~No excuse is good so I'll give ya the basics. I am truly sorry for the delay in my update. I have been warring with myself over whether or not to continue with my story since the threat of removal seems imminent. However, I have decided to continue, and only water things down a bit. I'll figure out where I am gonna go if I get kicked and let you know should you decide to stick with me. Enjoy and please review. It takes less time to review this than to read it. Thanks all. 3 Hainesy. Again, I don't own anything unless you only heard it here. ~
Sarah sat quietly next to Jareth throughout lunch, merely picking at her food. The conversation around the table was jovial, the only people to notice her silence being Jareth and Mina, who mouthed to Jareth "What's wrong?" He merely shook his head at her and leaned to whisper in Sarah's ear. Standing she took his offered arm while they excused themselves from the table.
Moving slowly up the stairs he couldn't help but wonder if this were about the morning and a very bruised Garin. Neither spoke as they made their way to the terrace, Sarah instantly going to look out over the railing remaining silent.
"Precious, I cannot bear your silence any longer. Tell me what troubles you."
"Are you…angry with me?"
"No. I know that you neither invited Garin in your room, nor were you aware of his plans. I am not angry with you. "
"I was telling him to leave when you came in. I have never seen you so angry."
"I was."
They remained silent for a moment, Sarah processing everything very carefully.
"Are you in love with me?" Sarah watched him from the corner of her eye.
"I have always been in love with you. I merely chose the wrong manner in which to show you, tell you. You were not ready for it. You were too young, and in my haste, wanting you so badly, I lacked the patience to wait until you were ready."
"I don't feel right."
"I'm sorry. If I'm pressuring you.."
"No….I don't feel right." Eyes rolling back in her head Sarah collapsed, Jareth barely making it in time to catch her. *OMG! WHAAAAAT?* Shouting for Squeakem whom he knew would be close by he swung Sarah up into his arms and carried her to the bedroom just as Squeakem bounced through the door. With a squeak he ran from the room without any order at all nearly sending Jareth into a fit. Seconds later Madeus and his healer came through the door.
Jareth paced at the foot of the bed while the healer attended to Sarah, Madeus moving to put a hand on his shoulder. "You must stop Jareth. You will do her no good pacing as you are. You will wear yourself out and then who will be here to care for her when she wakes."
"I cannot sit idle while she sleeps so. Tis un-natural!" He pushed forward, continuing his stride until the healer turned to them.
"Her Grace is unwell My King. She should rest for the remainder of the day. Nothing to stress her or she could become very ill indeed. Her changing approaches but she is still mortal and it seems she had contracted some illness. Has she been to see anyone recently? Someone that might have brought this illness about? It does not seem to be of Fae Origins."
"Tobias." Jareth murmured.
"I'm sorry?"
"I brought Her Graces' brother to visit with her last evening. He seemed well enough."
"Well, let her rest, give her time to regain her strength. I might suggest you go check on this Tobias as well. It might give us an idea of what exactly she needs."
"I cannot…" Jareth was torn, he could not leave her in this condition. What if she were to become worse?"
"I will go." The High Queen entered the room, Jareth knelt on the floor before her.
"Thank you, Mother."
Sniffling a little as she caressed his cheek she could only nod. He truly loves her, then. "Stay with her. I will return shortly. Madues, have a guard sent to watch over Bastian. We will have to lift the enchantment until I return."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Bowing he ran from the room to do as he was bid.
"Toby!" Sarah cried out in her sleep. Tossing and turning she continued to throw the covers from her body though she would not waken. Sophie came to see her, regardless of being told to keep away. She was only mortal after all. Kneeling next to Sarah she laid a hand across her cheek, gasping at the fire she felt there.
"She has a fever, Jareth." The healer came closet, grimacing.
"Indeed she does. Come Your Majesty, we must carry the lady to the bath."
Jareth stood, gently lifting Sarah in his arms, holding her as gently as he could while she thrashed about. His mother had been gone and hour and had yet to return. Luke warm water was placed in the bath, Jareth slowly lowering her into it, night gown and all. As Sophie bent down to lift a cloth to wipe at Sarah's forehead Jareth held his hand out. "May I?" Nodding she handed him the cloth, standing back with tears in her eyes as he gently bathed her entire body until her skin began to cool.
When she quieted, her thrashing coming to an end he lifted her once more, leaving only long enough for Sophie to dry and redress her then returned to carry her back to the bed. The covers were pulled from the bed, Sophie sitting in vigil on Sarah's left, Jareth on her right. A breeze carrying the scent of flowers began in the center of the room, until at once his mother appeared.
"Master Tobias?" Jareth's voice was filled with concern. If anything happened to him Sarah would not easily recover.
"He is unwell. However the doctors seem to think that a bit of rest, light foods and liquids he should be fine. Something about the flu… Although I must say that Tobias is nowhere near as ill as his sister."
"That's actually quite normal, Your Majesty. The Flu can be a nasty illness, very dangerous for some. To my knowledge Sarah has never been seriously ill. It is harsher on those who have never had a severe case." Jareth listened to Sophie speak. His eyes never left Sarah and he flinched every time she moaned in pain.
"Forgive me my lady, but I think that you should go shower and get some rest. It will be better if you were not to become ill as well. His Majesty and I will take care of her until she is well again." The healer bowed politely.
"Yes, that is perhaps best. You will come get me, if she gets worse Your Majesty?"
"Yes." Jareth had the good graces to smile as his mother answered with him. Sophie curtsied and left the room, lingering a moment at the door to stare at her friend. Moments later Shaemus entered the room, grumbling about fool medicines and people who ought to know better. Ignoring everyone in the room he pulled a flask from his coat pocket and sat by Sarah on the bed. While everyone stared at him like he was mad he uncapped the flask and carefully poured a small amount of whiskey into Sarah's mouth. She gasped and began to cough. Jareth stood and nearly throttled him before his mother stopped him. "Wait.."
"Nothin like a good whiske' to ease th' pain of sickness, Lassie. Be a good lass and drink up a bit fer yer old Shaemus." He tipped it again, slowly, nodding his head as she swallowed and coughed a bit more. "There's a good lass. Now sleep, wee one, an let the medicine run tis course. It canna only help ye from 'ere."
"What are you doing?" Jareth could only growl through gritted teeth.
"Givin the lass a wee bit o heat to ease 'er sufferin fool. She'll sleep a mite bit better now. Natures cough medicine it is. Me da always gave me a sip or two when an illness came te take me. She'll be awake in the mornin and runnin abou' afore ye know it. Dinna be givin me the evil eye Yer Majesty. Ye'll be thankin me in the morn and right you should! The Fae know nothing bout mortal illnesses."
"I hope you're right old man."
"O'course I am ye bloody fool. I'm of the Irish and we know a thin or two that you canna ev'n begin to comprehend. Now get some rest or ye'll be no good fer the lady come the mornin." Without bowing he shuffled himself out of the room, grumbling and grunting the entire way.
"Look Jareth." The Queen motioned to Sarah who had stilled in her thrashing, her breathing a bit more relaxed. "Thank the Gods…"
"It pains me to say it but the old man might actually be right for once." Jareth stared in awe at Sarah, thankful for once for Shaemus.
Having neither slept nor eaten Jareth remained at Sarah's side. He watched the visitors come and go, trying hard not to throw Garin out the door when his turn came. They brought her flowers, everyone concerned for the gracious lady who had saved their Prince, only to be brought down by some horrible mortal illness. As the sun rose, so did Jareth's hope, Sarah's eyes began to flutter and she slowly opened them, shrinking away from the light. Jareth stood and closed the curtains, watching as the healer moved to her side.
"How do you fell Your Grace?"
"Sore. May I have some water?"
Jareth was quick to bring her a glass, the healer looking at him as if he'd lost his mind. A Prince of the realm, waiting on a lady. T'was quite shocking.
"Here Precious, drink." Jareth carefully helped her sit up, holding the glass with her so that he could help her tip it with shaky hands.
"Better?" At her nod he placed the glass on her bedside table frowning as she winced. "What can I get you?"
"Some more of Shaemus' whiskey would be lovely." Jareth chuckled at her, playfully tapping her under the chin with his hand. He was not surprised however to hear a throaty response from the doorway.
"I thought you migh' be needin a wee bit more so I brought ye my best stuff. From Ireland this is. I'll leave it for ye so ye migh' take a bit now and then. Dinna go gulpin it down though lass. No sense addin a stomach ache to what ails ye." He settled a flask on her bedside, leaning over to place a rough kiss against her cheek.
"Thank you Shaemus." He blushed a bit as Sarah smiled at him, his gruffness disappearing.
"You're ost welcome, Yer Grace. Now go on an git better so my grandbabe will stop her frettin." He shuffled back as he had come, quietly closing the door behind him.
"Will you be so kind as to inform my family that Her Grace is awake and on the mend? I think it is safe to say that the danger has passed." Though he spoke to the healer Jareth's eyes never left Sarah.
"Right away Your Majesty." He too was quickly out the door, closing it behind him.
"Have you been here the whole time, Jareth?" Sarah attempted to push herself up in the bed only to fall weakly back in place.
"Indeed Precious. I have not left."
"You should sleep Jareth. No sense in wearing yourself out. I'll be fine in a week or so."
Helping her to sit up he handed her the flask, opening it for her. "I will not leave this room until you are well enough to leave it with me."
Sarah shook her head and rolled her eyes, a sure sign that she was indeed out of danger. Sipping at the whiskey she put it aside as the pain subsided, leaving a fuzzy warmth in its place. "Come on then, in the bed with you."
"Sarah…."
"Oh shut it and get in the bed or get out." Definitely feeling better. Jareth climbed in the bed, clothes and all, to lay next to her. "How did I get sick?"
"It seems Master Tobias was ill when he visited. Now don't fret. Mother has been to check on him and he is nowhere near as sick as you. A few days rest and he will be good as new again."
"Thank goodness." Sarah moved down on the bed snuggling against Jareth's chest.
"Precious?..."
"Hmmm…" Already her eyes had begun to close.
"I love you." Turning her head back, her eyes a bit glazed over from the whiskey and perhaps a low fever she nodded.
"I know." And with that she was asleep, leaving a smirking Jareth staring down at her. *UGH! I die! This is too freaking SWEET!*
Jareth picked a squealing Sarah up from the bed and carried her towards the terrace.
"I can walk you know, Jareth!" Feeling much better now that a few days had passed, mostly in oblivion thanks to Shaemus' whiskey and Jareth's company keeping her calm and rested, Sarah was nearly over the flu. She was still a little sore and had a tendency to wobble a bit but nothing serious. He, however, refused to let her walk.
"You know I am never going to get over this if you keep treating me like fragile China."
"You will get over this Precious. It merely takes time and I don't want you over taxing yourself for nothing." He smirked at her, brushing his lips across hers, practically strutting with pride when she sighed against his mouth. Lowering her into a chair he whipped around as the doors to Sarah's suite burst open and Rydin came running in. Bowing to Jareth he turned and knelt down on one knee, "Forgive me Sarah, I came as quickly as I could. A shadow has fallen at Ivy and they are in desperate need of you at home."
"What's wrong?" Sarah shot up on wobbly legs, fear making her shake even worse. Jareth put an arm around her waist, merely waiting.
"I did not wish to put this on you now as I know you have been ill but I received word this morning that one of Vale's dearest friends has passed this morning. Lela took to the great fade only hours ago. The Village is in an uproar and the babe has been locked inside the manor, safe with Rayna until you can come."
He spoke so fast it was hard to believe it. Sarah swayed on the spot, fearing she was going to faint. "Does Vale know?"
"Not yet Sarah, I thought it best if you spoke with her. I have Mina's attendants packing everyone's things. You will be ready to go in a few minutes."
"I will accompany you Sarah." Jareth bent and kissed her head, without waiting for an answer he was gone to pack.
"Fetch Vale please Grandfather. I must tell her this news now. And will you send word to the High Queen that I have a need of her?"
"I will go quickly. Rest, you are going to need your strength." Sarah ignored him, following into the room and watching him walkout the door. Using a chair for support she slid it across the floor to the closet. Looking inside the only black dress she could find was covered in jewels. Not what she wanted. Concentrating as hard as she could she produced a crystal, dropping it at her feet. She was changed into a plain black dress, in the Underground style, with no frills or jewels. It suited the day. The magic was too much for her and she sank into a chair waiting.
Vale and Sophie rushed into the room, laughing and chattering, stopping short when they saw Sarah.
"Sarah are you unwell again? !" Vale rushed to her side, sinking to the floor at her feet. Reaching out she took Sarah's hands in hers, noticing that Sophie came no closer. She seemed to freeze in place, her hands gripping the back of Sarah's chair, her knuckles turning white.
"No Vale, I am almost over my illness. We must talk, you and I."
"Have I done something to displease you, Your Grace? Why are you wearing that awful dress? Oh no!" Vale threw her hands over her mouth, her eyes tearing up. Her whisper was barely heard through her fingers. "Your Grace's brother?..."
"No Vale. Toby is well. We must away, back to Ivy. My dear I pray that you hear me when I tell you how truly sorry I am…." Taking her hands from Vale's she put them on each cheek, holding her in place so she could not run as Vale's head began to turn back and forth, her eyes filled with horror. "Vale, Lela went to the great Fade mere hours ago. The babe is fine, A strong healthy son, but she could not regain her strength. I'm sorry my dear."
"No, no….It can't be." Bursting in to tears Vale slid back away from Sarah, folding in on herself she closed her arms about her knees and wept, heart wrenching sobs racking her frame. Sarah left her chair to kneel on the floor, silently crying while she pulled Vale to her holding her. Sophie joined them.
Aireya watched the scene unfolding before her, her heart going out to young Vale. Such a sad day amidst their own family's happiness. When Sarah looked up and saw her standing there she moved away, whispering something to Vale and stood, leaving Sophie to comfort the distraught girl. Following the Queen out of the room she softly closed the doors behind her.
"I am so sorry Sarah."
"Thank you Your Majesty. I was wondering what will happen to the babe? I don't know how this works in the Underground so I would like to know before I leave so that I might be able to help the child."
"Sarah, I know that this is a sad time and I have no wish to further upset Vale. When a mother loses their babe in the Underground usually the child is adopted out to a family. As there is a list of waiting people, those who cannot have their own, well we adopt the child out to a family that desperately wants a child of their own."
"Are there any exceptions?" Sarah grimaced, concerned that Vale would panic when she learned that not only had she lost her friend but would lose the babe to strangers as well.
"Only one. A member of the Royal Family may adopt the child and take them as their own. It has not been done in centuries my dear, but we do have the right to claim the child first, regardless of the list. Mostly in part because the children usually come from the Goblin Kingdom." Aireya sighed, sitting on a nearby chaise. The list was long, many high ranked nobles without children at the top. She did not see any of her children stepping forward to take the child either.
"Does this happen with all Fae babes?"
"No. Usually they remain with the father."
"And this babe has none. Lela explained to me that her husband was in an accident. He passed to the Great Fade during her pregnancy." The doors to the room opened and in came Jareth, Squeakem following solemnly behind. Dorian and Garin with him.
"We are ready to leave Sarah. The carriages are packed. Let us move quickly to Ivy. We will magic our way as soon as we are clear of Wintreyus, the carriages will meet us there." Jareth held out his arm to her. Nodding she took it, tuning to the Queen.
"Thank you. I have much to think about." Curtsying she turned to Dorian and Garin. "Will you assist Vale and Sophie? They are in the other room."
They did as was asked, the Queen leaving. Dorian escorted a red faced Sophie out of the room, Garin showed up behind them carrying Vale who softly cried against his chest. Jareth stared at him with raised eyebrows, a bit surprised. He merely shrugged and carried her from the room, the group quietly making their way out of the castle, Vale's sorrow the only thing to be heard.
Sarah stood on the steps of the manor, staring out towards the Village. No smoke could be seen rising from their little chimneys. The sound of laughing children was gone. No life teemed about the streets, bustling about in their day to day life. Rayna came up behind her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Do not blame yourself for not being here, Your Grace. She passed gently in to the fade, her only words being that she knew Her Grace would make sure her son was well cared for and to make sure that the Lady Vale did not suffer."
Sarah turned to her, tears streaking silently down her cheeks. Rayna held the babe in her arms, offering him to Sarah. Taking the little bundle carefully into her arms she cradled the child, cooing and purring at the little boy, so aptly named Atraeus. "How is Vale?"
"I have given the Lady a sleeping draft. She will be well again soon. She merely needs time. The lad cheers her."
Sarah smoothed a hand down his cheek, saddened by the news she was about to give. "He must go to the High Court. Already bids are coming in for his adoption. I received a letter from her Majesty just this morning. He will be placed with a great family who will care for him and love him as their own."
"Surely Your Grace can prevent this?" Rayna was shocked, but Ivy had never had an orphaned babe in her time.
"I cannot. I am young and able to have children. It would cause an outcry in the High Court. Many Fae cannot have children and would be blessed to have a child of their own. If only we could have kept this secret." Sarah moved up the stairs, taking Rayna's hand as the woman's eyes spilled silent tears down her cheeks. They walked together in to Vale's room, though the sleeping draught had been given it was having no effect. Awake, staring out her windows she neither moved nor spoke until Sarah made her way around the bed.
"Atraeus." Smiling, she held her arms out for the babe, Sarah gently lowered him to her.
"Your mother was my dearest friend little one. I shall tell you great stories of her and the games we used to play. Oh that she could have been here with you. Her first and only child, her last love…"
"Vale we must talk."
"Yes Sarah?"
"Vale, I know that tomorrow will be hard for you, Lela's funeral, but we have another matter to discuss. I had hoped to keep Atraeus here with us, so that you and I might care for him, but it has been made known to me that a Fae family has petitioned to adopt him. The Queen has told me that I must comply."
"I know the rules…I had thought that our Grace might be the exception."
"I would keep him if I could, for you Vale." Vale held the baby out to her, Sarah taking him and frowning as Vale began to cry into her pillow.
"Please, don't bring him to me anymore. I can't bear it."
Her eyes tearing Sarah gave Atraeus to Rayna, who cuddled and cried against the babe, taking him to the nursery. Sinking down on the chaise Sarah watched her friend cry, feeling powerless. What would happen if she rebelled and refused to turn over the child? Maybe she could ask that they give her the child as a token of appreciation for saving little Bastian? As her mind poured over thoughts and ways out of the mess that she now found herself in Garin moved past the door, only to stop and look inside. Leaning against the frame he sighed, Dorian having sent him in search of Sarah. It didn't help to have a mind reader around.
"Sarah?..." His heart dropped as her red stained eyes turned his way. Such sorrow or one so young. He watched her stand and kiss Vale's cheek before moving to the door.
"Yes Garin?"
"I believe I have a solution to your problem."
"What?" Sarah was all ears as Garin escorted her down stairs to Jareth and the others.