Rising Tide


Before she could draw any more coherent thought something had hooked her around the middle and she was moving, thrust sharply sideways. It wasn't completely unfamiliar, a little like when they'd been whisked off by the Council, only not quite as terrifying. She couldn't see Jareth but felt like there was some presence just beyond her arm. When she remembered his hand, she tightened her grip on something and felt a soft reassuring pressure in return.

And then quite unexpectedly it was over. Sarah took a few seconds to get her bearings, or lack of them. She gingerly lifted her head and was mortified to discover she was sprawled face down on something like soft grasses. It tickled her nose, it certainly smelt a little like grass, she wondered if they had high pollen counts and hay fever in the Underground. If this was there?

She groaned and tried to gather herself together to stand up, feeling thankful that she only felt the faintest of dizziness. He was at her elbow helping her up before she had a chance to wonder where he'd gone.

"I apologise Sarah, it was not meant to be quite that rough a ride," He grinned showing those sharp teeth and she laughed at his adoption of that American phrase.

"Welcome to the Underground," He bowed with a flourish and she responded with a neat curtsey, her head now settling down.

"Thank you, this is amazing, I've wanted to see it again for so long…" She turned, taking in their immediate surroundings in wonder and missed the open gaze he trained on her on hearing those words. Those words gave him reason to hope, hope he projected far from that moment.

"I'm pleased, sadly I will have to drop the glamour while we are here. I have enough trouble with some of my subjects without them thinking I've reverted to some childhood state." He grumbled amiably.

"I understand," She nodded as she looked around.

Once the glamour was gone Jareth sighed with relief as he was able to breathe more freely. Something untwisted as he looked at Sarah. He also felt some tendril of the Labyrinth, it was almost a sigh, and the blasted thing tried to reach out to her.

He watched with avid interest as she stopped looking at the garden and put a hand to her chest. He moved swiftly forward, worried she might be in pain but there was a peculiar kind of expression growing at the edges of her mouth. A tear ran down her cheek and the contented sigh that escaped her lips left him slightly breathless.

"What, was that? Was it, the Labyrinth?" She whispered, her eyes wide, her heart thudded away but not in fear. It was incredible. She couldn't have predicted the joyous feeling that had enveloped her soul.

"Is that what it feels like for you? It's almost impossible to describe, happy doesn't quite cover it, it's like I'm h…"

She let the thought trail off as she studied his face, waiting for his reply.

He nodded slowly, wary, his heart painful as he processed the thought she hadn't finished out loud.

"Yes, you are also connected to the Labyrinth, it knows you. As I've said before, time isn't linear, it doesn't flow on and on in a straight line, it recognises you and your magic Sarah." He finished softly, more than curious as to her reaction.

She stayed quiet, pensive though her lack of questioning suggested a certain amount of acceptance. She turned back to survey the area again.

He dared to take another shaky breath, one that was heavy with unspoken feeling.

"Is this your garden?" She asked, marvelling at the remarkable flowers blooming all around them. Some looked familiar, she knew some were roses, the scent was gorgeous. Others were completely new, and she suspected native to the Underground, they didn't look like anything she'd seen before.

"Yes indeed, these are my private gardens on the north side of the castle. They are tended by various gardeners, you may want to meet them, here comes one of them now,"

He gestured across the path to a small paved area where a small man was carrying a watering can.

Sarah's eyes widened in amazement and flickered back to Jareth's face which was full of mischief and a quick smile. Once again, those teeth on display. She wasn't sure she'd seen him smile quite so easily before. She mused that it must be good to be at home, travelling to her world must be draining. And perhaps he was never completely at ease when he visited. Here he was free to be himself and what a difference it made. It was another moment that filled her with an unfamiliar contentment.

She approached the small man slowly, aware of Jareth's strangely reassuring presence somewhere behind her.

The small dwarf-like man looked up, he gave her a curious but cursory glance and then his gaze moved toward Jareth for a second. He nodded briefly with as much deference as she imagined he possessed. The movement itself looked like it pained him which made her smile naughtily. He turned quickly, snorted derisively to himself and set off at a trot up the path in the other direction.

"Wait!" She called.

Sarah found herself unable to stop this automatic reflex. Though she had no idea of what she might say, the truth was probably a tad too much even for a creature such as him.

He stopped, and with obvious reluctance half turned back towards her.

"Did you want something? Miss?" He added, the quick shift of his eyes in Jareth's direction and back again made it clear this awkward but polite response was not solely for her benefit.

"Um, j just to say hello?" She stammered, the awkward feeling growing in her stomach.

"Hello? To me? Whys you want to do that?" He tilted his head towards Jareth, now further back seated comfortably on an elaborately carved stone bench.

"Because I like to make friends," She replied, beaming.

He grunted.

"Friends," Came the scoffed reply, "You friends with the…the king?"

"Well yeah, as unlikely as that sounds. I've known him a while. There is more to him than I first thought."

"Hmph,'" Was the noncommittal, clearly disbelieving reply.

"I'm Sarah." She took a different approach.

He gave her a long look before saying,

"Hoggle," And shrugged.

"The gardens here are beautiful," She told him, hoping to win him over with blatant flattery. At least it was true.

"Yeah, they're ok," He agreed.

"Could you tell me what the flowers are? I only recognise a few,"

"Oh okay," He agreed reluctantly, but with a little more interest. "You from Aboveground then? Reckoned as much."

They spent a short while talking through names and genus types before Jareth started to look bored and she decided she best not ignore her host.

"Thanks Hoggle, I love the garden, see you later."

He gave her another long look.

"There's something about you that's not from Above." He stated, a vague suspicion creeping into his words.

Sarah nodded,

"Yeah, I'm a conundrum, I am Sarah though and I do love the gardens. You'll be used to all kinds of weird stuff here right, things that are not all they appear, but I am Sarah."

He seemed to accept this answer, and then shrugged.

"Ok, not my business is it,"

She smiled, same old Hoggle.

"I'll see you later maybe?"

"Don't bother yeself on my account."

"See you later Hoggle," She smiled again at the grumpy gardener and turned to go and find Jareth.

Hoggle stood still for several minutes, considering the strange girl who was friends with the king, which only made her seem stranger. It was several moments before he realised that he had better get back to work before that temperamental ruler appeared from nowhere, with fresh threats of a bogging.


Jareth had planned to show Sarah to her rooms next, but she had returned from her visit with Hoghead just radiating with happiness that he had wanted to show her more delights and prolong the pleasure.

They took a walk towards the city. Sarah was amazed to discover it only resembled the place of her memory in small areas. For the most part it appeared akin to a large medieval township, only it was clean, pretty, smart looking, as were its citizens, mostly. She occasionally sighted an inhabitant with obvious hygiene issues but generally they took one look at the king and disappeared just as quickly.

Sarah loved it, such a provincial friendly atmosphere and was reminded of the town in her favourite fairy-tale, Beauty and the Beast.

She shot Jareth numerous questioning glances before he acquiesced, and they walked towards the market in the large purpose-built square.

He explained more of the ever-changing ebb and flow of Labyrinth magic and how it could alter appearance, that perspective was different for every runner. It was always exactly what they needed it to be and as such, sometimes large parts of the city, or his kingdom were simply not visible.

"Wild magic alters the Labyrinth almost constantly, and often takes on features from the runner's imagination. What you're seeing now is a more natural appearance. One of many"

It was incredible, she couldn't wait to see more.


Later, they returned to the castle for something to eat. She had imagined large cavernous and draughty halls so the private, even cosy dining room that she was ushered into was a bit of a surprise.

It was beautifully furnished with a light-oak-like wood table, chairs and various serving stations. It was also remarkably clean; the chickens were clearly kept well away from this part of the castle.

Jareth was being meticulously careful when it came to the food. He promised that it was all specially imported from her own world. Sarah was touched by this thoughtfulness though she still experienced some trepidation as she swallowed each mouthful. This created a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere and she wondered if he could know it was still a cause of much anxiety.

Though she didn't share any of those thoughts with him. She trusted him, she was warier of everyone else. Mistakes happen all the time, a nudge here, a slip up there and hey presto she'd be chomping down on some weird underground snack and everything would go to hell again. She could almost taste the bitterness and depression ready to surge back and take her over. It took some force and control to swallow that down as well. She silently prayed it wouldn't happen again.


Jareth escorted Sarah outside again afterwards. He was clearly keen to show her more of his Kingdom, but they had not taken more than ten steps outside when a small bright furry whoosh of something galloped up the grand steps towards them. It only stopped at two metres away.

The one bundle became two and Sarah realised who and what was happening as a small gallant fox knight leapt from the dog's saddle and flourished himself before his King and Sarah with desperate speed.

"Your Grace I came as quickly as I could, I had to ride with some haste to see you." He gasped quickly dropping down and giving his King due deference.

Jareth smiled indulgently, and his eyes flickered towards Sarah who was staring in some shock at Sir Didymus.

Jareth indicated that he should rise, and the little knight bobbed his head in silent thanks as his eyes also flickered to the person who was clearly in his King's company. He gave another flourish and bowed towards her.

"My Lady, I apologise for appearing with no warning and at such a moment."

She shook her head, smiling from ear to ear at another dear friend that had no memory of meeting her.

"Please don't worry Sir…" She dissembled easily, there was no point in confusing him.

"Sir Didymus my Lady."

"Sir Didymus, I'm Sarah, when you have pressing business with the King you must of course see it through," She nodded sagely while the small Fox's eyes lit up at her response.

"You are most gracious Lady Sarah,"

"What urgent news do you bring Sir Knight?" Jareth asked, though touched by this 'meeting' he did need to be appraised of whatever the situation and then he could return to his guest.

"My Lord I was an accidental recipient of a conversation between two wayward trolls on the far side of the bog boundary with the troll kingdom. They were being disrespectful, and I began to worry that they were rebels, plotting something sinister toward your person. There was mention of approaching the Alpines and forming an alliance but beyond that I was not privy to the details. I believed that this warranted further investigation and I rode out myself long the boundary and saw evidence of recently departed encampments that are close enough to also be of concern. They may require further surveillance and…"

"Absolutely Didymus, I will make enquiries within the troll kingdom, I can't imagine that my allied neighbour would be too pleased to hear this, obviously absolute discretion would prove useful, especially if it's proven to be a government sponsored expedition…"

"Of course, Sire," The little fox bowed again in agreement.

Sarah furrowed her eyebrows and regarded Jareth, that sounded disturbing and she hoped there weren't threats on him and the labyrinth very often.

"My thanks, Sir Didymus, you were correct to so inform me. Please visit the kitchens for some well-deserved refreshment before you return to your post."

"My Lord," The little knight bowed deeply in appreciation before turning his attention towards Sarah.

"My Lady, I take my leave,"

She couldn't help but smile, the nostalgia rising fast in her throat and feeling an inevitable prickling behind her eyes. She resisted the terribly strong urge that suddenly gripped her and made her want to reach down to stroke his soft little head. She nodded instead, and he led Ambrosius away in the direction of the castle kitchens.

Turning back towards him, Sarah found that Jareth was regarding her intently with that almost inscrutable intense expression on his far too handsome face.

She just smiled in response, not entirely sure she could fully convey her current tumult of emotions. And not just in relation to the last few minutes either.

The smile appeared to satisfy him, for which she was particularly grateful. He indicated that they continue walking and lead the way by only a step or two.

It was yet another surreal moment. They clearly didn't require verbal communication to know what the other was thinking; though she fervently hoped that her expression was not a completely open book. She didn't fully understand her own feelings at times, now was not the time for him to find out just how confusing being inside her head was beginning to feel.

She would have to more careful of her expression and body language, he was too well practised at seeing all those subtleties. She would have to get much better at it. She quickly quashed any further reflection on the subject, his body was not there for her contemplation.

Sure Sarah, you keep telling yourself that.

But of course, she had to, there was no other choice and letting her mind wander too far in that direction right now was just going to lead to heartache. She had enough issues to occupy her overly full mind.


They walked a little way again, this time away from the centre of the city. Sarah felt her heart skip a beat as her inexplicable internal compass placed them somewhere closer to the maze itself. By the time they had reached what looked like an entrance, she was excited and terrified and concerning the latter, wasn't sure why.

Jareth led her up some steps to stand on the parapet of the wall that separated the city and the Labyrinth beyond. She stood in shock, it looked so different, the smarter houses of the city were one thing, but this was like another world. Obviously, she knew it was, but it was so far from the idea in her head that she didn't care how silly she looked she opened her mouth and gaped in awe.

The amused glint on his face could be detected in the periphery of her vision. She ignored him for a moment and stood and stared; appreciating the liberty to just be there, to absorb the presence and magic of the moment.

Sarah could detect no evidence of a junk yard, just beyond the wall were more gardens, similar to the ones she'd seen at the castle though here there were more topiary than trees and they were sculpted into all kinds of shapes; from knights to dragons to mermaids. There was something ethereal in the careful detail they exhibited, especially when a passing breeze rippled through the dense foliage. Further away there were some stone sculptures, they were very close to the imposing forest beyond and almost seemed to be standing in guard.

And then her gaze moved away to the right and she saw more stonework, this time it was like the stone walled maze of her memory. It was another garden, only it seemed to consist of mostly stone, sculptures, columns, and arches.

Her gaze trained on that place for a minute and the next moment she found herself underneath one of the arches she'd seen from so far away. She squinted into the distance and could just about make out the wall that designated the edge of the Goblin City.

She turned and smiled, catching sight of Jareth and the smugness that he was now exuding. She rolled her eyes but laughed gently. And then she saw something he must have known was behind her, a large orange something and the sound of moving rock.

"Ludo?!" She exclaimed, and the large creature turned, almost dropping a rock on the ground as he gazed at her. His head tilted to the side as he seemed to consider her.

Oops, how to confuse a sweet monster, she glanced at Jareth, instantly contrite and he shrugged and indicated that they walk towards the rock caller.

Ludo turned his gaze on Jareth and tried to bow, which was interesting as he was too big and began to overbalance. Jareth waved him off and pointed to Sarah.

"Ludo, this is Lady Sarah,"

Sarah flashed a quick glance at Jareth as she realised that this was the first time that he had used that title, at least in her hearing. She kind of expected it from Sir Didymus but Jareth calling her that made her shiver for yet another unknown reason.

Ludo nodded,

"Hi Ludo, it's lovely to meet you." She told him, and smiled broadly, she couldn't help it, his presence was just too endearing.

Ludo nodded again,

"Sawah," He said, his deep voice tugging painfully at her memories.

She turned her attention to the garden before she started blubbing all over the furry gentle giant.

"These stones are beautiful," She told him in earnest, and he shared a brilliant grin,

"Ludo build," He replied, puffing himself up, clearly proud of his skill and achievement.

She continued to gaze at the structures all around them. She felt like she couldn't pull herself away, almost hypnotised by the intricate features. Feeling a tug inside her heart to venture further on to explore and be enveloped by the caress of the trees.

And for a moment everything else fell away, everything but that feeling, calling to her as she gazed unseeing, towards more arches and stones and another forest beyond. If only she could have a look, just for a moment…

Something took her hand, and she looked down, confused to see a gloved hand holding hers.

She looked at Jareth and then up at the stones, realising she was not where she had been. Sarah was nearer the edge, now closer to the forest that loomed overhead.

Confusion flooded her senses, but she still didn't look away. It still pulled her, and she felt something settling within her. She wanted to go further, that was certain. The forest was huge, dark and forbidding. It ought to have scared her, it, but for some reason it did not.

The pressure on her hand remained and it irritated her. She faced him, scowling a little. He shook his head, a thoughtful odd expression directed towards her.

"You feel something?" He asked

She nodded, confused, of course she did, he must feel that too?

"Yes," She replied, surprise in her voice, "Can we go in and explore?"

He shook his head; his understanding was evident but also concern.

"Not today precious, another time, there are times when it would not be prudent to venture too far, and this is one of those times," He replied enigmatically.

She furrowed her brows, without any rational reason again, she was annoyed.

But the gentle but firm hold he had of her hand was another element that was hard to ignore. Her gaze rested upon their hands for a moment, joined together, just like they also belonged…

A second later they were atop the parapet again and she shook herself, the strength of the pull had eased. She realised she was still looking down towards their hands, and Sarah was suddenly a tad uncomfortable and entirely too warm. She quickly released her hold.

"Ok, that was, weird?" She asked, risking a glance at his face as she tried to diffuse the rising something within her that their clasped hands had somehow triggered.

"Hmm it wasn't completely unexpected, though I had not expected such strength of feeling." He replied, skirting the issue.

She turned fully toward him now, hand on her hips, and raised an eyebrow for good measure.

"Go on," She urged, waiting impatiently for the explanation.

He sighed before replying.

"Your connection to the Labyrinth Sarah, it means that sometimes when you are here you will feel inexplicable things. That was the result of the invitation it will always extend to you to explore, to be physically within; and it will try and pressure you even when there are elements within its boundaries that would do you harm. It may be a powerful entity, but it is not always entirely…sensible. It thinks of its own feelings, needs, wants, before anything else, even potential danger."

She raised her brows in alarm this time,

"Well isn't that just a little bit disturbing," But she smiled anyway, suddenly eager to show him that the potential threat didn't faze her. It wasn't even all that much of a surprise. She'd already known that the Labyrinth could be a bit rogue.

He smiled weakly in reply and seemed to breathe in relief.

"It's still incredible Jareth, and I'm aware, after all, things are not always as they seem in this place,"

She grinned, and he returned a bigger smile this time, remembering those words. They began a slow walk again, retracing their earlier footsteps through the cobbled streets and eased back into a comfortable silence.

She threw a sidelong glance at him a few minutes later as another thought occurred to her. His expression seemed to convey a curious mixture of amusement, the trademark smirk and true pleasure.

It was still not something she was used to seeing. Though he appeared happy to spend time with her, this was almost entirely different. Was he anticipating her words again? The familiar irritation she felt at this talent rose and fell just as quickly. She banished the thought again, for now.

"Funny," Sarah started by saying, "Those serendipitous meetings, almost too coincidental wouldn't you say?" She stated, a question lingering on the edge of her tone.

He shrugged grinning at her, and she couldn't help but grin in return.

"It was nice to see them, though a bit weird too,"

"They don't know you." He started in a cautious tone.

"Exactly, but it was good," She affirmed.

He nodded and took her arm, and they gradually wandered back to the marketplace which was quieting down after a busy day of trade.

After that they ventured further into another part of the city. It would have been more accurate to describe the place as a town, but Sarah kept her own council, not wanting to cause anyone offense. It had clearly morphed from the place of her memory. And she marvelled at the power of Labyrinthian magic and her own altered perspective.

Sarah knew she was fighting a losing battle and that her face must have betrayed some of her thoughts, or perhaps, the tone of them; her love for…this place. Jareth kept glancing at her surreptitiously. Little sideways looks that were very unsubtle, especially considering his usual stoic nature. But what exactly was that look he wasn't disguising?

A couple of times there was someone who approached the King about something that couldn't wait until their monthly court meetings. He handled them with ease and Sarah marvelled again at the difference in him. And how yet another layer was being added to his personality and stripped from her own preconceptions. When she was around him for long periods it was a constant occurrence.

He was conversing with an elderly gentleman. It was possible he was human as she had come to believe that despite attaining very long lives, the fae would never appear very old.

It involved a difficulty between the man and his nearest neighbour, at their farmsteads not far from the city. A troublesome boundary issue that no one could solve and had gone on for a long time.

As Jareth spoke about possible resolutions Sarah found herself considering his wisdom and how his position had shaped him, and how he shaped his kingdom. What a responsibility for one person. Understanding washed over her all at once, for several reasons, not least she could see how lonely his position was. And it wasn't pity that filled her heart in response, it was something she dare not name.

She wandered a short distance away towards another quaint street, careful not to go too far this time. Thankful that the compulsion was nothing like as strong as it had been beyond the wall.

A movement in the corner of her vision caused her to turn towards a small something peering at her from a doorway to her right. Sarah sensed no animosity and hoped she was right that this was a safe someone to talk to as she walked towards what she realised was a small child, probably goblin judging by her height and unusual ears.

"Hello there," She said quietly, slowly approaching the small one.

The child blinked with wide eyes that seemed more scared than anything else, so Sarah crouched down a little way away and stayed there, happy to be patient and wait, not wishing to scare her further.

After a few minutes the child reappeared, moving slowly she approached Sarah. The child's mother was stood further back looking warily at her, until she spotted Jareth in the distance behind Sarah. This seemed to reassure her that Sarah was not anyone to feared. Sarah tried her best to smile in a friendly way again as the little one came over.

"Hello there," She repeated Sarah's earlier words and Sarah wondered if she understood them until she spoke again.

"Are you a princess?" The small one whispered.

Sarah shook her head and smiled gently, thinking that her jeans and tunic didn't exactly indicate royalty but perhaps it was the company she kept.

"No, I'm Sarah," She replied, "What is your name?"

"I'm Rai," She replied, "Do you know the King? Are you a Queen?"

Sarah's heart thudded for a strange couple of seconds before returning to normal, perhaps she had imagined it.

"I'm friends with the King,"

This seemed to delight the small one who gasped and gazed somewhere beyond her. She did a quick wobbly curtsey and ran back to her mother as Jareth approached Sarah and offered her his hand to help her stand. He turned another soft and open expression upon her.

She found it unnerving yet the way her heart sped up at the sight of it suggested that was only half of the story.

Sarah wiggled her nose,

"You scared her away,"

"Nonsense,"

"I'm not scary, but I am the King," He told her in mock annoyance.

She almost giggled, as the almost imperceptible puffing up of his chest was an almost comical image compared to the usual imperious intimidating one.

For Jareth he was recovering from the painful yearning that had hit him squarely in the chest area when he'd finished his discussion with his subject to find Sarah so gentle and patient with a goblin child. Quiet and unassuming and happy to be where she was. Good grief he was in trouble, far more trouble now than he'd been in then.


The rest of the visit was spent exploring the castle a little more, delighting in the immense library, attempting to learn a native fae language, visiting the gardens again and speaking to Hoggle.

Sometimes Jareth was there and sometimes he was called away to deal with his usual duties.

They did manage time for a lesson, which allowed Sarah to gain better understanding and access to her power.

"Breathe deep, evenly, try not to think of anything else. When your mind is clear, see if you can sense that spark inside you, the very centre. Look at it, what do you feel, what do you know? When you are ready, reach out and touch it with your inner self, carefully, slowly, let that sensation wash over you, keep breathing evenly, this is part of you now."

Sarah tried not to be freak out at how much power she could now sense when she did this centring exercise. Perhaps it was simply because she was in the Underground and her power amplified by the land or something. Looking over at him, he seemed unfazed.

His usual mask was in place, which told her he wasn't sharing everything. But it didn't worry her too much, he was an ancient creature with who knew how many secrets; and with the growing feelings that were confusing the hell out of her own mind, she considered that he might just be feeling similarly confused.

It wasn't impossible was it? She couldn't be imagining the awkward moments that kept popping up? He had had feelings for her at one point, right? Unless it had been a ruse? It wasn't impossible surely.

Whatever, there was a growing undercurrent and she wasn't sure how she really felt about it.

By the time Sarah had to go home she realised that it had been a long time since she'd been this happy. Not that that was particularly hard considering everything. Especially considering her mother and the toxic atmosphere that she'd lived through again, or the abject misery of her previous life.

There was a part of her that didn't want to leave. Working out exactly which part and why was another matter entirely. She was trying not to think about it.

Jareth found that taking her home was far harder than he had anticipated. She belonged there, dammit, and the Labyrinth also felt it.

He longed for it. Just as he had longed for her, almost pathetically, for all those years. Since she'd ensnared his senses with her belief and dreams and infernal light. Like a moth to a flame, he knew he was doomed.

He would not and could not ever force her, he hadn't done it then and he wouldn't do it now.

He knew she'd been too young, as much as he'd fought against the fact. He had stubbornly refused to see that for a long time; he'd blamed her, telling himself that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Jareth had painted himself the innocent just as she had often done.

No, force would never be an option, he wanted her, but he wanted her happy. He desperately wanted her to want him in return; to need him as he needed her.

And yes, love him back.

He was beginning to lose hope, he was not even sure why he was feeling this way when they were such good friends now. And yes, perhaps it was that, therein lay the rub. Were they too close? Would she forever see him as a pal and never find room for him in her heart as anything else?

He was trying not to begin that downward spiral again. He'd crawled out of it once and that had been hard. There was still time, for them both to come to terms with this new direction. It was still new and confusing and difficult.

She wasn't ready, for several reasons, and perhaps that time would give him chance to reassess things too. To consider the right way to approach her when she was ready.


When Sarah returned home, she found a new charm for her bracelet. A silver flower that reminded her of the gardens at the castle.

After her birthday excursion it was a while until Sarah saw him. This was a relief after such an amazing trip. She needed the time to readjust to normal life and that would have been more difficult if he'd been able to pop in every other day.

As it was, he couldn't do that as he was dealing with a troll problem which took up the meagre amount of spare time he usually managed to scrape together.

It was more than two months before he appeared, casually asking about school and her father. She regarded him quietly, reflecting that this was typical of him. To pop up and blithely carry on like they were in the middle of a conversation. It was both irksome and endearing.

"It's been an interesting time," She replied eventually, his eyebrows raised as she'd paused rather longer than he expected.

"I'm relieved and exhausted, maintaining this charade," She gestured briefly to herself, "But it's nice to be nice and have less anger about it all, a relief to have let that go. And I'm happy for Dad,"

He looked a little confused now which she enjoyed rather too much before pointing to a couple of people who were walking ahead of them. One was the distinct and obvious figure of Sarah's father, Robert, the other was a smartly dressed blonde haired woman. They were holding hands and chatting away with clear enthusiasm.

"Ah is it safe to assume that this is Irene?" He asked perceptively. She didn't expect anything less.

Sarah nodded, and he made an 'hmmm' kind of noise which communicated a whole lot more than he was willing to say.

Sarah signed,

"It wasn't her fault you know, I was a brat Jareth. You can let it go? I have,"

He seemed to be thinking until a shout from Sarah's Dad interrupted.

"I think you had better come and meet her, Dad has told her all about you."

"Oh? You didn't?" He enquired curiously,

"Well, maybe a little, you'll behave, won't you?" She asked anxiety clear in her question.

"Of course, I'm a King remember, I was bred with impeccable manners,"

"Sure, but do you use those?" She asked laughing.

"Wounded precious," He pretended for a moment, the amusement clear on his face.

Sarah felt her breath hitch for a second.

"I will be nice, I promise dear Sarah," He grinned, his adolescent alter ego far too cute and Sarah shook herself inwardly.

Get a grip.

She was thankful that he was true to his word and very well behaved. And no matter how much they insisted that they were friends and far too young for that kind of thing, Irene gushed over how cute he and Sarah were together. Sarah considered the irony of those statements. But when it involved her future stepmother's opinion on 'normal teenage behaviour' at least it was a point in Sarah's favour. She hoped it might help build their future relationship.

Sarah continued her magical studies when time allowed. They were less about control these days and much more practical in nature. She progressed to more complicated enchantments which was far more exciting.

The oak tree was often the sole witness of these. Jareth was always careful to place wards so that they would not be disturbed, or so that no busybody saw something disturbing that they couldn't explain.

Gradually though, Sarah requested that they return to the castle for her studies. She argued that among other things, the library there would be massively useful. The call she felt was so deeply rooted now that she was always eager to return. Her focus whilst there was exceptional, and it far surpassed what she could manage when at home. It simply came more easily in the Underground than Above. Sarah raised this with him one day and he almost shrugged.

"That is to be expected Sarah, this is where your magic originates and your connection to this place just makes that an inevitable logical result."

He was oh so careful to keep his tone neutral, but he could not deceive himself. Sarah's powers had grown and her connection to the Labyrinth with them; it all but made him want to whoop and dance magic dance. The hope in his heart remained, but it was accompanied by the worry that their friendship status could ultimately spell disaster.

Melodramatic? Him?

Perhaps. But he felt it a valid concern.

Not just that but he worried that she might meet some mortal boy or two. He tried not to dwell on it; it only led to him wanting to break things.


Sarah was absolutely gutted when all those incessant developmental changes began to interfere with her studies and eventually her basic control.

Things began to unravel.

"Jay," She cried out, half falling onto her bed and sobbing alone in her room after a particularly bad day.

It was several minutes before he appeared in shower of glittery dust. Under normal circumstances she would have played at being annoyed at the mess on her carpet. Again.

As it was, she couldn't stop crying even after he appeared, and relief flooded through her.

"Sarah!" He breathed, giving her cursory gentle hug before sitting her down again and taking a quick inventory. Her appearance was normal, aside from her tear streaked face and wild looking expression.

"What in the world happened?"

His eyes darted around the room, as he tried to work out the cause of her distress and became increasingly alarmed when he couldn't detect anything untoward. Sarah was not forthcoming, though the sobbing had eased.

Her wide eyes searched his out, her face now too close to his own for comfort.

"I didn't mean to do it, I couldn't help it, honestly, I thought I had it down now. I had control, you know it, I know it, but then, all these stupid ridiculous feelings, moods, it's horrible. I should be above this, I've been through it before for crying out loud and it's so embarrassing I was absolutely not going to mention it to you because you're you and even if you ever went through some weird fae adolescence it was goodness knows how long ago, and I was not going to talk about it because it's mortifying to have to say it. And now I am but I need to because things started happening. Things I can't stop, things I can't control. Last week it was just small silly things like teachers who couldn't find pens or books or chalk then the girls who've been complete bitches recently, not just to me I might add, just generally, their hair changed colour mid class and they got detention as we're not allowed coloured hair. I just thought it was a bit odd at first but then the thing with their hair, was too strange to dismiss outright. And then this week, things went from bad to worse…"

Here she paused mid diatribe to catch her breath and her thoughts. She was also not quite ready to share the rest of the story.

Jareth was frankly too surprised at this point to say anything constructive and simply opted to wait for her to continue.

"Then this week…well there's this boy who they kept picking on, making fun of his hair, his teeth, his cleverness. They were obviously planning something horrible. But then one day one of them found a load of pictures in her locker of this boy, apparently with no idea how they got there, and they started fighting amongst themselves over whatever they'd been plotting. They were lashing out at everyone, even teachers, they got detention again, and then, then I saw them on the stairwell, they looked like they were ready to trip him up and I swear I didn't do it…not consciously…but the ringleader, she fell down the stairs, they think she's broken her leg in two places. I don't understand how it happened and neither does anyone else. I need serious help, as much as she deserved it, it shouldn't have happened!"

Jareth had been quietly absorbing this information up until now, truth was he didn't consider this as huge a problem as she evidently did. Who knew what had really happened, it could have been a freak accident. But there again.

"Sarah, Sarah, hush love. Deep breaths. I think perhaps you may be treating yourself too harshly."

She narrowed her eyes in response.

"What?! I should have known you wouldn't understand; your moral compass does not quite align with mine does it?!" She breathed out savagely.

"Now, now, let's just think about this rationally. There is no way to truly know what happened to this girl." He admonished as gently as he could, trying not to take her anger personally. She was obviously in shock.

"I think it's safe to say we do. No one can work out how it happened, she wasn't near the top of the steps and then the next second she was flying down them."

She paused and carried on after a hesitant beat, Jareth wondered at the odd look that was crossing her face.

"Jay, I think you should bind my powers."

"What! Are you mad?" He exclaimed, jumping up and looking down at her in shock. "One little hiccup and you're asking me to take them away?!"

"Not take them away, bind, there's a difference. I don't want to feel terrified every time I experience a particularly strong emotion right now. It wouldn't be forever, just until all this stuff settles down in a couple of years."

"No, is the simple answer to that," He huffed and crossed his arms, Goblin King stance style. It was quite a funny to behold considering he was in his young glamour.

"Will you please listen your mini imperiousness, do you know anything about what humans go through when they hit puberty? Yes, I said it, it's not a dirty word, just a slightly embarrassing one to have to discuss with Goblin Kings."

He crossed his arms and smiled indulgently which only increased her understandable desire to hit him.

"Enlighten me."

"Fine, I will," Sarah replied, wanting nothing more than to wipe that smug supercilious look off his too perfect face.

"Did you know that the changes that occur in the brain of a human teenage girl are so dramatic that they resemble the effects of a psychotic break? Most people will blame hormones as the reason that teenagers behave the way they do, being overly emotional, moody and so on. But what is the bigger player are the extensive brain alterations that basically mean teenage girls the world over, experience every event, every mood like it's on a mega phone, a huge cinema screen, loud and alarming and intense and no wonder that they overreact. As in many things, it's natural, but brutal."

She took a breath.

"It's exhausting, disturbing, and a little bit scary. And then let's heap control of a magical power on top of all that shall we? Can you understand this even a little bit?"

She looked up, the pleading tone not lost upon him. It tugged on his heart and the feelings he kept locked away. For her it just served to increase her feelings of vulnerability, which made her feel even weaker.

He nodded slowly, but did not reply yet, his expression thoughtful.

She continued,

"It would have been nice to know that the first time of course. It might have prevented me from feeling like I was going insane, like many teenagers do. You can imagine what my run through the Labyrinth did to my mental state, and then of course there was the peach…"

Here she stopped, worried she'd gone too far.

But then another thought occurred to her.

"And I hate to say it, but I'm not sure the Council will be impressed if I risk exposing magic simply because teenage development is wreaking havoc with my control."

His shoulder slumped ever so slightly. She had him now.

"Very well, you win Sarah. I can't really imagine all that, but it does sound difficult, and you're right, the Council will probably already be aware. We know we must be careful. You know I am loathe to do it, you've come so far…"

"And I can continue to progress when things are more settled," She finished, flashing him a grateful smile, against which he really couldn't broker any further argument.

"Stand up and give me your hands," He said quickly, clearly deciding to get it all done now. His glamour was gone again, she realised he must need considerable power to do this.

For a moment nothing happened. Jareth was still holding her hands in front of him, his eyes shut, murmuring something she couldn't make out.

But then a brief breeze blew past them. Sarah knew the window was closed. And a small tug from within signified something, though she wasn't sure what until she dared a glance up at him. His Goblin King cape blowing from the invisible wind. He was searching her face for something.

It was then she realised something was off. It was like the muted sound of voices through a wall; the feeling that a piece of herself was now unreachable. The connection to the Labyrinth was still there but so faint now that she could barely detect it. She let out a sigh which almost turned into a sob and she had to stop herself short.

His eyes now expressed concern.

"How do you feel?" He asked tentatively.

"Like part of me is missing," She told him, not quite able to keep the tone of sadness out of her voice. She also found it harder to meet his intense gaze.

"It was for the best," She added quickly, "But, I don't know what I expected,"

"Ahh, yes, it will never be like it was before Sarah. It is part of you and your awareness and harnessing of it has only increased the tangible connection. It's simply muted now. I apologise, I should have warned you."

She nodded, suddenly feeling liked she could sleep for a week. As if running the gauntlet of teenage development once hadn't been enough. This was another unique and special tortuous experience, made just for her. Just further punishment, and a complete pain in the ass.

He tucked her in and let her rest, his eyes lingering only for a moment before he was gone again. His heart felt as torn as she was from her powers. But her insistence that she would continue her studies when she was older gave him hope anew. Perhaps it was a step toward accepting him and life Underground. Or even seeing him as more than a friend. Maybe that was a bit of a stretch but living with this hope was a better alternative to the misery he otherwise imagined.


Her Dad's surprise wedding to Irene ended up being a welcome distraction from everything else. She found it funny to so vividly remember that she'd been disgusted originally. No matter how happy they both seemed to be she'd been revolted when she'd discovered that Irene was pregnant, and they were getting married with some haste.

Now things were different. She was happy for them in a way she'd not ever reached before, and knowing what she knew now, genuinely excited about the baby.

Both Robert and Irene had been shocked to find her so amenable but happily accepted that too. She was a bridesmaid, the dress not overly hideous even for the 80's, and Jay stood with her during the wedding and kept her company afterwards. Though Sarah refused her new step-mothers' suggestions that they get up and dance.

Things were complicated enough without further proximity.

Her fourteenth birthday came around with slightly less pomp and circumstance than the previous one. Jareth had no time to treat her to a trip Underground and with the baby just around the corner she was happy to stay close to the family.

They had arranged a trip to Hartfield House which was an old estate about an hour away. It was an impressive manor house and topiary gardens, also well known for its large hedge maze. Her father had been so pleased with his idea, knowing as he did that Sarah enjoyed history and that special red book and Sarah hadn't the heart to deny him.

Jay had come along too, he had a short time he could dedicate to her birthday, but something was off and they both felt it.

Now her magic was bound Sarah felt slightly disconnected. With so much going on she was becoming more and more introspective and even unreadable as he could be.

She was unsure what she was feeling. With burgeoning hormones and everything else it was hard to say, but most of the time she was all over the place.

All Sarah knew for certain was that when he was around, she was happier. She felt more grounded, and strangely connected to him despite the lack of her own personal power.

But all this did was amplify awkwardness. No matter how she felt, she was still a kid, physically speaking, and that was the end of it. As if teen years weren't complicated and confusing enough. She just about resisted the temptation to wallow in self-pity over the fact that she ought to be enjoying life in her mid-twenties right now. Life and freedom.

When they had returned that day Sarah had found a new charm on her bed; a perfect star. She felt a warmth rush through her. He was always close by; and no matter what inner tempest threatened her equilibrium, that thought always brought her comfort.


Baby Toby arrived to a joyous welcome from all. It was a great improvement on her behaviour all those years ago. The memory was shaming and made her determined to be a good sister from the beginning.

This new family dynamic life was slightly easier to adjust to and while she and Irene were not best buddies, she found they could get along ok most of the time. Sarah felt such a fierce protectiveness over Toby which delighted the adults and reassured them later when she offered to babysit.

She relished the opportunity to share all her favourite stories with him and he seemed to listen even though she knew he didn't understand yet. Sarah didn't resent the babysitting or her brother but cherished him and the time they could spend together.

When the time came several months later, and she recalled the date she had wished him away she and Jay sat and chatted. Her parents were out for the evening and Toby happy and safe in his crib upstairs. They reminisced and Sarah even laughed about some aspects of her run.

"I know technically I've only been a few times but I miss it when I'm home…" She trailed off quietly, a faraway look on her face.

The raw, open look he had trained on her for a second or two after that confession had been hard to bear. Or incredible, she couldn't decide which.

They watched a movie and ordered Chinese food as a treat.

She valued her relationship with Jay despite her burgeoning womanhood (ugh what an awful phrase that was) though it was increasingly difficult at times to maintain a normal atmosphere. Those changes threatened more awkwardness at every turn.

Sometimes she marvelled at the way her perspective had changed too, regarding him most of all. He remained such a good friend, he was there when she needed and respectful when she didn't, when space was what her brain wanted. That made things easier and complicated her feelings at the same time, he did so much for her…

Sarah wasn't entirely surprised that the relative peace was shattered not long afterwards. She wondered later if she had felt it coming. There was a strange quality to the air, at times it almost crackled with energy and much, much, later she realised it had heralded more than just that one event. Changes were coming for them, ones that were leading to a painful and inevitable conclusion.


She was lounging under the oak tree trying to memorize some particularly gruesome equations when a familiar voice broke through her concentration with a resounding and threatening shudder.

"Hello Sarah,"

Those austere tones were impossible to forget, and her head snapped up painfully to see the silhouette of the entity of whom Sarah was most afraid. Her and those she represented.

At once she was grateful that her remaining connection to Jareth meant that he was there seconds later. She'd only had to focus and project an image to him.

Ara, the Council Elder stood before them.

Jareth extended his hand, keeping his steely gaze trained on the woman. Sarah scrambled to her feet, feeling a rising nausea.

"What are you doing here?" Sarah hissed, though she was terrified and fought the defensive urge to shout.

"Now now Sarah," Jareth admonished gently, "You'll have to forgive her," He told the intruder, "Reliving the world of emotions and upheaval that is the realm of a teenage girl's brain has been hard on her, she cannot control certain reactions," He explained, in a vaguely patronising tone.

"Hmm I can see that," Ara replied, no humour to her voice.

"But I will repeat her question, may we ask why you are here?"

Sarah thought she already knew the answer to this.

"My role of guide has never been rescinded, I am here to help." She replied evenly.

Sarah narrowed her eyes but resisted the urge to say something scathing.

"Can we assume, therefore, that you never actually left?" He asked the clearly reciprocal question.

Sarah took a moment to process that and found it only left her feeling worse, like a cloud had suddenly descended.

"It is also my job to monitor Sarah's day to day activities for any potential anomalies. And by extension you as well, since you continue to have such a significant influence on her life."

"Monitoring?" Sarah repeated, "You mean spying,"

Ara continued, ignoring Sarah's barb.

"It is the Council's belief that you require further monitoring, it is a precaution, clearly necessary at times."

"What times? Why can't you just leave me alone?" Sarah asked, her voice beginning to crack in the middle of the question.

And again, Ara all but ignored her and continued,

"I will say that your decision to bind your powers for the moment was perhaps advantageous. But it must not be forever, you must ultimately have absolute control in the long term otherwise…."

Here she let the end of the thought linger, ominously unspoken.

"I must remind you that binding is not complete control." She finished.

Sarah nodded, finding an inner strength, probably fuelled by anger again. But right now, she didn't much care where it came from if it meant she felt stronger and better able to deal with the cow from the Council.

"I know that. And when the time comes, I will have control, in the meantime I would prefer if you didn't contact me unless it's an emergency,"

She spoke with determination and a coldness that Jareth found familiar and strangely alluring. It was no surprise that Sarah wasn't willing to open herself up only to have Ara deceive her again. Whatever understanding they had come to originally had been lost when Sarah discovered the Council's true purpose.

Ara did not reply though her icy expression could have spread a frost on the most glorious summers day. She pursed her lips before turning and walking away.

Sarah and Jareth watched her go until she could no longer be seen on the far side of the park.

When Sarah turned to meet Jareth's gaze it was an odd pensive one that met her worried brow.

The lingering strangeness in the air was as tangible as ever.


So, this took far longer than I anticipated, not surprising since it's ridiculously long, and the run up to Christmas is always crackers and I had absolutely no spare head space for inspiration to finish this chapter. It's been hanging around for far too long but finally, I found some time to devote to it, hooray! Of course, this particular devotion came at the cost of several small mischievous creatures tearing around the house with gleeful post-Christmas abandon, but hey, you can't win 'em all, and sometimes things demand some kind of sacrifice. The house isn't going to look presentable until they go back to school in a weeks time so there's really no point in stressing about it...she says, twitching, trying not to look at it for too long lest it burn into the back of my eyes...ha Honestly have worked hard to let it go, there's really no hope with all these goblins running amok.

The next few chapters, or last few, (we may have found the turning point somewhere) are mapped if not already written so you never know, it might be sooner rather than later.

Part of the next one may be familiar if you've read the one-shot I posted a few months ago. Yup we are finally at that point!

As ever thank you so much for the reviews and comments, it seriously makes my day to know people are reading.

B x

Re-edited March '19