Chapter 10. Winds of change

The year was speeding by, and soon it was the week before graduation. The girls of the senior class were waiting for the physical Education teacher to enter the gym and they were as restless as Indian's before a raid on the Fort. Sarah looked at Lilith, "What is taking her so long?" she complained crossly.

Bryn moved to the record player that sat where the instructor had placed it for exercise class. "Well, we could do a warm up," she moved through a stack of records picking one she thought the rest would grove to. She placed the needle down and soon the rocking sound a guitar and drum could be heard being blasted at top volume. Lilith growled, and began to prance. Some of the others imitated her and some just started to move their own way. Bryn began gyrating as she stood beside the record player. Bryn shouted to Sarah, "Sarah, shake it." Closing her eyes, letting the notes tell her how to move Sarah began to dance in the most provocative manner of all.

Some of the girls stopped dancing to watch; even Marge stopped moving in admiration of Sarah. Marge looked from Sarah to Bryn to Lilith, and noticed how their movements were matched. They were using exaggerated movements taught in the gymnastics class they had all been forced to take. When the record finished all three were in various exaggerated positions on the floor while the rest of the girls stood by applauding wildly. At that point the instructor had rejoined the class, and she was applauding as well. She asked the three if they had ever considered going into dance seriously. She felt they could make very good chorus dancers, and perhaps Sarah's mother could give them a helping hand at getting a start.

Sarah felt herself stiffen at the suggestion. It was one thing to dance and feel free; it would be another to dance under the direction of a dance master. There again there was always the chance someone might have to touch her. She rejected the idea as quickly as it had been suggested.

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Sitting on her bed in the dorm room that felt so much a part of her now, Sarah wondered about the future. She'd gotten her father to agree to her stating university right away. She'd gotten him to agree to her living in a dorm again. She'd known he was disappointed, but if what she was going to do was going to work she needed to separate herself from the family to protect them. She looked over the book in her hand, and wondered how it was Lilith was always able to come up with these rare and out of print tomes.

Light tapping altered her that Lilith was at her door; "Come in," she called softly knowing most of the rest of the students were long asleep.

Lilith entered the room quietly closing the door behind her. "I saw your light was still on," she observed.

"Just finishing this text, I think I actually understand it," teased Sarah.

Lilith moved to the bed and took a seat, placing her hand close to Sarah's leg without touching her. "Are your folks coming up for the graduation?"

Nodding Sarah looked at her friend. "And yours?"

A moment of sadness passed Lilith's features for the briefest time. "It's just my mother and I… and she'll be there."

"Oh I'm sorry Lilith; I didn't know your father was dead…" Sarah experienced discomfort at the thought of making her friend sad.

Lilith winced, "I don't know if he's dead… I don't know him… he and mom never tied the knot… and he took off…" She sniffed then changed the subject. "Is your dad moving you over to the dorm at the university?"

"Yep, right after the ceremony here… we got permission for my things to go in right away. The joys of having a lawyer in the family… You ready to start classes?"

"I'm more ready to start work on your revenge." Lilith stated in a icy quip. "I can't wait to see you in real action."

"Well wait we must…" Sarah tossed the book aside. "I can not do anything until all the stars are aligned."

Inching her fingers forward Lilith's voice filled with longing. "Sarah, how I wish I could just warp you in my arms… just once…"

"I appreciate that you are so loving a friend," Sarah said distracted, not seeing the longing for what it was but mistaking it for the deep concern of a friend. "I never knew just how much someone could miss something as simple as…" stretching her hand out toward the other girl's hand she trembled. "This."

Bryn tapped at the door and looked upset, "I just heard on my radio they let Daniels go."

"What," Sarah bolted from the mattress and moved to the door. "They did what?"

"He must have powerful friends." Lilith grumbled; "Letting that sick bastard out."

"He can't come near the school or the clinic, but he's free." Bryn looked from Lilith to Sarah. "Are you alright?"

Sarah turned to Lilith, "Bear said he worked as an ambulance driver, does he still have connections?" When the Greek girl nodded, Sarah's lips curled into a cruel jeering smile. "Perhaps dear Bear can help us keep track of that snake, and maybe we can get a little practice in before we take on a certain Goblin King…" Lilith's laugh sounded like a dry cackle. Bryn said nothing choosing to keep her feelings to herself.

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The gardens at the Goblin palace were looking more cared for than they had in years. Hoggle was working in the new rose garden when he found himself being observed by his King. "Sire," he greeted the King quietly as he continued to work.

"Higgle," Jareth returned the greeting.

"Hoggle," the dwarf corrected as he finished the graph of a new breed of rose. "Is everything to your liking?" He asked the King.

"You're doing a fine job," Jareth grumbled. "Tell me are you… friends with Sir Didymus?"

"I know him," Hoggle nodded. "I don't really recall how we met or became companions but yes, Sire, I'm familiar with him."

Resenting having to ask a favor of this subject rankled the King. "He's getting on… and I'm worried about him being alone…"

"He should retire," suggested the dwarf still working. "Like your old tutor… spend time in the gardens… nap when the need comes… and enjoy his golden years." Sitting back on his haunches he admired the new rose. "He's earned it."

"He'll see it as an insult if I tell him to retire," Jareth began to pace. "I turned down his request to be decommissioned… I cannot just tell him to hang up his sword. However I cannot leave him guarding the bog either."

The dwarf's face twisted and he gave the King an almost murderous glare. "Got yer self in to a pickle have ye?" his voice grated and sneered.

Jareth heard the remark and swiftly turned, but the dwarf was once more peacefully working on his garden chores. "Hoggle, has Didymus told you of his… hallucinations?" He asked carefully.

Shrugging, the dwarf gave it little thought. "The dreams of an old man;" Mused the dwarf. He turned to Jareth, "I think you should transfer him to the hedge garden maze… he'd still be thinking he was on active duty."

Jareth nodded, "I'll give that consideration, lovely garden… Hickgle," Jareth moved on.

Hoggle reached out, ripping the new graphed rose from its place on the tap root. He crushed it and tossed it aside. The little man with the weathered hands and face grumbled as he limped over to another rose so he could trample it. When he was done he cleaned up the mess and knelt down to begin his work all over.

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A voice calling from the terrace drew the King's attentions. Devon was holding a scroll above his head and calling out in an excited tone. "Jareth, the Avalon post is here!"

Jareth took his time, he'd have preferred to have run up the path, but as he was trying to be more King than boy he strode there in a calm pace. "Ah and what does our good High King command now?"

"We have been invited to appear at the Midsummer Day and take part in the rituals and rites. The High King has set a suite of rooms aside for your use." Devon smiled and handed the scroll to his cousin. "It's all nicely worded, but I'll tell you this, it's a command performance."

"They want to see if there are any cracks in my veneer," Jareth mused teasingly. "The court thinks I'll be arrogant and ignore this summons… and wouldn't that just make Talagon's day?"

"We're going then?" Devon smiled thinking of the luxurious palace and the pleasures to be had.

Jareth leaned over the balustrade, watching as the dwarf ripped apart the rose he'd just planted. "Yes, we are going." He said softly. "We need to be seen…. And it will be a pleasant distraction for us both."

"How many do you want in the royal party?" Devon asked getting into the spirit of the outing.

"I don't care," Jareth sighed; "As long as I have my Harpy guards." He narrowed his vision, wondering what the hell that damn dwarf thought he was doing.

"Take some interest in this, if you please." Devon demanded now also looking where his cousin was gazing. "What the hell is he doing?"

"Ripping up roses he's just planted and graphed." Jareth looked at Devon, "Hoggle is one of the three….who were… closest to the…" He refused to go on, and sealed his mouth with a grim expression.

"Oh," Devon nudged him. "Then let's discuss whom we should include in our assembly of representatives."

"Whom do you suggest?" He'd a feeling the handsome Baron had several choices in mind.

"Lady Rosalind for one," Devon growled softly. "She's always amusing."

"She's expecting you to plead for her hand you know," Jareth warned as he knew the lovely red haired Fae woman had already begun a campaign to become a Baroness.

"Oh," Devon's mask of gaily slipped. "Can't have that;" He shook his head and mentally crossed her off the list; "How about Lord and Lady Timus? They are good company…"

"They are not members of my court." Jareth reminded the Baron.

"Damn it all Jareth," Devon exclaimed hotly. "You're not helping."

The King turned his back on the antics of the dwarf and turned his full attention to the business of creating a proper court train. "Lords and Ladies of the Fae realm are not going to set us apart from the other Kingdoms of the Underground who will be present… every High Land Holder will be there Devon. We need to show we are who we are."

"Jareth, you can not mean to bring Goblins… not again… think of what happened the last time." Devon recalled all too well. "The High Queen will have a fit."

"I mean to bring Goblins, but specific ones." Jareth stated coolly. "I want the court scribe, Lutin and his wife to be part of the party. They are Hobgoblins and know more about court etiquette and protocol than either you or I do." He watched his cousin's face relax in agreement. "I also want a few of the higher clan leaders and their wives in attendance. You may add four Fae representatives, but make sure they are citizens of the Kingdom… remember we are not a Fae Kingdom, Devon." He silenced the protest he read coming in his cousins' eyes. "We are the Goblin Kingdom, and we will take Goblins in our party."

Devon whispered, "Four Fae beside you and I?"

"You and I are Goblin citizens… some of the Fae you've suggested are not citizens. Lady Rosalind although very lovely and good company has not requested citizenship; she's a guest of our Kingdom nothing more." Jareth argued effectively. "If you are going to bring Fae, bring those who've become citizens… they have more at stake."

"You speak as if you expect a declaration of war." The handsome Baron commented curtly.

"I do," Jareth moved way from the man, heading to the castle. "I've made more enemies now than I had when I was just playing at being King."

"We've a few Hobs, and a very intelligent Kobold clan," Devon began numerating. "I suppose we could ask the old tutor…"

Jareth was already striding toward the library. "Have Lutin help you with the list. I've an appointment I must keep." He pointed toward the door that would lead to the scribe. Watching as his cousin moved swiftly to the inside to greet the well informed court Scribe and make arrangements.

Jareth moved swiftly to the lower level of the castle. "Joachim, are you here?" he called out.

"Aye Sire, I'm here." A voice answered.

Jareth found his metal smith giving orders to his assistants. "No fool! If you don't tighten that bolt, a prisoner will be able to get out of that shackle!" He cuffed the little fool and pushed him aside, taking the tools into his own skilled hands. "Like this, do you see?"

"Yes, Master." The little assistant bowed. "Forgive me."

Joachim placed one big hand on the shoulder of the assistant. "If you don't apply yourself you'll never become journeymen, Talic. I would hate to have to inform your father you failed."

Jareth watched the exchange, seeing the relationship he wondered how many other guilds were apprenticing. Joachim came to where he stood. "The boy has potential, but has a hard time applying himself."

"Perhaps he's not meant to work in dungeons…" Jareth suggested.

"To work for me, he has to work where I do… not just in the forge on blades of beauty, but on implements of torture." Joachim turned his gaze on the refurbished dungeon with approval and appreciation. "Like a good many of the younger lads, Talic is not use to real work…" He gave the King a knowing gaze.

"My fault," Jareth admitted readily. "But we are making progress at turning that around."

Joachim looked at his King, his expression was unreadable. "I'm not blaming you along, Sire. You were the youngest of your kind to come to sit upon our throne. You at least made something of an effort to get to know your subjects." He shifted his weight; "Besides, the Labyrinth accepted you." He changed subjects quickly. "Your dungeon is completely renovated, my King. Everything is back in working order, and the additions you requested have been implemented."

Jareth moved deeper into the depths of the cavernous space, his face showed approval. "You did fine work Joachim, my complements to you and your apprentices."

The master metal worker bowed. "I have to give credit to your Leather Master for his contributions, Sire." He handled the leather strap work that the other Hobgoblin had skillfully designed. "Master Lazarus has created some fine work, to be married to mine."

"Lazarus lives to work leather," mused the Goblin King inspecting the work that had been done. His orders had been followed, to the letter and beyond.

Joachim followed the King deeper into the cavern, glancing once behind to see the one Harpy who rarely left the King's side. "And does madam approve?" He asked her.

Della looked at the chamber designed for torture and mayhem, "I neither approve nor disapprove." She looked superbly glorious in her splendid Goblin Leather harness. Now having fed regularly the Harpy's figure had filled out and she was stunning. Being the more dominate of the three Harpies attached to the King, she had taken the leaders role.

The Goblin Metal-smith snickered before turning his attention back to the King. "The next chamber is the one I think you'll be most pleased with Sire," he opened a dark oaken door and allowed the King to pass before him into a chamber that was clearly a private chamber for torturing a prisoner. Chained shackles hung from the ceiling, dangling and looking as if they were well used. A table of implements and rare tools of the dungeon master were set near by. A small basket where glowing coals could be kept held metal rods and porkers and other things that would be used during a session of getting information or cooperation; "As you requested, Sire."

Jareth nodded, "It's almost like Zoltarie never left." He commented to the Hobgoblin in a thoughtful voice. "And the other little matter?"

"Awaits you in your own chamber, as I promised," answered the pleased metal-smith.

Della followed the King from the dungeon back toward the private throne room he kept for his goblins and himself. She had kept quiet after exiting the chamber, and Jareth wondered what she was thinking. "You look perplexed, is something wrong Della?"

The Harpy turned to the King and spoke her mind, "I was wondering if you had that chamber returned to its former specifications and order as a warning, or as a reminder of it's past… Does our King intend to show it off or use it?" Her tone was as saucy as the leer in her eyes.

"I'll use it, if I need to," he assured her as he moved toward his familiar seat in the Goblin Throne. "You didn't think I had them do all that just for show did you?"

"I had hoped not," Della admitted. "I should like to see Talagon squirm in such a room."

"I thought you said he shot blanks," Jareth teased lightly.

Della gave him a lusty gaze, "I said I want him to squirm, not rut." Both King and Harpy snickered wickedly. She looked at him, "Are we really going to Avalon for the Midsummer feast?"

"Yes, that means you and your sisters had best feed before we go… I don't want any incidents." Jareth warned softly. "That is I want no incidents of your making."

Della leaned over the arm of the throne, her face aglow with excitement. "Our King goes to stir the pot?"

"Or break a few eggs," he lounged back in comfort. "Della, see that I'm not disturbed for an hour or so…" He motioned her to the entrance as he closed his eyes.

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Sarah looked at the diploma that Karen had a frame ready for and now was sitting on the dorm wall. She looked at the painting that was on the other wall; something about it seemed to be calling to her. She was spending more and more time trying to see into it. Still just a dragon chasing a bird in her eyes, and yet she could not leave it alone.

Lilith came into the room with the mail, "Sarah, you've a letter from your mother." She handed it to the other girl and then took a seat on one of the three beds. "Bryn will be up in a moment, she had to get a box that was shipped to her from home."

Sarah opened the letter and snickered. "My mother says she trusts I'm not doing anything illegal but she was able to get a hold of the items we requested and will be sending all of them by Fed Ex. She says she does not want to know what we are doing and that I should have a nice birthday and she'll see me as soon as she gets back from her shoot."

"She was able to get it all?" Lilith pursed her lips and gave a low whistle.

"You would not believe some of the contacts Linda Williams has made;" Boasted the girl. "She knows writers, actors, researchers, poets and chemists. You name it, Linda has conquered it."

"Must be where you get that fiery spirit from," Lilith purred.

Bryn entered their dorm room with arms laden with boxes and letters. "Give a hand would you?"

Lilith scrambled to her side, and relieved her of some of her burden. "I thought they said you had one box," she grumbled.

Bryn ignored her. "Sarah there's a box down there for you, and you have to sign for it. They refused to allow me to sign for you."

"Must be the shipment from mother," Sarah said dropping the note on her desk. "I'd better go down before they close the mail room." She moved out of the room quickly.

Lilith watched her go wistfully. Bryn frowned at the Greek girl. "Stop mooning, she does not see you or it." She warned sharply.

"Someday she might," Lilith became defensive. "Someday I may be able to show her how much I care…"

Bryn shook her head at her, "Lilith, you want Sarah because she's unobtainable, and she has more power in her little finger than you've ever dreamed of… If she had the least idea of what you really want she'd turn her back on you and this scheme." The girl pulled the stick out of her hair that held her long braid in a coil at the back of her neck. "You have no idea of what a can of worms we are opening."

"And you do?" Lilith asked sarcastically. "I don't see you trying to talk Sarah out of it."

Bryn's fingers swiftly ran through her hair, and it now hung over her shoulders in long waves. Except for her clothes she looked suddenly like someone from another age. "The die is cast, and I'm but a player…" She looked at the boxes on her bed and the ones on Lilith's. "But I know this much, no matter what we do, Sarah Williams is never going to look at you the way Bear does."

"Bear is a diversion," Lilith quipped. "He means no more than a means of alleviating my tensions."

Bryn shrugged as she began to open the parcels. "Live in denial if you wish." She could feel the seething of the other girl and said carefully. "And don't be thinking of making threats to me, you need three to complete this spell… the three who started the path must finish it. You need me, Lilith."

Tossing her a dirty look, the Greek girl moved away to her own bed. "I think our little friendship is coming to an end, Bryn…. Once I've freed Sarah's dreams… and she is mine, you and I are through."

"Yeah, yeah," Bryn was not listening any longer. She was sorting the parchments and the crystals her great aunt had sent to her from Wales. Her Aunt Mercy had warned her that these were powerful tools and not to be played with but to be respected. Bryn knew Mercy knew where of she spoke; after all she'd been trained by Welsh Derwydds, and had practices the principals for nearly seventy of her eight five years. Being Ban Droi herself, Bryn knew that for her to be passing on the crystals and parchments meant that Aunt Mercy was preparing for a long journey… Bryn prayed to her God and Goddess that she was ready for the mantel to be passed on, and that she'd the strength to shoulder the responsibility that she was taking on. She cast a sideways glance toward Lilith, more and more she was suspicious of her and her motives.

Lilith was inspecting each of the fine leather masks that had been sent to her from her relations back in Greece. They had not asked for the reasons, nor had they asked to be informed of anything. She held up one, a Tigers' face, to her own face and giggled. "This is great."

Bryn shook her head; "I wonder if you know just what you're playing with?" she muttered but knew the other girl was choosing not to listen.

Sarah returned carting in two large parcels on a rolling dolly that had been borrowed from the mail room. "Shit this is heavy!" Lilith helped her removed the parcels and handed her a little box cutter to open the packages. Sarah chose to open the smallest one first. "The herbs and potions we asked for from Mr. Cho are here." She announced passing bottles and vials to them standing over her. "He says we are to take care how we administer the use of them."

"How oriental of him," Lilith darkly amused sighed.

Sarah began to open the larger parcel and took out the note on the top. "My mother says these are all the cast offs of the production 'Biker Babes from Hell'. And we are to use them as we see fit, and to have a good time." She began unloading the leather garments. "Crap, she must have grabbed everything that was not nailed down!" Handing items to the other two she kept finding more. "There must be a fortune in leather in here!"

Bryn read one of the labels, "Holy crap, this was a Piero Tucci original!" They looked at her and she said. "He's only one of the foremost leather masters in the world… His factory is in Florence, Italy."

Lilith was trying on a jacket. "He makes good shit!"

Hearing Bryn's amazement, Sarah checked more than one label. "Most of this is Tucci…I wonder if he owed the producer of the film a favor." She looked at another label, "Bryn who is John Royce?"

"Harley Davidson designer," Bryn replied looking at the tag over Sarah's shoulder, careful not to touch her friend; "One of the up and coming American names in leather-wear."

"And this one, Marco?" She handed the item to Bryn to inspect.

"This guy is one of the Italian designers, see how his lines are more… I don't know.. refined compared to the raw look of Royce?" Bryn laughed softly. "My cousin Tom was into bikes when I was a little girl…" her face went dark. "Before he…" she handed the item back to
Sarah and excused herself for a moment.

Sarah looked at Lilith who was preening in front of a mirror. "You should wear that for Bear, he'd love it."

"This and nothing else," murmured Lilith with a smirk. She turned to Sarah. "Hey, we should wear this stuff to the party on the twenty-first!"

"I don't know, I'm thinking of going home…" Sarah said softly. "It's my birthday and I think I should spend it with the family."

"In the middle of the week, don't be silly." Lilith chided her; "Besides it's the summer solstice and we have to do that ritual if you want things to work. You become a full maiden on that day, and we have to start the year's rituals so we can take care of business…" She moved closer. "That is if you still want to get even."

"I want that more than anything."

"More than a trip home to mommy and daddy?" Lilith asked snidely.

Sarah longed for the loving touch of her family. She longed to hold Toby close, but revenge was a tempting appeal. "Alright, I'll go to the party and we'll hold our ritual in the woods… Does Bear know what we are doing?"

"Who cares what he knows," Lilith said blithely. "As long as we get what we need."

"How we getting there," Sarah asked looking at the leather garments.

"I'm going with Bear on his bike, and Snake said he'd drive you and Bryn," Lilith was back at the mirror preening again. "It's gonna be fuckin' great!"

Bryn was in the hall, listening to the exchange and wishing Sarah had refused. She looked at the tarot cards she'd cast earlier that morning, the fool had come up in a reading for Lilith and the emperor for Sarah. 'What's cast is cast,' she thought to herself.

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Devon stood with the nervous Lutin as the King's party assembled. Lutin who had never left the King's compound looked like he was ready to jump out of his skins. "Relax," Devon said soothingly. "It's only Avalon, it's a picnic compared to living here."

"I've never left the compound," Lutin reiterated. "I'm attached to the castle."

"You're attached to the throne," Corrected the King as he paced edgily, like a caged cat. "I am the throne; you may go where I go…"

"In theory…" Lutin objected once more as his wife, a soft eyed Hobgoblin stood by and listened quietly. "A theory that has never been tested, Joyous and I have never once left the King's compound!" Della snickered as she watched, and then covered her snicker with a cough.

Devon looked at Jareth, "He does have a point." Exasperated and pushed beyond his endurance Jareth grabbed the shoulder of the little scholar, causing both to vanish in an eye blink. Devon shook his head and looked at Joyous, the scholar's pretty little Hobgoblin wife. "He's such a show off…"

The wise eyes of the little female widened, "Lutin is going to be in a state!"

"Lutin will recover," assured the Lord Baron as the rest of the party assembled. He had kept the list to an even dozen, with the King making the thirteen member of the party. The Scholar and his wife, the Master Metal worker Joachim and his mate Flur, Lord Granger and his wife Lady Millette, Lord Treven and his spouse Lady Jade. The last three in the party were Della the Harpy who was always with the King, Daisy the little Goblin Guard who was ever present with the King as well and lastly Rondo the King's valet. No other servant would be going as the rest of the party would be seen to by servants in the guest quarters in the Avalon palace. Devon counted as everyone but the King and Lutin were accounted for. "Soon as he returns we'll leave," he informed the party ushering the four Fae cutinizes of the Realm into a coach. He ushered Joyous to the coach she would share with the other Goblin court representatives. Moments later when the King returned with the much shaken Lutin, Devon saw him to the coach as well. Daisy snickered under her breath, but stayed respectful of the Scholar. Rondo kept quietly to himself, feeling a bit ill at ease with so many Goblins in a confined space.

Devon mounted his dragon, while the King mounted his. Della made a show of opening her wings to their full span and stretching suggestively knowing the King would give her one of his haughty little looks. The dragons seemed unusually restless and Devon suggested a little race as they rose. Della cawed that she wanted in, and Jareth in answer urged his dragon to rise faster. The coaches, pulled by six winged horses each moved forward at their own pace.

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Classes had let out early, and the girls were in their room changing, sharing the one large mirror to apply makeup. Sarah had received her call from the family wishing her a happy birthday, and their gift had arrived the night before. She thanked them and spent a few moments in conversation with her little brother who at four was using words she'd not quiet been expecting. He told her that her room had bootaful light, and she translated that to beautiful light. He had also said he missed her, and begged her to come home more often. When she'd gotten off the phone she wondered to herself if the boy would ever understand how much she was doing this for him as well as for her.

Of the three Lilith was the most provocative dresser, having rejected the suggestion of a tee shirt or anything else under the revealing jacket that fit her like a second skin. The slinky breeches she'd chosen for the outing were lace up the sides and down her bottom showing off how rounded it was and revealing a bit more than skin. Her long black hair was allowed to flow over her shoulders. The black leather gave her alabaster skin a glow. Bryn had found a rich mahogany colored set of leathers in a long skirt with a matching jacket and halter. Her long red hair was pulled away from her face with a leather ornament that had a long ivory stick. Sarah had chosen a bolero styled black jacket that was worn over a red leather bra, the long slender leather pants were black with a side panel of red matching her top as did the crouch area of the pants.

Looking in the mirror Sarah hardly recognized herself. Never one to wear much makeup beyond a bit of lip gloss and liner, she was amazed at the transformation. Lilith had schooled her in applying shadow in a dramatic style and Bryn had given her tips on using a darker lip liner and lip color. Both girls had helped her with making her long tresses look a bit wilder. All three had their pentagrams in full view of anyone who cared to look.

Lilith looked out the window, "Snake and Bear just pulled up." She grabbed her little purse and slung it over her head and shoulder. "Come on."

Sarah and Bryn both carried what looked like picnic baskets but carried the essentials for the ritual they were to perform. They moved toward the car and the biker who was driving it.

Snake looked at Bryn and gave a low whistle, "Hot red, really hot!"

Bryn gave him a smile, she'd found him to be a strange soul mate. He was not what he looked to be, and she found him good company when they were together. "Thanks, Snake." She gave him her basket to place in the trunk for the drive to the party's location.

Sarah handed him the basket in her hands, trying to ignore the fury of hands grabbing sink and leather that was being preformed by Bear and Lilith. "Nice day," she muttered to the biker.

He rolled his eyes. "Hey! Move it or lose it."

"She already lost it," Bear quipped back as he grabbed at Lilith's round bottom. "Didn't ya baby?" A lewd laugh escaped the Greek girl as she was shoved toward the big bike sitting at the curb.

Bryn sat in the front seat with Snake while Sarah occupied the back seat where she knew she would not accidently encounter unwanted contact with either of the others. Bryn and Snake were discussing something mundane while Sarah began to watch the countryside. As they passed an old estate that had been abandoned she broke into the conversation going on in the front seat. "What is that place, do you know Snake?"

"That's the old Danvers Asylum." Snake said. "Started out as the Danvers' estate back in the early eighteen hundreds and became a hospital for the insane after the outbreak of the civil war."

Sarah turned to look at the expanse of land and buildings lying fallow; "Any relations to Doctor Danvers of the sleep clinic?"

"His old man was the last director of that hell hole!" Snake scoffed harshly. "Some say that Doc cut his teeth on the patients there."

"Who owns it now?" Sarah asked with darkness glistening in emerald eyes.

Bryn heard the quiver of excitement and wished that Snake would not answer.

"I hear it's in receivership," He chuckled. "No one wants it… but I heard it's got everything to sustain existence including its own generator plant and water filtration system. It's a fuckin' fortress."

"It's perfect." Sarah watched as it diminished as they drove on.

Bryn looked at the hands clasped in her lap, and felt fate tightening it's grip.

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Flanked by Daisy and Della, Jareth approached the High King's throne. He gave a grand bow to the King and Queen and greeted them warmly. "My King, my Queen."

Tatiana offered him a gentle smile. "You are most welcome, Goblin King."

Oberon stood up and opened his arms offering a warmer welcome than he'd given most who were attending the festival. "My son," he whispered in the younger King's ear. "Welcome."

"We thank you for your welcome," Jareth kept his tone formal, not for the King but for the company assembled to hear. His hands gripping the older King told the elder of his acceptance of the greeting. He stepped back and regarded the elder with an apprising glance. "You look well."

Oberon gave the boy the same regard. "I was about to say the same of you." He looked toward the Goblin representatives. "I do hope you'll enjoy your stay with us." He watched as they moved on.

A woman standing on the sidelines poked the girl standing beside her. "See, he bears no ill will. Not a word against you has he spoken." When her husband opened his mouth she warned him sharply. "Someone has to be his queen, why not our daughter?"

Tanya looked at her mother with doubts. "You didn't hear him."

"Matters not," the mother said in what she perceived as a wise tone. "You will go and greet him, and if need be make an excuse for your father's folly." The Duke looked at his Duchess and gave a scoff. But the daughter listened.

Tanya squared her shoulders, raised her head proudly and walked gracefully to where the Goblin King stood. "Good day, Sire," she dipped down in graceful motion. "I hope you are well."

"Tolerable," answered the Goblin King curtly.

"I fear I owe you an apology," Tanya said with a pout. "Our last meeting ended so poorly."

Jareth was amused by her idea of an apology. "Did it, I hardly recall." He dismissed her and began to walk away.

"I would like to plead my case," she whimpered in a soft feminine manner.

Della looked from the amused face of the King to the pouting face of the little Fae female. She rolled her eyes toward the heavens, an expression of exasperation on her face. Daisy caught the expression and looked at the Fae girl as well with a dubious expression on her face. Both guards flanked the King and the girl could not truly get as close to him as she'd have liked to.

Jareth paused to give the girl what he hoped was received as a condescending smile. Sighing in exasperation that matched his guards' he spoke to the pouting girl. "Don't trouble yourself, Tanya. I know that your father was to blame for your being displayed before me, hoping to bribe my good will. You are far too young and… naïve to have concocted such an elaborate ruse." He reached out, patted her on the head like a lap dog and moved on, leaving her shaking in fury.

Her mother rushed to her side, "Tanya, not a sound." She warned harshly. "He is a king…but he is also a man… and you must appease that side if you wish to win his attentions."

Fire in the girl's eyes ignited, "I'm not sure I want his attentions…"

"He has a crown, and will need a Queen…" her mother reminded her and watched with delight as the girl calmed and responded accordingly.

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Sarah, Lilith and Bryn entered the woods slightly before noon. The circle that Bear had prepared for them awaited them and they had limited time with which to begin the rites. Sarah took the goblet as it was passed to her and drank of the brew that Lilith had prepared, spoke her vow and passed the cup to Bryn who reluctantly did the same. Lilith finished the brew and broke the cup in the center of the bale fire that was in the center of the circle.

Lilith took her athame, priced her hand and let the blood drop into the fire, before passing the blade to Bryn, and then lastly to Sarah. The three young witches stood with blood dripping into the flames. The flame lapped up the blood and sputtered wildly. Lilith smiled wickedly, "There's no turning back now," she announced. "Blood oaths are binding."

Bryn looked at Sarah with a bit of sympathy. "We stand alone now, without other blood ties, this is binding."

"I'd prefer they didn't know," Sarah said pulling her hand back and looking at where she'd wounded herself, there was already a little scar there on the finger. The reminder that things are not always what they seem to be or what you think they are. The fairy had looked so sweet before it had bitten her.

Bryn held back as Lilith went off dancing in the woods to the arms of her sometimes lover. "Sarah, I hope you know what you're doing."

"I'm doing what I have to," she snapped hastily. "I have to ensure Toby's protection."

"This is for revenge, not protection." Bryn reasoned. "I'm not against revenge…" she sighed. "I understand why and how… but do you?"

"I have to do this," She looked at the fires that would burn themselves out in the matter of an hour. "You didn't have to, neither did Lil."

"It takes three to perform the ritual." Bryn said flatly; "You, me and Lil." Shrugging she waved a hand. "Oh let's get back to the party before they miss us and Lilith does something stupid." As they exited the woods they witnessed Lilith's striptease on an old picnic table. "Too late," Bryn sighed.

"Gotta give her credit for balls," Sarah sighed as she felt moved to dance, but remain dressed. Bryn felt moved to dance as well and the pair stayed grounded.

Bear watched with aroused pleasure as his little sexual playmate teased him and removed her clothes not caring who saw her naked. He knew the little minx was sexual hungry and he knew that because the girl with green eyes could not or would not fed the fires his services would be needed. It mattered not to him if the whole world watched as he gave Lilith what she needed. He was not even discreet this time, but unzipped and lowered his trousers so the minx could swiftly mount his rising shaft. Bryn and Sarah ignored the pair, too engulfed in their own delight.