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A new Spell and Much Ado About Tails *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tris flew silently back to her cave, at an impossibly fast speed.
~*We're nearly home*~
Tris extended a wing over Janine protectively.
Tris cuddled next to Janine, sending her soothing waves of color.
"What happened to her?" Eriki asked.
Janine was silent, her mind whirling. She was angry at herself for hurting Jareth, and confused as to why she was so angry...
Tris was quiet, waiting for Janine to speak first.
"I hurt him." she said eventually, tears in her voice.
"I know..." Tris said softly.
"I - I didn't mean to...!"
"I know you didn't honey, it's not your fault, you aren't used to your abilities yet. and Jareth...he..."
"Was insulting you..." Janine finished in a whisper. She was angry with him for insulting Tris, but she was still even more angry at herself for hurting him. "I feel so stupid!"
"That is not what I was going to say," Tris said, sending her soothing colors.
Janine calmed slightly, but her colors were agitated and staccato.
"I can't believe I did that... I didn't mean to..."
"You were upset, and if you would have sent something that angry and powerful to me-"
"Yes...?"
"It would not have done that much damage to me. The way Jareth, and Trent for that matter, communicate mentally is different from the way I, and now you, do."
"I - I see... He - he will be okay? Won't he?"
"Yeah, he'll rest up and be fine. Might have a headache for awhile though."
Janine pushed her hair back. "I still can't believe I hurt him... He just - fell and-" she cut off, afraid she was going to cry
"Shh..." she soothed, "He couldn't deal with the heat."
Janine didn't answer, biting her lip so hard she tasted blood, but she didn't want to cry. It was difficult not to though...
~*Okay*~ Janine sat in silence again, wondering why she hadn't said what she had meant to say.
Tris gently landed in her cave and Eriki came bounding up. "Shoo," she scolded him, shoving him away lightly with her tail.
Janine slid down, her pale face stark against the dim light of the cave.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Not now," Tris said.
Janine shook her head. "It doesn't matter."
Tris slowly coiled up, "Janine, I'm sorry..."
"It's not you Tris..." Janine sighed. "I was stupid..."
"No, I should have warned you..."
"Tris, don't blame yourself..." Janine sat down, resting her head in her hands. "I really hurt him... What's he gonna think of me now...?" she whispered.
"He will think that you have no control over your new powers yet, and he will think twice before trying to get you again. and why does it matter anyway?"
"I don't know... I'm so confused Tris..."
Janine rested against it gently. "Tris, I don't know what to do..."
"I know little one," she said softly.
"Tris, I-" Janine sighed. "I - well - Jareth's-..."
Tris shifted, waiting.
"I don't know... It's all too confusing..."
Tris nodded, "I'm sorry I cannot help you more."
"I like him..." Janine gabbled suddenly
"but you cannot trust him, is that it?"
"I don't know if I can trust him... It's hard, he seems to - y'know, like me, but -" she sighed. "I've never had to cope with this sort of thing before..."
"I understand."
"What do I do...?"
"You need to clear your mind for a bit..."
"How...?" Janine felt close to tears. "I hurt him! And-!"
Janine relaxed slightly, leaning against Tris.
Tris kept up her sendings.
Janine yawned slightly, feeling a little drowsy and comfortable
Tris started to hum softly, a deep purring noise that came from deep inside.
Janine yawned again, a small smile on her face, and dozed off.
"I gave her... I made her....to drink..." Tris said softly, "And...she got angry."
"who'd she fry?" Eriki asked.
"Jareth."
Jareth had been awake for quite awhile, usually books was Trent's thing, but this time he had been doing some research. He was very carefully remaining in bed, and keeping his use of magic to a minimum, so he wouldn't wake Trent.
Jareth jumped, startled at Trent. "Oh....brother, I thought you were still asleep..."
Jareth turned slightly pinkish.
Jareth slowly backed away from Trent.
Jareth waited a few minutes, "Trent?" he tried.
Jareth shifted and closed his eyes, concentrating on his spell. When the usual transformation glow was gone so was he. a brown and white cat sat on the bed in his place.
Trent sighed irritably. "I don't like this Jareth..."
Trent picked up the book Jareth had been reading and read further down, then smirked and nodded to himself. "Sorted." He muttered.
In his room, Jareth was making preparations.
Some time later, Jareth was ready to go.
Jareth closed his eyes and transformed into the cat again.
In the spare room, Trent was sleeping uneasily, tossing and turning awkwardly. He wasn't too cold, his mind was in a mess, and he was exhausted.
Jareth was totally absorbed in his book.
Trent sat up and swore softly to himself as he smacked his head on the beam above the bed. He rubbed the upcoming bruise and sat on the edge of the bed, trying to sort his mind out. "Urgh." he groaned.
How come I didn't know about this? Jareth was wondering.
Trent sighed and got up, grumbling to himself about beams over beds. He walked back to his room and looked at Jareth. "Hello brother..." he said softly, walking over to his desk and sorting out a paracetamol potion to ease his bruise.
"I can't sleep..." Trent grumbled, taking a few mouthfuls and pulling a face at the taste.
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"It's okay..." Trent sat down and yawned. "Ah, that's better..." he said, as the potion starting working. "Okay, I'm alive..."
"Good to know."
Trent laughed.
Jareth went back to the book.
Trent raised an eyebrow. "Interesting, brother?"
"huh?"
"Is the book interesting, Jareth?"
"Oh...yes."
Trent raised both his eyebrows. "You're reading, Jareth." he said teasingly.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"what?" Jareth hadn't been paying much attention.
"Jareth!" Trent laughed.
Jareth finally pulled himself out of the book with a confused, "huh?" He looked at Trent, "What's so funny?"
"You! Jareth, in all the years I've known you, you have *never* picked up a book voluntarily, what is with you today?"
Trent's eyebrows rose. "Jareth, you look a little - warm..." he teased
"Well I-" Jareth sputtered.
Trent laughed softly. "Jareth, why are you reading?"
"why do you read?"
"Me? It's interesting, I like knowing things, and I have to test my Psy. And you?"
"I want to find something out..."
"Something?"
"Yes." Jareth showed Trent the cover, it was the book that he had given him before.
"Ah. What are you trying to find out?"
"Well at first nothing in particular but..."
"But...?" Trent prompted.
"But then I discovered this section about dragons and magic, y'know how I can never get away with anything because she can sense my spells?"
"Yes?"
"And you have told me this right?"
"Huh?"
"anyway, how come you never told me about *this*!" Jareth shoved the book towards Trent.
Trent jumped back slightly. "Eh? Oh, that, well, you never asked..."
Jareth's eyes narrowed.
Trent sighed. "What?"
"After all of the times that I've dealt with her you'd think that this would be useful to know..."
"Yes, well... I usually have slightly more important things to think of..."
"Such as?"
"Such as sorting you out." Trent's voice was slightly clipped. "If you calmed yourself down and didn't go running into everything headfirst I would have more time to think straight myself, rather than worrying myself sick over what sort of state you were going to return in."
Trent sighed. "Sorry Jareth." he ran his fingers through his hair. "I haven't had enough sleep and my senses are playing havoc with my mind," he smiled sheepishly. "I'll be fine soon..."
Jareth nodded, "I am sorry, for causing all of this."
"Yes, well..."
"I *am*!"
"I know!" Trent shook his head. "Just forget it, okay?" he got back up and grabbed another book, flipping through the pages idly.
"Hmm?"
"How...how are you feeling?"
"I'm alright, thanks brother. I would appreciate having some sleep, but I'm sure I'll be fine tonight."
"Oh. Okay. perhaps you should sleep then. Isn't there something you could give yourself to sleep?"
"It wouldn't help, I'm okay." Trent stuck his head over the top of the book and grinned.
"oh.."
"Oh?"
"Yeah oh, because I was going to ask you to help me with something, but if you do not have enough energy..."
"I have plenty of energy Jareth, what do you need help with?"
Jareth looked at the book.
Trent looked back with one brow raised. "Eh?" he said.
"I was thinking that if I enacted a transformation spell on myself, and you helped me put up the shield..."
"Hmm..." Trent frowned slightly. "I don't like the idea of that... But..." he thought for a moment. "Hmm..."
"that way, She won't know that it is me..."
"Very true brother..."
Jareth nodded.
Trent sighed. "I suppose..."
"And if she doesn't know that it's me, she won't do anything to me."
"Yes..." Trent growled the end of his word slightly. "And what do you plan on doing ...?"
"She will not let me in, but if she does not know that it is me, she will let me in..."
"Trisanalysia? Yes, she will let you in, but what are you planning on doing Jareth?"
"I must see Janine..."
"Jareth!" Trent looked irritable. "Please remember what happened yesterday..."
Jareth pouted, not wanting to remember.
"Oh Jareth..." Trent shook his head. "What would you do?"
"I..." he started.
"Go on brother..."
Trent nodded. "You have no idea how tempting it is to pull your tail brother..."
Jareth hissed slightly.
Trent laughed. "I won't! This time..."
*good!*
"I didn't say I wouldn't ever though..." Trent's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Anyway, what exactly are you planning on doing?"
The cat vanished as Jareth took his normal form. "The cat form is part of the plan. I do not think that it will be suspicious."
"No, it is not. I think you make a very good cat..." Trent's voice still had a slight teasing tone
Jareth made a face slightly. "I hope that they will think so too."
"Jareth, what are you going to do when you get there?" Trent asked.
"become a pet."
"What?!"
"You heard me."
"Jareth! Have you completely lost your mind?!"
"No. If I remain with her long enough I can find out how Janine truly feels.
"Why? If she does not know that it's me... I am in no danger."
"I still do not like it. There are too many risks..."
"Such as?"
"What happens if you perhaps lose your hold on the form? It is possible, especially if Trisyanalysia flasher her power at anyone..."
"But I have it worked out, if you cast the shielding spell on me I cannot lose hold of my form. I can only transform back if you remove the spell... since you will not be there I cannot see how that could accidentally happen."
Trent sighed, seeing he was caught. "You are a pest at times, little brother."
"I know that."
"Hmm."
"So will you help me?"
"I suppose I will have to..."
"Thank you."
"Hmph..."
Jareth smiled, "Now I need to make some plans," he said to himself.
"Yes, of course..." Trent grumbled to himself.
Jareth got up and vanished, telelporting himself to his room.
Trent clicked his fingers and transported, after a few seconds delay, into Jareth's room. "You do realize Jareth..." he said innocently. "You have fewer powers when the shield is up...?"
"Yes, I know. I won't be able to transform."
"Good..." Trent clicked his fingers and disappeared again so Jareth couldn't see the satisfied smile on his face. It would do Jareth some good to be powerless, Trent knew that.
"Wh-?" Jareth wondered, that was a strange reaction for Trent to have.
Trent sat himself down behind the desk in his study and started looking through some books again, warming his rather befuddled mind up again.
Trent was immersed in his books.
"Trent?" Jareth asked.
"Em?" Trent looked up from the colorful script he was studying. "Oh, Jareth..."
Jareth nodded, "what are you doing?"
"Hmm? Me? Just reading..."
"Oh. I see. nothing in particular?"
"No, not really." Trent stood up. "You're ready?"
"Yes. if you are?"
Trent nodded. "Ready as I shall ever be..."
Jareth smiled, "Thank you for helping me with this brother."
Trent smiled warmly, seeing that Jareth was genuine. "Anytime Jareth."
Jareth smiled back. "I knew I could count on you."
Trent waved his hand slightly. " 'nough, you embarrass me..."
Jareth cleared his throat, "right, okay, ready then?"
Trent nodded. "Fire away."
Trent raised the shield around his brother, knowing when it was sealed not only was he the only one able to revoke it, Jareth had no powers of his own, aside from communication. He smirked slightly, more than just a little tempted to yank Jareth's tail. *Ready?*
*Ready*
Trent sniggered and psychically knocked a glass of water over his brother.
Jareth-the-cat yowled and bolted, taking refuge on top of the bookshelf.
Trent sniggered again and tilted the bookshelf so Jareth slid off.
He landed ungracefully and bolted.
Trent made sure all doors and windows were shut and doubled over laughing. When he had calmed himself down he sat down on the edge of his desk. "Alright Jareth..." he gasped slightly. "I've done.."
Jareth glared at Trent. *Good!*
Trent sniggered. "Did you sort out your transportation spell before you transformed?" he asked, trying to look innocent.
*Yes*
"Good, right, off you go then." Trent sniggered again and flicked a few drops of water at his brother.
*You're enjoying this aren't you?*
"But of course!" Trent smiled innocently.
*It's a good thing I did set my transport spell first...*
"Oh?"
*Yes. Because you certainly wouldn't help me...*
"I would!" Trent's eyes widened.
*I know you would, I'm sorry...*
Trent grinned. "Go on then, you better go..."
*Farewell*
"I'll be keeping an eye on you Jareth."
*Then I will feel safer*
Trent smiled. "Good luck."
*Thank you*
Trent grinned.
Jareth suddenly bounded up next to Trent, nuzzled against his legs briefly, then jumped away and vanished.
Trent shook his head. "Trust you to only be able to show affection when you're a cat..."
Eriki balanced the cat in his arms as he swung along. Jareth was begining to get motionsick again.
The cat purred, leaning into Janine's hand.
A dark shadow fell over them and Smudge scrambled to hide behind Janine.
Jareth hesitated a second, watching the ribbon, trying to work up the nerve to convince himself to do this.
Janine was at the front of the cave, sunning herself.
"Janine?" Eriki asked, "Are you busy?"
"Hmm?" Janine sat up, shading her eyes. "No, I'm not Eriki, what is it?"
"That's good, because I did not want to nother you while you were busy. because if you were busy doing one thing I could hardly expect you to become busy with something else could I?"
Janine blinked, then nodded. "Very true Eriki. You wished to speak to me?"
"Yes, well actually I wished to show you something, although I suppose that that does involve speaking to you."
"What do you wish to show me?" Janine was more than used to Eriki.
"This," Eriki said, setting down a small brown cat at Janine's feet.
Janine gasped happily. "Oh Eriki! It's beautiful!" she sat up properly and picked it up. "Hello gorgeous..." she purred softly, stroking the cat's head.
Janine smiled happily. "Thank you Eriki! He's beautiful!" she tickled the cat under the chin. "You're gorgeous, yes you are... Yes you are..."
The cat bounded into Janine's arms.
Eriki smiled, "I'm glad you like him, very very glad yes yes."
Janine giggled. "I do, very much! Thank you!" she cuddled it gently. "So beautiful!"
The cat purred happily.
Eriki smiled and bounded away, vanishing into the trees.
Janine smiled and settled back against the warm wall. "You are gorgeous..." she smiled, tickling it behind the ears. "What do I call you...?"
The cat twined around in her arms, as if he had always been there.
Janine smiled more and stroked him gently. "Hmm... You need a name sweetheart..." she ran her finger gently down the bridge of his nose. "Hmm..."
He nuzzled against her.
Janine grinned. "I don't wanna give you some silly name, but then... Ah well... Maybe Tris'll know..."
the cat looked up at her and blinked.
Janine smiled down at him. "Hmmm... You certainly look intelligent... I used to know a cat that was very intelligent... Name was Smudge, that sound alright to you?" she asked, tickling him under the chin again.
*Smudge?* Jareth-the-cat thought, *Well I suppose...* The cat purred.
Janine smiled again. "I'm no good with names!" she giggled, nuzzling her nose on his head. "Ah well. Whatever you're called, you're still gorgeous, aren't you? Hey?" she tickled behind his ear.
The cat, or Smudge as he shall now be called, glowed under her attention.
Janine set him gently in her lap. "Right, now I have to work out how to feed you." she laughed
"Hey, hey, shh... It's okay..." Janine gently picked him up and held him in her arms. ~*Hello Tris!*~
~*Hello*~ Tris called back.
Smudge shivered in Janine's arms.
"Aw sweetheart!" Janine huggled him gently. "It's alright! Tris won't hurt you!" ~*Tris! Eriki found me a cat!*~
~*A cat?*~ Tris repeated, sounding somewhat amused.
~*Yes! He's so pretty! Come down and see?*~
Tris landed neatly next to Janine.
Janine smiled at her. "Look!" she gently stroked Smudge. "Isn't he beautiful?"
"He is very nice," Tris agreed.
The cat had been cowering in Janine's arms, but now he cautiously peeked out at Tris.
Janine giggled and walked a little closer. "It's okay Smudge darling... She won't hurt you!"
"Smudge?" Tris repeated. She sniffed the cat and her eyes narrowed a bit. Jareth-the-cat held his breath. Tris smiled, "He is very nice."
Janine blushed a little. "I'm not very good with names Tris!" she pouted, then ticked Smudge under the chin. "He's the most adorable thing!"
"I think that Smudge is a good name."
"Thanks Tris! I can keep him, can't I?" Janine sounded a little like a pleading child.
"Of course you can."
"Thanks Tris!" Janine beamed. "What shall I feed him on?"
"Hmm..." Tris said thoughtfully.
"Could Eriki maybe find some milk or something, or should he only drink water?" Janine frowned thoughtfully, still gently hugging Smudge.
"Tris nodded, "Yeah, I'm sure he could find some milk..."
Janine smiled and gently stroked Smudge's head. "There we go, all sorted..."
*Milk?* Jareth thought with an inward groan.
Janine smiled at Tris. "Okay, well, he'll need some grass, I know that much... and some sort of meat... Hmm... That's a toughie..."
"Meat is not hard..."
"I guess not, Eriki can find milk, and - oh, can he sleep with me?"
"I don't see why not..."
Janine grinned. "Thanks Tris!"
"So where did Eriki run off to?"
Janine looked around suddenly. "I have no idea!" she said, sounding a little bemused. "He was here a second ago..."
"Ah... he'll be back shortly then."
"Good good..." Janine grinned, then set Smudge down. "I wonder if he plays?" she mused, untying the purple ribbon from around her wrist and dangling it over his nose.
Janine smiled at him, then flicked her wrist slight, hitting his nose gently with the end of the ribbon.
With an inward sigh, Jareth reached out and batted the ribbon.
Janine grinned. "He's so sweet!" she put the ribbon back round her wrist. "How old d'you think he is Tris?" she asked, gently picking Smudge up again.
Tris shrugged, "I don't know... I'm not good at telling ages of cats..."
At just that moment Eriki swung into view, landing neatly on Tris' back.
Janine giggled. "Hi Eriki! Thanks for the cat again, by the way, I've called him Smudge, isn't he a darling?" she said it all in one breath, sounding a little like Eriki himself for a moment.
Eriki smiled, laying down on Tris' back, propping his head up in his arms.
Janine turned her attention back to her new pet and stroked his head gently. "You're so gorgeous..."
Smudge purred under the attention.
"Do you know where you can find some milk?" Tris was asking Eriki.
He nodded, "Yes I know where I could get some, I can go to-"
""Never mind," Tris said, "I don't really wanna know..."
Janine wasn't really listening to the conversation, and was tickling Smudge under the chin. "I've always wanted a cat of my own..." she was saying in a soft voice.
Smudge purred. Eriki vanished into the trees again.
Janine sat down with her back on the warm wall, settling the cat on her lap. "Don't you dare dig your claws in..." she murmured sleepily.
*I would not dream of it* Jareth thought, settling into her lap, which was indeed, very nice.
Janine idly stroked Smudge, her touch light and gentle, one reason animals always trusted her.
"Janine, I'm going out again, you'll be okay here?" Tris asked.
Janine looked up. "Hmm? Sure Tris! I'll be fine, I've got Smudge!" she grinned happily. "Anything you'd like me to do?"
Tris shook her head, "No, just be careful near the edges."
"Will do!" Janine agreed.
Tris smiled and launched herself into the air.
Smudge seemed to relax after the dragon had gone.
Janine stroked his head gently. "Now you don't need to worry about Tris sweetheart, she's lovely! She wouldn't hurt anything, unless they made her, but that's different..."
*Yeah sure...* Jareth thought, leaning into Janine's arms.
Janine smiled and tickled behind his ears. "Really now, she wouldn't hurt you.... She hasn't hurt me, or Eriki, she's only hurt -" she paused a second. "Well, never mind eh?"
*me...* Jareth thought, but he started to purr, to comfort her.
Janine smiled as he started purring. "You are lovely..." she said softly, nuzzling her nose in his fur breifly.
*I am aren't I?*
Janine settled back more comfortably, wriggling a little as a piece of rock stuck in between her shoulder blades. "Okay, comfortable now. You alright down there sweetheart?"
Smudge purred.
Eriki scampered through the trees. Flying was Tris' element, trees were his. And now he was on a mission to get milk...
Eriki let out a shout as he was hauled down from his tree by his tail.
"Will you let go of me then?"
Trent sighed. "Here." he clicked his fingers and a quart of milk appeared by his foot. "I did not think you would drink milk anyway..."
Eriki grabbed the milk and bounded up the nearest tree, rubbing his tail.
"So, your friend, who steps on you, does she have a name?"
Trent, walking through the woods to clear his head, heard some rustling and stopped, frowning slightly.
Eriki froze, listening intently.
Trent blocked all psychic sounds instantly, then noticed something dangling about a metre from his nose. He raised his eyebrow slightly, then with lightning swiftness reached out, grabbed it, and pulled.
Trent, still holding him by his tail tilted his head slightly. "What one earth...?" he questioned.
Eriki wiggled and struggled, but couldn't get free.
"Hey hey, calm down!" Trent looked slightly amused. "What are you doing here?"
"Standing here talking to you," Eriki groaned in response, still wiggling.
"I gathered that! Please stop wriggling, it would be most uncomfortable for you to be dropped. Why are you here?"
"Why am I here?" Eriki repeated, "I'm here because you pulled me out of a tree..."
"I'm not going to get very far here am I...?" Trent groaned. "Why were you up in the tree in the first place?"
"Because I was traveling, and that is the fastest way for me to travel. I always try to take the fastest route to get somewhere, and it is fastest for me to travel through trees..."
Trent blinked, completely lost for a moment. "Why were you travelling in the first place?" he questioned.
"Because I need to find something, and so I traveled to find it. Let go of me."
"What do you need to find?" asked Trent, ignoring the wriggling creature's request.
"Milk."
"Milk...?" Trent questioned
"Yes."
"What for?"
"Because that is what I was sent out to find."
"Oh really?" Trent looked bemused, then nodded, suddenly twigging. "I can help you get some milk if you require?"
"That would be very nice of you," Eriki started, "Provided you let go of me... then that would not be nice at all," he finished.
"What?" Trent looked bemused.
"I said it would be nice of you to help me find milk, but not nice if you do not let go of me."
"Oh right, very well..."
"I don't know, I do not know whether I can trust you not to run off as soon as I release you."
"Well why does it matter if I do or don't?"
"Because if you run off, my dear fellow, you will not get the milk you search, quite simply."
"My point exactly, if I run off I will not get the milk from you, and if I remain I will, but currently I am doing neither so we are getting no where."
"Very true." Trent sighed.
"Yes. So I do not see why I matters to you if you if I run off or not."
"I would like to know why you search for milk in my castle woodlands..."
"Because I need it. If you do not want me searching here I can certainly leave and go else where." Eriki winced.
"Thank you..." Eriki started, "But this will only do me so much good unless you let me go..."
"Yes, I do understand that. If you require any more milk, do not hesitate to find me." Trent said, letting go of Eriki's tail. "I will be only to happy to assist you, and I apologize for your mistreatment."
Trent watched him, amused. "Would you like something for that?" he asked.
"No thank you, I have something better at home."
"Oh?" Trent was intrigued.
"yes I do. I have been through this before, though not for quite awhile."
"That I do not understand."
Eriki bounced a bit, "I have had my tail pulled before, but not for quite awhile."
"Really? Who pulls your tail then my friend?"
"No one," Eriki said, "No one on purpose but you."
"I do apologize." Trent bowed. "Who does by accident?"
"When I first arrived with at my current home my tail was stepped on a few times before I learned to move out of the way quickly, and she learned not to step on me."
"She? Someone trod on you?" Trent looked genuinely confused.
"Yes, a few times, but she quickly found something to sooth it, which is probably what she will give me when I get home, with the milk."
"Oh.. May I be so bold as to ask who is this 'she'?"
"You may, in fact you just did."
"Oh yes, of course..."
Eriki smiled.
"Yes. She has two very long names..."
Trent's eyebrow did it's disappearing act again. "Oh?"
"Yes. but I think that saying her whole name takes far too long to say, especially since I live with her, and if I need to call her it takes too long to say her name, and I don't like saying more then I have to because talking too much just seems like a waste of time."
Trent blinked, having to take a few moments to analyze what he had been told. "I see. What is her name then? If you say it only this once to me so I may understand."
"Hmm...well she does have a few names, but she only allows certain people to call her certain names..."
"Oh right. What name do you use?"
"One that she doesn't allow many others to use."
"Oh right." Trent repeated. "What name do you surmise I would be allowed to address her with?"
"Madame Fyreflyght."
'Trisanalysia?' Trent blinked, then nodded. "I see. Well, I do not wish to detain you." his mind was working overtime. "But, as I said earlier, if you require any more milk, you may come here, and I shall provide it. Is that reasonable?" he asked.
"Yes, it is."
Trent smiled. "Very well then. And how may I address you?"
"As long as you don't pull my tail I don't suppose it really matters..."
"I will not pull your tail." Trent's eyes held an amused light. "That was very discourteous of me."
"Yes it was."
"I give you my most sincere apologies."
"Thank you Trent."
Trent smiled. "You know my name?"
"yes."
"Oh," Trent looked bemused. "Oh, but of course..." he brushed his hair back absently. "And your name is...?"
"Eriki."
"It is nice to meet you Eriki." Trent smiled.
"I certainly agree now, but I would not have agreed ten minutes ago. As it is, now I must agree, it is nice to meet you."
"Yes..." Trent didn't even try to expand. "I must take my leave now, for I have a great number of things I must do, however, it was pleasant to meet you, and should you need any more milk if you so please you may ask for me at the castle."
Eriki didn't respond, he was already gone
Trent shook his head slightly. "Woah, I must be fully awake when I next meet this character...!"
Eriki made it through the trees, coming to a stop above Tris' cave, where he dropped neatly to the ground by the entrance
"I found milk," Eriki said.
Janine yawned slightly, then pulled her hair round to in front of her and started plaiting it.
Janine ticked Smudge gently behind the ears, her mind wandering.
Eriki nodded, once she was settled he bounded away, then came back with a blanket.
Janine was dozing lightly, her arms protectively around Smudge.
"Janine?" Eriki asked softly.
"hmmm....?" Janine opened one eye. "Oh! Hello Eriki!"
"Did you have a nice nap?"
"I did thank you." Janine smiled, and looked down at the fluffy bundle in her arms. "I think we both did!"
Smudge yawned and blinked. *Gah, fell asleep* Jareth thought, a bit upset at himself.
Janine giggled softly, running her hand gently along his head. "Nice sleep darling?"
Smudge purred.
Janine smiled at Eriki. "You're a lifesaver Eriki!" she said, getting up and gently placing Smudge on the floor. "Perhaps Tris has a bowl inside that we could use?"
Eriki nodded, "Yeah, you can stay here, I know where things are, I'll get one."
"Thank you Eriki." Janine bent down and petted Smudge softly. "There, we're all sorted already..."
Eriki came bounding back out with a low bowl, which he set down for Janine.
"Thanks Eriki, you have the milk?"
"Yeah, right here." Eriki carefully poured it into the bowl.
Janine gently picked Smudge up and placed him in front of the bowl. "There we are..."
Jareth eyed the milk
Janine stood up and shaded her eyes, looking for Tris. "Drink up love, I don't know what time I'll be eating myself..." she said to Smudge.
Jareth looked at the milk some more. *I don't like milk...*
Janine looked down, blinking to readjust her eyes. "C'mon Smudge, you better drink it darling, it's all you'll have..."
Jareth sighed and held his breath.
Janine sat down, resting her head against the wall.
With another sigh and an inward wince, Jareth slowly started lapping up the milk.
Janine nodded. "Good boy..."
*Good grief....*
"What'cha doin'?"
"Huh?" Janine looked up.
"What are you doing?" Eriki repeated.
"Plaiting my hair Eriki."
"Oh... why?"
"It makes it a lot easier to handle, unless of course, I cut it."
"Oh I see..."
Janine smiled absently, then looked down to Smudge. "Good boy sweetheart. Good boy..."
"Can I try?"
"Try what?"
"Plating your hair."
"Um, sure, go ahead..."
Eriki smiled and gently took her hair in his hands.
Janine smiled slightly, enjoying the thought of being pampered.
He deftly twined her hair into a neat braid.
Janine shut her eyes, still feeling irritatingly tired. "Thanks Eriki..."
He smiled.
Janine smiled and opened her eyes again. "You're a gem, thanks Eriki!" she gently picked Smudge up and held him against her. "He's so lovely!" she said to him. "Isn't he? He's sorted my hair out perfectly!"
*Sure...* Jareth thought.
Janine ran her fingers down Smudge's head and spine. "You are a darling..."
Eriki gently twined Janine's hair, his hands avoiding all snarls.
Janine smiled happily. "Eriki you're a wonder!" she said, gently hugging Smudge closer.
Eriki smiled at her, silent under the praise.
*Sure, *he's* wonderful...* Jareth thought.
Smudge purred absently, feeling a bit jealous.
Janine settled back against the wall, absently wondering whether Jareth was okay.
"Janine?" Eriki asked softly.
Janine blinked. "Hmm? Yes Eriki?"
"You look far away, I mean, you're right here next to me, but you look very far away..."
"I am..." Janine smiled ruefully. "Did Tris tell you what happened?"
"About you and the gift that she gave you? Yes."
"So you know what I did...?" Janine's voice was a little quieter.
"Yes."
"Do you think - he's still hurt?"
Eriki smiled and swung upwards, "Nah...he has a tendency to bounce back, I doubt you did anything worse to him then Tris has done when she gets very upset at him..."
Janine didn't look convinced. "I can't believe I hurt him...!" she looked a little sad.
"Nothing worse then what Tris has done," Eriki repeated, "Jareth has..." He grinned and nearly started laughing.
Janine looked a little miffed, finding she didn't like the thought of Jareth being hurt. "What?"
"I'm sorry," Eriki said, "But seeing what I have seen...and seen him bounce back from," he added quickly.
Smudge tensed a bit in Janine's arms.
Janine sighed, a slight pout on her face. "I just can't believe I did it!" she stroked Smudge's head. "I didn't mean to!"
"I know you didn't..." Eriki soothed, "And I bet he knows it to..."
*I do* Jareth thought, *Well...Now anyway*
Eriki smiled.
Janine shut her eyes. "Ah well, it's getting late, I ought to get ready for bed... Tris should be back soon..." she murmured.
Eriki nodded, "Are you getting tired again?"
Janine nodded, not particularly wanting to move now she was comfortable. "A little..."
"I see," Eriki said, "well if you're tired then you really ought to sleep."
Janine nodded again. "Mmmhmm..."
"Come inside, go to sleep..." Eriki gently guided Janine towards the entrance of the cave.
Jareth frowned inwardly and followed, just a bit jealous.
Janine smiled and leaned on Eriki. "You're a darling..." she said as he led her in.
*hey!* Jareth thought, following them in.
Janine sat down. "Thanks so much Eriki... I probably would've fallen asleep as I stood out there!"
Janine smiled wearily at him. "Eriki you're a wonder..."
"Nah," Eriki answered as Smudge crawled into Janine's lap. "Anything else you need?" he asked.
Janine shook her head and hugged Smudge gently to her. "Night Eriki, thanks... Night Smudge..." she mumbled, shutting her eyes.
Eriki nodded and bounded away again.
He followed the path that he had followed before, a bit warily, keeping his tail high off the ground until he reached the castle.
Eriki nodded and swung into the castle, perching neatly on the window sill, his tail twined securely around a branch.
"Thank you again," Eriki said, deciding not to protest against being called a man. He took the bottle and turned to go.
"Just a moment!" Trent put his hand lightly on Eriki's shoulder. "I have another question..."
"Ahem..." a familar female voice said.
Trent was sat on a window seat, idly reading a book through, being too tired to do any real work.
He scampered along the branches, swinging past a window.
Trent looked up. "Evening..."
Eriki was startled at the voice. "It certainly is."
Trent smiled. "And a good one at that. How are you my friend?"
"Fine at the moment, all depending on what happens next tonight."
"Oh?" Trent groaned inwardly; it sounded as if this was going to be a long evening...
"Yes, because if something good happens to me then I will be good, but if something bad happens then I will no longer be able to say that I am fine..."
Trent had absolutely no idea what the argument was, and simply murmured something half intelligable as a reply. "Of course..."
"What brings you here then my friend?" Trent questioned, hoping he could get his head around the answer.
"You told me before that should I happen to need more milk that I should come by and you would help me again."
Trent grasped the word milk. "You would like some more milk?"
"Yes, if you are willing to give me some. Although that really does not change the fact that I would like some more." He cocked his head to one side, "I suppose in the event that you say no I would still want milk, I would just need to look elsewhere."
Trent tried not to look completely lost. "Yes, I'll give you some milk..."
"Thank you, you are very kind."
"Mmmhmm." Trent clicked his fingers and after a few seconds delay a bottle appeared on the sill. "There we are my good man."
"May I be so bold as to ask why you require milk?"
"because I was sent out to find some."
"Right... Okay. Do you by any chance have a cat? I myself own one, that is why I use most milk, personally I dislike drinking it."
"*I* do not have a cat..."
"I see, does mistress Fyreflyight own a cat?"
"No."
"Oh, I see."
"I'm not sure that you can *own* a cat..."
"Oh right. Does Mistress Fyreflyght - ah - keep a cat?"
"He is not hers..."
"Oh right..." FINALLY a breakthrough! "He is there however?"
"Yes. Is there anything else?"
"No, not at all. He is well, I assume, for you are feeding him."
"yes." Eriki turned to go.
"Yes? what is it?"
Trent gently caught Eriki by the tail, "I would like to be of assistance, should you need help with the cat that resides with yourself and Mistress Fyreflyght I would be honoured to offer assistance in any way I can."
"That's not a question..." Eriki said, wiggling.
"Point taken, my error..." Trent conceeded. "I suppose I should rephrase that as may I be of assistance?"
"Yes, I suppose, if I need any of your assistance I will certainly come..." He made a face.
Trent's eyebrow rose. "And the reason you are making that face is because...?"
Eriki struggled, but as long as Trent held his tail he couldn't get away.
Trent literally jumped, letting go of Eriki's tail. "Trisanalysia!" he groaned. "I do wish you would announce your presence, you frightened the living daylights out of me!"
Eriki bolted out the window, running up Tris' neck to take shelter behind her wings.
"I think..." Tris said, "I think that if I wanted to frighten the living daylights of you I would have done so quite awhile ago."
Trent's eyebrows both rose. "I thank you." he said softly, humour in his deep green eyes. He wasn't afriad of Trisanalysia exactly, cautious of her, but as long as she communicated verbally he was alright.
"Now may I ask why you were holding Eriki?"
Trent smiled slightly. "I am weary, I find his conversation hard to contend with when I am in a state of half-asleep, and I was worried he would shoot off before I had the chance to finish what I was saying, with no offence my friend."
"Uh huh..." Tris said, regarding him carefully.
Trent stared back at Tris, then suddenly yawned, and put his hand across his mouth, looking rather shocked at himself. "I beg your pardon Trisanalysia!"
"Go to sleep..." Tris said, flapping her wings and leaping into the sky, Eriki clinging to her.
Trent shook his head slightly. "And farewell to you too..." he said a trifle sarcastically as he left the window and headed to his room, hoping that Jareth was okay.