Snippet #2555061

Joby sat comfortably next to Mag as she watched Jareth receive the procession of royals. She had soon forgotten about trying to maintain a visage of stoicism before the dazzling sights. She watched in awe as the hall filled with the flesh and blood versions of the heroes she once thought only existed in the books she loved.

"Oh, Mag take a look at that." she'd whisper excitedly to her companion who had more than likely seen her fair share of wondrous things growing up in the Labyrinth.

The procession of Astraea particularly caught Joby's attention, but she couldn't ascertain as to why. It certainly didn't have the widest variety of magical beings and it was by no means the most enchanting spectacle, but something about it drew her in. The clothing looked largely reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The vision conjured memories of story book pictures, and the sound of the music made her heart swell so tremendously, she swore she felt it aching.

She noticed Jareth and Mab approach. She retained a dignified disposition as they came near.

When the Faerie Queen approached, she could feel an incredible power practically emanate from her. She could feel herself shrink from the intimidating figure. Her heartbeat quickened as her eyes traveled towards her face. She didn't want to meet Mab's gaze, but her eyes were being pulled in her direction. She never knew such eyes. They were old, so very old and reflected eons of secret and sacred knowledge. She knew her whole soul was open and readable to the ancient being and Joby was terrified.

She didn't know how she managed to tear her gaze away. She felt Mag grab her arm and help seat her as Jareth escorted the queen to her seat.

____________

Marten watched the Above girl endure the face-to-face greeting with Mab. He felt a twinge of sympathy for her. It hadn't been so long ago that he too had a most unfortunate meeting with her. She took no mercy. She flayed him apart until every great and minuscule secret was known to her. His ensuing feeling of weakness was much greater. He was actually surprised that the girl wasn't any more affected by those prying eyes.

He felt the smack of a palm against his chest and saw that Dedric was giving him a sheet of paper.

"Right," said Dedric. "Why don't you start with Oz? There's been an uptick in demand for Ozian emeralds. It's a small task, I'm sure you can handle it. Meanwhile, I'm going to chat with some Nodlings about drawing an export trade contract..." He had already strode a few paces away when he quickly turned on his heel and walked back to Marten.

"By the way. Did you detect any sort of tension between Jareth and the Empyrean?"

Marten shrugged.

"I suppose so," he said. "But I don't understand why that's something worth being noted."

"Why not?"

Marten raised his eyebrows. Did he actually know something his gossip and scandal loving brother did not?

"Because it had been arranged for Jareth to marry the now Lady Empyrean before he broke off the engagement."

____________

Dedric had even forgotten that the new Empyrean had even been crowned much less been betrothed to the Goblin King. Visits from the distant sky kingdom were a rarity, so Dedric had heard little news from there besides the devastating epidemic. However, he always made sure he was up to date on the customs. "I'll be sure to give her a warmest of greetings. Can't imagine what the poor lady had to suffer through after such a ridiculous rejection. Can you imagine someone in her position getting dropped by that?"

He turned and resumed his work. He smiled and shook hands enthusiastically among the nobility. He flexed his expert skills in forigen relations as he effortlessly adjusted his manners to suit the varying people. When at last, the Empyrean came in to his sight, he knew how to greet her in proper fashion. First, he approached her armor clad companion and bowed.

"Honorable Keeper, may I humbly ask for just a brief word with your Lady?"

He stood before Elspeth and bowed.

"Lady Empyrean, on behalf of the kingdom of Astraea, I want to tell you that we are thrilled and privileged to have you and your people among us. I'm sure this task was not an easy one, but we must all entrust that Mab has her reasons for choosing her host. However, between you and me, I'm quite surprised he managed to whip this heap into something presentable. But these are nothing more than Illusions, my lady." He gestured towards the decorum

"Cheap parlor tricks, that's all he knows. And the Empyrean is far, far worthier than some deflated magician and his hordes of little monsters."