CHAPTER XII: Dizzy Daydreams
Sarah stepped down from the platform to mingle with her minions. Just as she was beginning to approach the booths, she was stopped by someone touching her arm. She turned around to be face to face with the mysterious King Kaleb of the Summit. "Can I help you?" she asked, disguising the excitement she felt from the tingling sensation that went through her arm as a response to his touch.
He smiled slightly, but not without warmth. Though it was a paradoxically chilling warmth his smile possessed. "Your Majesty, I was wondering if you would not mind dancing with me. I am without a companion, and it has been many ages since I had the opportunity to participate in social activity such as this. I would be honored if you would help me to put an end to my abstinence." He proffered his hand, closing in so that he was less than a foot away from her.
She took his hand, remaining as stately as ever. "I would be honored."
He led her across the dance floor, gracefully and silently. After many moments of dancing, Sarah said, "So, tell me about your kingdom."
He put a finger to his lips then replaced the hand upon her waist. "This is not the time for serious discussions, Your Majesty. Even if we were discussing you, I would beg for your silence."
"Even then? You are apparently not as curious of me as I am of you." She gave him a cockeyed grin.
"I can deduce all that I need to know of you, Your Majesty. You are no puzzle to me." He saw her shock and smiled. "This appears to bother you."
"Just a little forward, that is all."
"You will learn to grow accustomed to my honesty. Though my comment was not meant as an insult. You are a complex woman. That I know. But I also know that you are a woman." He bent closer and rasped breathily into her ear. "And even a queen wishes to be treated as a woman. So stop being a queen for just a moment, and try just to be a woman." He pulled back, put his finger to his lips one last time, and once again put his hand upon her waist. Sarah was breathless. Kaleb found no resistance from the stunned queen. Nor did she protest when he closed the gap between their dancing bodies. For once, the questions in Sarah's brain became silent and were replaced by intense, fiery emotions. He gazed at her with piercing eyes, never taking his eyes away, never smiling. Nor did he kiss her, as she so desperately hoped he would. The dance seemed to last forever, but, once it ended, it had ended too soon for the spellbound queen. Kaleb kissed her hand and said, "Thank you kindly. If you will excuse me, now, Your Majesty, I have a few matters to attend to."
As he pulled away slowly, Sarah found her tongue. "Uh, Your Majesty, my people and I would... be honored if you would remain in our city for the remainder of the festivities."
"I would have it no other way, my lady," he replied, smiling, as he backed away, eventually turning around to complete his departure.
Sarah inhaled deeply and licked her lips. She seemed to become suddenly aware of her surroundings, straightened her dress, and did her best to evade some of the humored grins that followed her as she made her way up the platform. Though she tried to ignore it, she was sure she heard someone comment, "I do declare, 'tis the queen's week for suitors. But I think she just found her winner."
* * *
Jareth was approaching the shrub part of the labyrinth when he heard voices in the distance. He stopped, as his bug companion became silent. "You hear something?" the bug asked.
"Shh. Yes." The man paused a moment. "It sounds like two girls talking, I am not quite certain, though. I know it is an awful thing to ask, but would you please be so kind as to be a fly on the wall?"
"Certainly. Anything to help." The small creature buzzed merrily away and disappeared behind the shrubbery. Once on the other side, he was greeted with the vision of a young woman talking to a fairy.
The fairy was fairly large for fairy folk; she was at least one foot high. She saw the bug immediately and cried out in a joyful whisper, "Jiggy Juniper! I knew I recognized that buzz!" She flew over to him and rubbed her tiny fingers against his antenna. "I'm so glad to see you!" She turned to face the person with whom she was speaking. It was the beaming Isabelle. "Isabelle, this is -"
"Shh! No time for chit-chat! He's here! And you know he'll hear!" The bug flew around in agitation.
Isabelle straightened. "Okay, guess I better go. But you know what to do, Liona?"
The fairy signaled an "OK" with her hand. "You better believe it!"
"Alright! Good luck, then!"
"Nothin' to it!" With that, Isabelle disappeared in a puff of magic. Liona looked to the fly. "Guess we'd better pretend we don't know each other, eh? Nothing better than causing mischief!"
The bug buzzed his acknowledgment. He then flew out from behind the shrubbery, Liona in the rear. "Oh, you nasty little bug, I see you listening in on my conversation! You little nuisance, wait till I get my hands on you!"
"Nah-nah-na-nah-nah!" The bug went through shrubs to evade her.
The little fairy sighed with mock exasperation. She then went around the shrubs, seeming startled to see the waiting Jareth. "Oh!" She exclaimed, first looking shocked, then putting her hands on her hips in fake anger. "So you're the human who sent him to spy, aye? I was talking to a shy little elf girl, and now she has run off, thanks to you two!"
The bug landed on Jareth's shoulder and stuck out his tongue at her then turned to Jareth. "She's right. Little girl ran away." He wiggled his tail at the fairy. "But I bet she ran away because she was scared of you, you sorry excuse for a fly!"
"Hmph!" The fairy crossed her arms then flew before the entrance to the beginning of the maze of greenery. "It doesn't matter what you say; you won't be able to get past here, now that you've been so mean to me."
"Now, now, dear little one, truly I meant no harm," Jareth said, smiling inwardly at the humorous scene. "You do not have to let my traveling companion through if you do not wish, but I have done nothing to you."
The bug crossed his own arms and buzzed in irritation. "Well, some friend you are!" Jareth merely shrugged his shoulders.
"It's all the same to me. Neither of you can get through."
"Fairy, you know very well I could get through if I so chose."
"You think so..." She flew back and forth in thought, and, once she seemed to have settle on something, she turned around to face him. "I will let you pass on one condition."
"And what is that, lovely fairy?" Jareth smiled whimsically.
"You must give me a kiss." She closed the statement with a decisive lifting of her chin and widening of her eyes.
Jareth's smile widened, and he was soon crossing his arms, as well. "Fairies. Like most women, you are either about biting or about kissing. Now where is the happy median?"
"Come on, mortal. I do not have all day. What will it be?"
Jareth rubbed his chin. "So, what is it? My handsome looks? That must be it."
"You draw whatever conclusion you wish."
"Admit it."
"Do you wish to pass, or not?"
"Of course I do, lovely one." Jareth approached her. "I am just worried that you will not survive the incident with all of your wits intact."
"Haha, funny man. Pucker up, handsome." The fairy bent forward, closing her eyes and pursing her lips.
"Very well." Jareth leaned in, gently pressing his mouth against the tiny lips of the fae, feeling the slight breeze the flapping of her translucent wings created. He pulled back a little reluctantly, and also with a little difficulty. It seemed his balance was off. For a moment he considered the fact that he might be under a fairy spell, but quickly forgot the notion. "Now, little one, I declare that you have been properly kissed."
Liona cocked her head to the side and tightened her mouth. "Not bad for a human. Ever considered becoming a fairy, mortal?"
Jareth chuckled. "I am partly fae, little one. Perhaps it is where I get my charm."
"What charm?"
"Naturally, you would not admit it. I will not hold it against you." He pulled his hood back over his eyes. "Now, my dear, I have a journey to complete. Perhaps I shall see you again once I win this competition."
"Maybe. If you win. And if I feel like it." Liona smiled at him warmly. "Now off with you, you spying mortal. No more prying for you!"
"Yes, Madam." Jareth touched his hand to his forehead and approached the new maze. He traveled for sometime before he heard yet another female voice. Thinking that it may be the little fairy putting him to the test, he called out, "Whoever is there, be forewarned that someone is approaching!" Once he had come around the corner, he saw that the path led to a small glen of trees. The flowers and grass were abundant; he could make out an orange dress amidst the foliage and a beautiful singing voice. He smiled, pulled the cape closer about his face, then meandered into the glen. Once he could get a full view, he quickly saw that it was Sarah. She did not look up at him immediately, but continued in her occupation of creating a crown of flowers. Jareth sat next to her, not too close, and watched her with a gentle smile. Finally she looked up at him, holding the crown up as a frame through which to view him. "Yes, I think that will do!" she cried with a satisfied grin.
"Pray tell, what are you doing, Your Majesty?" Jareth asked, his lips barely visible beneath the cloak, but very apparently smiling.
"I am making you a crown. Take off your cloak and put it on." She reached up to pull his hood down, but was quickly stopped. He gently pushed her hand away.
"I am sorry, but I cannot let you do that, not yet."
She looked disappointed. "But, whyever not? You aren't the Phantom of the Opera, are you? A hideous face beneath that you are frightened to show me?"
"Not in so many words, no. But I should at least like to wait." He smiled wanly. "I am terribly sorry."
"What purpose is there in waiting? You have waited long enough."
"You cannot tell me that one night and one day are that much torture, Your Majesty," Jareth replied with a mischievous grin.
Sarah looked up at him and chuckled, her chuckle quickly fading into a somber silence as she gazed into the distance. "No, but these past four years have been."
Jareth stared at her in astonishment. He took some moments to find his voice. "You knew it was me all along, then?"
"How could I not? When it is only you that I have loved for so long? What kind of woman would I be if I did not recognize you?" She reached up and pulled the hood away from his face, brushing her fingers across his cheek. "You haven't changed so much that I couldn't tell. You are still handsome as ever."
He took her hand in his. "Oh, My Love, I have waited so long, but trust me, I did have my reasons! I left for you, not to hurt you!"
She put her finger to his lips to silence him. "Don't you think I knew that? I understood all along. I missed you, but I always knew you'd return. We both had a lot of growing to do." She smiled at him. "But now we can be together forever, without anyone getting in our way."
A thought nagged at the back of his mind, one that indicated that things were not so simple, but he could not quite remember. So he ignored it and smiled back, gripping her hand tighter. Without anymore words, both closed their eyes and leaned in to kiss each other, their lips touching gently at first, but soon replaced with a passion that had been pent up for four long years. He slid his fingers into her curled hair as she wrapped her own fingers about his neck. It was such a perfect moment, overwhelming Jareth with the most wonderful of emotions, emotions that he hadn't felt for countless years. He could not even have dreamed up such a perfect ending.
* * *
The two lovers did not see the startled look on Isabelle's face as she held a crystal before her, her gaze transfixed on the scene before her. Neither did they see Sage looking over the girl's right shoulder as Vindar gazed over the left. "Oh my goodness!" Isabelle exclaimed, covering her mouth to stifle the gleeful giggles that were gurgling from her throat. "He thinks it's really Sarah! Liona's spell worked!"
"What a mean trick!" Vindar declared, playfully poking Isabelle in the ribs. "It's a good thing that the queen was occupied during your little shinanigan, or she would have found out it was Jareth. Look, quiet! There she comes as we speak!"
Sarah looked dazed as she approached the group, but soon lost her spaced expression when she saw their merriment. "What are you guys up to?"
Isabelle quickly put the crystal behind her back. "Oh, nothing!"
Sarah arched her brow. "Really? Let me see that!" She chased the young girl around, eventually tackling her, the both of them landing on the ground with gay laughter. Sarah managed to pry the crystal from the girl's grip. "Let me see what you did to poor Pandor!" Once she had gazed into the crystal, she lost her smile immediately. Only the back of the man's head was visible, obscured mostly by the hood of his cloak. But it was very apparent who he was kissing. "That's me!" Sarah exclaimed. "That is his little fantasy?!"
Sage choked a giggle, but could not hold it down when Isabelle and Vindar broke into laughter as a result of Sarah's reaction to the scene. "Looks like Sarah has an admirer," he exclaimed, breaking out into riotous laughter. Soon everyone was rolling on the floor.
"Really, Sarah, you should have seen your expression," Vindar said as his cackling dissipated into a chuckle. "But, I have to admit, you really asked for it. You should have let the man win fair and square."
"Sarah and Pandor, sittin' in a tree -" Isabelle began.
Sarah frowned and clutched the girl, tackling her again in silliness. "You be quiet, you little imp. I don't want to hear another peep from you." She then pulled the crystal back to her eyes. "Let's see what happens next, eh, since you're all having so much fun at my expense. You think they're done making out yet?"
"I don't know, Sarah. It seems to me that a woman of your caliber could hold out for quite awhile," Vindar said, ducking when Sarah swung at him playfully. "No need for violence, dear queen! The truth isn't so painful!"
"Yes, but my left hook is!" She gave him a mistrusting glance. "Besides, what do you know about women holding out? Anything Isabelle and I need to discuss?" She smirked at them with satisfied vengeance.
Isabelle blushed and shoved Sarah playfully. "That was not fair!"
"No, this would be unfair: Isabelle and Vindar, sittin' in a tree..."
Isabelle turned a brighter shade of red as Vindar proceeded to laugh. The young girl redirected her gaze to chastise the elf boy. He quickly sobered up and said, "Yes, that's not fair, let the lass be." Isabelle nodded her head in approval. The boy gave her a mischievous grin. "Besides, the lady and I haven't yet gotten far enough for any discussion..."
"Sh!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes transfixed on the crystal. "Listen! He just put his hood back on, and I can't hear with everyone talking!"
Everyone became quickly silent and bent over Sarah's shoulder to watch the scene unfold within the depths of the crystal.
* * *
Jareth had suddenly remembered his quest... and that he had been kissed by a mischievous fairy only moments ago. It had taken him a minute to realize how odd such behavior would be for Sarah; he knew very well that she did not understand his reasons for leaving, nor did she ever think he would return. The Sarah that stood before him was an imposter, and he felt like a complete fool. He only hoped that his little excursion into fairy fantasy had not cost him his disguise. Though he would eventually reveal his identity to Sarah, he did not want to do so as of yet.
"What are you doing?" the faux Sarah cried.
"I am sorry, dear girl. But it is no time for make-believe." He pulled his hood close. "I have many things to attend to."
"What do you mean?"
"You know very well, you mischievous fairy. You are not who you say you are... And I do not have any more time for tomfoolery." He began to walk away. Sarah's imposter turned into an explosion of light that transformed into the fairy Liona.
"Oooh... Silly human, you spoiled my fun!" She shook her hair about petulantly and placed her hands on her hips.
"I cannot say I am sorry. Find someone else to play your cruel tricks on. You have nearly spoiled my day."
The fairy's expression of anger softened into one of shame. She threw her hands in the air and flew after him. "I'm sorry... I didn't realize how much harm it would cause. I didn't recognize you before... I really should have guessed."
Jareth stopped abruptly and shook his finger at the fairy, whispering, "Now, please do not make things worse. Keep quiet about what you know. She could be listening. If you know about me, then you know what powers she has."
"Yeah, yeah, you're right. I had no idea you were so in love with her, or I wouldn't have done it."
He sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "It is a pity... Very few seem to understand my affection for Sarah. I do not believe that even she does."
"Wow. I never woulda thunk it. You are very little like I remember. I hope you have good luck."
"Thank you, dear fairy." He shook his head and smiled. "I must hand it to you, though. I have not had such a kiss in four years. You truly make me sad that I am not fairy, as well."
"What can I say? Runs in my tribe. You ain't so bad yourself." She began flapping her wings once again and rose from his shoulder. "Well, I will let you continue your journey. I must warn you, though. You have lost another hour. I've been keeping an eye on the others... and one person is only two hours behind you. You don't need me to distract you."
"I assure you, you would be a welcome distraction." He bowed slightly to emphasize the statement. "But, you are correct. I must complete my journey, and the sooner the better. Thank you for an interesting hour."
"Best of luck to you, though I doubt you'll need it!" She waved to him as he disappeared behind the shrubbery. Touching her lips in remembrance, she grinned exuberantly as she turned around to head back to her tree.
* * *
Sarah disengaged from the crystal, looking completely befuddled. "Why me?!" she exclaimed. "What cause does he have to love me?"
Vindar nudged her. "Looks like you're the most wanted woman in the kingdom, Your Majesty."
"I don't want to be!" she cried, throwing her arms in the air in exasperation. Despite her exasperation, she could not hide the grin on her face.
"Well, all we have to do now is to wait until he wins. You may not want him when you see how hideous he is," Sage joked.
"Want him? I barely know him!"
"I'm sure you'll find common interests," Sage replied with a smirk. Vindar and Isabelle were both apparently in on the joke, for they were trying to suppress chuckles.
"All right, this is part of the surprise, I am willing to bet. So this Pandor is my dream man? We shall see. He has a lot of proving to do."
"But he has already proven his intelligence and undying devotion. Are you not impressed?" Vindar asked her with a sarcastic tone.
"It takes more than that to impress me."
"Very well. We shall see." Sage rose and put his hand on Sarah's shoulder. "Until then, though, we have some business to attend to. I will need you to help me award the prizes to the best booths in just a moment. Pandor will be fine by himself for awhile, I should think."
"He'd probably be better off without her paying him any attention, Father," Vindar said with a chuckle.
"Now, that's enough, son. We've given the lady enough heartache, for now. Save it for later."
"You all think you are so funny, do you? You just watch, I can play meaner pranks." Sarah put her hands on her hips and walked past the group and down the platform. The three glanced at each other, sharing the same cheshire cat grin.
"Five hours to go before she eats her words, wot?" Vindar said.
"I'd say four and a half. Maybe less." Sage then followed the queen. Isabelle shrugged her shoulders, smiling. Vindar slipped his arm about hers and led her down the platform, the two tailing behind the old elf and getting ready to join in the remainder of the festivities.
Sarah stepped down from the platform to mingle with her minions. Just as she was beginning to approach the booths, she was stopped by someone touching her arm. She turned around to be face to face with the mysterious King Kaleb of the Summit. "Can I help you?" she asked, disguising the excitement she felt from the tingling sensation that went through her arm as a response to his touch.
He smiled slightly, but not without warmth. Though it was a paradoxically chilling warmth his smile possessed. "Your Majesty, I was wondering if you would not mind dancing with me. I am without a companion, and it has been many ages since I had the opportunity to participate in social activity such as this. I would be honored if you would help me to put an end to my abstinence." He proffered his hand, closing in so that he was less than a foot away from her.
She took his hand, remaining as stately as ever. "I would be honored."
He led her across the dance floor, gracefully and silently. After many moments of dancing, Sarah said, "So, tell me about your kingdom."
He put a finger to his lips then replaced the hand upon her waist. "This is not the time for serious discussions, Your Majesty. Even if we were discussing you, I would beg for your silence."
"Even then? You are apparently not as curious of me as I am of you." She gave him a cockeyed grin.
"I can deduce all that I need to know of you, Your Majesty. You are no puzzle to me." He saw her shock and smiled. "This appears to bother you."
"Just a little forward, that is all."
"You will learn to grow accustomed to my honesty. Though my comment was not meant as an insult. You are a complex woman. That I know. But I also know that you are a woman." He bent closer and rasped breathily into her ear. "And even a queen wishes to be treated as a woman. So stop being a queen for just a moment, and try just to be a woman." He pulled back, put his finger to his lips one last time, and once again put his hand upon her waist. Sarah was breathless. Kaleb found no resistance from the stunned queen. Nor did she protest when he closed the gap between their dancing bodies. For once, the questions in Sarah's brain became silent and were replaced by intense, fiery emotions. He gazed at her with piercing eyes, never taking his eyes away, never smiling. Nor did he kiss her, as she so desperately hoped he would. The dance seemed to last forever, but, once it ended, it had ended too soon for the spellbound queen. Kaleb kissed her hand and said, "Thank you kindly. If you will excuse me, now, Your Majesty, I have a few matters to attend to."
As he pulled away slowly, Sarah found her tongue. "Uh, Your Majesty, my people and I would... be honored if you would remain in our city for the remainder of the festivities."
"I would have it no other way, my lady," he replied, smiling, as he backed away, eventually turning around to complete his departure.
Sarah inhaled deeply and licked her lips. She seemed to become suddenly aware of her surroundings, straightened her dress, and did her best to evade some of the humored grins that followed her as she made her way up the platform. Though she tried to ignore it, she was sure she heard someone comment, "I do declare, 'tis the queen's week for suitors. But I think she just found her winner."
* * *
Jareth was approaching the shrub part of the labyrinth when he heard voices in the distance. He stopped, as his bug companion became silent. "You hear something?" the bug asked.
"Shh. Yes." The man paused a moment. "It sounds like two girls talking, I am not quite certain, though. I know it is an awful thing to ask, but would you please be so kind as to be a fly on the wall?"
"Certainly. Anything to help." The small creature buzzed merrily away and disappeared behind the shrubbery. Once on the other side, he was greeted with the vision of a young woman talking to a fairy.
The fairy was fairly large for fairy folk; she was at least one foot high. She saw the bug immediately and cried out in a joyful whisper, "Jiggy Juniper! I knew I recognized that buzz!" She flew over to him and rubbed her tiny fingers against his antenna. "I'm so glad to see you!" She turned to face the person with whom she was speaking. It was the beaming Isabelle. "Isabelle, this is -"
"Shh! No time for chit-chat! He's here! And you know he'll hear!" The bug flew around in agitation.
Isabelle straightened. "Okay, guess I better go. But you know what to do, Liona?"
The fairy signaled an "OK" with her hand. "You better believe it!"
"Alright! Good luck, then!"
"Nothin' to it!" With that, Isabelle disappeared in a puff of magic. Liona looked to the fly. "Guess we'd better pretend we don't know each other, eh? Nothing better than causing mischief!"
The bug buzzed his acknowledgment. He then flew out from behind the shrubbery, Liona in the rear. "Oh, you nasty little bug, I see you listening in on my conversation! You little nuisance, wait till I get my hands on you!"
"Nah-nah-na-nah-nah!" The bug went through shrubs to evade her.
The little fairy sighed with mock exasperation. She then went around the shrubs, seeming startled to see the waiting Jareth. "Oh!" She exclaimed, first looking shocked, then putting her hands on her hips in fake anger. "So you're the human who sent him to spy, aye? I was talking to a shy little elf girl, and now she has run off, thanks to you two!"
The bug landed on Jareth's shoulder and stuck out his tongue at her then turned to Jareth. "She's right. Little girl ran away." He wiggled his tail at the fairy. "But I bet she ran away because she was scared of you, you sorry excuse for a fly!"
"Hmph!" The fairy crossed her arms then flew before the entrance to the beginning of the maze of greenery. "It doesn't matter what you say; you won't be able to get past here, now that you've been so mean to me."
"Now, now, dear little one, truly I meant no harm," Jareth said, smiling inwardly at the humorous scene. "You do not have to let my traveling companion through if you do not wish, but I have done nothing to you."
The bug crossed his own arms and buzzed in irritation. "Well, some friend you are!" Jareth merely shrugged his shoulders.
"It's all the same to me. Neither of you can get through."
"Fairy, you know very well I could get through if I so chose."
"You think so..." She flew back and forth in thought, and, once she seemed to have settle on something, she turned around to face him. "I will let you pass on one condition."
"And what is that, lovely fairy?" Jareth smiled whimsically.
"You must give me a kiss." She closed the statement with a decisive lifting of her chin and widening of her eyes.
Jareth's smile widened, and he was soon crossing his arms, as well. "Fairies. Like most women, you are either about biting or about kissing. Now where is the happy median?"
"Come on, mortal. I do not have all day. What will it be?"
Jareth rubbed his chin. "So, what is it? My handsome looks? That must be it."
"You draw whatever conclusion you wish."
"Admit it."
"Do you wish to pass, or not?"
"Of course I do, lovely one." Jareth approached her. "I am just worried that you will not survive the incident with all of your wits intact."
"Haha, funny man. Pucker up, handsome." The fairy bent forward, closing her eyes and pursing her lips.
"Very well." Jareth leaned in, gently pressing his mouth against the tiny lips of the fae, feeling the slight breeze the flapping of her translucent wings created. He pulled back a little reluctantly, and also with a little difficulty. It seemed his balance was off. For a moment he considered the fact that he might be under a fairy spell, but quickly forgot the notion. "Now, little one, I declare that you have been properly kissed."
Liona cocked her head to the side and tightened her mouth. "Not bad for a human. Ever considered becoming a fairy, mortal?"
Jareth chuckled. "I am partly fae, little one. Perhaps it is where I get my charm."
"What charm?"
"Naturally, you would not admit it. I will not hold it against you." He pulled his hood back over his eyes. "Now, my dear, I have a journey to complete. Perhaps I shall see you again once I win this competition."
"Maybe. If you win. And if I feel like it." Liona smiled at him warmly. "Now off with you, you spying mortal. No more prying for you!"
"Yes, Madam." Jareth touched his hand to his forehead and approached the new maze. He traveled for sometime before he heard yet another female voice. Thinking that it may be the little fairy putting him to the test, he called out, "Whoever is there, be forewarned that someone is approaching!" Once he had come around the corner, he saw that the path led to a small glen of trees. The flowers and grass were abundant; he could make out an orange dress amidst the foliage and a beautiful singing voice. He smiled, pulled the cape closer about his face, then meandered into the glen. Once he could get a full view, he quickly saw that it was Sarah. She did not look up at him immediately, but continued in her occupation of creating a crown of flowers. Jareth sat next to her, not too close, and watched her with a gentle smile. Finally she looked up at him, holding the crown up as a frame through which to view him. "Yes, I think that will do!" she cried with a satisfied grin.
"Pray tell, what are you doing, Your Majesty?" Jareth asked, his lips barely visible beneath the cloak, but very apparently smiling.
"I am making you a crown. Take off your cloak and put it on." She reached up to pull his hood down, but was quickly stopped. He gently pushed her hand away.
"I am sorry, but I cannot let you do that, not yet."
She looked disappointed. "But, whyever not? You aren't the Phantom of the Opera, are you? A hideous face beneath that you are frightened to show me?"
"Not in so many words, no. But I should at least like to wait." He smiled wanly. "I am terribly sorry."
"What purpose is there in waiting? You have waited long enough."
"You cannot tell me that one night and one day are that much torture, Your Majesty," Jareth replied with a mischievous grin.
Sarah looked up at him and chuckled, her chuckle quickly fading into a somber silence as she gazed into the distance. "No, but these past four years have been."
Jareth stared at her in astonishment. He took some moments to find his voice. "You knew it was me all along, then?"
"How could I not? When it is only you that I have loved for so long? What kind of woman would I be if I did not recognize you?" She reached up and pulled the hood away from his face, brushing her fingers across his cheek. "You haven't changed so much that I couldn't tell. You are still handsome as ever."
He took her hand in his. "Oh, My Love, I have waited so long, but trust me, I did have my reasons! I left for you, not to hurt you!"
She put her finger to his lips to silence him. "Don't you think I knew that? I understood all along. I missed you, but I always knew you'd return. We both had a lot of growing to do." She smiled at him. "But now we can be together forever, without anyone getting in our way."
A thought nagged at the back of his mind, one that indicated that things were not so simple, but he could not quite remember. So he ignored it and smiled back, gripping her hand tighter. Without anymore words, both closed their eyes and leaned in to kiss each other, their lips touching gently at first, but soon replaced with a passion that had been pent up for four long years. He slid his fingers into her curled hair as she wrapped her own fingers about his neck. It was such a perfect moment, overwhelming Jareth with the most wonderful of emotions, emotions that he hadn't felt for countless years. He could not even have dreamed up such a perfect ending.
* * *
The two lovers did not see the startled look on Isabelle's face as she held a crystal before her, her gaze transfixed on the scene before her. Neither did they see Sage looking over the girl's right shoulder as Vindar gazed over the left. "Oh my goodness!" Isabelle exclaimed, covering her mouth to stifle the gleeful giggles that were gurgling from her throat. "He thinks it's really Sarah! Liona's spell worked!"
"What a mean trick!" Vindar declared, playfully poking Isabelle in the ribs. "It's a good thing that the queen was occupied during your little shinanigan, or she would have found out it was Jareth. Look, quiet! There she comes as we speak!"
Sarah looked dazed as she approached the group, but soon lost her spaced expression when she saw their merriment. "What are you guys up to?"
Isabelle quickly put the crystal behind her back. "Oh, nothing!"
Sarah arched her brow. "Really? Let me see that!" She chased the young girl around, eventually tackling her, the both of them landing on the ground with gay laughter. Sarah managed to pry the crystal from the girl's grip. "Let me see what you did to poor Pandor!" Once she had gazed into the crystal, she lost her smile immediately. Only the back of the man's head was visible, obscured mostly by the hood of his cloak. But it was very apparent who he was kissing. "That's me!" Sarah exclaimed. "That is his little fantasy?!"
Sage choked a giggle, but could not hold it down when Isabelle and Vindar broke into laughter as a result of Sarah's reaction to the scene. "Looks like Sarah has an admirer," he exclaimed, breaking out into riotous laughter. Soon everyone was rolling on the floor.
"Really, Sarah, you should have seen your expression," Vindar said as his cackling dissipated into a chuckle. "But, I have to admit, you really asked for it. You should have let the man win fair and square."
"Sarah and Pandor, sittin' in a tree -" Isabelle began.
Sarah frowned and clutched the girl, tackling her again in silliness. "You be quiet, you little imp. I don't want to hear another peep from you." She then pulled the crystal back to her eyes. "Let's see what happens next, eh, since you're all having so much fun at my expense. You think they're done making out yet?"
"I don't know, Sarah. It seems to me that a woman of your caliber could hold out for quite awhile," Vindar said, ducking when Sarah swung at him playfully. "No need for violence, dear queen! The truth isn't so painful!"
"Yes, but my left hook is!" She gave him a mistrusting glance. "Besides, what do you know about women holding out? Anything Isabelle and I need to discuss?" She smirked at them with satisfied vengeance.
Isabelle blushed and shoved Sarah playfully. "That was not fair!"
"No, this would be unfair: Isabelle and Vindar, sittin' in a tree..."
Isabelle turned a brighter shade of red as Vindar proceeded to laugh. The young girl redirected her gaze to chastise the elf boy. He quickly sobered up and said, "Yes, that's not fair, let the lass be." Isabelle nodded her head in approval. The boy gave her a mischievous grin. "Besides, the lady and I haven't yet gotten far enough for any discussion..."
"Sh!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes transfixed on the crystal. "Listen! He just put his hood back on, and I can't hear with everyone talking!"
Everyone became quickly silent and bent over Sarah's shoulder to watch the scene unfold within the depths of the crystal.
* * *
Jareth had suddenly remembered his quest... and that he had been kissed by a mischievous fairy only moments ago. It had taken him a minute to realize how odd such behavior would be for Sarah; he knew very well that she did not understand his reasons for leaving, nor did she ever think he would return. The Sarah that stood before him was an imposter, and he felt like a complete fool. He only hoped that his little excursion into fairy fantasy had not cost him his disguise. Though he would eventually reveal his identity to Sarah, he did not want to do so as of yet.
"What are you doing?" the faux Sarah cried.
"I am sorry, dear girl. But it is no time for make-believe." He pulled his hood close. "I have many things to attend to."
"What do you mean?"
"You know very well, you mischievous fairy. You are not who you say you are... And I do not have any more time for tomfoolery." He began to walk away. Sarah's imposter turned into an explosion of light that transformed into the fairy Liona.
"Oooh... Silly human, you spoiled my fun!" She shook her hair about petulantly and placed her hands on her hips.
"I cannot say I am sorry. Find someone else to play your cruel tricks on. You have nearly spoiled my day."
The fairy's expression of anger softened into one of shame. She threw her hands in the air and flew after him. "I'm sorry... I didn't realize how much harm it would cause. I didn't recognize you before... I really should have guessed."
Jareth stopped abruptly and shook his finger at the fairy, whispering, "Now, please do not make things worse. Keep quiet about what you know. She could be listening. If you know about me, then you know what powers she has."
"Yeah, yeah, you're right. I had no idea you were so in love with her, or I wouldn't have done it."
He sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "It is a pity... Very few seem to understand my affection for Sarah. I do not believe that even she does."
"Wow. I never woulda thunk it. You are very little like I remember. I hope you have good luck."
"Thank you, dear fairy." He shook his head and smiled. "I must hand it to you, though. I have not had such a kiss in four years. You truly make me sad that I am not fairy, as well."
"What can I say? Runs in my tribe. You ain't so bad yourself." She began flapping her wings once again and rose from his shoulder. "Well, I will let you continue your journey. I must warn you, though. You have lost another hour. I've been keeping an eye on the others... and one person is only two hours behind you. You don't need me to distract you."
"I assure you, you would be a welcome distraction." He bowed slightly to emphasize the statement. "But, you are correct. I must complete my journey, and the sooner the better. Thank you for an interesting hour."
"Best of luck to you, though I doubt you'll need it!" She waved to him as he disappeared behind the shrubbery. Touching her lips in remembrance, she grinned exuberantly as she turned around to head back to her tree.
* * *
Sarah disengaged from the crystal, looking completely befuddled. "Why me?!" she exclaimed. "What cause does he have to love me?"
Vindar nudged her. "Looks like you're the most wanted woman in the kingdom, Your Majesty."
"I don't want to be!" she cried, throwing her arms in the air in exasperation. Despite her exasperation, she could not hide the grin on her face.
"Well, all we have to do now is to wait until he wins. You may not want him when you see how hideous he is," Sage joked.
"Want him? I barely know him!"
"I'm sure you'll find common interests," Sage replied with a smirk. Vindar and Isabelle were both apparently in on the joke, for they were trying to suppress chuckles.
"All right, this is part of the surprise, I am willing to bet. So this Pandor is my dream man? We shall see. He has a lot of proving to do."
"But he has already proven his intelligence and undying devotion. Are you not impressed?" Vindar asked her with a sarcastic tone.
"It takes more than that to impress me."
"Very well. We shall see." Sage rose and put his hand on Sarah's shoulder. "Until then, though, we have some business to attend to. I will need you to help me award the prizes to the best booths in just a moment. Pandor will be fine by himself for awhile, I should think."
"He'd probably be better off without her paying him any attention, Father," Vindar said with a chuckle.
"Now, that's enough, son. We've given the lady enough heartache, for now. Save it for later."
"You all think you are so funny, do you? You just watch, I can play meaner pranks." Sarah put her hands on her hips and walked past the group and down the platform. The three glanced at each other, sharing the same cheshire cat grin.
"Five hours to go before she eats her words, wot?" Vindar said.
"I'd say four and a half. Maybe less." Sage then followed the queen. Isabelle shrugged her shoulders, smiling. Vindar slipped his arm about hers and led her down the platform, the two tailing behind the old elf and getting ready to join in the remainder of the festivities.