::sniffles:: Weddings, they always make me all teary-eyed! ::grins:: Well guys, its finally here. The wedding that you all have been waiting for! Oh, and to those that are counting down the minutes until I write the wedding night, sorry but that's not until the next chapter.
::wicked grin:: Hey, I'm working on it.
::sniffles again:: I can't believe that it's almost over! Just one more chapter to go! I've spent so much time working on this story that it's sad to see it end. But alas, all good stories must come to an end. Thank you guys so much for your continued support and patience. Now I will leave you so that you can enjoy this chapter, the Wedding of Jareth and Sarah.
To What May Come
Chapter 39
The guests were all ready seated, all excitedly awaiting the music that would announce the arrival of the bride, who would also be dubbed the Labyrinth's new Queen. The guests' white chairs were filled with Fae, Elves, goblins, and dwarves from all over the Underground. Most that were present from other parts of the Underground were from the most prestigious of families and nobles.
Among the crowd Hoggle felt out of place and extremely uncomfortable, one thing he was never fond of were nobles and the higher arch's. They all acted as if they were better than others because of their tittles, there being only a few exceptions. Most were here only to try and get in good with the Goblin King and win his favor.
Hoggle smirked, 'Jareth wouldn't be fooled by the likes of them!' he thought ruefully to himself. Though his opinion of the Goblin King was anything but fondness he had to admit that he was one of the few rulers he'd rather be of service to.
Part of him had never forgiven Jareth for making him give that peach to Sarah, the look of betrayal on her face as she bit into that peach edged permanently into his memory. There was one thing that he did learn, and that was that Sarah was in love with Jareth, for reasons he could not comprehend. Knowing Sarah, she'd put Jareth in his place if he ever tried anything on her. But Hoggle had to admit that the King had truly changed since that day when she had defeated him. A proud smile spread on his face as he thought of that day. She did all right for just a girl, a powerful Fae defeated by a mortal! Now, that was something that did not happen very often if ever. Hoggle's musings were interrupted by a nudge to his side.
Sir Didymus quirked a lopsided grin as he nudged Hoggle back to the present, "This is indeed a wondrous day. I say I have never seen so many nobles in one gathering. Lady Sarah will make a most extraordinary Queen."
With a grin Hoggle replied, "That she will. Though what she sees in that Fae…"
"I say, Lady Sarah has one of the greatest and most loving hearts that I have ever witnessed in one being. That alone can melt the coldest of hearts." Sir Didymus interrupted before Hoggle could finish his insult. Though the years of their confrontation with the King, Hoggle still held ill feelings towards the King Jareth.
"I guess…he just better make her happy is all I have to say!" Hoggle inserted.
The evening was beginning, the light of the sun fading from view as night was just beginning to set upon the Underground. Thick peach candles sat on long silver settings instantly began to light as the sun's rays began to fade and the stars and full moon came into light. The candles lined along the stairs that lead up to the podium, and built into the podium was a large silver lined basin filled with crystal clear water.
Standing at the foot of the steps was the Goblin King himself, dressed in a midnight blue and silver jacket with long tails in the back, the front showing his silver undershirt which bunched out of the front of his jacket. His emblem fastened the front of his jacket together. Along with this, he wore midnight blue pants that matched well with his jacket, for once worn over his black riding boots.
Jareth looked handsome and kingly. His mismatched eyes of blue and brown looking out over the crowd with detached disinterest as he patiently awaited for the ceremony to begin. Outwardly he held the look of power and authority though inwardly he was overly excited at the prospect of finally seeing his soon-to-be wife.
A smile edged the corners of his lips as Toby waved enthusiastically at him, he would enjoy the future visits that he was sure to have with this bright child that was Sarah's young brother. Maybe one day he would have a son of his own with as much courage, strength of will, intelligence, and inner goodness as only a son of Sarah and he would be.
Finally reaching the two large doors that led outside to where Jareth and a few hundred strangers were waiting, Sarah took in a deep nervous breath. A smile graced her lips as she saw her father approaching her, dressed in a black and white tux, her father looked handsome.
Seeing his daughter coming towards the doors, Richard had to take a moment to catch his breath. Sarah, his sweet daughter, looked stunning with her eyes of blue shinning with happiness and a hint of nervousness.
Approaching her, he took both her hands in his looking at her with arms outstretched, "Sarah you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. What happened to my little girl?" he asked his voice almost choked with tears at the realization that he was giving away his little girl. She had grown into a woman he was proud to call his daughter, but it was happening too quickly. In a way it felt as if he was loosing his little girl.
Sarah smiled in response pushing back the tears that tried to build within her eyes, "I'll always be your little girl dad."
Richard pulled his daughter into an embrace as he fought back the tears, his heart aching and soaring for her. Whispering in her ear he told her, "Never forget that I love you sweetheart, my little girl."
She had to close her eyes as those words met her ears; he so rarely expressed his love for her. As her father finally pulled away from her they both smiled to one another.
Gratefully taking the offered handkerchief, Sarah dabbed the corners of her eyes being careful not to smudge her makeup, "Thanks!"
Taking back his handkerchief, Richard tucked it back into the jacket of his tux before turning halfway and offering her his arm asking, "Will you allow me the honor of escorting my daughter down the isle?"
Smiling she slipped her hand through his offered arm and both waited for the doors to open and the music to start to accompany their procession. Before them the large doors opened and as they did so magical music field the air and father and daughter began their walk down the red carpet that led to her awaiting fiancé.
The whispered words that were being spoken within the crowd as they awaited the ceremony, instantly went silent as music filled the air and all turned in their seats watching the doors open and waiting to see the bride. Few gasped in awe, as others smiled appreciatively as Sarah Williams, accompanied by her father Richard Williams, slowly made their way down the isle. All within the room instantly agreed that she was the most lovely bride that they had ever held witness to.
Jareth stood, with hands clasped in front of him, his eyes locked on Sarah's form. His throat suddenly went dry, his heart lurching as the breath was knocked out of him at the sight of his Sarah. She was dressed in a beautiful gown of white, her milky skin covered in silver glitter, and those beautiful eyes sparkling with the love that she held for him. He did not deserve her, but here he was about to join souls with this woman that had, by some miracle, found it in her heart to love him.
As he watched her walking down the isle towards him, he knew within his heart and soul that there would be nothing that she would be without. He would cherish, love, and in deed be enslaved by this vision that gracefully moved towards him.
Sarah's nervousness, her unease at being watched by so many left her completely as her eyes locked with Jareth's, 'My word, he looks even more handsome than last I remembered; if that is at all possible'. Those eyes of his, so expressive and so piercing were filled with nothing but complete love and admiration. Sarah squeezed her father's hand for support to keep her from swooning at the sight of him, a squeeze which he gently returned.
Seeing the love within Jareth's eyes concentrated on his daughter, gave Richard great comfort to his being. He knew from the look within the young man's eyes that he would watch over, protect, and love his daughter no matter what they would face together. His heart was soothed with the knowledge that he was giving his daughter away to her soul mate. Sarah, his beautiful little girl was now a lovely woman who he knew would make a wonderful wife and mother. Richard grinned at the thought of having grandchildren.
Reaching the end of the stairs and stepping before Jareth, Richard passed Sarah's hand to Jareth. Nodding his head in approval, Sarah's father stepped back and turned to join his wife and son at the front row. As he sat down beside his wife, Karen, he took her hand in his and wiped away a tear that escaped from the corner of his eye a happy smile on his face.
With hands joined with Jareth, Sarah smiled up at him as he led her up the stairs towards the podium. The feel of his hand holding hers gave her confidence in what they were about to do. He was her soul mate, now and until the end of their lives.
Leading Sarah up to the podium, Jareth returned her smile as he confidently lead her to the podium. Reaching the last step to the podium Jareth guided Sarah to stand at one side as he went to the other. Reaching his ungloved hands into the water within the basin he nodded for Sarah to do what they had discussed.
Seeing Jareth nod for her that it was now time, Sarah reached her hands out and held them above the water with her palms faced down as his were faced up.
Jareth's eyes never leaving Sarah's he confidently spoke, "I, Jareth, Fae, Goblin King and ruler to the Labyrinth give my self to you. My power I share with you, my love, my soul I offer to join with yours for as long as we both shall live."
Tears bordering her eyes Sarah answered, "And I, Sarah Williams, give myself to you. My heart, my soul I offer to join with yours for as long as we both shall live."
Magic surged around them, music of soft bells and sparkles of light surrounded both Sarah and Jareth. The light that shined around them was bright but harmed none to see as it consumed both. As the light surrounded them it began to move from their bodies and mingled between them in a column of pure white light hovering above both hands.
Sarah allowed her hands to fall towards the water as Jareth allowed his to move towards the surface until both their hands were joined together. The water within the basin rose up as their hands joined passing through their hands and flowing into the light. The light absorbed the water that had passed through the two joined hands. As it twirled around mingling into one, the light turned, swirling until it surged downward towards their interlocked hands.
Sarah's eyes closed at the surge of intensity that flooded her being as the light surged towards their hands. She could feel the power that flowed to both of them, feel their souls entwining. Jareth's strong grip was the only thing keeping her from collapsing at the intense power that now flowed within her. Her whole body tingling as she felt herself changing. Sarah Williams was no longer mortal.
Jareth watched Sarah as her eyes closed; the union between souls was a very intense and powerful ceremony that was only preformed with Royal marriages. It was also the most binding of all marriages. Feeling the power surging within them Jareth closed his eyes for a moment to savor this moment. This was the closest one could get to touch another's soul. Their love was intense and powerful, that alone was overwhelming, but for Sarah it would be even more intense since the sharing of power would change her. As the light that consumed them both faded Jareth opened his eyes and brought her hands up to press lovingly to his lips.
As Sarah's eyes fluttered opened Jareth softly spoke, "I love you."
Breathing starting to calm Sarah's eyes locked with his, "And I love you."
Seeing that she had regained herself Jareth stepped to the side and pulled her towards him. Pressing her against his chest Jareth bent down his head, his lips pressing against hers in a passionate caress before pulling away.
Breathless from his kiss Sarah turned, as did Jareth, towards the awaited audience. She watched as all stood before them waiting for Jareth to close the ceremony.
Holding Sarah's hand securely in his, Jareth proudly faced those of the Underground and his subjects, "We are now joined as husband and wife. May I present to you all, Queen Sarah."
As her title was now officially declared, all that witnessed their union applauded and cheered. Sarah blushed at their enthusiasm and smiled to her husband with tears of joy in her eyes.
Seeing the happiness within her eyes, Jareth gently whipped away the tear as it escaped her eye. Both stepped down the steps towards the red carpet that led out towards the doors.
Sarah looked out to see her father and Toby both standing and still applauding with the others as they continued their rejoicing cheers. Smiling to them both she looked out towards all that was present and stopped momentarily as she saw the three of her best of friends that she had ever had.
Seeing that joy that lit her eyes and face at the sight of seeing her long lost friends Jareth leaned into Sarah's ear, "You'll be able to greet them at the reception."
Looking from the sight of seeing Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and Ludo, Sarah kissed Jareth softly on the lips, "Thank you. I've been wishing to see them."
Continuing their trek down the isle, Jareth returned softly into her ear, "You are most welcome, love and might I add that you are the most stunning bride I have ever had the pleasure of looking upon."
Smiling Sarah was quite relieved as they reached the doors and they closed behind them. The wedding ceremony was definitely not what one would call normal but it was the most moving and beautiful she had ever imagined a wedding ceremony to be.
Leaning into Jareth for support, Sarah softly spoke, "I feel so different, its so…"
Kissing her forehead Jareth entered, "Overwhelming?"
"Well, yes I guess," she answered.
Pulling her towards him he gently kissed her before saying, "We are now equals Sarah. You now hold power; my power is now a part of you. You will have a lot to learn but not for a while yet."
"So I'll be able to use crystals and magic like you do?" she asked interested to know this. He had explained but not in so much detail.
He grinned at her bewilderment and awe, "Yes, exactly…" sobering he continued, "The Underground is magical in nature so it takes magic to govern and protect over it."
"This is going to take a lot to get use to," she commented half to herself and half to Jareth.
In reply he gently spoke, "Yes, but I believe in you, you were meant to be my wife, my Queen… my love. Whatever is before us I will be at your side to protect, console, and support."
Grinning Jareth continued, "But for now we have a reception to join and friends and family to enjoy. I want to show off my breathtaking wife."
Blushing at his praise and his open admiration, Sarah allowed all thoughts about duties and the future out of her mind. It was the now that she wanted to concentrate on and to remember. To what ever may come she would deal with it then and with Jareth by her side she knew that she had nothing to worry about.