In which we go back to the beginning, and things are still problematic.

Credit, I believe, to Lunar Butterflies and notwritten for helping me come up the The Vengeance. notwritten suggested putting Tobias in a crystal, and LB suggested putting him in Sarah's tower room. I figured an oubliette is almost the same thing.

It's still hard to find ways of saying glitter without actually saying it.

My friend and I had a glitter war in art yesterday. I'm still finding stuff everywhere from last time, and now I've got about a million more tons. It truly is the herpes of the craft world (once you get it, it never goes away). But anyway, as a result, I have declared myself to be Madame Esmerelda the Transvestite Glitter Queen. I'm not actually any of those things, but still... Maybe 'the'.

Anyway, I'm waffling on again, so disclaimer: I own nothing, yadayada, gold hotpants, etc.

Review, my lovelies, or I'll bring back Hotpants Hoggle. Maybe even 'dance magic dance' Hotpants Hoggle. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Chapter Ten

Jareth wrapped his arms protectively around Sarah, pulling her close. She quivered against him, eyes wide with fear. He stroked her hair softly as death closed in.

He glared at their pursuers imperiously, the full brunt of his Fae wrath glinting in his eyes. They faltered at his expression, but did not stop. He had no power here, not really. They did not know who he was, he could not control them.

Jareth looked down at the girl in his arms, emotions flaring. He would protect her, no matter what it took. Even if it meant returning to his own cage. He would bear a hundred thousand years of entrapment, if only to see her safe.

"Sarah... Sarah, my love, I have a plan." He murmured. "We shall be safe, precious thing. I promise you."

She nodded, clinging to him. His heart melted at the blind trust in her eyes. As the men surrounded them, weapons poised for murder, Jareth waved his hand. In the blink of an eye they disappeared, leaving behind a cloud of smoke and gold dust.

...

They reappeared in the forest of the eldritch party; it was twilight, the dusky light making the place even more beautiful. Sarah gazed about her in wonder, blinking as though she had just awoken from some strange dream.

"Is it real?" She half-whispered, reaching out to brush the snowy bark of a tree with her fingertips.

"It is. Welcome to my Kingdom, Sarah." Jareth smiled like an indulgent father.

"But how did we-"

"You should know the answer to that by now, precious thing." He cupped her face in his hands, placing his forehead against hers. "Magic."

"Are we safe here?" Sarah asked, a subtle note of fear in her soft voice. "Can he find us?"

"Your brother will never trouble you again, Sarah. I give you my word." He traced the line of her lips with a gentle finger, smiling softly at her sigh. "You have absolutely nothing to fear."

"And what of you?" She slipped her arms around his neck. "You told me this was your cage."

"It was my cage because I was alone. As long as you are with me, I am free." He replied fiercely.

"Then I shall stay with you always." She responded just as fiercely.

Jareth laughed, smiling his pointy smile. He brushed his lips against hers, snaking an arm around her waist to hold her upright when her knees buckled. He kissed her again, harder this time, then softly. She tasted just as he knew she would; sweet and soft and spicy and perfect. His hand entwined itself in her dark hair, pulling her close. She wrapped her fingers in his golden locks, standing on her toes to kiss him, gently, sweetly. For a long moment they remained locked together, savouring the new tastes of each other's mouths.

"Sarah..." Jareth murmured against the corner of her mouth. "Would you like to see my palace, precious thing?"

"Mhm..." She mumbled, grazing his lips with hers. Sparks shot through her body at his every touch.

"You'll have to keep your hands to yourself in front of the Court." He laughed, pulling reluctantly away. "We'll have plenty of time for that."

Sarah pouted, but her eyes were happy. Jareth looked into those green eyes, revelling in her joy. He had achieved all he had hoped; he had freed her body and her soul. She was happy, and she was... his. He folded her in his arms, kissing her forehead.

"Here we go again." He murmured, flicking his wrist. They disappeared from the twilight forest.

...

They reappeared in the palace courtyard. A crystal fountain spurted coloured water from the centre of an enormous mosaic of precious stones depicting the starry heavens. Marble archways surrounded the courtyard, some leading into the glistening white palace, others, covered with lush green vines, leading to ornate gardens. The palace towered above them, its walls a pearly white. Its' towers and spires were rooved with coloured glass which reflected the sun's rays, the entire structure glistening in the late afternoon light. Beautiful people milled around the courtyard, making the whole scene look like a painting of Greek gods.

"Prince Jareth!" A voice called. "I had not heard that you'd returned!"

People began to flock around the couple. Sarah gazed out from Jareth's arms, in awe of the beauty around her. He held her protectively close; she could feel his heartbeat accelerating.

"What was it like above ground? Was it frightfully dull?"

"Are the humans as hideous as they say?"

"Are you returning Aboveground, or are you staying here among your people?"

Questions rang out from all sided. Jareth waved them off, pulling Sarah after him into the palace.

"Hello, brother." A figure stepped out from one of the arches, stepping forth to embrace Jareth.

"Caleb." Jareth did not return the embrace, stepping in front of Sarah.

"What do you have there? Don't tell me you've found yourself a girl already?" Caleb tried to step around Jareth. "Come, let me see her!"

"Caleb, please... She is... Not who you'd expect." Jareth sounded nervous, his tone pleading.

"What's wrong?" Sarah whispered, worry creeping into her voice.

"Nothing, love. Everything will be fine." He assured her soothingly.

"Come, stop hiding her!" Caleb was growing impatient. "I demand you show me your lady love."

"If you wish... But please brother, halt your judgement until I have had the chance to explain." Jareth pulled Sarah gently in front of him, one arm wrapped tightly about her waist.

"She's a bit plain... Trust you to find the only one of us who's not..." Caleb's amused grin faltered as realisation dawned. "She's not one of us, is she? Jareth, what have you done?"

"Please, brother. I am taking her to our parents. Accompany us, and you will hear my explanation." Jareth's tone was almost desperate. "Please. For me."

Caleb's lip curled momentarily, but then the smile was back. He nodded, then shook his head wearily.

"You always were an odd one, Jareth." He laughed, motioning for them to walk in front of him. He fell into step behind them, flanking them like a guard. A hard distaste lingered in his eyes.

"Jareth, what's the matter? Why did he look so angry?" Sarah murmured, clutching Jareth's arm as they strode through the marble halls.

"Nothing's the matter, precious thing. Just a little issue with some silly old laws." He smiled at her, but his eyes were troubled. "It will all be sorted out very quickly, and then we can pick up from where we left off earlier." He said the last part in a low growl that made her shiver.