Disclaimer: This story is for entertainment purposes only. I do not own or have any affiliation with the creators or actors of Labyrinth.

Note: I have used the information regarding Sarah's family from those presented in the film only, not the subsequent manga. If I have missed any vital information as presented in the film, I apologize and ask that you overlooked the error and just enjoy the story for what it is. Thank you for reading.

Note: Meara is pronounced 'meer + a'. Ciarán is pronounced 'keer + in'. Aibhlinn is pronounced 'ave + leen' and means 'longed-for child'.

PROLOGUE

The Long Awaited Child

Meara stood at the nursery window, watching the blonde-haired young man stride across the ward of the castle as if he owned it. Such arrogance, she thought, twisting the ring on her finger nervously. Light from the window made its green depths glow brilliantly, but its wearer didn't notice. Her attention remained on the young man. Were they doing the right thing?

She turned slightly and looked at the child sleeping in the crib carved with faeries and unicorns, her rosy cheek resting against a stuffed bear. So young, so innocent, so unaware that her future had already been agreed upon. It went against everything Meara believed in. The child should be free to choose. Just like her mother.

But you weren't a princess, Meara reminded herself. And this, her husband had assured her, was how it was done among royalty.

As if her thoughts had called him, she heard a footstep behind her and then hands upon her shoulders. She felt his beard tickle her neck. She leaned back against him with a sigh. Everything felt right in Ciarán's arms.

'It's done.' He told her.

'Is that supposed to reassure me?' She asked.

'You worry too much, my pet.' Her husband said against her ear. 'He's a fine lad, and he's taking a risk that few would take. Aldrich will not be pleased. Their kind do not marry, and certainly not without permission.'

'Then why do it?' Meara exclaimed, clearly distressed. 'Why entered into a betrothal that's sure to displease your liege lord? It makes no sense at all. The boy is a mad.'

'He's reckless and headstrong,' Ciarán allowed, 'but he's far from being mad.'

'You forgot arrogant.'

'You said the same thing about me the first time we met.' He reminded her. 'Under Aldrich's tutelage, what do you expect? That kingdom isn't known for its civility.'

'But he's not like Aldrich.' Meara pointed out. 'Not at all. In him is a fire that has never burned in Aldrich's cold heart. Aldrich makes decisions with his head. This boy makes them with his heart. Would he have risk displeasing his lord otherwise? His will is strong, and he'll need to learn to control it.'

'Perhaps Aibhlinn can lead him into more pleasing ways.'

Meara turned in his husband's arms and looked up at him with pleading eyes. 'But, Ciarán, she's just a baby. Why betroth yourself to a baby? How will you ever know whether or not she'll love you or you'll love her?'

'He knows what's written in the stars as well as we do, my pet. Remember that Aldrich sent him to the spellmaster for training when he was but a boy. Knowing what you know of the spellmaster, do you think he didn't teach the lad how to read the stars? He has been waiting for her as eagerly as we have.'

'Blast the stars.' Meara retorted. 'I don't believe in such things.'

'That's because the world you came from taught you to question everything you do not understand, but here, we take these things very seriously. The stars have spoken and cannot be defied. The King of the Goblins and the Elfstone Princess will reign side by side, and their reign shall usher in a new peace. I do not know how it will happen or whether or not they will find the love you so highly esteem, but I trust the stars, my pet, and that is how I can give her away.' He sighed, dropping his arms from around his wife and walking over to the crib. He touched his daughter's dark curls. 'And we could certainly use peace in this land.'

Meara joined him at the crib. 'They're threatening again?'

He nodded. 'Fergus reports troop movements on our borders. But don't worry,' he said, straightening up and taking her into his arms once again, 'the stone will protect us.'

'I've never quite trusted that thing.'

'I know you haven't, but it's protected this kingdom for hundreds of years. Now,' he said briskly, 'I must leave you for a while. I'm meeting with Ronan to discuss posting extra guards.'

He dropped a kiss on her nose and turned to leave.

'Ciarán?'

He turned back, looking at her questioningly.

'I love you.'

'I love you too, my pet.' He said with the boyish grin that had first attracted her to him. 'Now stop worrying. The kingdom is secure, and they won't marry until she's sixteen so you have plenty of time with her yet.'

Meara watched him go with a troubled heart. Plenty of time with her, he'd said. Fifteen years didn't seem much when she'd been waiting for the precious little thing for nearly a century. Now she had finally arrived, and already she was set to leave again. Meara felt tears gathering in her eyes and quickly brushed them away. She would not cry. She was made of stronger stuff than that.

A sound from the crib drew her attention. The child was awake and smiling up at her. She smiled back, reaching down to lift the little girl into her arms. As soon as the baby was settled on her hip, the fat little hands reached for the ring. The green gem seemed to fascinate the child.

'You like that, do you?' Meara asked, looking down at her with indulgent eyes. 'Your father gave it to me on our wedding day. It's a piece of the Elfstone. He tells me that it's supposed to have magical powers, but I've never taken the time to learn how to use it. There's so much magic around this place that I can't see where I'd make any difference.'

The little girl cooed up at her, and once again, Meara felt the tears burning her eyelids. Their time together was so short.

'Oh, Aibhlinn, don't grow up too quickly.' She breathed, pressing the child's cheek against hers. 'I wish that you would stay just the way you are for an hundred years.'

And, unbeknownst to her, the stone upon her finger heard and granted her wish.