This chapter was so much fun to write! I don't own any of the songs, but I certainly enjoy all of them! I had originally hoped to get this chapter out around Christmas time, but seeing as it's already February, I guess it's a little late for that! Oh well! Happy late Christmas Eve! Enjoy, and please review!
Chapter Twenty-Eight: When Men of Good will live in peace
"Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa Claus is coming…to town!"
Sarah did a pirouette around the immense tree in the center of the Fae throne room, tossing tinsel as she went, her feet never wanting to stop. She sang along with the Jackson Five, rejuvenated and invigorated from her few days spent at home, her radio from home running off of batteries in the corner. She was so joyful and excited, so thrilled that it was Christmas Eve and she had a whole immense room to decorate. Jareth had kindly provided her with great piles of Christmas decorations before he had left her to her decorating, insisting that he leave and make further preparations for the evening.
She had been somewhat surprised by his reaction when she asked him where Angeletta was. A strange look, one she had never seen on his face, appeared and then disappeared as quickly as it had come before he folded his arms across his chest and said simply that he didn't know. Perhaps she wouldn't come.
"She'll come," Sarah told herself as she waltzed around the tree, admiring the small amount of tinsel that she had just distributed.
"What is this song?" A voice asked, and Sarah spun gracefully to see Angeletta standing at the far end of the room in the entrance doorway, her eyebrows arched.
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town! It's a classic!" Sarah laughed and jogged over to her. "I'm so glad you came! Jareth didn't seem certain that you would be coming," she said as she threw her arms around Angeletta. "You look wonderful! I'm so glad you were able to recover!"
"Jareth isn't here, is he?" Angeletta asked, searching the room with her eyes as she stepped inside.
"No. He has business to attend to concerning this evening."
"Good," Angeletta said with a sigh of relief. "How was your time back home?"
"Oh, it was wonderful! Here, take some tinsel and decorate with me. I'll tell you all about it," Sarah grinned, giving Angeletta large handfuls of silver tinsel.
"How do I use this?" Angeletta asked, gazing at the material in her hands.
"Just throw it on the tree. Dance around and toss it wherever you like," Sarah sang, twirling again and throwing the tinsel at the tree.
"I've never heard such music before. Where is the singer?" Angeletta asked, daintily throwing the tinsel into the air.
"The singers aren't actually here. The music is coming from my radio. Stop being so dainty," Sarah giggled, taking Angeletta's hand in hers. "Dance with me. Come on!"
"I don't know how to dance to this!" Angeletta laughed as Sarah dragged her closer to the tree.
"You just move however you like," Sarah said.
Angeletta watched as Sarah skipped about, throwing tinsel and twirling. She couldn't help but grin and then start twirling herself.
"Like this?" She asked, flinging the tinsel into the air.
"Yes! You've got it!" Sarah laughed. "I had a great time at home, Angeletta. I called Karen and apologized for my rotten behavior, and she and Dad gave me a whole bunch of money to spend for Christmas. I finished several of my Christmas presents. I can't wait to see what you think of yours! Oh, forget decorating the tree for a minute! I want to dance!" She grabbed Angeletta's hands and then began to perform something like the electric slide.
"What in the whole of the Underground are you doing?" Angeletta asked.
"This is how we dance back home," Sarah giggled. "I think I have the Twist in my tape player. Let me see."
She let go of Angeletta just long enough to see that she did indeed have a tape of her favorite dance songs in her tape player. She turned the tape on and then grabbed Angeletta's hands.
"Here we go!" She laughed and began to move as the song started.
"Come on baby, let's do the Twist! Come on baby let's do the twist! Take me by my little hand, and go like this!"
Angeletta couldn't stop laughing as she watched Sarah twist her body.
"You're a dancer, Angeletta! Don't make me dance by myself!" Sarah grinned.
The two began to dance, twirling about, twisting, and spinning while holding on to each other's hands, and nearly falling down with laughter. They swung and slid as The Twist moved into The Hop, dancing in complete merriment around the tree.
Neither Sarah nor Angeletta saw Jareth enter the room, his eyes widening with surprise when he saw both women laughing uproariously and dancing in a way he had never danced before. They didn't take any notice of him as they spun past, throwing more tinsel and paper.
A piece of tinsel landed on Jareth's nose, and he cleared his throat loudly. It took him a second time before Angeletta turned and saw him. She gasped and stopped dancing, Sarah colliding into her. Both girls fell to the floor, Sarah scrambling to turn off the radio as soon as they landed.
"Your majesty!" Sarah sputtered, cheeks turning red with embarrassment. "How long were you standing there?"
Jareth did his best to look firm, standing in the doorway, his arms folded across his chest and one lone piece of long tinsel hanging from his nose.
"I took the liberty," he spoke, "of bringing your friends to assist you, Sarah."
Sarah couldn't think of anything to say. How foolish she must have appeared to him! How childish and impudent!
Angeletta chuckled softly and Sarah turned to look at her. The woman's eyes were glittering with delight, and Sarah whispered to her.
"What is it? What's so funny?"
"The tinsel!" Angeletta giggled, her laughter becoming louder. "It's very becoming, Jareth!"
"I beg your pardon?" he scowled. "You think this is funny? The King of the Fae standing here before his subjects from the Labyrinth with two women laughing at him?"
"Oh stop!" Angeletta laughed, her hands clinging to her stomach. "Oh, it hurts too much! Look at him, Sarah! The King of the Fae with tinsel dripping from his nose!"
Angeletta's laughter was contagious, and before she could stop herself, Sarah burst out laughing along with her.
"He does look rather silly, doesn't he?" she laughed, falling to the floor next to Angeletta and clinging to her stomach.
Jareth smiled slightly, still trying desperately to look firm, and wiped the tinsel off his nose. He then walked over to where the girls were rolling around laughing on the floor and knelt next to them.
"Are you quite finished?" he asked.
"I…think…so," Angeletta gasped, lying on the floor, still holding her stomach.
"Very well then. I also had a request from the children. They would like to come decorate the room with you, since they will not be able to attend the celebration this evening," Jareth said, offering his hands to both women.
"Why not?" Sarah asked, taking his hand as Angeletta took his other one.
"It is tradition for the parents and the children to remain separate during parties," Jareth said, pulling Angeletta and Sarah to their feet. "But the children do want to decorate."
"Of course they can," Sarah smiled. "Where are they?"
"Waiting in the hallway with Ludo, Sir Didymus and Hogbrain. Shall I let them in?" Jareth asked.
"Oh, definitely!"
"Come in!" Jareth called, and the throne room doors opened again.
Children streamed into the room, eyes wide with amazement as they looked up at the towering Christmas tree, covered in tinsel.
"Will you stay to help us, Jareth?" Angeletta asked, her voice soft and inviting.
"No. I must prepare the servants for this evening," he answered, shaking his head.
"Wait a minute before you leave," Angeletta implored, stepping over to him. "You may not want to leave the room with this in your hair."
She reached up and gently pulled two strands of tinsel from his hair. Jareth took her hand in his for a moment, eyes burning deeply into hers, before he released her and then left the room.
"Angeletta," Sarah whispered, coming to her friend's side. "What happened between the two of you? Something is different."
"I don't think much is different, Sarah," Angeletta said with a smile. "We are just finally learning to tolerate each other. Come, let us decorate."
The children had a delightful time decorating the immense throne room. Ludo lifted several of them up to the balconies to decorate, and they giggled and laughed from his shoulders. Sir Didymus commanded the decorating operation, pointing out exactly where everything was to go. Even Hoggle stepped out of his usually harsh demeanor and enjoyed himself. By the time the throne room was finished, all of the creatures from the Underground had learned "Frosty the Snowman," "Jingle Bell Rock," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," and several other Christmas carols by heart.
Jareth stepped back into the throne room a short while after the throne room was finished, bringing many servants along with him. He gave them several instructions and then walked over to where Sarah and Angeletta stood admiring the tree.
"It appears that you and the children had a magnificent time," he said, looking over the tree that was full of light and color.
"We did," Sarah nodded.
"Guests will be arriving in an hour. I suggest you both prepare yourselves for the evening. Tonight we will have all of the adults from the Fae lands and the Labyrinth with us. Tomorrow night we will celebrate Christmas with just the palace occupants. Angeletta, you are welcome to join the celebration," Jareth said.
"I think I may stay here for that," Angeletta curtseyed.
"Hogwart, show Lady Angeletta and Lady Sarah to their chambers," Jareth ordered, turning to Hoggle. "Then prepare yourself for the evening. Angeletta, Sarah, I shall personally escort you to the celebration this evening, seeing as it would be the appropriate thing to do."
"Yes Sire," Hoggle nodded and then looked up at Sarah and Angeletta. "This way."
"It seems he was expecting me to stay," Angeletta commented as Hoggle led her and Sarah out of the room.
"You are his slave now. Of course he knew you would stay," Sarah said sadly.
"He freed me, Sarah."
"He did what?" Sarah gasped, looking to the side at Angeletta as they walked down a long corridor and then came to a grand staircase.
"He freed me. He was sorry for all of the grief he had caused me, so he freed me," Angeletta said calmly.
"That's amazing! I never thought Jareth would apologize for anything," Sarah said.
"That's the same thing I think I about it," Angeletta nodded.
"Sarah, your room is here," Hoggle said, stopping in front of a large door.
"Jareth never ceases to surprise me," Sarah said, shaking her head as she opened her door. "I will see you in an hour, Angeletta."
Angeletta nodded and then followed Hoggle further down the corridor. He stopped in front of a great flight of winding stairs and then looked up at her.
"Your chambers are in the tower," he said quickly. "I will leave you now."
"Wait," Angeletta said, taking hold of his arm. "Why am I all the way up in the tower?"
"I don't know. I just do what he says," Hoggle shrugged and then left her.
Angeletta began to climb the stairs, very uncertain as to why she was being sectioned off from the rest of the palace. She knew, from the outer appearance of the great building, that the towers were not towers like those in the Goblin City, which soared high above the rest of the castle, but were instead large rooms simply kept away from the rest of the building. Why, though, would Jareth want to send her to one of those?
She arrived at an intricately carved wooden door and hesitantly opened it.
Sunlight filled the entire room, and Angeletta stepped inside, her mouth open with fascination. She was in the largest, most beautiful room she had ever seen. Light colors filled the room, and Angeletta touched everything, the fabric on her bed, and the soft leather on her furniture, in awe. She moved over to the immense doorway that was open at the far end of the room, letting in the sunlight, and stepped out onto a large balcony. Her heart nearly leaped into her throat when she found herself standing hundreds of feet above the ocean, nothing in sight except for the great foaming waves.
She closed her eyes as a warm ocean breeze drifted over her, her heart flooded with emotion. He had put her here purposefully. But why? It was all so confusing! Did he truly love her, or was he only trying to prove that he was sorry for the wrongs he had done? She couldn't understand his feelings or the way he was treating her, and a shiver of fear mixed with a shiver of delight. He was so powerful and intimidating, and yet, in the recesses of Angeletta's mind, he was so wonderful and thoughtful.
An hour passed, and Jareth knocked on Sarah's door. She opened it expectantly and stepped out, smiling at him beautifully.
"Good evening, Jareth," she said, taking his arm and letting him lead her down the great staircase to the throne room.
"Good evening. You look charming this evening, Sarah," Jareth complimented as they approached the throne room.
"Thank you. Is Angeletta in the throne room yet?"
"No. I haven't yet retrieved her."
"Jareth, she told me that you set her free. That was extremely generous of you. Why did you do it?" Sarah asked, stopping him before they entered the crowded room.
"Sarah, my reasons are my own," he answered firmly, eyes gazing down into hers.
She scrutinized his gaze and then nodded slowly.
"I understand," she said quietly, a small smile on her lips. "You love her."
"What? Nonsense!" Jareth snorted, frowning. "How can one possibly love someone who has been his enemy for hundreds of years?"
"Jareth," Sarah pleaded, tightening her hold on his arm. "Don't let her go."
"I beg your pardon?" he scowled.
"You try so hard to be stern, and you can be so cruel, but don't let her go, I beg you. You've been alone for so long, Jareth. It's high time somebody came into your life and stayed."
"I never said I loved her, Sarah. I asked for her forgiveness and set her free, but I said nothing about love."
"You may not have spoken the words," Sarah nodded, looking at the door. "But your eyes say it all, as do your actions. Were it not for your pride, you would follow her on your hands and knees, kissing each spot that she steps on. You may be hard on the outside, but on the inside, where it counts, you want very much to show her how you feel. Your pride won't let you, and if you don't put that pride down, you'll lose her, just like you've lost everything else."
She didn't dare to look at him after such a bold declaration, and to her relief, he didn't say anything. He opened the throne room doors for her and then led her inside. She was announced to all of the guests, and then he led her over to Arylyn.
"Your majesty! Sarah! Such a pleasure to see you!" Arylyn exclaimed, bowing to Jareth and Sarah. "How lovely you look, Sarah! Tell me, where is my daughter?"
"I am about to bring her," Jareth said, releasing Sarah's arm. "Sarah, I leave you here with Arylyn. I will return shortly."
"Jareth, don't let her go," Sarah whispered as he turned away.
Even his body looked stiff as he walked to the throne room doors and then disappeared from sight.
Jareth arrived at the staircase that led to Angeletta's chamber and then produced a crystal. He saw her standing on her balcony, eyes closed against the setting sun, long hair brushing gently over her shoulder, and then willed himself to appear behind her.
Angeletta was too lost in thought and comfort to hear him arrive behind her. The sun was so warm against her face and the ocean breeze moved like a caress over her fair skin.
Jareth took several seconds to compose himself, his heart racing frantically, before he took a step towards her.
"Is it time to leave already?" Angeletta asked, her eyes still closed as he stopped behind her.
"Yes. Enjoying the scenery?"
"It is so peaceful here. I feel as though I am completely unattached from this world," Angeletta said softly. "Thank you, Jareth. I know you planned this room specifically for me."
"Did I now?" he asked.
"Yes. You left your trademark in my room."
"And what would that be?"
"The rose from the Aboveground."
Words left Jareth, and he stood quietly, waiting for Angeletta to speak. She didn't say anything but slowly stepped back, trying to pull herself away from the magnificent scene.
"I could stay right here forever," she whispered and then turned to look up at him.
There was something in his eyes that made her shudder, and she looked away uncomfortably.
"You came to bring me to the celebration? I am ready," she said.
"Yes," Jareth said, clearing his throat and offering her his arm. She took it and they both disappeared.
They arrived at the doors to the throne room, and the doors opened for them. Angeletta was announced, and she looked forward as they stepped into the room, feeling Jareth's gaze still resting on her. Her eyes wandered through the room, for she was trying desperately to shake off the feelings of warmth and longing that were flowing through her, and she took time to admire the great lights hanging from the balconies. The Christmas tree was in its full glory, and Fae, goblins, and other creatures were dancing slowly around it. The balconies were filled with tables and guests who were sitting down, preferring good conversation to dancing. Long tables lined the sides of the dance floor, next to the windows, full of food and crowded with hungry creatures. Angeletta caught sight of Sarah and Arylyn standing near one of the tables, and she pulled her arm away from Jareth's.
"Well," she said nervously. "There's Sarah. Excuse me, Sire."
Jareth watched her go and then shook his head in frustration. The feelings that had coursed through his body he knew were far more powerful than simply admiration, but he didn't know how to express them and still appear to be the mighty king that he was. He inwardly berated himself for making Angeletta uncomfortable, and then he stepped onto the dance floor and was immediately surrounded by women.
Sarah saw the interaction that had just passed between Jareth and Angeletta. She had noticed his admiring look with which he had gazed at Angeletta. She pretended not to have noticed, however, as Angeletta approached her.
"Glorious evening, isn't it?" Angeletta asked, putting her arms around Arylyn. "Hello Father."
"Hello, Darling. Rumor has it that Jareth freed you of your bondage to him," Arylyn smiled, hugging her.
"Where did these rumors start?" Angeletta frowned.
"They have been spreading through the room ever since the celebration started," Sarah explained. "There's isn't a need to worry about it, though. Isn't it beautiful in here? I think we all did a splendid decorating job."
"That we did," Angeletta nodded with a smile.
Sarah felt a tap on her shoulder, and she turned to see Ludo standing behind her, smiling broadly.
"Sarah dance with Ludo?" Ludo rumbled.
"Of course!" Sarah laughed and then took Ludo's hands in hers.
Angeletta watched Sarah and Ludo move away and then turned to the refreshment table next to her. She picked up a glass of liquid and took a sip, her hand shaking slightly as she did so.
"Angeletta," Arylyn said quietly, taking the glass from her before she spilled the drink on herself. "What is it, child?"
"Did you see the look he was giving me when we entered the room?" Angeletta asked, her voice trembling. "Father, what did it mean? Why does he constantly look at me like that but never tell me anything? He's looked at me like that for the past hundred years, but I've never felt the way I do now! Have I done something wrong?"
"I saw his expression, yes," Arylyn nodded, taking one of her hands in his. "He loves you, Angeletta. He won't say it, for he's too proud and hard-headed, but everyone in this room could see that."
"Why does he love me? Why, after I've made him so miserable for so long?" Angeletta whispered, watching as Jareth danced past, a thin, flirtatious woman in his arms.
"That is something he will have to tell you in his own timing."
An hour passed before Sarah stopped dancing and walked over to Jareth.
"Sire?" she asked, putting a hand on his arm.
Jareth stopped dancing for a moment and gazed down at her.
"Yes, Sarah?"
"I have a great request for you."
"And what would that be?" Jareth asked, scowling as his partner put her head on his shoulder.
"Would you care to sing for us?"
"No, I would not."
"Okay," Sarah said with a shrug, trying not to grin as she spoke her next words. "Angeletta will just have to sing a solo then." She walked away from Jareth, smiling as she heard him excuse himself from his partner.
"Sarah," he said in exasperation, stopping her. "You cannot just walk away on a king like that. What are you up to?"
"I asked Angeletta to sing for me, but I asked her to sing a duet, and considering you are the only man here that I know can sing, I thought I'd ask you to accompany her," Sarah shrugged.
"You chose a duet, of all things?" Jareth frowned.
"Yes. I saw that the throne room had a piano, and while I'm not a master at the piano, I do know how to play. So I brought a very famous Christmas song with me and thought I'd get you and Angeletta to sing it while I play. It's a very pretty piece, Jareth, and I think it would thrill your people if you sang. No one will think anything of you and Angeletta singing together. You are the only two Fae, aside from Arylyn, that I really know. Would you please sing, Jareth?"
Jareth looked towards the piano in the corner of the room to see a large crowd gathering, waiting to hear Angeletta sing. Singing was something he found great pleasure in, but wouldn't it look odd if he sang with Angeletta?
"Jareth, I promise, it won't look out of sorts," Sarah said, taking his arm. "Please?"
"Oh, very well," Jareth sighed and then walked with her to the piano. He took his place next to Angeletta and watched as Sarah made herself comfortable on the piano bench.
"This should be most interesting," Angeletta whispered to him as Sarah opened her sheet music.
"I always did say she was a clever girl. She's either trying to please the people or show me something that I refuse to acknowledge," Jareth frowned, folding his arms over his chest.
"I haven't sung in front of anyone since I was last in New York," Angeletta said, biting her lip.
"I'm ready," Sarah said, a sparkle of delight in her eyes as she smiled at Angeletta.
She began to play, and Angeletta and Jareth began to sing. Shivers quivered through both of them as their voices blended together, matching perfectly in harmony and balance.
"Come they told me pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
A new-born king to see pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
Our finest gifts we bring pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
Ra-pam-pam-pam ra-pam-pam-pam."
Jareth took a deep breath before he and Angeletta broke into their separate pieces, her voice soft and comforting, his louder with more power.
"Peace on earth, can it be?
Years from now, perhaps we'll see.
See the day of glory.
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace,
Live in peace again.
Peace on earth
Can it be?"
A complete hush filled the room. The only sounds audible were the piano, Angeletta, and Jareth. Their voices came together again, and everyone could feel an amazing power filling the room.
"Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can."
Angeletta looked up at Jareth and smiled as they broke into their separate pieces again. She hadn't sung with another person since the last time she had performed in New York! It felt so good to be singing again!
"I
pray my wish will come true
For my child and your child too
He'll
see the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in
peace, live in peace again.
Peace on Earth, can it be?"
His eyes burned into Angeletta's as they finished the song, both their voices soft and truly questioning as they sang their last line.
"Can it be?"
Sarah stood up and immediately began to applaud, Arylyn and the rest of the audience joining in.
Angeletta found, quite suddenly, that she couldn't breath. She was in love with him. Her whole body said it as she shivered in his gaze. Her heart felt like it would burst with the feelings that were overpowering it.
Quickly, she made her way through the crowd, nodding politely and smiling to those who complimented her. She needed air, needed somewhere to think and sort through her conflicting emotions.
Jareth watched her go and then turned to Sarah with a small smile.
"That was performed well, Sarah. I never knew you could play the piano."
"Will she be alright? What happened?" Sarah said worriedly.
"She will be fine, Sarah. She just needs time to think things over. I believe she just realized what her heart has been trying to tell her all along," Arylyn said, putting a hand meaninfully on Jareth's shoulder.
Jareth nodded and then looked to the throne room doors, which were just closing.
He loved her in return. It was just a matter of time before he told her.
