Sorry this has taken so long. But I've been adjusting to my first year of college and classes, and, well, this kinda fell to the wayside.

Disclaimer: nope, not mine. All original characters, however, are.

A/N- italics outside of parentheses are thoughts

In the Ballroom

** Jareth's Room

            "So I'm okay, then? I can go home now, right?"

            "I said that you didn't seem to have any sign of concussion, but you still need to take it easy. And you have yet to remember what happened to you."

"How about you just tell me?" Sarah looked at Quillan with the same pout she used on her father. Quillan withheld his sigh and explained.

"You just might not believe me. Besides, I don't know what you're reaction might be when you do remember. It would probably be best to let you remember on your own."

"And then I can go back, right?"

Quillan just shook his head. I guess I shouldn't have doubted Jareth when he said she was stubborn.

 "I think only his majesty can answer that. In fact, I do believe I hear him now. Shall we join him in the sitting room?" Quillan knew that that was the last thing Sarah wanted to do, but was not surprised to see her walk out to greet Jareth. He was surprised, however, by the shriek he heard when she entered the room.

"Brenna!" Quillan watched as Sarah hugged the dark-haired girl who'd been in the hall earlier. "Did Jareth kidnap you too?" Without waiting for an answer Sarah spun around to face Jareth. "Send her home Jareth! This has nothing to do with her."

            "Honestly, Sarah, still the same self-centered child, I see. Did it occur to you that, perhaps, this has nothing to do with you?"

Sarah looked taken aback for a moment, and then shrugged.

"Please. I know that this is some elaborate plan you've concocted as revenge for something that happened six years ago."

"Ah, Sarah. So much growing to do still. You are determined to always see me as the villain."

"Well, you do play the part so convincingly."

Brenna and Aiden looked at each other, ignored as Jareth and Sarah traded insults.

            "I take it this is the interesting show?" Brenna asked.

            "They're just getting started" Aiden replied. "wait until Sarah actually makes him angry." Before they could continue with their observations, they were interrupted by the sound of Quillan clearing his throat.

            "Perhaps, Jareth, you could explain why you have brought this young lady here and we could finish discussing this matter like reasonable adults. Besides, it is best that Lady Sarah not get too agitated."

Jareth's glance flicked to the bandage on Sarah's head, a dark look settling on his face again.

            "Very well. As I was about to explain, I have brought Brenna here, Sarah, because you have some lost memories. Quillan informed me that seeing someone familiar might help jog your memory, since he believes you should remember on your own."

            "This is all very elaborate, considering you're the one who did this to me!"

            "I did nothing to you!" Jareth yelled, advancing toward Sarah, "I'd never have-"

            "Perhaps, your majesty, you should leave Brenna and Sarah to talk. They have much to discuss."

Jareth forced himself to calm down, reminding himself that Sarah must be very scared. "Very well. Quillan, would you escort Sarah and Brenna to the red apartments? I've had them aired and cleaned up."

"Yes, your Majesty. And I believe Prince Aiden has a matter he'd like to discuss with you."

            "Yes, Aiden. You never explained what you were doing here in my castle unannounced. Shall we go to my study?"

**

Jareth's Study

            Aiden followed Jareth into the quiet study. The room was a sight to behold indeed. It was a vast room, with high ceilings and packed bookcases from floor to ceiling built into the walls. The wall facing Aiden and Jareth had a fireplace with two armchairs and a small table in front of it, while the east and west walls featured very large windows that allowed sunlight to flood the room. Jareth gestured to the armchairs.

            "Shall we?"

            "I'd prefer to stand, thank you." Aiden said curtly. Jareth shrugged and flopped into one of the chairs.

            "So, what is it brings you here Aiden? "

            "A girl almost being drowned by a mermaid."

            "I hardly see how that is one of my concerns. I do not rule the mermaids and surely your people know better than to bother with them. If that is all-" Jareth started to get up.

            "No, that is not all! I got the distinct impression that girl got herself almost drowned on purpose."

            "Now why would she do that? Unhappy is she?"

            "I believe she did it to garner my attention, as almost all the females have been trying to do since someone convinced my mother it was time that I be married off like some common farm girl!"

            "Is that what this about? Because I mentioned to Amelia that you seemed a bit lonely?"

Aiden scoffed. "I don't believe that is quite the way you worded it."

            "Well, it was a while ago. I simply cannot remember every single bit of conversation. But, you must admit, Aiden, that you should be thinking of settling down. After all, your father will be handing the country over to you very soon, and you need to start raising your own little brats."

            "And what about you, Jareth? You're already King and a few years my elder. Shouldn't you be looking for a wife?"

Jareth stood up and walked towards the west window. "That is a completely different matter."

            "Why? Why is it different?"

            "Have you or have you not noticed that I am the Goblin King? Would you have me marry a goblin?"

            "Bullshit. You have human subjects, Jareth. Last time I visited, Goblin City was inhabited by those who had been wished away, or have you decided to actually follow the stories for once and actually turned them into goblins?" Jareth sighed and shook his head.

            "You know I haven't."

            "Or perhaps you already have someone in mind? Someone a bit closer than the Goblin City." Jareth whipped around to face Aiden.

            "I won't pretend I don't know who you mean and I am telling you Aiden, you are dead wrong!"

            "Am I? I heard you tell Quillan to place her in the Red Apartments. Jareth, those rooms haven't been lived in since your mother retired to the Fairy Kingdom. Those are the Queen's rooms, Jareth."

            "I know the history of those rooms, thank you very much, Aiden. It is my castle, remember?" Jareth snapped at Aiden, idly conjuring a crystal.

            "Don't try those scare tactics on me, Jareth. We grew up together remember? But I'll drop it for now. Which brings me back to dilemma. I cannot step outside my rooms without being accosted by a female with marriage on her mind. What should I do?"

Jareth started to speak. "And don't suggest I marry one of them. I'm not ready to give up my freedom just yet."

            "Fine, fine. You can stay here if you like. In fact, there is a little something you can help me with."

            "Oh no. You have that look again."

            "What look?"

            "You know, the maniacal one, with the evil glinting eye thing. The one that means you're going to doing something wicked to someone and enjoy it. You know, maybe I'll just go on back home…" Jareth grinned and grabbed Aiden by the arm and started walking toward the door.

            "Come on. We're going above ground."

Wow. Finally got another chapter hammered out. How I love caffeine. Anyway, stay tuned, Sarah is going to remember soon, I swear!

~Raissa

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