Disclaimer: The Labyrinth, its characters, songs, and phrases are
unfortunately not mine. They belong to Jim Henson Productions. However,
Ione, Apollo, and Isis are my original characters as well as the story.
Please do not use my characters without my permission.
They stopped a bit earlier than Aida thought they would. Apollo turned towards them all, and with a flourish of his hands, all of them including the animals and equipment had a small medallion around them. Aida looked at Apollo strangely.
"What are these for?" she asked. She looked around and noticed a town had appeared on the horizon. "Where'd that come from?" She was even more confused now.
"Aida, the people of the Fleet Kingdom are no bigger than the length of your arm. We have to temporarily shrink everyone and everything to visit them. You couldn't even see the town from your normal height because they're an enchanted people. Nothing taller than their walls can see the town."
Aida looked towards the town in wonder.
"What if someone steps on them?"
"They would feel the bite of the rattler first. He's chained around the city. That's why we had to stop so far away. The rattler can't see anything below their walls."
Aida marveled at the inventiveness of the whole plan. Evidently the villagers kept the snake fed so its only reason for biting would be if it was disturbed and a rattler had a pretty good warning beforehand. Yet as they neared the city, Aida marveled instead at its beauty. The city looked like a perfect Spanish village with red roofed villas and haciendas. The cobblestone streets were clean and there was no hint of filth in the entire town. Nor did there seem to be any poverty. There were no slums or down towns in the Fleet Kingdom. It was a drastic change from what Aida was used to seeing in the Goblin City.
"Wow!" was all Aida could really say.
"A pleasant change you might say," Apollo answered with a smile. They reached the palace, which was the largest and grandest hacienda in the entire town. The guards saluted when Apollo gave them his name, and they were immediately given entrance. Their servants were led to suitable quarters, while Ludo, Hoggle, and Sir Didymus were all furnished with grander surroundings. Apollo and Aida were provided with the chambers reserved for guests of honor and allowed to freshen up before a banquet was to be held in their honor.
"I will take care of my necessities to give you time to change for dinner," Apollo said. Aida was about to ask what necessity when she noted the way he was shifting his weight on his hind legs and swishing his tail. She then realized the Fleet Kingdom was not designed for centaurs. Aida giggled to herself and took full advantage of her moments of privacy. By the time a refreshed Apollo returned, Aida was dressed in a simple yet elegant dress for the banquet. Apollo quickly accented his creamy white shirt with a black vest, a brown coat with long tails that matched his father's, and black gloves. When seated at the raised dais table in the banquet hall, the nobles of the Fleet Kingdom stood and welcomed them.
"We are pleased to welcome to our fair kingdom Prince Apollo Chiron and the Princess Aida of the Labyrinth. They come here as representatives of the Labyrinth and King Jareth." Again all the nobles voiced their welcome. Apollo and Aida smiled and inclined their heads in acceptance of the welcome.
"We thank you King Antonio, Queen Isabella, and nobles of the Fleet Kingdom for your welcome and hospitality. We hope in earnest that both our purposes can be fulfilled," Apollo replied. Their gratitude accepted; the meal began. Aida thought it simply devine. The Fleet Kingdom was designed much like the Labyrinth in its political structure. The King had absolute say, but the council did have the power to depose the King under unbearable circumstances. Jareth was too powerful for his subjects to rebel against so the possibility was not even considered. The council of the Labyrinth was made up of the Elder Labyrinth Knights, but here the council was made of the nobles. She wondered how they understood their people's needs and wants when sheltered behind villa walls. Yet she had seen a thriving town on the way in. Apollo and Aida retired after dinner. Apollo went out again to give her time to change. Aida sighed. Apollo considered her feelings so much. She sat down before the vanity. Apollo reentered the room cautiously making sure Aida was ready. He came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder as he kissed the top of her head. She smiled placing her hand over his. That night she slept better than she ever had. She woke to find herself once again nestled in Apollo's arms. Yet she did not find it so frightening this time. In fact she rather enjoyed the security he provided. She sighed softly.
"Good morning."
"Oh! I didn't realize you were awake yet!"
"I didn't want to wake you."
"Do you always think of me first, Apollo?"
"It is the best way I know of to show I care, Aida."
She smiled, but she had no idea what she was doing to her husband's heart. He was coming to love her more as his little wife to be cherished than his sister, but she was developing much slower. Already Apollo knew his protectiveness surpassed what he'd felt for her as her brother. His feelings had been easier to change mostly due to his being male, but the hard part was to come.
They were royally served for breakfast and had time to look around the village before they met with the King and Council. Aida thoroughly enjoyed seeing a different kingdom. Apollo loved to see her enjoyment. They noticed that one section of the town shined less brightly. Neither could put a finger on why it seemed different, but it was.
At last the time came, and they were seated in front of a horseshoe shaped table. The King was seated in the center with the council on both sides. Apollo was seated directly facing the King with Aida seated beside him. Both were able to clearly see the whole council without turning much.
"Well, Prince Apollo, we will hear what you have to say."
"Your Majesty, my Lords, I have come on behalf of my father, HRH Jareth of the Labyrinth, to seek alliance between our kingdoms. The Knights of the Labyrinth provide an excellent force, but unfortunately they are few in number and mostly concentrated on protecting the land. The majority of my father's subjects are bumbling idiots. However, this alliance could be mutually advantageous. My father is powerful and the Labyrinth Knights are well known for valor and worth boasting of."
"It is wise you do not offer the useless goblins as compensation. We well know King Jareth's army has only barely defeated the ghastly troll armies that have from time to time invaded his lands."
"Let me remind you Your Majesty that they have defeated so far. Considering their intelligence, that is quite a feat. Still my father does not wish to take chances on them."
"You show integrity. We shall have to consider the request of so wise a prince."
Apollo and Aida were politely ushered into a waiting room while the King and council considered.
"You did well," Aida said with a smile. Apollo's ears pricked.
"Apparently not good enough. They're arguing."
Aida listened and could pick out raised voices. Apollo and Aida were summoned again.
"It would appear we still have doubters among us," King Antonio said with a sigh. A dark man dressed all in black stood and shouted angrily.
"What good will the knights do us? We have plenty of power!"
The King did not take kindly to being interrupted but said nothing for the moment.
"How long is the snake going to keep beings of my size at bay?" Apollo challenged. It was indeed something King Antonio had considered so he listened intently.
"He's worked for years!" the man countered.
Apollo locked eyes with the man and spoke slowly and gravely.
"I am nearly five times your size, and I can charm snakes equally as well. I could see your village despite my size because of powers inherited from my parents. What would you have done if I came in war instead of in peace?"
The dark lord was angry for being so challenged.
"You lie!" he accused. He snapped his fingers and guards surrounded Apollo and Aida with spears. Apollo knew well what Aida did not. The Fleet people's spears were tipped with heads soaked in a highly concentrated poison. A mere scratch with their tips could be fatal. Often the victim was dead before they knew they were wounded. But Apollo also knew that these people's magic was weak. They put up pretty good defenses, but their offense was purely dependent upon scientific means. Without any warning whatsoever, the spears were dragged from the hands of the guards, and their deadly tips were pointed at their owners. Only one wiry little guard managed to keep a hold on his spear, which was now suspended before the dark lord with the guard dangling from the end.
"It's a trick!" the man spluttered in vain.
"You still think it wise to incur my wrath?"
With every word Apollo's voice grew deadlier and deeper. Aida realized it was because Apollo was growing. His voice deepened because it was coming from a larger chest, and the effect was unearthly.
"You would bring down on your head the full fury of a dimension you as yet are only beginning to understand!"
Aida knew true fear of Apollo at that moment. He had risen until he commanded the great hall and his voice boomed like thunder upon their ears. The very air about them crackled and sizzled with power emanating from the centaur. It rushed toward Lord Mentious, the dark lord and threw him forcefully to the ground.
"Respect what you do not know and fear what you do not understand!" His mismatched eyes seemed to spark with the fury burning in them. In his fury he felt something which seemed as light as the kiss of a butterfly. He knew instantly that he had frightened Aida. The slight feeling was her withdraw. He shrank down to size immediately, and the spears clattered to the stone floor as well as the wiry little guard, who fell with a grunt. Lord Mentious had fainted dead away. Apollo bowed deeply before the King.
"I apologize, Your Highness. I am unused to having my father's abilities questioned or my wife put in such jeopardy."
The King sat dazed.
"Your father, King Jareth. Is he capable of such anger?"
Apollo half smiled.
"My father is perfectly capable of far worse than I, Your Majesty! However, we attempt to avoid such brutal force. I lost my temper over that man's curious animosity. I apologize for that, but I will not apologize for my wrath at my wife's endangerment at a meeting of peace!"
"Make no apologies, Prince Apollo. You were dually provoked. I must apologize for the absence of Lord Mentious manners, but I fear you have taken us all by surprise! Including, it appears, your own lovely princess."
Apollo looked fairly guilty as he regarded Aida's face.
"I must admit my wife has been sheltered from the tempers of her family."
"Go then and we shall reconsider," King Antonio said kindly.
Apollo nodded. He knew full well that they would not refuse now having seen a glimpse of their capabilities. Aida looked up at him, and he could see fear in her eyes.
"I had hoped you would never see our temper, Aida," Apollo commented with a sigh. "Rest assured it will never be turned on you."
"Does your mother have such a temper?" Aida asked with a slight tremble in her voice.
"You cannot imagine how furious she would be with that man doubting father and threatening us."
Aida shuddered visibly. If even the mild and reserved Ione was capable of worse, what would her father's temper be like?
"You don't want to know!"
Aida looked up with surprise, but she remembered that Apollo could read her mind. He smiled down at her and tugged her hair gently. One of the guards timidly reopened the doors.
"You may return."
Apollo nodded and walked back in beside Aida. The King and his council had reached a unanimous agreement following the removal of Mentious. It had been Mentious who led the opposition, and no one wished to follow him now. The King and the council informed Apollo and Aida of their decision.
"We have decided it would indeed be more expedient to be your allies than your enemies. We wonder only why you do not feel your own force sufficient."
Apollo bowed gracefully.
"Your Majesty, our most common enemy has been trolls. While they are little smarter than goblins, they come in hordes. Many of the Labyrinthian Knights are also powerful, but even with super powers, it is hard to fight such odds. The advantage of an alliance with the Fleet Kingdom is that you are invisible and deadly. If you are with us the next time they attack, the trolls won't know what hit them!"
The King nodded once more.
"We would be honored to ally ourselves with your kingdom."
Apollo and Aida bowed before they were dismissed, and the King invited them to stay as long as they needed. Apollo and Aida still looked around the town, but Apollo could sense that Aida had pulled away from him.
"Aida, you have nothing to fear from me," Apollo told her that evening as she walked without touching him once.
Aida looked at him in surprise but said nothing. Apollo decided it was time to head home the following morning. He knew Aida did not notice, but he did. She did not cling to him as she had begun to. Apollo felt her withdraw strongly. His heart had already begun to respond to her and he felt as though a part of him was being torn away.
They stopped a bit earlier than Aida thought they would. Apollo turned towards them all, and with a flourish of his hands, all of them including the animals and equipment had a small medallion around them. Aida looked at Apollo strangely.
"What are these for?" she asked. She looked around and noticed a town had appeared on the horizon. "Where'd that come from?" She was even more confused now.
"Aida, the people of the Fleet Kingdom are no bigger than the length of your arm. We have to temporarily shrink everyone and everything to visit them. You couldn't even see the town from your normal height because they're an enchanted people. Nothing taller than their walls can see the town."
Aida looked towards the town in wonder.
"What if someone steps on them?"
"They would feel the bite of the rattler first. He's chained around the city. That's why we had to stop so far away. The rattler can't see anything below their walls."
Aida marveled at the inventiveness of the whole plan. Evidently the villagers kept the snake fed so its only reason for biting would be if it was disturbed and a rattler had a pretty good warning beforehand. Yet as they neared the city, Aida marveled instead at its beauty. The city looked like a perfect Spanish village with red roofed villas and haciendas. The cobblestone streets were clean and there was no hint of filth in the entire town. Nor did there seem to be any poverty. There were no slums or down towns in the Fleet Kingdom. It was a drastic change from what Aida was used to seeing in the Goblin City.
"Wow!" was all Aida could really say.
"A pleasant change you might say," Apollo answered with a smile. They reached the palace, which was the largest and grandest hacienda in the entire town. The guards saluted when Apollo gave them his name, and they were immediately given entrance. Their servants were led to suitable quarters, while Ludo, Hoggle, and Sir Didymus were all furnished with grander surroundings. Apollo and Aida were provided with the chambers reserved for guests of honor and allowed to freshen up before a banquet was to be held in their honor.
"I will take care of my necessities to give you time to change for dinner," Apollo said. Aida was about to ask what necessity when she noted the way he was shifting his weight on his hind legs and swishing his tail. She then realized the Fleet Kingdom was not designed for centaurs. Aida giggled to herself and took full advantage of her moments of privacy. By the time a refreshed Apollo returned, Aida was dressed in a simple yet elegant dress for the banquet. Apollo quickly accented his creamy white shirt with a black vest, a brown coat with long tails that matched his father's, and black gloves. When seated at the raised dais table in the banquet hall, the nobles of the Fleet Kingdom stood and welcomed them.
"We are pleased to welcome to our fair kingdom Prince Apollo Chiron and the Princess Aida of the Labyrinth. They come here as representatives of the Labyrinth and King Jareth." Again all the nobles voiced their welcome. Apollo and Aida smiled and inclined their heads in acceptance of the welcome.
"We thank you King Antonio, Queen Isabella, and nobles of the Fleet Kingdom for your welcome and hospitality. We hope in earnest that both our purposes can be fulfilled," Apollo replied. Their gratitude accepted; the meal began. Aida thought it simply devine. The Fleet Kingdom was designed much like the Labyrinth in its political structure. The King had absolute say, but the council did have the power to depose the King under unbearable circumstances. Jareth was too powerful for his subjects to rebel against so the possibility was not even considered. The council of the Labyrinth was made up of the Elder Labyrinth Knights, but here the council was made of the nobles. She wondered how they understood their people's needs and wants when sheltered behind villa walls. Yet she had seen a thriving town on the way in. Apollo and Aida retired after dinner. Apollo went out again to give her time to change. Aida sighed. Apollo considered her feelings so much. She sat down before the vanity. Apollo reentered the room cautiously making sure Aida was ready. He came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder as he kissed the top of her head. She smiled placing her hand over his. That night she slept better than she ever had. She woke to find herself once again nestled in Apollo's arms. Yet she did not find it so frightening this time. In fact she rather enjoyed the security he provided. She sighed softly.
"Good morning."
"Oh! I didn't realize you were awake yet!"
"I didn't want to wake you."
"Do you always think of me first, Apollo?"
"It is the best way I know of to show I care, Aida."
She smiled, but she had no idea what she was doing to her husband's heart. He was coming to love her more as his little wife to be cherished than his sister, but she was developing much slower. Already Apollo knew his protectiveness surpassed what he'd felt for her as her brother. His feelings had been easier to change mostly due to his being male, but the hard part was to come.
They were royally served for breakfast and had time to look around the village before they met with the King and Council. Aida thoroughly enjoyed seeing a different kingdom. Apollo loved to see her enjoyment. They noticed that one section of the town shined less brightly. Neither could put a finger on why it seemed different, but it was.
At last the time came, and they were seated in front of a horseshoe shaped table. The King was seated in the center with the council on both sides. Apollo was seated directly facing the King with Aida seated beside him. Both were able to clearly see the whole council without turning much.
"Well, Prince Apollo, we will hear what you have to say."
"Your Majesty, my Lords, I have come on behalf of my father, HRH Jareth of the Labyrinth, to seek alliance between our kingdoms. The Knights of the Labyrinth provide an excellent force, but unfortunately they are few in number and mostly concentrated on protecting the land. The majority of my father's subjects are bumbling idiots. However, this alliance could be mutually advantageous. My father is powerful and the Labyrinth Knights are well known for valor and worth boasting of."
"It is wise you do not offer the useless goblins as compensation. We well know King Jareth's army has only barely defeated the ghastly troll armies that have from time to time invaded his lands."
"Let me remind you Your Majesty that they have defeated so far. Considering their intelligence, that is quite a feat. Still my father does not wish to take chances on them."
"You show integrity. We shall have to consider the request of so wise a prince."
Apollo and Aida were politely ushered into a waiting room while the King and council considered.
"You did well," Aida said with a smile. Apollo's ears pricked.
"Apparently not good enough. They're arguing."
Aida listened and could pick out raised voices. Apollo and Aida were summoned again.
"It would appear we still have doubters among us," King Antonio said with a sigh. A dark man dressed all in black stood and shouted angrily.
"What good will the knights do us? We have plenty of power!"
The King did not take kindly to being interrupted but said nothing for the moment.
"How long is the snake going to keep beings of my size at bay?" Apollo challenged. It was indeed something King Antonio had considered so he listened intently.
"He's worked for years!" the man countered.
Apollo locked eyes with the man and spoke slowly and gravely.
"I am nearly five times your size, and I can charm snakes equally as well. I could see your village despite my size because of powers inherited from my parents. What would you have done if I came in war instead of in peace?"
The dark lord was angry for being so challenged.
"You lie!" he accused. He snapped his fingers and guards surrounded Apollo and Aida with spears. Apollo knew well what Aida did not. The Fleet people's spears were tipped with heads soaked in a highly concentrated poison. A mere scratch with their tips could be fatal. Often the victim was dead before they knew they were wounded. But Apollo also knew that these people's magic was weak. They put up pretty good defenses, but their offense was purely dependent upon scientific means. Without any warning whatsoever, the spears were dragged from the hands of the guards, and their deadly tips were pointed at their owners. Only one wiry little guard managed to keep a hold on his spear, which was now suspended before the dark lord with the guard dangling from the end.
"It's a trick!" the man spluttered in vain.
"You still think it wise to incur my wrath?"
With every word Apollo's voice grew deadlier and deeper. Aida realized it was because Apollo was growing. His voice deepened because it was coming from a larger chest, and the effect was unearthly.
"You would bring down on your head the full fury of a dimension you as yet are only beginning to understand!"
Aida knew true fear of Apollo at that moment. He had risen until he commanded the great hall and his voice boomed like thunder upon their ears. The very air about them crackled and sizzled with power emanating from the centaur. It rushed toward Lord Mentious, the dark lord and threw him forcefully to the ground.
"Respect what you do not know and fear what you do not understand!" His mismatched eyes seemed to spark with the fury burning in them. In his fury he felt something which seemed as light as the kiss of a butterfly. He knew instantly that he had frightened Aida. The slight feeling was her withdraw. He shrank down to size immediately, and the spears clattered to the stone floor as well as the wiry little guard, who fell with a grunt. Lord Mentious had fainted dead away. Apollo bowed deeply before the King.
"I apologize, Your Highness. I am unused to having my father's abilities questioned or my wife put in such jeopardy."
The King sat dazed.
"Your father, King Jareth. Is he capable of such anger?"
Apollo half smiled.
"My father is perfectly capable of far worse than I, Your Majesty! However, we attempt to avoid such brutal force. I lost my temper over that man's curious animosity. I apologize for that, but I will not apologize for my wrath at my wife's endangerment at a meeting of peace!"
"Make no apologies, Prince Apollo. You were dually provoked. I must apologize for the absence of Lord Mentious manners, but I fear you have taken us all by surprise! Including, it appears, your own lovely princess."
Apollo looked fairly guilty as he regarded Aida's face.
"I must admit my wife has been sheltered from the tempers of her family."
"Go then and we shall reconsider," King Antonio said kindly.
Apollo nodded. He knew full well that they would not refuse now having seen a glimpse of their capabilities. Aida looked up at him, and he could see fear in her eyes.
"I had hoped you would never see our temper, Aida," Apollo commented with a sigh. "Rest assured it will never be turned on you."
"Does your mother have such a temper?" Aida asked with a slight tremble in her voice.
"You cannot imagine how furious she would be with that man doubting father and threatening us."
Aida shuddered visibly. If even the mild and reserved Ione was capable of worse, what would her father's temper be like?
"You don't want to know!"
Aida looked up with surprise, but she remembered that Apollo could read her mind. He smiled down at her and tugged her hair gently. One of the guards timidly reopened the doors.
"You may return."
Apollo nodded and walked back in beside Aida. The King and his council had reached a unanimous agreement following the removal of Mentious. It had been Mentious who led the opposition, and no one wished to follow him now. The King and the council informed Apollo and Aida of their decision.
"We have decided it would indeed be more expedient to be your allies than your enemies. We wonder only why you do not feel your own force sufficient."
Apollo bowed gracefully.
"Your Majesty, our most common enemy has been trolls. While they are little smarter than goblins, they come in hordes. Many of the Labyrinthian Knights are also powerful, but even with super powers, it is hard to fight such odds. The advantage of an alliance with the Fleet Kingdom is that you are invisible and deadly. If you are with us the next time they attack, the trolls won't know what hit them!"
The King nodded once more.
"We would be honored to ally ourselves with your kingdom."
Apollo and Aida bowed before they were dismissed, and the King invited them to stay as long as they needed. Apollo and Aida still looked around the town, but Apollo could sense that Aida had pulled away from him.
"Aida, you have nothing to fear from me," Apollo told her that evening as she walked without touching him once.
Aida looked at him in surprise but said nothing. Apollo decided it was time to head home the following morning. He knew Aida did not notice, but he did. She did not cling to him as she had begun to. Apollo felt her withdraw strongly. His heart had already begun to respond to her and he felt as though a part of him was being torn away.