A/N: Here's another installment of my little story. Thanks to all my faithful readers who continue to add it in their favorites and alerts. I do hope you enjoy this one. Special thanks go to Silverrhaze, dreaming of ravens at night, seniastardust, labyrinthloverxx, xAnamolicXInfectionx, Rayen 'Tora' King, UndergroundDaydreams, helikesitheymikey, DavidsGirl13, lonely 27, and LydiaLovegood for reviewing the last chapter. You keep my muse happy. Remember, reviews make me happy and happy people update faster.
Disclaimer: Don't own Labyrinth or Shakespeare. What a pity.
The Labyrinth's Queen
An Imbolc Night's Dream
~~~~~~~~ooooo~~~~~~~~
Jareth lounged on his throne with one leg thrown over one bone arm. He tapped his riding crop against his leather knee-high boot. Nerys had taken to her chambers hours ago after prattling on throughout dinner about the wedding plans she had made. Now he was able to have some time to himself in the quiet of the night. It had thrown him for a loop to see Sarah and Keely plotting in the Queen's chambers. His arms still remembered the feel of being around Sarah. Without her, they felt empty and useless. A shift in the room alerted him to the new presence within.
"Hello, dear brother," said the man with chocolate brown hair and deep blue-green eyes. Those eyes twinkled with mischief and his lips turned up in a devilish smirk.
"Hello Sulwyn," Jareth replied. "I will remind you that I am not your brother, yet."
"Technicalities," Sulwyn said amiably. A loud crashing sound came from the hall. Both men turned to see the goblins running in, chased closely by a short dark-haired sprite.
"Robin Goodfellow, what are you doing in this castle?" Jareth asked angrily. "Didn't I banish you over a century ago?"
"He's with me," Sulwyn remarked. "Dear Puck has agreed to let me join him for the Imbolc celebration at midnight. Why don't you stop brooding here and come with us?"
"I haven't danced in the moonlight for centuries," Jareth scoffed. "Don't you have better things to do than to run around with the wood sprites and fairies?"
"Jareth," Sulwyn pouted. "You're a kill joy. I don't understand how you can rule a Kingdom of goblins and not have them rub off on you at all. Where is your sense of fun and adventure? You have become boring in your old age."
"Old age?" Jareth replied. "You are older than me by almost half a century."
"And yet I act much younger than you," Sulwyn said. "You're not still brooding over that mortal wench, are you?"
Jareth glared at the Fae, but did not answer. Puck and Sulwyn shared a knowing look. The pair had known Jareth for many centuries. The Goblin King could generally school his face to give away no emotion, but Sulwyn could see past the façade. They had been best friends since they were boys.
"All the more reason to come with us to the Imbolc celebration," Sulwyn suggested. "Besides, it would get under the skin of my dear sister. You know how I love to torment her. How you can marry the creature, I'll never know."
Jareth sighed. "I cannot go with you," he said after a moment. "As much as you like to plague the woman, I am the one who will pay later."
"Fine," Sulwyn replied. "We will be off."
The two mischief makers disappeared into a cloud of glitter. Jareth rolled his eyes and thought about what his friend had said. He could never make Sulwyn understand. Duty and responsibility usurped fun and games. He knew that Sulwyn disapproved of his marriage to his sister. He didn't believe Nerys was the right mate for Jareth. The Goblin King agreed with him, but said nothing. His bed was made and he would lie in it. What's said is said, after all.
Sarah felt something shaking her and she slowly opened her eyes. Bending over her was the way too chipper Keely. The blond woman had ahold of Sarah's shoulders and was trying to get her to wake up. Sarah looked over at her clock and realized she'd only been sleeping for a couple of hours.
"Keely?" she asked sleepily. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Keely said in an excited voice.
"Whatever you need can wait until morning," Sarah mumbled. "I'm going back to sleep."
"Come on Sarah," Keely begged. "Wake up! You're gonna miss it."
"Miss what?" Sarah said, rubbing her eyes. It was way too early for this much excitement. She had an early class in the morning. Unfortunately, she knew that there was no deterring Keely once her mind was made up on something.
"The Imbolc celebration!" Keely exclaimed.
"Imbolc celebration?" Sarah asked.
"Come on Sarah," Keely replied. "You've been studying the myths for over three weeks. You can't tell me you don't know what Imbolc is."
"Of course I know what Imbolc is," Sarah said. "What I don't understand is why you felt the need to wake me up out of a perfectly good sleep to remind me that it was February 2nd tomorrow."
"Correction," Keely replied. "It'll be February 2nd in about ten minutes. You have to join me in the celebration."
"What celebration?" Sarah asked. She sat up in bed and put her legs over the side. All hope of sleep was slowly vanishing with every minute she spent in this debate.
Keely rolled her eyes and said, "Imbolc is one of the few nights every year where the veil between the worlds is thin and permeable. These nights are worth celebrating. It's a night where the Fae mingle with the wood sprites and fairies. Mischief and dancing take place in the woods."
"Sounds like something out of Shakespeare," Sarah replied.
"Yes," Keely reminisced. "William was a faithful celebrator of Midsummer's Night."
Sarah's eyes opened and all thoughts of sleep were abandoned in her excitement. "You mean his play is true?" she asked.
"Most of it," Keely replied. "Of course, he did take certain liberties. Nick Bottom was a much better actor than he's portrayed and Demetrius was not as enamored of Hermia as William made it out to be. He only wanted her because Lysander had her. Their rivalry went all the way back to childhood."
"Fascinating," Sarah said. She stepped out of bed and stretched. "What does one wear to a Imbolc celebration?"
"Here Sarah," Keely replied. "Allow me." She waved her hand and Sarah's nightgown changed to a long sleeved silk gown decorated with flowers. Her hair had been done in loose waves woven with flowers and dusted with glitter.
"As pretty as this dress is, I'm wondering about its practicality," Sarah remarked. "It's still cold at this time of year, even this far west."
"Don't worry about it Sarah," Keely said, brushing aside the young woman's concern. "You'll be with us and I'll take care of you. Are you ready?"
"I'm as ready as you are," Sarah replied.
Keely flicked her wrist and the two women were transported into the woods at the far end of town. Sarah gasped in awe. She'd never seen anything like it. Fairies flit around, moonbeams reflecting off their gossamer wings. Nymphs, sprites, and elves danced in the moonlight. There was music, wine, and mischief. It was quite the wonder.
Grabbing Sarah's hand, Keely dragged her future Queen into the small clearing. Sarah spread her arms and began dancing with the ancient creature. Soon, she found herself surrounded by Faerie beings. The music coursed through her veins and she felt ethereal. Several pairs of eyes watched the mortal girl as she celebrated Imbolc with them.
"Do my eyes deceive me?" Sulwyn sighed breathlessly. "Is that not a mortal celebrating among us?"
"Lord, what fools these mortals be," Puck replied.
Sulwyn laughed and clapped Puck on the back. "I am not Oberon and this is not Midsummer's Night. Though, I must agree with you. However, this mortal is different. She has been Fae touched. Such a beauty is a wonder in the mortal world. I shall have to investigate further."
Walking up to the clearing, the Fae approached Sarah with ease. He tapped her on the shoulder and she turned. Her eyes were bright and sparkling with excitement. A pink flush decorated her cheeks. Her lips were turned up into a happy grin. Keely was busy dancing with a wood sprite and hadn't noticed that Sarah had stopped and moved away from the clearing.
"Having fun, my Lady?" Sulwyn asked, escorting her to the trees near the clearing.
"Very much so," Sarah replied. She watched as the dance continued. Her foot tapped the rhythm of the song.
"May I ask a question?" Sulwyn asked.
"You just did," Sarah replied, giggling. "But you may ask me another."
Sulwyn chuckled and asked, "Who are you? I only ask because we get so few mortals that join us for our celebrations."
"I'm Sarah," she replied. "I was brought by the Labyrinth." She spotted Keely and waved at her. Keely waved in return, but held a look of concern upon her face.
"Sulwyn here," he said with a bow. "Sarah, you say?" Sudden understanding washed over him. "You're not the same Sarah who ran the Labyrinth a few years ago and came out victorious."
"The very same," she replied.
"Well, this is indeed an honor," he said. "What do you mean the Labyrinth brought you here?"
"Apparently, the Labyrinth has developed a connection to me," Sarah explained. "She and I have been communicating for a little over a week now."
"Hello Sulwyn," Keely interjected.
At his confused expression, Sarah took pity on him. "This is Keely. She's the Labyrinth."
"Pleased to meet you Keely," he replied, in awe. Never in his many years had he ever communicated with such as ancient being as the Labyrinth. That was an honor only few had been bestowed. Sarah must be very special indeed. No mortal had ever been in communication with the old magic.
"Likewise," Keely said. "Come Sarah. The night is young and so are we. Let's dance."
Sarah laughed and excused herself. The two friends joined the other creatures in their dance. Sulwyn watched as Puck joined him in the trees.
"Who is she?" Puck asked, leaning on the trunk of a nearby tree.
"It's the Labyrinth Champion," Sulwyn replied, not taking his eyes off of her.
"No wonder she has joined us this evening. A special mortal indeed," Puck remarked.
"I can see why Jareth is smitten with her," Sulwyn said, grinning. "Come Puck. Let us make some mischief tonight."
He walked over to the clearing and joined Sarah in her dance. He moved with her as they felt the forces that be move within them. Puck moved to join them and bumped Sarah into Sulwyn's waiting arms.
"Robin, you clod," Sulwyn admonished, as if he didn't know what game was afoot. "I'm very sorry. You must excuse my friend for his bad manners."
"Robin, hmmmm," Sarah replied, pulling away from the Fae. "You wouldn't happen to be Robin Goodfellow, would you?"
"The very same, my Lady," Puck said with a bow.
"You know of our dear Puck?" Sulwyn asked.
"Of course I do," Sarah said. "I was an actress once upon a time. What great actress hasn't heard of the mischievous Puck?"
"Your reputation does precede you," Sulwyn told Puck. "Have you ever acted in the Dream?"
"My Oberon! What visions have I seen! Methought I was enamour'd of an ass," she recited. "I did a Summer Stock production before college."
"Ah," Sulwyn replied. "You must have been quite the vision as our lovely Queen."
Sarah blushed. "It was a great role," she said, brushing aside his compliment.
"Speak of the devil," Puck said with a smirk. The forest was banked in an ethereal light as two of the most beautiful people Sarah had ever seen appeared before them. The Faerie creatures bowed before them and Sarah followed their lead.
"Resume the celebration," commanded the High King. He and his Queen made their way through the throng of celebrants to where Sarah was standing.
"Sulwyn," said the Queen, smiling.
"Your Majesty," he replied with another courtly bow.
"I see you have come with a guest," The High King remarked. "Good Puck, how be you?"
"I am well, my Lord," Puck replied. The Queen glared at him, not forgetting what happened one Midsummer's Night many years before. Puck grinned and bowed before her. "My Lady."
"I shall keep my eye on you," she said, her eyebrows raised.
"And who is this lovely creature?" asked the High King.
"This is Lady Sarah, the Champion of the Labyrinth," Sulwyn introduced. "Lady Sarah, this is Oberon, High King of the Fae and Titania, his Queen."
"Very pleased to meet you," Sarah said with a deep, respectful curtsy. Oberon took her hand and placed a gentle kiss upon her knuckles. She blushed again and looked away.
"Sarah, here, was just telling us of her portrayal of you in William's Dream," Sulwyn informed them, looking at Titania.
"Enchanting," replied Oberon. Titania rolled her eyes at the hopeless flirt that was her husband. She knew that he never meant anything by it, but he could be a little much.
"Thankfully, I don't remember much of my time with Bottom," Titania said, smiling with the memory. "Though, thanks to good Oberon's brag, I now get to see it performed over and over again."
"One does not keep quiet a victory," Oberon remarked. The two began to argue, good naturedly, and Sarah yawned into her hand.
"It is getting late Sarah," Keely replied. "Almost daybreak. Let's get you home."
"Before you go, my Lady," Sulwyn said, putting his hand on her arm. "Would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to our celebration ball tomorrow night?"
"That would be lovely," Sarah replied.
"Where shall we meet?" Sulwyn asked.
"May I suggest Jareth's castle?" suggested Keely. This would play nicely into her hands. Maybe jealousy would catapult her King into action. So far, words had done no good. Seeing his beloved Sarah on the arm of his best friend might be just what he needed to begin to fight.
"That's a great idea," Sulwyn replied. "I'll pick you up at sunset."
"Sounds like a plan," Sarah said. Keely took her hand the two women disappeared.
"What mischief do you make?" Puck asked after they left.
"What makes you think I'm making mischief?" asked Sulwyn, failing to hide a devilish smirk. "Perhaps I just like the company of a pretty girl."
"Well," Puck replied. "There is that, I suppose. But the girl in question is the same one with whom your sister's fiancé is in love. You can't tell me that you have not figured that out by now."
"Good Puck, do you not trust me?" Sulwyn asked, feigning being wounded.
"Only as far as I can throw you," Puck replied amiably. The two friends laughed and continued the celebration until dawn.
Jareth was just exiting his chambers when he heard the scream. He stifled a laugh when he realized that Nerys must have just come out of her bath. He schooled his features into concern and ran into the Queen's chambers as expected. Nerys stood before him with a towel covering her body. Every inch of her was green from her head to her toes. Jareth hid his smile behind his hand.
"Er floimgierr xú geh exá héerxe egy huq!" she yelled. "Xá qé wivosyxe."
(Do you see what they've done to me! I am ruined)
"Gé ku floyop wé wis héerxe hyox?" he asked, knowing full well who it was. He wanted to know what Nerys suspected.
(Who has done this to you?)
"Hu áflemy vitypymai," she replied, angrily.
(Your repulsive subjects)
"Gúveqegl, qu hesy, fimhl woeh e flimyl ev hu áflev ku pyexl ku pisy," he warned.
(Careful, my dear, they will be your subjects soon enough)
Nerys blanched and crossed her arms in front of herself. She was angry with her future husband. Why didn't he care enough to punish those awful goblins? How anyone could stand to be around such disgusting creatures was beyond her. Jareth finally took pity on his fiancé and waved his hand. Soon, the green color bled away and her porcelain skin returned to normal. She sighed and shook her head.
"Gér jáxl ku vemil woeh e vuklrú kuew?" she asked, rolling her eyes. "Jomuw ek kegl hymri jaexl posq er hexl.." Looking around, she began to make more plans in her head. "Ku himqlor, xá qé ek hyp e flimyl egy glyr vihiguvexi er wisqye wis. Ríp e jomuw ekeq gér jáxl ku vemil xú e vuklrú re hexlerre."
(Why did they have to choose green? Everyone knows I hate that color. Indeed, I am going to have to redecorate this room. I do not know why you had to choose these colors.)
Ryeov e xlekerr xú Fervísre, my jémhov piex e qlemwoú wé ev fliepegl ev foxo my qoer piex.," he said, placating her.
(When you become Queen, you can decorate it any way you want.)
"Fimhl qé," she replied. "Ersow, xá qé jimwymy e glvísglrú." Jareth nodded at her and took his leave. This was going to be a long day.
(I will. Now I have to finish dressing)
Jareth sat at the breakfast table, waiting for the arrival of Nerys. When the door opened, he stood, expecting his fiancé. He was surprised to see Sulwyn enter the dining room. The man looked tired, but impish. Jareth could see that he was up to something. He looked around the room.
"He went back with your parents," Sulwyn said, reading Jareth's mind.
"I don't know why you keep in the company of that hobgoblin," Jareth replied.
"Where's Nerys?" Sulwyn said, changing the subject.
"She had an incident this morning and has been delayed," Jareth replied.
"Incident?" Sulwyn asked.
"Someone turned her skin the color of moss," Jareth said, unable to stifle his laughter anymore.
"How delicious," Sulwyn laughed. They began to eat the breakfast before them, not waiting for Nerys to get to the table. Knowing her pride, she was probably still sulking in her chambers. Both of the men were hungry and not willing to give in to her tantrum.
"Have fun last night?" Jareth asked after seeing his friend yawn.
"Loads," Sulwyn replied. "In fact, I have a partner for tonight's ball."
"Really?" Jareth asked, suddenly interested. Sulwyn had been a bachelor for a very long time. He hadn't courted a woman in more than two centuries. The Goblin King wondered who had captured the eye of his friend. Must be someone very extraordinary.
"Yes," Sulwyn said, hiding a smirk. "You will meet her tonight."
"I can hardly wait," Jareth replied. In truth, he was not looking forward to the Imbolc ball. Nerys rarely left his arm and her dreadful chatter went on until he could barely stand it. He would rather sit at home and have a good game of chess with Keely. Unfortunately, he was a part of the Faerie court. He had to make an appearance. Perhaps he could feign illness after a respectable amount of time.
"Thank you for breakfast, my brother," Sulwyn said after he was finished. "I must return to my own Kingdom to rest before the festivities tonight."
"I will see you tonight," Jareth replied. Sulwyn nodded and disappeared before his face could give everything away. Jareth watched him go and went back to his musings. He wondered what Sarah was doing right now.
