My procrastinating is becoming habitual. Man, I know I need to be writing more but life gets in the way. I only hope you all enjoy this chapter. My ideas are always willing to shift on how this thing is going to turn out so please keep up all of your lovely reviewing. You're all so sweet. This chapter is rated PG. Next chapter will perhaps become a bit suggestive. Who knows?

- Monica, blackmajick7

Disclaimer: Jareth and Sarah belong to Jim Henson. Everyone else is my creation.

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CHAPTER SEVEN

The golden light seeped through the exposed windows, producing a slight tingling sensation on Sarah's face as she lay on her back in the soft bed sheets that had become tangled about her torso and legs during the restless night. Groaning slightly, her tired eyes cracked open to only be assaulted by the glaring sunlight that immediately forced them closed again. She lifted her hand to protect her eyes as well but it caught her ear instead, clearly signifying that she was out of it for the time being. She had no desire to drag herself from the comfortable bed and confront the king. It seemed the better idea to stay confined in the bedchambers the whole day and have meals brought. Or better yet, she could not eat at all and just lie there the whole day. Settled with this simple plan, Sarah remained where she was and attempted to lull herself into a nice sleep, unlike the ceaselessly erratic one she experienced during the night. After Jareth had walked out on her, she had stayed awake with her thoughts, taking breaks only to have a bit of trouble in taking off her well-buttoned gown and slipping on a dark green nightgown. Now, she lay miserable, still asking the same questions as she had before.

She could not fathom why he left her so abruptly when she had clearly presented to him the fact that she wanted him. Did he not want her now? He must or else he wouldn't have kissed her. He was hiding something and it tore Sarah to pieces with her wanting to know what it was so badly.

The sun began to bake at the skin on her bare arms which she slowly tried to cover with the thin sheets. Lying there, she could see, was not going to alleviate any of her current dilemma; it would only serve as a catalyst to further irritate her mind. Without opening her eyes, she lifted her body from the bed in a languid, nearly struggling movement. Her long legs endeavored in escaping the tanglements of the sheets and found their way at the far edge of the bed. From there, she slid from the bed and onto her feet, and then felt a clamping pressure in her head, causing her to promptly sit back down. Pressing her index fingers to her temples, she silently cursed herself for allowing Jareth to get so rooted in her thoughts and also for drinking that strangely sweet wine. As she sat like that, a knife-like pain in her shoulders and back sprung forth from nowhere. Her eyes shut closed tightly as a result of this and remained that way until the discomfort subsided a bit. At this moment, bitter execrations directed mainly toward Jareth slipped from her mouth.

Just then, a soft knock came at the door, causing Sarah to jerk her head up in slight surprise. After grumbling acrimoniously under her breath from the sharp pain roused from her sudden movement, she called out in a weakened voice, "What do you want?"

The large double doors opened swiftly and a fae woman stepped inside. Sarah didn't acknowledge her until she had come forth to her. It was then that the mortal saw that it was the same fae, whom she would later know as Caoimhe, with the emerald eyes from the past day who had brought her fruit. In her hands, she held a tray with but a glass of some colorless liquid.

"This will help to soothe your ache," she explained, setting the tray down easily on a small end table close by. Her eyes settled onto Sarah and she smiled genuinely. She wore a simple light pink, long-sleeved dress that produced an utterly aesthetic quality to her slight countenance. Her long blond hair was left undone, spilling behind her back and onto her narrow shoulders, framing her porcelain face. She was so perfect-looking that she seemed not to be real.

Sarah turned her eyes away and let them settle on the strange drink. "How did you know I wasn't feeling well?" she asked, feeling guarded.

Caoimhe only smiled wider. "I believe it was known by some that you had more than your share at the wine last evening." She reached her smooth hand over to the tray and grasped the fine glass with slender fingers. Stepping forward, she held it out to the mortal, who at first looked on at it warily before finally accepting the glass into her own hands.

It shouldn't have come to a surprise that the same second Sarah allowed the somewhat sweet fluid into her mouth and rush through her throat, a refreshing relief washed over her entire body. The pain in her head dissolved along with the lingering ache in her body, leaving her feeling physically regenerated. Pulling the glass away from her lips, she looked flummoxed but slightly in better spirits of the mind as well.

"What is in that?" she inquired, though it came out more as an exclamation.

The fae shook her head, "Nothing from your world." She took the glass from Sarah and set it back onto the tray before lifting it up and walking towards the doors. "Would you care for anything to eat?"

Sarah shook her head before she realized that the fae was not watching her. She began to open her mouth to speak her decline when Caoimhe answered her reply quickly.

"Fine then but please let me know if you need anything at all. I should suggest that you get dressed," she called over her shoulder, "Your friends will be arriving shortly."

Sarah jumped up, her mouth open and smiling in happy astonishment. "Really? Hoggle, Ludo and Sir Didymus? Oh my God, they're coming today?!"

Caoimhe turned around for a brief second. "Yes, they will be here around half past eleven." Doors close by, she was about to take her leave when Sarah's voice stopped her.

"Where's Jar-- uh.. His Majesty?" She bit her lip, not quite sure if she should say his name informally. She had stood up from the bed and stepped forward, looking much more blithe and jubilant than before.

Caoimhe grinned a little in amusement. "His Majesty is entertaining a noble visitor. I do not know of how long the meeting will be but I shall let you know when it's over." With this, she turned back to the doors and as she did so, they opened without the help of her hands. She made her way out of the chambers then and when she was gone, the doors closed by themselves, enchanted with magic.

Sarah only looked bewildered and said not a word, eyes on the doors, enthralled with wonder by how much more amazing the fae were than the being she was.

Lord Edan lay back lazily in an oversized, plush sofa seat. He looked comfortable enough where he sat, his hands clasped together as his eyes surveyed the huge parlor. He had been here many times. The room was decorated entirely in gold and black. The walls were covered in golden wallpaper, the soft carpeting was black, the customary massive drapes framing the tall windows were gold with thick black braided ropes, and the furniture was accessorized with glinting gold fabric with daedal black threading design or vice versa. Every ornamental item in the parlor such as vases and statues only further embellished on the given effect of the colors. Edan could tell that the room could be said to be truly fit for a king and this thought cultivated a crooked smile. He turned his eyes forward to the fair figure sitting on the black sofa across from him.

"What have you been doing with yourself, Jareth?" he asked lightly and a touch hubristically, the grin still there on his handsomely dark-featured face.

The Goblin King sighed, not making the slightest attempt to look interested. "Whatever the duties are that the King holds." His response came out dry and bored.

Edan nodded with an unsolicited chuckle as he studied Jareth. The pale skin of his face stood out in stark contrast to the black breeches and dark blue painter's shirt he wore. His right ankle lie settled on his left knee and his arms were crossed. In a slouched position, the King did not quite look his part. "Whatever they may be." These words came out more arrogantly than before.

Jareth did not reply and let his resentment build up for the lord. What in the blazing Underground does he want? he asked himself. He was growing tired and knew of at least a dozen more appealing things to occupy himself with. It was not his wish to waste time chit-chatting with this fool.

"I've heard of your new guest. I'm sure that you must be somewhat kept busy with her." Edan mentioned it in a most casual manner. He stood up and strode over to a wall to examine a large painting of a past king. His eyes quickly turned from the frame though and peered at Jareth, who was now enveloped in the shadows where the bright sun did not touch. "Sarah is her name, am I not right?"

The king shifted in the dark silken sofa, his senses instantly aroused upon hearing the mortal's name. "And what of her? Really, I had the vaguest notion that you might have had something more important to discuss, Edan." The remark came out sly and cold as if he thought little of the girl, which was quite the contrary.

The ebony-haired fae smiled grimly, continuing his path towards one of the high windows that overlooked the Goblin City. It still appeared fairly dingy and unkempt as it had always. Smirched chickens huddled about everywhere among the poor goblin houses while scraggly cats of all colors slinked behind the shadows, scouting for mice and the like. Indeed, the city was nothing to neither be proud of nor feel the desire to live by. At least it did not appear that the king allowed the worthless goblins to whisk along in the more private chambers of the castle.

Ignoring Jareth's response, Edan went on further with the subject. "Is she not the same girl who beat your labyrinth?" He observed the king's reaction which was composed, though he could tell he had gotten the frigid fae slightly flustered. "The mortal?"

Jareth narrowed his eyes. "Yes, she is."

Edan slowly nodded, his hands linked behind his back, stepping away from the view of the city. "Hmm, that is somewhat interesting. You've never brought a mortal here to stay with you for your entertainment. And she defeated you." While he said this, he had a thoughtful expression on his face. He settled down into a chair that was near the window and laid his long arm along the armrest, propping his chin against his upright palm and placing a finger to his closed mouth. "Quite interesting."

"What do you find so intriguing?" the king questioned, still seemingly relaxed yet increasing riled.

A smile found its way to Edan's lips again and he straightened his posture, shaking his head as he did so. "I should believe that you must fancy this mortal if you are having her in your castle and just so recently after her besting you at your game."

Jareth frowned deeply, fearing and knowing that this would be a point that the crafty fae would wish to bring up. Obviously, he did not want to disclose his feelings to Edan anymore than to Sarah. He was much too proud to do such a thing. "It is merely basic attraction."

Edan cocked an eye brow. "Quite an attraction. If it grows into anything more, I shouldn't have to remind you that mortal blood has never mixed with ours. It would mean weakness."

"No, you do not have to remind me. But why is it of your concern? I am the King of Goblins. I have the choice of bending the rules," Jareth countered in a most superior and cool tone of voice.

Edan nodded briskly. "Oh, but yes. Of course, Your Majesty." The irritating grin came again. "I would like to meet the girl. She must be a very special mortal to capture your attention." Then, standing up and bowing, the older fae made his way to one of the impressively carved doors. "I shall visit at a later time. Until then, good-bye."

Jareth exhaled loudly after Edan left, covering his eyes and forehead with his hand. He was starting to feel the beginnings of a most hellish headache.

The shine of the sun glared within the full-length mirror, temporarily blinding Sarah for a moment as she viewed herself in the pale yellow gown of fine linen and delicate lace. She found this dress to be much more comfortable as it did not have such a tight fit along her breasts and waist. However, this was not to say that it did not play up on her feminine curves either. The gown had a moderately cut rounded neckline with three-quarter length sleeves embroidered with a small detailing of blossoming buds at the hem as well as white lace. It hung flatteringly at the waist and then flowed out by the many skirts in place underneath. The corset she was wearing added to her comfort as Caoimhe said it would for it was designed to be of a more "casual" style.

After slipping into a pair of white flats and brushing out her thick dark hair, Sarah turned from the mirror and looked at the time. It was nearly noon. Her jaw dropped, apprehending that Hoggle and the others would likely be at the castle now. Quickly, she sprinted from the room, accidentally slamming the double doors behind her which caused a loud echoing clash. From there, she hastened down the hall with a slightly more than ambiguous sense of direction. Luckily, she met with a fae servant on her way who led her to the luxurious library on the first floor of the castle. There, she was to wait for her friends as they had not yet arrived.

As she sat on a dark maroon and silver embroidered sofa, she couldn't help but to spring immediately up and explore her surroundings. At first, her eyes were filled with wonderment of the vast amount of books, maps and journals that congested the entire room. Every wall had shelves leading all the up to the towering ceiling dedicated to rows of literature. A couple of ornate glass casings were at one wall, filled with what appeared to be ancient various writings. Other than this, the earthen-toned library had a plenteous number of snug seating available. An enormous, fine crystal chandelier hung down from the ceiling that flickered in the soft lighting of the room. It was the most appealing library Sarah had ever seen and though it would be an understatement to say it was considerably spacious, she still felt safe in its silence and seclusion.

Her hand reaching for an anonymous book, Sarah heard a knock sound at the door, breaking the quietude. She dropped her hand from the book and she called for whoever was there to enter. What she immediately saw and heard was a large, hairy creature that lumbered in through the door which caused her mouth to break out into a huge smile.

"Sarah! Ludo missed Sarah!" the beast announced, his burly arms outstretched.

The mortal burst into laughter and ran to Ludo, wrapping her small arms around him as much as she could as his engulfed her. "Oh, I missed you too, Ludo!" she cried back, feeling her green eyes beginning to tear up.

As she pulled away, she spotted Sir Didymus on his most noble companion sheepdog, Ambrosius. "My lady, it has certainly been too long. I have missed you as well," he declared in his sincere voice, although it had only been a couple months or so since he had seen her.

"Sir Didymus!" Sarah closed the distance and threw her arms around the little knight, feeling more emotion swell within her. "Yes, it has been too long." That was all she could muster as a trickling rivulet of water ran down her cheek as she held Sir Didymus. Her right hand found its way to Ambrosius' thick, soft hair and she was sweetly reminded of Merlin.

When she brushed her fingers across her skin to wipe away the tears and gently let go of Sir Didymus, she heard a most familiar voice and turned her head towards where it came from by her side.

"We've all missed you, Sarah," the little dwarf said shyly. He was looking down at his hands, most likely from the fear of crying in front of the girl.

Sarah grinned and flung her arms around Hoggle and, though hesitant at first, fiercely embraced her as well, forgetting his pride. "I'm so sorry it's been a while. I love you all so much!" she muttered in a whisper, closing her eyes tight.

There the girl remained for some time, in Hoggle's arms surrounded by her other true friends while her silent sobs shuddered through her, content to at least feel some security of a home in the Underground.

The deep blue drapes drawn and the large bedchamber lit only by a single dwindling candle, Jareth lay on his canopy bed with his eyes barely closed so to not place any further pressure on his aching head. He was fully clothed in his same dark attire as before even though he could have easily changed into pajamas or perhaps have gone completely nude with the easy twist of a hand. However, the clothes were adequate enough.

While he lay there, he thought of Sarah and despite of the headache, his lips stretched into a smile. He knew that she was rejoining with her friends at the moment and it gave him a sort of happiness to bring her joy. Sighing, he was met with the knowing thought that she would come to be closer because of him giving her what she wished for. The closer, the better.

Suddenly, a loud and harsh rapping came at the doors. Jareth groaned, angered by the noise. "I thought I made it clear that no one was to disturb me," he shouted from where he lay.

Much to Jareth's surprise, the doors flew open with a loud crash. A shadowed silhouette stepped inside soundlessly and made its way towards him in the bleak darkness. He straightened from his vulnerable position on the bed and stood, his pain subsiding to only be replaced by rage. But before he could utter a word, the shine of fiery red hair caught his mismatched eyes in the candlelight.

"Hello, Jareth," a smooth voice greeted. The form took shape, the very curvy shape of a woman. The creature's face slid into the light and long, skilled fingers were at the back of his neck. "This lighting can put one in the mood," she invitingly whispered into his ear. With her closeness, he could smell her fragrant scent and had to catch himself from falling prey to her.

"How are you, Silvana?"

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