Labyrinth and all that is connected to it belongs to someone other than me!!!
Though the characters of Sally Jendson, Morgan Seliecourt, and other characters not appearing or named in the movie are of my creation.
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Wishes and Dreams of Love
Chapter Four: Before the Seelie Court
As the winds died down, Sarah shook the glitter from her dark hair and smiled up at her soon to be husband. His eyes twinkled as he ran his glove covered fingers through her dark tresses.
The sound of Morgan's throat clearing brought the couple out of their little world. "If you two are quite ready … seeing as you summoned all of us, Goblin King."
Surrounding Morgan was eight Fae.
Seated on Morgan's desk were a man and woman introduced as Queen Tatiana and her consort Prince Oberon. Tatiana was dressed in a pale white dress that reminded Sarah of two bands of cloth crisscrossed. A silver chain was belted around her hips that flowed down to the floor – it reminded Sarah of a vine that was covered with leaves. Oberon's outfit was very much like the outfit Jareth had worn in the start of Sarah's experience in the Escher room – only silver, white, and gold.
Seated on Sally's desk was the one and only Puck – dressed up in a white peasant shirt, tan tunic, brown hooded cloak, and black trousers. King Paralda stood in between Morgan and Puck, and reminded Sarah of any fairytale king with the addition of a pair of ethereal clear fairy wings that shimmered with dewdrops. He didn't hide his annoyance at being there. Jareth explained that Sylphs are loners who don't take kindly to humans.
Sarah could barely make out that a light shimmering behind and above Morgan was the Queen of the Will 'o the whisps, Joan the Wad. And hovering beside Joan was a Salamander by the name of Lady Adara. The Salamander has the power to help or prevent humans in creating fire – even with matches. Sarah laughed when she was told about a camping trip she and some friends had taken the year before had been attended to by Adara herself.
The wood had gotten wet, and no matter what any of the others did they couldn't start a campfire. Sarah decided to take one last try at it herself, and building a blaze without any problems. Adara had aided as Sarah held such respect for the Fae, and Jareth held Sarah in the highest of regards.
Two ladies standing next to the classroom door broke up their private conversation as Jareth introduced them in turn.
The first was Lady Coventina, who was there representing the Undines (a race of water Fae). She was almost human looking, her scent and clothes was the only give away at her true heritage. She smelled the sea salt, and she dressed in renaissance style very much like Jareth. Her auburn hair was twisted back with ribbons and then plated until it was just below her knees.
Lady Crisiant turned out to be Jareth's cousin from a mountain kingdom near the Labyrinth. Her Fae race is called Gwyllions. She was wearing a mask very much like the dancers in Sarah's ball dream years before. She explained that the females of her race are not beautiful and she did not wish to frighten Sarah, as the young Fae held the human highly (her words being 'any female who can turn my dear cousin around, teach him that he is not infallible, and capture his heart is the best that humanity had ever brought into the world').
"Sarah, you are more lovely than Jareth's sweetest description! Jareth, my cousin, you have not done this Lady's beauty a justice. As often as I have heard you brag about Lady Sarah's virtues, I dare say when he understates of one he does so with all." Crisiant bowed her head to Sarah.
Sarah couldn't hide her blush as she shifted uncomfortably and shot Jareth a raised eyebrow. "Exactly how often has he been talking about me?"
Coventina chuckled at this, "let us say that in the three years you have been gone from the Underground, you have become a well known Lady. You are his favorite subject to speak of."
"Who better to speak of?" Jareth whispered into Sarah's ear, before speaking aloud to their company. "Though all will have a chance to learn all about Sarah from the Lady herself. Sarah has agreed to return Underground for a well deserved holiday following her graduation and its celebration."
That peeked King Paralda's interest. "What is this 'graduation' you speak of Jareth?"
"Sarah can explain it much better than I, King Paralda."
Sarah spoke up as the King settled his judgmental eyes on her. "It is a ceremony where students who have completed their work in whatever they are studying. I've finished my four years of high school, so Saturday everyone in my grade level will be given a certificate and their due attention."
"Sounds very much like an Ageless Induction." The older man regarded her with a stone face.
Sarah wondered for a split-second before timidly speaking up. "You are welcome to come if you wish. I mean it's mostly boring speeches and the school chorus performing other than the certificates being handed out."
"Perhaps … just perhaps. But I doubt that is why the Goblin King has called this emergency court pleading. What is your case, Jareth? Why waste our and your time, when you are suppose to be enjoying the reprieve Queen Morgan secured for you and Lady Sarah." Paralda glared over at the Fae standing behind Sarah, holding her shoulders with a gentle possessiveness. The tone in the other King's voice telling Sarah that it was time for business.
Jareth took a step forward to stand at Sarah's side, his face the emotionless mask she had seen him wear many a time. "Conal has returned. He interrupted my time with Sarah, and directly threatened her."
"Is he still out for you throne as well, or is he only out to steal Sarah from your arms my dear cousin?" Crisiant spat in worry, she was very much like her cousin in temperament.
Jareth subconsciously wrapped an arm around his love. "He wants both. There has to be something we can do to guard Sarah when I am not with her. I will have to return Underground to add on security measures now that Conal has re-appeared."
"She has me here until this afternoon." Morgan reassured with a nod. She knew that the Goblin King was simply looking over his beloved.
Queen Tatiana cleared her throat to speak for the first time in the meeting. "Yet, we cannot be certain of what may befall betwixt this school and Lady Sarah's home. Puck, take up thy human face and escort Lady Sarah from here to her home and the like until she returns to the Labyrinth this Saturday evening."
"Of course my Queen." Puck bowed before the Queen as his form changed. Then he bowed to an amazed Sarah. "Robin Goodfellow at your service milady."
Oberon looked as if he was in deep thought for a moment. "Conal has lost his place among many of the Fae races. Only the Unseelie Court would welcome the likes of him, so no doubt they will aid his plan."
Adara's flame had intensified steadily since Conal's name was first brought up. Now she was almost as bright as Joan. "Unfortunately, we cannot do a thing until he makes his first move against Sarah."
Joan's voice shimmered in Sarah's ears like the sparkle given to the eyes by falling snow. "My people will be placed around thy Lady's home, brother, and parents every evening until she is safely Underground."
Coventina took her turn next. "My people will be sent out to seek out whatever can be found of that cowardly usurper! Fear not Lady Sarah, you have been found highly favored by many within the Court because of King Jareth's tales and sweet words. Now, from meeting you, all of us will only add to those tales."
^ Sarah, may I announce our engagement to this representation of the Seelie Court? ^ Sarah smiled so warmly at his thoughts as she nodded in agreement, but Jareth knew that she was nervous. He was finally relaxed enough to hold his love close to his body so that she could find strength in his love. He could hardly hold his excitement back
"My thanks to you all. Now, I will not be worried for my Lady and future Queen."
Jareth covered the fingers of her left hand with the crystal he had produced back in her room. Sarah closed her eyes as she felt his magic wrap her ring finger with such sweet warmth that it was a comfort. She opened her eyes as the crystal became a part of her and his hand moved away revealing a beautiful ring!
It was a square onyx set in silver with braded bands of the metal holding it in place at each corner. In the center was a silver owl atop a gold crescent moon, and the owl's eyes were made of pure sparkling diamonds. It all rang with a power Sarah couldn't right away understand, but she knew this was no ordinary ring.
"So, my dear little cousin has finally found his heart? See all that he has given Sarah the most unique of engagement tokens." Cristina smiled, and Sarah could just make out tears in the Fae's eyes.
Morgan didn't look at the ring, for she saw it all before this came about. This was the only certainty the Queen was able to see. "I think it would be best for Jareth to explain what Cristina means. Besides they only have an hour left of their time."
"Yes, Queen Morgan is quite right. Lady Sarah, my love and I will be there for you this coming Saturday. Until then, Puck will be there when King Jareth is unable to guard you. Until Saturday." Tatiana smiled as she curtsied to Sarah, followed by Oberon's bow. "Lady Sarah, may we keep you safe through all the troubled times ahead. And congratulations to you both Jareth, a Lady of this caliber is a rare jewel indeed."
One by one they all promised to be there for the graduation and congratulated the pair on the announcement – that is except for King Paralda, he simply turned and left with the others. Jareth and Morgan laughed.
Morgan embraced Sarah, "consider that Paralda there. He's just too much of a loner to admit it. Now you two go have fun."
"If only we could, but not now that Conal has surfaced that would be impossible. I have to see to the extra security measures, and if I want any time with my fiancée this evening then I must see to it now. Until tonight my love." Jareth pulled Sarah into his arms for a sweet though passionate kiss.
As intense as his kiss seared into her mind his unwavering love, the emptiness the void he left behind when he returned to the Underground was equaled in its loneliness. Even as she felt the glitter of his exit cover her body, Sarah still felt the warm and tingling sensation of that sweet kiss on her lips. Even if it was only for a few short hours, Sarah missed Jareth already.
Morgan restarted time as soon as Sarah found her seat, Sally continued talking as if nothing had happened. When the teacher mouth out the word congratulations, Sarah had to chuckle. Life was definitely going to be interesting from here on out.
"Sarah! You are such a sneak! He already gave you a ring! Not a diamond, but gorgeous nonetheless!" Sally squealed as she vainly tried to keep her voice down.
Morgan could see the others looking up from their conversations. "Ms. Jendson … Ms. Williams, I said to take this period as a study hall. That means keep your conversations to yourself."
"Yes Ms. Seliecourt." Both girls said in unison with a chuckle.
At the front door of the school, Sally grabbed Sarah's arm to halt their motion. "Sarah is that your soon to be hubby?"
Looking at her car Sarah saw her new friend leaning against the blue geo's rear fender. "Not even close Sal. That's my new friend by the name of Robin Goodfellow."
Sally yanked Sarah's arm hard before they could continue on. "Sarah do you know another name this Robin goes by?"
"Um, I think you're not so subtly hinting at the name Puck. Yes, I do know that."
Sally gasped. "That is so it! I am coming over and we are having a very long talk!"
"Alright long and short of it. I wish Toby away to the Labyrinth, just like in my little red covered play. I am the only one to ever defeat the game, but I feel deeply in love with the Goblin King. He loves me too, and now we are going to get married. Before you can ask, yes my Jareth is that same King. Puck is a member of the Seelie court, who are helping protect me from a villain from Jareth and their past who has threatened me. Puck is going to escort me school to home and visa versa until after graduation when I will be returning to the castle in the middle of the Labyrinth – which is one reason why you are not going with us. Is that enough for now, or do you need more to digest?"
Sally was so pale, Sarah was afraid that her friend would either scream like a lunatic or faint. "Number one, there is more that you know but I don't? Number two, he is so dazzling – does Robin have a significant other?"
"Significant other? Oh, damn do you know how to pick them. Puck used to know a writer named William. I'm sure you've heard of the guy. 'Star crossed lovers and shall I compare thee to a summer's day' ring any bells? Talk about robbing the cradle reversed!" Sarah chuckled as she forced Sally forward.
Sally tore her arm away from Sarah's in vexation. "And I'll bet that Jareth's a spring chick! Just put in a good word for me!"
"Fine! But Fae-mortal couplings aren't that common. I don't even know how he's going to take this!" Sarah sighed.
The pair walked up to the car – Sally giving her best smile, trying hard to hide her nervousness. Sarah saw too clearly that the wily Fae was sizing up the young woman walking with his charge. "Hello Ms. Sarah. And who is this lovely creature? A pixie … or perhaps a lovely water nymph?"
Sally giggled as she blushed, Sarah however rolled her eyes. "Obviously you heard our conversation, so you answer my friend's questions. Oh and her name is Sally Jendson and she is just a mortal." Sarah added on after spying her friend's dirty look.
"A pleasure Lady Sally. Hard to believe that you are not Fae. You must have some magic about you often." Robin passionately whispered as he kissed her hand, bringing a giggle out of the blushing woman.
"So what are they answer to my questions, my Lord Robin." Sally emphasized Puck's mortal name as she nodded with a shy wink.
Puck softly kissed Sally's ear before whispering, "number one, certainly yes. But, I might get you the clearance to be let in on the rest before graduation day. And as two number two, no. That is unless you would honor me with your arm this evening for a tour of how our worlds have changed since I last spoke with Billy boy?"
Sally chuckled as she nodded with an all showing smile on her face. Sarah could easily see that the pair had plans for the evening. "Um, I have a date tonight too. So why don't we let Sally go get ready?"
"Until tonight, my Lady. For now I must make certain my friend's Lady makes it home safely. Shall we say seven?" Robin kissed Sally's cheek before sliding into Sarah's magically unlocked car.
Sally mouthed 'thank you' to Sarah, and then smiled at Robin. "See ya tonight handsome. And seven's fine."
Thankfully nothing happened on the way home. Thanks to Robin, all of Sarah's favorite love songs played on the radio. This put Sarah in a better mood than when she lost her special time with Jareth. In front of her house, Robin turned over his watch to Joan's willow 'o the whisp royal guards – promising to be there waiting for her in the morning for the trip to school.
Sarah received sparkling blessings for her engagement from the guardians. Happiness, love, fertility, and goodness. By the time Sarah got into the house she was feeling warmer and brighter than she had in years, and it showed.
"Hey Sarah! Did you have an extra nice day at school? You look like you are covered in glitter." Karen gasped.
Sarah's dad came down the stairs with Toby in his arms. "That is an understatement. Is there something we should know young lady?"
"Um, I got engaged?" Sarah held her breath to brace for an explosion she fully expected.
Instead of the yelling, Sarah heard a shattering sigh. "Do we know this young man?"
"No."
Karen shook her head. "Is there any particular reason you haven't brought him to the house to introduce him to us?"
"Well …"
A voice chuckled right behind Sarah that set her at ease. Jareth had arrived. "There are several reasons actually. You may not like everything I am about to tell you, but I know that it must be said for our plans to continue on."
"What plans and who are you?" Sarah's dad glared murderously at the strange looking man behind his little girl. A man he knew did not come in with Sarah, but seemingly just appeared behind her from nowhere!
"In due time Mr. Williams. If we can all sit down to talk."
Toby fidgeted in his father's arms, "Jareth! Jareth! Jareth!"
"Hello, Toby. Have you been a good boy?"
Toby giggled as his father turned the child over to the odd looking stranger. "I'm always a good boy! I missed you! Are you and sissy getting married?"
Jareth chuckled, "well, I have your sisters agreement. The only obstacle left is your parents."
"I'll help you guys. You make sissy happy, and you like me. But, can I come visit sometimes?" Toby whispered.
Jareth chuckled again, "I'd have it no other way, little brother-in-law."
That brought a smile to Sarah's eyes, as she stood close enough to hear. "Toby, do me a favor. Sit between dad and Jareth, and when I help Karen bring out the drinks you can sit in my lap."
Toby just smiled and gave his big sister a wink.
"I have a much better plan, my love." Jareth whispered to Sarah before flashing his would be in-laws a dashing smile. "How about we discuss all of this over dinner? My treat … in fact we can have it at my place."
Sarah's father wasn't the least bit phased by Jareth's manners. The man's clothes, hair, and strange eyes were what held his attention – as well as the fact that he hadn't noticed Jareth standing behind Sarah as he had carried Toby down from upstairs, a mystery he could not think of one rational explanation for. "Fine. Karen and I were going out for a date anyway, Toby just got tidied up, and Sarah looks like she's ready to win the Ms. America Pageant. So I guess that we're ready to go."
"Very well." Jareth chuckled as he produced a crystal, moving them all to the throne room in the Castle just beyond the Goblin City.
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Oh boy what did Sarah's dad just get them all into. And how is Morgan going to handle all of this? Wait until the gang is all back together! What do you all think of this so far?
Remember, more reviews makes the vast majority of us writers write faster (and I am included in the majority this time).
Oh, maybe I should just leave the story go from here on out? Yeah, just end it here. How does that sound?
*Bonnie runs away from the screaming mob in pure terror* Okay so maybe teasing Jareth would be better for my health than teasing readers!
Jareth's ghostly disembodied voice echoes through the room: I wouldn't do that if I were you.
How does he do that?!?! LOL