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Secrets, Magic Nights *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Janine looked around, wondering where Tris or Eriki were. She assumed they were further in the cave, so she got up from her seat outside and went back in, blinking as she adjusted to the light, or lack of it...
Janine was still holding the door, her eyes wide. What was he doing here...?!
Jareth sank down again, absently pulling his shirt collar up...
Jareth lowered his eyes, "I do not want to tell you because it will probably frighten you..."
Jareth quickly moved over to her and caught her as she fell.
Janine didn't stop, she ran out of the cave and headed down the cliff side into the woods, feeling tears stinging her eyes.
Now that Trent had gone, and Jareth was alone again he was dozing.
Janine pushed open a door, but all she found were boxes. She wandered a little further in, and pushed open another door. Empty. "Tris?" she called softly. "Eriki?" This place was so confusing!
Jareth was nearly asleep.
Janine rolled her eyes slightly, then tried a smaller door, one she hadn't seen straight away. She pushed it open, and froze.
Jareth blinked sleepily and looked up...
Jareth gasped and rose to his feet slowly.
Janine didn't move, her mouth falling open slightly, finding herself still rooted to the spot.
He took a step towards her...
Janine's eyes went wider, but she still found she couldn't move. She gulped.
"Janine I-"
"Why're you here...?" Janine managed at last.
"I..."
Janine gulped again, still staring at him in shock.
"I cannot tell you," Jareth said finally.
"Oh..." That wasn't the answer Janine had been expecting, and she relaxed slightly because of it, having expected some long-winded speech.
Janine frowned slightly, noticing a flash of gold. "What's that?" she questioned softly.
"Nothing!" he snapped.
Janine stepped backwards, then clenched her fists; he had no right to snap at her like that! "Oh yeah?" she snapped back, putting her hands on her hips.
"Yes."
"So why are you so angsty about it?" Janine questioned, taking a step forwards.
"Because I am."
"You're avoiding the question." she pointed out.
"How am I avoiding the question? I answered it..."
"So vaguely you could have been answering any question."
"Fine. What was the question that I am avoiding then?"
Janine sighed. "Why are you being so angsty about the 'nothing' about your neck?"
"As I told you before, it is because I am."
Janine put her hand to her forehead. "You really don't want to answer the question in less vague terms, do you?"
"No I do not."
"Didn't think so." Janine fell silent for a while, wondering at how, after all she had rehearsed to say to Jareth, that now she was faced with him, she couldn't actually say them. She was just arguing with him. How novel...
"If you did not think so then why did you keep pressing the issue?" Jareth asked.
"Worth a try. Now who's pressing the issue?"
Jareth started to respond, but couldn't think of anything to say.
Janine nodded to herself, then wondered if there was a way to make Jareth actually tell her what it was she'd seen, without it looking too obvious. "I didn't know men wore necklaces." she commented, as if starting an entirely new course of conversation
"I suppose that some do..."
"Just seems strange. Very effeminate."
Jareth shrugged.
"Didn't know you were disposed to effeminity." Janine needled.
Jareth did not rise to her bait.
Janine sighed inwardly. Damn.
Jareth sighed softly to himself, feeling that she was not going to give up.
Janine pushed her hair out of her face as she tried to come up with a suitable track to follow.
"Janine..." he started, "The fact of the matter is, I cannot tell you."
"Why not?" Janine asked softly, looking slightly miffed. "I mean, jeeze, just because you swing both ways doesn't mean you can't explain it..."
Jareth gritted his teeth. *She'll kill me if I do anything...*
Janine cocked her head to one side. "It's nothing to be ashamed of.."
"That is NOT it..."
Janine raised one eyebrow. "Really?" she sounded disbelieving. "Look, it's okay, I know a couple of people who swing, it's fine with me..."
"That is perfectly alright, except that that is not the case here."
"Oh? Then what? I didn't think the Goblin King would be too embarrassed to say something..."
"That is also not the case. You must believe me, I can NOT tell you."
Janine still looked disbelieving.
Janine looked at him, her heart fluttering irrationally. She clenched her fists. "I'm not easily frightened Jareth." she said softly, after a moment's silence.
Jareth sighed, "You cannot say that I did not warn you..."
"I won't."
"And you must promise to let me speak..."
Janine nodded. "Alright."
Jareth let his shirt collar fall.
Janine looked, and froze again. She couldn't have made any comment if she had wanted to...
Jareth did not look up.
Janine swallowed hard. It couldn't be the same... That was impossible...!
"are you satisfied now?"
Janine swallowed again. "This - this isn't -"
"It isn't what?"
"You're not-"
Jareth waited.
Janine looked as if she might pass out. "Good God..." she whispered
Jareth stood up again.
"You - you were-?!" she gasped softly as the room swam about her and her legs failed to support her
Janine groaned softly, everything still moving around her.
He held her firmly, but not to tightly as he gently pushed her hair away from her face.
Janine squeezed her eyes shut, trying to make the swimming subside
Jareth continued to hold her. *This is nice...*
Janine felt the strength returning to her limbs and opened her eyes slightly. It took her a few seconds to register where she was, then she leapt unsteadily to her feet, stumbling slightly. How could she have been so stupid as to pour out her feelings to a cat...who just happened to be Jareth...??!!
"Are you all right?" he asked.
Janine didn't answer, trying to work out what to do, fight-or-flight reflexes going haywire. She didn't want to fight, she didn't want to hurt him again, so she did the only thing she could think of: run.
"Janine wait..." he followed her, stopping for a second at the barrier where Tris' spell turned him back into the cat.
Jareth panted and he reached the barrier of Tris' cave where he was abruptly stopped, running into the invisible wall with a cry.
Janine flung herself down on the floor and started to sob, angry, hurt and damned confused. Now he knew everything, that was so embarrassing! How had she been so stupid?!
The crash had briefly knocked Jareth out and he lay still.
Janine didn't know what to do. She lay on the grass, panting slightly as she managed to stop sobbing
Jareth moaned slightly as he felt someone lift him up. He opened his eyes to see Tris and then closed them again.
Jareth didn't feel like telling Tris what had happened, so he let her sift through his mind again.
Janine huddled closer to the trees, making sure she was reasonably hidden.
Janine stayed silent. She was still so confused. He wanted to talk to her? To say what?
After a while Janine calmed herself down. ~*I'm a mess.*~
Janine sat up and splashed her face in the stream slightly, then curled her arms around her legs and just sat. She wanted to be alone. Very alone.
She took off rapidly.
Jareth groaned as he felt his stomach get left behind.
~*Janine?*~ Tris called.
Janine didn't answer, she didn't even think of answering. She just needed her own space.
~*Janine please answer*~
Janine pulled herself closer to the tree, trying not to cry again.
~*Janine please at least tell me you are still alive*~
Janine felt guilty. ~*I am.*~
~*Good*~ Tris sounded very relieved.
Janine didn't answer again, feeling guilty, but still not wanting company. She needed to think things through. What would she do now he knew everything?
~*Do you want me to drop him?*~
~*NO!*~ Janine sat straight up, almost smacking her head on the tree as she did so, panic in her colours. ~*No! Please...!*~
~*I won't then*~
Janine breathed a sigh of relief and slumped back slightly.
~*However, he is rather wiggly*~
~*Cats usually are.*~
~*Yes. I will not drop him though*~
~*Thank you.*~ Janine fell silent again, her mind a blur of thoughts
~*He says that he wants to speak with you...*~
"Oh gosh..." Janine breathed. She didn't know whether she would be able to cope...
~*I do not have to bring him down*~
She had to see him sometime, didn't she? She couldn't avoid him forever. ~*Maybe you should take him home...*~ Yes she could.
~*hmm...currently I am still punishing him...*~
~*It would be best, Tris...*~
~*Janine...*~ Tris said softly, ~*Trust me my little one*~
~*Please, as long as he's around-*~ Janine stopped and sighed. ~*Never mind.*~
~*Trust me*~
Tris sent Janine soft waves of color.
Janine started to cry again
Tris dropped Jareth at a tree with orders to stay put. Then she circled around to land.
Janine huddled into the trees, hearing movement. She didn't want to see anyone.
~*It's me*~
~*I know.*~
Tris landed near Janine. ~*Come here*~
Janine shook her head.
~*Come here*~ Tris repeated, sounding more like a mother then ever.
Janine got up unwillingly.
Tris draped a wing over Janine.
Janine sniffled.
Tris sent Janine soothing colors. ~*It is okay to cry*~
Janine burst into tears again, feeling stupid.
Tris pulled her closer into a variation on a hug.
Janine leaned against her and cried softly.
Tris did not try and stop Janine, she just let her cry.
~*No dear...*~
~*I am... I told him - the cat - everything...*~ she sniffed
~*I know*~
~*What now...?*~ Janine asked after a while
~*When I caught him...*~ Tris started, ~*I went through his mind.~*
Janine blinked. ~*That must have hurt...!*~
~*No. He let me do it*~
~*oh*~
~*And because of what I saw...I am inclined to let him speak with you*~
Janine looked shocked for a second. ~*Oh...*~ she repeated, looking down. Could she speak to him? What would she say...?
~*When you are ready for it*~
~*I guess now's as good a time as any.*~ Janine shrugged after a long silence.
~*If you are ready. You also do not need to say anything to him if you do not want to*~
~*Ok*~
~*Do you want me to fetch him?*~
Janine nodded mutely
~*All right I will*~
Janine nodded again, automatically wrapping her arms around her knees again
Tris' eyes glowed and Jareth was transformed back to human. However he still remained on all fours, something he was not quite sure of the reason for.
*Trent?* Jareth called.
"Janine...?"
Janine didn't notice, she was still doing her goldfish impression. She pulled herself together after a while. "You - you-?" she stumbled over her words slightly.
~*Janine?*~ Tris asked, feeling Janine's tangled web of emotions.
Janine looked back at Jareth, still amazed. He couldn't... Not her...
Jareth looked thoughtful *...Trent...?*
Janine caught her breath as she looked at him again. He really was something else... Yet she had to remember what he'd done...
Jareth looked up at her, "Janine, please just hear me out. And then, once I am finished I will do as you command."
Janine swallowed and nodded silently, her eyes wide again.
"I was your cat, it is true."
Janine knew as much, what did he want?
"I became your cat because I wanted to find out what you truly felt. and now I know."
Janine went as red as her hair and she looked at her fingernails.
"I am glad that I found out. Because... Janine I had to come. I had to know. The way that I-"
Janine looked at him out of the corner of her eye slightly.
Jareth took a breath, trying to convince himself to do what he was about to do.
Janine shut her eyes again, waiting for what she assumed was the inevitable 'goodbye'.
"Janine, I have....ever since I brought you here...I..."
Janine opened her eyes again and clenched her jaw slightly. "Regretted it?" she inputted bitterly.
"No!"
Janine looked surprised
Tris wound her tail around Jareth's ankles. "I suggest that you tell her before I lose my patience with you."
Jareth paled a bit.
Janine looked at Tris and shook her head slightly.
Tris backed away and Jareth swallowed.
Janine smiled gratefully at Tris.
~Eh?~ Trent, in his study almost immersed in books, looked up. ~Jareth? What's wrong?~
*Trent I wanted to tell you something before I tell Janine...*
Trent looked confused, but nodded, then remembered Jareth couldn't actually see him. ~Go on...~
*I L-*
~Jareth?~
*I don't know if I can say it...*
~Try?~ Trent encouraged,
*I L--- her*
~Go on...~ Trent thought softly.
*I...love her*
Trent smiled. ~Good.~
*I...I can't tell her...*
~You must try Jareth...~ Trent tried to be encouraging, and wondered whether he should tell Jareth he liked Janine better than Sarah anyway...
*I will* Jareth looked up,
"Y-yes...?" she stuttered.
"I have one thing more to tell you and then you may do with me as you please."
Janine nodded, quashing the images she had and coughed softly, going red again.
"Janine I... I love you."
Janine blinked, looking completely stunned
Jareth bowed his head and waited, "There..." he said softly, "now I am in your power."
Janine opened and shut her mouth wordlessly. No one could love her, how many times had she been told that?
~*He tells the truth*~ Tris said.
Janine still looked as if someone had taken away her vocal cords.
~*Well what would you like me to do with him?*~
~*I - er - I - I-...*~
Tris smiled.
"Yes."
"You -? How-?"
"What?" Jareth was completely confused now.
"How -?" Janine shut her eyes and shook her head. "How could you - love - me...?"
Jareth stood up, "How could I not? You're beautiful and smart and...amazing..."
"I - I-" Janine stepped back a pace. "I-!"
Jareth started to take a step towards her and then stopped.
Janine stepped back another pace, still looking shocked. "I-I don't - I don't believe it.... You - I - "
"It is the truth..." he said softly.
Janine took a few deep breaths and swallowed. This wasn't happening... It was all to strange, he couldn't love her, no one could! "I-!"
Janine blinked.
~*Janine my little one, what's wrong?*~
~*I-he-I-he can't-I mean I-and -he - they said-!*~
~* They*~ and here Tris' word was laced with fire, burning up the very thought of "them" ~*Know nothing.*~
~*But-I-they-they'd know-! They-they've seen it all before-! They said- no one would want me-! And it was true! I never got adopted, ever!!!*~ Janine's thoughts burned like a chemical fire as she remembered how much she had hurt when one by one nearly everyone at the home in her age-range was fostered or adopted.
~*Janine, had you ever thought that perhaps the right parent had not found you?*~
Janine blinked a few times, then shook her head slightly.
~*I am just sorry that I did not know to come to your world...*~
Janine shook her head a little. ~*It's ok Tris..*~ she was still looking pretty shell-shocked. ~*He can't...*~
~*He can and he does*~
Janine shook her head, looking down.
~*I love you, do you believe that?*~
Janine nodded. ~*You're-you're different... You're my - my Mom...*~
~*And I would not let anyone hurt you*~
Janine shook her head. ~*I know...*~
~*Especially him.*~
Janine blinked a few times.
~*He is waiting for you to tell him what to do. He will do anything for you now. One thing about Jareth... What he just did. He gave you the power to control him."
Janine looked up at Tris, eyes wide. ~*Wh-wh-what...?!*~ her eyes resembled wide green saucers.
~*It is not like magic or anything like that, but he will simply do anything that you tell him to*~
~*I-I don't - I...*~ Janine was at a loss for words again.
~*Come, I will take you home*~
Jareth sank down to the ground again and waited.
Janine didn't know what to say. She wasn't entirely sure what she felt, she was so used to forcing herself not to have emotions that she couldn't think of what to do.
"May I ask a question?" Jareth asked softly.
Janine nodded slowly.
"You do not believe me?"
"Well - not as such - I mean I - you - I can't - I mean you - well - er - I - oh hell..." Janine muttered to herself, irritated that she couldn't find the right word to say, and couldn't explain what she meant.
"Why not?"
"You can't." Janine said flatly.
"But I... If I can do anything to prove it to you I will."
Janine looked down, confused again. What did she want? Did she want him to prove to her? What could she ask if she did?
"Please give me the chance.
"I-" Janine stopped, not sure now. Surely he wasn't serious.......?
"Please."
"Jareth- I-.."
He waited.
Janine flapped her arms in the air in a gesture of defeat. "I don't know!" she said, actually looking him in the eyes. "I've never had to do this before!" she pushed her hair backwards. "Oh jeeze... I don't know! Um... Oh man!" she shrugged. "How can you show me?" she asked, doubting he'd do anything.
"I will do anything that you ask of me that it is in my power to do."
"Oh man! I don't know do I?!" Janine looked exasperated. "Whatever guys do to show they care!"
~Yeah?~
*I told her...*
~Good, what did she say?~
*She does not believe me.*
Trent looked baffled. ~Oh? Why not?~
*I don't know. I offered to do something to prove it to her...*
~You did?~ Trent sounded half amused, half puzzled. Jareth really was serious about this!
*Yes...I did...*
~Wow... You're serious, aren't you?~
*Yes I am...very serious*
~Woah...~ Trent was at a loss. ~So, what's up?~ he questioned eventually.
*I don't know what to do...*
~About what?~ Trent's mind had gone on a wander.
*About what to do...*
~Oh! Erm, oh...~ Trent mused the thought over.
*I'll try...* Jareth looked up at Janine.
~Okay, good luck bro, not that you need it.~
*I do*
Trent laughed softly. ~You'll be fine, Jareth.~ he assured him.
Jareth looked up at Tris and bowed his head, "Will all respect Madame...I humbly ask to be allowed the use of my powers again."
Janine looked down at herself and gasped softly, she'd never seen anything so beautiful. "Jareth I - I don't - need anything..." she faltered.
Janine gasped again and looked around her. She was alone, with Jareth, oh dear....! "I-!"
Jareth, in his most formal attire appeared and walked over to her. He bowed.
Someone tapped Jareth on the shoulder and a masked girl in red asked to cut in.
Jareth's dream world vanished and they were back in the forest.
After their long dinner Jareth waved a hand and the dishes vanished.
He led her outside.
Jareth smiled and summoned a bench to appear behind them.
The patio around them faded and he appeared just outside Tris' cave. He smiled as he looked down at the sleeping Janine.
"Well you certainly have worn her out," a female voice commented.
Janine wasn't listening, she seemed to have drifted off into a land of her own for the moment.
Her eyes narrowed and Jareth winced a bit as the cage around his mind started to tighten.
"Fine," she said finally, "But I will be watching!" ~*Closely!*~
Jareth closed his eyes against the fire in his mind.
Janine blinked, coming back down to earth as a breath of wind blew some hair across her nose which started to tickle irritatingly. She pushed it away with a small grumble.
"Janine," Jareth said rising to his feet, "I will do anything for you. Anything that you want."
Janine turned back to him, managing to maintain eye contact very briefly, then had to look away again, a red tint staining her cheeks. 'Gracious,' she thought. 'I must look like someone's put a match to me!'
"Name it."
"Wha-?" Janine blinked. "Jareth I-"
"Anything," Jareth snapped his fingers and Janine's clothes changed into a formal dress.
"Now a dress like that hardly fits in a place like this..." Jareth waved and the forest vanished and was replaced by a ballroom.
Jareth bowed and vanished. The room filled with people, the dance began.
Janine looked around. Where'd he go? The sneaky -! How was she supposed to get out of - wherever she was? And who were all these people...? She moved forwards, trying to find her way out, or at least find Jareth so she could demand - no, ask - for an explanation.
The people around Janine were pairing up to dance or standing in groups talking and laughing and generally having a good time.
Janine looked around as she walked. Hmph, everyone else was having fun, what about her? Stuck in the middle of a dance that looked slightly familiar to her prom, except these people were better dressed, and she wasn't in trousers.
There was a flash of something from the wall.
Janine saw something out of the corner of her eye and turned towards it.
A girl looked back at Janine. She had fire-red curly hair, held back by a blue band to fall in waves, framing her well-formed face. Her green eyes framed with pretty lashes watched her. Her beautiful blue dress hung perfectly.
Janine stared in amazement, her mouth dropping open fractionally. Wow... That was - her...?
The music in the background seemed to slow.
Janine looked around again. Great, even better, a slow dance. What was Jareth trying to tell her, she wondered as she saw everyone pairing up.
The crowd suddenly seemed to part.
Janine's heart did a triple back-flip and she stared, wide-eyed at him.
Jareth extended a hand, inviting her to dance.
Janine blushed, and shyly took his hand, feeling her fingers tingle slightly.
He pulled her towards him and out onto the dance floor.
Janine gasped softly. "Jareth..." she said quietly. "I'm not very good at this..."
"Yes you are," he assured her softly, pulling her around gently.
Janine felt her cheeks heating up again and made eye contact with his shirt, feeling herself relaxing slightly as they danced.
Jareth led her gliding across the floor through this song, and the next one, and the next one...
Janine didn't notice the time passing, but she did notice she was definitely enjoying herself.
Janine looked up at her and pouted slightly. She didn't want other people dancing with Jareth!
Jareth shook his head and pulled Janine away. The girl in red looked a bit disappointed, but went off in search of another partner.
Janine smiled happily to herself, glad Jareth hadn't chosen to dance with the girl in red.
Jareth and Janine floated around the dance floor again.
Janine shut her eyes as she span, loving the feeling of being in his arms.
They danced together through the next song...and the next one...
"I think I have to sit down..." Janine giggled breathlessly.
Jareth nodded and led her over to a table.
Janine sat down and smiled shyly at him. "That was fun..." she said softly.
"It was indeed." he said, sitting down next to her.
Janine automatically rested her head on his shoulder.
Jareth held her close and the world around them blurred and vanished.
Janine shut her eyes slightly and leaned closer to him.
Janine blinked in the change of lighting, and blushed as she realized she was still in his arms, but didn't really want to move.
Jareth smiled gently.
Janine looked up at him and smiled back. He was amazing...
Jareth shifted position slightly and the forest faded again. Now they were seated at a candlelit dinner. The sliver plates glittering against the dark tablecloth.
Janine's eyes sparkled in the candlelight
Jareth was seated across from her and he floated a menu up to her, "Anything you like..." he said softly.
Janine looked at it and tilted her head to one side. "Pasta?" she suggested after a moment. Non-fattening and tasty too!
Jareth nodded and what she had ordered appeared on her plate.
Janine smiled. "What're you having?" she asked
"I am waiting to make sure that you have everything that you need first..."
"I'm fine, thank you Jareth, don't worry about me..." 'I'm fine here with you.' she thought.
"If you are sure."
Janine nodded. "Perfectly..."
Jareth smiled and nodded, his dinner appearing on his plate.
Janine looked back at her plate as her cheeks went red again. "Cheers..." she whispered, holding up an imaginary glass.
Jareth smiled, a glass appearing in her hand. He held up his and clinked with hers.
Janine looked at him and smiled, feeling a warm glow spread through her heart.
Jareth smiled back, "Hungry?" he asked.
Janine, who had been miles away, gazing in his eyes, blinked back to reality and blushed again. "Yes...!" she squeaked.
Jareth nodded and Janine's napkin unfolded in her lap.
Janine couldn't help smiling.
Janine was feeling very full, and very content.
Jareth stood up and offered her a hand, "Come with me..." He pointed and a pair of glass French doors flew open, revealing a large balcony and a sky filled with stars.
Janine gasped in delight, taking his hand and getting up excitedly.
Janine looked around, her eyes wide. "Jareth..." she breathed. "It's - it's beautiful...!"
"Just as you are."
Janine opened her mouth again, and went crimson, speechless.
Jareth turned and looked up as a blazing star shot across the sky.
Janine watched it briefly, then looked at him and smiled.
Jareth smiled at her and gently brushed her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
Janine blushed and gazed up at him, her heart bursting.
"It is late..."
Janine nodded silently, unable to break the gaze.
"Past Midnight..."
"It is...?" Janine murmured.
"Yes it is...I should get you home..."
"Oh, oh right... Yeah..."
"Are you tired?"
Janine shook her head. "Not now..."
"All the same, I should get you home."
"As you wish." Janine couldn't stop a small hint of disappointment from creeping into her voice.
"I do not wish to either..."
Janine blushed; he could tell... "O-oh..." she stuttered slightly.
"We could remain..."
Janine nodded eagerly, then blushed even more. "Ah- yes, please..."
"As you wish," he said, "Although, that is my desire too..."
Janine looked down slightly, a small smile playing on her lips
Janine looked round and smiled again. "You're good at that..." she commented.
Jareth shrugged, "Would you care to sit?"
Janine smiled and nodded. "Sure."
Jareth sat down on the bench.
Janine sat beside him, feeling complete, like this whole thing was meant to happen.
Jareth was silent, just enjoying being next to Janine.
Janine yawned softly, feeling her eyelids growing heavy. As hard as she fought it they closed, and she fell asleep, leaning against Jareth as she did so.
Jareth smiled and shifted position, magically keeping Janine still as if he had still been sitting there. He gathered the sleeping girl into his arms and carefully lifted her.
*Maybe I have made a good start,* he thought hopefully, carrying her the last few feet.
"Shh..." he answered, "You'll wake her. May I bring her in to bed?"
"I rather expected it..."
Jareth nodded and carried her inside and into her room, where he set her down on her bed. He waved his hand over her and transformed her outfit from the dress to a night gown. Then the blankets rose up over her.
He stood there for a few minutes watching her before he finally left, pausing to conjure a rose in a vase, which he set on her nightstand.
As he left her room he felt the golden collar heat slightly.
"I remember..." he murmured softly, turning to go into the small cave.
Janine yawned and turned over, feeling warm and content, half awake. She didn't want to open her eyes in case she forgot the beautiful dream she'd had...
There was a knock on her door.
A few minutes later there was another knock at the door.
The door opened and Jareth glided in, balancing the tray in his hands, much to the amusement of Tris out in the hallway.
Janine smiled to herself at where Jareth had been, then started on her breakfast.
Tris felt Janine wake up and smiled.
Janine gave a small growl of disgust as she realized she was well and truly awake. She swore colorfully under her breath and sat up, blowing her hair out of her eyes.
The rose on the table next to her moved slightly under her breath.
Janine gasped softly as she looked at it, then frowned in puzzlement. Where'd it come from? If it was here, that would have to mean that-... Janine practically leaped out of bed and looked at the rose again, pinching herself to make sure she was truly awake. "It was real..." she breathed, her cheeks going pink. She must have fallen asleep on him.... How embarrassing...!
She looked up. "Mmmhmm?" she called, picking up the rose and smelling it. It's scent was beautiful...
~*You awake little one?*~
~*Yes! Tris come and look at this...!*~
Tris slinked into the room with a smile.
Janine span around, her hair flying in the air but she didn't really notice as she held out the rose to Tris, a shy, happy smile on her face. "Look!"
"I see," Tris said.
Janine blushed. "It's lovely..." she concluded softly.
"It's is," Tris said, "Now, little one, I have a message for you..."
Janine cocked her head to one side. "You do?"
"Yes," Tris said, "I am to ask you what you want for breakfast..."
Janine drew her brows together and thought. "Um... A boiled egg would be nice..."
Tris smiled, "Little one, if he's willing to do all of this for you, you may as well make him work for it."
Janine went red. "He's - he's doing it?"
~*Yes*~
Janine thought for a moment, then smiled slightly. "One boiled egg, one slice of toast and blackcurrant jam, and a pot of tea." she giggled.
"Now that's better," Tris said with a smile, "He also wants to know if you'd prefer him not to come in, other wise he'll deliver it himself.."
Janine's smile spread, then she coughed. "I don't mind..."
Tris nodded, "I will tell him, then he'll be in in a few minutes...
Janine nodded too. "Thanks Tris..."
Tris sent Janine a wave of color as she left.
Janine giggled happily and sent one back to Tris, then settled back down on her bed, gazing at the rose and day-dreaming of Jareth.
Janine, startled out of her daydreaming, blinked. "Huh?"
~*Tis Jareth....*~ Tris sent from where she was watching curled up out in the hallway.
Janine colored. ~*Right, yeah, right...*~ "Ehm, come in..."
Janine grinned slightly as she saw Jareth, then tried to cover it up by putting the rose back in the vase.
"I cannot give you breakfast in bed unless you are in bed," Jareth said softly.
Janine blushed even more and virtually jumped back into bed.
Jareth smiled and the tray floated from his hands over to the bed.
Janine's eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly. "Th-thanks..."
Jareth bowed.
Janine smiled at him whilst he wasn't looking.
"Is there anything else?"
Janine shook her head slightly. "No, thanks, it's great...!"
Jareth nodded, "If you need anything else, just call."
"I will." Janine said softly
Jareth bowed again and vanished.
Out in the hallway, Jareth bowed again...to Tris, before teleporting outside.
Back at the castle Trent looked out of the window and suddenly wondered how Jareth was. ~Brother?~
*I know you are concerned about me, but could you please not bother her about letting me go?*
*Hmmm*
Trent smiled, relieved Jareth was answering. ~You ok?~
*Of course brother...*
Trent's eyebrows rose. ~You sound a little - distant Jareth...~
*I do?*
~Yes, you do.~
*Oh.*
~Jareth...~ Trent sounded a little teasing.
*What?*
~You're going all - well - dreamy on me...~
*Oh.* Jareth blushed a bit.
Trent chuckled, sensing Jareth's blush. ~You, my dear brother,~ he teased. ~Are blushing.~
*I uh...um... that is I... Yes.*
Trent laughed aloud. ~My dear brother...~ he chuckled. ~How sweet...~
*Yeah, and I am sure that I will never hear the end of it, but do you know what brother? I don't really care...*
Trent smiled. ~Good.~ he nodded.
*You approve of this? If you think about it, Janine's not really mortal anymore...*
~Hmm.~ Trent paused for a moment. ~I approve. Just. If you're this happy it must mean she hasn't done what- well, you know.~
*Yeah...*
~I'm just glad you're happy Jareth.~
*I am. I think that I have nearly convinced her...*
Trent smiled. ~Good.~ he thought warmly.
*Yes. AND, amazingly, I think that Trisanalysia approves...*
~Really?~ Trent was surprised.
*Yes. I don't really know why, but I am not about to push it with her*
~I certainly wouldn't!~ Trent remembered how much it had hurt when he had crossed paths with the dragon.
*Yes. Trent?*
~Hmm?~
Trent frowned. ~Jareth...~ he sighed. ~The kingdom needs a king...~
*I know that...but...I do not what to risk losing Janine...*
~Oh, alright...~ Trent sighed.
*Thank you. I know that you do not want to...*
~Not particularly, no.~
*But I thank you for being willing to listen to me....*
~Hmm.~ Trent grumbled inwardly.
*I will speak to you later then?*
~Of course.~ Trent responded absently.
*Until then, then* Jareth broke the connection.
Tris' eyes were half-closed, her wings open, as she lay outside her cave, sunning herself. The sunlight glinted off her burnt red scales.
Trent clicked his fingers and appeared about three meters from Tris. He bowed politely.
Trent stood in the middle of a large group of goblins who were attempting to do - something to the throne.
Trent gave a small wave and transported himself back into the castle. "RIGHT!" he bellowed at the top of his lungs.
Trent sighed and thought to himself. If he spoke to Tris and tried to persuade her to let Jareth go it would take a lot of the weight off his shoulders. Jareth wouldn't know, and besides, it was his idea, not Jareth's...!
Tris yawned a bit lazily, relaxing in the sunlight.
Trent sighed again and grabbed an ice potion, drinking it with a look of distaste. "Yuck...!" he groaned. He sat down and braced himself. ~Mistress Fyreflyght?~
~*Good morning Trent*~
Trent hissed softly in pain. He really did hate this...! ~I was wondering if I might be so impertinent as to ask a question, other than this one.~
~*Well come then*~
"Good morning," she said again.
"Good morning." Trent responded. "I have come about my brother..."
"I figured as much, he is not here"
"I mean, I have come to ask for his release."
"As I said before..." she started.
Trent sighed. "Really Mistress Fyreflyght... I am finding it very difficult to cope..."
"So you've told me before."
"Yes, well, it is very difficult..." Trent faltered slightly. "I could really do with him back..."
Tris shifted, getting up and neatly folding her wings.
Trent watched her.
"Well I certainly cannot call him back right now..."
"Alright." Trent said resignedly, still looking a little suspicious.
"I don't think that they'd appreciate it..."
Trent's eyebrows rose. "Right..." He said, twigging.
Tris smiled, settling back down.
Trent sighed. "I suppose I'll go until he's presentable then..."
"I don't know how long that will be, they left about two hours ago..."
Trent chuckled softly. "I'll call back later Trisanalysia..." he smiled slightly. "I have a horrible feeling the goblins are rioting in the throne room again..."
Tris nodded, "Good luck..."
"Thanks, I'm going to need it..." Trent rolled his eyes theatrically, then clicked his fingers and disappeared again.
Tris suddenly got up and leapt into the air...
He put one hand to his head and groaned. "Boys boys BOYS!" he bellowed.
A few looked up, but because they knew he was less harsh than Jareth, they ignored him.
Tris flew over head and then suddenly let out a huge bellowing roar.
Trent was nearly sent flying as the goblins, en masse, charged out of the throne room in a panic. "Woah there!" he yelled as he was dragged with them for a few meters, before being deposited on the floor. He groaned. "Oiy vey..."
~*Sorry,*~ Tris said lightly with a laugh.
Trent chuckled and got up, clicking his fingers to appear on the roof. "That's fine." he nodded. "They needed that, and I appreciate the help..."
"I thought as much," she answered.
Trent nodded. "Oiy vey... Those goblins get worse every day, I swear!"
"I could singe a few if you liked."
"Nah, I think we need them around... Not sure what for, Jareth would tell you..."
"Oh. but if I singed a few then they'd probably behave themselves for a few days, I know that it works."
"Hmm, perhaps." Trent grinned. "I don't know whether Jareth would appreciate char-grilled goblins though..."
Tris laughed.
Trent flicked his hair out of his eyes and sighed. "I only hope they aren't going to go and demolish the rest of the castle..."
"If they do, tell them that the I will singe them..."
"I most certainly will." Trent said solemnly, his eyes twinkling slightly. He was relieved that he was so much more relaxed with Trisanalysia now.
Tris smiled flapped her wings, gliding away.
The goblins paused.
"If you do not behave," Trent growled. "Trisanalysia Fyreflyght will be forced to introduce you all to her flames."
Evening fell and Tris was on her way home.
Tris landed a few minutes later.
Tris smiled and shifted to a more comfortable position, "Then perhaps we should not talk about him now..."
Trent grinned and clicked his fingers, appearing back in his study and sitting down in the comfortable chair behind his desk. What a relief to not have to run the Goblin Kingdom...
Trent looked at the slowly darkening sky and sighed. He might as well try again. ~Good evening Mistress Fyreflyight.~ He said formally, grabbing a chalice of potion he had prepared earlier.
~*They're still not back yet...*~ Tris said amused, ~*But I would like to talk to you...*~
~Oh yes?~ Trent sounded puzzled.
~*Yes. Can we meet?*~
~Of course... How about...?~ Trent managed to think for a moment. ~There is a forest with a clearing a few miles from here, closer to your cave, is that acceptable?~
~*Yes*~
~'right.~ Trent cut the connection as he felt the fire becoming a little too painful, and transported to the spot.
Trent looked round and bowed formally as was his habit. He smiled. "Good evening."
"Hello. How are things going?"
Trent gave a small groan. "They have ended their quest to destroy everything in sight... and have disappeared from sight..."
"Well that's good then I suppose..."
Trent nodded. "An improvement, certainly... I don't understand how Jareth controls the little pests...."
Tris laughed.
Trent grinned. "Still not back then?"
"No, although I have insisted that he bring her home by midnight
"By midnight...?" Trent looked mischievous. "What exactly are they doing, or should I not ask...?"
"I opt not to ask. If anything happens that I do not approve of I would know."
Trent chuckled. "Poor Jareth..." he commented.
"Ah well."
Trent nodded. "I assume this will be a long wait..."
"Perhaps, but seeing as how I wanted to talk to you..."
"Oh yes, you did, sorry." Trent smiled sheepishly.
"now, when you called me, I assumed that you wanted to speak about the same thing that you always wish to talk to me about."
"Jareth?" Trent questioned with a small smile.
"Do we ever talk about anything else?" she teased.
Trent grinned. "Strange, that my little brother gets in the way of all my conversations..." he chuckled.
"Really now?"
"Not all..." Trent conceded. "Unfortunately just most of them."
Trent tilted his head to one side. "Alright..."
Tris folded her wings.
Trent looked puzzled. "So, what is it you wanted to speak to me about?" he asked.
"Something that we have agreed not to speak about," she teased.
Trent groaned. "Argh!"
Tris laughed mentally.
Trent put his hand to his forehead. "Alright, let us agree to talk of the brat that is my brother... Just so I can stop being so confused!"
"Fine."
"Thanks..." Trent grinned. "Right, Jareth, what of him?"
"He has made Janine very happy..." Tris started.
"Good." Trent nodded. "She has made him happier than I have seen him in many years..."
"And seeing as how I doubt that I'd be able to keep him away..."
Trent tilted his head to the other side again; it was just something the two brothers did...
"Since I am sure that he will be coming over voluntarily from now on..."
"Yes...?"
"There really isn't any reason for me to keep him..."
"So you're going to let him go?"
"Yes."
"Thank you!" Trent looked extremely relieved.
Tris smiled, "You may have him back when he brings her home."
"Thank heavens for that..." Trent grinned.
"I thought that you would be pleased," Tris said mildly.
Trent nodded. "I certainly am, thank you madame."
Tris nodded, "And now I think that I shall take my leave..."
"As you wish." Trent bowed. "Good night Mistress Fyreflyght, and thank you again."
"Good night," she shot up into the air.
"I should get you home..." Jareth said softly.
Jareth walked her up to the mouth of the cave.
Janine sighed softly. "Yeah, Tris'll be getting angsty..." she smiled shyly.
He nodded.
Janine rested her head against his shoulder again.
The landscape around them faded as Jareth transported them back to the cave.
Janine shut her eyes slightly as her scenery disappeared.
Janine opened her eyes again and smiled.
"Well..." Jareth said, offering her his arm, "Shall we?"
Janine smiled, her cheeks tinging red, and she took his arm.
He walked her into the cave and to her bedroom.
Janine smiled shyly at him. "Thanks..." she breathed softly.
"It has been a pleasure..." he answered.
Janine nodded. "It has."
"Until tomorrow then my love?"
Janine nodded, shivering slightly in happiness. "Yeah..."
He brushed her face with his finger tips, "Good night," he bowed and vanished.
Janine put her hand to her cheek and smiled more. "Goodnight." she whispered.
She eyed him carefully, eyes glowing.
He swallowed, what was she going to do to him now? He'd been almost sure that he was getting on her good side.
The collar around his neck grew hot again and he involuntarily reached up to try and pull it away from his throat.
"Don't touch it Jareth..."
He obediently lowered his hands.
There was a ringing sound as the golden collar landed on the floor next at his feet.
"Madame, I-" he started, looking up at her.
"I am satisfied," she answered.
"You mean I...I can go?" he asked.
"That does not mean that I will not expect you to show up tomorrow, as you promised her, and that I will not been keeping a ~*Close*~ watch on you."
Jareth gazed at her for a minute and then sank to his knees and bowed his head, "I thank you."