A/N At last the semester has ended. No more math induced tears. So hopefully I can get back to more regular posting(at least until I go on holiday in a few weeks.) I hope all of you attending whatever schooling can say that you have passed or at very least survived this semester.
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Meet the Family
Then rolled over into bed, and only thought of a hallucinations from the apartment for a moment, before she drifted to sleep.
"The morning sun welcomes you, Milady" Myn chimed pulling back the curtains.
Moaning, Sarah rolled away from the sunlight. At least the elf was a little gentler than her alarm clock back home.
"The sea looks absolutely stunning this morning" Myn tugged off her blankets.
"Is it early?" she whined, reaching for her missing blankets.
"A bit I suppose. His Highness, the Goblin King, has requested an audience with you"
"Tell him to request it in the afternoon" Sarah sat up, she was joking but almost meant it.
Perhaps she'd be going home.
"Come now, you need to bathe"
She obediently, yet groggily, followed her to the bathroom.
"Coffee?" Sarah yawned, rubbing the tired from her eyes.
"Yes, I've already prepared you a cup. Step in the bath, and I'll retrieve it for you"
Reluctantly, she slipped off the silk nightgown, embracing the chill air. Then stepped into the claw-footed tub. The steaming water had already been adorned with tiny pink flowers and salts.
"The council is arriving today" Myn said handing over her cup.
"Oh, is that a lot of people?" she asked then sipped at her coffee.
"At the moment, no" she shook her head as she soap up the sponge, "His Highness, is being cautious with who he invites, at the moment" she then began to scrub at Sarah, "He hasn't been in the best of moods since his dark fae daughter joined. I believe he's worried she will scare off allies"
"Layla, you mean?"
"Precisely" she nodded, "now dunk your head"
After the bath, Myn laced Sarah into a three-quarter-sleeve deep jade dress. This one was far more expensive than the one she was wearing the previous day. As Sarah's fingers traced the delicate black lace that crawl up her neck she wondered how many college tuitions something like this would pay.
Myn excitedly took her by the and sat her in front of the vanity, "Sarah, let me show you some magic"
Myn took the fluffy white towel off of Sarah's head, then she tangled her fingers into the mortal's dripping hair. Ever so lightly she blew on her hair. At first nothing happened. Sarah watched the smiling elf expectantly through the mirror. It started off lightly, then very suddenly a wind tore through Sarah's chocolate locks.
"Oh my gosh" Sarah giggled, putting her hand over her heart.
A few moments later the wind settled, and her hair was dry though messily tossed about. Myn retracted her hands.
"That's incredible, Myn" Sarah shook her dry hair in glee, "Far better than how I have to dry my hair at home"
"You amuse me, Lady Sarah" the elf smiled and she began brushing out the tangles.
Her maid took her time painting on her makeup far better than Sarah had. Myn assured her that she could do just as well after a few hundred years of practice. Then she started on her hair
"I could get used to someone doing my hair and makeup every day. It's kinda relaxing" Sarah sleepily mumbled, sipping at her coffee.
"I'm rather fond of doing people's hair. I learned a lot from the women in the village" Myn stuck a pin in Sarah's hair then stepped back to take a look at her handy work, "There. Now come along. I shall lead you to the library. Wouldn't want to keep his Grace waiting"
Sarah tied her heeled boots then followed her down the hall.
"Do you know what he wants to talk about?" Sarah asked.
"No, he didn't directly give me the order, and since you have the appearance of lovers I thought I best not to ask"
"We're not lovers" Sarah firmly corrected.
"I said the appearance"
Philip, Kendrick's servant, turned the corner and stopped in front of them.
"Oh, I thought I was to retrieve Lady Sarah" he said.
"I hadn't heard such" Myn tilted her head.
"Shall I escort her?"
"Shalln't be necessary"
"Very well" he turned and march the other direction
"That was rather peculiar. Things have been a bit disorganized as of late" Myn sighed.
"Hm"
Myn lead Sarah into the library and into a private room, where Jareth was standing and ready to greet her. He wore a simple white poet shirt, brown leggings, and riding boots.
"Morning Sarah, and thank you, Miss. You're dismissed" Jareth waved her away.
"Of course your Highness" Myn curtsied and left.
"You look lovely. Tea?" Jareth said walking over to the table by a pot.
"Yes, please" Sarah welcomed her new cup.
He then sat them both down. Himself in an armchair and her in the adjacent sofa.
"How are you feeling?"
"Alright, I suppose" she shrugged, "Honestly, I just spend a lot of time questioning my sanity and worrying about losing my job. Then I worry that those things are the least of my worries. Anyway, I didn't see you at all yesterday. What have you been up to?"
When Sarah saw his expression tighten, she braced herself for what was to come.
"Sarah" he started, setting his cup on the coffee table, "I want to keep you up to date as much as possible"
"Alright" she nodded getting comfortable.
"I've been looking into things. Asking around. I no longer believe that those after you wish you dead. At least for the time being. You see.. you were never supposed to be able to conquer the Labyrinth" he confessed, "You must understand, entire armies have perished inside its wall. Not to say it's impossible. There are only two others that have done it, and one of them is myself"
"Okay, but I did. So what does that mean? Is that why I'm here?"
His tone was serious as he spoke, "The Labyrinth holds a very deep ancient power. Below my city, at its true center, lies that power. It's what allows me to arrange the stars and alter time. Of course, that power has been sealed since before my birth, as I pray it stays. I suspect that they believe you can lead them to it. My worry is that they've discovered the key"
Sarah tilted her head in curiosity, "The key to the center? Where was it?"
"I confess, I do not know. It has been lost to me for centuries now. If they were able to find it and reach the center," he took a deep sigh, "I have no doubt that this will be a very short war"
They sat in silence a moment while Sarah took it all in.
"So who are they?" Sarah questioned.
"That's exactly what we're trying to find out before they announce themselves. Which will undoubtedly be soon. No one was ever supposed to know that you conquered the Labyrinth for this exact reason. With exception of our rather elusive enemy, only you and I know"
"Well, I certainly haven't told anyone, seeing as how going to a magical world and conquering Labyrinths is for crazy people" she joked.
"I had thought not. I suspect the rest of the what council we have thus far will arrive this evening. The following morning council will be held, and later I will address the issue of your success to a select group"
"What will that mean for me?"
Jareth let out a deep sigh then said, "I'm honestly unsure. I want to leave you with some instructions to better assure you wellbeing. Most importantly, do not tell anyone about your time in the Labyrinth. Secondly, do not leave your assistant's side. Mynica, correct? I've heard of her father and I trust her with the instructions that I will leave her with. Lastly, Sarah, do not trust a soul. I brought you to my father's as a safe haven. Once all our guests arrive I would call it the opposite. I've considered having you moved, but I wish to keep you to be close to me. Do you understand?"
"I think so" she said.
"Good. Do not be careless with yourself, Miss Williams" he warned, "Allow me to be blunt if they get hold of you many kingdoms will fall"
"I wouldn't lead them to the center" she swore, "It's not like I remember the way. And even if I did, I wouldn't"
"Sarah" he shook his head, "You just don't know that"
"That's unfair" she retorted.
He shifted in his chair, "I do not deny your dedication or resilience. Since you've returned Below, I'm sure you have seen things that you could not otherwise imagine. If you are taken captive, I assure you will see more than you're prepared for"
He leaned closer to her.
"What I say is not meant to insult you. Please, just be cautious. Yes?"
What he was saying wasn't making sense to her. Her whole life had to change now? This seemed like a huge prank and that someone was going to jump out and tell her was a stupid joke this was. Then she thought of something she read in the book Jim gave her.
"How am I supposed to trust you?" she asked firmly.
"Excuse me?" he raised an eyebrow.
"I write fantasy novels. I've read of fae. Your race is known for dishonesty, trickery, and playing games with the minds of mortals"
"Do not try to flatter me" he let out a half-hearted laugh.
"How do I know that this isn't some elaborate trick?" her eyes narrowed, "I mean it is a bit weird that I'm supposedly one of the three people to beat the Labyrinth. I could hardly run the mile in gym class"
He smiled, "Where did this come from? You've been relatively cooperative up to this point"
"This all seemed like it might've been necessary, but now that I hear that I'm some sort of big deal down here. I mean, I spent less than a day in the Labyrinth. You're telling me I can't leave because people are after me? I've spent my rest of my life Aboveground, and the only person who's after me there is my landlord"
"Sarah, give it a couple days. Things will start to play out. Tell me were you reading on the Seelie and Unseelie courts?"
"I was"
"They no longer exist. Our law has evolved since, not to mention we no longer have any rein Above, so are interest in humans has lessened"
Sarah crossed her arms, "What about my family? Are they in danger?"
"I'm working with your government to have them moved"
"This is really coming back to bite me" Sarah pouted pressing her fingers against her temples.
She couldn't imagine what her father must think about the whole thing. Poor Toby was going to have to switch schools. Karen was probably convinced Sarah got mixed up in some drug gang.
"It's biting all of us honestly" Jareth empathized, "But for the time being, I suggest you achieve an adventurous, yet cautious, outlook. It's what saved you the first time"
There was a knock at the door.
"Pardon the interruption," said an unfamiliar servant, "But His Grace requests an audience with the two of you. He waits in the garden"
"Very well"
He stood to take both of their cups and sit them on the table.
"You're dismissed"
The servant nodded and left.
"We'll have to cut this short for now. Sarah, I'm sure this is a lot to handle. If I could I'd take it all back, but I cannot" he motioned for her to take his arm, "Allow me to escort you"
She did and he lead her out of the library and down the hall.
"So what should I say if people ask me how I met you?"
"Sarah, I am fae" he said flashing a confident smile, "Meaning, as I'm sure you've read, I'm a particularly good liar. I'm sure whatever you say I'll be able to adjust to it"
"Wow, never have I been so comforted by a confession of dishonesty" she replied sarcastically yet honestly.
"A bit of advice, In the words of my mother, 'If you're going to lie, lie about something I'll believe.' And love, when I say I'm a good liar it doesn't necessarily mean I'm dishonest. Just that I know when it's necessary" he said in a hushed tone as they entered the garden.
They walked the path until they found a long glass table. It sat under a large silk canopy. At the head of the table sat Jareth's father, standing next to him was his servant, Philip. The other familiar faces were Layla and Anya. Anya stood next to the pouting queen who was seated next to a man. All three were carrying umbrellas, wearing sunglasses, and had black fabric covering almost every inch of their bodies. Reminded Sarah of hiding celebrities.
Across from Layla's clique were two others, a man and a woman. Although the man was seated Sarah could he was fit, tan, and tall. He kept his wavy brown hair at shoulder length. He wore and an open peasant shirt and a confident grin. The woman, however, had a far more modest demeanor. She wore a thin white dress, letting the straps hang off her shoulders. Sarah was particularly fond of the woman's messy blonde hair stacked atop her head that was being held together with flower and twigs. She looked wild and wise.
Sarah's eyes dodged back and forth between her and Jareth. Immediately noting the resemblance.
"Ah, there you two are" Kendrick stood to greet them, "We're about to have lunch. Please sit"
The man in black next to Layla stood up greet them as well.
"Doyle, this is Lady Sarah Williams" Jareth introduced, "Sarah, this is my sisters ever-tolerant husband, Doyle"
Everything about this man was pale, sharp, and perfect like his wife. He took Sarah's hand and placed a kiss on the back of it.
"It's a pleasure, Milady" his piercing black eyes peered out from his dark circular spectacles.
His voice, unlike his wife's, was deep and calming.
"Pleasure" she smiled.
The flower-headed woman across the table greeted her next.
"This is my eldest sister" Jareth warmly announced.
"Sarah" she smiled gently scooping up both of Sarah's hands, "Pardon my excitement, I haven't seen a mortal below in centuries. I am Sabina"
Sabina's hands were like silk and sunlight. Her voice was soft and sweet. She kept turning over Sarah's hands, seemingly studying them.
"It's lovely to meet you" she said as the woman traced the line in her hands once before releasing them.
The other man then rose as well, though he was quick to speak over Jareth before he could introduce them.
"Gavin. Jareth's younger brother I'm afraid" he said placing a kiss on the back of her hand as well, "Sarah, correct? What a charming name, in your land it means 'princess' does it not?" then turned to Jareth, "My apologies dear brother, I didn't mean to cut you off. I'm always so afraid that you won't introduce me to the rather appealing company you keep"
"There is not a need for apologies, little brother" Jareth's tone skillfully swayed on the edge of sarcasm, "Shall we sit?"
They all did, and like clockwork the servants sat dishes of food in front of the group. Now Sarah had been to plenty of uncomfortable family meals, but this was most certainly in the top ten. Every member of the family had a problem with at least one other family member.
"I cannot even begin to recall the last time all of us had a meal together" Gavin reminisced between bites of his steak, "How long has been since the start of your banishment, Layla?"
Sabina made an amused noise but kept her eyes on her food.
"Speak not to me pig" Layla, who seemed a little more open about her feeling, hissed.
Kendrick cleared his throat in warning. Sarah made a sideways glance at Layla as she sipped at her goblet. She looked exhausted. Her pallor that was once complimentary to her features now looked sickly. As did the bags under her eyes. Then Sarah noticed that all three of them looked beyond exhausted.
"Sarah, do you mind if I address you as such?" Gavin said then continued before she could respond, "I must say I'm curious, what's a mortal like yourself doing in the Underground?"
"Oh, I'm practically on holiday" she joked, "But sincerely my stay so far has an exciting experience. We don't have too many places like this Aboveground"
It was every white bread party Karen had ever drug her to. Answers that didn't really answer questions, faked laughter, and salads.
"Is Jareth not courting you?" he pressed.
"Do you harass every woman Gavin, or just the ones at family events?" Jareth coolly picked at him.
"A mortal woman is hardly a wo-"
"Brother" Sabina cautioned sweetly, brushing a strand of blonde hair from her vision so that she could properly look at him, "Best find your manners"
Jareth tensed, eyes boring into his brother.
"Or what? Shall you find them for me?" he smirked playfully.
Kendrick eyed him up, "I shall" he said firmly.
Gavin looked like an irritated toddler but quieted down. Although the meal was a little less uncomfortable, Sarah did find herself moodily stabbing her salad. Finally, Kendrick stood from his place at the head of the table.
"Are guests are soon to be arriving?" he said straightening himself, "Sabina, Gavin, come join me. We shall meet them at the gates"
They nodded their goodbyes and followed behind their father. Layla muttered hatefully under her breath as they faded from sight.
"This is better, don't you think" Doyle said stretching himself out, "Another please" he tapped a pointed nail at his goblet.
"Better may be an understatement" Jareth said downing his own goblet.
Layla was still grumbling to herself, "...I'll pick his eyeballs out"
"Leechy please, enough!" Doyle pleaded, "I don't wish to hear you stew about your worm of a brother our whole stay Below"
"Layla, I don't suppose you captured any of your intruders did you?" Jareth asked.
She said smoothly, "Perhaps"
"He's an awful mess really" Doyle added, "Keeps trying to off himself. I suppose he's heard about Leechy's interrogations process"
Layla wore a prideful pointed grin.
"Where is he?" Jareth asked, "Tell me of him"
"Oh, I thought I best leave him at home" she looked a bit disappointed, "You know father always gets mad when I bring home toys. He hasn't said much. He is fae, young, fingerless-which is a newer development. I don't know I think he may be a quiet type"
Sarah inwardly shuddered, imagining all the things Jareth's unstable sister was capable of. She looked down at her own hands and imagined them without their digits. If cutting off fingers was something allowed it made Sarah wonder how she earned her banishment.
Anya stepped forward, "Your Grace, it is half past one"
"Time to retire" Doyle rose and offered a hand to his wife, "Was a pleasure meeting you Sarah and to see you brother-in-law"
Layla accepted, "It was interesting to see you again Sarah... Jareth"
When they were out of sight Jareth seemed to drop his facade.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, "That was only minorly dreadful. Sarah, allow me to apologize for my git of a brother"
Sarah shrugged, "Don't apologize, it's not your fault he's, as you put it, a git"
"We must discuss a few more things. Allow me to escort you to your room where we may speak more privately" he rose and she followed.
Sarah followed him back into the castle, back past the library, and back up the stairs. The castle was its own labyrinth really. When they entered Myn was busied tidying up the room and without a word left silently upon their arrival.
"Let us begin shall we," he said flicking a crystal into existence, "here" he said haphazardly tossing it to her.
Unready for the crystal, Sarah just barely caught it. She held it gingerly in her two hands, entranced by it and surprised by its weight.
"Begin what?" she asked cradling the crystal.
Jareth tugged off carpeting covering the marble flooring, "A bit of magic"
With a snap of his fingers, he produced a black piece of chalk and began tracing a large circle.
"What should I do?" she asked as she watched him create delicate designs on the circle's inside.
"For the time being, exactly what you are doing now"
She stared beyond the distorted view of the world the crystal offered and gasped when she saw a flash of light pulse through it.
"Careful" he warned, not looking up from his work.
Instead of watching the crystal she started to watch him sketch a few moments, Jareth stepped back from his handiwork. Black chalk on top of the black and white marble wasn't exactly easy to decipher. He gently took her by the shoulders and guided her to the circle's center. Then with a snap of his fingers all the curtains drew and candles died, leaving the room in complete darkness with the exception of a single candle.
Holding the last candle he said to her, "When I out the candle drop the crystal"
He pinched the wick between his gloved fingers. Not a second later Sarah released the crystal. When it cracked on the floor the black chalk burned red in the dark. The design was intricate and completely symmetrical. Sarah watched in awe as the pattern etched itself into the marble stone surrounding her. The burning light finally faded and Jareth relit the room.
"Wow, it's beautiful" she said, bending down to trance the fresh carving with her fingertips, "What does it do?"
"It's a protection spell" he summoned her to the side so he may return the carpet to its proper place, "It will only last the few days the council is here. Then the marble will heal"
"Oh, thank you" she said.
"Sarah, during these days I ask that you stay in your room" he brushed the chalk residue from his hands.
Sarah raised an eyebrow, "The whole time?"
"That's the idea" He nodded, coming to stand face to face with her, "Mynica shall assist you the entirety"
She exhaled sharply through her nose.
"It is for your safety" he took her hand into his, "Tell me you will"
Unprepared for the gesture, she took an extra moment to find her words, "I won't leave Myn's side" she reluctantly agreed.
He smiled warmly, "Thank you"
Only then did he seem to notice that he had a hold of her and gently released the captive hand.
"Jareth, in return I'd like to see my family'' she said.
"That is something I can arrange. Be patient. Since you will be staying longer than I had originally planned, I have made you an appointment with a tailor this afternoon" he picked at the fabric of her dress, "Can't have you wandering around in spares. Especially with Sabina around to berate me for such inconsiderate behavior"
"In the city?" her eyes brighten.
"I thought I may escort you as I'm not needed until this evening" he offered.
She nodded excitedly, "That'd be rad"
He couldn't help but smile in amusement, "Seeing as how it will be 'rad', I will speak with your assistant and meet you at the stable"
