AN: Hi everyone. Wanted to get this out today before I went to work, so no acknowledgements and it hasn't been edited yet. I'll edit it when I get in from work tonight and will repost the chapter. Enjoy!
A small tour of the castle beyond the Goblin City...
Jareth smiled at their reactions. The slight intake of breath by a woman, once a child who had entered his domain so many years before. The wide eyes of her 8 year old daughter as she gazed at his land for the first time in her life.
"It's...it's so different." Sarah remarked softly.
Jareth beamed proudly, his hands clasped behind his back, his cape and hair drifting around him in the wind. It was indeed very different from when Sarah was last here. The castle that before looked a dirty beige now sparkled white. The Labyrinth itself looked full of life, many new trees had grown in and the walls looked polished. "I had a great deal of spare time to change things while you've been away Sarah." He looked sad for a moment and she understood instantly what he was referring to.
"No one else has...?"
He shook his head. "You were the last." She gave him a surprised expression. "Not many believe that the story is true. Some read the book, still recite certain lines, but never the right ones, and there is never any feeling behind the words."
"I was the last...." She allowed softly.
"Best to be defeated at the end if I had to be defeated at all."
"At the end?"
"Yes, by the last one to enter." She nodded slowly.
"Mommy look! There's a city. Is that the Goblin City?"
"Yes Ary. That's the Goblin City, although it looks so different from here."
"I'm sure you will find that it is much different while within the city walls as well."
"I don't even see the junk pile." Sarah said as she put a hand over her eyes trying to get a better look.
"That's because it no longer exists. I let the Labyrinth grow too wild and I gave the goblins too much freedom. I let them do what they wanted, even let them make a mess of my throne room. That's all changed."
Jareth inched towards Sarah and one gloved hand raised to caress her face. "I can't believe that you are finally here." He whispered softly. A warmth shone in his eyes and Sarah couldn't help but smile in return.
"I'm glad to be back." She told him softly. He grinned and lowered his lips to hers in a soft kiss.
"Ewwwww!" Ary cried out and Jareth pulled back quickly, looking startled. For a moment he had forgotten about the little girl. She had yet to see himself or Sarah show any affection to each other. Jareth raised an eyebrow at the child who stood with a disgusted look on her face. "Are you guys going to do that all the time?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
Sarah blushed and Jareth grinned. "Do what?" he teased.
"Kiss. Are you going to be all mushy like the movies mommy likes to watch?"
Sarah blushed further, her face now bright red. Jareth chuckled at her embarrassment. "We won't do it in front of you if it bothers you." Sarah told her. And Ary nodded.
Sarah gazed down at the maze spread out before them. "Please don't tell me that we have to find our way through the labyrinth to get to your castle."
Jareth grinned. "Not this time. In fact I would prefer that neither of you traveled into the labyrinth unaccompanied. It may appear harmless but there are still many dangers and I won't have either one of you lost or injured. I will not ask much of either of you, but please do not go into the labyrinth alone. And if you wish to travel it, only an experienced guide will do, preferably myself."
"That's not a problem for me. Ary do you understand?"
"Yes mommy. No going into the labyrinth without Jareth or someone who knows the way."
"Good girl." Jareth told her. "Now I have rooms prepared in the castle and there is someone who I believe Ary will be interested in meeting." Ary grinned happily and rushed to Jareth taking one hand into her own.
"Let's go! Let's go!" She chanted.
Jareth chuckled. "All right." He pulled a crystal from the air and threw it to the ground where it shattered and a brilliant light touched the three. Seconds later the hill was empty.
They reappeared in a hallway. Finely embroided tapestries hung from the ceilings to the floors, white candles with golden bases were lit giving a soft warm glow in darkened corners. The sun shone though stained glass windows that had different landscapes from the labyrinth and made colored patterns on the wine colored oriental like rug with golden tassels along the sides. If the halls were this nice, Sarah could imagine how beautiful the rooms were.
The sound of someone approaching made the small group turn. Sarah gasped at what turned the corner and Ary squeezed Jareth's hand, which she still held, tightly.
A dragon, dressed in a simple dress, wide yellow eyes, scales that changed from green to blue in the sunlight. Long clawed hands with 3 fingers and a thumb on each hand. The dragon bowed gracefully before Jareth who gave her a curt nod.
"Sarah, Aryanna, may I introduce my healer and also very reliable friend, Megmora."
"He-hello." Sarah greeted softly. Megmora nodded and bowed her head slightly.
"Lady Sssarah, it is an honor to finally meet you."
"Likewise." Sarah told her with a smile and a nod.
Megmora's eyes fell upon Ary. The little girl had inched closer to the Goblin King and held his gloved hand tightly within her own. Megmora studied the little girl, who seemed to put complete trust in the insolent King that stood beside her. Megmora flicked her long forked tongue and regarded the child who had yet to make a sound.
And then suddenly the child stepped forward and extended on small hand. Megmora regarded the child. She was brave for one from the mortal world. "I'm Aryanna." She said loudly, clearly.
Megmora's eyes drifted to her King who stood tall, and proud. His stance was arrogant, dominant, but his eyes held a warmth that the dragon had rarely seen. He loved this child, just as she loved the child's mother. He nodded to Megmora who after a few moments gently shook the child's hand. "You are very brave child." Megmora told her. Ary smiled sweetly and lowered her hand, returning to Jareth's side.
"Megmora will help you with anything you need, Ary." Megmora nodded to her King's statement and remembered their conversation from only two days before.
"I ask that you attend Aryanna with whatever she needs." Jareth had told her.
Her already large yellow eyes widened further. "Your Majessssty I am a healer not a babyssssiter." She had told him.
"This is not a request." His tone had been firm. "She is a sweet child, just attend her, even if it is only for the first day or two."
"Very well. I ssshall do it." She told him, her voice full of annoyance.
Now gazing at the child, Megmora didn't believe that helping the child adjust would be so bad. The Goblin King, normally a harsh, cold man saw something in this child, she might as well.
"Now, I shall show you both to your rooms. If you'll follow me this way." Sarah nodded and stepped beside Jareth. Aryanna reached for the Goblin King's hand and followed the adults.
They walked a short way and Jareth opened the large oak door of a room. "This will be Ary's room."
Ary rushed in and gasped. The room was huge. A large canopy bed with pale peach blankets was in the center. Lancelot was sitting on top of all the pillows. There were large windows with pale peach curtains that hung over them. There were bureaus and a huge open closet filled with dresses and other clothes.
"What's in that room?" Ary asked pointing toward a closed door towards the back.
"Just a small surprise. Go on and see."
Ary didn't have to be told twice and she ran across the room to the door. It was a heavy oak door and she opened it slowly and gasped. "Oh my goodness!" she cried out.
"What is it sweetie?" Sarah asked.
"My very own playroom! And it's so big!"
Sarah crossed the room and peered in. The playroom was indeed large. Furnished with finely made toys and dolls. There was a table with a tea set all set up and ready to play with. There were blocks and small chests filled to the brim with toys and games.
"Well someone won't need to worry about being bored. Who needs cartoons when you can have a playroom like this."
"Can I stay here and play for a little while mommy? Please?? Pretty please?"
Sarah smiled. "How can I resist that face?" Jareth was suddenly beside her and she glanced up at him. "Would that be ok if she stayed here?"
"Of course. It is her room afterall."
"I will ssstay and watch her." Sarah turned to see Megmora.
"Are you sure?" The dragon nodded.
"Well that settles that. Megmora will stay here with Ary and I will show you where you will be sleeping." Sarah nodded.
"Megmora, come have tea with me!" Ary squealed excitedly. The dragon let out a small sigh.
"Thank you." Sarah whispered to her and she gently placed a hand on the dragons shoulder. Megmora bowed and entered the playroom.
As Sarah stepped along side of Jareth to walk down the hall she could hear the sound of Aryanna joyfully setting up the tea party and she could have sworn she heard Megmora joining in and actually laughing. Jareth took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the skin.
"I thought I said no bribing my daughter?" She told him, her tone firm but her eyes betraying her joy.
"It wasn't bribery love. If she remains that room will be hers. It was mine when I was a child." He stopped and turned to face her in the deserted hall. "She is the closest thing to a child of my own. I will tend her needs, but without spoiling her."
"Thank you." She whispered softly. He nodded and they continued their walk. He lead them up into what looked like a completely different wing of the castle. "My room will be so far from Ary's." She noted softly as they walked up the steps to another hall.
"The walk is not too far. Besides, I didn't have any spare rooms that would suitable for you near her."
"Jareth, a small room with a bed would be more then adequate. I made you sleep on my couch for weeks before I gave you a real room."
He stopped and leaned over to kiss her neck. "And it was the most comfortable couch I have ever slept on." He grinned. She slapped him playfully away as he nipped her with his sharp teeth. She noticed that they were no longer walking and she turned to face two giant oak doors, with gold hinges and gold handles. Jareth smiled as he opened the doors. "And this my lady, is your room..." he bowed and stepped away into the room.
Sarah walked in slowly, her eyes wide with awe. Never in her life had she seen anything so beautiful. The first thing that caught her attention was the fountain in one corner. Two rearing white marble unicorns were at the top and the water trickled from a butterfly shaped faucet. The water collected in a large leaf. There were flowers growing all around the fountain. It was if there was a garden in her room! There were furnishings similar to Ary's room. A canopy bed, but this one was almost twice as big as Ary's large bed. It was draped with cream colored sheets, blankets and pillows. The bureaus were made of finely polished cherry oak with sculptured gold trim. The floor was white marble and polished so clean you could probably eat off of it. There was a walk in closet, twice or three times the size of Ary's with dresses in every color and shade imaginable. Sarah could only stare at it all in complete and utter amazement.
Jareth's breath was suddenly on her neck as he dipped to kiss her soft skin. "Is it adequate enough for you?"
"God Jareth....it's...it's almost too much. I don't deserve all this."
"Nonsense." He kissed her neck again. "This room is fit for a queen...."
She spun to face him. "Jareth..."
"Ssshhh."
"Fit for a queen..." she whispered softly. She chuckled as his lips sought out the flesh of her neck once again. "I can imagine what your room looks like.."
He pulled back and smiled and gently took her hand into his as he lead her across the room. He stopped in front of a door and with a wave of his hand it opened. They stepped through into a room equally as magnificent as her own. Only this one seemed more masculine. Statues of dragons instead of horses, black sheets, carvings on the bureaus.
"Welcome to my chambers, my lady." He smiled seductively.
Sarah returned his smile and leaned in closer to him. She reached up placing a kiss on his lips. He returned the kiss, all the while, stepping back slowly towards his bed.....
A small tour of the castle beyond the Goblin City...
Jareth smiled at their reactions. The slight intake of breath by a woman, once a child who had entered his domain so many years before. The wide eyes of her 8 year old daughter as she gazed at his land for the first time in her life.
"It's...it's so different." Sarah remarked softly.
Jareth beamed proudly, his hands clasped behind his back, his cape and hair drifting around him in the wind. It was indeed very different from when Sarah was last here. The castle that before looked a dirty beige now sparkled white. The Labyrinth itself looked full of life, many new trees had grown in and the walls looked polished. "I had a great deal of spare time to change things while you've been away Sarah." He looked sad for a moment and she understood instantly what he was referring to.
"No one else has...?"
He shook his head. "You were the last." She gave him a surprised expression. "Not many believe that the story is true. Some read the book, still recite certain lines, but never the right ones, and there is never any feeling behind the words."
"I was the last...." She allowed softly.
"Best to be defeated at the end if I had to be defeated at all."
"At the end?"
"Yes, by the last one to enter." She nodded slowly.
"Mommy look! There's a city. Is that the Goblin City?"
"Yes Ary. That's the Goblin City, although it looks so different from here."
"I'm sure you will find that it is much different while within the city walls as well."
"I don't even see the junk pile." Sarah said as she put a hand over her eyes trying to get a better look.
"That's because it no longer exists. I let the Labyrinth grow too wild and I gave the goblins too much freedom. I let them do what they wanted, even let them make a mess of my throne room. That's all changed."
Jareth inched towards Sarah and one gloved hand raised to caress her face. "I can't believe that you are finally here." He whispered softly. A warmth shone in his eyes and Sarah couldn't help but smile in return.
"I'm glad to be back." She told him softly. He grinned and lowered his lips to hers in a soft kiss.
"Ewwwww!" Ary cried out and Jareth pulled back quickly, looking startled. For a moment he had forgotten about the little girl. She had yet to see himself or Sarah show any affection to each other. Jareth raised an eyebrow at the child who stood with a disgusted look on her face. "Are you guys going to do that all the time?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
Sarah blushed and Jareth grinned. "Do what?" he teased.
"Kiss. Are you going to be all mushy like the movies mommy likes to watch?"
Sarah blushed further, her face now bright red. Jareth chuckled at her embarrassment. "We won't do it in front of you if it bothers you." Sarah told her. And Ary nodded.
Sarah gazed down at the maze spread out before them. "Please don't tell me that we have to find our way through the labyrinth to get to your castle."
Jareth grinned. "Not this time. In fact I would prefer that neither of you traveled into the labyrinth unaccompanied. It may appear harmless but there are still many dangers and I won't have either one of you lost or injured. I will not ask much of either of you, but please do not go into the labyrinth alone. And if you wish to travel it, only an experienced guide will do, preferably myself."
"That's not a problem for me. Ary do you understand?"
"Yes mommy. No going into the labyrinth without Jareth or someone who knows the way."
"Good girl." Jareth told her. "Now I have rooms prepared in the castle and there is someone who I believe Ary will be interested in meeting." Ary grinned happily and rushed to Jareth taking one hand into her own.
"Let's go! Let's go!" She chanted.
Jareth chuckled. "All right." He pulled a crystal from the air and threw it to the ground where it shattered and a brilliant light touched the three. Seconds later the hill was empty.
They reappeared in a hallway. Finely embroided tapestries hung from the ceilings to the floors, white candles with golden bases were lit giving a soft warm glow in darkened corners. The sun shone though stained glass windows that had different landscapes from the labyrinth and made colored patterns on the wine colored oriental like rug with golden tassels along the sides. If the halls were this nice, Sarah could imagine how beautiful the rooms were.
The sound of someone approaching made the small group turn. Sarah gasped at what turned the corner and Ary squeezed Jareth's hand, which she still held, tightly.
A dragon, dressed in a simple dress, wide yellow eyes, scales that changed from green to blue in the sunlight. Long clawed hands with 3 fingers and a thumb on each hand. The dragon bowed gracefully before Jareth who gave her a curt nod.
"Sarah, Aryanna, may I introduce my healer and also very reliable friend, Megmora."
"He-hello." Sarah greeted softly. Megmora nodded and bowed her head slightly.
"Lady Sssarah, it is an honor to finally meet you."
"Likewise." Sarah told her with a smile and a nod.
Megmora's eyes fell upon Ary. The little girl had inched closer to the Goblin King and held his gloved hand tightly within her own. Megmora studied the little girl, who seemed to put complete trust in the insolent King that stood beside her. Megmora flicked her long forked tongue and regarded the child who had yet to make a sound.
And then suddenly the child stepped forward and extended on small hand. Megmora regarded the child. She was brave for one from the mortal world. "I'm Aryanna." She said loudly, clearly.
Megmora's eyes drifted to her King who stood tall, and proud. His stance was arrogant, dominant, but his eyes held a warmth that the dragon had rarely seen. He loved this child, just as she loved the child's mother. He nodded to Megmora who after a few moments gently shook the child's hand. "You are very brave child." Megmora told her. Ary smiled sweetly and lowered her hand, returning to Jareth's side.
"Megmora will help you with anything you need, Ary." Megmora nodded to her King's statement and remembered their conversation from only two days before.
"I ask that you attend Aryanna with whatever she needs." Jareth had told her.
Her already large yellow eyes widened further. "Your Majessssty I am a healer not a babyssssiter." She had told him.
"This is not a request." His tone had been firm. "She is a sweet child, just attend her, even if it is only for the first day or two."
"Very well. I ssshall do it." She told him, her voice full of annoyance.
Now gazing at the child, Megmora didn't believe that helping the child adjust would be so bad. The Goblin King, normally a harsh, cold man saw something in this child, she might as well.
"Now, I shall show you both to your rooms. If you'll follow me this way." Sarah nodded and stepped beside Jareth. Aryanna reached for the Goblin King's hand and followed the adults.
They walked a short way and Jareth opened the large oak door of a room. "This will be Ary's room."
Ary rushed in and gasped. The room was huge. A large canopy bed with pale peach blankets was in the center. Lancelot was sitting on top of all the pillows. There were large windows with pale peach curtains that hung over them. There were bureaus and a huge open closet filled with dresses and other clothes.
"What's in that room?" Ary asked pointing toward a closed door towards the back.
"Just a small surprise. Go on and see."
Ary didn't have to be told twice and she ran across the room to the door. It was a heavy oak door and she opened it slowly and gasped. "Oh my goodness!" she cried out.
"What is it sweetie?" Sarah asked.
"My very own playroom! And it's so big!"
Sarah crossed the room and peered in. The playroom was indeed large. Furnished with finely made toys and dolls. There was a table with a tea set all set up and ready to play with. There were blocks and small chests filled to the brim with toys and games.
"Well someone won't need to worry about being bored. Who needs cartoons when you can have a playroom like this."
"Can I stay here and play for a little while mommy? Please?? Pretty please?"
Sarah smiled. "How can I resist that face?" Jareth was suddenly beside her and she glanced up at him. "Would that be ok if she stayed here?"
"Of course. It is her room afterall."
"I will ssstay and watch her." Sarah turned to see Megmora.
"Are you sure?" The dragon nodded.
"Well that settles that. Megmora will stay here with Ary and I will show you where you will be sleeping." Sarah nodded.
"Megmora, come have tea with me!" Ary squealed excitedly. The dragon let out a small sigh.
"Thank you." Sarah whispered to her and she gently placed a hand on the dragons shoulder. Megmora bowed and entered the playroom.
As Sarah stepped along side of Jareth to walk down the hall she could hear the sound of Aryanna joyfully setting up the tea party and she could have sworn she heard Megmora joining in and actually laughing. Jareth took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the skin.
"I thought I said no bribing my daughter?" She told him, her tone firm but her eyes betraying her joy.
"It wasn't bribery love. If she remains that room will be hers. It was mine when I was a child." He stopped and turned to face her in the deserted hall. "She is the closest thing to a child of my own. I will tend her needs, but without spoiling her."
"Thank you." She whispered softly. He nodded and they continued their walk. He lead them up into what looked like a completely different wing of the castle. "My room will be so far from Ary's." She noted softly as they walked up the steps to another hall.
"The walk is not too far. Besides, I didn't have any spare rooms that would suitable for you near her."
"Jareth, a small room with a bed would be more then adequate. I made you sleep on my couch for weeks before I gave you a real room."
He stopped and leaned over to kiss her neck. "And it was the most comfortable couch I have ever slept on." He grinned. She slapped him playfully away as he nipped her with his sharp teeth. She noticed that they were no longer walking and she turned to face two giant oak doors, with gold hinges and gold handles. Jareth smiled as he opened the doors. "And this my lady, is your room..." he bowed and stepped away into the room.
Sarah walked in slowly, her eyes wide with awe. Never in her life had she seen anything so beautiful. The first thing that caught her attention was the fountain in one corner. Two rearing white marble unicorns were at the top and the water trickled from a butterfly shaped faucet. The water collected in a large leaf. There were flowers growing all around the fountain. It was if there was a garden in her room! There were furnishings similar to Ary's room. A canopy bed, but this one was almost twice as big as Ary's large bed. It was draped with cream colored sheets, blankets and pillows. The bureaus were made of finely polished cherry oak with sculptured gold trim. The floor was white marble and polished so clean you could probably eat off of it. There was a walk in closet, twice or three times the size of Ary's with dresses in every color and shade imaginable. Sarah could only stare at it all in complete and utter amazement.
Jareth's breath was suddenly on her neck as he dipped to kiss her soft skin. "Is it adequate enough for you?"
"God Jareth....it's...it's almost too much. I don't deserve all this."
"Nonsense." He kissed her neck again. "This room is fit for a queen...."
She spun to face him. "Jareth..."
"Ssshhh."
"Fit for a queen..." she whispered softly. She chuckled as his lips sought out the flesh of her neck once again. "I can imagine what your room looks like.."
He pulled back and smiled and gently took her hand into his as he lead her across the room. He stopped in front of a door and with a wave of his hand it opened. They stepped through into a room equally as magnificent as her own. Only this one seemed more masculine. Statues of dragons instead of horses, black sheets, carvings on the bureaus.
"Welcome to my chambers, my lady." He smiled seductively.
Sarah returned his smile and leaned in closer to him. She reached up placing a kiss on his lips. He returned the kiss, all the while, stepping back slowly towards his bed.....