Hello, my dear readers! Here is the second chapter, which I hope you enjoy! However, just so you know, after this segment, it's action from here on out! Yeah!

~SealedHearts

The first place he takes me is the castle. "I want you to get a bird's eye view of the land first," he explains, leading me up a series of winding steps. We encounter a sprite along the way; Jareth smiles at my astonishment as the winged creature flits by. We continue going up…and up…and up. He brings me to the room at the top, clarifying this is the tallest tower of the castle and that it's conveniently located next to the throne room.

"Couldn't you have just Jumped us?" I ask, shamefully wheezing.

He merely smirks in reply. "And deny you the chance getting up here? Have I ever made things easy for you?"

After resting a bit (so many stairs!), Jareth leads me to the window. Wondering if this was the same one he perched from in the movie, I look out.

The sight which greets me is breathtaking. Next to lush woods are mighty waterfalls that shine and sparkle. Where the Labyrinth once stood there is now a large field outlined by manicured gardens. Several villages are clustered throughout the land. The sun's rays bathe everything in a misty glow.

"Oh my goodness," I breathe in awe, "this is absolutely incredible!"

"And those," Jareth says, pointing to the waterfalls, "used to be the Bog of Eternal Stench."

I gape at him like a fish, "THAT'S the Bog of Eternal Stench?"

He chuckles. "The land and I are connected. Since I allowed Christ into my heart, my realm has been undergoing transformation to reflect that change. Believe it or not, that sprite you saw used to be a hobgoblin."

"No way!"

"Those who have accepted the faith have not only been inwardly transformed, but have shed their outer appearances as well."

"It's like God's been spreading like wildfire," I exclaim, turning again to survey the stunning land below. My attention is drawn to a shadowed area in the far east. "What's over there?" I ask.

The Goblin King looks grave. "There are some who are not happy with all of the changes that are happening," he explains. "Many of the villagers accepted quickly enough, but most of the aristocracy is reluctant to relinquish their power. Those who oppose me have gone into hiding in the east, so I haven't been able to capture any, much less identify them. If we don't come to terms soon, I could have a civil war on my hands."

I can tell he's genuinely worried and my heart goes out to him. "Hey," I say, "they may be powerful, but you've got an even greater Power Who will fight for you. God's on your side, and all authority has been given to Him. Just trust Him and remain sensitive to His Spirit."

"You always cheer me up, Christine. Forgive me—this is your tour. I shouldn't be saddening you with my affairs. Where would you like to go first?"

"How gorgeous!" I whisper as we survey the thundering falls. "What glorious work God has done here."

Jareth is simply beaming.

We go to the woods next, aware we are being followed by the occasional sprite. The shattered shards of sunlight dance across the emerald floor as we travel through.

"Are you hungry?"

I turn to see the Goblin King offering me an apple he's pulled from a tree.

I stop short of accepting the fruit when old memories flare up; icy fear suddenly grips me:

"Allow me one last word."

"And what might that be?" I hiss icily.

His answer is to violently draw me closer. The hand at my waist is now at my back to prevent me from escaping.

"Your parting gift, of course," the Goblin King declares, his eyes holding mine.

As I stare at the fruit, I become aware I'm trembling.

Jareth's expression hardens when he realizes my hesitation. "Forgive me…" he says uneasily, tossing the fruit away, "maybe later."

We continue along the outskirts of the field and into the gardens, quiet the entire way. Not even the fragrance of blossoming roses can lift my spirits.

"Let us rest here for a while," Jareth suggests, motioning towards a stone bench.

"Yes," I hear myself say, automatically sitting down and placing my hands in my lap. What's wrong with me, Lord? I inwardly ask, I have forgiven him. He is Your child now. Why am I still feeling this way?

The longer you hold onto wounds, the longer they will take to heal. Give your burden to Me.

"Christine," Jareth breaks me from my meditation, "I…" he opens his mouth then closes it, clearly unsure. "When…when I was King, before I met you, all I cared about was satisfying my own desires, whether it came through power, oppression, or…women. But when you showed Christ to me, He…I…Jesus completely changed me. What may have been months for you has been two years for me; I want you to understand I am not the King you once knew. As it says in His Word, the old has passed away, and the new has come in its place. The thought of harming you now repulses me, the very idea sickens me, and the memory of my actions horrifies me. Please, understand me when I say this to you: I am sorry."

His downcast face, although pained, reflects an eagerness to be freed of his past sins. Stirred by his words, I'm surprised to find my heart beating fast. He's…sincere.

"Please," he whispers, "will you forgive me?"

I close my eyes and bow my head in thought. Now that I am spiritually sensitive, I realize that, deep down, I had been harboring resentment. I…I still am. Although I had been willing to start anew, I had never said the exact words. And, because I failed to do so, I was only hurting myself. But first… Looking back to Jareth, I reply honestly, "Yes, I forgive you."

He smiles as the weight is lifted from his shoulders. "Thank You, God!" he breathes in relief.

"Please, wait," I say, sick with remorse, "you are not the only one who needs to be forgiven. I am also at fault."

He looks at me in confusion, "Whatever do you mean?"

C'mon, Chris. You can do this!

"When we last spoke," I begin, praying for strength, "I told you I wanted us to start over because I knew that was what God wanted. While that desire was genuine…" I lower my eyes to focus on his necklace, the jewel glittering in the light, "a part of me remained angry with you." I forcibly swallow the heated words running through my mind and continue, "Even though I was pleased with your spiritual growth, I still harbored resentment towards your past actions. I know now that's not who you are, but I also know I'll never be free from these feelings if I fail to be honest with you." I feel my hands clenching into fists, tears blurring my vision.

"Please," I cry, "forgive me for not forgiving you!"

I hear no response, nothing but silence.

Then, a gloved hand enters my sight, coming up from underneath to tilt my face to his. No, I can't! I avert my eyes, choosing to focus on the greenery nearby instead.

"Christine," I hear him say softly, "please, look at me."

"No," I whisper, trembling, "no, don't make me do this. I-I can't!"

"Please."

Fearful, I meet his eyes.

All I see is compassion looking back.

Wordlessly, he takes his other hand and wipes my tear-stained face. "My dear, sweet sister," he says with a gentle smile, "do not weep." Pulling me into an embrace, he whispers fiercely, "Of course I forgive you!"

Squeezing my eyes shut, I shudder with relief. I become aware of the tears flowing without restraint, of my arms encircling Jareth tightly. Clinging to him, I can feel his heartbeat: warm and steady.

Is this true? I timidly ask the Spirit.

It is.

Thank You, God…!

In Jareth's arms, I feel safe and secure.

In His arms, I am now free.

…That reconciliation closed the door on our past and paved the way for a bond which would endure all hardship…