AN: Hi folks! I apologize for the wait. I have been rather distracted by a new idea that I might publish soon and it kept me from re-reading the next chapter to be published. I also scrapped three complete chapters (and some things in between) and opted to branch off into a (slightly) different direction. I'm also going to be adding some more content to the chapters that I haven't published yet. Thanks for all the lovely reviews so far. I hope you enjoy this one! Have a wonderful day and stay safe.
Eyelids heavy, Sarah rolled her head to one side. The dryness in her mouth made her throat feel like sandpaper and her tongue like tree bark. She brought up a hand to her head as it throbbed painfully. Slowly opening her eyes she realized she had passed out. For how long she couldn't tell. Her head rolled back limply and her eyes focused. Her breath hitched.
Right in front of her were two people, crouched up close fully covered in dark apparel except for a slit at their eyes. Her heart lurched in panic, her legs kicking off the ground firmly. Her heels slipped in the loose dirt as she pressed up closer against the tree. Her hands flailed behind as looking for something to grip.
This was it. She messed up.
Deciding that since she was screwed anyway she might as well scream. Perhaps it would alert Valen and the others. Her lips parted and one of the figures put a hand over her mouth, holding up a finger to quietly instruct her to remain quiet. Sarah nodded vehemently. Both of them studied her briefly before exchanging a look. Sarah was hyperventilating at this point, chest heaving in panic. One of them removed their hand from her mouth and she took a big gulp of air. A panicked squeak exited their lips, which she quickly repressed.
They exchanged a quick few words in a language she didn't understand before they hauled her up to her feet. One spoke to her in a strange language, earning themselves a strange look. "Not a sound, or you will regret it," the male voice spoke effortlessly. Fearing for her life Sarah vigorously nodded. They uttered something to the other, which regarded her for a second. "Come easy, girl, we don't want to have to hurt you." Sarah nodded again as her voice failed her. Strong hands clasped around her rather forcefully as they steered her around and practically dragged her along. Their long strides were difficult to keep up with.
Her vision was still a little blurry after she got up. There was a strange itch on her chest but she'd be damned if she got fussy now. Plus, it didn't matter that she couldn't see much. She didn't need to know where she was going as she didn't have a say in the matter anyway. From what she could make out, they were heading towards the light she had seen before.
That was good, right? Or was that bad?
As they reached the area the sound of voices grew louder. She could hear people laughing. She heard plates, cutlery and mugs. Blinking against the light yet simultaneously aided by it her vision focused further. By the time she could make out details again she saw a few people looking at her curiously. It was uncomfortable being manhandled in a crowded area. Quickly she ducked her head, her hair shielding her from the seeking eyes of strangers.
Stopping next to a large tent. It was larger than any tent Sarah had seen before. The tan fabrics were propped up by large support beams. There was a small entry area where the people holding her talked with two guards by the entrance. After a brief exchange one of the two walked in. In the meantime Sarah took a moment to look around. This camp was larger than Torin's and seemingly more crowded and well provisioned. While the tent she was standing by was one of the larger ones, all constructions she could see at the moment were rather large. They were lined side by side, creating a structure not unlike a street. By the walkways were tall torches stuck firmly into the dirt, accompanied by several chests, crates and sacks. She could spot a few people sitting together at a campfire nearby.
One of them was a young girl with dark hair and pale skin. She didn't know how but somehow she just knew that this was Torin and Cora's daughter. The young girl looked up and locked eyes with her. Her piercing eyes were exactly like Torin's. The girl, seeming to be maybe ten or twelve, looked fine. She wasn't bound or guarded and seemed relaxed as she was munching on some bread and what looked to be an apple. The girl was dressed in a pale attire, which looked clean, if a bit large for her small frame. She brushed her long sleek hair behind her ear while she steadily held her gaze. Her eyes were questioning, as if silently asking Sarah why she was looking at her in a rather alarmed way.
It wasn't until there was a rustle of the tent entrance that Sarah could tear her eyes away.
From the tent emerged a woman, clad in a long dove gray gown adorned with light tan accents. Her skin was a near perfect milky white. Every inch was soft, unmarred and even. It almost didn't seem real. The woman's face was regal, a little bit square but delicate and graced with pink, thin lips. Her eyes were a surprising dark brown, almost black, which stood in stark contrast with her otherwise pale appearance. Her hair was a copper or strawberry blonde, flowing down to her waist, complimented by a finely detailed circlet. Her face lit up in excitement, pearly white teeth bared. The woman urgently shoo-ed the people holding her. Her voice was soft and smooth when she gushed something to herself in an unfamiliar language. Clearing her throat the woman leaned in to push a lock of Sarah's hair behind her ear, Sarah didn't even have the reaction time to flinch.
"Oh, it's you! Sarah! I am terribly excited," the woman insisted. "You are even more beautiful than I imagined. Come, come," she parted the tent entrance and practically dragged her in. The woman seemed to order something to one of the guards as she hurried in after the brunette.
Sarah looked around in the tent in mild disbelief. It was like the tent had led to a hotel room. It was bathed in pale colors and luxurious furniture, including two queen sized beds, an ornate table with beautiful chairs, a wardrobe and even a carpet and a tapestry. The room was lit up with tall and thick candles and a couch sat snuggly by one of the walls.
The woman practically shoved the remaining guard out of the tent with a brief remark before hurrying to the table, inviting her to sit. Walking quietly to the table, Sarah sat down slowly, reluctantly speaking up. "I… I don't mean to be rude, but do I know you?"
The woman halted her energetic movements while pouring a drink. "Oh… Jareth is a rather secretive person," she chuckled. "My name is Alana." Sarah felt her heart skip a beat as she mentioned Jareth. Excitedly, the pale lady continued filling a glass with clear liquid. "And I must say, I have been simply yearning to see you. Jareth told me so much about you. About your work, your family, your home and what you like to eat. I practically couldn't get him to stop." She moved the glass to Sarah, who looked at her questioningly. "Oh, it's just water, dear. Not to worry. You must have been so scared! And you must be thirsty. How are you feeling? Any sense of illness, dizziness or-"
"Alana, I'm sorry to interrupt," Sarah said quietly. "But, I'm Underground right now, aren't I? Do you know how I got here?"
Alana's face fell, her dark eyes looking up at her. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Sarah! I have been looking for you for so long, you see. I-"
One of the guards walked in with a plate with fresh bread, soup and what looked like chicken. He put it on the table quietly, then bowed and walked back out.
"Ah, dinner! You must be hungry. Dig in, please!" Alana moved the plate to her insistently.
Sarah couldn't deny that the meal made her mouth water and offered a polite thank you before digging in. Alana seemed to have enough steam to keep the conversation going by herself anyways. "As I mentioned, Jareth had told me so much about you, for the first time in hundreds of years he seemed… happy. Or well, happier. A few months ago I heard that he had cut ties with you." Her face fell as her eyes glazed over in remembrance as she looked away. "I don't think I've ever seen him so distraught since he was a boy. I started looking for you after that. I am not as powerful as Jareth. I tried communicating with you but my callings fell on deaf ears."
Sarah frowned, scratching below her neck. "Actually, now that you mention it… I think I did hear. Or well, sensed. Sort of. For a long time I could sometimes smell things or I felt watched… I started getting severe headaches. I even started having these strange dreams unlike any I've ever had before."
Alana clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh, truly?! How thrilling! I must tell Jareth when I see him again. Eat, darling," she urged as Sarah paused. "Alas, from my knowledge it didn't work. I resorted to trying to visit in physical form. I spent many days trying to cross over to your world but was only successful twice. The first time I followed clues Jareth had given me but the mortal city he had mentioned didn't carry your presence. During my second visit I opted for the location Jareth had mentioned years ago. I crossed paths with you there. Not knowing how long I could keep up being in your world, I panicked and urgently approached you." Alana put her hand over Sarah's free hand, making her look up. "Oh my poor dear, you looked positively terrified. But I hope you understand that I had to act as quickly as I could."
Suddenly Sarah looked up at her, putting her spoon down. "Wait, the owl was you?"
Alana nodded. "It was! You ran, so I chased after you. I couldn't afford to lose you as my magic was wearing so thin I might not have been able to return home. If I did manage to get home, it would take me months to collect enough power and magic to visit again. I didn't want to risk not being able to find you again. When I reached you, you fainted. I did my best to take you with me. When I crossed over back home, I'd lost track of you. I must have made an error somewhere along the way back. Worry was consuming me, really. I've been searching all night and day trying to find you and even sent troops to patrol the nearby area. I only just got back when I heard that my guards had located an unfamiliar looking woman at the edge of camp." She looked as Sarah again rubbed her chest. "Are you alright? You're not hurt, are you?"
Sarah shook her head. "No, there's just this kind of sting on my chest."
"May I have a look?" Alana moved over to her as the brunette nodded. She carefully took off the cape, which she studied for a moment before tossing it on the floor with a scowl. "Sarah, have you… met anyone else, perchance?" Carefully she zipped open Sarah's jacket, tilting her head.
"Uh… yes. I did…"
"I think your jewelry has broken." Alana carefully touched the irritated skin by Sarah's neck.
Sarah looked down with wide eyes but couldn't see it. Her hands fished behind her to take it off. As she grabbed the chain she looked at the pendant. The small orb seemed to have shattered. Her shoulders sagged as she cradled the chain in her hand. The pieces of the glass had practically turned to sand. Brushing the skin where the little ball had been resting she could feel the tiny grains as she brushed them off. "Ah, that sucks… I think that happened when I walked through the magic shield outside your camp."
"Sucks?" Alana muttered in confusion, before looking back up at her. "I'm really sorry, Sarah. Did Jareth give that to you?"
"Yeah," Sarah sighed, tossing the chain onto the table. "He gave it to me as a means to contact each other."
The woman nodded. "Then the ward probably destroyed it, since it was a magic item. I am sorry."
She smiled up at the pale lady. "It's okay, it's not your fault."
"You mentioned you met someone else before my men found you. Sarah, who did you meet before you got here?" Alana sat back at her seat.
"Some men, one of their names was Torin. He offered me shelter and a way home if I could help him free his people and their families."
Alana was clearly confused, her fine eyebrows knitting together and her dark eyes flicking left and right. Her rosy lips parting momentarily before repeating the name in a soft whisper. Looking back up at the brunette, her brows remained furrowed. "Torin is not a good man, Sarah. His men and their families weren't taken. They were rescued." Sarah's eyes widened as she waited for elaboration. "A few days ago, two of our scouts ran into a fodder camp. Essentially, a fodder camp is a means for distraction and a way to gauge hostilities and intentions from nearby parties. Those that leave camps like this don't care if they live or die. The people there were sparsely fed and had to share small sleeping arrangements. My men took them here for protection and care, leaving the camp empty for the time being."
Sarah paled as she thought of the girl she saw outside. The dark haired man that had found her in the woods yesterday had left his own daughter to the mercy of whoever stopped by. She shook her head. "That explains why Torin was suddenly gone this morning. The guards there said he evacuated."
Alana's face darkened. "That rat. I'm not surprised. We will find him and try to prevent as many further casualties from his schemes as possible. Are there still men outside the ward?"
"I presume so, I think they were waiting for me to get back."
Suddenly Alana snapped something towards the entrance of the tent and a guard jumped in. She talked to him briefly in that same foreign language after which he walked back out, shouting outside the tent before his voice disappeared in the distance.
Sarah mentioned to the carafe Alana had handled previously. "Uh, do you mind if I…?"
Alana smiled kindly. "No, no! Not at all! Take whatever you need to be comfortable. Can I get you any more food?"
Taking the carafe Sarah poured herself another glass of water. "No, thank you. I've had more than enough. I really appreciate your kindness and hospitality."
"Of course, dear!"
"So," Sarah started a little awkwardly. "How… how is Jareth?"
Alana lowered her head, looking down at her lap. "You must know, Sarah. Jareth hasn't had an easy life, growing up or after. I don't know if he's ever mentioned his family to you but not much of it is left. What is left has been crumbling for many decades. if not centuries. Jareth is skilled in many ways, one of which is self-isolation."
"Tell me about it," Sarah chuckled, thinking back of the times he deflected invitations to talk about himself. "It's only fitting he lives in the center of a damn Labyrinth."
Alana smiled sadly. "Jareth has been depressed for a long while now. Lately it has been reaching a level that deeply concerns me. He has come to a point where I fear he will deliberately put himself in harm's way. As though he does not care what happens to him."
Alana and Sarah shared a quiet moment as they looked at each other. "Jareth means the world to me, Sarah," she continued. "I can bear it no longer to see him suffer. Hence, I decided to take you to this world. Not to keep you here, of course. To talk. I simply want to alleviate some of his sorrows." Alana carefully wiped away a tear that had fallen down her cheek. "I'm really sorry if you do not desire to be here. Please know I did not mean any ill intent or harm upon you or your family."
Sarah gently took Alana's hand, squeezing softly. It wasn't until then that she noticed she was wearing incredibly fine, thin gloves reaching up until her elbows. "It's okay, Alana. I noticed Jareth was going through a difficult time. For a long time I have tried to get him to open up about what was going on and I have often wanted to come here to see if there was any way at all in which I could help." Alana still looked guilty so she gave her a smile. "In a way you did me a favor. Now I don't have to struggle back home to try and get in contact with him in hopes that he'll change his mind." She leaned back and grabbed her glass of water. "That owl-brained jerk ran for the hills before I could get to that, sadly."
Alana couldn't help but burst out laughing at that remark. Quickly she shielded her mouth with her hand in an attempt to stifle her laughter. "Oh heavens, Sarah. I should not be laughing at Jareth's expense, but it is more than a little amusing that someone speaks so freely about him. I can definitely see why Jareth carries such affection for you. Amusing as it is, I don't think I could bear making fun of him. I find myself to be very amiable and compliant. For as long as Jareth has known me, he might mistake me to be sincere. I wouldn't dare hurt his feelings."
Sarah's smile fell as she thought of her family. "Alana, besides me, did you bring anyone else with you?"
"Do you mean the young boy? I saw him when I approached you before you fainted. He was running into a house when I debated whether or not to tell him. Did you want him to come with you?"
"Definitely not. I just wanted to be sure he wasn't lost in these woods, like I was." Sarah smiled. "Would you mind telling me about yourself?"
The woman chuckled as she looked at the candle on the table. "I'm afraid I am not a very compelling person. I have lived a rather secluded life. In many ways I was an asset for political matters. My family had much influence in this world of which most forcibly so. I usually was just a pretty face, perfect to appease the men of opposing sides. Often it was by force, though I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy some of the attention. I have been schooled in many skills. Painting, singing, music, etiquette, speech, history, healing, botanics and in my free time combat. Though my mother deeply disapproved of that last one. Most of my combat skills were taught after she passed though. My parents preferred me as a tool rather than their daughter and my own person." The woman had her hands neatly folded on her lap, looking at Sarah as she continued with a small smile. "While I do not wish to speak ill of them, since their passing I have grown to be much happier. Jareth has taken care of me for a long time, gladly offering me whatever he could spare and more. He is one of the few people that value me for more than just my fair appearance. I admit, most of what I learned about combat came from his skills."
Sarah nodded slowly, trying to imagine such a… medieval lifestyle. "What do you like to do?"
"Like to do?" Alana looked at her with a surprised blink. "I suppose I amuse myself with my painting and other creative efforts, when I can."
Sarah looked at the woman that sat so perfectly still and polite. "If there was one thing normally forbidden that you would like to do, what would it be?"
Alana got the wide-eyed doe look down to a T, that was for sure. Her big dark eyes got that childlike innocence more than Toby ever did. "Oh my, Sarah. I suppose I could wish for a day that I could be entirely my own. To stay and go as I please." She smiled to herself, her eyes falling to the surface of the table. "What a beautiful dream that would be." Suddenly she got up. "Well, lady Sarah, I propose we make ready for bed. Tomorrow we will receive a very dear visitor from the First Regiment and it would be unacceptable to be tardy." She walked over to a vanity and sat down, carefully removing her circlet and brushing her hair.
Sarah smiled and got up, following Alana to the vanity. "Well Alana, if a day ever presents itself in which I could make your ideal day happen I will do whatever I can to fulfill your wish."
Alana smiled back at her through the mirror. "Oh Sarah, you are a wonderfully kind woman. I praise myself lucky to have met you."
"Has Jareth never offered you such a day? You mentioned he has given you so much in the past." As Alana got up and tugged Sarah down onto the seat of the vanity. Gently she proceeded to brush Sarah's hair, being ever so careful with the knots that had formed from her rough ventures.
"Oh, I wouldn't dare ask Jareth such a thing. He has done so much for me already."
"Maybe you should ask him," Sarah prodded. "Hearing how much he cares for you I'm sure he would."
"I don't doubt that."
Both women jumped as a guard entered. He bowed politely and spoke hastily. Throughout his announcement, which again, Sarah could not understand, she could feel Alana adapt her more regal composure again. She walked to the guard as she seemed to ask a question, which he answered with a nod. Alana nodded back, then turned to Sarah. "Sarah dear, I am afraid I must run one more errand before we can retire. Please help yourself to anything in this tent. There is a bath behind the screen in the far corner, it should still be at a comfortable warmth. There are plenty of soaps to make use of. You are also welcome to take any of the night gowns in the wardrobe. Please do not wait to retire until I return. If you need anything else, there will be guards right outside the tent, they will see to your every need."
"O-okay, thank you Alana. Good luck on your errand," Sarah offered kindly, a little worried at the woman's sudden haste. Alana gave her an assuring smile before grabbing a snow white cloak and heading outside.
Sarah looked around the tent. Honestly a bath was music to her ears right now. Walking to the ornate wardrobe she opened it and gawked at the beautiful gowns inside. She modestly selected a light purple night dress and grabbed one of the silky soft towels before heading to the screen. The water felt just right, if maybe a little warm.
While normally she would feel uncomfortable stripping in a strange place, the need for a bath took that modesty away. Without a doubt she peeled off her clothes and stepped into the welcoming water. She let out a deep and relaxing sigh, letting the warmth sink into her skin.
After washing up with one of the soaps at the base of the bath she spotted a few delicate looking robes hanging on the screen. Alana sure had a beautiful taste in clothing.
Crawling out of the bath she dried off and grabbed the nightgown, carefully pulling it over her head and down her body. The woman let out a sigh of relief as it comfortably fell down to her ankles. Picking up one of the robes she pulled it on over her gown and walked to the vanity to brush her hair. After that she slipped into the less imposing and luxurious bed, hoping it wasn't Alana's.
She quietly lamented her necklace being broken. Jareth was going to be disappointed - if she ever saw him again. She was awake for a while longer, thinking of her family and waiting for Alana to come back but eventually she fell asleep.