Chapter Fourteen: Reunions

Jareth had been awake for two days without rest, and it was beginning to catch up with him. The Goblin King's usually bright eyes were surrounded by black circles, and though he still remained alert and as beautiful as ever, one could tell that he was drained of energy and in desperate need of a nap.

The solemn figure currently paced back and forth before the front of his massive canopy bed where Mariya and Sarah laid side by side, fast asleep. Jareth's mind raced from the information he had been researching moments before, and fought back against his weariness in annoyance. Now wasn't the time to rest. He had to find a way to bring his beloved and old nurse back, or his life would be forfeit. Without Sarah and Mariya, there would be no point in continuing his doldrum life. They were the only two people that he loved and he wouldn't give them up without a fight. That much was certain.

Jareth replayed all the events that had transpired earlier, pulling out each detail separately in his mind's eye to examine the little things he might have ignored. Mariya had said that a part of Sarah had been awakened, but to what part? And to what extent? And had the Katlak Beast caused it, or was it something else?

Surely the Viviari Trials hadn't started yet. By all rights such a thing should be impossible, seeing as Jareth hadn't officially claimed Sarah as his Queen. Only when they had married and been mated would his beloved have to face those horrors. And yet, the mythical beast from the Ruler's test had shown itself to both Mariya and Sarah.

Jareth had muttered magic under his breath constantly the first day that they had slept, but very soon he realized that the two sleepers weren't in any imminent danger. Both were breathing evenly and looked peaceful enough. They were the perfect scene of content sleepers, beautiful and serene. But what resided underneath the surface; what was actually happening to them, remained a mystery.

After Mariya had fallen into slumber, Jareth had teleported himself and the old goblin woman to his Royal Chambers, where he had found Sarah in the same condition. He had placed them side by side on the giant bed so he could watch them, and so they would be as physically comfortable as possible. Now two days later, they still slept and showed no signs of waking. And it was driving the Goblin King mad with worry.

A small knock echoed throughout the room, effectively bringing the King out of his taxing contemplation. It was truly a welcome interruption and Jareth was secretly thankful.

"Enter," the King said simply, glancing at the door, though his full attention never left Sarah.

Slowly it creaked open to reveal Mariya's child, Marshus, who gave a deep bow the moment he entered the room. Upon a glance, the King could see that the small goblin had recently been crying, and was overcome by a foreign sense of empathy. He wasn't the only one who had been troubled, since Mariya and Sarah had fallen into the deep slumber. And despite the relief at not being alone in his grief, Jareth felt pity for the child.

Jareth did his next action without thinking and silently moved to Marshus' side. And as he did so, the King slowly placed his arm around the goblin youth's shoulders, and forced a smile to form on his lips.

"Your mother will soon be returned to you, Young Master Grimbold. Of that I, I have no doubt."

Marshus looked up at him with large, bloodshot eyes, and after a moment he nodded. "Thank you, Sire. I will not lose faith. . ."

"Mariya is strong-willed and persistent; besides being the most talented Goblin Mage our realm has seen in an age," Jareth said sincerely, looking down at the child with a gentle, reassuring smile. "You have no reason to fear for her safety, young one. Your mother is more capable than anyone I have ever known."

The Goblin child was quiet as he once more nodded in agreement, and gave his king a smile in return. "She will come back. . . For both of us, sire."

Jareth's eyebrow rose, and the child immediately wrapped his arms around the Royal Fae's waist again. "Mother always thought of you as her son, Majesty. She loves you. . . Just as she loves her other chuvlas. She will return for your sake and mine."

The Goblin King felt his heart tighten at the sentiment before he quickly snapped back into his confident, regal charade. He couldn't be emotional. . . at least not until he was alone.

"Indeed, Master Grimbold. . . You may come and go as you please, and be with your Alta. As long as you are moderately quiet, I have no objection to you staying by her side."

Marshus immediately bowed his head in respect and returned to his formal addressing of his King.

"You are too kind, your Majesty. But I do not think my Alta would want me to sit idly by when there is work to be done."

Jareth nodded to him. "As you wish."

Marshus smiled then and it reached his eyes, before he bowed once more.

"Sire, I have come to tell you that the guests you asked for are here," he said professionally. "They are waiting outside in the corridor."

"Thank you Marshus. Please send them in."

The Goblin youth offered a phrase of agreement before he returned to the hallway and began speaking rapidly to the four figures that waited there. And once he was finished with his explanation, Marshus stepped aside and let the King's guests enter.

The small group of guests were nothing short of strange, by any standards. Though Jareth would never have acknowledged as much.

There was a small dwarfish man with a small cap and clanking bag of jewels, who kept grumbling under his breath. Then a large, sad looking beast with horns like a yak. And bringing up the rear, was a small fox-like creature with long whiskers, who rode atop an old sheep dog with lovely white and gray fur. They would have been a funny sight to see, if they hadn't looked so anxious and distraught upon entering the Royal Apartments. For seeing the emotions shown throughout the room, one would have thought it was a funeral procession, rather than the reunion it truly was.

"Your guests, Majesty," Marshus announced calmly before he turned on his heel and left the room, securely closing the door behind him.

There was a long pause for several awkward minutes before Hoggle broke the silence.

"Where is she, Jareth?"

Jareth lifted an eyebrow, but otherwise didn't seem angry, as he gestured toward the bed where the young girl and his old nurse slept.

"Sarah!" Hoggle gasped in absolute horror, as he quickly waddled over to the bed, and grabbed his friend's hand.

Jareth glared viciously at the dwarf; his voice turning into a violently soft timbre as he said, "I wouldn't do that Hoghead, unless you wish to lose that hand of yours."

"I ain't scared o' you Jareth. Not anymore." Hoggle glared right back at the Goblin King, though his large eyes were foggy from countless unshed tears.. "You wanted us here when Sarah wakes up. An' that's what we're going ta do!"

Jareth studied the dwarf for several unnerving moments, before he surprised everyone in the room, and chuckled goodnaturedly.

"Sarah's stubbornness has rubbed off on you I see."

Hoggle inwardly gulped, as the King continued on with a mirthful shake of his head. Jareth was too unpredictable for comfort, and the sooner Sarah awoke, the better.

"What wrong with Sar-wa?" Ludo moaned sorrowfully, his already huge eyes widening a fraction more.

"She's been enchanted," Jareth answered. "And she won't awake until the Rulers see fit."3

Sir Didymus remained quiet for the first time in his life, and stayed by his place by the door, looking miserable and unsure of himself. A strange and uncharacteristic thing for the overly talkative fox.

Jareth moved the distance of the room and deftly sat in a chair across from Sarah and Hoggle. And once he had become as comfortable as possible, he picked up the old tome he had been reading before. Before Marshus had knocked upon the chamber door, Jareth had been researching magical sleep, and he had every intention of continuing his studies. But before he lost himself to the magical writings, ultimately picking up from where he had left off earlier that morning, the Goblin King shifted his gaze to the three friends who were currently mourning for his beloved.

After looking at each in turn he said simply, "Sarah will be thankful for your presence."

"If she wakes up, that is," Hoggle added wretchedly.

"I'm surprised at you Hoggle." Jareth truly smiled for the first time in two days, faking confidence that had long since abandoned him. "Giving up so easily. Especially after that wonderful display of faith you showed to Sarah when you betrayed me."

Hoggle visibly shook in fright, but didn't say anything. Instead he merely continued to stare at the sleeping girl anxiously. As if looking at her would, make everything turn out alright.

Jareth laughed at the simplicity of the thought as he once more began to read. "I'm glad you're not scared anymore, Hoggle."

It was warm. Too warm.

Mariya moaned as she slowly opened her mud colored eyes. Dimmed light filled her sore eyes and her head pounded painfully against her skull, which made the old goblin woman wince and quickly close them again.

Mariya knew that she couldn't rush herself, not when magic was so obviously being used on her. She should take it easy, go slow and see how she felt in a quarter hour, but with the overwhelming magical warmth trying to ease around her, she decided against it.

After another minute of centering herself, Mariya opened her eyes once more and took in her surroundings.

To the goblin's great surprise, the sight that met her wasn't unfamiliar or strange. Instead of all the dangerous places she had imagined, Mariya was securely tucked into her own bed, in her little cottage just outside the Castle walls. But how on earth had she gotten there? And why was someone else's powers swarming her like a mutt looking for scraps?

The last thing she remembered before blacking out was Jareth's face looking down at her anxiously, inquiring about Lady Sarah. But that couldn't be the last thing that had happened. Somehow, someway she had been brought home. . . And yet . . . she wondered if it was her home?

Mariya decided not to resign to any singular theory until she had found Sarah and talked to her King. And if this was indeed some type of illusion or the result of spellbinding gone awry, she would take it in stride and do her sworn duty. She would find Lady Sarah, and protect her from any dangers that were waiting, as she should; being the King's Royal attendant, and called upon Goblin Mage of the Underground.

With great effort, the old goblin woman propped herself into a sitting position, and looked around the entire room once more. If this was a magical replica, it was the best craftsmanship she had ever seen. Everything was spot on. Nothing was out of place, no surprises in store. Which made Mariya once more wonder what was going on.

The handmade quilt her mother had given her so long ago- inlaid with real flowers and bits of ritual twine- laid on her bed tucked neatly into the corners, just as she had left them earlier that morning. All of her books and assorted magical items were all in their place on their proper shelves; along with the lifelike portraits that lined the simple, gray stone walls. There was a portrait of each of her children and family members. It was a constant reminder of what was important. An eternal remembrance of those she held dear.

Mariya gazed fixedly at the portraits, as she ran her left hand over her neck in a slow sweeping motion. The pain subsided almost immediately as she healed herself, which was a very good turn of events. If she was going to have to fight, she couldn't be feeling like a broken mass of shriveled old bones. Mariya repeated the healing touch once more for good measure, but this time she swept her hand over her forehead. Her body and mind had to be on the same page if she was meant to carry out her duties to the best of her abilities.

She stood from the bed once she was feeling back to her normal self, and exited from her room with silent steps.

Mariya walked through the dark house, and lifted an eyebrow as a flicker of light shone from the corner of her vision. It was coming from the direction of the sitting room, which could only mean that the glow was from that of a fire lit in the grate. The goblin made the decision to confront the intruder, before she had time to second guess. So without further consideration or planning, Mariya calmly stepped into the main room of her cottage.

The room consisted of a large stone alcove with a high ceiling, and a slanted floor, but was quite cozy by most standards. Furniture filled the space comfortably, and the cobbled stones of the floor had been polished to shine like tarnished silver.

The fireplace that was built into the far wall crackled in welcome to the mistress of the home. But the simple beauty of her home, was lost to Mariya as her eyes focused on the lone figure that stood thoughtfully next to the grate.

Mariya tensed as her suspicions were proven correct. It wasn't one of her children that waited in the cottage, but a stranger in the appearance of a Fae.

Pushing back the anxiousness she felt, the old goblin woman summoned her own magic into one of her wrinkly palms. Even though the shift of the ancient power would ruin her chance at surprising her unknown guest, Mariya wasn't taking any chances. If he was here to do harm, she wouldn't hesitate in attacking him.

Mariya steeled herself as the lithe Fae turned to face her- preparing herself for anything- but as his face came into sight, lined by the firelight, the old goblin lost control of the magic in her hand. For it was a pair of familiar light green eyes met hers. A pair of light green eyes that she had thought to be lost forever.

"Mariya," the intruder greeted gently, giving her a soft smile that said more than words ever could. "How do you feel?"

Mariya stiffened though this time it wasn't from fear, and felt a stray tear trickle down her weather cheek. She knew that voice. She would always know that voice. No one could fake it for replicate it. Not now, nor ever. Not when she had been bonded to its owner for the better part of a millennium.

"You are dead," she whispered sorrowfully.

The figure continued to smile, but it didn't touch his eyes. "That I am."

The two were silent for several long minutes, though it was far from uncomfortable. The two had spent many such occasions in the past, merely basking in one-another's company.

"How can this be?" Mariya asked quietly, her muddy colored eyes wistful and yet full of unspoken hope. "If you have fully passed to the High Realm of the Rulers, how are you here?"

"Sarah William's quest can only be accomplished by her alone," the green eyed Fae explained. "You cannot aid her, or show her what she needs to know in order to take her true place as Queen. So, the girl is getting her knowledge from the woman who was almost the Goblin Queen."

Mariya felt her eyes grow wide, before a smile grew on her worn face, showing off the dimples that lined her jawline. "Lillian is teaching Sarah?"

The figure nodded.

"Good," the goblin woman said sincerely. "There is no one that could better prepare her for what is to come."

Then Mariya paused, before asking the question that was most pressing. "Are we in a lower plain of the High Realm?"

The figure shook his head. "No, my dear little goblin; you are not dead. Merely asleep, until Sarah is sent back."

"Why didn't the Rulers send me back to my wakeful state? Back to the King if all is well?" Mariya asked.

The lithe Fae now moved away from the fireplace and slowly closed the distance between them. And as he stood directly in front of Mariya, he lovingly took her wrinkled hands in his own blemish-free ones.

"I couldn't let the chance pass me by, to see you again. . . I beseeched the Rulers to let you stay with me, for the duration of Lillian's consultation to Sarah."

Mariya pulled her hands from the Fae and wrapped her arms around him. And as the goblin hugged him, she noted that both their cheeks were tear-streaked.

"I have missed you, Belkan," Mariya whispered, her voice choked with emotion, as she pressed her cheek into the warm of his chest.

"And I you, Mariya. More than I could ever say."

The two stood embracing each other for what seemed like hours, for neither were in a hurry to move from the warmth of one-another. Because for the first time in several years, both were content. Wife had mourned Husband, and Husband had missed wife.

Belkan placed a gentle kiss to Mariya's white hair, as he asked, "How are our children?"

"They are doing well. . . But they have suffered from loss, the same as I have."

"Tell me."

"They have missed you, Belkan, on top of all the other struggles they have to face. . ." Mariya paused as the touchy subject got to her. Her chuvlas had always been excluded and treated differently because of their heritage.

"There is still prejudice because they are both Fae and Goblin," Belkan stated, studying his wife with solemn eyes.

"Yes."

"It was never going to be easy, my love," the Fae said tenderly.

"No," the Goblin woman agreed. "But it was worth it."

"Yes. Well worth it." Belkan smiled, and then his face melded into a wistful expression. "I am sorry I cannot be with you to raise our little ones."

Belkan bent his forehead, so that his smooth, untouched brow leaned against her old, wrinkly one.

Mariya looked up at the beautiful Fae in front of her; long brown hair, fair skin, and bright green eyes that hinted at a healthy forest in spring. Despite their differences- her flaws of old age, and his everlasting beauty- the two were still as connected as they had been when Belkan had lived. It seemed like the Rulers were as kind as the writings said, and the afterlife was fair. A wonderful assurance to the small goblin woman, who had been mourning for her life-mate.

"Belkan, you never left me."

"I'll never leave you," the Fae corrected before he leaned down to give his wife a chaste kiss. And once they had pulled away, Belkan peppered the wrinkled, face of his beloved goblin bride with more butterfly kisses. "I love you, Mariya."

"I love you," Mariya vowed as more happy tears traced her beaming face. "And I always will."

A/N: Being a mixed child myself, I thought it would be interesting to explore the idea of mythical races dealing with something as petty as racism. More info on Belkan's and Mariya's relationship will be revealed near the end of the story. I love them too much for this to be their last appearance. ^^