Sorry it took me so long! The muses were running around rampant somewhere else, and I couldn't get them back. Lots of family stuff is going on besides, so I apologize again a thousand times for not updating sooner! Anyway I'd better stop talking now and let you read the chapter. Please let me know what you think, and as always:
.
Labyrinth (c) Jim Henson
.
Leah is me
.
Thanks for reading!
.
Chapter 10
.
.
.
Goblins
Chapter 10: The Ball
.
.
Last time...
.
Jareth looked torn between amusement and annoyance at the disturbance, and turned his attention back to the stack of papers at the back of the press. "That had better be all cleaned up by the time I turn around, or else each and every one of you will be spending the rest of the evening in the Bog of Eternal Stench." It was said so cool and collectively, but to the goblins he might as well have brandished a flaming sword, sprouted a second head, and shot beams from his eyes, for the response it elicited. The goblins all scrambled to their feet and as quickly as they could manage, gathered, stacked, and caught every single sheet of paper lost, in less than ten seconds. Scrambling back up the stock room steps, they set the papers on the floor and dashed back down the stairs, tripping all over each other as they attempted to fall into line.
.
.
After their initial bout of clumsiness, the goblins were banned from the library on the promise that they would spend an entire month in the Bog of Eternal Stench if they disobeyed. Jareth said the only reasons they were allowed in the library was if they were delivering food, a message from the King himself, or if there was some kind of emergency. Jareth and Sephora visited Leah often when she was printing; Jareth always hovering behind her to watch the workings of the press and ask her questions, while Sephora helped organize sheets that were ready to be sewn together. Punt or Spatch or one of the other goblins came to bring her food or snacks whenever Jareth was too busy or visiting other royalty, outside of the goblin city and labyrinth. She found she missed Jareth a great deal when he was gone, but it afforded her the chance to talk to the goblins a bit. They were so scared though of a potential bogging, that they only stayed for a moment (which was spent nervously, and with wide, fearful eyes) to talk before hurriedly running out of the library like their lives depended on it.
.
A couple days before the masquerade, Leah and Sephora were busily working in the library, sitting at one of the tables near the press as they each sewed a book together, occasionally talking. In one particular lull in the conversation, Leah nervously poked her needle through the pages, and glanced up at Sephora before turning her attention to her book again, biting her lip. "Is something wrong?" Leah jumped slightly at being caught and smiled sheepishly at her friend. "Am I that obvious?" Sephora just smirked, raising her eyebrows as though to say, 'You think?' Leah glared at her and stuck out her tongue, causing her friend to laugh. Leah smiled and chuckled along with her. "But seriously, what's wrong?" Leah shifted in her seat anxiously, tying off the last of the pages in her book to distract her. "Well...I've been thinking that maybe it's not a good idea if I go to this masquerade..." She trailed off as Sephora stared at her, incredulous.
.
"Are you kidding? You have to go! Those Fae are always walking all over mortals, if you don't go that will just encourage their beliefs that mortals are weak!" At her friend's frown, Sephora continued, "Besides, Jareth is counting on you and if you don't go he'll be really disappointed." To herself she added, 'Not to mention really pissed,' she inwardly cringed. Leah's eyes turned determined. "Your right, I shouldn't have doubted myself. I need to be strong and show them how good mortals can truly be." She smirked determinedly to Sephora, who returned it with a proud grin of her own. The two then went back to work, Leah gluing the book's spine to give it more strength, and Sephora finishing sewing her book. The next couple of days were spent working on books and talking to one another.
.
The evening leading up to the masquerade, was used in getting Leah ready. She didn't think it would take very long, but Sephora was so determined that everything be perfect, that Leah began to wonder when they would be done. "Sephora, when are we going to be done?" Leah voiced her thoughts. It felt like she had tried on at least thirty dresses, and she was quickly losing patience. Sephora rolled her eyes. "We haven't tried on that many-" She backtracked at Leah's incredulous gaze and unladylike snort. "Ok, so we've tried on a bunch-but we're almost done, I can feel it!" Sephora shut and reopened the wardrobe again, but at first glance Leah could tell she wouldn't like them. At her look, Sephora closed it again and sat down with a sigh. "Ok, your turn then. Maybe it will find something you like if you open it." It took only two tries to find the dress she wanted. "This one's perfect!" Leah said with a grin. Sephora crossed her arms in a pout and muttered something about a lucky try. It took only a moment to get it on, and it looked perfect.
.
The white draped fabric fell from spaghetti strapped shoulders, with elbow-length sleeves, and the hem fell so that it only just showed her toes. It was v-necked, with just a hint of cleavage showing. A jeweled silver belt accentuated the waist. The rest of the dress clung to her curved hips and flared out a little at the end. The chiffon like fabric was light and flared out when she walked. It was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen, and it just seemed to fit. "Ok enough dawdling, we need to get your hair and makeup done!" Leah stifled a groan as Sephora practically dragged her to the vanity chair, and for the next hour and a half worked on her hair and makeup.
.
.
A thick stack of important documents was placed with an ominous thud and a sigh of relief, and Jareth sat back in his throne like chair in his study, rubbing his temples in exhaustion. The king of the goblins looked over at the thirteen hour clock on his wall and growled in annoyance. It was already four o'clock, he had missed his opportunity to have lunch with his guest. Jareth grumbled and waved his hand over his glass, magically refilling it as the large crystal decanter nearby emptied as some of the brandy was removed. He had spent the entire day locked up in his study, working on those horrendously tedious documents. The only thing that kept him from being thoroughly annoyed, was his occasional peeks into the library through his crystals. He found them now as they were returning from the garden-too late to take a short walk with them. He grumbled and watched as they entered Leah's room and began making preparations for the ball.
.
Which reminded him. The image in his crystal vanished as he moved to stand from his study chair. Tossing the crystal up lightly into the air, he disappeared in a cloud of smoke and glitter and reappeared in his bed chambers. Creating another crystal from thin air, he began lightly juggling it on one hand, while the other rested on his hip. The King of the Goblins stood staring at each of his choices for the ball. He smirked at the sight before him. Each of the outfits was being held up by a group of goblins, and as his eyes traveled from one outfit to the other, one of the creatures would point out something good about this outfit or that. It took him only a few moments to decide, adding or removing certain elements and adding a bit more glitter, but he thought he made good time.
.
As he adjusted his collar, Jareth felt a sudden, sickening pull in the pit of his stomach and his countenance darkened along with his scowl. Becoming perfectly still, he followed the pull mentally with his magic and was surprised to find it came from his study. In a moment he disappeared in a cloud of glitter, and reappeared in his study with an identical effect. Striding to his desk, Jareth paused as he came near his seat and gazed with dark eyes at what lay before him. The upper right hand drawer of his dark mahogany desk rattled and shook like some crazed animal had been trapped inside. Reaching forward, Jareth grasped the handle firmly and with a jerk, pulled open the drawer. Atop a small stack of unused stationary sat one of his crystals, but instead of it being clear, it was blacker than the deepest of his oubliettes.
.
Jareth reached to pick it up, when suddenly it jerked away from him. After a couple missed attempts, Jareth finally snatched the crystal from his drawer, and held it aloft in a vice like grip. He pulled it down to eye level as it started jerking and attempting to twist out of his hand. As he examined it further, Jareth saw a pair of glowing red eyes, and the form of a massive black creature. Anger flashed in his eyes as he realized that this was the creature that had attacked and attempted to kill Leah. He had forgotten it up until now, having locked the crystal it was contained in, in his desk drawer. Jareth frowned and glanced at the thirteen hour clock on the wall. He would need to think on this later. For now, he had to get ready.
.
.
The ballroom that held the masquerade ball was the most beautiful room Leah had ever seen. The room was shaped like a long rectangle with a vaulted glass ceiling that showed the twilight as it turned into night. In the window's reflection, diamond chandeliers hung, sending reflected candlelight in varying degrees about the room. Smaller chandeliers along the sides of the room hung lower, and in some places were so sparsely placed that it left a few areas so dark that if a person stood still long enough in it's shadows, they seemed to disappear. Along the sides of the room were large round tables holding different kinds of food and drink. Around the room hung long floor to ceiling curtains on each wall. Men and women in varying degrees of grandeur danced around in a large circle to an orchestra that was playing a merry waltz.
.
As Jareth and Leah stepped into the line to be introduced at the top of the stairs, Leah felt butterflies flair to life in her stomach and she placed a hand fleetingly on her abdomen, willing herself to be calm. Jareth noticed her anxiety and smiled reassuringly at her, squeezing her hand that was at his elbow. He leaned toward her ear as they took a step forward in the line. "Don't be afraid." He smirked as she flushed. Jareth stayed close to her, staring into her eyes a moment, before he suddenly leaned forward and gently placed his lips upon hers. Leah's eyes went wide in surprise, but quickly closed as she responded as gently as he had. In that kiss, Leah felt all her worries melt away, and in it's place was a calm and warmth she had never felt before. All too soon, Jareth pulled away, wearing a self satisfied smirk at the blond's furiously blushing face.
.
Leah smiled, oblivious to how the fae around them whispered and tutted at the sudden kiss. They stepped forward and the announcer leaned forward to get their names, before he turned to the dancing and eating fae. "His majesty, King Jareth of the Goblin Kingdom, and Miss Leah Wright of the Aboveground." Leah put on a smile as she and Jareth descended the stairs as the ladies and gentleman in the room turned to watch their descent. Jareth placed his hand at her waist and held her other hand in his as they took their places for the next dance. It was like gliding on a cloud, and Leah felt she had never danced so well with anyone before in her life. "You are a wonderful dancer, my dear." He whispered, smiling down at her. Leah flushed in pleasure and smiled up at him. "I wouldn't be doing so well if you weren't such a wonderful leader." They smiled at one another and Jareth pulled her closer as they danced in a wide circle. The first and second dances seemed to pass too quickly it seemed, to both Jareth and Leah, and she was suddenly accosted by several fae men asking for the next dance. She glanced at Jareth subtly and he gave a faint nod and smile of approval before she was swept away into the arms of a brunette gentleman.
.
He asked her the basic polite questions, and asked about Aboveground life and what it was like, and she answered cheerfully to each of his questions. Leah danced with several gentleman who varied in politeness, and there were even a couple gentleman who implied things that are not appropriate for good society. But the next gentleman to claim her hand was far worse. His name was Lord Aelhaeran, from a neighboring kingdom in the Underground. He had long white hair touched with streaks of silver tied back in a black ribbon, and he wore a black coat and leggings with silver trim. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp facial features and bright white-blue eyes. His eyes and countenance bore a forbidding undertone that made her eye him with both curiosity and suspicion. The gentleman bowed with an arrogant smirk. "Miss Leah, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Lord Aelhaeran, and I would like to beg your hand for this next set." He smirked down at her in a condescending way that suddenly reminded her of Kevin. Feeling in no way reassured, Leah barely kept from frowning in dislike at him, and instead forced a large smile and a curtsy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Aelhaeran. I would be honored, sir." He smiled and reached a hand out to her.
.
She placed her hand in his, and he spun her out onto the floor, and they began to weave through the other dancers as the orchestra began a new song. It was very quiet for a moment, and Leah felt her original impression of him might be changing for the better. That is, until he opened his mouth. "Forgive me, for I must be mistaken, but does his highness King Jareth, truly intend on making you his intended?" Her impression of him swan dived, and she stoically replied. "I do not presume to know what his highness' has planned. If he were to make an offer to me, I think it would be foolish for me to not accept." She felt some triumph in her collected response, but it halted as he chuckled darkly. "You are a silly girl! You honestly believe the Goblin King would ask for your hand?" He gave a snort. "But he..." She trailed off as he sneered. "What?" He gave a humorless laugh, "Do you think because he kissed you, that he cares about you? Do you really think he would fall in love with you?" He scoffed, looking up and down at her as though to prove his point,
.
"A mortal?" Leah lowered her head a little in doubt, before she remembered the kiss he had given her and the way she had felt, and she raised her head in renewed confidence. Fixing him with a cool glare, she said, "Say what you will, sir, but I believe I know his feelings on this matter better than you do." Lord Aelhaeran rose a swooped brow, eyes flashing in anger as he twirled her around several dancers on the dance floor. "Is that so?" His voice became dangerously low. Suddenly his countenance became much darker and he looked with dark eyes down at her as he pulled her closer to him. She gasped sharply as he twirled the both of them into the shadows and slammed her up against the fabric covered wall, pressing his body against hers. Her eyes went wide in fear as he curled a lock of her hair around his finger and grinned darkly. He leaned forward, his face mere millimeters from hers. "Such a foolish girl." He whispered. Leah stared in terror at his lust-filled gaze. Before she could utter a word, he covered her mouth with his own, and a faint red glow appeared around him. She fought viciously against him, but he held her wrists in a vice like grip. The glow quickly spread from him to her, and her attempts became weaker and weaker until she hung limply in his arms. "Not to worry, we shall find out why he finds you so fascinating." A dark chuckle emanated from her captor and she knew no more.
.
.
.
.
.
.
A/N: Wow I feel like this kind of crap keeps happening to her. Eesh. Anyway: Sorry for the delay of updating, I hope I still have readers, after neglecting you for so long. Anyway here's chapter 10, and I am going to start working on chapter 11 right now. Thanks for reading! Please Review! I love to hear what you have to say!
.
.
Disclaimer:
.
Labyrinth (c) Jim Henson.
.
Leah is me.
.
If Labyrinth belonged to me, I'd be making a sequel to Labyrinth right now.