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

Authors note: Hey everyone ::waves:: back from vacation. Will start writing more often (hopefully.) thanks to all my reviewers, keep reading! ^_~

~Shey

Chapter 5

Rhia was just about to get out of the tub when she heard the door creak open slightly. Quickly, she grabbed a towel, covering herself. Fearing it was Jareth, she sank down into the water about up to her chin, hiding amongst the bubbles.

She snaked her arm out of the tub and firmly secured a shoe. The second she saw a black cape creep through the door she threw the shoe at the following figure as hard as she could. "Get out of here you perverted ba..." she stopped mid-sentence as she realized it was only a goblin-a female at that.

Rhia blushed profusely and grimaced as the goblin jumped out of the room and slowly poked her head in through the crack of the door--a safe amount that is. "I am soooo sorry, but you know.. around here there are... certain things to worry about... like Jareth.. and.. walk-ins" The goblin (or gobliness as it were) carefully picked up the thrown shoe and laced it neatly next to it's twin-dangerously close to the tub.

"I wouldn't worry about that miss." Rhia quirked a brow. "Why not?" The goblin smiled and pulled up a stool next to the in-ground tub. "His majesty has made it clear to all of the goblins that if they intrude on you, they would be dropped into the internal bog of stench-head first."

Rhia wrinkled her nose. "EEww that's harsh. What about Jar.. I mean.. The King himself?" The goblin(ess) shrugged. "He comes and goes as he pleases." Rhia paled and the gobliness chuckled in return. "But don't worry he is more of a gentleman than he seems." Rhia looked a little relieved, but didn't want to take her word for it. "So.. what's your name? And why are you here?" Silence and then. "My name is Cala and I was sent to be your maid and guide, and I suppose someone to talk to."

Cala grinned and tucked her long black hair behind her ears. Had she not been a goblin she could have been beautiful--but Rhia supposed to her kind she was. Rhia blushed in embarrassment. "How rude of me! My name is Rhiadorana, but friends like you call me Rhia."

"Me? A friend?" Cala looked skeptically at her but finally accepted the gesture. "Thank you Rhia. Now, it is almost dinnertime, and his majesty wishes you there. Shall we get you dressed?"

Rhia blushed as she got out of the tub, and began to replace her jeans and low necked blouse when Cala began to jump up and down going bonkers. "No, no, no, no, no! Child! Are you INSANE!? That to dinner with his MAJESTY!?" the goblin nearly fell over in a huge fit of rumbling laughter. "Well what would you have me wear then?" she asked as she removed her clothes and was again using the towel. Cala smiled and dragged her out of the enormous bathroom by hand. Soon, she found herself standing in front of the large wardrobe she noticed earlier. Cala was rustling around in it, finally finding something to her satisfaction.

Before Rhia could even see what the dress looked like, an old fashioned slips was being shoved over her head. Muffled protests exploded from the interior until Rhia's head and arms found the proper holes. The, only after a small breath, the puffy gown followed. She was immediately drowned in yards of fabric.

Finally, she was dragged over to the mirror, and Cala smirked as she saw Rhia gaping at the dress, funny, it was the plainest one in the whole wardrobe. The top was a white blouse with sleeves that draped to the floor. Over that was purple velvet in a bodice design. Then, the velvet reached to the waist and fluffed out like a flower in full bloom.

Rhia turned a few times in front of the mirror before Cala pulled the drawstring on the front tight so as not to be revealing. No cleavage today. After she was satisfied, Cala sat Rhia in front of the vanity and started working on her hair. After various amounts of gentle tugs and prods, Cala was finished. Basically, Cala had braided two small sections of hair and wove them together in back, limiting the rest of her hair's ability to fall in her face. It was simple and easy to put up-Rhia loved it. "Thanks Cala." the goblin smiled. "Anytime."

* * *

After a small amount of time Cala informed Rhia that it was time for supper. She nodded and followed. "Cala out of all the dresses, why choose this one?" Cala smiled deeply, bringing wrinkles to her face. "It is your first dinner with his majesty, anymore elegant and he might get the wrong idea. Trust me by the end of the night yours would not be the occupied room." Rhia chuckled. "Indeed I don't think that would turn out well." She shook her head. Cala shrugged. "His majesty can be very.. arrogant at times.. not to get me wrong..."

Rhia shook her head. "That sentence will not leave the two of us." Cala nodded. "With that I thank you, and this here would be the dining hall." Rhia stopped as two heavy wooden doors opened in front of her. She turned back to Cala who waved. Rhia stepped through the doors leaving Cala and her security behind.