Disclaimer: I still do not own the Labyrinth or any of the characters. Most likely never will.
Chapter Eighteen
Hit or Miss
Eve had no problem leaving the girls with Verdant, Feyore though seemed skeptical because of the recent attack, but did not object.
"Jareth would have my head if he knew I left his Queen here," Feyore said with a smirk. Eve smiled as he transported them both back to the light elf kingdom.
"Then we shall be sure he doesn't find out about this," Eve said once they were in the throne room of their own kingdom. Turning, she walked away.
"Where are you going?" Feyore asked.
"To find a way to reverse the curse of course. With all the information Jareth has given us, I'm sure I can come up with something," Eve replied turning a corner. Feyore smiled, one of the few times expression had really crossed his face. It was easy for anyone to see that Selina's face of authority came from her father, and her friendly bright side from her mother.
Verdant led the two girls through the castle gate feeling slightly awkward. He had never had this much female company before, even before the curse. Sarah was no problem, he enjoyed being with her, but Selina was another story. He didn't know her at all; he didn't want to react stupidly. For God's sake Verdant you're a king! You shouldn't be worrying about such nonsense, she could never see past your image. …but Sarah has… A voice somewhere in the back of his mind reminded him that the equally beautiful Goblin Queen had come to accept him, so why not Selina? What made this girl so different?
"So Verdant, how have you been?" Sarah was the first to break the silence. She could tell Selina was trying her hardest not to let her expression fall back into the cold intimidating face of her father.
"As well as I can be," Verdant began sadly. "We've suffered many losses, but we are recovering from the attack. It means so much to my kingdom that you and your kingdom have come to our aid."
"Don't be ridiculous; as if I would just sit around and let a friend down!" Sarah smirked slightly, causing Verdant's glowing red eyes to smile. Side glancing, Sarah watched as Selina kept looking at Verdant, wanting to say something. Hmmmm… "Verdant, come here a minute," Sarah said pulling him by his shoulder a few feet away from Selina. She hated to leave her new friend out, but maybe if she played it off right things could get going better. "Listen, Selina can be kind of shy," total lie her mind screamed, "so would you mind talking to her a little?" Verdant watched his friend curiously for a moment before nodding. They quickly made their way back over to a confused Selina.
"Is that Feryia?" Sarah asked squinting down the hall. With out waiting for an answer she hiked up her long blue gown and dashed down the long dark hallway successfully leaving Selina and Feyore alone.
"It must be awfully lonely here," Selina commented trying to make conversation.
"It is," Verdant sighed.
"I'm sorry, it was foolish of me to bring something like that up," Selina said berating her brilliant choice of words for breaking the ice.
"No, please, it's quite alright. It's really not so bad, but every once in awhile, it would be nice to have more company than just my subjects," Verdant said.
"I can kind of understand," Selina replied. "I hardly ever get to leave the castle, only for formal affairs, or in this case Jareth wanting Sarah to not be bored." She realized her statement could be taken two ways. "It's not that I wasn't happy to get out, and I'm very glad to have a new friend outside of the castle, I just wish I had my own choice."
"I do too," Verdant replied, effectively making Selina feel a little selfish. At least she wasn't under some curse right?
"Listen, Verdant, I can't imagine what it's been like for you, but please know that I'd be happy to help anyway I can."
"That means a lot to me, thank you Selina," Verdant replied, a smile evident in his eyes.
Around the corner Sarah watched her two friends' converse, smiling to herself at her handy work. With a sigh she let herself wander away, giving them some privacy. Her wanderings successfully brought her back to the room she had stayed in while Verdant had kept her here.
A million thoughts ran through Sarah's head about the malevolent dark elves, and what could possibly go wrong. The worst possible out comes came to mind; most she couldn't even fathom actually coming to pass.
After some time had passed Sarah pulled herself from her thoughts and followed the sound of voices back to her two friends. They didn't even seem to notice her at first until Selina looked up with a smile.
"Hey Sarah," Selina called. Sarah smiled as she closed the distance between them.
"Not to cut our time short, but we should probably head back," Sarah said, hating to break up their bonding time. They probably hadn't even realized how late it was becoming, it was almost time for dinner, and Jareth would be more than irritated if she didn't return soon.
"Oh, you're right!" Selina appeared slightly alarmed herself. "We really do need to get going. We'll talk again soon Verdant," Selina said looking just a little too sad to be leaving his company.
"It's quite alright," Verdant replied. Walking them to the doors, he bowed low. "Til we meet again…"
Selina smiled taking hold of Sarah's arm and transporting her back to the Goblin Kingdom.
"So how was it, what do you think of him?" Sarah just couldn't wait; they had barely just appeared in the bedroom before her mouth was running. Selina blushed slightly.
"Oh, he's very kind, I do enjoy talking with him," Selina said. Sarah had to control her giggles; Selina was adorable when she was bashful.
Over the next few months, Selina and Verdant had grown much closer, often spending time together with out Sarah. Jareth had no problem when Sarah would choose to sit out on being with her friends. He had long since found out that they weren't going to Eve and Feyore's kingdom, and though very displeased, did not stop his Queen. When her mind was set on something, nothing could stop her.
Time seemed to fly so quickly, they hadn't been able to convince any more members of the court to join their allegiance, but the plans were turning out nicely. Sarah smiled every time she saw Verdant and Selina together. It was truly endearing to see him lead her around the castle with such a kind vigilance.
Eve had been the first to catch on to her daughters growing affections. Though Feyore was somewhat aware, he seemed more prone to ignore it. Jareth, knowing it was Sarah's planning was just happy that he wasn't forced to share his wife with Verdant as often.
Sarah had started spending afternoons with Selina in the Gardens at Jareth's castle. They often alternated kingdoms when visiting. Verdant would often rain check when it came time for them to visit in the Goblin Kingdom, and with Jareth around it was no wonder why. Verdant simply wanted to keep things as peaceful as possible.
It was on this day, months after not being plagued with visions of any sort that Sarah found herself drifting away. Her brow furrowed as she grabbed Selina's arm for support. What could I possibly have to see…? Sarah wondered briefly.
"Selina… I… I need you to get Jareth," Sarah murmured out, falling to her knees, her eyes completely glazed over. Selina had experienced visions and knew it took a long time of practice to be able to stay partly conscious through the vision.
"Hold on Sarah," Selina said, grabbing hold of her friend and transporting them to Sarah's bed room. She laid her down before hurrying off to find the Goblin King.
When Sarah finally came around, Jareth, Selina, and Eve were gathered worriedly around the bed. She eyed them warily, what a horrid vision it was, she almost burst into tears right on the spot. Jareth, ignoring the others present, moved to her side and grabbed her hand.
"It's alright Sarah, tell us what you saw," Jareth said. Tears began falling freely as Sarah tried to find her voice.
"I… It…" Sarah stumbled over her words.
"It's alright Sarah, take all the time you need," Selina said supportively.
Author's note:
Alright, I know it's really short. Yes, this means I finally have my effing laptop back! Ah, I was sooo happy. Anyway, review and let me know what you think and to let me know that you're still with me!