Okay – Labyrinth isn't mine, so don't sue me please!
Thanks to everyone who's read and responded – I really really appreciate it!
Let me reiterate that this will have adult R-rated material in the next few chapters, so if you're gonna be offended – don't read it : )
Enjoy! Let me know if there's any suggestions on how I can improve!
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Darkness covered the Underground like a blanket; there was no moon to offer illumination, for in the Underground there is no moon, just as there is no sun. Instead, the sky itself would lighten and darken as the pattern of days trudged every onward. If you would ask a creature of the Labyrinth where the light comes from and where it goes, they would look at you perplexed. From the Goblin King of course, they would answer incredulously. For you see, everything in the Labyrinth – from the tiniest worm, to the light seeking trees - the entire realm itself depends on magic for its very existence. Where else could this necessary force come from, but from the source of all magic itself – Jareth.
His Majesty, the Goblin King sat precariously perched on the highest pinnacle of the castle, regally surveying the vast expanse of his lands. His keen eyes picked out his favorite haunts inside the Labyrinth – the fiery forest, the gardens, the twisted vines of the swamplands. Beyond the foreboding walls of the Labyrinth lay the vast expanse of the Forest Sauvage, a wild and treacherous woodland that even he was loath to enter. Luckily for him, the other kingdoms of the Underground regularly sent delegates to the Goblin Kingdom making it unnecessary to travel himself. Goblins make terrible emissaries – all political negotiations were handled by Jareth personally.
Jareth's gaze scanned over the Labyrinth before fixating once again on a single window leading into a lavish bedroom. Not even his eagle eyes could penetrate the inky black beyond the clear pane of glass, but Jareth didn't need to see to know who lay sleeping on the soft bed. He delighted in the darkness, savoring the gentle wind which cooled his body along with his thoughts. His body urged him to enter the bedroom, slip himself between the cool sheets and take complete possession of his sleeping prize. Imagining the way her warm body would feel against his naked skin filled him once again with desire, making his blood pound through his veins. Jareth remembered how she looked on her knees, begging and pleading – her wounded eyes shinning with tears, her torn clothing straining against her heaving chest, tangled curls spilling down her back. But there was something in Elyssa's eyes – something in the desperate way she looked at him that made Jareth hold his lust in check. There was something innocent about her – something pure that he wanted to explore and discover before taking her to his bed. Instinctively her knew that the "something" that fascinated him could potentially be irrevocably damaged by bedding her before she was ready. So he would bide his time...but waiting was never one of His Majesty's strong points.
Jareth still couldn't believe the sheer luck which landed him not only Elyssa – but her complete and utter obedience. Not that he expected this to be a cakewalk, mind you…it just added a little leverage in Jareth's favor when and if needed. Grinning, Jareth shook his head. "But none of this answers my question – now that I have the little hoyden, what to do with her" he spoke into the darkness. Obviously nothing tonight…he thought disconsolately glancing once again at the darkened window. Yawning, with cat like grace, he stood and stretched languidly seemingly unaware of the mind-numbing height and narrowness of the ledge. Arching his back, Jarath leapt from his perch, hurtling towards the earth in a graceful swandive before disappearing from view in a shimmering cloud.
The inhabitants of the Labyrinth, secure in their beds slept on as the Goblin King finally succumbed to sleep.
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The lonely sidewalk…the biting cold…the man standing all alone
…the gun…
Elyssa jerked her eyes open, and sat straight up in the middle of a large feathebed as the last vestiges of her nightmare wracked her slender body in shivers. Fighting back tears, Elyssa rubbed her eyes and fervently whispered, "It's just a dream, you're okay…it's just a dream…it's just a dream." It was all just a dream – it had to be. Opening her eyes once again, Elyssa quickly found that her prayers were in vain. Pale sunlight spilled through the large window softly illuminating the richly decorated, yet completely alien bedroom. What looked to be an enormous armoire fashioned out of a strange cherry-colored wood leaned against one wall. Across from the armoire, an intricately carved vanity arrayed with a large looking glass and a low padded cushion vied for attention. Several small unidentified bottles along with a silver platted brush were laid out on a lace doily. Colorful paintings adorned the richly colored walls. The sheer femininity of the room suggested that a perhaps long ago, a fine princess from some exotic land had once claimed this chamber as her own.
"Wow…" Elyssa muttered to herself. "I must have died and gone to the Ritz-Carlton." She twisted her head to look at the handsomely carved headboard made out of the same cherry wood accented by a dark red canopy. Pushing herself out of bed, Elyssa was dismayed to see herself still wearing the tattered shirt and shorts from yesterday. She took a whiff of her shirt then wrinkled her nose. "Good Lord, I need a bath….but who am I kidding, right? I'm just hoping for a john."
Looking around the room, Elyssa noticed two doors: one straight ahead and one to the right. Tentatively, she padded towards the door to the right. Her forehead wrinkled in annoyance; the door was locked. "Just my luck. Let's hope that wasn't the bathroom." Shrugging her shoulders she crossed the room and tried the second door. It swung inwardly on soundless hinges revealing a stone covered room that could almost pass as a modern bathroom – with a few exceptions. Glancing at the clawfooted porcelain tub, Elyssa couldn't see any knobs for water. "Well, shit. Like that's going to do me a whole lot of good." At that moment, a small squeaky voice chirped directly behind Elyssa, almost scaring the piss out of her…literally.
"'Ello Missy…I suppose you'll be wantin yer bath run now, eh?"
Elyssa whirled around and stared directly into the eyes of a small goblin. The goblin was short, she only came to Elyssa's midsection – but at least she was clean, a definite change for the better when compared to Elyssa's other encounters with goblins. Her spiky hair was mostly covered in a red dishrag, and her clean face exuded efficiency. She was dressed in a clean blue dress mostly covered by a stark white apron. When compared to the rest of the goblin's attire, her gnarly bare feet looked completely out of place. Elyssa shuddered, but tried to offer a kind smile.
"Do I pass yer little look-see test?" The goblin put her hands on her hips and began tapping her foot impatiently. "I'm the 'ead Mistress of Chambers, and I'll be seeing to yet needs." Elyssa nodded her head numbly. The goblin shook her head in exasperation. "I'm quite busy you know, so if ye don't want a bath run for ye, I'll just be on my way."
"No, please," Elyssa quickly moved to block her retreat. "I'm sorry, it's just been kind of a rough morning. You see, I…"
A kind, almost motherly look appeared on the goblin's face. "Now calm down Missy, I'm not in such a hough as all of that now. A nice soak in the tub will do ye a world of good. Then we'll get rid of yer umm…" she glanced up and down, "…attire and dress you in some nice clean things." She winked her little beady eye and patted Elyssa on the rear, making her jump in surprise.
"That sounds lovely, Ma'am." Ye gods…a bath…clean clothes… now if I could just get something to eat, Elyssa smiled.
"No thanks needed, it's my job…and you can call me Fug… Bashion Fug. As I said, I'm the Mistress around here, and I'll see to it that you have need for nothin while you stay here." With that, she turned and tugged on a long silken rope hanging from the ceiling. Elyssa gasped as a hidden panel in the floor opened up to reveal a stairway full of goblins carrying pitchers of steaming water. To her delight, the enormous porcelain tub was full in moments.
After the goblins scuttled back down the passageway, Bashion came to stand by the staircase. "If you wish for anything, simply give us a tug," she gestured towards the rope. The passageway closed with a hollow whump behind her, as she disappeared down the stairs.
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It's amazing what a little hot water could do to improve one's outlook on life. Elyssa stood in front of the large armoire clothed only in a large fluffy towel as she searched for something suitable to wear. The armoire housed a motley collection of men's and women's clothing in all shapes, styles, and sizes. After several minutes, Elyssa finally settled on a black pair of men's breeches (which more than likely where boy's, due to the size) and a flowing dark green silken shirt. Around her waist she fastened a thick black leather belt. In the bottom cabinet, she managed to find some half-boots which came to mid calf.
Elyssa stood before a floor length gilded mirror situated next to the armoire, admiring her new duds. Well...I wouldn't exactly wear these under normal circumstances...but I suppose it will have to do. Impatiently, she turned away, eyes glancing over the room.
Pacing the floor, Elyssa began to nervously chew on her nails (a habit she had long since gotten rid of). Now what...she wondered silently...the only other door out of her is locked. She stalked towards the door, butterflies flittering in her tummy. Damnit...I haven't even seen him yet, and I'm already losing control of myself. Why does he make me so terrified? Her mind kept replaying her last meeting with Jareth. When she thought about how he exuded dark power and raw sensuality, as she begged for Michael's life on her knees, her body trembled in revulsion. I will never beg from that man again! She thought angrily - but she really wasn't sure what she was more mad at - Jareth for making her beg, or her own arousal at the thought of his nearness. Just thinking about Jareth towering over her again made her heart pound fiercely.
"Alright, enough of this," she muttered. "I've got to find a way out of here." On a whim, she tried to open the locked door again, her eyes widening in surprise when this time, it swung open. Swallowing hard, Elyssa stepped into a gray and drab stone hallway, devoid of any sign of life. Her bedroom was situated at the end of the hallway, her only option was to walk forward. Elyssa rested her hand against her rapidly beating chest, trying to still her heartbeat. The pounding in her ears was deafening. I refuse to give in to this intimidation...I will not let myself fear him... Throwing her shoulders back, Elyssa marched down the hallway, her new boots clicking defiantly.
The sweet, yeasty smell of baking bread whafted through the deserted hallway, making her belly growl. "A bath and some munchies...that's all a girl really needs to make the best out of a bad situation." Her pace increased as Elyssa followed her nose, trying to locate the source. As the smells intensified, her ears began to pick up the sound voices. Wait a minute...not just any voice... Elyssa broke into a run, her heels scarping the stone as she quickly rounded a corner and stepped into a large, almost homey kitchen.
Marcus sat on a high stool surrounded by goblins who stared at him in rapt concentration. "No guys, you gotta do it with a higher pitched voice, like this." He imitated a high pitch squeak. "Okay, let's try it again."
The goblins put their arms around each other, doing their best to imitate Marcus while swaying in time to their singing.
"We represent the lollypop guild,
the lollypop guild,
the lollypop guild,
And in the name of
the lollypop guuuuiiiiiilld,
We wish to welcome you to Munchkin Land...."
Marcus jumped up clapping loudly, "Oh Bravo! Bravo," as the goblin stood around laughing and shoving each other. Elyssa stomped into the room, shaking her fist at Marcus, "Damn it all Marcus, will you ever leave off of this obsession you have with Judy Garland?"
Marcus turned his head lazily and eyed Elyssa. "Well look who finally decided to wake up and bless us all with her presence." The goblins surrounding him laughed noisily, patting Marcus' long and gangly legs affectionately. "Aren't they the cutest little guys," he beamed down at them.
Elyssa crossed her arms in front of her chest, resisting the urge to strangle him. "Do you realize what I've been through these past few hours," she demanded icily.
Marcus rolled his eyes, "Oh puh-leaze Miss Priss. I'm sure you were just crying your eyes out last night thinking about your poor friend Marcus, whom I might add, you left all alone in a dark musty prison cell." He sniffed, and wiped away a couple of crocodile tears, "When I think about all the things I've done for you..." One of the goblins offered him a disgusting excuse for a handkerchief while the others crowded around him, offering consolations. "It's alright there, gov'na" "Don't cry now...that's a good lad." "Aww...we'd never forget ye nor leave ye in a dark cellar all alone."
Needless to say, Elyssa was not impressed. Groaning in frustration, she muttered, "Need I remind you that you're the one who got us all in this mess?" Suddenly, she was so angry that Elyssa simply wanted to cry. "I'm too tired to play your silly games today Marcus."
Pushing the goblins away, Marcus stood up and quickly wrapped Elyssa into his arms, giving her what she needed most - a warm, friendly hug. "I didn't mean to tease you 'Lyssa. I'm sorry, love." He guided her towards an empty stool before moving to gather a basket of warm bread and some fruits. "You'll feel a world of difference after you eat something, trust me." He offered her his winning smile, Elyssa offered her own wan one in return.
From far away, the sound of a bell tolling drifted through the open windows of the spacious kitchen. Making as much noise as absolutely possible, the goblins began filing out of the kitchen. Marcus called after them, "Hey, where is everybody going?"
One of the goblins turned and replied, "Off to work - man the walls, sweep the terrace, drain the bog - you know...the usual."
Marcus put a hand to his cheek, shaking his head in astonishment. "My oh my, the fun just never stops at this place..." Elyssa giggled as she munched on her bread.
Marcus snapped his fingers, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you... Jareth will be sending us a guide later this morning." Elyssa's head jerked immediately to attention, "A guide...?"
"Yeah, you know...a guide." Marcus stared at Elyssa as if her IQ had dropped a few points overnight. "...to show us around...." He nodded his head, hopefully, but she continued to look at him suspiciously. Marcus sighed. "So anyway, the before Jareth left, he said he'd send someone to show us around the Labyrinth. Mmm...isn't he dreamy?"
"Who, the guide?"
"No, you twit...Jareth." Marcus put his hands on his hips, brow furrowing in irritation. "What the heck has gotten into you this morning?"
"You'll have to excuse me if I find absolutely nothing about Jareth "dreamy"," she bit back acidly.
Marucs plunged onward, using his hands to articulate better articulate his points, "Well smack my ass and call me Betsy, of course he's dreamy! He's got a damn castle, and dresses better than I do... better yet, he's got all of those cute little goblins." He sighed with pleasure.
"I think I'm going to be sick," she moaned, pushing away the half empty plate.
"You never let yourself have any fun, my dear." Marcus crossed his arms, and shook his head sadly.
"Well, you'll have to excuse me if I don't find my prison warden "dreamy." In fact..." Elyssa was suddenly cut off by the sound of someone directly behind her politely clearing their throat. Rubbing her eyes wearily, she turned to see what it was.
A squat, untidy figure stood patiently waiting in the arched doorway. Although she obviously wasn't an expert on the matter, Elyssa could tell that this was no goblin - he was much too tall, even if his gnarly face and unkempt clothing spoke differently. She would later come to know that her guide was indeed a hobgoblin.
"Beggin' your pardon miss, but His Majesty requested that I show you the Labyrinth." he offered a pitiful attempt at a bow.
Elyssa winced, while Marcus practically pranced with joy. "Great..." she muttered. "Let's just get this over, Mr..."
"Ah, it's Hoggle, miss," bobbing his head, respectfully. Marcus grabbed Hoggle's hand, practically dragging the protesting hobgoblin towards the hall.
Steeling herself, Elyssa stood, reluctantly following the retreating forms. "And who says I don't have any fun...."
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Jareth sprawled comfortably in the throne room, one booted leg propped upon the arm of his throne, while the other tapped impatiently on the floor. He sat in silence, gazing intently into a crystal, watching as Hoggle led the trio through the twists and turns of the Labyrinth trying in vain to catch the young lady's attention. Elyssa gazed around her in complete and utter indifference, a stark comparison to her companions constant exuberance. Her green eyes seemed so far away - so lost and frightened. What are you thinking, Elyssa....Where do you go when you close your eyes to me?
Jareth had wanted to come to her this morning, but at the last minute decided against it, sending Hoggle in his place. Some time alone might do the girl some good. Perhaps in time, she would grow comfortable enough in these surroundings to relax her walls and bring down her defenses.
And if she does not, then I will simply have to break them down myself...
Smiling to himself, Jareth gazed into the crystal a few moments longer before turning his mind to other matters. There would be time enough for love. With a sigh, he arose from his throne and stalked into his private study, his mind easily shifting gears and turning towards matters of state.