AUTHORS NOTE: This is my first Labyrinth Fan Fiction hell it's my first fan fiction full stop. I'm sorry this isn't a Jareth/Sarah story but this idea has been bugging me for a long time so I finally decided to put it into words.
Please read and review criticism and suggestions are more than welcome. If you give me an idea I like and use I promise to give you lots of credit ^_^ umm… apart from that if you're a kiddy-kin you really shouldn't be reading this because there will be various words and themes that you are hopefully too innocent to know about. LOL.
Big thank you to Emer who kindly agreed to be my beta reader and being my Grammar Nazi. Cos lets face it I need it big time J
Um other than that I hope you enjoy the chp and I don't kill Jareth too much!
And thank you to Emer and Ruin and Shinma Inuyasha for reviewing chapter 2 J
Only a short one this time but hope you likes it. I know I put this up but emer pointed out a few things I needed to fix up so here it is again!
Disclaimer: Usual stuff I don't own the Labyrinth or Jareth or Ludo hugs Ludo cos he's just so cute Wish I did but I don't. Any Non movie labyrinth stuff is mine or if it isn't I'll give credit to where its due.
Enjoy J
Chapter 3The morning after her late night excursion to the kitchens Jessica awoke to find an elderly-looking Fae in her room. Upon seeing her the Fae rose and bowed to her.
"Lady Jessica. Good morning, I trust you slept well?"
"I guess I did." Jessica said covering a yawn.
"The rooms are to your liking?" The Fae asked.
"They're okay." Jessica replied wondering what the Fae wanted.
"Then shall we breakfast?" The Fae gestured towards the small table that overlooked the Labyrinth.
"Can I ask your name first?"
"Of course. My apologies Lady Jessica. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lord Tarquain I am an advisor to his majesty." Lord Tarquain bowed again.
Jessica let herself be ushered into a seat and watched as a sumptuous feast appeared in front of her. Fruits, pastries and gently steaming bread lay before her as she carefully eyed those foods she did not recognise. Jessica didn't notice at first that Lord Tarquain was patiently waiting for her to take her pick of the arrangement before her. Flushing slightly she began choosing what she thought she recognised.
They ate in silence, taking in the view of the Labyrinth watching the hedge maze shift and twist and the fairies dance around the hedges flowers. Every time a section a section of the maze disappeared or shifted the fairies rose up in a swarm only to flutter back down again. As beautiful as the sight was however, Lord Tarquain soon broke the silence.
"Lady Jessica, if I may tear your attention away from the magnificent view there are some matters I wish to discuss with you."
"Okay." Jessica replied wondering at his politeness and Jareth's warning that Fae hate mortals.
"As his majesty would have undoubtedly told you, you are a subject of his now which entails certain duties and privileges. Unless you do something to greatly displease his majesty then you will continue to enjoy such privileges as these rooms." Jessica nodded her face remaining neutral. "His majesty has not specified what position you will hold here. Whether you shall remain as a guest or become a servant shall depend on his majesty's disposition."
"I see." Jessica said still keeping outwardly neutral.
"You may however be required to attend some banquets and other assorted social occasions with his majesty."
"Why? I thought Fae didn't like mortals." Jessica asked confused.
"As a general rule we do not my Lady. However there are exceptions to every rule and many will be curious to at least to see a mortal. It is very rare for Fae to come into contact with above world creatures."
"With the exception of the king" Jessica said to herself.
"His majesty is an exception in this circumstance due to the nature of his position." Tarquain's tone turned serious. " There are some very important facts you must keep firmly in your mind if and when you deal with other Fae. Firstly you will not be seen as a person with real emotions or feelings. It is more than likely that you will be seen as a passing amusement--nothing more. Remarks that are less than pleasant will be made to your face and behind your back. And those that are friendly towards you may harbour ill will towards his majesty and try to use you to get to him."
"I don't understand how would other Fae 'use' me."
"It is likely that one or more nobles will try to gain friendship with you and then force you to act in a manner which could embarrass the king. It could cause the king to lose status in the court which could in turn endanger the kingdom."
Jessica tried to sort this out in her mind. "Do you mean that if Jareth is not seen to have control over his subjects he might be seen as weak?"
Tarquain raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I was not suggesting that but it is a possibility yes. Do you understand why you must keep your emotions under control?"
"I think so. What would happen if I didn't?"
"Depending on what you say and do you could be punished quite severely for merely causing embarrassment to the kingdom."
"Politics." Jessica stated. "So if I stay quiet and out of Jareth's way I should be all right."
"A somewhat blunt assessment but for the moment it is more or less correct." Tarquain answered.
Jessica digested this new information as best she could when another question popped into her head.
"Lord Tarquain, why are there thirteen hours on the clock?"
"Time moves differently here in the underground. I believe there is a technical explanation but I fear you would not understand it to the fullest extent." Standing up Lord Tarquain bowed and took his leave. "For now I must leave you, my Lady. I have some pressing matters to attend to, but if you should need anything then do not hesitate to ask."
"How would I find you?"
"Send a goblin or use your mirror." And with another bow he left leaving Jessica puzzling over his last comment.
"Mirror?"
Lord Tarquain entered Jareth's study quietly placing a pile of papers in front of his king.
"These should be the last that require your signature today, sire."
"What are they?" Jareth asked picking up the first one.
"Approval for the new roads, repairs for three bridges, some land grants for farms, the final draft to the dwarven treaty and several requests from various nobles regarding trade and grievances."
Jareth worked through the pile before him briefly reading them before adding his signature in the required places. As he worked Jareth asked.
"What news from our borders?"
"There was no reported activity during the night or this morning. The troops that marched along the western pass seemed to have moved on with no sign of them. Scouts however are still searching the surrounding area and border patrols have been put on double alert as a precaution."
"Have they been identified yet?"
"No one is laying claim to them sire, but from the descriptions we have received it would seem that we are meant to think of them as marauders."
"Except that their unit formations are too well constructed, their armour in very good condition and men and horses alike are very well fed." Jareth commented dryly.
"Whether or not they are marauders, or we are meant to think they are when they are actually a diversion, it would seem a rather clumsy manner in which to achieve an end."
"Hmm" Jareth's brow furrowed. "Have your spies reported?"
"Nay sire. I am expecting them sometime this afternoon."
"Get me information about new kings, shifting alliances, and old enemies."
"Your majesty suggests I do otherwise?"
Jareth snorted at his advisors feigned indignity. "Just see to it. I can't afford to be left in the dark."
Tarquain bowed. "Of course, your majesty."
"Was there anything else?"
"Just one matter, sire."
Jareth leaned back. "Well?"
"Lady Jessica, sire."
"What of her?"
"I was curious to know what your majesty had planned for her."
"For the moment - nothing." Jareth said slowly after a long moment. "She may remain where she is."
"Shall I start training her in etiquette, sire? Undoubtedly her presence will be requested to attend banquets so that she may be paraded."
"Such a delicate way to put it Tarquain." Jareth said with a smirk. "Start teaching her tomorrow."
Tarquain bowed and left his king's presence.
Jessica sat at her vanity trying to figure out what Tarquain had meant about it.
'Tarquain said I can use my mirror. Obviously that means magic, which I don't have. Does everything in the underground have magic?' Jessica thought to herself. 'Maybe there's a spell on it so even those without magic can use it? That would explain how I could use it I guess Jareth uses crystals to do magic unless that's for show And mirrors are made out of glass?'
"Here goes nothing." Jessica said with a shrug. "Show me Sen the Goblin!"
The mirror's surface shimmered and Jessica's reflection distorted and turned into an image of Sen chattering to several other goblins in the kitchens. Jessica was fascinated. She hadn't expected it to work--and yet there was Sen in her mirror.
Jessica explored this new use of her mirror, ordering it to show her various locations in the labyrinth. She quickly found out that she had to be specific in what she wanted to see, otherwise it would return to showing her own reflection. She went back to looking at castle locations. As the hours passed Jessica saw locations in the castle that filled her with a burning desire to explore and experience.
A niggling thought was worming its way into Jessica's mind as she sat there, viewing scene after scene one, which began to flourish and fill her with temptation. If she could see the underground then maybe she could see things from the above world?
Jessica tried to fight back the hope that was springing up inside her. What if it didn't work? Why should it work? What if
"Show me"
Knock. Knock.
Jessica swore and struggled to keep calm. Taking a deep breath to compose her features Jessica opened the door to find a Pixie standing shyly in front of her.
The slight Pixie curtsied and greeted Jessica.
"Good afternoon milady. My name is Levitas, I am here to examine your injuries as Medicor Darla is unavailable." Levitas spoke softly. Jessica noted she was dressed in a similar white dress to Darla if somewhat plain in comparison.
Jessica stepped aside and motioned for the pixie girl to come in.
"What does Medicor mean?"
"Medicor is the title for master healer." The way Levitas said it made it seem the most obvious thing in the world.
"Oh. Darla didn't mention that when she was here."
"You remember the last time she was here?" Levitas asked in surprise.
"Yes, why shouldn't I?" Jessica asked wondering if there was something she was missing.
"It is nothing milady." Levitas said her forehead creasing slightly. "If it pleases, may I examine your injuries?"
"I thought I was healed." Jessica stated.
"Your more serious injuries were healed almost immediately. Your minor injuries were sealed up and left alone to be healed when you regained your strength."
Something clicked in Jessica's mind. "Or until I actually woke up."
Levitas' lack of response gave Jessica her answer.
"Just do what you have to do." Jessica told the pixie. To herself she said. "I'll have to get used to that."
Levitas moved behind Jessica, using her magic to examine Jessica's injuries. Levitas' power flowed over Jessica's back with a cool tingling sensation. Jessica winced when the coolness touched any bruises or injuries and tried to stay still.
"I will only do a little every time, milady." The pixie stated quietly. "Otherwise there is the possibility that your body will reject the magic and all the healing will be undone."
"This has happened before to a mortal?" Jessica asked.
"I do not know milady. Medicor Darla said there is so little known about mortals in regards to magic these days that we must be cautious."
'Why do I suddenly feel like a guinea pig?' Jessica thought as Levitas moved around to face her once more. Now Jessica could see that the pixie's hands were glowing very slightly. Pushing down her own nervousness at this small display of magic Jessica looked up at the healer expectantly.
"I just need to see if your skull fractures are healed and then I will be finished for the day."
Something clicked inside Jessica as Levitas' hands reached towards her face. A burst of speed swiped the pixie's hands away and had a couch between them. The Lady's compulsion was acting strong upon Jessica keeping her movements wary and agile. Her sudden reaction filled Levitas with confusion.
"Milady? What is wrong?" Levitas took a small step towards Jessica.
"Stay away from my head."
"Milady, if your head hurts I must look at it."
"No." Came the firm denial. "It can heal on its own."
Levitas backed down and took her leave. "My apologies, milady. I shall return in a few days to see how your other injuries are coming along." Curtsying, Levitas left the room leaving them both to wonder over Jessica's behaviour.
Levitas closed the mortal girl's door behind her and slowly began walking towards her teacher's chambers. The pixie was certainly confused by the behaviour she just witnessed although what else did she expect from an above worlder? For not the first time Levitas wished she were not so meek when it came to confrontations. If it was her teacher in there, she wouldn't have taken no for an answer… or maybe she would have. Levitas had been the one to stay up with Darla after the healer had tried to enter Jessica's mind. The delusions her teacher suffered had frightened her greatly and the young healer was not looking forward to seeing more of her new charge.
Levitas knocked quietly on her teacher's door and crept quietly in so as not to disturb her.
"No matter how mouse-like you become, my apprentice, I still know when you enter the room."
Levitas flushed. "I am sorry Medicor, I did not mean to wake you."
"I was already awake." Darla waved aside the apology. "Tell me how things went with your new patient."
"Yes Medicor." Levitas sat down upon a nearby chair in the darkened room and recounted the afternoon's events. "I checked most of her injuries and she seems to be healing well."
"Most?" Darla asked sharply.
"I tried to examine her skull to see if the fractures were healed and she wouldn't let me touch her." Levitas paused before continuing. "It would seem she has subconsciously given herself an instinct so that a repeat of what happened between the two of you did not happen."
"Hmm" Darla murmured.
"Medicor, do you remember anything as of yet?" Darla shook her head. "What of his majesty? Has he told what transpired during her run of the Labyrinth?"
"Nay and nor will he. As always, it is between the king and wisher." Darla rubbed her eyes tiredly. "We must simply bide our time to see if this girl will be an asset or a danger to the king."