Disclaimer: The Labyrinth does not belong to me, nor do any of its characters. All ideas are entitled to their original owners.

AN: If you haven't guessed already the * * * show the split between characters. Sorry took me so long to get another chapter out, I was on vacation and we all know what it is like when we get back ne? ::growls at her stack of dishes and unpacking to do::: Anyway enjoy and review. "Please leave a contribution in the little box"

Chapter 4

In the blink of an eye, Rhia felt the world turn. The sensation was like having the wind knocked out of you. When she opened her eyes, her head swam and she swayed dangerously. It wasn't too long before she tried to take a step, and fell.

Though, she never hit the ground.. Two warm, strong arms held her aloft and she grinned despite herself. The grin quickly vanished though, as she developed a terrible headache that seemed to pound with the pulse of her racing heart.

"Rhiadorana? Are you alright?" Rhia could barely hear Jareth through her stupor of pain, all she could manage was a weak. "Please, my friends call me Rhia..." before her world spun and the blackness took over. She passed out into the peaceful world of unconsciousness.

* * *

Jareth stood there stupefied and entranced all at once. Rhia had just toppled over and he had quickly caught and steadied her-until she passed out that is. So, he picked her up almost effortlessly and smiled as she corrected him on her name. After that, he picked up Legend as well and transported them to the castle, leaving only a trace of gold glitter in the fields marking their passing.

After making sure Rhia was safe and comfortable in her new room, Jareth plopped her stuff next to the bed and let Legend snuggle in next to her. He smiled, turned on his heel, and left, a million questions racing through his mind. It seemed he talked aloud to himself as he walked.

"Only those with magical abilities feel the change between Earth and the Underground.... perhaps there is more to her than I thought...?" Jareth shook his head to clear it, and that smirk reappeared. "Perhaps she was meant to be here with me.." he disappeared as he walked around the corner and into the shadows of the enormous castle.

* * *

Rhia's eyes slit open slightly and slammed shut as the light invaded the darkness. Eventually though, her eyes adjusted to the light.

After a few tries she managed to sit up and finally inspect her surroundings. She was in a very large room, built in stone. Various colored throw rugs decorated the floors. and tapestries hung from the walls in large numbers. To her right was a vanity table and a stool, and next to that a large mahogany wardrobe. To her left there was a desk filled with paper, quills, and ink, and finally next to the desk was a fireplace and two doors. One was on the left wall beside the fireplace, and the other on the wall opposite the bed.

Rhia began to feel dizzy again and lie back down. She smiled dreamily as she looked up. Four posts extended off the bed to an inch from the ceiling. At the top, large, spring greed scarf-like sheets were draped over the four posts, creating a canopy. The ends dripped lazily down the posts and were held there by thin ribbon. After inspection Rhia found that they could be closed, and, despite their thinness, could block out the rest of the light in the room. She would use those later though, when she wanted to sleep. but, for now, she decided she wanted to explore.

Slowly, Rhia rolled out of her nest of furs and stood on the fuzzy rug that sat directly next to her bed. Looking down, she noted that her pack and cloak had been neatly placed on the floor, her shoes next to them. With a smile, she put on her shoes and cloak, and opened one of the two doors.

It wasn't the door out, but seemed just as good. It was a small room, also made of cold stone-but with one difference. The stone seemed to be heated and on the wall across her was stained glass, holding the image of the colorful phoenix. Light burst through each color like water through a thin spout. On the floor was a large in-ground bathtub, already filled with steaming hot water.

After her headache and fainting spell, the warm water seemed inviting. As she further inspected the room she found cabinets filled with towels of the finest linen, robes, brushes, you name it. Rhia chuckled.

"Jareth really wasn't kidding when he said all would be provi..." she stopped, finally realizing that she was indeed IN the underground this very second. With a smile she decided to take that bath after all. Slowly she undressed and slipped into the warm water. Rhia was right- it did feel like a blessing.

* * *

Jareth sat in the throne room, his limbs hanging akimbo over the arms of his chair. One hand held a long black cane with a crystal atop it. While the other end was being tapped against the arm of the chair in annoyance. Jareth's expression was that of severe disdain and irritation.

Goblins hopped about noisily, half drunk and half just that mindless. Jareth rolled his eyes as he conjured a crystal to check on Rhia. She was no longer in her bed, but he knew without looking where she was. He waved away the crystal and called on one of the female goblins. She nodded and left eagerly, an ugly smile spread across her face.