"Well, Jareth, what an interesting conversation you had
with that girl."
"Stephan," Jareth said curtly, turning to glare at his brother. "I
do not need you spying on me."
"Easy, Jareth- I was just curious. So, it appears we'll soon have a
guest in the castle."
"No, *I* will have a guest in *my* castle," Jareth replied
hotly.
"And this one actually wants to come live here?"
"Yes- she does- and that surprises you?"
"Well, yes, Jareth, what with Sarah coming, and after all, she's
only- what, fifteen?"
"I don't know; I didn't ask. She seemed young, though."
"Yes, and she has her whole life ahead of her, and, I assume, she has
a family."
"I know, but, well, she's already promised her eternal loyalty. She's
quite loyal to me already, and I know she'll make quite an interesting
pupil," Jareth said as he turned to leave.
"Jareth- what about Sarah?"
The King stopped and turned back to his younger brother.
"Stephan, you know I can't turn just turn Aislinn away. I'm sure
Sarah won't be happy about this at first, but I'll explain it to
her, and I know she'll understand." He sighed quietly. "But I can't
worry about that now." He grabbed a passing goblin. "You,
make sure the room in the East wing is ready. We'll soon have a
guest, and I want that room, as well as the rest of the castle,
perfect for her and Lady Sarah's arrivals."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the creature replied as it bowed, then turned
to carry out its orders.
"Oh, and one more thing."
"Yes, Your Majesty?" asked the goblin, turning back around.
"Contact Talius for me from Western Fey."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Jareth, are you feeling alright?" the Eastern Fey King asked, his
eyes narrowing in what Jareth could sense was concern, although he
knew Stephan would hardly broadcast this emotion publicly except
in extreme situations.
"What? Oh, yes Stephan. I need Talius to tell me the future of
Aislinn's life here."
* * * * *
"Ok, Aislinn, this better be important," Lara huffed, flopping down
on the family room sofa.
"Oh, this is more important than you'll ever know," her older sister
replied seriously.
"Alright, Aislinn, we're all ears," said her father.
"Ok- I've called this family meeting because what I have to tell you
will alter al our lives- especially mine, greatly- forever."
"Aislinn?" asked her grandmother, leaning forward in alarm. "What's
going on? Are you pregnant or something?"
"What?! No! What I have to tell you does involve a man, but-"
"Aislinn, you're only fifteen-"
"Doris, please!" her uncle cut in. "Continue, Aislinn."
"Thanks, Uncle Leroy," Aislinn replied, then went on, "For a long
time, I've felt there was something missing in my life. I'm here
for a greater purpose, and my life now isn't complete. I need to lead
a life where I can train in the ways of magic. I've held this need
in my heart for a long time, and I know you'll never understand, and
I can't fully explain it, but I must leave-"
"Aislinn, what do you mean leave?" her mother interrupted, her brow
furrowing, eyes alight with worry.
"Um- how do I say this?" She paused, then decided she may as well
just do exactly that- *say* it. "I must to go live with Jareth,
King of the Goblins, in his kingdom- the Labyrinth.
He's ageless, and has spent almost 800 years perfecting the secrets
of his magic. Now, he's going to teach them to me. Once I enter the
Labyrinth, I suppose I'll stop aging at about twenty-five or
something.. I'm really not sure. But I've agreed to be loyal to him
and I will. Jareth's kind and I know he'll treat me well. He's
coming for me in a week, and I've returned here to say goodbye and
pack my things. I know it'll cause you- and me- great pain, but
I feel it's my destiny."
The young girl was met with blank stares. "Aislinn I know it's fall,
but perhaps you have light sunstroke or something," her grandmother
suggested. "You should come lie down."
"You don't believe me, do you?!" Aislinn shot back in disgust.
"Well, nuh duh, stupid!" Lara replied. "That is the most ridiculous
story I've ever heard! Goblin King? Oh, yeah, right!"
Aislinn began to grow red. "Ridiculous, huh? I'll show you who's
being ridiculous, Lara!" Aislinn turned towards the window, flinging
it open. She leaned out into the cold night air. "Jareth, if you
can hear me, I need help!" Aislinn called out into the darkness.
* * * * *
Back in the Goblin City, Jareth and his younger brother were busy
preparing for Aislinn and Sarah's arrivals; Jareth barking out orders
and Stephan supervising.
"Stephan," said the Goblin King suddenly. "It appears Aislinn is
in some sort of trouble. I suppose I should go help her- you stay
here and make sure the goblins do as they're told."
"Can't I go with you?" Stephan whined like a child. "I'd love to
meet her."
"Stephan-"
"I won't say anything against you, I promise."
"You'd better not, Stephan, or so help me-"
"Jareth, please, no threats. Why would *I*, your *brother*, say
anything against *you*?"
"Stephan, I'm serious." Jareth folded his arms.
The Eastern Fey King could see that Jareth did indeed mean it.
"Alright, Jareth- I promise."
* * * * *
"Well, your goblin guy isn't showing up, Aislinn," said Lara, quite
sarcastically.
"No, he'll come- be patient. And Lara, please don't call His
Majesty 'goblin guy.'"
"Oh, well, eeeexxxcccuuusseee me!"
* * * * *
"Very nice, Brother," Stephan said approvingly as Jareth waved his
hand, a new majestic outfit appearing on his lithe body.
"You as well, Stephan, but I think the cape might be a bit much."
"You're wearing your favorite cape too!"
"Yes, but it's the cape I wear all the time, and it's simple black.
Yours is metallic forest green!"
"Oh, Jareth, please!" Stephan replied, exasperated.
"I know- it doesn't matter about the cape, it's fine."
"Shall we go then?" Stephan asked impatiently.
"Yes, we've left the poor dear waiting long enough."
* * * * *
"Aislinn, dear, please come lie down."
"Mom, I am *not* crazy! He'll come- if not now, then in a week, to
get me, and I must go with him."
"Aislinn, please-"
Just then, a clap of thunder sounded and the whole family watched in
curiosity as the sky began to grow a deep jewel blue and violet.
"Mom, what's going on?" asked Lara in alarm.
"He's coming," Aislinn whispered.
"Yeah, sure, Aislinn. I'm sure your goblin guy is gonna fly in the
window any-"
"Goblin Guy? Is that your new title, brother?" came an amused voice
from behind Lara.
The entire family turned suddenly at the unexpected voice. Standing
in the window were two very mysterious... and highly-adorned men.
One was wearing black tights, a black shirt with no cuffs, baggy
sleeves, and a low neckline, which revealed some sort of strangely-
shaped pendant he wore around his neck, a tight black leather vest,
black leather boots, short black gloves that reached to his wrists,
and a black cape with a high, outward-curled collar. The other wore
a white shirt with a high collar, tight black stirrup pants, a
metallic forest green, shimmery cape, high forest green boots, and
short black gloves.
"No, Stephan. It's just that some people who don't know the extent
of my powers may call me such things."
"Your Majesty, it's alright. She didn't mean it. No one in my
family believed me- that's why I need your help."
"Surely, my dear," replied the King, eyeing the oggling crowd. "I
would be happy to explain things to them further."
"Who's your friend, Your Highness?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Aislinn, I'd like you to meet my brother Stephan."
"Hello, Stephan," said Aislinn as she curtsied.
"Hello, my dear. It's so nice to meet you," replied the Eastern Fey
King, and kissed her hand. A strange feeling suddenly rushed
through Stephan's chest as his lips touched her skin, but he quickly
shook it off- he had to if he were to keep from staring at her.
Aislinn's family just stood gazing at these two men, trying to take
in their appearance- especially Jareth, with his hair, his complexion,
and his eyes... Looking at him for the first time, they were just as
awestruck as Aislinn had been.
"I'm sorry, Aislinn," whispered her grandmother.
"Me too," added her mother, still staring at Jareth.
"Oh, my God, he's real!" gasped Lara.
"My dear, please have some respect," said Stephan, glaring at Lara.
"My brother could easily turn you into a goblin if he wished."
"Stephan, are you- standing up for me?" the Goblin King asked in
shock.
"Yes, Jareth. I do have it in me, you know."
"I guess so," Jareth muttered. "I just wish you could have shown it
a little more before now."
"Lara, please! Your Majesties, I'm sorry. She didn't mean anything
by it- she's just a little awestruck by you."
"That's alright, Aislinn," the Goblin King replied, smirking a
bit. "I quite understand."
Finally, someone regarded the situation at hand; Leroy, Aislinn's
uncle. "Um, excuse me- Jareth?"
"Yes?" Jareth asked, turning to face the man, who jumped back at
the Goblin King's ice cold stare.
"Um, I'm afraid you can't just take my niece like this. We can call
the police quite easily and-"
"Uncle Leroy!"
"I'm sorry, Honey, but you're a minor, and even if you do want to go
with these two- gentlemen- I'm afraid we couldn't let you."
"Uncle Leroy, did you listen to a word I said before?!"
"Let me talk to him, Aislinn," Jareth cut in.
"Alright, Your Majesty- if you think you can convince him, or the
rest of my family about the truth of-"
"Yes, don't worry, my dear," the King replied, waving his hand at
her. He paused. "Why don't I show them instead?"
"Now, Jareth, don't go crazy," Stephan snickered.
"Don't worry, brother, I won't- just a small trick." Jareth pointed
his gloved hand at a vase of blood-red roses across the room and made
a flick of his wrist. Suddenly, the roses turned brown; withered and
died, their brown leaves falling to the carpet around the vase.
"Now, Jareth, that wasn't very nice!" Stephan feigned a scolding tone.
"Don't worry, Stephan," Jareth replied. "I'm not finished yet. The
Goblin King once again pointed at the roses, which were then uplifted
and reborn into new white blooms.
"How did you do that?!" gasped Lara, staring in amazement.
"Simple, my child," replied Jareth. And with that, the King turned
his palm upwards, a crystal ball materializing on his fingertips. He
turned to Aislinn. "Now, let's see how the goblins are making out
preparing for your arrival, my dear," he said, looking into the orb.
His eyes narrowed. "Oh my- chaos, of course. Stephan, would you be so
kind as to go sort out this mess?"
"Jareth-"
"Please- Stephan."
Stephan sighed. "Alright, Jareth. See you in a little while." And
with a wave of his hand and a bow to Aislinn, he disappeared in a
puff of emerald smoke.
"He always was one for grand exits. It's almost as if he's forgotten
how to simply teleport from place to place," Jareth tisked. "Now,"
he said, turning to Aislinn's family and beginning his ancient habit
of rolling the crystal along and up his arms. He then continued with
a straight face, "I know that Aislinn's leaving will cause you all
great pain, but it has been confirmed my dear friend of many years,
Talius, that it's her destiny."
"Really, Your Highness?" asked Aislinn with delight.
"Yes, my dear. It's the truth."
"Oh, Your Majesty, I'm so happy!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms
around him. Jareth was a bit surprised at first, but then he
relaxed, gently wrapping his arms around the young girl.
"Get your hands off her!" Aislinn's father screamed, making for the
Goblin King. Jareth, in turn, made a slight movement of his head and
the man stopped dead, frozen in position.
"Alex!" screamed Aislinn's mother. She looked back up at Jareth, rage
flashing in her eyes. "What have you done to him?!"
"Don't worry, my lady. He'll be fine in an hour or so," Jareth
replied. He brushed an imaginary wrinkle from his shirt. "Well, I
must be getting back to check on my minions and my brother," he said
turning. "And I will see you, Aislinn, in one week." And with
that, Jareth transformed into an owl and flew off into the night.
with that girl."
"Stephan," Jareth said curtly, turning to glare at his brother. "I
do not need you spying on me."
"Easy, Jareth- I was just curious. So, it appears we'll soon have a
guest in the castle."
"No, *I* will have a guest in *my* castle," Jareth replied
hotly.
"And this one actually wants to come live here?"
"Yes- she does- and that surprises you?"
"Well, yes, Jareth, what with Sarah coming, and after all, she's
only- what, fifteen?"
"I don't know; I didn't ask. She seemed young, though."
"Yes, and she has her whole life ahead of her, and, I assume, she has
a family."
"I know, but, well, she's already promised her eternal loyalty. She's
quite loyal to me already, and I know she'll make quite an interesting
pupil," Jareth said as he turned to leave.
"Jareth- what about Sarah?"
The King stopped and turned back to his younger brother.
"Stephan, you know I can't turn just turn Aislinn away. I'm sure
Sarah won't be happy about this at first, but I'll explain it to
her, and I know she'll understand." He sighed quietly. "But I can't
worry about that now." He grabbed a passing goblin. "You,
make sure the room in the East wing is ready. We'll soon have a
guest, and I want that room, as well as the rest of the castle,
perfect for her and Lady Sarah's arrivals."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the creature replied as it bowed, then turned
to carry out its orders.
"Oh, and one more thing."
"Yes, Your Majesty?" asked the goblin, turning back around.
"Contact Talius for me from Western Fey."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Jareth, are you feeling alright?" the Eastern Fey King asked, his
eyes narrowing in what Jareth could sense was concern, although he
knew Stephan would hardly broadcast this emotion publicly except
in extreme situations.
"What? Oh, yes Stephan. I need Talius to tell me the future of
Aislinn's life here."
* * * * *
"Ok, Aislinn, this better be important," Lara huffed, flopping down
on the family room sofa.
"Oh, this is more important than you'll ever know," her older sister
replied seriously.
"Alright, Aislinn, we're all ears," said her father.
"Ok- I've called this family meeting because what I have to tell you
will alter al our lives- especially mine, greatly- forever."
"Aislinn?" asked her grandmother, leaning forward in alarm. "What's
going on? Are you pregnant or something?"
"What?! No! What I have to tell you does involve a man, but-"
"Aislinn, you're only fifteen-"
"Doris, please!" her uncle cut in. "Continue, Aislinn."
"Thanks, Uncle Leroy," Aislinn replied, then went on, "For a long
time, I've felt there was something missing in my life. I'm here
for a greater purpose, and my life now isn't complete. I need to lead
a life where I can train in the ways of magic. I've held this need
in my heart for a long time, and I know you'll never understand, and
I can't fully explain it, but I must leave-"
"Aislinn, what do you mean leave?" her mother interrupted, her brow
furrowing, eyes alight with worry.
"Um- how do I say this?" She paused, then decided she may as well
just do exactly that- *say* it. "I must to go live with Jareth,
King of the Goblins, in his kingdom- the Labyrinth.
He's ageless, and has spent almost 800 years perfecting the secrets
of his magic. Now, he's going to teach them to me. Once I enter the
Labyrinth, I suppose I'll stop aging at about twenty-five or
something.. I'm really not sure. But I've agreed to be loyal to him
and I will. Jareth's kind and I know he'll treat me well. He's
coming for me in a week, and I've returned here to say goodbye and
pack my things. I know it'll cause you- and me- great pain, but
I feel it's my destiny."
The young girl was met with blank stares. "Aislinn I know it's fall,
but perhaps you have light sunstroke or something," her grandmother
suggested. "You should come lie down."
"You don't believe me, do you?!" Aislinn shot back in disgust.
"Well, nuh duh, stupid!" Lara replied. "That is the most ridiculous
story I've ever heard! Goblin King? Oh, yeah, right!"
Aislinn began to grow red. "Ridiculous, huh? I'll show you who's
being ridiculous, Lara!" Aislinn turned towards the window, flinging
it open. She leaned out into the cold night air. "Jareth, if you
can hear me, I need help!" Aislinn called out into the darkness.
* * * * *
Back in the Goblin City, Jareth and his younger brother were busy
preparing for Aislinn and Sarah's arrivals; Jareth barking out orders
and Stephan supervising.
"Stephan," said the Goblin King suddenly. "It appears Aislinn is
in some sort of trouble. I suppose I should go help her- you stay
here and make sure the goblins do as they're told."
"Can't I go with you?" Stephan whined like a child. "I'd love to
meet her."
"Stephan-"
"I won't say anything against you, I promise."
"You'd better not, Stephan, or so help me-"
"Jareth, please, no threats. Why would *I*, your *brother*, say
anything against *you*?"
"Stephan, I'm serious." Jareth folded his arms.
The Eastern Fey King could see that Jareth did indeed mean it.
"Alright, Jareth- I promise."
* * * * *
"Well, your goblin guy isn't showing up, Aislinn," said Lara, quite
sarcastically.
"No, he'll come- be patient. And Lara, please don't call His
Majesty 'goblin guy.'"
"Oh, well, eeeexxxcccuuusseee me!"
* * * * *
"Very nice, Brother," Stephan said approvingly as Jareth waved his
hand, a new majestic outfit appearing on his lithe body.
"You as well, Stephan, but I think the cape might be a bit much."
"You're wearing your favorite cape too!"
"Yes, but it's the cape I wear all the time, and it's simple black.
Yours is metallic forest green!"
"Oh, Jareth, please!" Stephan replied, exasperated.
"I know- it doesn't matter about the cape, it's fine."
"Shall we go then?" Stephan asked impatiently.
"Yes, we've left the poor dear waiting long enough."
* * * * *
"Aislinn, dear, please come lie down."
"Mom, I am *not* crazy! He'll come- if not now, then in a week, to
get me, and I must go with him."
"Aislinn, please-"
Just then, a clap of thunder sounded and the whole family watched in
curiosity as the sky began to grow a deep jewel blue and violet.
"Mom, what's going on?" asked Lara in alarm.
"He's coming," Aislinn whispered.
"Yeah, sure, Aislinn. I'm sure your goblin guy is gonna fly in the
window any-"
"Goblin Guy? Is that your new title, brother?" came an amused voice
from behind Lara.
The entire family turned suddenly at the unexpected voice. Standing
in the window were two very mysterious... and highly-adorned men.
One was wearing black tights, a black shirt with no cuffs, baggy
sleeves, and a low neckline, which revealed some sort of strangely-
shaped pendant he wore around his neck, a tight black leather vest,
black leather boots, short black gloves that reached to his wrists,
and a black cape with a high, outward-curled collar. The other wore
a white shirt with a high collar, tight black stirrup pants, a
metallic forest green, shimmery cape, high forest green boots, and
short black gloves.
"No, Stephan. It's just that some people who don't know the extent
of my powers may call me such things."
"Your Majesty, it's alright. She didn't mean it. No one in my
family believed me- that's why I need your help."
"Surely, my dear," replied the King, eyeing the oggling crowd. "I
would be happy to explain things to them further."
"Who's your friend, Your Highness?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Aislinn, I'd like you to meet my brother Stephan."
"Hello, Stephan," said Aislinn as she curtsied.
"Hello, my dear. It's so nice to meet you," replied the Eastern Fey
King, and kissed her hand. A strange feeling suddenly rushed
through Stephan's chest as his lips touched her skin, but he quickly
shook it off- he had to if he were to keep from staring at her.
Aislinn's family just stood gazing at these two men, trying to take
in their appearance- especially Jareth, with his hair, his complexion,
and his eyes... Looking at him for the first time, they were just as
awestruck as Aislinn had been.
"I'm sorry, Aislinn," whispered her grandmother.
"Me too," added her mother, still staring at Jareth.
"Oh, my God, he's real!" gasped Lara.
"My dear, please have some respect," said Stephan, glaring at Lara.
"My brother could easily turn you into a goblin if he wished."
"Stephan, are you- standing up for me?" the Goblin King asked in
shock.
"Yes, Jareth. I do have it in me, you know."
"I guess so," Jareth muttered. "I just wish you could have shown it
a little more before now."
"Lara, please! Your Majesties, I'm sorry. She didn't mean anything
by it- she's just a little awestruck by you."
"That's alright, Aislinn," the Goblin King replied, smirking a
bit. "I quite understand."
Finally, someone regarded the situation at hand; Leroy, Aislinn's
uncle. "Um, excuse me- Jareth?"
"Yes?" Jareth asked, turning to face the man, who jumped back at
the Goblin King's ice cold stare.
"Um, I'm afraid you can't just take my niece like this. We can call
the police quite easily and-"
"Uncle Leroy!"
"I'm sorry, Honey, but you're a minor, and even if you do want to go
with these two- gentlemen- I'm afraid we couldn't let you."
"Uncle Leroy, did you listen to a word I said before?!"
"Let me talk to him, Aislinn," Jareth cut in.
"Alright, Your Majesty- if you think you can convince him, or the
rest of my family about the truth of-"
"Yes, don't worry, my dear," the King replied, waving his hand at
her. He paused. "Why don't I show them instead?"
"Now, Jareth, don't go crazy," Stephan snickered.
"Don't worry, brother, I won't- just a small trick." Jareth pointed
his gloved hand at a vase of blood-red roses across the room and made
a flick of his wrist. Suddenly, the roses turned brown; withered and
died, their brown leaves falling to the carpet around the vase.
"Now, Jareth, that wasn't very nice!" Stephan feigned a scolding tone.
"Don't worry, Stephan," Jareth replied. "I'm not finished yet. The
Goblin King once again pointed at the roses, which were then uplifted
and reborn into new white blooms.
"How did you do that?!" gasped Lara, staring in amazement.
"Simple, my child," replied Jareth. And with that, the King turned
his palm upwards, a crystal ball materializing on his fingertips. He
turned to Aislinn. "Now, let's see how the goblins are making out
preparing for your arrival, my dear," he said, looking into the orb.
His eyes narrowed. "Oh my- chaos, of course. Stephan, would you be so
kind as to go sort out this mess?"
"Jareth-"
"Please- Stephan."
Stephan sighed. "Alright, Jareth. See you in a little while." And
with a wave of his hand and a bow to Aislinn, he disappeared in a
puff of emerald smoke.
"He always was one for grand exits. It's almost as if he's forgotten
how to simply teleport from place to place," Jareth tisked. "Now,"
he said, turning to Aislinn's family and beginning his ancient habit
of rolling the crystal along and up his arms. He then continued with
a straight face, "I know that Aislinn's leaving will cause you all
great pain, but it has been confirmed my dear friend of many years,
Talius, that it's her destiny."
"Really, Your Highness?" asked Aislinn with delight.
"Yes, my dear. It's the truth."
"Oh, Your Majesty, I'm so happy!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms
around him. Jareth was a bit surprised at first, but then he
relaxed, gently wrapping his arms around the young girl.
"Get your hands off her!" Aislinn's father screamed, making for the
Goblin King. Jareth, in turn, made a slight movement of his head and
the man stopped dead, frozen in position.
"Alex!" screamed Aislinn's mother. She looked back up at Jareth, rage
flashing in her eyes. "What have you done to him?!"
"Don't worry, my lady. He'll be fine in an hour or so," Jareth
replied. He brushed an imaginary wrinkle from his shirt. "Well, I
must be getting back to check on my minions and my brother," he said
turning. "And I will see you, Aislinn, in one week." And with
that, Jareth transformed into an owl and flew off into the night.
