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The Same Moon

Chapter 5

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Sarah stared at herself in the mirror. For a moment she didn't even recognise herself. Her face looked different, older maybe, or younger even. Or maybe when she had looked at herself before she had just been afraid to see. But then again it could just be a reflection of what she was wearing. As soon as she had attempted to put on the garment she had regretted turning down so profusely the maids' offers for help. They had exchanged knowing glances at each other, but under orders to let the strange visitor do as she pleased, they obeyed and left.

The skirt was layered, a soft smooth fabric which she didn't recognise underneath layers of lace, all shades of red getting lighter as the layers progressed till it reached a rose tint. It was ankle length and flowing, swishing against her legs as she walked and complimented with wine red sandals which were laced almost up to her knees. All that had been simple until she had reached the almost corset like blouse.

Make a good impression Christian had told her, can't just walk in there in the ripped jeans and shirt which were all that was left of her clothes.

Make a good impression, she pulled a face, she'd like to see him try and put this on. It felt like somebody was crushing her ribs so that they pierced her lungs. It had taken her ages, attempting to lace the dark red back, and then it was a squeeze over her breasts to try and put the white/rose lace blouse over the top. But when she studied herself she knew it was worth it. The blouse was three quater length and the end of the sleeves flowed outwards. The collar was deep stopping only when the corset started, and within the lace thin gold ribbon had been entwined. The fabric was so delicate she was afraid with the slightest move it would rip.

Her face seemed to have regained some colour and her hair some life, she finally looked as if she fit into this strange place. She looked confident, radiant but inside she still felt like a nervous wreck. She just hoped Christian had everything under control. Although he attempted to reassure her she could tell by the seriousness in his eyes that this night was important. As far as everyone else had been concerned Sarah was just a "visitor" of Christians, even that sent rumours flying but Christian had skimmed over the issue with a slight hint of embarrassment and a flicker of his lop sided grin.

They were under the impression she was from another of the nine realms, and technically that was true. Probably the fourth realm where a lot of Fae had travelled to live, the power of the elements there useful in the development of Fae magic. Maybe she was a trained sorceress they thought, from Nefar, the fire region of the fifth realm, maybe she would be the one with whom Christian was going to try his foolhardy plan.

Well they were right about that, Christian did plan to mix his own magic with Sarah's, despite her assurances that she possessed about as much magic as a carnival magician. A comment which made Christian looked at her quizzically not quite sure what a magician was and even more perplexed when she told him that people were actually entertained by someone pulling a rabbit out of their hat. Strange place, he had muttered.

However what Christian's fellow Fae didn't know was that Sarah in fact came from the fifth realm, a realm untouched, isolated from all other realms for centuries. They were also totally oblivious to the fact that Sarah was a large part of Christian's plan for defeating the dark force which was slowly swallowing and corrupting their Labyrinth, even though she had not cast a spell in the whole of her life and was unaware that magic existed until two years ago.

A knock sounded at the door and she heard Christian's voice.

"Sarah it's time,"

She took a deep breath and checked her hair and make up once more. If she was going to do this, she would do it right. These people would notice her, she told herself and by God they would have faith in her. Not look at her in contempt like certain other individuals. She wouldn't admit to herself that any of her desire to impress tonight, or that the butterflies in her stomach had anything to do with the presence of a certain arrogant King.

"No turning back now," she told her reflection. You're in this deep, she thought silently.

Taking a last brief glance across the Kingdom she allowed herself a second to admire the setting of the orange sun hiding beneath towering mazes of glittering woodland forests and the blur of hedge mazes and stone. She didn't notice the moon loitering behind the wastelands, beyond any kind of civilisation.

With determination set firm in her eyes she opened the door to Christian, who was looking as glorious as she had first met him. Dark blue jacket over black breeches and shirt complimenting his ivory tones and shining sea blue eyes. He held a very appreciative look on his eyes as he studied her appearance. Nodding in approvement, he held out his arm which she took gratefully and they made their silent descent down the illuminated corridor towards the loud murmur of voices.

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As they entered the hall Sarah suddenly started to regret her decision. The conversation became hushed, Christian gave her hand a squeeze but it didn't make her feel any better. He shot some menacing looks about the room then began to lead her through the masses of people to the end of the hall.

The banquet hall was large and intimidating, tall walls which seemed to loom over her small form. It was decorated in rich colours of the deepest purples and palest blues and some of the most exquisite silver carvings and mouldings she had ever seen. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling and candelabra's further illuminated the room. It was typically Jareth's tastes; elaborate but nonetheless exquisite. At the centre of the room couples who were dancing stood still for the briefest of moments analysing her with doubt then continued moving. Spread about the room around the rim were groups of people, some standing, others sitting around tables.

A servant dressed in tails offered them wine but Christian declined. She tried to still her shaking but the attention she was getting wasn't helping. As they passed groups of people their conversation seemed to change as they looked at her, usually down their noses. She managed to hear strands of dialogue as people whispered to one another.

"She's a bit young for him isn't she?" "What does he think he's doing?" "She's going to take part in the passing? She might be from another realm but even with the King's magic I don't see how...." "Well, well, well young Christian's done well for himself, though she looks more like the King's type......."

Disgusted and feeling even more anxious Sarah tried to concentrate on settling her nerves, she had to make a good impression. Her thoughts were interrupted and she found herself almost jumping out of her skin.

"You look like a sheep lost in a pack of wolves, calm down a bit. I'll be here." Christian gave her a reassuring smile which she tried to return. She attempted to relax but it was hard, a lot of people smiled at her and murmured their hellos to Christian, but it was the few threatening looks she was getting which were unnerving her.

"Christian over here!" A voice shouted from beside them over the rumble of voices and the song the band was playing. Christian pulled her towards the source.

A man in his early twenties with close clipped black hair and a trimmed goatee was gesturing with a half full wine glass to them from a table by a candelabra. Sat around him Sarah recognised the woman they had called Alanna, dressed in a deep purple gown which complimented her red tones. Also three other people she didn't recognise. Two men and a woman. The first older man of about thirty studied Sarah with a look of distaste on his pale face, the other man had dark ebony skin and ceased his conversation with a petite woman whom he had his arm draped over as they neared. She was just as stunning as Alanna with short blonde hair and hazel eyes almost like gemstones wearing a pale yellow gown resembling a slip. Sarah felt considerably dowdy compared to them.

All but the man with ebony skin looked Fae with high cheekbones and curved eyebrows. The dark man grinned wildly at Christian and Sarah, the whites of his eyes sparkling as they seated themselves in-between Alanna and the man with the goatee.

"Christian my boy actually all in one piece?" His voice was mock incredulous, "I'm surprised. Jareth must be losing his touch," he gulped his wine.

"Yes, we all thought you'd take longer than this to lick your wounds," The man with the goatee injected as he passed two glasses of wine to Sarah and Christian, raising his eyebrows in a tease.

"Or are you hiding some other injury we can't see? Afterall Jareth is known for his creativity," the man's eyes twinkled as he lowered his eyes under the table.

Christian grinned, tapping his fingers in amusement on the table whilst the others chuckled. Meanwhile Sarah, fingered her wine glass nervously, once again not sure what to do with herself.

"Sarah may I introduce my supposed friends,"

The goateed man interrupted once again and took Sarah's hand pressing it to his lips, "We're not really his friends Sarah, the only reason we give him the time of day is because he's in with the King," He winked at her jokingly, grinning inanely. Finally people with a sense of humour she thought, relief flooding over her.

"Nathaniel stop flirting with the girl." Alanna spoke up, her full lips curved into a smile.

"Please she doesn't know me which means I may actually have a chance," He polished off the rest of the wine from his glass then called the waiter over for another one. Sarah got the idea that the waiter spent a lot of time at this table.

Alanna rose her hand to take Sarah's and shook it.

"I'm Alanna," she gestured to everyone in turn.

"This is Galen and Rhiannon," The ebony skinned man nodded at her, and the petite blonde smiled.

"Unfortunately you've already had the bad luck to meet Nathaniel," He rose his glass to her before taking another giant sized gulp.

"And this is Arram," She gestured to the man beside her still staring at Sarah like he had a bad taste in his mouth. He grunted.

Arram stood up. "If you'll excuse me I need to go speak to the King," Sarah was relieved when he was finally out of sight.

"What the hell was wrong with him?" Christian asked obvious annoyance in his voice. The others merely shrugged, but Sarah got the feeling they knew very well what his problem was, Sarah certainly did by the menacing looks he had been throwing her. The uneasiness and dry atmosphere was broken by the dark skinned man.

"So Sarah how you enjoying your stay? Does it compare to earth?" Galen inquired.

Sarah shot up in her seat almost spilling her wine everywhere. Hadn't Christian said no one was to know she was from earth? Otherwise they'd be even less likely to let Christian train her for this "passing" that everyone seemed to be so concerned about. Christian had again skipped around the details, telling her he'd explain at a later date. She had learnt by now to trust Christian and take his words, well what choice did she have?

She shot Christian a worried look.

"Don't worry we know, Christian is as bad as keeping secrets as he is fighting."

"Hey!" Christian protested.

"Anyway you're going to need us to keep up the pretense, if any of the vultures ever find out we'd never hear the end of it," He pulled his nose up in disgust. "Gossiping idiots, haven't got anything better to talk about then who's having who and everybody's dirty laundry," he snorted, but then was nudged by Rhiannon who spoke barely moving her lips which were forced into a fake smile.

"Speaking of vultures,"

"Who is this lovely thing you have with you Christian, How dare you not introduce us,"

Even without looking the voice made her flesh crawl and when she looked she wasn't disappointed. The man was about thirty. His skin was sallow and greasy; tell tale signs of too much liquor and cigarettes. He was dressed in a dark green jacket and matching breeches with a white shirt underneath emphasizing his obesity. Pompous and overbearing, Sarah thought and shrunk in her set. As he spoke a moustache on his top lip quivered and Sarah swallowed the urge to vomit. Around him hovered women who scowled at Sarah, their noses raised. They whispered between themselves glancing every now and then in their direction.

Christian finished his wine and spoke in a monotone and bored voice. "Sarah Lord Merrin, Lord Merrin Sarah."

"Delighted,"

Sarah could see the other women roll their eyes in disgust, whilst the men tried to look aloof hoping Merrin would soon lose interest. But as he eyed Sarah like another meal she knew that wasn't going to happen soon.

"Rather exciting wasn't it this morning, so close to the castle and all,"

"Exciting!" Christian exclaimed his cheerful mood lost, annoyance now ringing in his voice, "Ten people died this morning exciting isn't the word I would choose to describe it." He narrowed his eyes at the pompous fool before turning his head to face elsewhere. The event was raw in all their minds and no one wanted to talk about it let alone with such insensitivity. The others still attempted to feign interest.

Merrin stumbled over his words rather taken aback, "Well yes of course it was unfortunate, what I meant was that I was under the impression from the King that they couldn't strike so close to his ground, and only around the, um," He stuttered his face going a sweaty red, "The, erm, Labyrinth."

"Well you were under the wrong impression then weren't you?" Christian said coldly. Nathaniel shot him a warning glance.

"Obviously," His voice was hesitant now with an underlying note of hostility, "Excuse me ladies I have matters to attend to."

He gave Christian a last fleeting glance and Sarah detected some aggression before he finally took his leave of them.

"Christian," Alanna's voice held warning.

"I know, I know, but I couldn't help it. The man's a bumbling idiot, he has no idea what he's talking about." Alanna still shot him a disapproving look. He leant back in his chair leisurely stretching his arms out in mock innocence, standing by his actions.

"Well I had to give those nosy old hags eaves-dropping behind him something to gossip about now didn't I? Alanna shook her head. Nathaniel spoke instead,

"It's not that we disagree with you, but although Merrin has a face like a troll's backside and the personality to match," He managed to elicit a smile from Christian, "The fact is that he is a strong factor in the Circle. If he got enough people on his side he could oppose the King and throw out any chance we have of using magic to fight and instead send a whole bloody kamikaze army. We'd be helpless to stop him so you'd better keep him on your good side regardless if he's a bumbling idiot or not."

Christian grunted in dismissal although he knew his friend was right.

As time passed Sarah found herself able to relax in such pleasant company. Although the man from earlier, Arram, kept on throwing looks that could kill her way Sarah attempted to ignore them, wondering what his problem was.

All but Rhiannon recalled fondly their time spent in other realms as warriors in the first division of the King's army. Speaking of battles with Stormwings and Ogres, Coldfangs and Night dragons Sarah listened fascinated. She found that Galen had met Rhiannon on a journey into the fourth realm and they married soon after. She felt something twist in her stomach as she watched the loving looks and familiar touches the two shared when no one else seemed to be looking.

Although she had not been told in so many words Sarah understood from sketchy details that there were nine realms. Her own being the fifth, the second being that of the Labyrinth and Fae land. The only others Christian spoke of a lot was the fourth realm; the realm of the elements and the only other realm the Fae inhabited. It was ruled by the Nefarians she was told, a race of people much like humans and Fae, the race Sarah was supposedly of. They held elemental magic where the Fae's magic was more of glamour. However the most powerful Mages of each race could manipulate both. Sarah thought of Jareth.

Christian had spoken vaguely of the disturbance in their kingdom which was destroying the Labyrinth and killing their people and the fact that it was originating from the ninth realm. But when Sarah pressed him for more details he told her later and that he didn't want to overwhelm her. Sarah soon found herself getting tired of promises of later.

Christian's friends seemed fascinated with Sarah's own realm and she found herself wondering why they had never visited it and why her planet or "realm" didn't know of the others. She told them of her own home, about how no one there did magic and of contraptions such as cars and aeroplanes and they listened in fascination. In the back of her mind she was reminded of Christian's earlier words, **"The only reminder of your world's true heritage in myths and legends, fairytale and fiction."**

Why had her world forgotten their supposed magic and the other realms? The others spoke of journeys between realms such as to the paradise of the third realm where all was long beaches and ocean coves and deep blue seas, where humans lived along Griffins and Dragons, Basilisks and mermaids. None of the journeys between realms sounded as difficult as Sarah's had been from Earth. She decided now was not the time to bring it up with Christian but she made a mental note to mention it later.

Sarah's thoughts were interrupted as the band changed the speed of music to a slower song of pipes and piano. Galen and Rhiannon stood and made their way to the dance floor, Sarah noted what a peculiar couple the two made, the large dark skinned man and the petite woman a mere wisp herself. Christian gestured with a nod of his head towards the dance floor to Alanna and they followed Galen and Rhiannon. Sarah felt uncomfortable for a second before Nathaniel stood holding his hand out to her,

"May I have this dance?" He raised his eyebrow, he was definitely a flirt and a charmer. With his chiselled good looks and vanity he didn't bother to hide, she was certain he was a real ladies man. Sarah smiled, she couldn't help but like him, she couldn't help but like all of them. It had been a long time since she was as happy as this.

"Certainly." She replied and took his own hand grinning and allowed him to lead her towards where the other couples danced.

They swayed to the music for a while and Sarah enjoyed the feeling of being able to let herself go. She was relieved to find that the room was nothing like that of the one that haunted her dreams and her hallucination in the Labyrinth two years ago.

Nathaniel asked her polite questions about her family and pointed out certain 'important' people as they danced, each of his characterisations brutally honest and witty, she couldn't remember a time she had laughed harder.

When she had composed herself after Nathaniel had told her the tale of how Christian had gotten somehow trapped half naked in a Griffin's lair when they had camped out near the coves in the fourth realm, Nathaniel asked a surprise question.

"So Sarah I hear this isn't your first visit to the Labyrinth."

She abruptly stopped dancing for a moment before she tried to continue on like normal. He became serious.

"Sorry did I say something I shouldn't have?"

"No, no," She assured him, "It's just that I wasn't aware that so many people knew about that."

"They don't, that was during the dark years of the Labyrinth. Few know they took place, let alone they were trapped in Goblin form for fifty years by the ninth realm, could you imagine the uproar? Only those talented or close to the crown know that Jareth used the magic of those from the fifth realm to release them and than erase the event from memory."

Sarah looked at him quizzically.

"You mean he wasn't turning the babies into Goblins?"

"Good Lord!, He said, half laughing, Who told you that? Heavens no, he just needed human magic to use with his own to break into the ninth realm. Then he could set about destroying it's hold over the Labyrinth. Bloody potent stuff human magic you know."

Although Sarah's gaze was focussed elsewhere, her soft lips parted as she tried to register all she had been told. Nathaniel's eyes were fixed intently on her face. Surveying her reactions with keen interest.

The older man chuckled to himself, "I still can't get over the irony of it myself. Of all the people to have to save the Labyrinth it had to be Jareth, I'm surprised he didn't leave everyone as Goblins."

"What do you mean?" Sarah asked, she met his eyes and swallowed when she found them already on her, finding herself feeling unnerved again.

"Sorry I keep on forgetting you're from the Fifth realm and don't know our history," he took a breath, "When he was young and he was crowned Jareth was a," he paused thinking of the word, "Reluctant King to say the least and begrudged his responsibility since his youth preferring the pursuit of new magic. You see traditionally Kings aren't Mages or Sorcerers. They're fighters, warriors, and although Jareth can fight as well as the rest and rules more than well, you can see in his eyes that he isn't content. The Fae land is too damn political now, it's lost its magic, lost it's charm."

Nathaniel smiled thoughtfully, "He was probably at his happiest during the Dark years, before the revival. Flying between realms as he pleased, no royal duties, plotting people against the Labyrinth, using his magic to impress and wonder whenever and however he liked. Born performer Jareth is, he always needs an audience. Damn he must have loved it." There was great respect for Jareth in Nathaniel's handsome face, "Which shows just how good a King he is, to put his own desires aside for the good of his people."

Sarah scoffed incredulous, "A good King? Shouldn't a King be kind and generous, respectful and fair, just and approachable. When I was here he was none of those."

"You have to understand Sarah, he wasn't always like that. He is what he needs to be," But Sarah wasn't listening still built up in long felt resentments against the King, and Nathaniel's skin began to hurt where she was clutching it with such ferocity.

"But Jareth, he's," Her lips pursed in deep seated emotion, "He's selfish and uses people, manipulating them to get his own way. He's cruel, arrogant, presumptuous, twisted"

"Anyone I know?"

Sarah turned, but she already knew who it was. He stood in all his glory, A dark grey silvery jacket under which he wore a black satin shirt with a high collar which seemed to hint at red occasionally in the strange light which was dimming as the music slowed. Black breeches and knee boots finished his outfit. His hair had tints of silver and sparkle in it and against her will Sarah felt herself drawn to his eyes which stared intently at her, an enquiring and amused look on his pale, sculpted features.

"Nathaniel," He acknowledged the man's presence but he was still staring at Sarah who returned his gaze, her expression lingering somewhere between resentment and some other emotion.

"Jareth." Nathaniel replied in acknowledgement.

The King broke the gaze, and turned his attentions to Nathaniel.

"Mind if I..." He rose his brows a slight grin on his thin lips and Sarah's stomach knotted in dread as she realised he meant to dance with her. Behind the King's back she looked at Nathaniel desperately but he didn't see her.

"Be my guest." Nathaniel stepped back finding another partner easily and Christian was no where to be seen. Oh crap, she thought. She couldn't refuse, everyone was looking, a lot of them in envy.

He turned to face her once more placing one hand on her waist and the other one over her own small palm and soon, despite Sarah's reluctance, they were moving to the music. Sarah was positively burning in fury and she could feel herself getting as red as the crimson of her gown. Jareth seemed to find this amusing, a knowing sneer on his face.

She discovered that it was becoming hard for her to swallow and she tried to imagine a great big hole opening beneath her feet and engulfing her, but the marble floor remained. Thank God he was wearing a different outfit to her nightmare as that would have been too much, but she knew this was nothing like that dream. She felt too much hate bubbling in her to ever feel at all compassionate towards him or under his power.

"Sarah I have to say that outfit is refreshing, it's nice to actually see you dressed rather than running about the castle half naked,"

She found herself grow redder, either in embarrassment or fury. She looked over his shoulder trying not to look for she knew that he still stared at her, whilst she tried to think of an equally sarcastic comment. But she was too angry to think.

"I'm surprised, Sarah Williams with nothing to say." he said in pretend shock, baiting her further.

"Well these last few days have been full of surprises haven't they?" She said the words lined with an icy tone.

"Such as?" he replied haughtily.

"Well maybe the fact that I didn't nearly destroy the Labyrinth like you lead me to believe. Oh and that you weren't going to turn my baby brother into a Goblin and actually you aren't the cruel, unbeatable King that you pretend to be." She licked her lips revelling in her stinging comments, "In fact you were just trying to save your realm and your people."

She paused. But he said nothing, all amusement and arrogance dropped from his face, he merely regarded her coolly. But Sarah wasn't going to let that put her off.

"The mighty King actually being generous, I didn't think that was possible," She spat.

His fingers bit into her waist and Sarah suddenly regretted slightly saying what she did, he actually looked, hurt? No he couldn't possibly be. He removed his stare from her.

"I am always generous Sarah," He said quietly, "Always."

And they continued to dance in an uncomfortable silence.

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