Warning: This is not a chapter

Obviously. The last one ended with 'The End' so… there's that. Also, part of this is a rant. You have been warned.

Onward:

This has been quite the ride, and I'm both touched and amazed at those of you who joined me.

I wanted to take a few moments to speak on a few comments and questions that have been asked over the course of writing this, and to write about a few things I would like you all to know…

1. I have left the end of this story open to a sequel. I know that there are things unresolved. That's on purpose. Just as I'm bored of the atypical *coughTwilightcough* romances, I'm also bored of stories that end as soon as the romance is consummated/the danger is over. I know I kind of did that here, but… there is more to love than just falling in love, or the first weeks/months of being together. Sarah and Jareth are, effectively, immortal. They have a lot to learn about each other and a very long and interesting path ahead of them. Someday I will write about it. It might be a shorter piece but, if the little thoughts I've had lead to anything more than just a few stray ideas, I have the feeling it will be just as long as this story.

(but do keep in mind it took me 11 years to re-write 'Perfect' as promised, so please don't hold your breath)

2. I realize that there were a few things that were completely forgotten as I wrapped up this story, plus some embarrassing word mix-ups and grammar/spelling mistakes. I know I haven't found everything, but I made notes and edits to my main manuscript, and every one of the chapters has now, officially, been updated with the final story. Among the changes made are; no more Fey/Fae mix-ups, more of a lead-in on Sarah's feelings toward Jareth (so her proclamation of love does not seem to come out of the blue), a better explanation of Dionysus's miasma, and an explanation for why Jareth's eyes went all kaleidoscope-y, among many other things too numerous to list. So if you're ever bored and want to re-read it, the story should flow much better now.

3. I tried to keep this story as true to the timeline of Labyrinth (the movie) as possible. I may have made some errors, but in essence I wanted this story to take place around 1999. The (possible) sequel should follow along the same Aboveground timeline.

4. (Warning: rant ahead)

I am bored unto death of romances where the men step in as these muscle and testosterone-laden protectors who constantly save the woman and basically engage in controlling, manipulative, cave-man style behavior. While I know that some of you wanted to see more swooning from Sarah I, as a writer, am tired of reading those stories and doubly tired of writing them.

The character of Sarah in the movie is, yes, immature and irresponsible, but she's strong. She rescues as much as she is rescued, if not more. She's shrewd and intelligent. While she had sort of lost her way when I started this story, she was quickly reminded of the strength she carried as she and Jareth traveled the Labyrinth together. Jareth, I believe, wants a queen at his side that serves as more than arm candy. The goblins follow the strong and the victorious anyway, and they would have lost respect for their monarchy if Jareth had chosen a wilting flower as his queen instead of the strong, ass-kicking Sarah.

As an example, there was a review that said, "I didn't love that Jareth so easily allowed [Sarah] to be involved [in the duel]".

Okay, I love my reviewers, but—allowed? Are you serious?

News flash; people do what they want. If you're ever in an adult relationship where you seriously feel like you are not allowed to do something (especially things you love/need to do), you need to get the hell out. I speak from experience here, people! Good, solid relationships are based off mutual trust and respect. Relationships are not, or should not be, hierarchal. Romantic love is the merger of two individuals who share similar goals and interests while maintaining a level of respect, support for one another, proper boundaries, and hopefully a good amount of hot, steamy sex.

*steps off soap box*

Jareth respects Sarah and understands that she's going to do what she knows to be right. Yes, he stands up for himself and puts his foot down when she talks about raising the kiddo on her own but—really, isn't that how most people who are in love would react? She wasn't entirely convinced of it herself, so it only makes sense that he would be a little pushy. It's the only time I intentionally made him a little more machismo and that was because, hey, she kind of needed to hear it. She was afraid, and he was reminding her that they were in a position of power to protect their little one.

5. If you're ever interested in keeping abreast of my life and times IRL, I have a self-titled blog. Danielle Berggren Dot Com (no spaces, obviously). If'n I ever snatch up one of those oh-so-lucrative publishing deals (that would be sarcasm), you would hear about it there. I write about a lot of real-life drama crap, post artwork, and also post my "legit" fiction. Nothing this long, however.

So thanks to all of you for sticking with me while I've been on this strange and fascinating journey! One final shout-out:

Thank you to the following people who have reviewed while this has been a work in progress: Jatredgirl, MyraValhallah, Honoria Granger, Unnamed Wanderer, Tenjp, Animalwriter, Marie Vance, Kellyn1604, Tioughioga, thelostzelda, Kellyn1604, maraudergurl2010, zaubernuss, TheLifeAndTimesOfANerd, Nicessus, and Rosie. (plus all the Guest posts. I'm not sure if that was many or one)

Special thanks to Jatredgirl, MyraValhallah, Honoria Granger, Unnamed Wanderer, Marie Vance, animal writer, and maraudergurl2010. You've all reviewed consistently if not with every chapter update, and I really, really appreciate all your support and comments as we've moved through this story together.

After experiencing some form or another of writer's block for the last five years, this outpouring of creativity was enlightening and cathartic. I thoroughly enjoyed flexing my literary muscles in this medium.

So, for the last time (this time)…

Love all of you lovelies.

Stay beautiful.

Always,

~Crimson

P.S. - In the end, I wrote 74,704 words (not including author's notes) in this story and, if you include my outtakes, it all totals up to about 89,704 words. All of that in 30 days, which averages 2,490 words per day ('script only) or 2,990 words per day if you count outtakes. (of course I had my good days and my bad days. The best day I wrote 7,337 words and, yes, I keep track of these things)