Author's note: This is the longest chapter to date! I couldn't (wouldn't) shorten it though. It all was so important and well, you all have waited patiently for this moment so I had to! Okay, excuses aside, the winner for the contest was Sanity's Madness and you can see her fanart here: http:/ /www. unowen. net /tegaki /dblog. php? u=66563& e=1115606. For your own reference and cause I stink at describing hair styles, here is a pic of what I patterned Shaylee's hair after for the Festival: http:/ /i794. photobucket .com/ albums/yy226/mearamarlow /Live%20 My%20 Dreams /Hair2. jpg and http:/ /i794. photobucket .com/ albums/yy226/mearamarlow /Live%20 My%20 Dreams /Hair1. jpg Sorry about the spaces. Fanfiction wouldn't post it all together. =/ Just take away the spaces and you should be able to get to the pictures. Let me know if something doesn't work.

So thanks go to my reviewers! To hisoka-ai9 for being the first, almostalyce for still loving it, lkaplon (I apologize for the long wait and making you sad), Sanity's Madness (I am glad to have you as a new fan), notwritten for faithfully telling me to smile, and to Nekotwilightfictionpress for your wonderful compliments. Thank you all so much for reviewing. :)

The acorn thing for the Low Fays' Moon ritual I got from the Artemis Fowl book. Yeah, I know I didn't follow it exactly like it was in that book. *shrugs* Whatever.

As always, I must say I do not own any of the characters from the Labyrinth. Neither do I own the song Dreams to Dream. I do own all OCs mentioned in this story. Enjoy!

Chapter 10: Dreams to Dream

Shaylee improved a great deal over the course of a few weeks. She had stayed up a few nights after that unusual visit from Jareth - she told herself it wasn't because she was waiting for him to visit again. When he didn't come, she gave up.

One day, Panui had just finished giving Shaylee a quick checkup. A smile greeted Shaylee once the Fay woman backed away. "Well, you are improving splendidly!"

"Do you think I will be able to work for the Full Moon Ball?" Shaylee asked in her regular speaking voice. She was so glad that she didn't have to whisper all the time now.

"Possibly." Panui answered as she thought. "If not then, you will be able to attend the Low Fay Festivities a few days later. I'm not sure about singing yet."

"I'll be extra careful!" Shaylee assured, her eyes pleading with her doctor.

The Fay laughed as she turned to walk over to her desk to make some notes of her patient's progress. "We'll see. I have to go check on someone who accidentally burnt himself earlier this morning. Take it easy Shaylee." Panui left the infirmary as Shaylee stood from her bed and walked over to the window. With some convincing, Shaylee had managed to get Panui and Blythe to bring a small couch up to the infirmary and set it in front of the window. Blythe had come by frequently to check up on the young woman and had brought several books for her to read in the quiet moments of solitude.

Shortly after the girl had settled down with a blanket draped over her legs, there was a knock from the door. Looking up from the book she had just opened, she called, "Come in." The door opened and her heart rose with the hopes that it would be Jareth. A silver haired head appeared around the door and Shaylee's hopes fell. She smiled welcomingly at her visitor. "Hello Xiuhcoatl."

The Dragon grinned, showing off his white, pointed teeth. Leaving the door open, he entered the room. "Good morning to you Shaylee! I saw Panui and she said you were free for visitors." His lavender eyes spotted the book in her lap. Chuckling to himself, he added sheepishly, "It appears I have come at the wrong time though."

"Don't worry about that!" Shaylee hastened to comfort him. "I enjoy company a great deal more. Please, pull up a chair." When he did so, she smiled. "What were we talking about last time you visited?"

"I was the one doing all the talking. I was describing Oyhnuma - my homeland - to you." Xiuhcoatl answered as he supported his elbows on his knees so he could lean forward. "I already told you of the mountains where my people live. What more do you wish to hear?"

"Everything!" Shaylee exclaimed eagerly. "I want to know all I can about the places that I've never been too."

He laughed heartily. "Then you will not want to visit the places for yourself."

She shook her head. "Not so! Ja - King Jareth -" Shaylee blushed for her stumble over calling the Goblin King by his name and hoped that Xiuhcoatl had not noticed. "King Jareth said that I had seen some of the Labyrinth because the walls in the nursery had some scenery of the kingdom painted on the walls. I told him it was not the same as going there. The same goes for descriptions. You may have left something out."

Now it was Xiuhcoatl turn to nod, a strange glint in his eyes. "Yes - King Jareth certainly does not understand such things. Perhaps someday you could travel with me. I do a great deal of traveling."

"Oh I could never leave the Goblin City." Shaylee smiled. "I love it too much here."

"Why?" His eyes narrowed, but the Sprite was looking out the window and did not notice.

She shrugged her shoulders. "The people here are so kind to me. I could never repay them if I left."

"You stay because of the people - or because of the king?" Xiuhcoatl laughed, not as kindly as he had before; at the slightly startled look Shaylee was giving him. "Do not look so surprised Shaylee! You are not the first to have fallen for his cold, handsome exterior. Very few actually get close to him." He smiled sympathetically. "He is not an easy man to get along with."

Shaylee looked away. Blythe would be enraged at such accusations put against Jareth and Shaylee was not sure whether she liked what Xiuhcoatl was saying either. "He is not so cruel as rumors have made him out to be." She stated in a hushed voice.

"I do not speak of rumors. I speak of experience with him." The man pressed as he leaned back in his seat. "Jareth and - a good friend of mine were great friends a long time ago. They had a dispute and Jareth banished him. Truly, it was such a trivial thing to send another man away for." Xiuhcoatl growled.

"Perhaps you are prejudiced." Shaylee said as she turned back to look at him. "You may not know all the facts of the dispute."

He laughed coldly. "A dispute over a woman that my friend was betrothed to? I think not, Shaylee." She fell silent. He watched her for several moments before saying, "I have upset you. That was not the intent of my visit."

"No." She answered in a hushed voice. "I am - tired. That is all." Smiling apologetically, she said, "Why don't we continue your tales of Oyhnuma another day."

Xiuhcoatl nodded as he stood to leave. "Of course. I know it is a ways away - and you may not be able to make it but - will you promise me a dance at the Low Fay Moon Festival?" Shaylee smiled and nodded. He grinned and bowed. "I will see you later Shaylee."

~*~/*\~*~

Xiuhcoatl shut the infirmary door behind him. His smile disappeared and was instantly replaced by a frown. She was pining after the Goblin King! It rankled him like nothing else he had ever known. Xiuhcoatl had been trying to undermine those foolish, girly feelings she had for Jareth but she seemed to have an unwavering loyalty to the king. Xiuhcoatl was disgusted by it. His story had been partially true. Only it had not been his friend and it had not been an engagement. Xiuhcoatl himself had had an interest in a particular girl at the same time that Jareth had. They had been friends for a season but then they became rivals. Xiuhcoatl had - well - 'cheated' by Jareth's standards and had sent the Dragon away from the Goblin City. 'Banished' had not been the correct term, but he was trying to make Jareth look detestable in Shaylee's eyes. However, that was not working as well as he had hoped.

Xiuhcoatl grinned slowly as he walked through the halls. She had promised to dance with him. He would be the perfect gentleman and give her a Moon Festival to remember. She would be more than happy to forget Jareth once Xiuhcoatl was finished. He scowled. Now he had to report his 'findings' to Vondiva.

~*~/*\~*~

Jareth had slipped away from the games and entertainment again. He was wishing he could request the High King and Queen that he be excused from hosting these infernal events for the rest of his immortal life! Eventually he found himself outside the infirmary. He had been avoiding this part of the castle ever since that conversation he had with the young woman. He did not know why, but now more than ever he wanted to speak with her in the solitude. Jareth did not bother opening the door. He appeared in the room and stood silently watching her reading a book, curled up on a couch that - he knew - had been moved into the room and beside the window for just such an occasion.

"What are you reading?" He asked.

She didn't look up but a playful smile curled the corners of her lips up. "Words." Looking up, she laughed. "A book that Blythe lent me. It is a book of poetry."

Jareth came over and sat down on the chair that stood near the couch. "I am glad to hear you voice has improved."

"Yes. Elder Panui does not think I will be able to sing for the Ball." Shaylee stated as she noted the place she had left off and set the book aside.

His eyebrow arched. "What made you think you would be asked to sing?"

She shrugged. "You would do anything to please your guests. That way they don't bother you and your silent brooding." Shaylee giggled at the glare that Jareth was sending her.

"You certainly are bold today aren't you?" He mumbled. "What did Panui give you?"

"Oh, nothing at all." Shaylee admitted, "I was just - curious."

"About what?" Jareth asked in a disinterested tone.

Shaylee turned her head slightly and eyed him for a few minutes. "Well, I heard that you were cold, mean, quick tempered, and hard to get along with."

"And you believed that?" Jareth asked, trying to hold back the anger that was indeed boiling beneath the surface of his calm front.

"No. I never believe gossip." Shaylee stated as she continued watching him. "Based on my experience with you; you hide what bothers you from those who generally are concerned for you, you lash out in anger instead of letting someone know if you are sad or angry with someone else, and for reasons unknown - you do not like to hear me sing." Before he could speak up, she continued. "You like games, you are merciful, you have a genuine love for children, and you can practice patience, and are very kind to those who are undeserving."

Jareth stared at her for several long, quiet minutes. Did she really believe all that? He would have to agree - begrudgingly - that most of her analysis was correct. "Do you want to know what I know about you based on experience?" He asked. Without waiting for her 'yea or nay' Jareth began his list. "You are nosy, disrespectful, and you don't know your place. However," he paused as he watched her intently before saying, "you are a hard worker, you love children, you love singing, and you are too hard on yourself."

"What do you mean?" Shaylee asked as her own eyebrow rose in curiosity. Something she had picked up from Jareth perhaps?

"You said that you were undeserving of kindness. You - out of all the people that I have ever known - have such a giving spirit that I believe kindness is due you." Jareth answered. He wanted to continue with another train of thought, but he remained silent.

She blushed and laughed shyly. "I don't know about that but - thank you." Smiling up at him, she stated, "See? My assumption was correct. You are kind."

"But to the deserving as well." Jareth added. He smiled as she laughed again. Silence fell upon the room and Jareth watched as Shaylee turned to look out the window. Curiously - but trying not to sound too curious - he asked, "What are you looking at?"

Shaylee glanced over her shoulder at him. "The hills." Turning back to look out the window, she pointed to some hills off in the distance of the Labyrinth. "They remind me of home."

"Lady Vondiva's castle is surrounded by hills?" Jareth asked as he tried to remember such geography.

The Sprite shook her head. "No. My home before that. It's one of the few things I remember. The hills and - that song."

"I thought you said a human taught you the words." Jareth stated, recalling the first time he had heard her sing the song. Later he had asked her what song she remembered hearing from her childhood and she said it had been that song. Which was the truth?

Shaylee nodded slowly. "I only remembered the tune from my childhood but not the words. I was humming it one day and a human servant overheard me. She taught me the words."

Jareth's brow rose. "I did not know that Lady Vondiva kept human's as servants."

"She doesn't." Shaylee murmured, "She keeps them as slaves. I only said servant because - I never treated them as lower than myself. We were - the same." Seeing a puzzled expression on Jareth's face, she turned away to hide her blush. "I - was a slave as well."

His eyes widened slightly before narrowing. "What? How did you get out of employment?"

"When I rose in Vondiva's favor she gave me my freedom. After I fell from her favor, she could not put me back into slavery due to the laws set down by the Seelie Court." Shaylee explained still staring out the window. "I miss the hills." She said wistfully. She was trying to change the subject again and this time, Jareth would allow her to.

"Come." He said, holding out a hand and standing from his seat.

Looking up at him in surprise, she blinked. "What?"

Jareth smirked. "I wish to show you something. We will not be gone long." Shaylee warily took his hand and stood from the couch. Gripping tightly to her hand, he disappeared from the room, his magic pulling her along with him. He heard her gasp and felt her stumble closer to him. Jareth's smirk grew into a satisfied smile. He chuckled as he looked down to see that she had shut her eyes tightly. They were standing still now but she appeared to be in shock. "You can open your eyes now, Shaylee."

Doing as he suggested, her gray eyes fluttered open and another gasp - one of joy - escaped her lips. She stepped away from Jareth, letting go of his gloved hand. A smile spread onto her lips as Shaylee's eyes soaked in the green hills rolling out before her. Her lips parted into a grin as she tilted her head back to stare up at the fluffy clouds overhead. Closing her eyes at the gentle breeze whipping her hair around her, Shaylee laughed. Spinning slowly, she stretched out her arms until she was spinning fast and laughing even more. Stumbling, she fell back onto the grass - laughing all the way. Laying on her back, she opened her eyes to see that Jareth had moved only a little - when she had started falling but had stopped once he was certain that she was all right. Sighing pleasantly, she said, "Thank you, Jareth. This was very kind of you."

Placing his fisted hands on his hips he smiled. "You are not denying that you did not deserve it?"

"I realized that would be futile." She sat up and turned so that she was facing him.

"I am rather persuasive." Jareth stated as his eyes noted the strands of hair sticking up on the top of her head.

Shaylee laughed. "Something like that."

His eyes returned to look at hers. "And smart." She laughed again, causing his eyes to dart to her mouth. "And handsome."

"And so humble." She retorted sarcastically, turning her back to him. Shaylee brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Resting her chin on her knees, she let her eyes drink up the scenery. Her ears heard the whisper of Jareth's boots against the grass. She jumped a little when he sat down next to her, stretching one leg out and the other bent so he could rest an arm on it. Glancing out of the corner of her eyes, she noted that he was watching her. Turning her head she rested her cheek on her knee. "What?"

"You didn't deny my statement." He answered his expression and tone of voice not giving his thoughts away.

Shaylee hummed, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well how could I deny that you're persuasive? And I haven't known you long enough to say anything about your intelligence."

Jareth's gaze did not relent. "So you do think I am handsome?" Her blush swiftly crept up her face to the tips of her ears. Shaylee started to turn away, but Jareth's free hand darted out and cupped her face gently. Her eyes stared down at the grass, not daring to look up to see if he was smirking at her. She was startled when his thumb began a gentle caress on her cheek. Slowly, her eyes lifted to look at him. "Well?" He asked in a hushed voice.

Shaylee shut her eyes and backed completely out of his touch. "Elder Panui said she was going to check on me this afternoon. I think we - I - should return now."

He felt disappointed. Jareth had not felt like this since watching Sarah run from him in the crystal ball room. He stood anger clearly in his countenance. "Come along then." He did not offer his hand to aid her from the grass and he did not give her his hand as he transported them back to the infirmary. He did not even spare her a glance when she swayed and sat heavily back onto the couch. Jareth gave her a stiff bow before leaving her alone again. He stood in his room, feeling the Labyrinth hum in displeasure beneath his feet. Glaring at the stones beneath his boots, Jareth growled, "I will not let myself feel like that again! She is nothing but a servant. A Sprite!" He turned and made his way to his closet to prepare for the ball.

~*~/*\~*~

Shaylee looked up as the door opened and smiled. "Blythe! I am so glad to see you."

"As I am glad to see you and to hear your voice." The Fay woman replied as she made her way over to the Sprite standing by the window. "You look lovely."

Shaylee smiled sheepishly, a pink tint hinting at a blush. "I was surprised when the seamstress came by yesterday with you."

"Everyone needs a new outfit for the Full Moon Festival!" Blythe stated as she eyed Shaylee's wavy hair, trying to discern what would be the best look for the Sprite's hair. "I was surprised you chose green for the color. I thought you were going to wear something similar to your uniform."

Shaking her head, the young woman giggled. "I like the color. And this is a darker shade. Different style too." Twirling, Shaylee showed off the skirt of the dress that flowed out and away from her legs. The fabric hanging from her shoulders could hardly be called sleeves, looking more like streamers. She stilled and looked down as the dress settled.

Blythe chuckled, giving Shaylee a nod. "Yes. Chamista outdid herself this year. I do not think there will be more than one kind of a dress at either of the festivities."

"I feel sorry for the servants that do not get to come." Shaylee admitted as Blythe motioned for the girl to sit. The older Fay's hands ran through Shaylee's hair, parting some strands from the rest of her hair.

"They are the servants that do not have a necessity to attend." Blythe stated. "Of course they will have the next day off to rest." She began a thin braid from the top of Shaylee's head then another on either side. Slipping a dark green ribbon from a pocket, Blythe pulled the ends of the three braids and tied them together. Pulling some more of Shaylee's hair back, Blythe used another ribbon to tie the auburn waves in a loose ponytail. Stepping back, she nodded at the partially pulled back look. "There! That should do nicely."

"I want to see what it looks like." Shaylee stood up and looked around for a mirror. Locating one, she twisted and turned to see. "I love it Blythe! Thank you."

Waving her hand as if swatting away the compliment, the older Fay smiled. "No trouble. I wasn't about to let you go to the festivities partially done." Blythe motioned for the Sprite to follow. "We better hurry if we don't want to miss the first dance!"

Shaylee followed Blythe out of the infirmary and through the halls. The servant halls had been abandoned. Only a handful of goblins remained in the kitchen making small finger foods for the ball being held up in the Crystal Ball Room. Exiting out into the servant garden, the pair made their way towards a wooden gate hidden in the shrubbery covered wall surrounding the garden. Blythe produced a key and unlocked the door, beckoning Shaylee to follow. They moved on through the gate onto a narrow path. Shaylee looked up at the sky to see the different shades of color that the setting sun was painting the sky. The sound of fiddle music caught her attention. Straining to see over Blythe's shoulder, Shaylee spied the light of torches. Finally, they emerged in a large clearing surrounded by hedges, trees, and a wall. Similar paths signified openings circling the area and other small parties of servants were trickling into the festival grounds.

Colorful streamers hung from the tall shrubbery and tree branches. The brick walls of the Labyrinth held sconces where torches hung flickering and casting light upon the festivities. Tables laden with food and drink had been pushed to the outskirts of what would serve as the dance floor. A fiddler was already busy playing a lively jig while a flutist tuned with some other woodwinds. In the very center of the clearing stood a tall oak tree. Acorns hung from the branches, waiting to be plucked for the Full Moon Ritual.

The crowds of servants and lowly inhabitants gathered on the dance floor. All eyes watched the horizon where the sun was slowly sinking. A hush fell upon the crowds as they all waited for the last ray to wink out. A cheer rose as dusk finally settled. People began partnering up for the first dance of the night. Shaylee settled back on the sidelines to watch the swirling colors of Low Fays dancing an old line dance. Clapping in time to the tune of the song, she smiled - forgetting as best she could the incident on the hill.

~*~/*\~*~

The ball room in the castle outdid the simple decorations of the Low Fay Festivities by far. Colors were more ostentatious, lights were brighter, music had been chosen from what was considered fashionable, food and drink was lighter and sweeter, and the crowds were decorated more lavishly. Women swirled around the room complimenting each other on their styles only to see that they were brighter than the other. A man would escort a woman about the room to show off his catch. All were curious who the Goblin King would enter the ball room with on his arm.

The doors to the Crystal Ball Room opened with a trumpet and the shout for attention from Sir Didymus. All heads turned and all eyes searched through the crowds to watch as the Goblin King entered - alone. Single women rejoiced silently. Jareth entered the room decked in a dark navy blue suit that sparkled in the candlelight. He walked regally over to the raised dais and sat on the throne that had been set up for the occasion. With a wave of his leather clad hand, the music began again and the crowd all turned to look out the large window made of crystalline glass that made up one wall looking out over the Labyrinth. Just as the Low Fays had done, the High Fays watched as the sun set over the Labyrinth. Instead of the aristocracy cheering, they all turned at the sound of another trumpet fanfare. Jareth rose from his seat as a tall, regal looking Fay couple entered the room. The man was dressed in a red dress coat and earth brown trousers while the woman on his arm wore a shimmering gold gown that appeared to radiate light.

The man and woman came to a stop in front of the dais that Jareth stood upon. The Goblin King bowed to the couple. "Welcome, High King Auberon. High Queen Titania."

Auberon smiled warmly, his straight white teeth showing from beneath his brown beard. "It has been a pleasure these past few weeks Goblin King." Turning to his wife, the High King of the Fays continued, "We both were looking forward to the festivities having recalled the Balls you hosted in the past."

The blonde woman nodded, a smile dancing in her blue eyes. "You have met our expectations. Gone beyond them in fact." Titania glanced over at the orchestra. "Will that Sprite be singing tonight? Her voice is absolutely lovely."

Jareth hid the stiffening of his back very well and replied cordially, "I am afraid she has been in poor health as of late. She also is attending the Low Fay Moon Festival I believe. She will not be joining us."

"Next time perhaps." Titania smiled, a glint of understanding passing in the look she gave Jareth.

He bowed his head in acknowledgment of the request before returning his attention to Auberon. "I believe it is time to announce the beginning of the ball, Your Excellency."

"Quite right!" The king laughed aloud. He and Titania ascended the steps to stand beside Jareth before turning to address the crowd. Jareth drowned out the sound of Auberon's declaration of historical reasons for the Full Moon Ball and explanations for the large windows that would allow the light of the Full Moon into the room that would replenish the Fays' stores of magic. He truly was tired of these gatherings. It was not until the High King called for the first dance of the night. Naturally, Auberon lead Titania down to the clearing that the crowd had made. Jareth stepped down after them and took the hand of the first woman he saw. The two couples began dancing and after several measures of the song, everyone else joined them.

~*~/*\~*~

Shaylee waved off her partner from the last dance, pleading that she needed to rest and get something to drink. Having successfully avoided another lively turn around the dance floor, the Sprite made her way over to a table that held a large punch bowl. She took a cup and departed to the shadows beneath a tree on the edge of the clearing. Sipping the peach flavored concoction, her gray eyes danced around the crowd in search of familiar faces. Blythe had been dancing all night, passing from one partner to another with no intention of giving any one man the inclination that she favored one over the other. The few goblins that had arrived were having a jolly good time tormenting some of the guests or eating all the food they could find. Shaylee was not sure, but she thought she had spied Scree with a dwarf swatting some fairies away from the small cakes.

One swarm of fairies had managed to make off with one of the cupcakes and were now descending on the sweet treat in rapturous delight. Shaylee watched in curiosity as the little creatures pushed and shoved each other to get to the best parts of the tiny cake. A very tiny fairy was pushed unceremoniously away and landed in the dirt with a squeak. Feeling sorry for the little thing, the Sprite walked over to the table and retrieved a cake. Returning to where she had seen the little fairy, Shaylee was surprised to see that the little creature was gone. Assuming that the swarm had let the tiny thing into the crowd, the young woman returned to her tree. Her long ears heard tiny gasping sobs from the hollow just above her shoulder. Turning, Shaylee spied the tiny fairy child.

"Hello there." Shaylee greeted. The child looked up in surprise and quickly took wing, chattering a warning. "I didn't mean to scare you." The Sprite admitted with a small smile. Lifting her hand that held the cake, she said, "I honestly came to give you something to eat." She placed the cupcake in the hollow far enough away from the fairy to avoid getting bitten. The fairy eyed her warily before darting towards the cake and taking a fistful of icing. A smile broke out on the fairy's face as she shoved her hand into her mouth, icing smearing her face.

"Here you are, Shaylee!" The Sprite turned around suddenly to see Xiuhcoatl standing a few feet away from her. He was wearing a dark purple poet's shirt that accented his lavender eyes, gray trousers, polished black boots, and he had his long silver hair pulled back in his traditional queue.

Shaylee ignored the panicky noises the fairy was making but smiled in return at her friend. "Good evening, Xiuhcoatl. Have you been looking for me all night?"

"Of course! You promised me a dance." He grinned, showing off his pointed teeth. Something Shaylee had never seen in the Dragon's eyes sparkled as he looked her over. "You look lovely tonight, Shaylee."

She blushed, feeling very uncomfortable. "Thank you. You look very - handsome." Xiuhcoatl's chest puffed out a few inches at the compliment. "I did promise a dance. However, I am a little tired from all the dances I've already participated in. Could we wait a bit before we dance?"

"Certainly." Xiuhcoatl assured. Concern washed over his features. "Perhaps you should sit down. Elder Panui would not want you to have a coughing fit during the festivities." He motioned towards some chairs that had been set up across the way. "I shall escort you fair maiden." Shaylee giggled as she accepted his outstretched hand. She glanced back over her shoulder at the hollow and the little fairy watching the Sprite leave. "It is almost time for the Ritual." Xiuhcoatl commented as they walked around the crowds towards the chairs.

"Yes." Shaylee answered absentmindedly. Upon reaching the seats, she settled down in one. She tried to ignore the fact that Xiuhcoatl had sat down beside her - after moving the chair closer to hers so his leg brushed up against hers. Her eyes remained glued to the dancers in an attempt to avoid looking at Xiuhcoatl's penetrating stare. Trying to break the stifling silence that had arisen between them, Shaylee asked, "Do Dragons have to participate in the Full Moon Ritual? I cannot recall if I had ever heard that."

"No." He answered, glancing up at the moon that everyone was waiting to reach its high point in the night sky. "Dragons are of the High Fay. So I will only need to be in the moon's light whereas Low Fay must bury an acorn by the river in the moonlight."

"I have yet to see the river." Shaylee admitted, glancing over at the oak tree. It would only be an hour before she would need to pluck an acorn and follow the crowds.

Xiuhcoatl chuckled. "Poor Shaylee. So secluded from the world that she wishes to see." Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "You could still see it. The Underground. With me."

Feeling very uncomfortable, Shaylee leaned away. "I do not want to wander anymore."

"Do not think of it as wandering." The Dragon shrugged, leaning back. I'll give her her space. He smirked mentally at her. "Think of it as traveling with a friend. My employer enjoys traveling to other courts." He chuckled. "Whether she is welcome or not."

Shaylee shook her head. "No. Thank you." They sat there making small talk and making Shaylee more uneasy every minute. Why do I feel the way I did when Vondiva's courtiers were hounding me? She thought miserably to herself, this is Xiuhcoatl! He's my friend. Not my unwanted suitor. Blythe emerged from the crowds, apparently looking for someone. Smiling, the young woman said in relief, "Look! There's Blythe." Lifting her hand, Shaylee waved to the Fay - oblivious to Xiuhcoatl's annoyance.

Blythe approached them, taking note of Xiuhcoatl's closeness and Shaylee's discomfort. "There you are, Shaylee! It's almost time. We need to get over to the tree so we can pluck an acorn." Once the Sprite and the Fay had left the Dragon out of hearing distance, Blythe whispered, "What did he want?"

"We were just talking." Shaylee whispered back. "But he was making me wish I was anywhere but with him." They stopped speaking as they approached the tree. Silence had fallen over the crowd as one by one; a Fay approached the tree to pluck off an acorn then reached down into a basket that held a long white candle. Shaylee followed after Blythe and plucked an acorn from the shortest branches, her height hindering her from getting one higher up. She retrieved a candle and walked over to where the dwarf she had seen with Scree earlier. He held a candle that he would offer to the Fays to light their own candles before they disappeared down a path.

He looked up at Shaylee and nodded. "Glad to see yer all right, Missy."

Shaylee's eyebrow quirked in confusion. "Do I know you?"

"Naw!" The dwarf shrugged, lighting her candle. "We didn't officially meet. Until we can have a little chat, just know me name's Hoggle."

She smiled and gave him a nod. "Nice to officially meet you Hoggle."

"Yeah whatever. Move on, Missy." He turned to light another candle. Shaylee smiled again and hurried to catch up with Blythe, trying to make sure her candle did not go out and that she did not drop her acorn. The procession walked quietly through down the path towards the sound of running water. The walls on either side of the young woman melted away as she emerged from the path to a new clearing with a wide river made black in the darkness of the night. Her eyes scanned the banks, observing the Fays that had started burying their acorns in the dirt and gaining a new burst of magic. Walking away from the crowds and further down the way, the only hint of Shaylee's movements was the bobbing of her candlelight. She came to a stop next to a tiny grove of ash trees that stood beside the banks. Setting her candle in a niche in the ground, double checking that it would not fall over, Shaylee knelt down on the grass and began hollowing out an acorn sized hole in the soft earth. Satisfied that it was deep enough, she pressed the wooden shell of the nut to her lips then settled it down in its new resting place. Quickly covering the hole over, she pressed her hands to the dirt at the first jolt of magic washing over her and up her arms. Tingling with the sensation, Shaylee stood and walked over to the river to wash the dirt from her hands. She returned to retrieve her candle and walked peacefully back to where the other lights were flickering.

~*~/*\~*~

Back at the castle, Jareth had spent most of his time dancing one dance after another. He passed from one girl to another without worrying that there would ever be an end of single women eager to dance with him. The chiming of the clock set up in the ball room signaled the ascension of the moon. The orchestra ceased playing mid-song, dancers stopped mid-step, and everyone turned towards the moonlight flowing through the large window. Magic sizzled in the air as every Fay felt themselves being rejuvenated. Heady with the sensation, everyone began laughing and dancing with new vigor.

Jareth smirked down at his dance partner and swept her across the floor. She laughed up at him, blinking blue eyes. What is her name again? The Goblin King wondered as he gazed haughtily down at her. Oh yes. She is Lady Vondiva. The woman who treated Shaylee so poorly. A frown creased his brow. He broke free of her arms before the song had even ended and bowed stiffly. "My apologies my lady. I have just remembered some pressing matters I need to attend to." He smirked to himself as he walked away from her. Jareth wondered how Vondiva would like being humiliated. He also wondered if his actions would have brought a smile to Shaylee's face.

Emotions that the Goblin King would much rather suppress, sprung anew inside of him. Jareth stood in the shadows watching his guests dancing, laughing, drinking, and acting - in his opinion - like utter fools. He looked around at the decorations and scoffed. He was feeling a little to restrained at the moment. Like a bird in a cage. I need some fresh air. Now! Locating Reus standing on the edge of the crowd with a grin on his face as he entertained a young woman, Jareth waited till he had eye contact with his friend - never once doubting that his friend would not feel the Goblin King's heavy gaze. Reus did in fact look in Jareth's direction. A silent message went between the two. Reus gave a barely noticeable nod, giving Jareth the reassurance he required that no one would learn of their host's absence. Using his newly restored magic, Jareth disappeared from the ball room that reminded him too much of Sarah and the people that reminded him of Shaylee's voice through their comments.

~*~/*\~*~

The Low Fays returned to their party just as Jareth left his and the music started up again. Shaylee was sought out by several young men and she laughingly agreed to dance with one. Spinning around the clearing, she felt like the very moon was giving her extra energy to dance for the rest of the night. After five songs, Shaylee turned to leave the dance floor only to be confronted by Xiuhcoatl. He bowed. "Not thinking of breaking your promise to dance with me, are you?" He looked up at her with a playful smile.

"Xiuhcoatl!" She laughed, her face flushed from all the exercise she had received. "I'm much too tired for another jig or line dance."

"Ah but this is a slow song, Shaylee." The Dragon stated, not giving her a second chance to answer. He placed one hand at the small of her back, used his hand to place one of her hands on his shoulder, and then captured her free hand in his. He smiled at her flustered expression as the music began to play and couples began swirling slowly. Shaylee insisted on staring at Xiuhcoatl's chest, not daring to tip her head back to look up the extra inches at his face. She never realized how tall he was, or how short she was compared to him. "Why won't you look at me, Shaylee? Have I done something wrong?" He asked in a hushed, amused tone.

"N-n-no." The young woman whispered, feeling the blush rising on her face.

Xiuhcoatl chuckled. "Oh dear. I've made my dear friend nervous." He stopped dancing which caused Shaylee to look up at him in surprise. The look he was giving her made her skin crawl. Glancing around in hopes of coming up with an excuse to leave, she realized that they were not at the festival grounds anymore. Xiuhcoatl had whisked her down a path without her noticing it.

Shaylee was beginning to feel very defensive. She stiffened in his arms. "Let go of me Xiuhcoatl."

"Why?" He pulled her closer.

Her hand that was on his shoulder slid down to his chest, trying to push herself away. She tried tugging her hand away from his, but his grip tightened. "Before you make a fool of yourself!" She sneered. Looking up at him, she did not hide the contempt. She would resort to playing her game. Even if that meant she would lose a friend. "Of course you already have. Haven't you?"

Xiuhcoatl rose a brow. "What do you mean?"

She laughed. "How many High Fays can admit to having a puppy love for a Low Fay? A Sprite no less." She cringed inwardly at voicing her contempt for her own people. Shaylee continued twisting the barbs she held within herself. "A Sprite that was a slave."

Shaylee felt his grip loosen. "Puppy love? Slave?" Xiuhcoatl's gaze hardened as the young woman took her chance to pull and push herself away from him. "Oh. Very clever Shaylee. I applaud your efforts." The sound of his hands clapping sounded harsh in the silence of the maze they were in. "Now I believe it is my turn. How can you, a Sprite who was a slave ever imagine yourself with the Goblin King? It is quite comical really. Laughable."

"What do you mean?" She asked, backing away from him. "I never imagined myself with Jareth."

"Don't be in denial, Shaylee." The Dragon laughed callously. "You defend him. You brighten up with every mention of him. Poor, disillusioned little girl." Stepping towards her, he said, "I think you should be grateful for the warnings I've given you about him. Perhaps I have been to discreet. What do you think he would do to a servant like you? Use you and toss you aside!" He sneered. "He has done it before. Don't you believe me? I am your friend. Aren't I?"

Shaylee glared at him. "You don't know what you're talking about! Jareth would never do that!"

Xiuhcoatl laughed again. "And you would know?"

"Yes!" She snapped, "I would and do! I have been here longer than you. I have come to see Jareth as he is. He is kind, generous, patient, and nothing but a gentleman!" Glaring up at Xiuhcoatl she retorted, "You on the other hand have only been a two-faced liar! A fair weather friend and a snake!"

Lavender eyes narrowed. "I do not like being compared to that creature."

"Get used to it." Shaylee turned and ran down the path away from her tormentor. She heard him call her name and heard his footsteps in hot pursuit. Fear gripped her. What was she going to do? Where was she going to go? Tears sprang to her eyes. Which would be worse? Getting lost in the Labyrinth? Or getting caught by Xiuhcoatl? She heard a buzz overhead. Glancing up, she spied the little fairy child she had given the cupcake to. The little fairy girl made a motion for Shaylee to follow then sped around the corner ahead of the Sprite. With a burst of energy, Shaylee rounded the corner and followed the trail of light that the fairy left behind. Eventually the sounds of Xiuhcoatl's shouts and footfalls grew fainter and fainter. Her chest and throat burning, Shaylee slowed to a walk. After some time of wandering through the maze of hedges alone, the fairy returned to Shaylee and tugged on the fabric on the Sprite's shoulder, chattering urgently. "I can't go any faster." Shaylee complained as she walked briskly along, wishing for nothing more than to collapse on a bench. Finally, the pair emerged in a circular clearing with hedges bedecked with beautiful purple flowers that had used their vines to climb up the natural wall.

Turning around to gaze at her surroundings, Shaylee saw a bench beneath a twisting tree. Walking silently towards it, she sat down upon it and noticed that it was facing the way she had come. Only there was a wall now where her path had been. Smiling, she nodded wearily at the wall. "Thank you, Labyrinth." Looking around once more, Shaylee watched as the little fairy flew over a spouting fountain to land in a bed of flowers. It was in the silence of this unknown part of the Labyrinth that Shaylee began contemplating what had just happened. Angry tears sprang to her eyes. She had been fooled by Xiuhcoatl. She could hardly say that she had mocked him in any way. Defeated, she turned to one of her comforts - singing. Shaylee did not even care if Jareth heard her or if she was breaking her promise. She wanted to hear the comforting melody of a song sung to her as a child. She hummed the tune and mumbled the words quietly to herself, thinking on the words and realizing how true the first stanza was for her life. "I lose my way. No one cares." Taking in her surroundings again, the young woman smirked. She definitely was lost and it would most likely be a long time till anyone found her or no one would care.

Sighing, she moved on to the next lines of the stanza. "The words I say. No one hears." That was true too. She defended Jareth but Xiuhcoatl was so prejudiced and jealous. For what reason Shaylee could not discern. Her thoughts focused on Jareth and she wondered where he was and if he was enjoying himself.

Jareth was wandering the Labyrinth. He was reveling in the cool night air and in the knowledge that his magic had been restored. The Labyrinth hummed beneath his feet, calling for its master's attention. Stopping in his tracks, he tilted his head. "What?" In the silence, he heard a softly sung tune off in the distance. He did not need to hear the words to know that it was Shaylee and that she was singing that song again. For once, he felt relief. There was that twinge in his chest, but he was not irritated. If anything, he wanted to go to her and hear the song in its entirety. Absent of the pain that had been in the words the last time he had heard it. "Take me to her." He ordered the Labyrinth. It buzzed with pleasure, leading its king towards the unsuspecting Sprite.

Shaylee whispered the next words. "My life it seems." Using a simple trick she knew, she used her magic to form an illusion of Jareth standing beside the fountain. He had that genuine smile that could steal her breath and senses. It was like this that the real Jareth found her. He stood hidden in the shadows, listening. The image sparkled before disappearing. Hanging her head, the Sprite finished the verse. "Is a world of dreams." Jareth breathed in sharply. What did she dream of? Him? Jareth took a step forward, startling her out of her thoughts. Honestly, Shaylee believed him to be another one of her illusions. She did not like, however, the look on his face because it reminded her too much of that afternoon conversation. Turning her head, she said the next words as she recalled his visit one night when she was crying. "Deep in the night. You'll find me." Glancing at Jareth, she was dismayed that he had not disappeared like the other illusion. Standing, she walked towards the fountain, oblivious to the Goblin King's steady approach. "Stay and you're right. Behind me." Shaylee jumped at the touch of gloved hand on her shoulder.

Jareth gazed into her wide eyes. The moonlight seemed to soak into her gray eyes. He was amazed by how much her eyes looked like the moon. "Sing for me, Shaylee. Please." He turned her towards him and took her hand, placing his other hand at the small of her back. Not questioning, she sang the rest of the song, letting herself get swept away by this man who had come to her reality and was starting to enter her dreams. The last note rang through the air, a sweet way to end the dance. Jareth felt such a tug on his heart. No one had ever sung to him, thinking of him. They stopped, neither making a move to break apart. His eyes soaked in her ivory skin that glowed in the moon's rays. Her hair had frizzed a little during the night, giving her an auburn halo. She looked so - perfect. Her mouth was opened slightly from ending the song and partly because she was so stunned that he was really there. His eyes fastened on the rose colored lips. Jareth bent the inches to make up their height difference and pressed his lips gently to hers.

Shaylee gasped. She did not know what else to do as she let him kiss her, not returning the sentiment. It was so gentle, not at all demanding. She gazed in surprise into his own opened eyes which were gauging her reaction. He pulled back and just stood watching her. The hand resting on his shoulder slid cautiously up to the back of his neck while the other hand released his and met at the back of his neck. Shaylee stretched up on her toes, but Jareth bent slightly to meet her. Their lips met in another cautious kiss. "Shaylee." The Goblin King whispered as they broke for air. "How? What is it you're doing to me?"

"Me?" She gasped as he kissed her lower lip. "I think I should ask that question of you." Her eyes fluttered closed as he pressed a hungry kiss to her lips. She took a small step towards him, letting him deepen the kiss. Nothing could compare to this. Shaylee never felt so happy in her life. They broke apart again. This time Shaylee released her hold around Jareth's neck and settled on wrapping her thin arms around him in an embrace. Burying her face into his chest, she smiled as he wrapped her up in his own arms. Shaylee was completely content listening to his rapid heartbeat and wondered if he could hear hers.

"Will you answer my question now, Shaylee?" Jareth joked lightly, resting his nose in her hair. He breathed in the scent of trees and flowers.

Giggling, she turned her face so that her cheek was resting against his chest. "Yes. You are handsome." Sighing, she closed her eyes. "And kind. Generous. Patient. And a gentleman."

He chuckled. "Careful, Shaylee. You are inflating my ego."

"Don't tell me you aren't enjoying every minute of it." Shaylee teased.

"You," Jareth whispered, ignoring her statement, "are beautiful." She looked up at him to protest but the Goblin King silenced her with a brief kiss. "You have eyes like the moon and skin like its rays." He smirked at the blush that rushed to the tips of her ears. "And I love that blush. It matches your hair."

"Jareth." Shaylee hid her face in his chest.

"It is late." He chuckled. "Perhaps I should return you to the castle now, Lady Shaylee." Still holding her close in his embrace, Jareth disappeared from the Labyrinth. Neither noticed their unwanted audience.

Flying high above the little scene, a dragon glared down from the shadows of a cloud. Wheeling away, Xuihcoatl seethed. He had lost. Well, if he could not have his little revenge against Jareth by stealing Shaylee away, then Xuihcoatl would have to be contented by letting Vondiva have her revenge on Shaylee and indirectly hurt Jareth. That would do. The Dragon hurried off to his mistress to give her his full report.

Jareth reappeared in his gardens beside the castle. He could faintly hear the music still playing in the ball room some distance away from where he and Shaylee stood hidden in the archways of shrubbery and flowers. Breaking from their hug, Jareth produced a crystal and held it out in front of Shaylee's face.

She glanced from the sphere to his face. "What is it?"

"It's a crystal." He answered, watching her face every minute. "Nothing more. Nothing less. But if you turn it this way," Jareth's hand tilted as he said, "it will show you your dreams." He offered it to her. "It is a gift. Take it." Jareth held his breath as he watched Shaylee's eyes return to look at the crystal. Tentative hands reached up to cup the ball as if it were going to shatter once she touched it. Shaylee turned the crystal in her hands until she saw something in the center. She inhaled silently as she saw herself with Jareth out on the hills again. They were sitting together and by all appearances happy. The image of Jareth said something to her, bringing a laugh to her double's lips. Closing her eyes, Shaylee smiled as she felt tears sting her eyes. "Was it a happy dream?" She heard Jareth ask worriedly.

Shaylee nodded, opening her eyes to look up at him. "Yes. Thank you. I - I don't know if this dream will come true but - thank you for letting me see it."

"Keep it." Jareth assured her, happy that he had given her something to make her smile. Reluctantly, he said, "I must return to my guests now." Cupping her face in his hands, he bent down and brushed another kiss against her lips. "I wish to see you tomorrow if I may."

"If I can, I will." Shaylee answered breathlessly. "Now - uh - Jareth."

"Yes?" He asked, contemplating if he should press another kiss to her lips.

She giggled. "How do I get back to the part of the Labyrinth where the Low Fay Festival is?"

Jareth smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I will send you there."

When Shaylee opened her eyes again, she was standing on one of the paths leading to the area where all the Low Fays were still dancing. She smiled to herself as she looked down at the crystal ball in her hand that was the only proof that she had not dreamed the whole thing. Blythe happened to walk by just then, calling for Shaylee. "Shaylee! There you are! I was worried something had happened to you."

The Sprite did her best to hid the present in the folds of her skirt. "No. I just went for a walk."

"Well, it is getting late and I think it is about time we head back. We still have work to do tomorrow." Blythe sighed. "At least we're on the path that leads back to the castle."

"Yes." Shaylee smiled as she glanced up at the moon. They walked along, Blythe chattering away about the friends she had seen and all the songs that had been played. Shaylee commented once in a while but was content to be silent. She glanced down at the orb in her hand and smiled whenever she caught a glimpse of herself and Jareth together in some new scene. Dreams to dream indeed.

*Squeeee!* =D Finally! A kiss! Man they took forever. :-/ I really, really hope you all liked this chapter. Not over yet! Review please. :)