Hey everyone! I got these two chapters out just recently and I hope that you will enjoy them. I like to thank those that have sent me their reviews. Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth or any of its characters. The other characters that I do make up do belong to me as well as the plot of this story. On another note a friend told me that the last part looks like a scene with the movie Legend and after rereading over it I realized it kind of does. Honestly I wasn't even thinking about that when I wrote it. Well, anyway I hope that you read and enjoy these two chapters.
Things Change
Chapter 8
Duncan grinned to the Goblin King though inwardly he winced, "Jareth, actually I came to pay you a visit, but instead found this lovely creature."
Jareth's light brows arched up slightly at his words, "I'm sure you did." His gaze now shifted to Sarah, sitting on the bench beside Duncan, "Good morning Sarah, I hope that you slept well."
Sarah stood regarding Jareth coldly, "As well as can be expected, considering that I would rather not be here." Turning away from him she faced Duncan with a warm smile, "It was nice meeting you Duncan. I hope to see you again."
Duncan stood as Sarah briskly made her way out of the clearing, leaving an un-amused Goblin King and him alone. Sensing his friend glaring daggers towards him, he thought it wise to pry his eyes from the retreating Sarah. "Nice girl, though I don't think that she likes you very much!" At the look he was met with in return, he regretted his words.
"Duncan, I know you too well. Don't play all innocence with me!" Jareth warned, not at all liking the way that Duncan had looked at Sarah. Duncan was a well-known ladies man and that Fae had a way of getting around, so to speak.
Duncan grinned in return, "Are you jealous, Jareth? Do you really think so little of me, that I would pursue the very one in which you, my friend, have been pinning over?"
The Goblin King's eyes narrowed at Duncan, "What is it that you want Duncan? I have little patience for your games."
His mouth dropped slightly in a mimic of shock, "Do I really need a reason to visit a friend? Really, you are in a foul mood today." Jareth just regarded him coolly as he waited for Duncan's reasons. Shaking his head Duncan grinned at his friend, "Very well, I was wondering if you were attending the ball that I have every year?"
"You know those things bore me to no end Duncan. I despise having to mingle with those imbeciles of the court." He knew that Duncan knew full well how he felt about those affairs and was not at all convinced of Duncan's intentions.
Sly grin in play, he waved his hand in the air in a dismissive manner with a sigh, "I leave you to it then, but would you not think that your guest would appreciate going? It is the grandest of all events within the whole Underground."
Jareth took a side ways glance to his friend, Sarah would enjoy the ball, "I may consider it, that is, if Sarah wishes to attend."
Thrilled that Jareth had taken the bait, he bowed humbly to his friend, "I will make arrangements for your arrival then," and he was gone.
His mismatched eyes regarded the spot where Duncan was only moments before, his mind trying to figure out his angle. He probably saw how badly things went last night at dinner and felt he needed to help. Typical Duncan, sticking his nose where it does not belong. He had watched the whole display within his garden between Duncan and Sarah and felt angered that she had confided in Duncan and not himself.
Forming crystal in hand, his eyes caught the image of Sarah still within the gardens and it seemed as if she was rather annoyed. She had wondered within the hedge maze of the gardens, which was a type of miniature labyrinth.
Rounding yet another corner she stood with eyes wide as she saw a wall of green standing before her, again. The feeling of entrapment creep up within her being, making her wish that she were at home in some familiar surroundings. She really didn't miss home, but she was not about to admit that she really didn't want to go home.
Turning around, she just about had a heart attack when she saw Jareth leaning against one of the walls of the small maze she found herself lost in. She hated that, he had caught her by surprise and startled her again, "Oh, it's you!" Sarah growled in annoyance. She wished that he would stop doing that.
His brows rose at this statement, "So charming!" he continued to lean nonchalantly against the wall watching her with amusement.
She glared at him for a moment before walking past him and hitting yet another dead end. Turning she glared at him as if daring him to say something, "I don't suppose you have anything to do with this."
Jareth looked innocently to her as he rose from his leaning position against the wall and moved towards her. Sarah in response backed up from his approach until her back hit shrubbery wall, her eyes finding his chest fascinating all of the sudden as she avoided his eyes. This, he found, rather amusing, "The garden maze has a mind of its own. I, have nothing to do with your current predicament but I could guide you out of this maze if you wish it of me."
He was so close it made it hard for her to concentrate. She repeated to herself not to look up, not to meet those eyes of his that had a strange effect on her.
Placing his gloved hand below her chin, he raised it so that he could look into her eyes, "All you have to do is ask."
Sarah tensed as her eyes met his, words escaping her as she found it impossible to concentrate. The way he brushed her hair, that feeling that enveloped her when he was so near, his praising words of her appearance before dinner, all coming to mind. Strangely, she wondered what it would be like to kiss him, to be kissed by him.
Her eyes had a way of mesmerizing him, she was beautiful and he was tempted to lean forwards and taste those sweet lips of hers. Straightening, he let go of her chin, stepping back slightly.
She felt as if she would tumble forwards as he let her go and as he pulled away she felt strangely disappointed that he did not kiss her. Mental slap at that thought, she was able to concentrate and pulled her mind out of that mode she was starting to go into. Since when did she ever want anyone to kiss her and why him? He was arrogant, conceited, and as annoying as hell. Resolve hardening she spoke, though a bit shakily, "I think that I can find my way out on my own. I did after all solve your labyrinth."
He shrugged as he backed away disappearing from the maze, leaving Sarah alone to solve it. Rubbing her suddenly throbbing temples, she walked another few feet down a winding path and into anther dead end. Shoulders dropping, she leaned against the wall looking up into the blue clear sky, "Why didn't I just ask him?" Her thoughts answered her own question, 'Because to admit that you need help, especially his help, would be admitting defeat.' She cursed him, why did he confuse her so and why did she actually think about kissing or being kissed by him? Suddenly she felt very alone.
Crystal in hand, he watched as she looked to the sky as if it would help her. He knew that eventually she would either find her way out or call for help. Jareth frowned when he watched her slide down the wall sitting on the ground as if defeated. She would be stubborn, but he would not do anything until she asked for his help.
The skirts of her dress rumpled around her as she sat with knees drawn up, her head laying there, eyes transfixed on nothing in particular. She was tired of sitting there, but what other choice did she have? No matter where she turned, she would always hit a dead end. 'You can always ask him for help, you know' came quickly to mind.
With a loud exhale she pulled herself up from the ground and faced the maze before her, "Well?" she asked the wall. Hey if worms could talk why not a wall. Nothing, not a sound, not even a wind to meet her ears.
Biting her bottom lip as she concentrated on what she should do she finally made a decision, though it went against her very being, "Jareth…"
"Yes," met her ears in reply.
Turning around, the vision of Jareth standing there made her hesitate, "…can you please help me out of this thing?"
A charming smile spread across his lip, the sight of which made Sarah's heart skip a beat. "Take my hand," he offered extending his hand towards her.
Stepping towards him she timidly took his black gloved hand in hers and felt a strange tingling sensation at the contact. The world around her felt as if it were spinning out of control, making her unconsciously lean into him for support. Blinking from the strange sensation she saw that she was now within a room and no longer outside within the maze. What also met her attention was the fact that she was leaning against a warm body that happened to belong to the Goblin King.
Having her leaning against him made his heart soar, though he knew that she was just probably disoriented from the translocation, he looked down to her as she returned his gaze. His hand came up stroking the side of her cheek, "Now that wasn't so hard, was it?"
She found it hard to breathe as his eyes were locked with hers, his touch was almost intoxicating, bringing about strange and unfamiliar feelings. Pulling away, she looked about the room, trembling slightly from that moment. Concentrating on the room they were in, she recognized it as the throne room she had briefly visited not so long ago, but it was cleaner than before. She just could not look at him right now or she wasn't sure what would happen. Those feelings she felt were almost overwhelming, "Thank you," she managed trying to forget that moment.
He watched her looking around the room, making an extra effort not to look in his general direction. That look within her eyes could only have been one thing, she was feeling the same thing that he felt whenever he was near her. He wanted so much to show her just what she did to him, but knew not to rush things, "You're welcome."
She was arguing with herself right now, why was it so hard to meet his eyes? 'Come on Sarah you've confronted him before, why is it any different now? Because you nitwit, you're a lot older than then, and he's…he's…sexy as hell. Shit! Why do my hormones choose now to notice such things? Come on, boys have come on to you numerous times before and that didn't make you feel like this. Well, that man, Fae, Goblin King over there is not exactly a boy now is he? I need to say something, I can't let him know how confused he's making me feel. Okay I have my legs, feet, arms, body, face, and my voice? Hello! Say something, damn it, anything!' "It's a lot cleaner than I remember…" she wanted to run to the hills at this point. 'I did not just say that!' she groaned mentally to herself.
He could not keep himself from smiling at that comment, it seemed that his dear Sarah was at a total loss for words and just spoke what ever came to mind. She still was avoiding looking in his direction, which made him smile all the more. Was she nervous about something? Him, perhaps. "Things change, as have you."
What did he mean by, as have you? Turning, she finally faced him, she was a little bewildered by his statement. Had she really changed all that much since her last visit? "I guess." Reaching for something to talk about, her meting with Duncan came quickly to mind, "Did you find out why Duncan was here?"
At the mention of his name Jareth felt angered, the scene in the gardens coming quickly to mind. The way he had pretended to move a strand of her hair out of her face so that he could touch her perfect skin made his jaws clench. Quickly, he pushed his anger to the side, she knew nothing of Duncan and his ways and had asked an innocent question. "He throws a grad ball every year at his estate and has invited us to go."
She was in his arms dancing to the music as he sang a sweet enchanting song to her. Green Sleeves had always been a favorite of hers and he had added words that flowed along with the music. A smile escaping her lips, she remembered how wonderful it felt to dance within his arms. It had felt so right, but then she saw the clock with only two hours remaining. That had broken her dream. This though was different, she would be actually going to another kingdom. There would be real people and there would not be a drugged peach, no clock counting down, no one to rescue, no one save herself.
It would be actually living her dreams, "Sounds nice," she commented, not wanting to act too overly excited about going. On the inside, she was actually ecstatic about the idea. What wonders she might see, what amazing beings might she meet? Duncan would be there and she liked him.
"Then we will attend. It will be tomorrow night but until then, join me for lunch." He offered her his arm as he did last night, and she surprisingly did not hesitate in taking it. It seemed to Jareth that she was starting to get used to the idea of staying within his kingdom. One thing that Jareth was sure of was that he would keep an extra eye out on Duncan during the festivities.
Chapter 9
Sitting on the large bed within the room that Jareth had given to her, Sarah stared out over the room in thought. What was she doing, actually thinking about dancing with the Goblin King? He was the enemy…right? Okay, so he was attractive and could be charming at times but that didn't change the fact that he had taken her here against her will when Terry had wished her away. Also, shouldn't she have been angry with him for leaving her in that little maze within the gardens?
All right, so she had told him she could solve it herself. Thinking about it, she considered that maybe it was her own fault for not accepting his offer to help in the first place. Rubbing the back of her neck, a sour look crossed her thoughtful face, "What the hell was going through my mind when he took me to his throne room?" She couldn't believe how she behaved, that her mind actually went where it did.
To add on to that, she had been completely tongue-tied. "It's a lot cleaner than I remember…" she couldn't believe that that was all that she could come up with to say. She groaned thinking that she must have looked like a complete idiot! Flinging herself back, she stared at the ceiling, fingers starting to play with the long dark strands of her hair. She could not believe that he affected her like that.
Her mind then started to concentrate on the other Fae that she had conversed with earlier that day. For some reason she had spilled almost everything out to him. A smile tugged at her lips as she pictured him in her mind. 'Maybe I'll get to dance with him at the ball tomorrow night. I liked him,' those thoughts brought a sly grin to her lips.
That would show the Goblin King that she could care less about him and didn't think of him in the way he probably thought she did, from her reactions to him earlier. Sarah shook her head, she couldn't believe that she had actually thought about kissing him and what it would be like. Ugh, why couldn't she think this clearly when she was in Jareth's presence? It was infuriating how she could think as clearly and calmly as now just fine but when HE came close to her, her mind would go to jelly.
Thinking back to lunch she remembered how quiet it was. She had eaten her food trying to not look his way, but every now and again when she would, she would catch him staring at her. A sly grin would pass his lips as he would sip his wine and she would just look away taking a sip of her own.
Sarah had just taken a sip of her wine as she looked away from that gaze of his. For the life of her she didn't know why that look within his eye's made her so uncomfortable and what was that feeling deep down in the pit of her stomach? Setting the glass of wine back down on the table, she managed to find the courage to ask a question that had been just recently nagging her to ask. "What happened to Hoggle and the others?"
The question brought a frown to his features, making her fear for her friends, "That traitorous rabble have been unharmed if that is what you wish to know. I had half a mind to throw them into an oubliette…"
Relief flooded her being at the knowledge that her friends were all right, "You didn't do anything to them then?" she asked half dreading his answer.
Jareth set his wine down on the table his usual mask of indifference set in play, "Sarah, I am not the monster you have made me out to be. They are safe and sound living somewhere outside the labyrinth, though where, I could care less."
A frown creased her lips as she mumbled half to herself, "Then there's no chance that I'll get to see them again."
Mind coming back to the present she rolled over onto her stomach propping her elbows on the bed as she rested her chin in her hands. The rest of lunch was spent in silence. The rest of the day was pretty much non-eventful as she parted company with the Goblin King.
Every once in a while she would run into an occasional goblin that would bow to her, as she would pass them by. That action confused her, as she could not figure out as to why any of them would bow to her.
The sudden crash of something smashing against the floor behind her, jerked her out of her reverie. Sitting up with a start, she turned seeing what used to be a porcelain vase now smashed to pieces with its fragments strewn across the floor. Standing, she made her way wearily towards the mess, wondering how that had fallen.
As if on instinct, Sarah knelt down beside the mess, as she started to pick up the large pieces off the floor placing them on the table that it had not so long ago sat upon. A sharp pain to her hand made her drop some pieces that she tried to pick up. To her chagrin, as she looked to her hand there was a large piece sticking out of her now bleeding hand.
Hearing the loud sound of destruction coming from Sarah's room Jareth appeared just in time to see her injure herself. Kneeling down to her, he tenderly took her injured hand assessing its injury. "What happened?" he asked trying to get her to not think about the pain.
Sarah hissed as the large shard of porcelain was pulled out of her hand, "I don't know. Stupid vase broke and I was trying to clean up this mess."
The large gash in her hand was quickly bleeding out, the very sight of which made Sarah's stomach turn. Summoning a handkerchief in hand he wiped up the blood trying to clean her hand so that he could get to the cut. After pressing the handkerchief to her cut to stop the bleeding, he guided her over to the bed, sitting beside her as he waited for the bleeding to stop. "You could have asked for someone to clean it up."
She grimaced as her hand felt as if it was on fire. Eyes looking away from her throbbing hand, she looked to the Goblin King a bit taken by surprise at the worried look she saw edged on his face. "I know, I wasn't exactly thinking about it at the time."
Starting to take the now bloodied handkerchief away from the cut he frowned when he heard her hiss in pain, "Sorry, this is quite a cut. Hold still, this will take a moment."
Sarah looked perplexed at his statement and watched as his hand hovered over her hand just before she felt his fingers glide across her skin. The sensation was strange, the pain starting to dwindle as it was replaced by a warm tingly sensation. Watching with growing fascination, she could see the cut closing as his fingers passed over the cut.
Finishing with using his power to heal her wound, he relaxed in seeing that she was all right. Glancing back at the shards of porcelain spread about the floor across the room he looked back at her with an accusatory look, "Now that this is taken care of, would you mind explaining why you smashed the vase in the first place?"
Sarah jerked her hand free outraged that he just blamed her for the broken vase, "I did no such thing! I was on the other side of the room when it happened."
His brows rose at her answer, "Let me get this straight. The vase that sat securely in the middle of that table moved to the edge and just toppled over on its own."
Sarah stood enraged that he did not believe her, "Hey, in this place I wouldn't at all be surprised if that did happen like that. Besides I was lying on the bed looking in the opposite direction when it happened. I can't believe that you don't believe me!"
Jareth raised from the bed, slightly amused at how red her face was getting with her rising anger, she was adorable when she was angry, "Sarah, there is no need to raise your voice. Consider the mater dropped." With that said, he motioned his hand toward the broken vase and before Sarah's very eyes the broken pieces stirred, melding together until whole, and then as if defying gravity glided up back to its original standing position on the table.
Her mouth hung half way open as she watched the spectacle. How she would ever get used to this place was beyond her. For some reason, she kept forgetting how full of magic this place was. Still staring at the now whole vase, she didn't notice as Jareth came up behind her.
Leaning over her shoulder he softly commented in her ear, "Is that all right with you?"
Sarah tensed as he startled her yet again, "Do you really have to keep doing that?"
"And what would that be?" he offered in return.
"Sneaking up on me," she turned towards him, a scowl on her face. "That's the third time you've startled me today."
He grinned at her comment, but instead of answering he opted for changing the subject, "Besides this little mishap, how have you been enjoying your day?"
Sarah in return narrowed her eyes at him, he hated it when conversations didn't go his way, didn't he? Answering his query, she walked past him siting back on the bed, "As well as can be expected."
Turning to face her, Jareth looked to her with raised brow, "I thought that we had grown past this point. Sarah, what is it in your world that you are so in a hurry to returning to?"
Crossing her arms she opened her mouth to answer but could come up with nothing that would answer his question. What did she really have at home that she wanted to return to? Clamping her mouth shut, she looked to the floor feeling upset that he was right.
Jareth sighed at the sight before him, he really did not mean to upset her so, but she really did not leave him much of a choice. He mentally reminded himself that he had to give her time. She had only been within his kingdom for a few days, half of which she spent asleep.
An idea forming to mind, he thought that he would try another tactic. Forming crystal in hand, he began to weave it through his fingers guiding its smooth form across his arms, "Sarah, I have something that I would like to show you."
At his words, she looked up, immediately transfixed by the crystal gliding across his arms and then resting within his hand. Her curiosity fixed, she stood from the bed mesmerized by the crystal offered, "What is it?" Her approach wavered as she remembered the last time she had an encounter with one of his crystals, "It's not another ball is it?"
He grinned at her comment, "Sarah, we are going to one tomorrow night. No, this is something else entirely."
Sarah pried her eyes away from the crystal, looking towards Jareth as if searching for some hint of deception. What met her gaze was a genuine look of sincerity. He had thus far done nothing to harm her, and had promised her such the other night. Timidly stepping closer, she looked to the crystal, wondering what exactly he was going to show her.
Warm light grew within the crystal's depths slowly growing until it had enveloped them both. Light fading the bedroom that they had occupied earlier was gone, replaced by an open meadow. Specks of white fluff floated within the pleasant air about them, some landing within her hair. It did not touch Jareth's but she did not notice, as her now wide eyes were fixated on what she saw before her.
Within the meadow standing before her where two beautiful white Unicorns, their white coats looking as if they were glowing in the sunlight. They danced about each other, circling and touching their necks intertwining with one another. It was a breathtaking spectacle, which brought a genuine warm smile to Sarah's lips, tears bordering her eyes.
She had always loved Unicorns, and had wished with all her heart that they were real. Now before her was living proof that they were real, that they existed and were more beautiful than she had ever imagined. Eyes still glued to the scene before her she softly whispered, afraid that she would scare them away, "This isn't one of your illusions?"
He smiled as he saw the pure delight within her watering eyes, "No this is not an illusion. Unicorns though rare, do live within the Underground."
As he softly spoke to her, one of the Unicorns stopped its dance noticing the two watching. Its light blue eyes gazing towards them, fixed on the young girl that it saw.
Jareth stepped back, as he allowed her to have this unique moment of touching one of them. They rarely ever allowed any mortal to touch or come near them, but were known to allow a lady, if her heart was pure enough, to do so.
Her breath literally caught in her throat as she could see that one of the Unicorns was starting to come near her. Sarah watched with wonder and amazement as the Unicorn was now standing in front of her.
It nudged her hand that rested motionless at her side urging her to pet him. Shaking its horned head the Unicorn looked to her and waited.
Shakily, she moved to touch its white coat, the tears that bordered her eyes escaping as a single tear slipped down her cheeks. Placing her hand just above his nose below the single ivory horn, shakily allowing herself to breathe once again. A gentle laugh escaped her lips as she found herself literally petting a Unicorn, its white coat warm against her touch. It's soft blue eyes feeling as if they were looking through her, literally, to her very soul.
Sarah was beside herself with awe as she continued to stroke it's nose and then his long neck. "You're beautiful," she whispered softly to the amazing creature before her.
Backing away from the young lady, he gently allowed his horn to touch her brow. A soft glow radiated from its horn filling Sarah with a warmth she had never in her life felt. Moving away, the Unicorn jolted back turning towards its mate, as they both dashed from the meadow.
He had watched the whole spectacle, a smile creasing his lips, as he knew the meaning of that glow. The Unicorn had blessed her with its inner light, granting her a small amount of magic. Coming up to her side he smiled, as she looked to him with a warm smile resting on her lips, a smile that made his heart soar.
"Thank you," something felt different, almost as if she were granted a gift of sorts but wasn't that moment a gift within itself?
Willing his magic into being once more, they were once again standing within her room, "You're welcome." He would not tell her of the gift, for that was something that she would have to find out on her own. Stepping back regretfully, he had matters that he needed to attend to, "I'm afraid that tonight I will not be able to join you for dinner. Matters of the kingdom need my attention. Would you like to eat within the dinning room or within your room?"
She really did not feel like eating, so she opted for the later of his options, "I guess I'll eat it in here." Before he could leave, she reached out touching his arm tenderly, her eyes searching his, "Jareth…" she didn't know what to say.
"Yes," he answered in return meeting her gaze. Dare he hope?
She smiled to him still confused what to think of him of what he gave her, "That was the most beautiful gift anyone's ever given me. Thank you."
Taking her hand in his, he raised her hand to his lips gently laying a butterfly kiss upon the back of it, "It was my honor." Stepping away, he vanished from the room leaving her alone to wonder about why he gave her that wonderful moment.