The Christmas Letter
Hello everybody! Yes, it's finally here, the last chapter, the one you've been waiting for, the piece de resistance… *shouts of GET ON WITH IT!* Ahem, right, moving right along. I hope you all enjoy this last chapter, and remember to review!
Disclaimer: Go tell it on the Labyrinth, over the hills and everywhere! Go, tell it on the Labyrinth; the Goblin King is boooorrreeeddd! *coughs* Ahem, anyhow, I do not own the Labyrinth, Goblins, Santa, Firey's, Jareth, Sarah, Nika, or a partridge in a pear tree. And if you want to hear more of the Labyfied Christmas carols, read Danalas's "Peachy Christmas".
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Chapter 6: What you've all been waiting for, the party!
Finally Christmas Eve came, and it was time for the party. Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus came early, to help with last minute decorating, and their annual gift exchange. Hoggle loved his new Swiss army knife, with all the extra gadgets. Ludo was contentedly cuddling his teddy bear. And Sir Didymus could hardly wait to try his new sword out in battle. And not to forget Ambrosias, he was happily chewing a rawhide bone.
Sarah received a silver bracelet from Hoggle, an epic poem from Didymus and Ambrosias, and flowers from Ludo. But you don't want to hear about this, do you? Fine, we shall go to the "good stuff."
Sarah changed out of the some-what grubby clothes she had worn to be able to finish decorating, and came out in a cream cashmere sweater and black velvet pants. Toby was dressed in a red turtleneck and jeans.
Finally the guests started arriving, a few Goblins here, a Firey or two there, Nika, a few more Goblins, etc,.
There was no sign of the Goblin King. Sarah asked Hoggle whether or not he was coming.
"Pah, ye know him." Said Hoggle. "He always hasta make a' entrance."
But Hoggle's words proved untrue. One moment Jareth wasn't there, and the next moment he was, dressed for the occasion in black leather pants and a red poet's shirt.
Sarah walked over to him. "Hi Jareth. Glad you could come."
Jareth smiled, inwardly wondering how he could keep from staring at the beautiful woman Sarah had become. He had promised himself never to look at her through his crystal's after she had defeated his Labyrinth, and he had only broken that rule a couple times, and that had been several years ago.
The two chatted for a while, no one would have guessed they once had been 'enemies'. Jareth was saddened to hear about the loss of her parents, and appalled upon learning she was an accountant. What a waste of the dreamer she was. She deserved better; she deserved to be…a Queen.
"Oh, I almost forgot, I have a present for you." Said Sarah suddenly. She weaved her way through the room, and into the next. Jareth followed her.
"Now, where did I put it?" muttered Sarah, as she looked through the living room.
"Is this it?" asked Jareth, pointing to a green box tied with silver ribbon. Sarah jumped, she hadn't known she wasn't alone. She turned, and nodded, picking up the package and handing it to Jareth.
"Merry Christmas, Jareth."
Jareth conjured a package, a silver one with pearlescent ribbon, and handed it to Sarah. "Merry Christmas, Sarah."
Jareth opened his first. It was a large leather-bound book, with "Journey through the Labyrinth" on the cover. He opened it, and was surprised to find full-color illustrations of various parts of his Labyrinth. He was speechless, and we all know that doesn't happen often. (AN: Now if that wasn't the coolest present ever, I don't know what is).
"It's…it's beautiful." He finally said. "Did you draw these yourself?"
"Yes." Said Sarah quietly, blushing slightly. It was her turn, and she opened her present. She opened the velvet box, and gasped when she saw the diamond snowflake necklace. Jareth helped her put it on, and she blushed again. It was now or never.
"Jareth, there's something I have to tell you." Said Sarah, turning to face Jareth. She hadn't counted on him being so close, but no matter. "I know you'll just laugh at me, or something, but I have to say so. It's taken me six long years, and help from…well…someone, it's kind of a long story who she is. Anyway, I've finally learned I can't be so afraid of Life, of what might happen if I say certain things. But I'm off the point now. What I'm trying to say is…I love you."
Sarah turned, unable to see Jareth's reaction.
Jareth, meanwhile, was speechless again. Had he heard her correctly?
"Sarah?" he said, as he put a hand on her shoulder. She turned to face him. "I never thought I would hear you say those words. I love you too."
And quicker than lightning, the two were in each others arms, locked in a passionate kiss. No one's quite sure just how that happened, but I don't think it's really the point.
They would have probably gone on quite a bit longer, if they hadn't heard cheering. They looked over; to see all the party guests crowded around the door, somehow left open.
"About time." Said Nika, grinning.
"Does this mean we're moving to the Underground, Sarah?" asked Toby. There was a shout of "Queen Sarah!" heard.
"I do believe we're out-numbered, my dear." Said Jareth.
"It would seem so." Said Sarah.
"My love, would you consent to be my Queen, and rule the Labyrinth with me?" asked Jareth.
"You're supposed ta get down on one knee!" said a random Goblin. He was quickly shushed.
Sarah's head was spinning. Things were going so fast! Could she really marry Jareth, so soon?
Destiny's words came back to her. She was right; life was too short to ponder the what ifs. Her choices were to live in a Fairy Tale kingdom with the man she loved, or stay in the humdrum real world as an accountant. Hmm, tough choice.
"Yes." Was all Sarah could get out, before the cheering started again.
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A while later, after the party had been moved to the castle for the added space, Sarah was reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas", seated with Jareth, looking perfectly content.
Just as she came to the part of "Up on the roof there arose such a clatter"; loud noises were heard from the roof. And a noise that sounded particularly like hooves.
The fire in the large fireplace went out, and everyone looked towards it, as another noise was heard, and a person came down from the chimney. Dressed in his traditional red suit, was none other than Santa Claus!
He started passing out gifts for all those present, and Toby ran up to him, and whispered in his ear. "Thank you Santa, for giving me what I wanted. Sarah is very happy now."
"You're welcome, Toby." Said Santa. "But you don't really have me to thank."
He motioned towards the chimney, as a noise louder than all the others was heard, along with several thumping sounds, and a noise that sounded particularly like "oof!"
Another being came down from the chimney. All right, crashed is the more correct phrase. This being was smaller than Santa, and female. A green Santa hat that had fallen over her eyes obscured her features. Her only feature visible was long reddish-orange hair, which went almost to her back. Nika, who was standing closest, hurried to help her up. She brushed off her black velvet pants, and green velvet top with white faux fur trim at the collar and cuffs. She put the hat back on correctly, showing bright Emerald green eyes.
"That was harder than you said it would be." She said, with a somewhat deep voice with a thick British accent. She glared at Santa, who shrugged.
"Emmy!" cried Sarah, rushing over to hug her new friend.
"You know her?" asked Jareth.
"Well, I would think so, since she said her name, and ran over to hug her." Said Nika. "Uh…at least that would be my guess, your Majesty."
"You can drop the act, Nika." Said Emmy.
"Thank the Magic, being so sweet and quiet was killing me!" said Nika dramatically. "Sorry to have had to fool you, Jareth, and putting in memories of me living here, but Emmy wanted me here looking out for ya for a while. I'm her assistant."
"And just who are you?" asked Jareth, looking Emmy straight in the eye. Emmy smiled, revealing her fangs.
"I am known by many names and titles." Said Emmy.
"Such as L.D.?" said Jareth.
"Yes." Said Emmy. "It's the initials for what I am most known as. Lady Destiny."
Jareth opened his mouth to say something, until he heard her. Destiny? As is…
"By the powers that be…" whispered Jareth. Of course she was Destiny! He was a moron, for not figuring that out sooner.
"Don't feel bad, Jareth." Said Emmy. "Not many do figure it out, until the end."
Jareth just shook his head, and said no more on the subject.
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The partying continued far into the night, though Santa couldn't stay, as he obviously had a lot of work to do.
They sang Christmas carols, drank hot chocolate and eggnog. (There's nothing like Goblins and Firey's hyped up on sugar or alcohol. It's frightening). Basically, they had a marvelous time.
Right in the middle of "White Christmas", Emmy motioned for Nika, who quietly walked up to her. The two walked out the door, where the land was covered by snow.
"I wish we could say good-bye." Said Nika, sighing and looking back at the castle.
"It is for the best." Said Emmy. "You did a marvelous job, Nika. I finally have a title for you."
"Really, what is it?" asked Nika excitedly.
"The Lady Kismet." Said Emmy.
"Kismet?" said Nika. "Isn't that the green frog Muppet?"
"No, that's Kermit." Said Emmy. "Kismet is another word for Destiny or Fate."
"Oh…I like it!" said Nika. "So when do I get spiffy powers like you?"
"When you grow up, dear." Said Emmy, as the two continued walking.
"Hey Emmy?" said Nika.
"Hmm?" said Emmy.
"Merry Christmas."
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Yes, finally done. And before Christmas, no less! Yes, I know I said Jareth never learned who L.D. was, I lied. But no matter. I would once again like to thank everybody who reviewed. You make this old immortal feel young, and believe me, that isn't easy. Anyhow, hope you enjoyed this story, and say it with me now…
"Please leave a contribution in the little review box"
Merry Christmas!!!
Emerald, The Lady Destiny a.k.a. Emmy-chan
