Disclaimer:
As I have yet to suddenly come into the good fortune of owning the rights to The Labyrinth, I can safely still say that I own nothing, except for plot ideas on original characters. And even then, I am sure those ideas have been used to some form or another somewhere else in the course of Labyrinth Fanfiction.
The Incentive
By Fou Fou
Chapter 22: In Which Sarah and Jareth Finally Get Some Fluff
(For lack of any other titles . . . I figured this was better than 'The Chapter Without A Title")
"Mara, what in Heaven's name are you doing?"
Mara jumped up from where she stood, hunched over one of the various spell books in her uncle's workroom, a guilty expression on her face. "Oh, hello Uncle," she said brightly, quickly closing the book, and attempting to hide it behind her back. "How are you? How is my sister? How is young Reggie? How is Nomar? Everyone good? No problems? How are you?"
Mara realized that her verbal diarrhea was probably making her uncle think that she was up to no good (which, of course, was inevitably the case), but questions just continued to pour out of her mouth. She prayed to whatever Powers That Be that happened to be listening (and that she hadn't completely annihilated over the course of her life) that her uncle would not notice the name of the book in her hand.
"Mara, is that "Love Spells for the Young and Old" that you are trying to hide behind your back?"
So either the Powers That Be weren't listening, or else they just hated her.
"What?" asked Mara, highly aware that her voice was going up a notch. "Whatever do you mean? Me, look at love spells? Ha! Look, see, I laugh at the thought! What a ridiculous notion. Quite the opposite in fact!"
Rawthorn came up to her and plucked the book from her hands. He examined the cover, disapproval apparent, "I thought as much. Mara, really, I expected better from you."
"It's not what it looks like," said Mara. "You see, I've decided I'd like to become . . . a magician! That's it, a magician. Because you know there aren't nearly enough female magicians out there. I could get a job just for fulfilling the diversity requirement."
"Mara . . ."
"And you know magician skills could come in handy being the Snow Queen and all . . . give me better control over the flying chickens. You know how they can be as unruly as the goblins here. I've got to whip them into shape! Not physically of course, because that would be bad, harmful magic, and being a good elf, I don't do that sort of thing. Plus Animal Control could get to me. They have a branch in the Underground now."
"Mara . . ."
"I mean, I have completely honorable intentions here . . ."
"Mara, I highly doubt placing a love spell Nomar is honorable. For one thing, he's lifebonded with your sister, and he's married to her. Really, Mara, I am ashamed of you."
"Oh . . . that's what you thought I was doing?" asked Mara, breathing a sigh of relief. "Well, I quite assure you, I had no intention at casting any love spells. Nope. Love spells bad. Believe me; I've seen what happens when Aphrodite casts love spells, causes nasty problems. Big mix ups, everywhere. No, I had no intention of casting any love spells."
"Then why were you looking at this book, in what I'm sure you were attempting to do in a secretive manner?"
"What book?" asked Mara, trying her best to look innocent, and failing completely.
"Mara, don't insult my intelligence by playing stupid. This is some very volatile magic that you were so casually flipping through," said Rawthorn, glaring at his niece. "Really, I thought you'd at least have the maturity to deal with this situation. I realize that things are tense between you and your sister, but you could at least make an effort to be polite to her. She's been here for three days, and you've been nothing but rude, spiteful, and mean when she's around."
"One could argue that I'm like that even when she's not around," quipped Mara.
"Mara, I have no patience for your jokes. This is a very serious matter . . ."
"Yes, you're right. It is a serious matter," said Mara. "I realize that I have acted quite unbecoming of my age. Thank you for teaching me the errors of my ways, I shall endeavor to do better." With that, Mara quickly began moving towards the exit of her uncle's workroom.
"Where are you going?" he demanded.
"Doing what you said: acting my age. I am going to go offer the olive branch to my sister. Do you know where I can find one? Maybe I should use Garith's version of tampons and chocolate . . . or maybe just chocolate. In fact, I should go ask him . . . wait, no, I'm not talking him. I'm going to go self-meditate, or maybe talk to Jareth. Thank you ever so much for your help uncle. I hope you have a wonderful day today, and good luck on whatever it is you're working on."
With that, Mara left the workroom, leaving a very confused Rawthorn behind. Shaking his head, wondering at the antics of his niece, he even didn't notice a missing page to his book crumpled up in Mara's hand.
The day after the whole fiasco at the bookstore found Sarah Williams sprawled out on her unmade bed, talking on the phone with the little mirror from Granny A in her hand. It was a round, plain little thing, not much bigger than the size of her palm. Tasteful, a fact that Sarah found simply amazing considering the gaudy display at the bookstore. She was half expecting the thing to be covered with pink hearts any second.
"So, Granny A was right. Alice's birthday is coming up, and turns out she did want a copy of Star Wars Insider. I'm telling you, Sarah, thanks to that incredibly insane Granny A, I am officially on Alice's good list for like the next year . . . until her subscription runs out I suspect."
"Good for you."
"I mean seriously, Sarah, she was like jumping up and down. And you know Alice . . ."
"Not really . . ."
"Well, she is sort of a very calm, rational type of girl. But, oi, when it comes to Star Wars . . ."
"You know, Eric? I really don't want to hear about it."
"What's got your knickers in a twist?"
"What's up with the British mannerism?"
"I don't know. Felt like it," he said. "But really, what's wrong? You sound positively despondent. Not at all your usual cheerful Sarah self."
"I can't get this damn thing to work."
"Sarah, you're going to have to be a bit more specific. As I can not actually see what you're looking at, you're leaving a whole heck of a lot up to my imagination . . ."
"This stupid mirror - Granny A said it was supposed to help me talk to Jareth. I've been poking and prodding it all of last night and today and nothing happens. No sparkly lights, no big moments, no Jareth. Nothing happens. I got all excited, and all I'm left with is a major sense of disappointment."
"Well I'm sorry your explorations have been so unfulfilling, Sarah. But I thought you didn't want this whole Jareth business."
"Oh, I don't know what I want!" said Sarah. "The whole thing is just so darn confusing."
"I don't see how. I mean you like him, he likes you. Where's the difficulty in that? I don't see why this is turning into such a momentous life or death situation here. I mean, you do like him, don't you?"
"Yeah . . ."
"Much more than you ever liked me when we went out during our brief, hot affair . . ."
"Eric . . ."
"Sarah, I'm your friend. If anyone knows you, it's me. Perhaps not in the same, soul shattering way that your Jareth does, but I grew up with you, Sarah. We used to paint ourselves when we were kids and run around in the yard, pretending to be the Power Rangers. We were buddies even when the whole cootie thing in elementary school and were science fair partners all through middle school. You were there for me when my father died, and I was there when your mother ran off with that actor. We've been there through relationships, breakups, finals, and graduation. Sarah, every time this great wonderful world of ours threw crap at us, we stuck together. It's only natural that I'd want to help you through this. You're the closest thing I have to a sister, Sarah. I love you so much that I'm willing to have this chick flick moment, as embarrassing as it is for my manly ego."
"Aw, that's so sweet."
"Yeah, well for God's sake tell me what the hell is your deal. You love Jareth. You have a bunch of friends who live in the Underground. I repeat: what the hell is your problem?"
"You mean beyond the whole immortality thing?"
"Ah, that just a small subtext."
"Eric, that means forever. What if it doesn't turn out great? I mean, am I supposed to just accept that this is going to be a Happily Ever After? I assumed that is what my parents thought when the first got married. Look at how Linda ran off with Jeremy. How am I supposed to know if this will be worth it?"
"That's the thing, Sarah. You don't. You just take it one step at a time. You've got a lifetime to build a relationship with each other."
"But I don't! Jareth and Mara are engaged to be married on Midsummer's Eve! That's only a few months away. The only way they might be able to use this lifebond that Jareth and I have is if I became immortal and got married in Mara's place! I didn't plan on getting married until I was at least twenty-five if not thirty . . . I'm not even legal to drink yet . . . Well, in the United States anyway . . . And now here I am expected to make the decision of a lifetime based on a little over a month's worth of interactions. Most of which, we were fighting!
"And what if it doesn't work out? What if I become immortal, marry Jareth, and then find out I didn't like it? Will I have to watch my family, my friends, heck Toby grow old and die while I stay young?
"I have too many ties in this world. I want a career in acting. I want to be able to live my life here. I want to be here when Toby graduates from high school. How will I know I will be able to keep that if I do this immortal thing?"
Sarah could feel the tears begin to work there way up, after months after keeping them down, ignoring them. All the pain of not being able to see Jareth, all the frustration at not knowing what to do, all the worry that things would never be all right - everything that had been bottling up within her for the past few months just finally exploded and began to run their course. On the other side the phone, she could hear Eric making comforting noises.
"Sarah?" came Toby's voice from the doorway. "Are you ok?" He shuffled into the room, Lancelot in tow, and jumped onto the bed, giving her hug.
Sarah sniffled, smiling. "Thanks Toby. I'm all right."
"What were you crying about?" he asked.
"I have to make a decision between two choices, and I don't know what to do. Either way, I'm going to end up losing something."
Toby scratched his head, looking up at his big sister. "What kind of things?"
"The person I love or my dreams for my future."
"Well, why can't you keep both? Why do you have to have only one? Don't the people who love you want to have you keep your dreams?"
"He's got a point there, Sarah," said Eric, listening in on the conversation. "You don't know if what you want is impossible until you talk it over with Jareth."
"But how am I supposed to do that, Eric?" asked Sarah, ignoring Toby for the moment as he reached across the bed for the little hand mirror. " I don't even know how to contact him. I mean, besides saying 'Yo, I want to speak to Jareth, King of Goblins, Ruler of the Labyrinth, please and thank you,' I really don't see how I can talk this out and figure out what I can do. It's not like that"
"Um . . . Sarah?"
"I mean really, come on. You know, for all the trouble that Granny A put us through, you'd think she'd at least put some directions on this thing."
"Sarah?"
"I suppose I'll just have to use it for just a hand mirror. You think I could put it into my purse without breaking it?"
"Sarah?"
"What is it, Toby?"
"Your mirror, it's glowing."
Sarah looked down at the hand mirror, surprised to see that Toby was indeed right, the whole thing was glowing a light pink with heart shaped sparkles flying out in all directions. Intrigued, Toby and Sarah both leaned over the mirror to get a better look.
"What's going on?" asked Eric.
"The mirror. It looks like it is activating or something. I'll call you back in a sec Eric."
Without waiting for his reply, Sarah hung up the phone. As Toby and Sarah watched the mirror as it began to float up into the air, revolving around some unknown axis faster and faster until it was all but a blur, Sarah couldn't help but marvel that Granny A had managed to incorporate sparkling hearts after all.
"Jareth, you wouldn't happen to have silver goblet, unadorned, no blemishes or anything?" asked Mara without preamble as she strolled into the throne room. "I need one."
"You don't demand much, do you?" asked Jareth. "Check the kitchen, I'm sure they have plenty of goblets"
"No, I checked. They don't have the right type. I need one of those goblets with the magical do-hickies that let you perform magic with them. For potions. 'Brew fame, bottle glory, and put a stopper in death,' you know all that mumbo jumbo."
Jareth sighed. "Mara, why do you need to play with any sort of magic involving potions? It's not exactly something you've ever taken much of an interest in. It involves too much waiting around for your taste. You're somewhat impatient."
"I'm trying to expand my knowledge . . . now do you have any or not?"
"Maybe . . . somewhere. Why don't you go ask your uncle."
"Rawthorn will only suspect that I'm up to something of a sneaky and altogether morally questionable nature . . ."
"Are you?"
"Of course not. What I want to do will hurt no one here, and might very well help to maintain my sense of sanity, if, on the off chance, you and I do actually end up marrying."
"Whatever do you plan on doing?"
"A potion. Now do you have a goblet thing or not?"
Shaking his head, not quite sure why he was doing this, Jareth got of his throne and headed off into one of the adjacent rooms. "This should only take a moment. I know where one is."
He had not been there one moment when a high pitched beeping sound began resonating around the throne room. Mara rolled her eyes and the unfortunate timing of the call, yelling, "Jareth, somebody wants to talk to you."
"Well, answer the Call. It's probably some boring merchant wanting to be given safe passage through the Labyrinth, and I'd rather not deal with it. You're close enough to becoming queen of this place, you can be my proxy."
"I don't see why I have to answer it. Whoever it is called for you. If it had been for me we'd be listening to "Sexy Back," not this infernal beeping noise you set the magic up to do. In any case, I'm not your bloody secretary."
"Just check who it is, Mara. Please?" Jareth called back. "I'm in the middle of getting your goblet."
"God, I hate men," said Mara, plopping herself down onto the throne, one leg up over one of the arm rests. Conjuring up a crystal, she infused the spell into it to answer whoever it was who was trying to Call Jareth. Without bothering to look at the face that appeared in the crystal floating in front of her, Mara said, "Hi, whoever you are. If you're calling for Jareth, he's being a royal pain in the arse right now, so you probably don't want to be talking to him. If you are some merchant, just go around, it won't kill you. If you are in any way shape or form related to the Underground Council, you can just stick your head up your . . . . Sarah?"
"Hey this thing actually works. How the heck did I do that?" asked the very surprised looking Sarah from inside the crystal.
"Hey, it's Elf! Hi Mara!" said Toby, pushing Sarah aside to wave happily at Mara. "What are you doing in the flying mirror?"
"Flying mirror? What do you mean? How where you able to contact us?" asked Mara. "I didn't think you could do inter-dimensional calls after I accidentally broke your bedroom mirror back around Christmas."
"Some lady gave me a mirror yesterday. Named Granny A. Horrible fashion sense. All dressed in bright hearts, I felt that my head was about to explode. Any idea who she is?"
"Granny A? Nope, never heard of her. Thank God you called though, I've missed you like hell. I've been so swamped by all this excess testosterone lately that I think it is seriously affecting my judgment. I mean seriously, Sarah, I am starting to go insane." She lowered her voice, glancing around the throne room to see if anyone was listening. "Yesterday, when I saw Garith, I swear to God I almost wanted to . . . ."
"Mara, can I remind you that my six year old brother is listening?"
"You wanted to do what, Mara?" asked Toby.
"Play Hide and Go Seek, Toby," said Mara, glancing at Sarah meaningfully.
"What the . . . oh . . .Oh . . . really, well that's great, Mara!" said Sarah excitedly.
Mara rolled her eyes. "No. No it is not. I don't do things like that. I don't think things like that. Least of all with someone like Garith. I mean, Sarah, it's me. Miss I-Hate-Romance-With-A-Passion . . . except between you and Jareth of course. Not for myself, though . . . It complicates things far too much.
"And then to make matters worse my twin sister is here with the husband, and the kid. Rawthorn is flipping out at me because I don't want to deal with them, and Jareth is being a pill. As per usual."
"Mara, which Underground nobleman are you embarrassing yourself in front of with your childlike antics?" asked Jareth, coming into the throne room, goblet in hand. "I sincerely hope that whatever you are saying is not going to incur the wrath of some neighboring kingdom so they feel disposed to declare war upon us. I really couldn't handle something like that on top of everything else. I might just be inclined to give you to them as a sacrifice."
"See, Sarah, I told you that Jareth was being a pill. How have things been since I last saw you? I see you cut your hair, it looks nice. And Toby, I swear you look two inches taller than the last time I saw you. Do you have a new roommate yet, or do you get our spacious fifth floor room all to yourself?
"Sarah?" said Jareth, suddenly rushing over towards the floating crystal, shoving Mara off of his throne in order to be able to see Sarah. "Dear God, Sarah, it is you. And is that Toby?"
"Goblin King, Goblin King!" said Toby excitedly, clapping his hands together.
"A little sympathy for the elf on the floor with now a much bruised up knee would be most appreciated," said Mara, as she slowly pulled herself to her feet. She looked over at Jareth and Sarah, staring at each other through the inter-dimensional crystal. The two weren't saying much of anything, just staring at each other, with Toby looking back and forth, confused. "Good God, I hate it when people get all mushy, with all the I-Love-Thee-So-Much-I-Am-Just-Going-To-Star-At-You-Soulfully stuff. I'm taking this goblet, and I'm going to my room. See you two lovebirds later. And Sarah, if you ever get out of your trance, I want to talk to you, after you have your little quality make up time with your precious Jareth."
And with much muttering under her breath, Mara took the goblet from Jareth, and marched out of the throne room. Jareth and Sarah barely noticed her leaving, goblet in hand.
"So, how long have you known Mara?" asked Nomar casually.
Garith wasn't quite sure why he was out horseback riding in one of the few fields in the Labyrinth with Nomar. When he thought about it, there were really an infinite number of things he'd rather be doing than play host to Mara's ex whom she seemed to have not gotten over.
And really, I don't quite get why she even ever liked this dolt.
Nomar was friendly enough, he supposed. Polite to be sure, which was a definite change from the near chaos and hostility that often occurred around the crowd Garith often found himself in lately. And really, there was nothing particularly bad about Nomar.
It's just that the man was completely clueless.
"Since about October."
"Really? Ari said something about you being her bodyguard. I must say I've heard your name batted around the court a few times, I wasn't aware you sell your services out on behalf of the Underground Council."
"It was sort of a favor to the Underground Council. The fact that a large sum of money was added into that deal didn't hurt matters," said Garith.
"I'm still not too sure on that whole thing. Why does Mara need a bodyguard? She always seemed capable of taking care of herself. In fact, I think she handled our separation the best out of any woman I ever knew. I think she is a very well together woman. Very well grounded."
"How many years were you two together?"
"Roughly seventy-five. Then, of course, I met my dear Ari."
"How nice," said Garith, smiling in what he hoped was a polite manner.
"Course, I've always had a fond spot for Mara. After all, she's a great girl. It's a real relief that Jareth is going to be there to look out for her. I always thought those two were particularly well suited for each other."
Remember Garith, you can't hit him. He is a guest here, and Mara's brother-in-law.
"That seems to be what many people think. Of course I have noticed that few have actually bothered to ask them what they thought of the arrangement."
Nomar laughed. "Those two have lived together over double the amount of time I dated her, when we originally planned to become engaged. Frankly, I'm shocked an offer wasn't made sooner. They do seem to be dreadfully fond of each other."
"Which begs the question about why your presence here was necessary, Garith," came Ari's voice, as she rode up to them.
"Milady," said Garith with a bow of his head. "I was not aware that you'd be joining us on our little ride."
Just bloody brilliant. I officially hate my life.
"Where is Reggie?" asked Nomar.
"My Uncle Rawthorn agreed to take watch over him. I tried to invite Mara to come along, but she said she had some other, pressing business to attend to. When I asked if she thought Jareth would be interested, she merely replied he was similarly engaged."
"The two probably wanted some time alone," remarked Nomar.
Garith just rolled his eyes.
"You disapprove of the two spending time alone together?" asked Ari, noticing the eye roll. "I must admit, Garith, I never assumed you to be the conservative type. But perhaps that's why you're her bodyguard."
Garith flashed a smile at Ari. "Far from it, I assure you. I just doubt Nomar's assumption that Jareth and Mara are spending time together for the mere sake of being alone as a couple. I find that from experience, Jareth and Mara often need some sort of moderator when there together. Sparks normally start flying, and not in a good way."
Nomar frowned. "I was under the impression that she enjoyed being here with Jareth."
Garith shrugged. "She does. But that doesn't mean she wants to be here for the rest of her life. She was studying acting in the Aboveground. That's where I met her actually."
"Why, Garith, do you find yourself interested in the theatric arts?" asked Ari.
Garith shrugged. "Interested enough. Frankly, I find it quite liberating. When I was mortal, it was frowned upon for the upper class to participate. It's really quite a shame."
"And how did my sister get along in the Aboveground?"
"Remarkably well. She had a nice group of friends, many of which became good acquaintances of my own before circumstances occurred that forced our withdrawal from the Aboveground."
"Ah yes, preparations for the wedding," said Nomar wisely.
Garith was rapidly beginning to believe that perhaps Mara had been very stupid in her youth, and still was if she was still hung up on this loser. "No, actually. We had to return because Mara fell ill."
"Really?" asked Ari, concerned. "I had no idea. I only recently found out she had returned back here, and that was only because there was something about it in a tabloid. I hope it wasn't serious?"
"She ran low on magic."
"For God's sake, why didn't she just replenish it sooner?" demanded Ari. "I know my sister can be a bit thick headed at times, but even she has the intelligence to know the importance to stock up on magic. How bad was she?"
"She passed out. I found her in the dorm room. We were lucky that Rawthorn was on duty in the Magick Room, and were able to get her back."
"Yes, I was surprised when I found out from my father that Rawthorn had quit working for the council. Rawthorn mentioned something that he wasn't impressed with the current policies of the group – something about them being too ruled by politics."
I think I can understand why Ari likes him. "Have you kept track of anything regarding this Mara affair?"
Ari shook her head. "Sadly not. Nomar and I have been on wrapped up with affairs of state in his kingdom. I remember getting a note from father saying that Mara was finally marrying Jareth, after her stay Aboveground. Like I said, I only realized she came home when I saw the tabloid."
"Tabloid?" asked Garith.
"Yeah. Actually it featured you and Mara. Some notion about you two having a romantic affair in the Hall of the Mountain King."
Ari looked covertly at Garith, watching as his face paled, and he seemed to tense up. It only lasted for a moment however, before Garith recovered and started laughing.
"Really? How entirely diverting. I had no idea such rumors were being circulated."
I wonder if Mara knows? Might explain why she's been avoiding me the past few days.
"You mean you haven't heard?"
"Oh, goodness no. Minus a quick trip to the Hall of the Mountain King a while back, I've been here the entire time. I can quite assure you, there are no romantic inclinations between you sister and myself."
"Well, she is engaged to Jareth. It would make sense," said Nomar.
Perhaps it would be best to go back to the castle, I fear if I stay here much longer I might have to strangle something. Or someone.
"So, you look good," said Sarah for what was probably the tenth time in as many minutes. Mentally she smacked herself on the head, willing herself to say something marginally intelligent. Or witty perhaps. Even Toby couldn't seem to be able to stand her, after a few moments of watching her and Jareth he rolled his eyes and left, presumably to go out and do battle with the fearsome Evil Baron Vudoo, or something to that extent.
There was another one of those awkward pause, neither quite sure what to say. The last time that had talked they hadn't exactly left on the most positive note in the world.
Face it Sarah, you both were in the I'm-Not-Talking-To-You-Because-You-Are-Such-A-Pill mood when you left. You didn't even say goodbye to each other. You just hung around with Garith who told you his life story about turning immortal.
"So, how have things with Mara and Garith been?"
"Barely livable. Garith seems to have realized that he likes the girl, Mara is still being her stubborn self, however."
"Still in denial?"
"I'm not sure that girl knows what love is."
Sarah nodded, smiling. "What's this I hear about Mara's sister being up?" she asked, feeling it would probably be best to stick to small talk, rather than face the conversation that the two of them had been long overdue in having.
"It's not just her sister, it's her sister's husband – Mara's ex-fiancé – and their son, Reginald . . . they call it Reggie though."
"Why are they visiting? I got the impression from Mara that she doesn't normally associate with her family."
"She doesn't,"
"So her sister just showed up, out of the blue?"
"Not quite out of the blue. She did send a letter first. Mara had some colorful things to say about that. It was a bit tense when Ari showed up, and Mara said a few nasty things here and there, but other than that, she's mostly been avoiding everyone except me. That's because I'm so charming."
Sarah rolled her eyes, but couldn't ignore the little flip flop in her chest at the way he smiled at her, and how his blond hair fell over his eye just so . . .
Snap out of it, Sarah.
"You are not charming. You can be an outright ogre when you're in a foul mood . . . wait, I probably shouldn't say that."
"Because it's wrong?" asked Jareth.
"No, because I'm probably insulting the entire ogre population."
Jareth pouted, and Sarah couldn't help but smiling. "God, I've missed you," she said, before she realized she said it.
"You have?" asked Jareth, raising one eyebrow, a smug smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Just a little . . ." said Sarah, with a coy smile.
"Only a little?" asked Jareth.
"A very, very little."
"I'm sure that is the case."
"You seem to doubt me, milord."
"Really?" asked Jareth. "Whatever gave you that impression?"
"I'm not sure, maybe the sarcastic undertone in your voice."
"Only because I can tell you were flat out lying."
"Accusing me of lying, Your Majesty? I'm hurt."
"I'm sure I could make it up to you?"
"Really, how? I'm kinda stuck on the wrong side of the ground."
"Speaking of which, however were you able to contact me?"
Sarah gave a nervous laugh. "Kinda funny story, really. I was hoping you could shed some light on the matter."
"Oh really? I don't think you would have been able to activate one of those inter-dimensional communication portals, even though there is one somewhat near your college."
"I'm not at college, I'm at home."
"Oh, then, the closest one is several hours away, ever since Mara broke the mirror in your room."
"Yeah, my folks really weren't too happy about it. But you're not too far off. I am using a mirror."
"Really? How on earth did you get it? Is it registered?"
Sarah shrugged. "Considering that I don't know what you mean by 'registered' I really can't say. Someone named 'Granny A' gave me this mirror I'm using. Took me forever to figure out how to use it."
"Granny A?" asked Jareth.
"Yeah, sound familiar?"
"Not particularly."
"I'm surprised. She seemed to be under the opinion that she has so much power that the Underground Council would be afraid to contradict her, so she really didn't care if she was mucking up in their affairs or not."
"I would think I'd remember someone named Granny A. It seems a bit of a ridiculous name, especially for someone with a great amount of power. Did she say anything when she gave you the mirror?"
"You mean, besides forcibly holding Eric and me captive in her heart filled hell? Yeah. She said that she happened to have a particular interest in this whole affair. Said that while she believed that the Council was on the right track to get Mara paired with someone, it would be smarter to do it with someone she could actually do it with someone that Mara was sexually attracted to. That way he could keep her so entertained the bedroom that she wouldn't cause any trouble. She seemed very big in the exploration of sexual fantasies . . ."
"Oh really?" asked Jareth, raising an eyebrow.
Sarah blushed, realizing just who she was talking to. Quickly she continued, "Anyway, she said that someone had asked her to intervene. Someone named . . . Marrak . . . Marrok . . ."
"Merrick?"
"Yeah, that's it. You know him?"
"A little, although I not quite sure why he would be interfering, especially in Aboveground affairs."
"So you do know him. I wasn't sure," said Sarah. "Granny A said you had met him, when you went to go take down the barrier to rescue Mara, but I wasn't sure if she was telling the truth. She seemed a bit loopy to me."
"Yeah, I know him, but not overly well. We've only met once. He's dating a friend of mine. She works as a secretary for the Underground Council, so she supplies me with information regarding this whole situation."
"Is she cute?" asked Sarah.
"Very, but like I said, taken."
"Mara said that hasn't stopped you before," said Sarah, narrowing her eyes.
"That was before I met you. I can assure you, I have become quite the upstanding citizen since then." He paused, a disgusted look flittering across his features. "Although why you would trust the word of Mara over mine is frankly quite insulting, milady."
"I'm sure you'll live."
Jareth elicited a mock long-suffering sigh. "I suppose I'll have to, since when you decide to make friends you tend to stay unfailingly loyal to them, no matter how little they deserve it."
"Are you still sore about Hoggle?"
"Look, all I am saying is that the little pipsqueak betrayed you. And yet your forgive him after he comes back to save you and everything is all la-di-dah. Meanwhile I had to work my butt off to earn your friendship and trust."
"That's because you didn't actually go out of your way to 'save' me. You were mostly a pill."
"But a loveable pill." Jareth glared at Sarah as she began to open her mouth. "Don't disagree with that, luv"
Sarah shrugged, but rolled her eyes nevertheless.
Silence once more became the prevalent conversationalist, starting off merely as a comfortable lull. Slowly, it grew increasingly more uncomfortable as it continued prattling on in a secret conversation only Sarah could hear . . . she sure it was whispering something different in Jareth's ear. On and on it whispered, and Sarah once again began to feel the earlier discomfort. Perhaps she should say something, to quiet the silence? But what? What was there to talk about? The weather? Everyone's health? Perhaps the rain in Spain would be a fitting topic, but somehow Sarah felt that the reference would be lost to Jareth. Any topic had to be better than the one that caused them to leave on such rotten terms . . .
"I'm sorry," said Jareth. He said it so quickly, that Sarah almost didn't register the apology until a few moments later.
"For what?" she asked.
"About the whole immortality thing. I realize now I probably sprung it on you a bit quickly. I believe I was a bit irrational at the time."
"You were."
Jareth mock glared at her. "You didn't have to agree with that quite so quickly."
"Well it is true," said Sarah. "And before you get all huffy about it, I will admit, I was a bit hasty and irrational about the whole thing as well. You and I both can be a bit stubborn when we put our minds to it."
"It's probably why we suit each other so well."
"And probably why we spend most of our time arguing."
"Well that's a hopeful sign."
"That doesn't mean I don't value this. It's just, I still have a lot back in the Aboveground. I'd much rather have more time than this. I wasn't planning on getting married until I was at least twenty five, after I had a career settled, and I could preferably drink legally. I don't think I'm ready to drop all of that. But neither do I want to lose this. For all our difficulties, I do miss you. I miss you when you have your occasional sweet moments . . . don't you glare at me like that . . . heck I even miss arguing with you."
"I would have to say I feel the same," said Jareth, then slyly he added, "Even if you do have a fiery temper."
"At least I don't chuck things at you, like a certain Elf I could mention."
"True, Mara has been growing a bit more violent as of late. It seems to be her way of dealing. Perhaps it is not the healthiest way, but I suppose it's better than her going out into the Underground wreaking hell knows what damage."
"Way to look at the silver lining. I always knew that deep down inside you were an optimist."
"No, I'm a realist, darling. I am talking from experience. I'd rather have Mara yelling and throwing curses that would make Garith's privates turn blue with neon pink purple dots than pull another scandal on me like the Dragon thing. That was an absolute nightmare. No, I'd rather have Mara here where her uncle, Garith, or I can keep an eye on her."
"Mara tried to curse Garith's privates? She never tried to do that here."
"That's because Mara didn't have much magic to spare. Since returning, she has no qualms about using it however she pleases."
"So, how has the situation been going?" asked Sarah. "The whole engagement thing?"
"Tolerable. Mara and Garith were able to gather ingredients a while back, so we have an alternate solution to vampirism if you do choose the immortal path. But like I said, I don't want to push you into anything. We're still trying to figure out what to do."
"Wouldn't it be convenient if Mara and Garith just decided to have a lifebond?" asked Sarah jokingly.
"Unfortunately, you can't decide to have lifebond. And I fear that Mara has disillusioned herself so much about ideas of love that she would not be able to recognize any such qualities in herself. No doubt she would instantly put them down as ridiculous emotions. The thing is, Sarah, she never wanted to get married unless it was for a deep love that she knew couldn't be broken. And even then, I don't think she actually believes that it is possible for herself. And she knows that she and I can never have that sort of bond, ever. We've played with the idea once, and realized it would never work. And now, she is stuck with me until death do us part, while she knows I love you, and she has no one."
After that, the conversation turned to much more trivial matters, now that the toughest part of the conversation had been faced. So involved were the two, that neither noticed the figure who had been listening at the door slip away, much weighing on their mind.
Author's Notes
Yay, rough two (or three?) weeks later, we have a new chapter! I have been especially stubborn in this regard, and I swear, I shall try to continue being stubborn!
Megs, I heart you. It was loverly seeing you again after so long, and I can't wait until we can see each other again. Thank you for being my wonderful, loverly beta once again!
Miscellaneous disclaimers so I don't get accused of stealing ideas:
Eric's comment regarding chick flick moments is a subtle tribute to the TV series Supernaturals when Dean tells Sam "No chick flick moments." Obviously, Eric isn't quite as afraid to have those moments when it is needed.
"Brew fame, bottle glory, and put a stopper in death" – Mara was paraphrasing Snape in Harry Potter (which you probably all could figure out). She tends to like making fun of the story as can be seen from previous chapters.
Sarah's inner thoughts about what to talk about (Weather? Or everybody's health?) pokes fun of the play My Fair Lady when Professor Higgins tells Eliza to stick to two topics at the races: the weather, and everyone's health.
I probably should point out that I have nothing against Nomar. He's a nice guy, and his heart is in the right place, it's just he doesn't quite notice everything that is going on. This is partially because it is only around him that Mara restrains herself. He lacks the ability to sense the situation properly. I know people like that, and God knows I've been like that enough times in my life.
As always, I love reviews. They make my day.
MysticalStar1: I understand completely about being busy with college stuff. As I said above, Nomar just doesn't get it. The one thing about Garith and Mara's transformations is that I can't let it take one chapter, just because Mara was so decidedly against him at the beginning, if I wanted to be believable. And believe me, I intend to have much fun when it comes to the inevitable confrontation.
Lady Leelai: I'm glad your enjoying the story this far.
LadyAnivel: Wow, you re-read the whole thing? (Actually I've had to reread parts over again, mostly because this whole thing has taken so long, that I often find myself forgetting details that I set forth in the beginning.) Glad you still like it.
draegon-fire: Marrick is a good guy in this case . . . I tend to see him more of a 'do whatever it takes to get what I want' more sort of guy. Remember, he show Jareth how to break into the Underground Council and get pass all the security.
ohiowriter: Nope, I'm not dead. And the update's today! (yes, I realize I was being a smart ass . . . but it only took me two weeks or so . . . I haven't been this good in a long time!)
The Jolly Glomper: Aphri I must admit was a bit inspired by Grandma Mazur in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series (mystery series . . absolutely hilarious . . ex-lingerie buyer turns bounty hunter)
InuLvr7: Persephone is good. My New Years resolution was to be better at updating, so hopefully I'll so this a bit more regularly.
crystal13moon: I'm glad you liked it. Elmo also happens to be the name of my cat, who is a bit bizarre.
LovelyLadyJem: I'm glad you like the story.
sweetbabby33: Mostly, I'll just be sketching out events in Labyrinth Academy, and try continuing maybe by June, if I get this done. And Sarah and Jareth got their fluff (as seen by the title) Hope you liked it. Happy 2007
notwritten: thanks