MORTAL BELOVED
(Chapter 9)
WWHHAATT??
DISCLAIMER: NO I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE LABYRINTH CHARCTERS ONLY THOSE OF MY OWN CREATION.
I HAVE HAD A DISTINCT LACK OF REVIEWS **GRR** AND AM THEREFORE POSTING THIS CHAPTER OUT OF THE KINDNESS OF MY HEART :O)
Hoggle stood over Sarah's still form and fanned her desperately with his small hands. "Aww wake up Sarah, This ain't no time to be sleepin!" he exclaimed. Jareth stuck his head round the door and almost fainted as well at the sight that met him.
"What have you done this time Hoghead?" he demanded. Hoggle backed away, and looked on. Jareth quickly had Sarah conscious again and he sat her on the chaise lounge. But she immediately rose to her feet. She advanced desperately upon Hoggle, who backed into the wall.
"What did you say?" she demanded, rubbing her eyes.
Hoggle bowed his head, "Your mother is missing Sarah, I needed to speak with her, so I went to see her earlier this morning but she wasn't there. She had left her door unlocked, so I went inside and there were clothes missing and her bed had not been made" he explained carefully.
Sarah turned to face Jareth. "Do you know anything about this?" she queried, Jareth shook his head. "Relax Sarah," he stated, and conjured a crystal.
"Show me Lady Alanya!" he commanded and the crystal did so, and a familiar two storey house came into focus. Jareth motioned Sarah over and showed her the image of Alanya knocking on the door of the house. Sarah frowned,
"Jareth, do you know where that is? That's my old home, That's Aboveground!" she exclaimed and both wondered what exactly Alanya was doing there. But Jareth, keeping his composure, placed a hand on her shoulder and said,
"My guess would be that she is going back to her past to possibly gain closure, so that she can move forward". Sarah nodded,
"That has to be it" she stated in a voice that left no room for argument.
"She'll be all right" she said to herself and Jareth nodded encouragingly.
"She's a big girl, she knows what she's doing" Jareth advised Sarah to let her mother do what she had to do and wait patiently for her return. Sarah agreed, and after Jareth and Hoggle had left her quarters, she dressed in a body hugging ivory gown with a small train at the back. Corah appeared and fixed her hair and makeup and then departed, leaving Sarah to go and find Jareth. Sarah was unsure whether or not she had strength enough yet to use her magic and if she didn't then she would need Jareth's help.
* * *
Jareth looked at Sarah, she had not eaten a bite of her breakfast and now she was pacing the throne room with even more ferocity than he usually did. Jareth knew that he had to keep her busy until her mother had found her answers and had returned. He scanned his memory, he hadn't had to entertain someone in well over two years, when little Toby wouldn't stop screaming. A thought occurred to Jareth, It had worked then, ::Why not?:: he thought. :: it's perfect!::
Jareth snapped his fingers and the very same entourageof Goblins he had had then appeared from where he had re-located them. The music started and Sarah looked up.
you remind me of the babe
1 What babe?
2 The babe with the power,
3 What power?
4 Power of voodoo
5 Who do?
You do,
6 Do What?
7 Remind me of the babe.
8
9 The Goblins sang and danced as best they could and Sarah tried hard to smother a smile at the sight of Jareth dancing magic dance.
10
11 I saw my baby, crying hard as babe could cry
12 What could I do?
13 My baby's love had gone
14 And left my baby blue
15 Nobody knew..
16
17 Jareth danced, and the whole time he kept his eyes on Sarah. She grinned and laughed.
18 "Ok, enough already!" she exclaimed
But they kept on going.
19
20
21 What kind of magic spell to use?
22 Slime and snails
23 Or puppy dogs' tails
24 Thunder or lightning
25 Then baby said,
26 Dance, Dance magic Dance
27 Dance magic dance
28 Put that baby spell on me
29 Jump, Jump magic jump
30 Jump magic jump
31 Put that magic jump on me
32 Slap that baby, make him free
33
34 Sarah began to understand why Toby had needed to be cheered up, This really was well, scary. It began to tick her off and although she felt better, she was also feeling annoyed. Sarah meant it when she said "Stop" again. And yet again they had gotten so caught up in the song that they didn't even notice as she rose, and walked up to a Goblin that was playing a keyboard and grinning maniacally.
35
36 I saw my baby, trying hard as babe could try
37 What could I do?
My baby's fun had gone
And left my baby blue
Nobody knew…
"I said stop!" she yelled but they couldn't hear her now and Jareth was leading them all. "STOP!" she yelled, and ran from one end of the group to the other.
Dance magic, dance, dance Magic……..
"I SAID STOP!!!!" yelled Sarah at the top of her voice and seeing that they weren't going to, picked up the keyboard player by his ear and dragged him to the window, Swung him around a couple of times and sent him flying by the ear round and round in the direction of the Bog of Eternal Stench.
"EEEEEEE!" squealed the Goblin as he went flying.
Suddenly the music stopped and Jareth walked up to her.
"Doesn't that just make you feel so much better?" he asked, grinning wickedly, and Sarah stood there mortified.
"What have I done?" she asked incredulous, looking out of the window.
"Don't worry, it wont hurt him, he'll just smell bad for a very long time" replied jareth still smiling. Sarah was silent and Jareth continued.
"He'll be there just about…." Jareth never finished because before he did, she had teleported there and caught the Goblin.
"Are you all right?" she asked the creature, bending towards it.
The goblin nodded merrily. "Is ok, Jareth say you may do something like that" he stated kindly, before disappearing into a wisp of smoke. Sarah realized Jareth's ploy and teleported back to the castle. "Two can play that game!" she exclaimed. Once Sarah was back in the throne room, she saw that the Goblins had disappeared. Jareth was leaning against the window smirking slightly.
"Yeah, very funny Jareth" she chided lightly, Although she had to admit that Jareth was indeed smart to force her into getting out her anger and frustration.
::Poor little Goblin:: she thought, but couldn't stop the smile that crept across her face. Sarah went to stand beside Jareth and looked out at the mid morning sky.
He looked over at her and chuckled. "I must say Sarah, for a half mortal, you have a pretty good arm!" he teased, and Sarah smiled. "I can't believe I just did that!" she exclaimed. "You wanted me to do that didn't you" she accused. Jareth rolled his eyes and then nodded in admittance. "Yes I confess, I did want to see if you would actually throw the little fellow, I thought you would, but by the ear? Sarah, that was harsh!" he stirred. Sarah frowned and pinched him in the ribs.
"OW!" he exclaimed.
"What are you, a warrior in the body of Sarah Williams?" he demanded. Sarah merely smiled in return. "Something like that," she agreed.
* * *
Findlay looked up to see Jareth standing in the doorway.
"Has Lady Alanya returned yet?" he asked, and Jareth shook his head slightly. Findlay cursed under his breath and Jareth went to stand beside his friend.
"You know everything you need to know to be the Goblin King for the next three or four days Finn, and if there are any problems no matter how small, you just have to call" stated Jareth temping his voice and trying to distract Findlay as he had done Sarah.
Jareth smiled encouragingly and snapped his fingers. Instantly there were two identical Jareths. "Jareth" headed off for a meeting of trade with foreign diplomats and the real Jareth went down the hall to Sarah's quarters. He hoped Alanya would return soon, he was running out of ideas to keep those two busy.
* * *
Alanya had arrived Aboveground without difficulty and had quickly located the house that she and David used to share. Alanya changed out of her feyan clothes in a public toilet and into the jeans and soft pink sweater that she had brought with her. Arriving at the house, She looked at it for a moment, remembering all of the wonderful memories that she had had there. Steeling herself, Alanya opened the gate, walked up to the door and knocked. David opened it and she observed that his face was lined with weariness and worry. At the sight of her, his jaw almost touched the floor.
"Who is it honey?" Called Karen in her syrupy sweet voice. Karen went to stand beside her husband and when she saw the beautiful woman on the porch and the way her husband was looking at her, she glared.
"I'll go and make some coffee" she muttered darkly and marched back into the house.
"Alanya, what are you doing here? It's been what, eleven years?" asked David incredulously and Alanya nodded.
"David, I can't stay long. I just needed to see you one last time before I say goodbye forever and to make sure that you are ok, before I move on with the next stage of my life" she explained softly.
David frowned, "Alanya, Sarah's gone missing, The police have been searching for her" he said, voice pained.
But Alanya merely nodded.
"It's all right David, she's with me, I've told her the truth" she replied. David's face slackened, relief obvious. "Is she ok? Is she with you now?" he asked. Alanya smiled, "She's fine David, and no she isn't with me now, Sarah and I occupy a place that is very far away from here but maybe you could come and see her one day" explained Alanya carefully. David nodded, relieved
"I want you and Sarah to be happy, you have my blessing and my heartfelt good luck with whatever you choose to do Alanya" he stated, and Alanya nodded, tears forming. She had needed to hear that from him and now that she had, she would be able to fully move on. By the time Karen had returned with the coffee, Alanya was long gone.
* * *
Sarah and Jareth were in one of the guestrooms looking it over. It was one of the largest the Castle had and bpth thought it would be perfect for Alanya. Over the next few minutes, they had teleported all of her belongings into the room, and with a flick of the wrist everything was neatly arranged and put away.
"Now she will never leave me again!" exclaimed Sarah happily. It was then that Jareth spoke up. "Sarah," he said, staring into one of his trademark crystals.
"Your mother has just arrived in the throne room" he stated. Sarah's face lit up and she ran to meet her mother.
"Mother!" she exclaimed as she held the woman tightly.
"Don't ever leave me again!" she exclaimed, hugging her again.
Jareth stood leaning in the doorway, his mouth twisted into a half smile, half grimace, remembering the times his mother would hold him like that.
Jareth, Sarah and Alanya walked through the halls until they reached the room they had prepared for Alanya.
"Your going to live here from now on Mother!" exclaimed Sarah, excitement caressing her face. Alanya smiled back at her daughter.
"That way I can keep an eye on you!" she admonished lightly" and Alanya smiled again.
"Don't worry, I don't plan on leaving again anytime soon" she exclaimed, ruffling her daughters hair.
* * *
After lunch, Findlay sat at the table in the great hall, trying to think of what he would say to the newly returned Alanya. He wanted to know what she felt about the incident and whether she welcomed it or not.
Seeing her pass by the door, he quickly morphed back to his own form and chased after her.
"Alanya!" he called. And she stopped and waited for him to catch up. He caught a hold of her arm.
"Alanya, I need to talk to you, Yesterday..I-It was.." he started but Alanya cut him off.
"An incredible lack of judgement and logic on both our parts, Now lets focus on our goal. Getting Jareth and Sarah together" she stated, calmly withdrawing her arm from his grasp.
* * *
Sarah smiled to herself. It had been the perfect day, Her mother had returned and Jareth had spent the entire day with her, doing anything that struck her fancy. She looked over at the fey now. His head was bent and he was currently enjoying one of the cooks' wonderful creations. She smiled again, and looked outside. The labyrinth truly was beautiful in the evening and she intended to take full advantage of that fact.
Sarah finished her evening meal and thanked the Goblin that rushed to clear her plate.
Sarah sat there contentedly and waited for Jareth to ask her to take a walk with him. When he didn't she decided that he was indeed not as smart as he thought he was and she rose from her seat.
"Would you like to take a walk Jareth?" she asked. Jareth nodded and rising, held out an obliging arm. The pair wandered in the direction of the setting sun.
They walked through the extensive garden in this manner for some time. Not speaking, both relaxed and at ease.
* * *
Sarah walked on ahead to smell the exotic flowers that were blooming in the garden. As Jareth watched her subsiding form, he felt his heart swell, and he knew that he must ask her now what he had been aching to ask her ever since he had laid eyes on her again. He knew that he would willingly brave all seven hells for the woman before him and he knew that if he didn't ask her now then he might not get another chance.
Jareth plucked a velvety red rose from a nearby bush and placed it behind his back. He went to join Sarah and motioned that she should sit down on the stone bench before them. Sarah sat, and her eyes widened in comprehension as Jareth knelt before her.
Jareth knew that this was how mortals proposed, and not knowing any other way that could be more fitting to ask his half mortal Sarah to be his wife, he chose this way.
"Sarah, I love you more than mere words can say, I love you as the sun does the sky and the sea the shore, please, be my queen and rule over the labyrinth by my side" he stated solemnly, eyes never leaving her face.
* * *
Sarah sat back from Jareth and knew as soon as he had uttered the sentence that there was no way that she could answer him now, she needed time to think over the proposal, time to think about whether or not she wanted to be a queen, she was only young and knew that unless she thought the matter through before making a commitment then she would end up hurting not only Jareth but herself in the process.
Sarah grimaced.
"Jareth, Please do not request an answer of me at this point, for I fear there is no way in right mind I can indeed give you one, Please grant me time to think over your words and make a decision, please, grant me that" she exclaimed.
Jareth sat on the bench beside her and grasped her delicate ivory hand in his strong one.
"Sarah, you shall have the time you need, take as long as you want but I beg of you, do not make me wait too long to know your response" he replied, and placed a soft kiss on her ruby lips. With that he was gone and Sarah was left to look out over the night and stare at the sapphire sky.
* * *
An hour or so later, Sarah rapped lightly at her mothers door. Alanya opened it and quickly welcomed her inside when she saw that it was her.
The two women sat on Alanya's bed and looked at each other for a moment. Alanya could tell that something was bothering her daughter and was eager to know what it was yet didn't want to force her into confiding in her.
Sarah lay down and Alanya could see the tension drain out of her.
"Jareth asked me to marry him mother" she stated, in a voice that was a mix of confusion and badly disguised excitement.
Alanya shrieked slightly, "Sarah! That's fantastic! I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed. Sarah shook her head sadly, and Alanya felt alarm growing within her.
"What was your answer Sarah?" she asked her daughter. Sarah flung her legs over the side of the bed and put her head in her hands.
"That's the problem! I didn't give him an answer! I couldn't, I didn't know what to say I asked for time to think about it" she replied in a voice filled with anguish.
"Sarah do you love him?" asked Alanya aptly.
Sarah smiled, "Yes, more than life itself, I know that, but I can't get past how unaccepting he was when I told him of me being half fey" she replied sadly.
Alanya nodded.
"Yes, from what you've told me I gathered that he didn't respond well to that" continued Alanya.
"Mother? How am I going to work this out?" asked Sarah plaintively.
Alanya smiled and placed a comforting arm around her daughter's shoulders.
"You'll know when the time is right my love, you'll know when the time is right"
* * *
Jareth sat in his quarters and fiddled with the hem of his jacket.
"Stop it!" he roared at himself and conjured a crystal.
"Show me Sarah!" he commanded and the scene between Alanya and Sarah was illuminated within the crystal.
"I'll win back your trust fair Sarah, even if I die trying" he vowed softly to himself, kissing her image in the crystal softly before the crystal vanished and he lay down on his bed, weary, to sleep.
(Chapter 9)
WWHHAATT??
DISCLAIMER: NO I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE LABYRINTH CHARCTERS ONLY THOSE OF MY OWN CREATION.
I HAVE HAD A DISTINCT LACK OF REVIEWS **GRR** AND AM THEREFORE POSTING THIS CHAPTER OUT OF THE KINDNESS OF MY HEART :O)
Hoggle stood over Sarah's still form and fanned her desperately with his small hands. "Aww wake up Sarah, This ain't no time to be sleepin!" he exclaimed. Jareth stuck his head round the door and almost fainted as well at the sight that met him.
"What have you done this time Hoghead?" he demanded. Hoggle backed away, and looked on. Jareth quickly had Sarah conscious again and he sat her on the chaise lounge. But she immediately rose to her feet. She advanced desperately upon Hoggle, who backed into the wall.
"What did you say?" she demanded, rubbing her eyes.
Hoggle bowed his head, "Your mother is missing Sarah, I needed to speak with her, so I went to see her earlier this morning but she wasn't there. She had left her door unlocked, so I went inside and there were clothes missing and her bed had not been made" he explained carefully.
Sarah turned to face Jareth. "Do you know anything about this?" she queried, Jareth shook his head. "Relax Sarah," he stated, and conjured a crystal.
"Show me Lady Alanya!" he commanded and the crystal did so, and a familiar two storey house came into focus. Jareth motioned Sarah over and showed her the image of Alanya knocking on the door of the house. Sarah frowned,
"Jareth, do you know where that is? That's my old home, That's Aboveground!" she exclaimed and both wondered what exactly Alanya was doing there. But Jareth, keeping his composure, placed a hand on her shoulder and said,
"My guess would be that she is going back to her past to possibly gain closure, so that she can move forward". Sarah nodded,
"That has to be it" she stated in a voice that left no room for argument.
"She'll be all right" she said to herself and Jareth nodded encouragingly.
"She's a big girl, she knows what she's doing" Jareth advised Sarah to let her mother do what she had to do and wait patiently for her return. Sarah agreed, and after Jareth and Hoggle had left her quarters, she dressed in a body hugging ivory gown with a small train at the back. Corah appeared and fixed her hair and makeup and then departed, leaving Sarah to go and find Jareth. Sarah was unsure whether or not she had strength enough yet to use her magic and if she didn't then she would need Jareth's help.
* * *
Jareth looked at Sarah, she had not eaten a bite of her breakfast and now she was pacing the throne room with even more ferocity than he usually did. Jareth knew that he had to keep her busy until her mother had found her answers and had returned. He scanned his memory, he hadn't had to entertain someone in well over two years, when little Toby wouldn't stop screaming. A thought occurred to Jareth, It had worked then, ::Why not?:: he thought. :: it's perfect!::
Jareth snapped his fingers and the very same entourageof Goblins he had had then appeared from where he had re-located them. The music started and Sarah looked up.
you remind me of the babe
1 What babe?
2 The babe with the power,
3 What power?
4 Power of voodoo
5 Who do?
You do,
6 Do What?
7 Remind me of the babe.
8
9 The Goblins sang and danced as best they could and Sarah tried hard to smother a smile at the sight of Jareth dancing magic dance.
10
11 I saw my baby, crying hard as babe could cry
12 What could I do?
13 My baby's love had gone
14 And left my baby blue
15 Nobody knew..
16
17 Jareth danced, and the whole time he kept his eyes on Sarah. She grinned and laughed.
18 "Ok, enough already!" she exclaimed
But they kept on going.
19
20
21 What kind of magic spell to use?
22 Slime and snails
23 Or puppy dogs' tails
24 Thunder or lightning
25 Then baby said,
26 Dance, Dance magic Dance
27 Dance magic dance
28 Put that baby spell on me
29 Jump, Jump magic jump
30 Jump magic jump
31 Put that magic jump on me
32 Slap that baby, make him free
33
34 Sarah began to understand why Toby had needed to be cheered up, This really was well, scary. It began to tick her off and although she felt better, she was also feeling annoyed. Sarah meant it when she said "Stop" again. And yet again they had gotten so caught up in the song that they didn't even notice as she rose, and walked up to a Goblin that was playing a keyboard and grinning maniacally.
35
36 I saw my baby, trying hard as babe could try
37 What could I do?
My baby's fun had gone
And left my baby blue
Nobody knew…
"I said stop!" she yelled but they couldn't hear her now and Jareth was leading them all. "STOP!" she yelled, and ran from one end of the group to the other.
Dance magic, dance, dance Magic……..
"I SAID STOP!!!!" yelled Sarah at the top of her voice and seeing that they weren't going to, picked up the keyboard player by his ear and dragged him to the window, Swung him around a couple of times and sent him flying by the ear round and round in the direction of the Bog of Eternal Stench.
"EEEEEEE!" squealed the Goblin as he went flying.
Suddenly the music stopped and Jareth walked up to her.
"Doesn't that just make you feel so much better?" he asked, grinning wickedly, and Sarah stood there mortified.
"What have I done?" she asked incredulous, looking out of the window.
"Don't worry, it wont hurt him, he'll just smell bad for a very long time" replied jareth still smiling. Sarah was silent and Jareth continued.
"He'll be there just about…." Jareth never finished because before he did, she had teleported there and caught the Goblin.
"Are you all right?" she asked the creature, bending towards it.
The goblin nodded merrily. "Is ok, Jareth say you may do something like that" he stated kindly, before disappearing into a wisp of smoke. Sarah realized Jareth's ploy and teleported back to the castle. "Two can play that game!" she exclaimed. Once Sarah was back in the throne room, she saw that the Goblins had disappeared. Jareth was leaning against the window smirking slightly.
"Yeah, very funny Jareth" she chided lightly, Although she had to admit that Jareth was indeed smart to force her into getting out her anger and frustration.
::Poor little Goblin:: she thought, but couldn't stop the smile that crept across her face. Sarah went to stand beside Jareth and looked out at the mid morning sky.
He looked over at her and chuckled. "I must say Sarah, for a half mortal, you have a pretty good arm!" he teased, and Sarah smiled. "I can't believe I just did that!" she exclaimed. "You wanted me to do that didn't you" she accused. Jareth rolled his eyes and then nodded in admittance. "Yes I confess, I did want to see if you would actually throw the little fellow, I thought you would, but by the ear? Sarah, that was harsh!" he stirred. Sarah frowned and pinched him in the ribs.
"OW!" he exclaimed.
"What are you, a warrior in the body of Sarah Williams?" he demanded. Sarah merely smiled in return. "Something like that," she agreed.
* * *
Findlay looked up to see Jareth standing in the doorway.
"Has Lady Alanya returned yet?" he asked, and Jareth shook his head slightly. Findlay cursed under his breath and Jareth went to stand beside his friend.
"You know everything you need to know to be the Goblin King for the next three or four days Finn, and if there are any problems no matter how small, you just have to call" stated Jareth temping his voice and trying to distract Findlay as he had done Sarah.
Jareth smiled encouragingly and snapped his fingers. Instantly there were two identical Jareths. "Jareth" headed off for a meeting of trade with foreign diplomats and the real Jareth went down the hall to Sarah's quarters. He hoped Alanya would return soon, he was running out of ideas to keep those two busy.
* * *
Alanya had arrived Aboveground without difficulty and had quickly located the house that she and David used to share. Alanya changed out of her feyan clothes in a public toilet and into the jeans and soft pink sweater that she had brought with her. Arriving at the house, She looked at it for a moment, remembering all of the wonderful memories that she had had there. Steeling herself, Alanya opened the gate, walked up to the door and knocked. David opened it and she observed that his face was lined with weariness and worry. At the sight of her, his jaw almost touched the floor.
"Who is it honey?" Called Karen in her syrupy sweet voice. Karen went to stand beside her husband and when she saw the beautiful woman on the porch and the way her husband was looking at her, she glared.
"I'll go and make some coffee" she muttered darkly and marched back into the house.
"Alanya, what are you doing here? It's been what, eleven years?" asked David incredulously and Alanya nodded.
"David, I can't stay long. I just needed to see you one last time before I say goodbye forever and to make sure that you are ok, before I move on with the next stage of my life" she explained softly.
David frowned, "Alanya, Sarah's gone missing, The police have been searching for her" he said, voice pained.
But Alanya merely nodded.
"It's all right David, she's with me, I've told her the truth" she replied. David's face slackened, relief obvious. "Is she ok? Is she with you now?" he asked. Alanya smiled, "She's fine David, and no she isn't with me now, Sarah and I occupy a place that is very far away from here but maybe you could come and see her one day" explained Alanya carefully. David nodded, relieved
"I want you and Sarah to be happy, you have my blessing and my heartfelt good luck with whatever you choose to do Alanya" he stated, and Alanya nodded, tears forming. She had needed to hear that from him and now that she had, she would be able to fully move on. By the time Karen had returned with the coffee, Alanya was long gone.
* * *
Sarah and Jareth were in one of the guestrooms looking it over. It was one of the largest the Castle had and bpth thought it would be perfect for Alanya. Over the next few minutes, they had teleported all of her belongings into the room, and with a flick of the wrist everything was neatly arranged and put away.
"Now she will never leave me again!" exclaimed Sarah happily. It was then that Jareth spoke up. "Sarah," he said, staring into one of his trademark crystals.
"Your mother has just arrived in the throne room" he stated. Sarah's face lit up and she ran to meet her mother.
"Mother!" she exclaimed as she held the woman tightly.
"Don't ever leave me again!" she exclaimed, hugging her again.
Jareth stood leaning in the doorway, his mouth twisted into a half smile, half grimace, remembering the times his mother would hold him like that.
Jareth, Sarah and Alanya walked through the halls until they reached the room they had prepared for Alanya.
"Your going to live here from now on Mother!" exclaimed Sarah, excitement caressing her face. Alanya smiled back at her daughter.
"That way I can keep an eye on you!" she admonished lightly" and Alanya smiled again.
"Don't worry, I don't plan on leaving again anytime soon" she exclaimed, ruffling her daughters hair.
* * *
After lunch, Findlay sat at the table in the great hall, trying to think of what he would say to the newly returned Alanya. He wanted to know what she felt about the incident and whether she welcomed it or not.
Seeing her pass by the door, he quickly morphed back to his own form and chased after her.
"Alanya!" he called. And she stopped and waited for him to catch up. He caught a hold of her arm.
"Alanya, I need to talk to you, Yesterday..I-It was.." he started but Alanya cut him off.
"An incredible lack of judgement and logic on both our parts, Now lets focus on our goal. Getting Jareth and Sarah together" she stated, calmly withdrawing her arm from his grasp.
* * *
Sarah smiled to herself. It had been the perfect day, Her mother had returned and Jareth had spent the entire day with her, doing anything that struck her fancy. She looked over at the fey now. His head was bent and he was currently enjoying one of the cooks' wonderful creations. She smiled again, and looked outside. The labyrinth truly was beautiful in the evening and she intended to take full advantage of that fact.
Sarah finished her evening meal and thanked the Goblin that rushed to clear her plate.
Sarah sat there contentedly and waited for Jareth to ask her to take a walk with him. When he didn't she decided that he was indeed not as smart as he thought he was and she rose from her seat.
"Would you like to take a walk Jareth?" she asked. Jareth nodded and rising, held out an obliging arm. The pair wandered in the direction of the setting sun.
They walked through the extensive garden in this manner for some time. Not speaking, both relaxed and at ease.
* * *
Sarah walked on ahead to smell the exotic flowers that were blooming in the garden. As Jareth watched her subsiding form, he felt his heart swell, and he knew that he must ask her now what he had been aching to ask her ever since he had laid eyes on her again. He knew that he would willingly brave all seven hells for the woman before him and he knew that if he didn't ask her now then he might not get another chance.
Jareth plucked a velvety red rose from a nearby bush and placed it behind his back. He went to join Sarah and motioned that she should sit down on the stone bench before them. Sarah sat, and her eyes widened in comprehension as Jareth knelt before her.
Jareth knew that this was how mortals proposed, and not knowing any other way that could be more fitting to ask his half mortal Sarah to be his wife, he chose this way.
"Sarah, I love you more than mere words can say, I love you as the sun does the sky and the sea the shore, please, be my queen and rule over the labyrinth by my side" he stated solemnly, eyes never leaving her face.
* * *
Sarah sat back from Jareth and knew as soon as he had uttered the sentence that there was no way that she could answer him now, she needed time to think over the proposal, time to think about whether or not she wanted to be a queen, she was only young and knew that unless she thought the matter through before making a commitment then she would end up hurting not only Jareth but herself in the process.
Sarah grimaced.
"Jareth, Please do not request an answer of me at this point, for I fear there is no way in right mind I can indeed give you one, Please grant me time to think over your words and make a decision, please, grant me that" she exclaimed.
Jareth sat on the bench beside her and grasped her delicate ivory hand in his strong one.
"Sarah, you shall have the time you need, take as long as you want but I beg of you, do not make me wait too long to know your response" he replied, and placed a soft kiss on her ruby lips. With that he was gone and Sarah was left to look out over the night and stare at the sapphire sky.
* * *
An hour or so later, Sarah rapped lightly at her mothers door. Alanya opened it and quickly welcomed her inside when she saw that it was her.
The two women sat on Alanya's bed and looked at each other for a moment. Alanya could tell that something was bothering her daughter and was eager to know what it was yet didn't want to force her into confiding in her.
Sarah lay down and Alanya could see the tension drain out of her.
"Jareth asked me to marry him mother" she stated, in a voice that was a mix of confusion and badly disguised excitement.
Alanya shrieked slightly, "Sarah! That's fantastic! I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed. Sarah shook her head sadly, and Alanya felt alarm growing within her.
"What was your answer Sarah?" she asked her daughter. Sarah flung her legs over the side of the bed and put her head in her hands.
"That's the problem! I didn't give him an answer! I couldn't, I didn't know what to say I asked for time to think about it" she replied in a voice filled with anguish.
"Sarah do you love him?" asked Alanya aptly.
Sarah smiled, "Yes, more than life itself, I know that, but I can't get past how unaccepting he was when I told him of me being half fey" she replied sadly.
Alanya nodded.
"Yes, from what you've told me I gathered that he didn't respond well to that" continued Alanya.
"Mother? How am I going to work this out?" asked Sarah plaintively.
Alanya smiled and placed a comforting arm around her daughter's shoulders.
"You'll know when the time is right my love, you'll know when the time is right"
* * *
Jareth sat in his quarters and fiddled with the hem of his jacket.
"Stop it!" he roared at himself and conjured a crystal.
"Show me Sarah!" he commanded and the scene between Alanya and Sarah was illuminated within the crystal.
"I'll win back your trust fair Sarah, even if I die trying" he vowed softly to himself, kissing her image in the crystal softly before the crystal vanished and he lay down on his bed, weary, to sleep.