Drabble #249: Tranquil

[redwolf]

For this prompt, we continue with our one-word/phrase drabble roots:

Tranquil

Tell us all about it. Labyfic-style, of course.

Given our entries from recent months, let's continue with the suggested limit of 500 words. Though remember that shorter pieces are most definitely welcome!

Your entry should take the following format, posted as a comment on this entry:

Word count: # of words
$your_beautiful_drabble

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Remember: Feedback is LOVE. So do reply to your fellow labyficcers' drabbles if so inclined. (Though be careful of concrit unless specifically okayed by the author beforehand. Authors generally write for love.)

Comments

Strategy

[redwolf]

Word count: 500

Sarah looked across the crowded room to see her husband conversing with a woman whose overly dramatic hand motions were in sharp contrast to the tranquility of Jareth's resting bitch face. With an inward smile, she disengaged herself from her own discussion and noted the slight change in Jareth’s expression as he saw her approach.

Irene had told her how much she hated the formal functions she attended with Sarah’s father. It was never a quiet meal together when they were geared towards networking and building connections. Added to that was the deep seated misogyny of the men who attended. As frustrating as this was, Irene had learned to use it to their advantage and a giggle or fluttered eyelash at the right time could encourage a man to brag about his accomplishments. They never seemed to expect that Irene cheerfully shared all of her gathered intel with Robert.

Sarah couldn’t follow Irene’s example of stroking fragile male egos for corporate espionage when she was effectively the head of the company. She had to smile politely as an ambassador for the Goblin Kingdom, but she did have the advantage of knowing that Jareth wasn’t giving away the family jewels to a pretty smile.

Taking her hand as she approached, Jareth kissed her fingers, apologised to his companion and swept Sarah onto the dance floor.

“You looked like you needed rescuing,” Sarah breathed into his ear.

Jareth huffed in amusement. “Your timing is impeccable. I was in imminent danger of expiring from boredom.”

“Was she truly that bad?”

Jareth hummed under his breath. “She’s petitioning to sell fabric within our kingdom and is a little pushy.”

“Is that what she was wearing?” Sarah frowned as Jareth nodded. The dress had been simple in design, but the fabric was iridescent, floaty and unlike anything she’d seen before. “It’s lovely.”

Jareth agreed that it was a fine product, aside from the flaw of being highly combustible. “Not something that should be anywhere near goblins who are likely to test flammability out of curiosity.”

Sarah winced. It would be a disaster waiting to happen. “How about instead of setting up business in our kingdom, she invites small groups of prospective clients to her kingdom and showcases her wares?” Sarah explained the concept of a fashion show with people modelling clothing for buyers.

“Even if a viewer doesn’t buy, they would return home and spread the word.” Jareth smiled broadly. “If we insist that any purchased garments are to be worn and stored outside the kingdom, that would allow her to charge storage fees and it may increase interest rather than feeling onerous if marketed in the right manner.”

Sarah glided across the floor. “Spectacle and exclusivity would be a difficult to resist drawcard.”

“You should have the honour of broaching your workaround plan.” Jareth guided Sarah back towards the enthusiastic fabric merchant.”

“You just want someone to hold your hand.” Sarah’s breath ghosted against Jareth’s cheek.

“I will always want to hold your hand.”