Chapter Three
Turning back into his room Ferdinand noted that the sisters had left, indeed the room held no traces of the previous night's festivities. "A strange land, this magic is a power I do not trust." He murmured to his reflection as he made himself presentable for the day. A wardrobe had been made available, which contained clothes that delighted his fanciest aims. Dark green hose, with a checking of silver squares were tucked neatly into high black riding boots. His tunic cut low, as suited his taste its dark green velvet tails were hidden by the multiple gold chains that made up the belt. Finally, he wore a jacket, made of an animal fur which he was unfamiliar with and that was trimmed in wolf's tails. He managed to find enough jewelry to finish it all off with, in the drawers underneath the mirror. He hung more gold chains with his neck, various pendants hanging from all of them, and a gold ring, which was in the shape of an owl, spreading its wings, all the way around his small finger.
"I wonder, there must be a dining hall within this castle." As Ferdinand approached the door it was opened from the other side. The Lady Undula entered.
"My Lady," he bowed.
"Duke," she bobbed her head.
"I recall speaking with you some while last night, indeed, were you not the one who introduced me to the Dunnei sisters?"
"That was I. Were they," her eyes swept over the dark covers of his bed," to your pleasing?"
"Indeed madam," he grinned," they were most pleasing. But pray, what is your business? Is there some manner in which I can help you? For though I have been her but a small time, I would endeavor to help in any way I can."
"You have anticipated me, my Lord. I came to see if you would aide me in something most grievous. Indeed, for you see, I have no one to share the pleasure of breaking fast with this morning."
"Madam! You have anticipated my needs. I was just about to venture in search of that very thing. Please let us help each other." He bowed and offered his arm to her.
It was some time later they were walking in one of the many gardens in the castle of the shadow.
"You are one of three, like the Dunnei, are you not?"
"I am, or I was." Ferdinand lowered his head, hair hanging in his eyes.
"It is most interesting how those above ground can breed with such ease." Ferdinand's head shot back up at this non sequitor.
"Madam?"
"You see, here in the Underground, much care is taken in the entire process. First an eligible match must be made."
"We have similar such measures…"
"Yes, but nothing nearly so complex, you are all one race. We are not, were an elf to mate with a fairy…the results are often times quite dangerous, and those are two of the more similar races. Of course there are those who cross such lines, and even when their chances are much narrower of conceiving in this cross manner, it does at times occur. Indeed. But we have laws against such things, exile is the usual punishment in most crimes here.
As I was saying, once the match is made, for a fruit to be borne, much preparation must be made. Tedious rituals must be done and so on. The labor and pregnancy itself are not so harsh, indeed, in that I think we have it easier, the death of the mother is rare as compared to your world. But should more than one child be born to the same parents, they are forever tied. Their magic is of the same making, and as such if one dies the other is liable to loose complete control. The Dunnei sisters are therefore compelled out of a need rather than a desire to do everything together. If one were to experience something of any magnitude with out the others; it is something we are told in our bed tales. "
"Most interesting Lady Undula, but I am puzzled as to why you shared this with me."
"Are you my lord?" She looked at him in thought, "I thought perhaps you would like to more about the people you have spent so much quality time with."
"I am always pleased to learn more, I prefer to learn it from the person themselves, or persons in this case. However, I am with you now, tell me about yourself?"
"I am afraid there is little to say. I am the only daughter of one of the local princes, I grew up knowing Jareth, indeed, he is the closest thing to a brother I have. I am waiting conformation on my engagement to Lord Darez, for I have only just reached the marrying age."
"Yes, Raiel, I am surprised your father did not reach for me." Jareth made his presence known, as close as he was to the Lady Undula he did not enjoy her tampering with his new toy.
"He knows better than that Jareth. You have been quite unreachable, or so I hear from all of the pouting ladies at court."
"I am not unreachable, I just do not wish to be anchored in the manor your father, or any other father for that matter, would wish. Now if they would like their daughters to be well versed in the 'book of love' for their wedding night, I am always available to share my knowledge."
"My father I am sure, will be most grateful for that offer." She smirked.
"Indeed. Raiel my dear, speaking of your father, I believe he has received a certain, anticipated correspondence. So you shan't mind my taking your dining companion."
"If my father has received what I believe you to be alluding to, then I doubt I will have time to dwell on any loss of companionship." She bowed her head, "Gentlemen," and was gone in a flash.
Jareth turned to Ferdinand, who met his gaze without flinching," Well Lord Ferdinand, how would you like to see a little more of my kingdom?" Jareth cocked his head to the side, awaiting a response.
"Your Highness, I have thought of little else." Ferdinand was eager to see what other horrors this land possessed, as much as he hated magic it held him tightly in its maws with a burning interest. To see more of a land that was pure magic, the thought thrilled him so much that he wished to scream in both pain and ecstasy.
The day was spent on an exhausting tour of Jareth's kingdom. The forest was as dark as the Black Forest, surrounding the entire castle there was the busy labor of Jareth's people.
"As you can see, I am building something in the ilk of Minus and Daedalus."
"Then am I Icarus?" Ferdinand asked with unexpected insight.
Jareth barked out a surprised laugh, "What an imagination you have Ferdinand."
"So I have been told."
"Fear not my lord, I am the only one of us who shall be flying, and my wings are not bound together with wax. You shall not fall from any proximity to the sun."
Ferdinand knew this riddling speech was meant to divert his attention, he wished to pursue this, but felt it was wiser not to. Instead he did divert his attention.
"Jareth, what is the hole there for?" he pointed to where some workers were hauling out dirt from what appeared to be a large, dry, well.
"A new invention of mine, an Oubliette."
"A place to forget people? I take it from its French derivation."
"More like a place I shall put people to forget them. Indeed, the place you go to forget people is a ball, you forget everything, including yourself, when it is a properly done ball." Jareth finished with a flourish of his gloved hand.
"You have people that you are that much need of forgetting?"
"This world is far different from your own, however, it is deeply tied to it. While my people are in many ways far superior to your own…I shan't bore you with these history lessons like Raeil." Jareth caught himself, it was best for his guests to be dependent on him, heaven forbid someone would enter his land that was able to survive in it in opposition to the monarch. Still, this man was remarkably perceptive, one of the reasons he had proved so interesting when Jareth had been visiting the Italian courts. "Come Ferdinand, there is one thing more I wish to show you."
In a flash the two men were standing beside a small pond, on one side there were thick trees on the opposite was a craggy rock face. A bridge bisected the clear water, where some small ducks were swimming and little rainbow tinted fish darted around. Jareth stooped, pulling his gloves off, he scooped some of the water in his palms, and took a sip, closing his eyes so that his tastebuds might revel in the water undisturbed. Ferdinand studied the Goblin King's profile, a sunbeam was resting on the crown of his head, making the blond wisps of hair that were quivering in the faint wind look like they had their own inner light. The gaunt face and thin nose fascinated the duke. He had watched beautiful men before, but none with this same alieness. Jareth was an enigma.
Jareth held back from smiling, he knew that Ferdinand was watching him, finishing the draught that was between his palms he rocked back on his haunches, opening his eyes and scooping up some more water, he stood up and thrust his hands under Ferdinand's chin.
"I promise no holy water from your world could taste any sweeter." Ferdinand dipped his head, his lips parted to take in the water from the Goblin King's smooth palms. Jareth felt the whiskers of Ferdinand's goatee brush against the tips of his fingers and his revealed in it. Slowly Ferdinand sucked the water off of the tips of Jareth's fingers, the water had a sweet tang to it. It was like life with love and hope if the innocence of Eden had been lost, here it was to be found.
It was dark at the castle. The Lord Ferdinand had been in this new world for a month, the moon was coming full circle on this night, and to honor it, Jareth was having another ball.
"Are you ready yet?"
"Hold on Jareth!" Ferdinand laughed, "Not all of us have your ready beauty, some of us must make an effort for it."
"An effort to obtain your beauty? My earthly prince…" Jareth walked behind Ferdinand running his hand through the small braids in Ferdinand's hair and lightly dropped a kiss on the duke's temple.
"Well, now I must redo my hair," Ferdiand gave a mock whine.
"Pft!" Jareth waved his hand, "You look magnificent, planning on wooing every woman in the room?"
"I doubt that, they will be too busy trying to woo you!" Ferdinand poked the king in the chest, jokingly. "I will just have to take solace in the arms of some forlorn kitchen maid or perhaps a stable boy," Ferdinand toyed with his hair, allowing a dreamy smile to cross his features, he barely dodged the pillow that was lodged at his head.
"That's it. You are done, if you primp any further you might be ready in time for the ball of the next full moon!" Jareth whisked Ferdiand down to the ballroom.
Lady Raiel Undula had arrived on the arm of her betrothed. Lord Raef Darez was tall and dark, his broad shoulders bore the leather cape proudly. She thoroughly enjoyed the warmth that radiated from his body next to hers. As they danced she became more and more delighted with her father's choice for her. In her heart she felt hope for her marriage.
"Lord Darez, I wish you to know how filled with joy my heart is at our futures' being bound."
"Lady Undula," the deep accent of his voice made her bit her lip in pleasure, "I share your joy, I hope we will share many joys. Please, you may say my name."
"Raef, only if you call me Raiel" She blushed furiously, he was the only man she had encountered that made her feel so exposed, but in an entirely benign way.
"R and R, what shall we call any child be have?" Raiel buried her head in his shoulder, muffling her laughter.
Jareth looked down on the gathering from the wide spiraling staircase that was reserved for his entrance. Ferdiand stood tall by his side, both men dressed in finery that accentuated both their personalities and physique. Ferdiand leaned over and spoke softly in Jareth's ear, " I believe I shall enjoy this ball even more than the first."
Raiel lifted her head from Raef's shoulder, her eyes caught movement at the top of the King's Stairs. Tugging on Raef's sleeve she pointed to Jareth and Ferdinand.
"Does your King always make such grand entrances?" Raef queried.
"I would be worried if he didn't, I have never known Jareth not to be flamboyant."
"And with him? His brother?"
"Nay, he is a Lord from Earth, one of Jareth's latest pet projects."
"I do not understand," Raef's dark eyebrows lowered in thought. "Is this something of a custom amongst those of your kingdom? I confess I have not studied all of the court mannerisms of this land, I had thought it would be similar to my own land."
"We are not so different, but there is no one out there like Jareth, anywhere else. He has always had a particular fondness for the Abovegrounders. He had spent several months up there on his last trip before he came back with Lord Ferdinand."
"So is in the vein of old Zeus? Spreading his seed and making the aboveground a "better" place for it?"
"I certainly do not know where his seeds are or anything concerning them. Yet, this is not the first time he brought an Abovegrounder here, by any means. The first time was a child, but it ended badly, the goblin magic that Jareth is shrouded in affected the babe and it turned into one of those creatures which give this kingdom its name. Really, he is quite determined to have his own mortal."
"But nothing here can be mortal."
"No, you are right my lord. To be raised believing that your existence shall end inevitably, it marks the psyche, in a manner which we cannot understand. Jareth strives to understand this, it is one of his chief desires."
"I see there is much to learn of this kingdom's customs."
"Do not fear Raef, I shall teach you all you ask, and more." A sparkle was in Raiel's eyes as she said this. She had never suspected that she could be so happy with a man she had never met, that her father had chosen for her to strengthen political alliances.
As Ferdinand alighted off of the last step he found himself in the midst of the Dunnei sisters again.
"Lord Ferdinand." Elsia greeted.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, "Lendara hooked herself on Ferdinand's arm.
"We have not seen you since the last ball," Renersa spoke as her eyes once again anchored themselves in Ferdinand's soul.
"Ladies," he bowed, "it is an honor that you seek out my company."
"Look, the moon is readying to make this month welcome."
"So it is sister, I believe there are more pleasurable ways in which to greet it."
"There most certainly are, Lord Ferdinand, is your room still as welcoming as it was before?"
"Ladies, it is all it was and more." He flashed a grin at the sisters, loving their attention, knowing the night was just beginning.
"Lady Undula!" Jareth strode towards his friend. "Who is this handsome creature on your arm?"
"Lord Darez, allow me to introduce you to my dear friend, Jareth, King of the Goblins." Jareth and Raef both made gracious sweeping bows too one another
"It is a pleasure your majesty."
"Likewise. Tell me Lord Darez, were there not women enough in your kingdom? Must you come and steal our prize jewel?" Jareth winked at Raiel.
"You must learn to share the wealth your highness. You have had her this long it is only fair. Although I must defend my countrymen, our women are fair, indeed, they are quite beautiful, but you are correct in saying none hold a candle to your Lady Undula."
"Raef, I certainly was never his Lady, and I am now and forever yours." She squeezed his large hand, thrilling when his arm went possessively around her waist.
"Forgive me, I see my dear Lord Ferdinand has wandered off, I fear I must go retrieve him else he will miss the best part of the ball. It was a pleasure," Jareth bowed and strode towards the doors that lead towards the wing which housed Ferdinand's quarters. He could feel the power of the moon rising and knew that it would peak within minutes, he could only imagine what the Dunnei sisters had planned for Ferdinand with that extra rush of energy. Imagine and grin at the thought of being there himself.
Slowly turning the ornate handle to the Earth Lord's room he could hear the moans of the pleasure that had begun without him. Quietly he closed the door behind him and watched as Ferdinand pressed Lendara's naked body against the cold glass of the balcony door. Ferdinand's own body was covered in a sweat and he looked over greedily at Renersa, who was standing next to Lendara. As Ferdinand plunged himself even further into Lendara he leaned towards Renersa, the moonlight catching his eye.
Jareth felt the power of the full moon climax, so did Ferdinand. The lunge turned from one of lust to one of pure hunger, white teeth sunk into Renersa's neck, a kiss no more. A scream from her mouth turned into a gurgle, as she slumped down so did her sisters. Elsia, who had been entwined with her sister turned her face to Ferdinand, but saw a man no more. A wolf with wild raging eyes, leapt from Lendara, who was panting, her long silver hair was now dipping itself in Renersa's blood. Jareth rushed forward, unsure of what to do, being completely surprised and horrified. Elsia felt claws rake down the side of her smooth cheek as Renersa's wide magical eyes stared vacantly. The Wolf, no longer hungry, smashed through the balcony doors and leapt of the high balustrade into the courtyard below.
Turning back into his room Ferdinand noted that the sisters had left, indeed the room held no traces of the previous night's festivities. "A strange land, this magic is a power I do not trust." He murmured to his reflection as he made himself presentable for the day. A wardrobe had been made available, which contained clothes that delighted his fanciest aims. Dark green hose, with a checking of silver squares were tucked neatly into high black riding boots. His tunic cut low, as suited his taste its dark green velvet tails were hidden by the multiple gold chains that made up the belt. Finally, he wore a jacket, made of an animal fur which he was unfamiliar with and that was trimmed in wolf's tails. He managed to find enough jewelry to finish it all off with, in the drawers underneath the mirror. He hung more gold chains with his neck, various pendants hanging from all of them, and a gold ring, which was in the shape of an owl, spreading its wings, all the way around his small finger.
"I wonder, there must be a dining hall within this castle." As Ferdinand approached the door it was opened from the other side. The Lady Undula entered.
"My Lady," he bowed.
"Duke," she bobbed her head.
"I recall speaking with you some while last night, indeed, were you not the one who introduced me to the Dunnei sisters?"
"That was I. Were they," her eyes swept over the dark covers of his bed," to your pleasing?"
"Indeed madam," he grinned," they were most pleasing. But pray, what is your business? Is there some manner in which I can help you? For though I have been her but a small time, I would endeavor to help in any way I can."
"You have anticipated me, my Lord. I came to see if you would aide me in something most grievous. Indeed, for you see, I have no one to share the pleasure of breaking fast with this morning."
"Madam! You have anticipated my needs. I was just about to venture in search of that very thing. Please let us help each other." He bowed and offered his arm to her.
It was some time later they were walking in one of the many gardens in the castle of the shadow.
"You are one of three, like the Dunnei, are you not?"
"I am, or I was." Ferdinand lowered his head, hair hanging in his eyes.
"It is most interesting how those above ground can breed with such ease." Ferdinand's head shot back up at this non sequitor.
"Madam?"
"You see, here in the Underground, much care is taken in the entire process. First an eligible match must be made."
"We have similar such measures…"
"Yes, but nothing nearly so complex, you are all one race. We are not, were an elf to mate with a fairy…the results are often times quite dangerous, and those are two of the more similar races. Of course there are those who cross such lines, and even when their chances are much narrower of conceiving in this cross manner, it does at times occur. Indeed. But we have laws against such things, exile is the usual punishment in most crimes here.
As I was saying, once the match is made, for a fruit to be borne, much preparation must be made. Tedious rituals must be done and so on. The labor and pregnancy itself are not so harsh, indeed, in that I think we have it easier, the death of the mother is rare as compared to your world. But should more than one child be born to the same parents, they are forever tied. Their magic is of the same making, and as such if one dies the other is liable to loose complete control. The Dunnei sisters are therefore compelled out of a need rather than a desire to do everything together. If one were to experience something of any magnitude with out the others; it is something we are told in our bed tales. "
"Most interesting Lady Undula, but I am puzzled as to why you shared this with me."
"Are you my lord?" She looked at him in thought, "I thought perhaps you would like to more about the people you have spent so much quality time with."
"I am always pleased to learn more, I prefer to learn it from the person themselves, or persons in this case. However, I am with you now, tell me about yourself?"
"I am afraid there is little to say. I am the only daughter of one of the local princes, I grew up knowing Jareth, indeed, he is the closest thing to a brother I have. I am waiting conformation on my engagement to Lord Darez, for I have only just reached the marrying age."
"Yes, Raiel, I am surprised your father did not reach for me." Jareth made his presence known, as close as he was to the Lady Undula he did not enjoy her tampering with his new toy.
"He knows better than that Jareth. You have been quite unreachable, or so I hear from all of the pouting ladies at court."
"I am not unreachable, I just do not wish to be anchored in the manor your father, or any other father for that matter, would wish. Now if they would like their daughters to be well versed in the 'book of love' for their wedding night, I am always available to share my knowledge."
"My father I am sure, will be most grateful for that offer." She smirked.
"Indeed. Raiel my dear, speaking of your father, I believe he has received a certain, anticipated correspondence. So you shan't mind my taking your dining companion."
"If my father has received what I believe you to be alluding to, then I doubt I will have time to dwell on any loss of companionship." She bowed her head, "Gentlemen," and was gone in a flash.
Jareth turned to Ferdinand, who met his gaze without flinching," Well Lord Ferdinand, how would you like to see a little more of my kingdom?" Jareth cocked his head to the side, awaiting a response.
"Your Highness, I have thought of little else." Ferdinand was eager to see what other horrors this land possessed, as much as he hated magic it held him tightly in its maws with a burning interest. To see more of a land that was pure magic, the thought thrilled him so much that he wished to scream in both pain and ecstasy.
The day was spent on an exhausting tour of Jareth's kingdom. The forest was as dark as the Black Forest, surrounding the entire castle there was the busy labor of Jareth's people.
"As you can see, I am building something in the ilk of Minus and Daedalus."
"Then am I Icarus?" Ferdinand asked with unexpected insight.
Jareth barked out a surprised laugh, "What an imagination you have Ferdinand."
"So I have been told."
"Fear not my lord, I am the only one of us who shall be flying, and my wings are not bound together with wax. You shall not fall from any proximity to the sun."
Ferdinand knew this riddling speech was meant to divert his attention, he wished to pursue this, but felt it was wiser not to. Instead he did divert his attention.
"Jareth, what is the hole there for?" he pointed to where some workers were hauling out dirt from what appeared to be a large, dry, well.
"A new invention of mine, an Oubliette."
"A place to forget people? I take it from its French derivation."
"More like a place I shall put people to forget them. Indeed, the place you go to forget people is a ball, you forget everything, including yourself, when it is a properly done ball." Jareth finished with a flourish of his gloved hand.
"You have people that you are that much need of forgetting?"
"This world is far different from your own, however, it is deeply tied to it. While my people are in many ways far superior to your own…I shan't bore you with these history lessons like Raeil." Jareth caught himself, it was best for his guests to be dependent on him, heaven forbid someone would enter his land that was able to survive in it in opposition to the monarch. Still, this man was remarkably perceptive, one of the reasons he had proved so interesting when Jareth had been visiting the Italian courts. "Come Ferdinand, there is one thing more I wish to show you."
In a flash the two men were standing beside a small pond, on one side there were thick trees on the opposite was a craggy rock face. A bridge bisected the clear water, where some small ducks were swimming and little rainbow tinted fish darted around. Jareth stooped, pulling his gloves off, he scooped some of the water in his palms, and took a sip, closing his eyes so that his tastebuds might revel in the water undisturbed. Ferdinand studied the Goblin King's profile, a sunbeam was resting on the crown of his head, making the blond wisps of hair that were quivering in the faint wind look like they had their own inner light. The gaunt face and thin nose fascinated the duke. He had watched beautiful men before, but none with this same alieness. Jareth was an enigma.
Jareth held back from smiling, he knew that Ferdinand was watching him, finishing the draught that was between his palms he rocked back on his haunches, opening his eyes and scooping up some more water, he stood up and thrust his hands under Ferdinand's chin.
"I promise no holy water from your world could taste any sweeter." Ferdinand dipped his head, his lips parted to take in the water from the Goblin King's smooth palms. Jareth felt the whiskers of Ferdinand's goatee brush against the tips of his fingers and his revealed in it. Slowly Ferdinand sucked the water off of the tips of Jareth's fingers, the water had a sweet tang to it. It was like life with love and hope if the innocence of Eden had been lost, here it was to be found.
It was dark at the castle. The Lord Ferdinand had been in this new world for a month, the moon was coming full circle on this night, and to honor it, Jareth was having another ball.
"Are you ready yet?"
"Hold on Jareth!" Ferdinand laughed, "Not all of us have your ready beauty, some of us must make an effort for it."
"An effort to obtain your beauty? My earthly prince…" Jareth walked behind Ferdinand running his hand through the small braids in Ferdinand's hair and lightly dropped a kiss on the duke's temple.
"Well, now I must redo my hair," Ferdiand gave a mock whine.
"Pft!" Jareth waved his hand, "You look magnificent, planning on wooing every woman in the room?"
"I doubt that, they will be too busy trying to woo you!" Ferdinand poked the king in the chest, jokingly. "I will just have to take solace in the arms of some forlorn kitchen maid or perhaps a stable boy," Ferdinand toyed with his hair, allowing a dreamy smile to cross his features, he barely dodged the pillow that was lodged at his head.
"That's it. You are done, if you primp any further you might be ready in time for the ball of the next full moon!" Jareth whisked Ferdiand down to the ballroom.
Lady Raiel Undula had arrived on the arm of her betrothed. Lord Raef Darez was tall and dark, his broad shoulders bore the leather cape proudly. She thoroughly enjoyed the warmth that radiated from his body next to hers. As they danced she became more and more delighted with her father's choice for her. In her heart she felt hope for her marriage.
"Lord Darez, I wish you to know how filled with joy my heart is at our futures' being bound."
"Lady Undula," the deep accent of his voice made her bit her lip in pleasure, "I share your joy, I hope we will share many joys. Please, you may say my name."
"Raef, only if you call me Raiel" She blushed furiously, he was the only man she had encountered that made her feel so exposed, but in an entirely benign way.
"R and R, what shall we call any child be have?" Raiel buried her head in his shoulder, muffling her laughter.
Jareth looked down on the gathering from the wide spiraling staircase that was reserved for his entrance. Ferdiand stood tall by his side, both men dressed in finery that accentuated both their personalities and physique. Ferdiand leaned over and spoke softly in Jareth's ear, " I believe I shall enjoy this ball even more than the first."
Raiel lifted her head from Raef's shoulder, her eyes caught movement at the top of the King's Stairs. Tugging on Raef's sleeve she pointed to Jareth and Ferdinand.
"Does your King always make such grand entrances?" Raef queried.
"I would be worried if he didn't, I have never known Jareth not to be flamboyant."
"And with him? His brother?"
"Nay, he is a Lord from Earth, one of Jareth's latest pet projects."
"I do not understand," Raef's dark eyebrows lowered in thought. "Is this something of a custom amongst those of your kingdom? I confess I have not studied all of the court mannerisms of this land, I had thought it would be similar to my own land."
"We are not so different, but there is no one out there like Jareth, anywhere else. He has always had a particular fondness for the Abovegrounders. He had spent several months up there on his last trip before he came back with Lord Ferdinand."
"So is in the vein of old Zeus? Spreading his seed and making the aboveground a "better" place for it?"
"I certainly do not know where his seeds are or anything concerning them. Yet, this is not the first time he brought an Abovegrounder here, by any means. The first time was a child, but it ended badly, the goblin magic that Jareth is shrouded in affected the babe and it turned into one of those creatures which give this kingdom its name. Really, he is quite determined to have his own mortal."
"But nothing here can be mortal."
"No, you are right my lord. To be raised believing that your existence shall end inevitably, it marks the psyche, in a manner which we cannot understand. Jareth strives to understand this, it is one of his chief desires."
"I see there is much to learn of this kingdom's customs."
"Do not fear Raef, I shall teach you all you ask, and more." A sparkle was in Raiel's eyes as she said this. She had never suspected that she could be so happy with a man she had never met, that her father had chosen for her to strengthen political alliances.
As Ferdinand alighted off of the last step he found himself in the midst of the Dunnei sisters again.
"Lord Ferdinand." Elsia greeted.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, "Lendara hooked herself on Ferdinand's arm.
"We have not seen you since the last ball," Renersa spoke as her eyes once again anchored themselves in Ferdinand's soul.
"Ladies," he bowed, "it is an honor that you seek out my company."
"Look, the moon is readying to make this month welcome."
"So it is sister, I believe there are more pleasurable ways in which to greet it."
"There most certainly are, Lord Ferdinand, is your room still as welcoming as it was before?"
"Ladies, it is all it was and more." He flashed a grin at the sisters, loving their attention, knowing the night was just beginning.
"Lady Undula!" Jareth strode towards his friend. "Who is this handsome creature on your arm?"
"Lord Darez, allow me to introduce you to my dear friend, Jareth, King of the Goblins." Jareth and Raef both made gracious sweeping bows too one another
"It is a pleasure your majesty."
"Likewise. Tell me Lord Darez, were there not women enough in your kingdom? Must you come and steal our prize jewel?" Jareth winked at Raiel.
"You must learn to share the wealth your highness. You have had her this long it is only fair. Although I must defend my countrymen, our women are fair, indeed, they are quite beautiful, but you are correct in saying none hold a candle to your Lady Undula."
"Raef, I certainly was never his Lady, and I am now and forever yours." She squeezed his large hand, thrilling when his arm went possessively around her waist.
"Forgive me, I see my dear Lord Ferdinand has wandered off, I fear I must go retrieve him else he will miss the best part of the ball. It was a pleasure," Jareth bowed and strode towards the doors that lead towards the wing which housed Ferdinand's quarters. He could feel the power of the moon rising and knew that it would peak within minutes, he could only imagine what the Dunnei sisters had planned for Ferdinand with that extra rush of energy. Imagine and grin at the thought of being there himself.
Slowly turning the ornate handle to the Earth Lord's room he could hear the moans of the pleasure that had begun without him. Quietly he closed the door behind him and watched as Ferdinand pressed Lendara's naked body against the cold glass of the balcony door. Ferdinand's own body was covered in a sweat and he looked over greedily at Renersa, who was standing next to Lendara. As Ferdinand plunged himself even further into Lendara he leaned towards Renersa, the moonlight catching his eye.
Jareth felt the power of the full moon climax, so did Ferdinand. The lunge turned from one of lust to one of pure hunger, white teeth sunk into Renersa's neck, a kiss no more. A scream from her mouth turned into a gurgle, as she slumped down so did her sisters. Elsia, who had been entwined with her sister turned her face to Ferdinand, but saw a man no more. A wolf with wild raging eyes, leapt from Lendara, who was panting, her long silver hair was now dipping itself in Renersa's blood. Jareth rushed forward, unsure of what to do, being completely surprised and horrified. Elsia felt claws rake down the side of her smooth cheek as Renersa's wide magical eyes stared vacantly. The Wolf, no longer hungry, smashed through the balcony doors and leapt of the high balustrade into the courtyard below.