.
"I'll make you a bargain." Jareth smirked. Mirain looked up at the King hopeful. "I'll return your half brother to his home, unharmed, unchanged…. if. You take his place." He offered her.
"Will you turn me into a goblin?" Mirain asked, wondering what would be worse.
Jareth laughed at her again. "No. I'll turn you into a Queen."
Mirain's eyes went wide, understanding the Goblin Kings real intentions. "Come now, I haven't all day to wait for your decision." Jareth's quipped. "Think of it, you will have everything you have ever desired, you'll be free from your hateful parents. All I ask for in return is your love. It shouldn't be a hard choice." He mocked.
"He's right…. and he is very handsome." Mirain thought, she'd always dreamed that she would marry for love not out of necessity, but she supposed she would come to love the King in time.
"I agree." She said standing.
"So be it." Jareth said and led her away.
Priya had watched the scene from the corner of the room disgusted. "I know he's desperate but she's simply pathetic. I suppose I shall have to tell him that Sarah is here so he doesn't waste his time with that silly girl." She thought unhappily. She had been spying on Sarah ever since the competition and knew she was not very far away now, at the Marquee's. "And I do believe Jareth has an invitation to the Marquee's Ball tonight." She smiled and trotted off to find Jareth.
Priya found Jareth showing Mirain her new rooms. The girl seemed overjoyed which only disgusted Priya further. "Jareth darling!" Priya cooed and wrapped her arms around him lovingly, sending a meaningful glare in the girl's direction.
Jareth smiled and gave her a loving pat. "What is it Priya?" he asked in a good mood.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready for the Marquee Derryth's Ball?" she asked innocently.
"You know I don't attend anyone's Balls." Jareth frowned, "Why is the girl always trying to ruin my mood lately."
"The Marquee was kind enough to invite you considering your circumstances you should go!" Priya argued defensively.
"Do not shout at me in front of our guest." Jareth growled in a low tone, trying to control his temper.
Priya rolled her eyes. "She's pathetic!" she said loud enough for Mirain to hear.
Jareth slapped Priya across the face before even thinking. Priya held her cheek in shock; Jareth had never struck her before. Without saying another word she rushed out of the room, tears brimming. Mirain had shrunk back frightened and confused by the whole scene.
"Someone will fetch you for dinner." He said angrily to Mirain before slamming her door shut behind him. Mirain threw herself down on the bed, weeping again. Wondering how the Goblin King would treat her if she made him angry.
At the Marquee's…
Sarah and the musicians had gotten along wonderfully; they all enjoyed hearing the Lady Christine's unusual and foreign songs. Sarah had to give them credit for being masters of their craft; they were able to come up with lovely melodies to match her songs. They sounded wonderful and she was eager to perform.
"So this is your first time performing?" Edmund asked. Sarah nodded her head.
"You have a lovely voice, it's hard to believe you're not a fae." Eagan teased and Sarah blushed.
Lena smiled. "Once everyone arrives, the Marquee and Marchioness will be announced. As dinner is being served, you shall be announced and we will perform one song. Then, the Marquee will make his usually announcement and greeting. Once everyone is done eating we shall perform again. Then the orchestra will take over and we will have a chance to eat, then we can enjoy the ball with everyone else." Lena explained to Sarah.
"Thank you, you have all been so kind to me." Sarah said sincerely.
Sarah jumped as the large clock in the Ballroom began to chime. Looking over she noticed it was chiming for thirteen o'clock, the equivalent to twelve noon she assumed. There were twenty-six hours in a day in the Underground.
"Are you alright?" Edmund asked placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Oh yes….sorry. I'm not too found of the thirteenth hour." She laughed.
"Oh, I see." He responded and the group looked at her as if she were a bit peculiar.
"If you'll excuse me." Sarah said to the group. "I think I shall go freshen up before everyone arrives."
Author's Note: Wow, so I upload 2 chapter's in 2 days and they are both 3,000+ words...don't expect that to happen too often, hehe. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, especially those you sought out my story when the bots were not working correctly, much love to you! My fingers are itching to write some more, so you may see another chapter very soon.