We're getting close to being done, everybody. I will miss writing this story, but it has been fun! Let's see what Toby has in store for him and what is this 'plan' Jareth spoke of?
"Remember, Toby, no matter what happens, I will always love you and think you are the most brave, wonderful and super cool little brother in the whole world. I am so proud of you for everything you did," Sarah had tears in her eyes as she held her brother close.
"Sarah, it's time for Toby to go home."
"I know Jareth, I just don't like that things have to be this way." She gave Toby a parting hug and reluctantly let go.
Jareth knelt down to look directly into the little boy's eyes. "Toby, I know you don't want to forget everything, but you have to trust me. Everything is going to turn out fine," he said, placing a firm hand on Toby's shoulder. In a lower voice, so that only Toby could hear, he said, "Do you still have the sword in your backpack?"
"Yeah," the boy sniffed, eyes and nose red from crying. "But I don't see what good it's going to be when I'm gone."
"Well, I told you to practice your sword-fighting in order to get really good. You won't be able to practice without a real sword."
"But I'm not gonna remember anything!" The boy wailed.
"Trust me Toby," Jareth whispered with a wink. "You will." Jareth flashed one last mischievous grin at the little boy and stood up. "All right Phainon, he's ready."
"Good. Come, Toby. It's time to send you home."
Toby gave one last sorrowful glance at his sister and the Goblin King, both of which gave him an encouraging smile. Sarah tried her best to hide her tears; she didn't want to upset Toby even further. Jareth put his arm around her reassuringly. He gently kissed her hairline and softly reminded her of the plan they had in mind.
"I know Jareth, but what if it goes wrong?"
"It won't," Jareth replied, his eyes flashing confidently. "Since when have you known the Goblin King to not get what he wants?"
"What if the Court finds out?" Sarah said fearfully.
"Then we'll face it together. Right now, let's just focus on Toby."
Toby stood dejectedly in front of the High Arbiter, his head slumped between his shoulders and his little fists clenched defiantly at his side. He felt very much like he was being punished for throwing rocks at the window or pulling the dog's tail, though in fact, he had done nothing wrong. He hated that he was too young to do anything about what was happening to him. He felt so helpless to change things. I wasn't even able to get Sarah out; I got captured. And now they're sending me home and taking away my memory. I won't be able to remember Rook or Ludo or Didymus or even Jareth! It's just not fair! Toby tried to be strong and keep from crying. Jareth had told him to be a strong man for Sarah and he was trying with all his might to do just that. He didn't want to make Sarah sad.
"Don't I at least get to say goodbye to my friends?" Toby asked the man in front of him. "I don't want to leave without telling them how much fun I had with them."
"We thought you might ask that, Toby," Opalia said kindly and with a wave of her hand, a young page left the room, only to return a few minutes later followed by a trio of strange creatures. An orange beast towered over the white-tuniced page, his monstrous jaws set in a wide-mouthed grin. Beside the beast, a dwarfish fellow with a wrinkled face and large eyes shuffled alongside a fox astride a shaggy white sheepdog. Hiding behind the hairy giant was a fourth figure invisible due to his small stature: a black rooster with a red coxcomb strutting nonchalantly, as if unaware of how strange the foursome looked to the assembly room.
"Ludo! Hoggle! Sir Didimus! And Rook, too! Oh I'm so glad I get to see you all before I leave." Overjoyed, the boy ran into the open arms of his friends, only to be joined by his sister and the Goblin King in a truly joyous reunion.
Toby introduced Rook to Sarah while Jareth watched with an amused smile. He, of course, recognized the rooster as the one frequently picked on by the goblins in his throne room. That it could not only speak, but had the intelligence to help Toby on his quest to save Sarah appealed to his impish sense of humor. He half-wondered why the bird didn't peck the goblins' eyes out to repay their torment, but one never knows what goes on in a chicken's mind, so he let the matter drop away like so much dirt from his breeches.
After a generous portion of reenactments of heroics followed by sorrowful partings, the group made ready to see Toby off. Phainon took the child by the hand and Sarah thought she could detect a trace of regret pass over the Arbiter's calm features, but it was swiftly replaced with placid determination. He waved his hand and a long, oval mirror appeared directly in front of Toby. It's base touched the floor and its height stood taller than Phainon himself.
"This is your way home, Toby. When you pass through this portal, you will awake in your own world, remembering nothing of what has transpired here. Are you ready?"
Toby gave one final wave—falsely cheerful and devastatingly brief—and shouted, "Bye Sarah, I love you."
"I love you too, Toby!" Sarah called out. Toby took a deep breath, hefted his backpack a little higher on his shoulders, and as he stepped through the mirror, all he heard was Sarah calling his name, the echo reverberating sadly in the depths of his soul.
I love you too, Toby. Toby. Toby. Toby….
"Toby," a feminine voice rang out near his head. "Toby wake up."
A dream lingered on the fringes of Toby's consciousness, teasing him and running away. He tried to catch it—Sarah, a maze, a king? A talking chicken. Toby shook his head to clear away the cobwebs, it must have been a crazy dream if it involved Sarah and a talking chicken, but he couldn't remember anything of it now that he was fully awake. He turned lazy eyes to his mother and whined, "But mom, it's Saturday! I don't want to get up now. Can't I sleep in?"
"Don't grouse at me like that, young man. Now get up, you have a visitor downstairs."
"Who is it?" Grumbled the boy, desirous to know who would have the audacity to cut short his morning sleep on a Saturday of all days.
"It's your sister, silly boy!
"Sarah?" Toby's eyes widened in delight.
"Yes, Sarah. What other sister do you have? Now get up, get dressed and comb your hair. Sarah is waiting for you. She has news."
Suddenly wide-awake, Toby bolted out of bed. "Sarah!" He hurriedly grabbed a pair of shorts and his favorite batman shirt, ran a quick comb through his hair and practically vaulted down the stairs.
"Sarah, Sarah Sarah!" He yelled, jumping up and down excitedly. "I missed you!"
Sarah was seated at the kitchen table with their father. Her hair was shorter than he remembered it being the last time he saw her, but otherwise she looked the same. She winked at him playfully and opened her arms wide for him to rush in for a breath-taking hug, "Geez, Toby, don't squeeze so hard! It really hasn't been that long since I've seen you."
"It's been almost a whole month since you last came over!"
"Has it really been that long? It feels like I just saw you yesterday," she winked at him again as he sat down to eat his breakfast and Toby sensed she was trying to communicate something important to him.
"Robert," Karen said, entering the room. "Would you pour Sarah some coffee and grab a glass of milk for Toby from the fridge?"
"Done and done, darling!" Robert beamed proudly, pointing to Sarah's steaming mug and Toby's green glass sitting next to his plate of pancakes. "See Sarah? I'm starting to get the hang of these things now. I tell you what, ten years of marriage can change a man!" Robert cast his second wife a devoted look that made Toby gag. Sarah kicked him under the table and rolled her eyes at him in jest. He stuck his tongue out, forcing Sarah to retaliate with a wacky face of her own. Knowing it would only escalate from there, Robert coughed loudly and turned to face his eldest child. "So Sarah, what did you want to talk to us all about? Seems pretty important if you're bringing together the whole family."
"It is, Dad," Sarah blushed faintly and pulled her left hand from where it had been resting under the table. A small crystal sphere the size of a large pearl was perched atop a glittering gold band. Surrounding the iridescent globe, small diamonds sparkled, reflecting even the dim light of the shaded fluorescent bulb dangling above their heads. "I'm getting married."
Robert and Karen stared; the only sound in the room was that of Toby's fork clattering to the table from where it had dropped from his upraised hand. Half-chewed pancakes were visible in his gaping mouth.
"Toby, gross. Close your mouth," Sarah teased. "I've already had my breakfast and I really don't need to see yours." Toby closed his mouth obediently, but he continued to stare fixedly at Sarah as if she had suddenly sprouted horns and a tail. "Well," Sarah said in a more subdued tone. "Somebody say something, please."
"H-h-how did this happen?" "Who is he?" Robert and Karen spoke at once.
"It happened, rather suddenly actually—if your wide eyes and open mouths are any indication that you weren't expecting this—though it has been growing for some time. You see, I met him a long time ago and we had a huge misunderstanding. I thought he was mean and he thought I was selfish, so we both assumed that each hated the other. But we met up again and spent a long time thinking and talking about the past and we realized we had completely misjudged each other. It turns out he had been in love with me the whole time. After spending more time with him, I realized how much I loved him as well. So we're getting married."
"What's his name?" "When?" queried her father and stepmother.
"His name is Jareth and we're getting married tomorrow," Sarah gushed, smiling more broadly than ever.
"Why so soon, Sarah?" Robert asked.
"Are you pregnant?" Karen countered.
"NO! Karen, why would you think that? Just because we're getting married soon doesn't mean I'm pregnant! Sheesh." She shifted uncomfortably in her chair, feeling very much like a teenager again despite her twenty-three years of age. "The reason we're getting married so soon is that, where he's from, you don't have long engagements. When you've met the person you're going to share your life with, you get married as soon as time permits. It's a cultural thing, I suppose."
"Where's he from?" Her father asked. "Can he take care of you? You know, financially."
"Dad, you would ask that question. You are so cute when you're protective," she grinned adoringly at her father. "Yes, he can take care of me. He is actually quite wealthy; you could say he's got quite a 'kingdom' of wealth. He is a man of great integrity and honor. He's also got a bit of a boyish streak in him when it comes to his sense of humor, but I think its quite endearing. As for where he's from, let's just say you wouldn't have heard of it. It isn't anywhere near here. It isn't even in this country." Or this earth, for that matter. Though I guess being the Underground it counts as being 'under' this earth.
"Are we invited?" Karen inquired.
For the first time, Sarah looked flustered. She turned red and avoided direct eye contact with either her father or stepmother. "I…ah…I want to invite you. I asked Jareth if I could, but he said that the rules are very strict. No outsiders are allowed at the wedding. I'm so sorry," Sarah continued, stretching out her hands on the table to them apologetically. "I want more than anything to have you there. But you see, his…job and his…culture will not allow anyone to come who isn't a part of it; he's already breaking a taboo by marrying an 'outsider.' I really can't tell you more; it's all very hush-hush, but please know that I want more than anything to have you there with me. Please try to understand."
"We understand, Sarah," Robert placed a sympathetic hand on her outstretched arm. "We love you and we're happy for you and we wish you all the best.
"Thank you Dad, you have no idea how afraid I was to tell you. I knew you would be disappointed not to get to walk me down the aisle." Sarah and her father shared a tender moment only a father and daughter can share: looking at each other with tears in their eyes, saying everything necessary in the silence that fell between them.
"You will always be my special girl, Sarah, even if I can't prove it by being there on your wedding day," his eyes went misty and a wistful look came into his green-flecked eyes. "I know without being there that you will look as radiant and beautiful as your mother did on her wedding day."
"Sarah?" Toby's quavering voice came faintly from the other end of the table. "Sarah am I going to see you again?" In his innocence, Toby did not realize he had given voice to the unspoken question lingering in everyone's mind.
"Yes, Toby. I will come visit when I can. I can't promise it will be often or very regular, but I promise to come see you. All of you. I'm not going to disappear off the planet." Though, in a way I will be doing just that. "That reminds me, Toby. I have a present for you for when I'm gone." She reached into her bag and withdrew a well-worn book with a red leather cover. Emblazoned in gold writing across the front cover were the words: The Labyrinth.
"I used to read that book when I was a little girl; it was my absolute favorite book in the world. I want you to have it while I'm gone. It will be my promise that I am coming back to see you. As long as you have that book, you will know that though you can't see me, I'm still with you."
Tears welled up in the boy's eyes and he roughly wiped them away with his sleeve. However, he did run around the table and throw himself at her lap, wrapping his little arms as tightly around her waist as he could. "I don't want you to go, Sarah." Toby mumbled into her stomach.
"I know, Toby. I'm going to miss you lots; you're just the best little brother in the world and I'm so proud of you."
"Mom, can't I go to the wedding?"
"You heard Sarah, no outsiders are allowed. Now hurry up and finish your breakfast so that you can spend some time with Sarah," Karen flashed Sarah a warm smile and stood to give her a sincere hug of affection. "I know we haven't always gotten along, Sarah, but I want you to know that I love you as I would my own daughter and I am very proud of the woman you have grown up into. I know your father is, too."
With tears in her eyes, Sarah looked at her father and stepmother with a mixture of love and sadness. "I will miss you all. Oh dad!" She flung her arms around her father and cried softly into his shirt. Robert kissed his daughter tenderly on the forehead and wiped her tears with his thumb.
"I'll miss you, too, my little dreamer. You always were too big for this house. I could see it in your eyes when you were a baby; I knew one day you would leave me for some grand life and adventure elsewhere. And Sarah," he said suddenly serious "Wherever she is, she loves you too and I know she would be proud of you." Sarah knew he referred to her now long-absent mother and her heart ached with the sadness of not knowing where her mother was or if she would ever see her again.
"Sarah?" Toby asked as he finished his last bite of pancakes. "Will you read it to me? The book you gave me."
"Of course, Toby. I would love to read it to you." With that, brother and sister curled up side by side on the living room couch while the parents watched wistfully from the kitchen. Somewhere outside, an owl hooted.
When Sarah had said her last goodbyes and gone, Toby curled up in his bed with her present on his lap. He'd loved the story and it had somehow seemed familiar, though he had never heard of the book before. He was flipping idly through the pages when a ghost of something white fell onto the carpet beside his night table like the first snow in winter. Picking it up, he saw that it was a folded piece of paper with his name scrawled on it in Sarah's handwriting. Opening it up, he read the five words without comprehension:
Toby, its time to remember.
Across the room, his backpack gave a sharp lurch, as if something living were trapped inside it and trying to get out. Frightened, Toby could only stare as a perfectly round sphere the size of a baseball popped out from the main compartment and rolled across the floor. It halted by his night table, winking at him in the light of his lamp. Curiosity overcame fear and Toby hung over his bead to reach the orb. It was just out of reach of his short arms but of its own accord, it rolled to within grabbing distance and Toby snatched it before it could roll away.
Flopping back down against his pillows, he turned the crystal over and over in his hands, trying to figure out what it was and how it had gotten into his backpack. He thought he saw something flickering in its depths and as he peered at it more closely, he saw images of people moving in it.
Entranced by the moving figures of men, grotesque creatures and what looked like Sarah with a wild-haired blond man, Toby felt a tug at the back of his mind. Gasping, he opened his eyes wide as a flood of memories came rushing over him like a tidal wave.
"It was worth it, but I'm so glad that's over," Sarah sighed, flopping unceremoniously onto Jareth's throne while he lounged against the back of it, his arms draped sinuously across the headrest. She had returned from her sojourn in the Aboveground only a few moments ago, but the strain of keeping back the truth from her family had left her feeling exhausted and forlorn. It was difficult for her to face her family, knowing not only that she would see them again only rarely —especially her father and stepmother—but also that they would not be able to celebrate her wedding. She had always imagined her father walking her down the aisle; seeing the disappointment in his eyes when she explained that he could not even come to her wedding had pierced her heart and almost undone all her resolve not to explain everything to him at once. The journey had been difficult for her, but she knew it had to be done, for her parents sake as much for her own.
However, her concern for Toby and desire to return his memory to him had overcome any apprehension she held. In the end, she had refused to negotiate with Jareth regarding her proposed visit. She demanded the opportunity to say goodbye to her family and deliver the book to Toby—saying with a pert twinkle in her eye, "You promised to do anything to make me happy"—Jareth had reluctantly acquiesced, but only if she swore to not reveal any specific details regarding him or the Underground. Sarah agreed readily, but she had not realized how hard that particular promise would be.
Throwing her head back on the arm of the throne, she exhaled with relief, finally able to relax knowing that Toby was safely restored. "The trick with the sword and the crystal was quite ingenius," she spoke to the ceiling, but Jareth understood the praise was meant for him.
"I know." He grinned mischievously, darkly amused by this particular piece of magic in outwitting the Court. "They never suspected a thing, even when Opalia overheard me reminding Toby about the sword. She just smiled benignly and looked the other way. She seemed to think it was merely a parting gesture of nostalgia on my part, especially since Toby wouldn't remember anything about learning to swordfight or even wanting to."
He flicked a crystal onto his wrist and rolled it lazily across the back of his knuckles. "They can be so easy to fool sometimes; it almost makes me wish for a more intelligent adversary. Almost." He flipped the crystal into the air and caught it in the same hand, offering it to Sarah where she lazed below him on the seat. "My last intelligent opponent proved too great a match for me. Perhaps I should be content with that and not wish for more."
Sarah smiled up at him, taking the proffered crystal from his outstretched hand and tossing it into the air. She caught it expertly in one hand and repeated the motion, playing a game of catch with herself. "I wouldn't say I was too great a match for you. You won in the end, that is, you got what you wanted in the first place. I may have won the first battle, Jareth, but you won the war." She flashed him an enchanting smile, holding up her hand to catch the crystal as it plummeted downward from her last toss.
However, Jareth interceded at the last moment and caught it effortlessly between his thumb and forefinger. "My dear Sarah," he purred, jumping lithely to perch his whole body on the headrest, all without moving the hand holding the pearlescent globe. "From where I sit, this war is far from over. You alone have bested me by outwitting me in my labyrinth seven years ago. And I do not take defeat lightly." With a wave of his hand, the crystal disappeared and before Sarah knew what was happening, he was leaning over her while she lounged across the armrests of his throne. His knees were resting on one arm of the chair, straddling her own, and his arms framed her shoulders and neck on the other side of the chair. He wore a wicked smile and his mismatched eyes flashed provocatively.
"Indeed, Goblin King?" Sarah arched an eyebrow flirtatiously. "I regret to inform you that I will not be bullied into submission like a common troll. I intend to battle this out to the very end. You will not find me as easy to conquer as you were."
"Then, my dear," Jareth murmured into her ear, nuzzling her neck with his slender, arrogant nose. "We shall have a very long time to do so. You see, I live forever."
Sarah gave a soft moan as he kissed her jawline. "Jareth," she managed to eke out as he covered her mouth zealously.
"Mmm?"
"Can't you at least wait until tomorrow?" She teased. "You've waited seven years, is it too much to wait another day?"
"It's been far longer than seven years Sarah," he murmured into the curve of her neck. "Don't you remember? Down here, we only have one love, for life. That means I've been waiting…oh…let's just say much longer than any human man could."
"How old are you?" Jareth's cheeks tinged with pink and he mumbled something under his breath. "I didn't quite catch that. Could you speak a little louder this time?" Sarah tipped his chin gently so that he was looking her full in the face. "Or are you embarrassed at how old you are compared to the fresh-faced youth you're marrying?"
Jareth grimaced, "I'm four thousand, eight hundred and twenty nine of your Aboveground years old, if you must know. But considering that we don't age here, I'm still quite youthful and I can prove it, too." He smirked at her suggestively. "Or are you ashamed to be bested by the old man you're marrying?"
Sarah could only stare wide-eyed and open-mouthed at her husband-to-be. "You're serious? You're over four thousand years old?"
Jareth shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm really not that old considering I am only three generations descended from the exile. Most other great-grandchildren of the original kings and queens are far older than I am. Besides, you met Phainon; he's over eight thousand years old, one of the few remaining of the first generation born in the Underground—one of the few left here in the active life of the Underground, that is. All the others have long since 'retired' and moved to the far west to spend the rest of their eternal lives in peace with their relatives and mates."
"It's not so hard for me to believe that the head of the Court is that old; he would have to have many years on everyone else in order for them to submit to him so easily. What is weird is that my own husband was living when David killed Goliath."
"Who?"
"Oh nevermind. It just means you're old. Really old. Really, really old," Sarah flung out her arms dramatically and Jareth glared in mock annoyance. "You cradle-robber, you." Sarah jibed.
"What does that make you then? You're the one marrying a man far beyond you in maturity, wisdom and power. What is that human phrase? A gold-digger?" He raised one eyebrow and cocked his head roguishly.
"What?!" Sarah bristled. "I seem to remember that you are the one who feel in love with a twelve-year old. Where I come from, we frown on that sort of thing. Sicko."
"And when you were just fifteen you had a dream where you danced quite intimately with a man much older than you, even if you didn't know how much older. Do you often fantasize about strange men you've just met? Though I do understand the temptation to do so seven years ago; the inducement was far to delectable to ignore. I am, of course, referring to myself," he purred. "The sparkling blue jacket was a nice touch; I've always thought dark blue complemented my eyes quite well."
"YOU—!" was all Sarah managed to say before Jareth planted another kiss on her infuriated mouth.
"Ahem," a loud cough interrupted Jareth's caresses. The two startled and Jareth looked with annoyance at the uninvited intruder. Kyran marched regaly toward them, his customary charming smile warring with a clear urge to snicker.
After a heated 'discussion' between the two that involved a great deal of cursing, shattered glass, a lingering smell of smoke in one of the sitting rooms, and much pleading from Sarah on Kyran's behalf, Jareth had reluctantly made amends his long-time friend. Though not precisely on his side, Sarah had seen the pain their broken friendship caused Jareth; unable to bear seeing her beloved king in such a state of bitterness, she had counseled him to extend forgiveness to the childhood playmate who had so deeply wounded him. She reminded him of what he had learned in his willingness to forgive her and what a loss it would be to reject one of the few people in the Underground who accepted Jareth for who he was.
Though reluctant at first, Jareth and Kyran soon recovered their former candor and camaraderie. The Centaur King and his wife Alegra were even going so far as to host their wedding tomorrow—or rather, 'bonding' as it was called in the Underground—and the pair was determined that it would be the most beautiful and extravagant ceremony the Underground (or Aboveground) had ever seen. Jareth was a bit piqued at being so completely out of control, but Sarah reveled in the attention and found Alegra to be a delightful woman, even if a bit childlike in her innocence and simplicity.
"I regret to interrupt you two, but Alegra needs you Sarah. She has a few more final touches to put on your gown for tomorrow and I think she may have plans for your hair." Kyran smiled graciously, but rolled his eyes playfully at Jareth as if to bewail the trifling habits of the female mind.
Jareth moved grumpily aside for Sarah to stand and pretended to pout. "Now, now, Jareth," Sarah tapped him lightly on the nose in a teasing reprimand. "Don't act like a child. You are after all, a grown man, and an old one at that. Just put it away for now. It's only one day, remember?"
"Fine," he replied sulkily. "Just make sure Alegra doesn't do anything strange to her, will you Kyran? I want to see her looking herself tomorrow and not like some of the monstrosities I've seen at other bonding ceremonies."
Kyran laughed, "She'll be fine, Jareth. Sarah can stand up for herself you know; she's already put her foot down on some of my wife's more…shall we say 'interesting' options. They've come up with something wonderful. You'll be impressed." Kyran took Sarah gently by the arm and called back over his shoulder, "We'll see you tomorrow Jareth. I've taken the liberty of having your clothing for tomorrow placed in your wardrobe. Sleep well!"
Sarah waved a final goodbye and the two exited the throne room, leaving Jareth to pace his dais impatiently, eager for the new dawn. Unable to hold still, Jareth dashed to the open window across from him and took flight. High above the sandy stone of the labyrinth and the lush green landscapes of his numerous gardens, he soared ecstatically, allowing the wind to buffet and tease him recklessly. He danced with the wind and toyed with a few low-hanging clouds. Never in his life had he been so deliriously happy. Tonight the air felt especially crisp and the winds more deliciously exhilarating than they had ever before. As he soared and plummeted in turn, he was really saying goodbye to the sky as his lover and welcoming a new one into his soul.
When the first dusty rose fingers of dawn flowered into the sky, Sarah jumped from her bed in a frenzy of nervous energy. I'm getting married today. Good lord, I'm getting married today! I'm getting married today!! She ran over to the mirror and stared at her own beaming face like an old friend. You're going to be a Queen because you are marrying the king of the Goblins: Jareth. You are Jareth's bride! A small knock on her door signaled the arrival of Demarra with her breakfast.
The centaur woman entered gracefully, carrying a silver tray with steaming bowls and plates under domed lids. "Oh, I don't think I could eat a thing!" Sarah exhaled rapturously, trailing her fingers delicately down the glittering jewels of her gown where it hung from the silver wardrobe next to the vanity. "I'm far too nervous."
"You must eat Miss—I mean Sarah. You'll regret it later if you don't. You wouldn't want to faint in front of everyone would you?"
"I guess not." She eyed the dishes with more enthusiasm. "I might have just a little, then."
'A little' turned out to be the entire tray; Sarah had underestimated the emptiness of her knotted stomach. The food soothed her nerves and the herbal tea accompanying the delicious breakfast calmed her a great deal. She turned again to survey the gown Alegra had prepared for her. It floated on the hanger like a dream and she flushed eagerly, envisioning Jareth's awed expression when he saw her. So enraptured was she with her dreaming that she did not notice Demarra clear away her dishes and pull her none-too-gently from the bed. It was only when the centaur shook her lightly that she awakened from her reverie.
"Sarah, pay attention please. Alegra and Peonia will be here shortly to help get you ready, but first, we must wash your hair and get you a bath. You will want to look and feel fresh as springtime for your mate," the woman dimpled knowingly. "Come, I'll help wash your hair."
This time, Sarah did not refuse the offer to help her with her oft-untamable locks. Her hair was much longer now, thanks to Alegra and her magic. The Centaur Queen turned out to be immensely adept at 'growing' magics—those magical arts related to the growth and/or maturation of all kinds of both animate and inanimate objects. She had most willingly put her magic to use in growing Sarah's pixie-like hair into a more luxurious cut and length. Now well past her shoulders and encroaching on her hips, Sarah's long black hair required more attention and care than she had been used to giving it, making an extra pair of hands a treasured commodity.
In what seemed like the longest hour of her life, Sarah bathed, washed her hair and dried off, all the while contemplating the shimmering dress waiting for her in the other room and the loving gaze of her Goblin King. Another gentle knock bespoke the arrival of her two other helpers for the morning. Alegra peeked her small, delicate face around the door and bustled in with a bright smile.
"Come Sarah Williams, let's get you ready to become the new Goblin Queen."
Sarah's heart overflowed with joy.
Jareth lounged in his bed, contemplating the now immanent reality that it would be the last time he would awake alone. A broad smile swept his features like the ray of sunlight peaking over his windowsill. These arms have been empty far too long. Today is the day I finally make her mine! He fingered the golden amulet that lay against his chest absent-mindedly, finding peace in its familiar curves and lines. The King finally has his queen and the man, his beloved. He drifted in and out of a light sleep filled with visions of the past seven years and his moments with Sarah. A knock at the door finally roused him from his dosing.
"I thought you might still be in bed," a familiar figure with short-cropped brown hair sidled into his room.
"Kyran, what are you doing here?"
"Come to wake up the King, I expect. Today is no day to be day-dreaming. You've got to get dressed and ready. Come on, get your lazy behind off that lonely bed of yours and bathe for heaven's sake. You'd think you lived with goblins or something," Kyran quipped, pushing Jareth toward his bathing room.
Jareth lunged at Kyran and the latter flinched. "I've still got you scared, Kyran, so maybe you shouldn't be so quick to insult my subjects. At least they don't leave horse manure all over the palace." He mocked, ducking through the doorway just as Kyran took a swing at him.
Jareth emerged from his bath to find his clothing already ready for him on the bed. A quick glance at his attire made him smile. Let me see: black breeches, black leather boots, white gloves, a white ruffled shirt, and a midnight-blue jacket replete with glitter and jewels. Ah Sarah, my love, I can guess what you're planning…
I've got one more chapter left for you all. It's a little something special for the 'wedding' scene. I hope you all have enjoyed everything so far and I sincerely hope you like what I have for you last. Have a happy Halloween! (I know I will)
