Here I am again, slaving away at my compy when I could be... well, I don't know what I could be doing, so I might as well give you another chapter, eh?

If I offend, it is my good will, that I come not to offend, but with good will. To show my simple skill that is the true beginning of my end. My true intent is, that you shall know all that you are like to know.

*~*~*~*

Corey lived in constant fear. Her life now was watching over Sarah, to protect her daughter, in case her father came to whisk the girl away. She hadn't had a whole night's sleep for a week, and always curled up with Sarah in her arms. Magic or no, that man would not take her daughter away from her. Penny was an immense help, taking over all of Corey's duties so the younger woman could watch the child. And to everyone's relief, Jareth never showed, though Corey knew he would be watching, through those damn crystals.

After awhile she began to calm down, and one morning she woke up and realized she had slept peacefully. It was an achievement. But Fate couldn't rest, and one day things took a turn.

Sarah sneezed.

"Mama?"

"Sarah,"

"My head hurts," the little girl stumbled over and curled herself into her mother's embrace. Corey laid a hand on her forehead, and gasped.

"Darling, you're burning up! Why didn't you tell me earlier? Penny, do we have any lemon and peppermint?"

"Both, miss. Tea for the little one?"

"Yes, that's what we need," Corey carried Sarah into their room, and rested her on the bed. The girl's eyes were glazed, and she whimpered when Corey started to stand up, so the young mother settled herself down. Penny came in with the tea, and Sarah was made to sip every drop.

*~*~*~*

The next twenty-four hours were a living hell. Sarah demanded full-time attention, with constant cold compresses for her forehead and as much tea and healing herbs as Corey could get into her. But none of it seemed to help. The girl's state worsened so much she was in a sort of delirious coma. Corey never left her side, and Penny helped as much as she could, but there was nothing they could do. Finally the young mother made up her mind.

"Penny, it's time," she croaked tiredly. The herder's wife hugged her sympathetically and helped her get the things together. Sarah was wrapped in a cloak, and Corey slipped on her own bedspread-cloak she had worn when she escaped. At last they were ready.

"I will return, I promise," she whispered, hoisting Sarah onto her hip. Penny embraced them, and Thomas patted her shoulder sadly. Corey bowed her head and started walking. Out the door, and onto the road. It was for her daughter's sake.

*~*~*~*

Corey knocked again on the large wooden door, shivering. It had started raining and both she and Sarah were soaked through, which did nothing for the girl's condition. They were at the castle. She remembered what Lilyberry had said, her first day here...

'"Humans live on the outskirts of the Labyrinth, in the woodlands and villages beyond. They sometimes come here to seek healing for their sick, as they only have natural remedies. Herbs only go so far, every so often someone falls dreadfully ill and needs magical curing,"'

She knocked again desperately. Someone had to be there. At last the door was swung open, and Rose shrieked in surprise when she saw the very wet young woman.

"Miss Corey! Get in here, you're soaking!" The sprite pulled her inside, and she was ushered over to the fire. Within moments her coat and cloak had been taken off, she was covered on a blanket and hot tea was being poured. Sarah was wrapped in another blanket and Corey slid her daughter onto her lap.

"Rose, I can't stay long. I have to find-"

"Let me guess,"

Corey almost swore. He was doing the creepy-from-behind thing again. She turned around.

"Yes, you," she grumbled. Jareth stepped out of the shadows.

"And why could that be? Surely you haven't changed your mind and decided to live here again. Perhaps..." his eyes strayed to Sarah in her arms.

"... you need my help?" He finished. Corey unwrapped her daughter painstakingly, her heart hurting at having to do this.

"She's sick," was all she needed to say, looking up pleadingly. Jareth gathered the tiny figure in his arms and held his hand out to Corey. She took it.

*~*~*~*

Half an hour later. They were in the room Corey had found herself in that first day. Sarah was now sleeping peacefully on the bed, her temperature receding and happy dreams filling her head. Her mother smiled with relief. Now they had to get out. But apparently not just yet.

"Her name?" He was sitting in an upholstered chair, watching them.

"Sarah," she said simply, glancing over. The man rolled his eyes.

"Really, I think you could have thought of something more original,"

"I thought it suited her. And besides, when we go back home, her aunt will be very pleased," Corey straightened, only to find herself but inches away from him.

"You don't still think you can get home without my knowing, do you? There are no portals, none with my power, no way at all," he said softly. Corey squared her chin and gave him stare for stare.

"I will find one," she told him firmly. Jareth's expression softened as he looked over at the girl on the bed.

"You did well,"

"Raising her? My mother did the same, with me," she faltered, and he glanced back at her sharply.

"Linda. She's fine, and has no memory of here. Or you," he added. Corey felt tears threatening to spill, and she blinked furiously. He reached up to trace her cheekbone again, and she moved her face to look him in the eyes, trying to back away...

It didn't work.

*~*~*~*

She woke up and had a strange sense of déjà vu. Though, it wasn't really that strange, now she thought about it. Same room, same circumstances of appearing there. But Sarah was by her side. The little girl woke slowly when Corey brushed stray strands of brown hair away from her face. The young mother pushed back the covers and beckoned to her daughter. It was time to go.

No one stopped them. There was a teary farewell to Rose and the sprites, but all the castle's occupants seemed to have been given orders to let them go. Even the guards at the gate stepped aside to let them pass. Corey smiled. A second escape, though not as desperate, and happier now that Sarah was well and safe. She hoped their life ahead would be just as safe.

*~*~*~*

Can anyone guess what happens next? I only see one hand. Mine! Hehe.. keep guessing, everyone! And reviewing, of course!

Sweet Sunshine from Seul Loup