Tempting Fate

Chapter 19: Enter the Apportioner. "Twist ye, twine ye! even so, Mingle shades of joy and woe, Hope, and fear, and peace, and strife, In the thread of human life." Scott. Sarah slowly came to consciousness, feeling warm and comfortable. She opened her eyes and stared at the clock that read 12:17. Apparently she had slept very late again. Suddenly it occurred to her that she had been shoved over onto the very edge of her bed, and she was not alone. Someone was in the bed with her, and she was still in that person's warm embrace. Sarah's snapped to full attention as she turned her head to see the Goblin king stirring beside her. He pulled her more snugly into his warm grasp and that's when it registered that she felt skin to skin contact. She quickly twisted out of his grasp, rolling on her back. During the same moment Jareth had opened his eyes and grinned wolfishly at her, "Good Morning Sarah." She wriggled to a sitting position, flattening her back against the headboard, realizing to her horror, that she was stark naked. She grabbed at the covers and frantically clutched the sheet to herself. Jareth was lying on his side and the sheet only covered him to his waist. From what Sarah could tell, he wasn't clothed either. Sarah scanned the room, frantically trying to remember how she had ended up in bed with the Goblin King. Nothing came to mind. She noticed that the things from her vanity were scattered all over the floor. Clothing, both hers and Jareth's were discarded about the room. There were several candles that had been burned down to nubs. That's funny she thought, I don't even have candles that look like that. Her normally neat room looked as though it had seen a battle. Based on what she saw and the fact that she was naked in her bed with a certain Underground ruler suggested that she must have had a rather erratic evening. There was just one problem...She couldn't remember it. Her wide eyes glanced about the room and her mouth hung open in shock as she struggled to exclaim, "Oh. My. God!" Jareth frowned as he realized his concerns about that wine appeared to be legitimate. Sarah was suddenly off the bed and the sheet was coming with her. She wrapped the sheet tightly around herself as she stood and noticed as she pulled the sheet further off the bed that Jareth was just as naked as she. She hadn't actually considered that by running off with the sheet that she would simultaneously uncover him. She had just woken up after all. She let out a startled, "Oh! Oops!" and immediately averted her eyes just barely missing what she had to admit must have been a delectable sight. She gave herself a mental slap across the face. This was hardly the time to be admiring him, not when there was still the details of why she was naked to be sorted out. She stooped to retrieve her torn blouse, and after seeing its shredded state she let it drop back to the floor. The growing feeling of dread crept further over her. Jareth was facing the other side of the bed tugging on his trousers as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Sarah put a shaky hand to her forehead and demanded, "What the hell is going on?" Jareth could tell she was less than pleased and readied himself for the onslaught of her fiery wrath, "You don't remember?" Her eyes were furious as they met his, "No, Remember what!? I remember coming home from the club, we danced and then we had some wine." She stopped there, her voice turning caustic, "You gave me that wine!" She looked away and admitted accusingly, "I don't remember anything after that..." Jareth knew he had to tread carefully. She was now pacing nervously. She gestured to the vanity and the bed as she asked suspiciously, "What the hell happened?" Jareth carefully began, "Sarah, that wine had an affect on you that I didn't anticipate. You must try to understand..." She interrupted, shouting, "Understand!? What the hell am I to understand?" Jareth lowered his head as if he was exhausted, "Just calm down and..." "Calm down? How can you tell me to calm down?" Jareth put his hands up and tried again, "Sarah if you'd just give me a second to explain..." Her eyes flashed with anger as she heatedly demanded, "What did you do? Did...Did you sleep with me?" He looked at the now empty bed, "I slept with you, yes." Sarah put a hand to her mouth, "Oh my god. We had sex?" Jareth shook his head, "Well, no. Not exactly." She took a deep breath, well that was a huge relief but it still didn't explain why she woke up with no clothes on, "Are you telling me that nothing physical happened between us last night?" Jareth arched and eyebrow as he sat on the bed, "Well, I wouldn't say that." Sarah was now staring at his back and could see red scratches on his shoulder that looked like they were inflicted by fingernails, "What happened to your shoulder?" He glanced over his shoulder at the red marks before his eyes darted back to hers accusingly. She stammered "I...I didn't do that did I?" Jareth smirked slightly, despite the tension in the air, "Well, I didn't inflict them upon myself." Sarah suddenly felt ill. Although she had no memory of what occurred, she had the distinct feeling that Jareth was telling the truth. Maybe they hadn't gone all the way, but something pretty significant must have happened for them to wind up in bed in the buff. Oh, this was not good. As much as it would have been easier to pin all the blame on him, she couldn't deny that all the signs indicated that they engaged in something mutual, and very passionate. The room was trashed, clothes strewn about, and the candles... Not to mention that there wasn't a mark on her, and Jareth had pleasure scratches. God that damn fucking wine. Not being able to remember! It was pure madness. Sarah wanted nothing more than to have a hot shower and a good cry. She couldn't deal with him right now. Jareth could see the crisis playing out behind her eyes and asked, "Do you want to know what happened or not?" Sarah took a deep breath, steadying herself against the doorway. "Damn right I do, right after I take a shower." Sarah stormed out of the room in her sheet. She turned on the shower and waited for the water to heat up. I'm never going to drink ever again. Jareth was very unsettled at Sarah's reaction. She truly didn't remember. He had expected a heated exchange, but he never expected that she would forget everything. He had not wanted things to end up this way, and he cursed himself for not being more in control. He picked up his clothes off Sarah's floor and returned to the guestroom. Jareth was putting on his usual goblin king attire when the forgotten crystal fell out of the bag and rolled across the floor, and came to rest at his feet. Jareth picked it up, noticing that it seemed to be filling with a reddish fog. It grew hot to the touch and he dropped it in surprise. It smashed as it hit the floor, the red smoke billowing out. He waited for the smoke to clear and saw...nothing. He expected that something would happen, but for a few moments nothing occurred. Suddenly he heard a feminine voice behind him, "Well, Well...if it isn't the Goblin King." Jareth spun around to see a young woman with midnight black hair that fell to her waist and glittering midnight blue eyes that seemed to read his every thought. Jareth crossed his arms over his chest in his usual indifferent stance as he studied her. She stood nearly as tall as he and she was dressed in a crimson gown that appeared to made of a fine gauzy material. She had one hand on her hip as she leaned casually with one arm against the door frame. Jareth noticed a large bronze pendant hanging around her neck, molded into the same symbol that he'd seen in the book. Jareth sounded unimpressed as he simply stated, "Oh it's you. I might have known." The woman straightened and replied, "Yes well, I failed to introduce myself properly last time we met, but you were just a child then. Forgive my rudeness. I am Lachesis the Apportioner, middle sister of the Fates." She was now slowly circling him as she continued, "My, My, Jareth, how you have grown...and how strange that you are to be found in the mortal world. But it seems that you are getting along fine here. Sarah is doing a sufficient job playing hostess to you..." A mischievous grin tugged at her lips as she added, "I trust you had a pleasant evening last night." Jareth clenched his jaw, but he held his tongue. He wasn't about to give any information away until he knew what this creature was up to. Lachesis merely laughed at his discomfort before she added, "Yes, well I do hope Sarah enjoyed the wine." Jareth lost his temper and accused rather venomously, "That was you! Why would you do such a thing?" She feigned surprise at his accusation, "Oh come now Jareth, that was hardly a potent spell. All my wine did was cause Sarah to let go of a few tiny inhibitions. I assure you that the young lady only did what she wanted to do." Jareth shook his head and hissed, "What about her memory? She has no recollection of what happened. She's blaming me." Lachesis shook her head and stepped closer, peering right into his eyes as she sweetly replied, "Really Jareth, do you consider me that cruel? Sarah's memory will return in no time, for the spell is so weak that water will undo it." She suddenly looked thoughtful as she brought her finger to her chin, "Isn't the lady taking a shower? I'd wager she is going over all the details in her pretty little head right at this very moment." Jareth was getting impatient, "Why don't we drop this whole facade right now. I want the truth, what is it that you want with Sarah and I?" * * * Sarah stepped into the shower and at the very moment that the water cascaded over her head and down her back, memories of the night before came rushing back with crystal clarity. She recalled every kiss, each caress, and every word that had been spoken between them. Sarah gasped at the intensity of the memory. For a few moments she just stood there letting the water crash upon her head and wash over her body. She could barely believe that those things had actually happened. She recalled how Jareth had seemed surprised by her actions. He must not of anticipated her reaction to the wine. The breath was knocked out of her as she recalled the feelings he had awakened within her. She couldn't be angry with him; not now, not after knowing what had transpired between them. She had initiated it and, he repeatedly asked if she was sure of what she wanted. As she replayed everything in her head, she was rather surprised that they hadn't gone all the way. Surly he had been restraining himself. Then the idea came to her, "He was holding back. He must have felt that it was too soon. Maybe he wants to be sure that I am ready." That had to be it, and she admired him that much more for it. She realized that if the tables were turned and she was in his position, she probably would not have lasted the night with him, but then she had never been very adept at controlling her emotions. She had told him the truth...that she loved him. A small relief but a a burden at the same time, in that she had no idea what the future would hold for them. She further examined her feelings and discovered that she did not regret anything that had happened. While it was true that now that their feelings had been laid upon the table, their relationship would be no less complex as they didn't know if or when they would be torn out of each others lives. Complications, would no doubt, arise, but Sarah could not blame herself nor Jareth for that. At the very least she found comfort in knowing that she'd rather have a short amount of time with him, than none at all. * * * Back in the guest room, Lachesis smiled sweetly, "Ah Jareth right to the point you always are. Very well, as the apportioner, it is my duty to dole out your destiny, so without further ado...I'm offering you a choice. You and I both know that you are in love with Sarah, and after last night it is quite clear that the girl is rather taken with you too. As I'm sure you've both considered, there are certain circumstances that complicate things. The most obvious being that you come from vastly different places. You the King of the goblins, an immortal and she, very human, and very mortal. In addition to these happy little facts, as sovereign over the labyrinth, you have a responsibility to your kingdom and your subjects, just as Sarah has a life of her own here." Jareth nodded impatiently, "I'm aware of our predicament." Lachesis looked at her nails for a moment before she continued, "Well, this is where the choice comes in, and if you two love each other as much as I believe that you do, you should be able to come to some agreement. I've arranged with my sisters to allow one of two things to happen. Either Sarah will choose to give up her life aboveground and return with you to your kingdom to rule by your side as Queen for the rest of eternity, or you may choose to forfeit your kingdom and your immortality to remain here, living a human life, spending the rest of your days with the woman you love. Now I realize that such a decision must be well thought upon, so I'm giving you and Sarah ten days to decide." Lachesis paused for a moment before she continued, "Here's the catch. In the meantime you will remain as you are, powerless...just like a human. Sarah must learn to love you truly for the person that you are, and I don't want her dazzled by your magic. Secondly, whatever your decision, the two of you must wholeheartedly agree. If there is a glimmer of doubt in your hearts, I will know. Lastly, you cannot try and persuade Sarah one way, or the other. You can tell Sarah nothing of what I have told you." Jareth frowned at this and was about to protest before she added, "I will personally speak to the girl and tell her what she needs to know. By midnight on the last day, my sisters and I will know your minds and if your hearts desire the same thing you shall be together. But if at that time you and Sarah are not in agreement you shall return to the underground and resume your duties as sovereign and Sarah will remain here. And don't think I don't understand you Goblin King, I will ensure that if this happens, you will not be able to lure the girl to you, nor will you be able to pop in and visit her at will. The boundary between the Underground and Aboveground exists for a reason and the fates will not tolerate abuse of the gateway. Is that understood?" Jareth nodded, "Yes, but I have one question." Lachesis smiled, "Only one? Very well then, ask me your question." Jareth looked genuinely curious as he asked, "Why are you giving me this chance? This is the second time you've helped me. You stayed the goblins from transforming me, and because of you they made me their king. In addition, you taught me to control my magic. And now, now you are giving me the opportunity to be with the woman I love even though it was through my own error that I had already lost her once." Lachesis looked thoughtful. When she spoke a touch of sadness and regret was apparent in her usually melodic voice, "I...don't like to see people who love each other get torn apart due to the harsh realities of life. It is one of the aspects of my duties that I will never grow accustomed to." Seriously he added, "Are you sure that's the only reason?" She stared at him for a moment before she shook her head, "No. There is another reason. I knew your father. He showed me a kindness once, and I was never able to return the favor. He and your mother were cruelly separated, and at the time there was nothing I could do to prevent it. If I can help you, than in some small way I've repaid your father." Jareth inhaled sharply, "You know of my parents? Can you tell me about them?" Lachesis sadly replied, "I can tell you what I know. Your mother was a mortal, and your father was Fae. When he fell in love with your mother, she was already betrothed to another. She was nobility you see, and even at her young age, her marriage had already been arranged." Jareth listened in wonder. Lachesis paced about the room gracefully as she continued, "Your father, being the stubborn rogue that he was, decided that he'd rather court your mother in secret than give her up to another. He planned to steal her away to the Underground, but something happened that he did not intend. Your mother's betrothed found out about their secret affair and challenged your father to a duel. They battled over your mother and although your father defeated his foe, he was mortally wounded on the tip of his adversary's iron sword." Jareth nodded in understanding, he had heard about the toxic effects of iron. He himself was not much affected by it, since he was half human. Lachesis paused as she saw the words sinking in, and then she continued, "He lived in a great deal of pain for a few days before he died. I wish I could have prevented his death but there was nothing I could do. Your mother, who was still but a girl, learned she was carrying his child and couldn't face the hardships of being a single mother of an illegitimate child. She would have been cast out of her house for sure. In a moment of desperation she begged for me to take you to the Underground where at least you'd have a chance at life. So I did what I thought best for you. The goblins needed leadership, and though they were a rowdy lot, they took to you right away, so I arranged for them to make you their leader." Jareth was speechless. He had so many questions; he didn't even know where to begin. Lachesis, on the other hand, was quick to explain. "Jareth, it may hurt to know that your parents were not married, but I assure you that you were conceived in love. Your mother was heartbroken when I took you away." She added softly, "She loved you very much." Jareth's face was pale and cold as he asked, "Did my father know?" Lachesis nodded, "Yes, your mother informed him before he died. Jareth, he died, relieved to know that some part of his love for your mother would live on, and it was he that named you." Lachesis stopped her pacing and came to stand behind the Goblin King. A warm hand closed on his arm as her tone became wistful. "There was nothing I could do to help your father. There was some bad blood between my eldest sister and I. Atropos was furious with me, so she cut the thread of your father's life. As much as I wished it wasn't so; there was nothing to be done, for Atropos is the keeper of the shears of life and she alone can decide when to cut a life short." Lachesis sighed and took a deep breath before she continued, "But in the years since then I have made peace with my sister and in order to right the wrongs she did then, she has agreed to aid me in helping you and Sarah to be together." Jareth could only listen in silent wonder. It was easy to forget that this woman was one of the three most powerful beings in existence when she chose to appear as a lovely and sweet youth. He wanted to know more, for her tale was intriguing and he could learn so much from a being of such wisdom, but he felt as though he'd be asking too much to push for any more. He had been given a chance at a life with Sarah and that was all he truly wanted. Lachesis nodded towards the bathroom, "I think it's time I left you...I shall give your Sarah some answers ere I take my leave." Jareth nodded reverently as Lachesis placed a chaste kiss upon his cheek. Her lips were cold and Jareth shivered. She smiled and breathed, "Farewell, Goblin King." Chapter 20: Smiled Upon by Fate Sarah turned off the shower and stepped out, quickly wrapping a towel around herself. She brushed her teeth at the sink, just like she did every morning.. When she raised her green eyes to the foggy mirror they met a laughing pair of midnight blue ones. Startled Sarah jumped back and dropped her toothbrush. Then she turned around to see if the stranger was actually in the room with her, or if she just existed as a reflection. As she turned, Sarah found herself face to face with a young woman of fair complexion, with long ebony hair and eyes of such a deep blue it almost seemed unnatural. Sarah's first observation was that the young woman was strikingly beautiful. Sarah hugged the towel tighter to herself as she noticed the stranger was dressed in fine crimson colored robes. She was so pale that her ruby lips and blue eyes stood out in stark contrast to her fair complexion. If Sarah hadn't known better she might have assumed the woman was a vampire, for her sultry beauty possessed an almost dark otherworldly quality. However, Sarah knew instantly that this was one of the Moriae. Fate, in the flesh. Lachesis smirked knowingly as she examined the mortal standing before her. Her eyes shamelessly darted over the girl's form. She was very curious to see for herself what it was about this girl that had clearly turned the Goblin King's head. The first thing that Lachesis noticed about Sarah Williams was her piercing eyes. They were a brilliant hazel-green and held a fierceness that was seldom found in one so young. The girl's silky hair was the color of dark chocolate. Sarah's face possessed a natural beauty that was extremely rare. Her nose and pouting lips were delicate and feminine, yet child-like at the same time. She was an extraordinary specimen for a human being. For a few moments both women regarded each other in silence. The stranger's eyes were so enchanting that Sarah found it hard to tear her gaze away from them. Her pupils were unnaturally dilated and Sarah wondered if this gave her enhanced eyesight in the dark. Her skin was so pale it reminded Sarah of a marble statue of Venus that she had seen in a museum once. Sarah let her eyes drift over her lithe form. She noticed the bronze medallion that hung around her neck and recognized the symbol from Jareth's book. Her scarlet robes were made from a fabric that Sarah had never seen before. It was gauzy and clung to her frame, accentuating her graceful movements. The lovely creature finally spoke, and her voice was rich and full of mirth as she teased, "You must be Sarah. Well, well, such a pretty thing. It's no wonder you've turned the Goblin King's world upside down." Sarah was speechless and flushed at the remark. Lachesis gracefully stepped closer to the girl and added, "It's a pleasure to meet you Sarah. I believe you have been expecting me. I am Lachesis." Sarah was totally flustered, and being draped in only a towel didn't help her confidence. Should she shake hands, or bow? She really had no idea. Before she could decide on an appropriate response, Lachesis brought a pale hand to her face and gently caressed her cheek. Her hand was cold but her smile was warm and comforting. Sarah stared in wonder at the being before her. Lachesis flashed another brilliant smile and chuckled, "So warm and alive. No wonder you've ensnared him so thoroughly." Sarah blushed again at her words and finally managed "Lachesis, I'm glad you've come. Have you already spoken with Jareth?" The fate nodded and replied, "Yes my dear, I've said my piece to him. Now it's you I crave a word with." Sarah nodded and fidgeted with her towel. Lachesis noticed her discomfort and smirked before she added, "How about we talk somewhere a bit more...appropriate?" Sarah didn't have time to respond as the fate snapped her pale fingers. She suddenly looked around and discovered that they were outside at the park near her parent's house. She looked down and was relieved to find that she was dressed in her jeans, a turtleneck and a comfortable pale blue sweater. Even her hair was dry. Sarah looked at the Fate in amazement, "Wow...ah thanks." Lachesis nodded, "Don't mention it." Lachesis was also dressed differently. She was now sporting black jeans and a red sweater. Her dark hair was swept back in a tight ponytail. Sarah took in the outfit and figured that she probably reasoned that the red robes were a bit conspicuous. Lachesis walked with Sarah along the edge of the pond and began, "First, I'd like to apologize for the wine. It must have been bothersome to wake up and have no memory of what had transpired..." Sarah's mouth hung open as she stammered, "That...that was you?" Lachesis smiled, "Yes, the wine was my idea...but I take it your memory has been restored?" Sarah's face went scarlet as she replied, "Yeah...so does that mean you know about what happened...last night I mean...?" Lachesis nodded, "Fraid so." Sarah carefully fired her next question, "Jareth didn't tell you, did he?" Lachesis laughed, "Oh no, of course not Sarah. I just know these things. I am Fate after all, so knowing even the most intimate details of people's lives is sort of in my job description." Sarah couldn't help but smile at the analogy, although it didn't make her any less embarrassed. Lachesis suddenly looked serious as she remarked, "You don't regret anything, do you?" Sarah looked thoughtful for a moment then shook her head, "No I don't. I guess there's no point in denying anything at this point, especially to you." She hesitated a moment before she admitted, "I love Jareth, and I think I've been in love with him for some time. I just wasn't brave enough to admit it...until last night." Lachesis suddenly stopped walking and caught Sarah by the shoulders. Her voice was wistful, "You are a very brave girl Sarah. I've always known this about you, and I know in my heart that you and Jareth couldn't be better suited for each other. It was quite obvious to me from the start, but when you beat his labyrinth, there was not one bit of doubt in my mind. I don't think you realized it at the time, for you were so young. You not only won the game, you won his heart as well. And that is a rare thing. It is by no means an easy task to melt the heart of one so cold as the Goblin King. In truth, I think not a better thing could have happened. Jareth grew up alone, with the luxury of having free reign over the labyrinth and the lands beyond. It was unavoidable for him to become spoiled, arrogant, and proud. I think before you, there was never a time when he didn't have everything go quite to his liking. He grew cold out of being alone, for there was really no one in his kingdom that he ever could really identify with." Lachesis let her arms fall by her sides and laughed, "I mean have you ever tried having a conversation with a goblin?" Sarah shook her head. "It's maddening, they are such impossible creatures. Anyway, Jareth inevitably had to taste the bitterness of defeat. No doubt he was angry at first, but I gave him plenty of time to cool off. I needed to be sure that he would have ample time to really think about all that had happened and I sincerely believe that you have humbled him." She laughed and added "...even if only slightly." Sarah laughed as well at the remark. Apparently the Fate did know the Goblin King quite well. The Fate was suddenly serious as she continued, "Sarah, it is precisely your relationship with the Goblin King that I must speak to you about." Sarah nodded as if imploring her to go on. Lachesis explained, "I know that you are concerned about the future. As you know, you and Jareth are from two different worlds and it is not customary for beings of these worlds to encounter each other regularly. You are also aware that Jareth is sovereign over the labyrinth." Sarah nodded and tried to keep her anguish internalized, for this did not look very promising. Lachesis crossed her arms over her chest and regarded Sarah for a moment before she pensively added, "While I cannot guarantee that you will find yourselves together for the remainder of your lives, I can offer you a chance." Sarah felt a slight tinge of hope and she desperately clung to it. Lachesis continued, "One of you will have to make a sacrifice and forfeit your life as you know it. I think the two options are rather obvious, so I won't waste your time with details. There is no more that I can tell you other than that you have ten days to decide. A verbal agreement is not sufficient. You must, in your hearts, both want the same thing, and want it equally, in order for me to allow you to be together. If you are not in agreement then I'm afraid there is nothing I can do, you will be forced to return to your separate lives. I will know your minds by midnight on the tenth day." Sarah lowered her head as her eyes closed, she might have known this was not going to be easy. Still she had to believe that there was a chance. She couldn't imagine having to live out the rest of her life without seeing Jareth ever again. The thought alone made her eyes sting and made her breath catch in her throat. As she looked up, her hands were clenched at her sides. She was determined to stay hopeful. Lachesis was standing in front of her. She tentatively reached out and smoothed Sarah's dark hair away from her face. "Ah, there is the strong willed girl who braved the labyrinth." The Fate locked eyes with the mortal and offered, "May I give you a valuable piece of advice?" Sarah nodded, it was the slightest movement of her head as the Fate suggested, "Use the time you have. Live every moment to its fullest. Even if your time ends up being brief, you will have at least savored it, and you'll have no regrets. Make your time count and don't ignore your heart, for it will never lead you astray." Sarah had been hanging on every wistful word. After Lachesis finished, she smiled warmly and said, "I must leave you now Sarah, but know this; I hold you in my favor, and I'll be watching." With that the Fate placed a tender kiss on her forehead. Sarah closed her eyes and felt a shiver run down her spine cool lips pressed against her brow. When she opened her eyes she was standing alone by the pond. Sarah felt a chill as the wind whipped at her back. She hugged herself for warmth as she turned her eyes to the sky. It was powder blue with a few well-placed white fluffy clouds. As she stood there admiring the perfect sky she pondered everything she had just learned. She refused to let the dark grievous thoughts of living a life without Jareth overtake her. Instead she chose to think only of one thing. Jareth loved her. She wasn't sure how long she had been at the park. She walked around the pond for a while, just thinking about the night before, and about how much of a relief it was that she had finally told him the truth about her feelings. After a while she sat on a bench by the water. She felt...happy. Even if she only had Jareth for ten more days, ten days were better than no days. She was just about to head home to make peace with Jareth when a purple chrysanthemum was thrust into her field of view. She smiled, seeing that a black-gloved hand was holding the flower. She gently took the flower and shyly bit her lip. She slowly turned, her eyes lifting to greet the Goblin King who was standing behind her.