Chapter 7 In The Face Of Conflict
Sarah was somewhat disgusted with the Goblin City. It resembled a slum. But still, it had some charming wonders about it. She held her hand to her mouth, as she giggled at the
goblins as they went about their routines of daily life. Little did she know, that as they strolled pass the tiny creatures, they looked at the happy couple with bewilderment. They had never seen their king happy before.
Neither Jareth, nor Sarah took any notice to them though. Jareth seemed happy enough to be pointing out things here and there that proved either interesting or beautiful. They crossed the northern gate, to avoid the dump, and entered into a maze of gardens. Sarah was enwraped with the fragrances of all the flowers. The hedges were well kept, trimmed to exact ninety degree angles. Here and there, there were goblins working dilligently to keep the flower beds in good repair. And occasionally, they passed a pond or fountain. Many of the workers dropped what they were doing immediately and left as soon as they noticed their king.
They soon came to a clearing, and together they sat in the shade of and ancient tree. It resembled a weeping willow, but had huge blue flowers blooming from its' branches. The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, and Sarah's hair blew into her face. Several times, Jareth reached up, and wiped the strands away from her eyes, as he admired their beauty. Never had he felt this way for anyone. Never.
Sarah had a way of bringing out the best in the Goblin King. She held power of him, that no one else ever had. Not even his parents. It was almost as though she could reach into the depths of his soul, and bring his cold heart back to life again.
She gntly laid back in the grass, and watched the leaves move gently with the breeze. All Jareth could do was watch her with his mismatched eyes.
"It is so peaceful here.", she said softly, closing her eyes, and inhaling the fragrant air deeply. " I wish that it could stay like this forever."
Jareth smiled, and shook his head. "Sadly, I have no control over the weather here." He produced a crystal in his hand, and gazed into it. "I can manipulate objects, time, the stars, almost eveything. Except the weather. Many think that winter is one of the most beautiful times in the underground." He turned the crystal into a rose, and held it out to Sarah. "A gift.", he said taking her hand into his own.
Sarah took the flower, and sniffed it. It was beautiful red rose. It was as red as blood, and very beautiful.
"Thank you, My lord.", she said as she bowed her head down, still holding the flower to her nose. "It's beautiful."
She looked up at him, shyly. "Jareth, I want to know something." She looked into his eyes for confirmation that she could ask him the question.
"Anything.", he said as he threw a rock into a nearby pond.
"After all that I've done to you, why do you love me?" She looked down at the ground, somewhat ashamed for asking such a question.
He frowned for a moment, then looked at her. " I really don't know, Sarah. I have always held a rather special place for you. You are the only person that I have ever allowed to be close to me. I don't think that there is any other woman in the world that I could ever feel this strongly for." He held his hand out to touch her cheek. "Your skin is so soft. You are so beautiful. So strong, and willing. And yet so innocent. I couldn't help but to love you." He kissed her hand. "You are my life, My Lady, and always will be."
"That's really sweet, Jareth." She looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes. "No one has ever treated me like this before. You have given me so much."
"Material things do not matter, Sarah. They can be replaced. What I feel for you, and what you feel for me, cannot. That is why I cherish you so much. If I ever lost you, I don't know what would become of me. I need your belief in me, just as much as I need your love."
He pulled her close to him ,and pressed their lips in a passionate kiss. Every nerve in her body tingled, as she could feel herself being taken away into a world where she would never be ridiculed again. Then just as quickly, Jareth's head shot up.
"What's wrong?", Sarah asked, upset from the abruptness of his movements.
He shook his head in dismay.
"I believe we have company on its way. He put his hand to his forhead, and closed his eyes. Already his head was beginning to ache.
A moment later, Sarah could see Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and Ludo, heading towards them. Hoggle looked extremely upset. And Didymus and Ludo no better.
Sarah waved to them ,and they hurried over.
"Sarah,", Hoggle blurted out anxiously,"we have to talk with you." His white eyebrows were narrowed, and his face showed every sign of disapproval that was possible.
"What is it?", Sarah asked, and she pulled her knees to her chest.
"Fair Maid, I do believe that we should discuss this matter in a private setting, if Thou wouldst.", Didymus replied.
Sarah shook her head in dismay, and asked, "Why?"
"It don't matter.", Hoggle replied. "What are you doing with him?" He pointed at Jareth, who looked up enraged. "It ain't right. He's a bad person, Sarah. He don't deserve ya. He don't deserve no one, he don't. He's just up to something. Mark my words.", Hoggle stomped his right foot in disgust, and pointed a finger at Jareth.
"Do leave us, Hedgewart. You do give me such a headache with your ramblings." Jareth stood up ,and walked towards the dwarf. He grabbed him by the tatty leather vest, and lifted him off the ground. "I would never hurt her."
Didymus drew his staff, and Ludo blurted out, "No hurt Hoggle. Hoggle friend." His facial expression grew angry, and he walked towards Jareth.
"Yes, My Brother. Together we can conquer this tyrant." Didymus posed in a defensive stance, ready to fight to the death for his friend.
"You don't understnad.", Sarah yelled. She huddled, and brought her hands ot her eyes, to wipe away the vicious tears. They all looked at her, and Jareth threw Hoggle to the ground, an rushed to her side, cradeling her as she wept. She looked up at them. "I- I love him."
They stood there in awe. It wasn't what she said that halted them. It was what their king had done. Never had he rushed to help anyone before. Never. Didymus looked at Hoggle.
"Could it be, that perhaps our Beauty, hath tamed the Beast?"
Hoggle looked in disbelief. His mouth was slightly opened, then he began to speak. "Sarah, you're making a mistake. He's a rat. A no good rat. Don't go listening to anything that he says to ya. You remember the peach? How he wouldn't give ya yer little brother back? How he tried to kills us with the cleaners in the tunnel? Ya be the judge yerself. But remeber, he ain't no good for nothin."
"That's enough, Hagwort!", Jareth bellowed. Sarah was in hysterics. She felt like she was caught in the middle of everything, and that she had to pick a side.
"Stop it! Just stop it! All of you! Just- Just leave me alone. Why can't I be happy? Why?" She stood up, and ran into the shelter of a nearby shed. She was close to a panic attack. Her heart was aching, and her mind was spinning.
Jareth looked at his three adversaries. He clenched his jaw, and narrowed his eyebrows. Especially at Hoggle. He hated the little dwarf. And he knew that the feeling was mutual. Jareth had always known that Sarah treated her friends with the upmost kindest and respect, and he was jealous of it. He felt as though they were interfering with what he was trying to establish- an undying love between him and Sarah. He felt like Hoggle was trying to invade into his and Sarah's relationship. And he couldn't stand for it.
"You have a way of invading my privacy with my lady.", Jareth said cooly, keeping an even tone in his voice. "I love that girl with all my heart, Hoggle. And I will not stand for you to interfere with that. I have stood by long enough, as she writhed in anguish." His voice was beginning to rise in anger. "And I will not allow for you three to invade us again!" He was now yelling, and Sarah could hear every word of it. She sobbed, wildly. Wishing that she could just be alone.
Hoggle looked at Jareth. "C'mon.", he said as he waved to Ludo and Sir Didymus. "Leave 'em be. Let her do what she wants. She don't care 'bout us anymore." Ludo, and Sir Didymus exchanged glances, and pressed on, following Hoggle. Jareth watched them walk away. He was furious. His pale flesh had taken on a lighter shade of pink. He had his fists clenched. Had it not been for Sarah's sake, he would have banihed them all to the Bog of Eternal Stench.
He found Sarah sitting in the small shed. Her eyes were red. She looked up at him.
"I feel like I am supposed to pick sides here.", she said as she stared blankly into oblivion.
He helped her. "No. Don't ever think that you have to choose sides, Love. Frankly, I don't know what you ever saw in Hoggle as a.....friend."
"He helped me. When no one else would." She released her hands from his grasp ,and turned away.
"As did the wise man with the bird. As did the worm. Yet- yet you show no concern for them." Sarah looked at him with empty eyes.
"They never showed any concern for me.", she said simply.
"Ah. That is where you are wrong. I do recall the worm adding that he was rather relieved that you hadn't taken the quickest route ot the castle. So that you could avoid running into a certain Goblin King." He smiled, trying to cheer her up. But it didn't work. she looked at him, cleary frusterated.
"Hardly concern, Jareth. Hardly."
"Concern, none-the-less. And I find it rather ironic, that that fox, and brut of a creature, find no fault with what you do. But yet that annoying little dwarf-" Sarah cut him off.
"Jareth, please. He's my friend. Just leave it at that. Okay?" She wanted the discussion to end, but Jareth kept on pressing.
"A real friend, I must add. Not wanting you to do what feels right in your heart." he turned away from her, and looked at the horizon. "If he didn't want us to be married, would you cancel our engagement?"
"Of course not!" She looked at him. " Why are you jealous of him, Jareth. I love you."
She raised her hands up, and shook them for emphasis. "This is childish."
"I agree. Then why are you letting it bother you so much?", he asked.
She couldn't answer him. There was no reason for her to be acting like this. Hoggle would have to learn to get over it. "I am so jealous of him, because I love you so much. He acts as though you a property of the dwarves, Sarah. Only you know what is best for you. Just becasue he is your friend, it doesn't give him the right to be able to tell you what to do. And it seems as though you defend him so. I am left wondering if you would defend me, for such acts." He looked somewhat sad.
"Jareth, I will always love you. And I will always love him too. As a friend. But you are going to be my husband. And nothing can change that. Nothing can change what I feel for you. Just as it can't change my feelings of friendship for him."
"There, you have it. You have resolved the matter entirely yourslef, Sarah."
She smiled. "I suppose I have, haven't I?" She cloed her eyes and thought for a moment. The confrontation was over, and she felt relieved. She knew what she was doing. If Hoggle didn't understnad, then he would have to learn to. Jareth would overcome his jealousy, for it seemed as though he had already began to. Things were begining to look up for her.
"And now, with all due respect, I believe that it is time for lunch."
Sarah nodded. She had just realized that she was hungry. And lunch was sounding good right now.
They dined at the castle again. Both oblivious that the goblin subjects were watching them. And they didn't even really care. Again Sarah dined on Fae delicacies. And again, she found that she enjoyed motly everything. Especally the desserts. The alderberry tea was also one of her favorites. She enjoyed several cups of it, as they laughed merrily.
The large clocked chimed, as it indicated that it was three o'clock in the afternoon, in the underground. Sarah looked at him.
"I suppose that it is time that we announce our engagement to your family?", Jareth asked, as he watched her expression become worried.
"Will you bring me back with you?", Sarah asked, as she stared at him. Her eyes were wide. He could tell that his instincts had been right. She didn't want to leave the underground now.
He looked down, and threw his napkin on the table.
"Sarah, that is your decision. I can't make you. I can't make you stay Above, neither. But they are your family. For now, at least. At least know that you have precious time with them with them left." He felt badly for her. He knew that she truly didn't want to go back, Aboveground.
"Then keep me here, now. Please,Jareth. I-I don't want to be there anymore. I belong here." Her eyes were pleading with him, to allow her to stay.
"We shall discuss it with your family. There is a chance that you may change your mind. Then again, I may see reason, to wisk you away imediately. Let us leave it at that for now, at least. Alright?" He looked into her eyes, reassuringly.
"I want to stay here, with you. I belong here. Not there.", Sarah protested.
"I know that, just as well as you do. But things will be alright. I won't let anything bad happen. I promise you. And you must trust me, Sarah. Please." He cupped her chin in his hand, and kissed her gently. All she did was acknowledge him with a nod of her head.
A moment later, they had faded away into a gentle breeze, and reappeared in her bedroom.
In the living room, Sarah could hear Karen and her father talking. Jareth listened intently, and grew absolutely mad at what he heard.
"This is the last straw, Robert. First she stops listening to us, and now she is skipping out on school. And you have no idea what-so-ever where she may be. I think that it is time that you crack down, and send her to private school. Even if it is only for a year or two. It may teach her some respect for her family!" Karen's voice was high pitched, and furious.
"Karen, she's a teenager. Things have to be adjusted for her. All kids go through this phase of life." He held a crying Toby in his arms, and from the tone of his voice, it wasn't hard ot tell that the debate over Sarah had been going on for quite some time.
"Adjustments? So what do we do? Change our life around to fit her lifestyle? I don't think so, Robert. Not now. Not in the future."
Jareth watched Sarah's facial expresion change from sadness ot misery, all within a few mere moments. He was outraged that her father would allow Karen to run everyone's lives, just to benefit herself.
"Don't do anything harsh to Dad, remember." Sarah's eyes were full of hate for Karen, and Jareth could see it.
"Sarah, he is just as guilty as she is, for hurting you.", he used his thumb to wipe away a tear that had fallen from her beautiful brown eyes. "I never knew- I never saw them treating you so."
"I don't want to stay, Jareth. Really, I don't." She sat on her bed.
"I cannot make you stay here in good taste, Sarah. I am surprised that you had never tried to do yourslef in, living with this woman." He read the look hat crossed her face quickly, and she looked down at the ground. "You had actually thought about that, hadn't you?"
All she could do was nod.
"It's been a little better, but she's hell bent on me marrying one her friends' sons or something. Something to increase her social status, or something. But she always goes back to being the same old Karen. Always." She picked Launcelot up, and held the teddy bear to her chest. It brought her some comfort. But it couldn't make Karen just go away.
"Let us get this over with, then.", Jareth said, as he opened the bedroom door. "Ladies first."
Sarah stood, laying the bear gently on her bed, and walked out of the room. Her dress was trailing behind her, and she was closely followed by Jareth.
When she got to the main hall, she called out to her father.
"Dad?" Her voice was trembling with fear. She knew that it wasn't going to be an enjoyable argument with Karen at all. But, she also knew that she had someone to defend her now. Someone to back her up.
"Sarah? Sarah where have you been?", her father demanded. "Your mother and I have been worried sick. You just ran off, and told no one where you were going." He looked at his daughter, and noticed the dress she was wearing. "Where on earth did you get that?"
Karen walked into the room, after she had placed Toby in his playpen. She looked like a devil in the red shirt, and black skirt. Her eyes were furious.
"Young Lady, you are in for it now. I told you last night that you weren't moving out of this house until you came clean with us, and we met this fairytale boyfriend of yours. And then you skip classes, and run off. You aren't going to see the light of day for weeks, you dumb girl!" She was screeching at Sarah, but Sarah stood defiantly. She glanced towards the stairs, and Jareth stepped out. Robert and Karen gasped when they sen him. Sarah smiled, loving every moment.
"Karen, I would like you to meet my fairytale boyfriend." She pointed towards Jareth, who was smiling wolfishly. He bowed slightly.
Karen was stuttering over her words, but Robert didn't look overly surprised. He was more shocked over the Goblin King's attire than anything else. The grey breeches, tight black waistcoat, and white poet's shirt, along with the black shiny, knee high boots. it combined to make an interesting combination. But for some reason, it seemed to suit the man.
"I am Jareth. Goblin King, of the Fae. And I believe that you are Robert, and Karen." He glanced at Karen ho was still trying to get ahold of herself. "My my. You do appear to be a rather crude woman. Frankly, I never found that quality appealing. Especially when you treat my dear Sarah with such disrespect." He took a step towards Karen, but Robert stepped between them.
"Sarah, who is this guy?", Robert demanded. "And why are the two of you dressed up like this?" He looked from his daughter, and then back to Jareth.
"I dress as I please. As Sarah will now as well. I believe that you have both already noticed the ring that I have given her. I prefer to think of it as a symbol of out undying love for one another." Jareth took Sarah by the hand, and held the ring up to Robert's face. "It's rather beautiful. Don't you think?", Jareth asked coolly. "Just like your daughter."
Robert's face was beginning to show signs of concern." Sarah, what is he talking about?", he asked his daughter.
Sarah looked at Jareth for a moment, then back to her father.
"Dad, I'm leaving. I am going to be with Jareth. I-I love him."
"That is absurd!", Karen yelled. "You're only sixteen. What do you know of love?" Karen was clearly angry.
"Obviously more than you.", Jareth replied, piercing her with his mismatched eyes. "And do hush up.", he added,dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
"Robert, your daughter and I plan to be wed within the month. If I could prolong, I would, but it would be risking my losing her. And I can't allow that to happen. She means too much to me." Jareth looked around the house. "I believe it would be appropriate for us to sit, and discuss this matter. I am very adamant about taking her back with me. As is Sarah." He wrapped his arm about her waist, and pulled her close.
Robert ran his fingers through his hair. He was distraught, and had no idea what to do. "Come on. Let's go into the living room."
"No, Robert!", Karen shouted. "I want that man out of my house this very instant!", she demanded. Her face was nearly as red as her shirt.
Robert raised his hand to stop her, and shook it maddingly. "Karen, let me take care of this. Get some drinks or something. Just stay out of it." Karen stood there, cleary angry, as Robert walked away, and sat in the living room.
He sat on the sofa, directly accross from Jareth, and Sarah. Jareth had a calm look on his face, but it wasn't hard to tell that Robert was disgruntled. Jareth sat with his legs crossed, and his arms folded. He watched Robert as he removed his grey suit coat, and wring his hands. He sat hunched forward, his once black hair, now beginning to show signs of grey.
"Tell me exactly what is going on here, Sarah.", he said, trying to keep calm, and collected.
"I'm leaving, Dad. I am going to the Underground, with Jareth. Forever. We are going to get married." She paused for a moment, then smiled. "I'm going to be his queen, Dad."
"Sarah, that is ludicrous. You are sixteen. He looks nearly thirty. And there is no way that he is a king. A goblin king at that. You know just as well as I do, that goblins and fairies don't exist. He shook his head, in disbelief. "Life isn't like a fairytale, Sarah."
"I can make her life a fiarytlae.", Jareth said as he stood up.
"How?", Robert asked. "By dressing up, and playing pretend?" Robert was very sarcastic.
"On the contrary, Sir, there are other worlds in this vast universe. Even on this very planet. My world, the Underground, is made of magic. And it is our wish, both my own, and Sarah's, to live together in this palce, as one."
"Magic does't exist!", Robert exclaimed as he stood up, to see Jareth eye to eye. Karen walked in with a tray of drinks, clearly in an unforgiving mood.
"But it does, Sir. And I shall give you a small demonstration." He pulled his hands together, and when he pulled them apart, a crystal appeared. He held it up, for Robert to examine.
Robert snorted. "Pure hocus pocus. It doesn't prove anything."
Karen looked at Sarah. "You are in deep trouble, Missy."
Sarah glared back at her. " I won't be here for you to do anything, Karen."
"Oh yes you will. You are not moving out of that door." Karen was tapping her foot on the floor, as she still held the tray.
"Hocus pocus. I never heard of my magic referred ot as such.", Jareth replied, as he smiled at Sarah. then he threw the crystal on the floor. A goblin appeared. " I suppose that this little fellow is a figmentation of your combined imagination then?" Sarah giggled, and Jareth caressed her face.
The goblin looked around in wonderment. He had never seen humans before, let alone their world. His pointed nose brushed Karen's leg, and she jumped back, upsetting the drinks slightly. It removed its' dented black helmet, and bowed before Jareth.
"Yer Highness.", it mumbled as he fell over itself.
Jareth looked around the room. "Do tell me what you think of it, then." He sat down, next to Sarah once again.
Robert was dumbfounded. He had no idea what to say. Karen sat the tray of drinks on the coffee table, and began her spiel.
"Don't fall for it. It's a simple hoax." Robert covered his eyes with his hand.
"I don't know what to believe anymore.", he said solmenly. He looked at Sarah. And he seen how happy she was when she was holding Jareth's hand. He asked himself, "He is really from another world? Really a king?"
"Are you listening to me, Robert. Don't let her get away with this.", Karen screamed. "If you do, you will be the fool. Not me."
Jareth understood Robert's plight, somewhat. "I can show you my kingdom, Sir. If it would please you, and put your mind to rest." Jareth remebered Sarah's request to be kind to her father. And that was what he was trying to do.
Robert looked up, in a daze. "Ah, yeah. Let's do that, and take it from there."
"I am certainly not going, Robert!", Karen said flatly.
"Yes, you are.", Robert replied evenly. "You always insisted that you were her mother, then here you go. Duty calls." He was not happy, and it wasn't hard to tell. "Get Toby, and lets go." Karen hesitated. "Now!", he yelled, to get her to move. She stomped off, and in a moment, returned with Toby in her arms.
A second later, Robert felt himself, vanishing, and the next instant, they were in a courtyard, with the large castle doors before them. He looked around in amazement. Sarah smiled, at the surroundings. She felt more at home here, then she had ever felt at her family's home in the Aboveground.
Jareth approached Robert. "I welcome you to the Labyrinth. I believe that it is not so much a fairytale as you once believed it to be. I assure you, it is as real as you or I are." Jareth cracked a grin, proud that he was King, and proved a powerless mortal wrong. "Of course, now it is a question as to whether or not you and I are real." He chuckled wickedly to himself.
Karen was cleary amazed. Disgusted, but still amazed, none-the-less.
"I had no idea-", Robret began. Then he turned to Sarah. "Why didn't you say anything?" His face reflected remorse that his daughter hadn't come to him.
"Why? So you both could laugh at me, and tell me to get my head out of the clouds? So Karen could threaten me to take away all the stuff I ever had? It's no wonder,Dad. You guys live in a perfect little world. I- I just don't want to be a part of it anymore." She stode to Jareth's side, and looked to the sky. "I found where I belong. And I found someone who cares about me."
"Really, Sarah. You don't actually believe that your father and I are dumb enough to allow you to stay here, marry a man we have never laid eyes upon, and except everything without so much as a protest? You really are crazy!" She propped Toby up, on to her hip, and looked around the courtyard. "And I suppose that he has everything that you are ever going to need in that castle. And I suppsoe that you have slept with him?" Her hazel eyes were demanding an answer. But Sarah was furious.
"What is this? The Spanish Inquisition? I really thought that you had more tact than that, Karen. But I guess I was wrong." She snorted, and looked at Jareth. "I'm going to my room." She ran off, up the stairs, and into the castle. Her hair blew madly in the breeze, and once she stumbled over her long dress. Jareth paused a moment to collect himself, before he said anything.
"Robert, I suggest that you and I discuss this in private. Without anymore interference. Especially from that woman.", he said as he pointed his gloved finger at Karen.
Robert looked at Karen. "I agree.", he replied. Karen looked from him, to Jareth, and then back to Robert.
"You can't be serious! Are you telling me that I won't have any say in the decision that you make?" She was hysterical.
"That is about the sum of it.", Jareth replied coldly. "I believe that you have caused enough trouble. Especially by sending Lady Sarah running off. Remember. When here,", he pointed to the labyrinth with his right hand to emphasize what he was saying," you play by my rules. Here, I am King, and you are guests. So, I suggest that you, and your self indulgent son go into the gardens, whilst I discuss matters with your husband." Jareth was extremely ignorant. He didn't care for Karen. For some reason, she reminded him of a certain arrogant brat whom he had almost married so many centuries ago.
"May I sit with Sarah then?", Karen asked meekly. Jareth thought about it for a moment. Perhaps things would be alright if she did. Afterall, Sarah was catching on quickly thay she could have many of her requests granted. And the removal of her stepmother would be a rather easy one to grant.
"I suppose that that would be alright. Wait here, and I will send someone to take you to her. Your husband and I will join you later on, once we have settled this matter." Jareth looked at Robert. He could tell that the man was dreadfully scared of losing his daughter. Yet, Jareth wondered why. They had never really paid much attention to his beloved. basically used her as a servant. He watched as Robert whispered something to Karen. By the way that she was gesturing, she was cleary angry. especially by the fact of the final decision being left up to "men". However, Jareth continued to wait patiently until Robert rejoined him. Then, together, they climbed the stone steps into the throne room, and from there, to the conservatory. Karen stayed behind, and awaited the arrival of the servant, still holding Toby, and still enraged.
Sarah was somewhat disgusted with the Goblin City. It resembled a slum. But still, it had some charming wonders about it. She held her hand to her mouth, as she giggled at the
goblins as they went about their routines of daily life. Little did she know, that as they strolled pass the tiny creatures, they looked at the happy couple with bewilderment. They had never seen their king happy before.
Neither Jareth, nor Sarah took any notice to them though. Jareth seemed happy enough to be pointing out things here and there that proved either interesting or beautiful. They crossed the northern gate, to avoid the dump, and entered into a maze of gardens. Sarah was enwraped with the fragrances of all the flowers. The hedges were well kept, trimmed to exact ninety degree angles. Here and there, there were goblins working dilligently to keep the flower beds in good repair. And occasionally, they passed a pond or fountain. Many of the workers dropped what they were doing immediately and left as soon as they noticed their king.
They soon came to a clearing, and together they sat in the shade of and ancient tree. It resembled a weeping willow, but had huge blue flowers blooming from its' branches. The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, and Sarah's hair blew into her face. Several times, Jareth reached up, and wiped the strands away from her eyes, as he admired their beauty. Never had he felt this way for anyone. Never.
Sarah had a way of bringing out the best in the Goblin King. She held power of him, that no one else ever had. Not even his parents. It was almost as though she could reach into the depths of his soul, and bring his cold heart back to life again.
She gntly laid back in the grass, and watched the leaves move gently with the breeze. All Jareth could do was watch her with his mismatched eyes.
"It is so peaceful here.", she said softly, closing her eyes, and inhaling the fragrant air deeply. " I wish that it could stay like this forever."
Jareth smiled, and shook his head. "Sadly, I have no control over the weather here." He produced a crystal in his hand, and gazed into it. "I can manipulate objects, time, the stars, almost eveything. Except the weather. Many think that winter is one of the most beautiful times in the underground." He turned the crystal into a rose, and held it out to Sarah. "A gift.", he said taking her hand into his own.
Sarah took the flower, and sniffed it. It was beautiful red rose. It was as red as blood, and very beautiful.
"Thank you, My lord.", she said as she bowed her head down, still holding the flower to her nose. "It's beautiful."
She looked up at him, shyly. "Jareth, I want to know something." She looked into his eyes for confirmation that she could ask him the question.
"Anything.", he said as he threw a rock into a nearby pond.
"After all that I've done to you, why do you love me?" She looked down at the ground, somewhat ashamed for asking such a question.
He frowned for a moment, then looked at her. " I really don't know, Sarah. I have always held a rather special place for you. You are the only person that I have ever allowed to be close to me. I don't think that there is any other woman in the world that I could ever feel this strongly for." He held his hand out to touch her cheek. "Your skin is so soft. You are so beautiful. So strong, and willing. And yet so innocent. I couldn't help but to love you." He kissed her hand. "You are my life, My Lady, and always will be."
"That's really sweet, Jareth." She looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes. "No one has ever treated me like this before. You have given me so much."
"Material things do not matter, Sarah. They can be replaced. What I feel for you, and what you feel for me, cannot. That is why I cherish you so much. If I ever lost you, I don't know what would become of me. I need your belief in me, just as much as I need your love."
He pulled her close to him ,and pressed their lips in a passionate kiss. Every nerve in her body tingled, as she could feel herself being taken away into a world where she would never be ridiculed again. Then just as quickly, Jareth's head shot up.
"What's wrong?", Sarah asked, upset from the abruptness of his movements.
He shook his head in dismay.
"I believe we have company on its way. He put his hand to his forhead, and closed his eyes. Already his head was beginning to ache.
A moment later, Sarah could see Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and Ludo, heading towards them. Hoggle looked extremely upset. And Didymus and Ludo no better.
Sarah waved to them ,and they hurried over.
"Sarah,", Hoggle blurted out anxiously,"we have to talk with you." His white eyebrows were narrowed, and his face showed every sign of disapproval that was possible.
"What is it?", Sarah asked, and she pulled her knees to her chest.
"Fair Maid, I do believe that we should discuss this matter in a private setting, if Thou wouldst.", Didymus replied.
Sarah shook her head in dismay, and asked, "Why?"
"It don't matter.", Hoggle replied. "What are you doing with him?" He pointed at Jareth, who looked up enraged. "It ain't right. He's a bad person, Sarah. He don't deserve ya. He don't deserve no one, he don't. He's just up to something. Mark my words.", Hoggle stomped his right foot in disgust, and pointed a finger at Jareth.
"Do leave us, Hedgewart. You do give me such a headache with your ramblings." Jareth stood up ,and walked towards the dwarf. He grabbed him by the tatty leather vest, and lifted him off the ground. "I would never hurt her."
Didymus drew his staff, and Ludo blurted out, "No hurt Hoggle. Hoggle friend." His facial expression grew angry, and he walked towards Jareth.
"Yes, My Brother. Together we can conquer this tyrant." Didymus posed in a defensive stance, ready to fight to the death for his friend.
"You don't understnad.", Sarah yelled. She huddled, and brought her hands ot her eyes, to wipe away the vicious tears. They all looked at her, and Jareth threw Hoggle to the ground, an rushed to her side, cradeling her as she wept. She looked up at them. "I- I love him."
They stood there in awe. It wasn't what she said that halted them. It was what their king had done. Never had he rushed to help anyone before. Never. Didymus looked at Hoggle.
"Could it be, that perhaps our Beauty, hath tamed the Beast?"
Hoggle looked in disbelief. His mouth was slightly opened, then he began to speak. "Sarah, you're making a mistake. He's a rat. A no good rat. Don't go listening to anything that he says to ya. You remember the peach? How he wouldn't give ya yer little brother back? How he tried to kills us with the cleaners in the tunnel? Ya be the judge yerself. But remeber, he ain't no good for nothin."
"That's enough, Hagwort!", Jareth bellowed. Sarah was in hysterics. She felt like she was caught in the middle of everything, and that she had to pick a side.
"Stop it! Just stop it! All of you! Just- Just leave me alone. Why can't I be happy? Why?" She stood up, and ran into the shelter of a nearby shed. She was close to a panic attack. Her heart was aching, and her mind was spinning.
Jareth looked at his three adversaries. He clenched his jaw, and narrowed his eyebrows. Especially at Hoggle. He hated the little dwarf. And he knew that the feeling was mutual. Jareth had always known that Sarah treated her friends with the upmost kindest and respect, and he was jealous of it. He felt as though they were interfering with what he was trying to establish- an undying love between him and Sarah. He felt like Hoggle was trying to invade into his and Sarah's relationship. And he couldn't stand for it.
"You have a way of invading my privacy with my lady.", Jareth said cooly, keeping an even tone in his voice. "I love that girl with all my heart, Hoggle. And I will not stand for you to interfere with that. I have stood by long enough, as she writhed in anguish." His voice was beginning to rise in anger. "And I will not allow for you three to invade us again!" He was now yelling, and Sarah could hear every word of it. She sobbed, wildly. Wishing that she could just be alone.
Hoggle looked at Jareth. "C'mon.", he said as he waved to Ludo and Sir Didymus. "Leave 'em be. Let her do what she wants. She don't care 'bout us anymore." Ludo, and Sir Didymus exchanged glances, and pressed on, following Hoggle. Jareth watched them walk away. He was furious. His pale flesh had taken on a lighter shade of pink. He had his fists clenched. Had it not been for Sarah's sake, he would have banihed them all to the Bog of Eternal Stench.
He found Sarah sitting in the small shed. Her eyes were red. She looked up at him.
"I feel like I am supposed to pick sides here.", she said as she stared blankly into oblivion.
He helped her. "No. Don't ever think that you have to choose sides, Love. Frankly, I don't know what you ever saw in Hoggle as a.....friend."
"He helped me. When no one else would." She released her hands from his grasp ,and turned away.
"As did the wise man with the bird. As did the worm. Yet- yet you show no concern for them." Sarah looked at him with empty eyes.
"They never showed any concern for me.", she said simply.
"Ah. That is where you are wrong. I do recall the worm adding that he was rather relieved that you hadn't taken the quickest route ot the castle. So that you could avoid running into a certain Goblin King." He smiled, trying to cheer her up. But it didn't work. she looked at him, cleary frusterated.
"Hardly concern, Jareth. Hardly."
"Concern, none-the-less. And I find it rather ironic, that that fox, and brut of a creature, find no fault with what you do. But yet that annoying little dwarf-" Sarah cut him off.
"Jareth, please. He's my friend. Just leave it at that. Okay?" She wanted the discussion to end, but Jareth kept on pressing.
"A real friend, I must add. Not wanting you to do what feels right in your heart." he turned away from her, and looked at the horizon. "If he didn't want us to be married, would you cancel our engagement?"
"Of course not!" She looked at him. " Why are you jealous of him, Jareth. I love you."
She raised her hands up, and shook them for emphasis. "This is childish."
"I agree. Then why are you letting it bother you so much?", he asked.
She couldn't answer him. There was no reason for her to be acting like this. Hoggle would have to learn to get over it. "I am so jealous of him, because I love you so much. He acts as though you a property of the dwarves, Sarah. Only you know what is best for you. Just becasue he is your friend, it doesn't give him the right to be able to tell you what to do. And it seems as though you defend him so. I am left wondering if you would defend me, for such acts." He looked somewhat sad.
"Jareth, I will always love you. And I will always love him too. As a friend. But you are going to be my husband. And nothing can change that. Nothing can change what I feel for you. Just as it can't change my feelings of friendship for him."
"There, you have it. You have resolved the matter entirely yourslef, Sarah."
She smiled. "I suppose I have, haven't I?" She cloed her eyes and thought for a moment. The confrontation was over, and she felt relieved. She knew what she was doing. If Hoggle didn't understnad, then he would have to learn to. Jareth would overcome his jealousy, for it seemed as though he had already began to. Things were begining to look up for her.
"And now, with all due respect, I believe that it is time for lunch."
Sarah nodded. She had just realized that she was hungry. And lunch was sounding good right now.
They dined at the castle again. Both oblivious that the goblin subjects were watching them. And they didn't even really care. Again Sarah dined on Fae delicacies. And again, she found that she enjoyed motly everything. Especally the desserts. The alderberry tea was also one of her favorites. She enjoyed several cups of it, as they laughed merrily.
The large clocked chimed, as it indicated that it was three o'clock in the afternoon, in the underground. Sarah looked at him.
"I suppose that it is time that we announce our engagement to your family?", Jareth asked, as he watched her expression become worried.
"Will you bring me back with you?", Sarah asked, as she stared at him. Her eyes were wide. He could tell that his instincts had been right. She didn't want to leave the underground now.
He looked down, and threw his napkin on the table.
"Sarah, that is your decision. I can't make you. I can't make you stay Above, neither. But they are your family. For now, at least. At least know that you have precious time with them with them left." He felt badly for her. He knew that she truly didn't want to go back, Aboveground.
"Then keep me here, now. Please,Jareth. I-I don't want to be there anymore. I belong here." Her eyes were pleading with him, to allow her to stay.
"We shall discuss it with your family. There is a chance that you may change your mind. Then again, I may see reason, to wisk you away imediately. Let us leave it at that for now, at least. Alright?" He looked into her eyes, reassuringly.
"I want to stay here, with you. I belong here. Not there.", Sarah protested.
"I know that, just as well as you do. But things will be alright. I won't let anything bad happen. I promise you. And you must trust me, Sarah. Please." He cupped her chin in his hand, and kissed her gently. All she did was acknowledge him with a nod of her head.
A moment later, they had faded away into a gentle breeze, and reappeared in her bedroom.
In the living room, Sarah could hear Karen and her father talking. Jareth listened intently, and grew absolutely mad at what he heard.
"This is the last straw, Robert. First she stops listening to us, and now she is skipping out on school. And you have no idea what-so-ever where she may be. I think that it is time that you crack down, and send her to private school. Even if it is only for a year or two. It may teach her some respect for her family!" Karen's voice was high pitched, and furious.
"Karen, she's a teenager. Things have to be adjusted for her. All kids go through this phase of life." He held a crying Toby in his arms, and from the tone of his voice, it wasn't hard ot tell that the debate over Sarah had been going on for quite some time.
"Adjustments? So what do we do? Change our life around to fit her lifestyle? I don't think so, Robert. Not now. Not in the future."
Jareth watched Sarah's facial expresion change from sadness ot misery, all within a few mere moments. He was outraged that her father would allow Karen to run everyone's lives, just to benefit herself.
"Don't do anything harsh to Dad, remember." Sarah's eyes were full of hate for Karen, and Jareth could see it.
"Sarah, he is just as guilty as she is, for hurting you.", he used his thumb to wipe away a tear that had fallen from her beautiful brown eyes. "I never knew- I never saw them treating you so."
"I don't want to stay, Jareth. Really, I don't." She sat on her bed.
"I cannot make you stay here in good taste, Sarah. I am surprised that you had never tried to do yourslef in, living with this woman." He read the look hat crossed her face quickly, and she looked down at the ground. "You had actually thought about that, hadn't you?"
All she could do was nod.
"It's been a little better, but she's hell bent on me marrying one her friends' sons or something. Something to increase her social status, or something. But she always goes back to being the same old Karen. Always." She picked Launcelot up, and held the teddy bear to her chest. It brought her some comfort. But it couldn't make Karen just go away.
"Let us get this over with, then.", Jareth said, as he opened the bedroom door. "Ladies first."
Sarah stood, laying the bear gently on her bed, and walked out of the room. Her dress was trailing behind her, and she was closely followed by Jareth.
When she got to the main hall, she called out to her father.
"Dad?" Her voice was trembling with fear. She knew that it wasn't going to be an enjoyable argument with Karen at all. But, she also knew that she had someone to defend her now. Someone to back her up.
"Sarah? Sarah where have you been?", her father demanded. "Your mother and I have been worried sick. You just ran off, and told no one where you were going." He looked at his daughter, and noticed the dress she was wearing. "Where on earth did you get that?"
Karen walked into the room, after she had placed Toby in his playpen. She looked like a devil in the red shirt, and black skirt. Her eyes were furious.
"Young Lady, you are in for it now. I told you last night that you weren't moving out of this house until you came clean with us, and we met this fairytale boyfriend of yours. And then you skip classes, and run off. You aren't going to see the light of day for weeks, you dumb girl!" She was screeching at Sarah, but Sarah stood defiantly. She glanced towards the stairs, and Jareth stepped out. Robert and Karen gasped when they sen him. Sarah smiled, loving every moment.
"Karen, I would like you to meet my fairytale boyfriend." She pointed towards Jareth, who was smiling wolfishly. He bowed slightly.
Karen was stuttering over her words, but Robert didn't look overly surprised. He was more shocked over the Goblin King's attire than anything else. The grey breeches, tight black waistcoat, and white poet's shirt, along with the black shiny, knee high boots. it combined to make an interesting combination. But for some reason, it seemed to suit the man.
"I am Jareth. Goblin King, of the Fae. And I believe that you are Robert, and Karen." He glanced at Karen ho was still trying to get ahold of herself. "My my. You do appear to be a rather crude woman. Frankly, I never found that quality appealing. Especially when you treat my dear Sarah with such disrespect." He took a step towards Karen, but Robert stepped between them.
"Sarah, who is this guy?", Robert demanded. "And why are the two of you dressed up like this?" He looked from his daughter, and then back to Jareth.
"I dress as I please. As Sarah will now as well. I believe that you have both already noticed the ring that I have given her. I prefer to think of it as a symbol of out undying love for one another." Jareth took Sarah by the hand, and held the ring up to Robert's face. "It's rather beautiful. Don't you think?", Jareth asked coolly. "Just like your daughter."
Robert's face was beginning to show signs of concern." Sarah, what is he talking about?", he asked his daughter.
Sarah looked at Jareth for a moment, then back to her father.
"Dad, I'm leaving. I am going to be with Jareth. I-I love him."
"That is absurd!", Karen yelled. "You're only sixteen. What do you know of love?" Karen was clearly angry.
"Obviously more than you.", Jareth replied, piercing her with his mismatched eyes. "And do hush up.", he added,dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
"Robert, your daughter and I plan to be wed within the month. If I could prolong, I would, but it would be risking my losing her. And I can't allow that to happen. She means too much to me." Jareth looked around the house. "I believe it would be appropriate for us to sit, and discuss this matter. I am very adamant about taking her back with me. As is Sarah." He wrapped his arm about her waist, and pulled her close.
Robert ran his fingers through his hair. He was distraught, and had no idea what to do. "Come on. Let's go into the living room."
"No, Robert!", Karen shouted. "I want that man out of my house this very instant!", she demanded. Her face was nearly as red as her shirt.
Robert raised his hand to stop her, and shook it maddingly. "Karen, let me take care of this. Get some drinks or something. Just stay out of it." Karen stood there, cleary angry, as Robert walked away, and sat in the living room.
He sat on the sofa, directly accross from Jareth, and Sarah. Jareth had a calm look on his face, but it wasn't hard to tell that Robert was disgruntled. Jareth sat with his legs crossed, and his arms folded. He watched Robert as he removed his grey suit coat, and wring his hands. He sat hunched forward, his once black hair, now beginning to show signs of grey.
"Tell me exactly what is going on here, Sarah.", he said, trying to keep calm, and collected.
"I'm leaving, Dad. I am going to the Underground, with Jareth. Forever. We are going to get married." She paused for a moment, then smiled. "I'm going to be his queen, Dad."
"Sarah, that is ludicrous. You are sixteen. He looks nearly thirty. And there is no way that he is a king. A goblin king at that. You know just as well as I do, that goblins and fairies don't exist. He shook his head, in disbelief. "Life isn't like a fairytale, Sarah."
"I can make her life a fiarytlae.", Jareth said as he stood up.
"How?", Robert asked. "By dressing up, and playing pretend?" Robert was very sarcastic.
"On the contrary, Sir, there are other worlds in this vast universe. Even on this very planet. My world, the Underground, is made of magic. And it is our wish, both my own, and Sarah's, to live together in this palce, as one."
"Magic does't exist!", Robert exclaimed as he stood up, to see Jareth eye to eye. Karen walked in with a tray of drinks, clearly in an unforgiving mood.
"But it does, Sir. And I shall give you a small demonstration." He pulled his hands together, and when he pulled them apart, a crystal appeared. He held it up, for Robert to examine.
Robert snorted. "Pure hocus pocus. It doesn't prove anything."
Karen looked at Sarah. "You are in deep trouble, Missy."
Sarah glared back at her. " I won't be here for you to do anything, Karen."
"Oh yes you will. You are not moving out of that door." Karen was tapping her foot on the floor, as she still held the tray.
"Hocus pocus. I never heard of my magic referred ot as such.", Jareth replied, as he smiled at Sarah. then he threw the crystal on the floor. A goblin appeared. " I suppose that this little fellow is a figmentation of your combined imagination then?" Sarah giggled, and Jareth caressed her face.
The goblin looked around in wonderment. He had never seen humans before, let alone their world. His pointed nose brushed Karen's leg, and she jumped back, upsetting the drinks slightly. It removed its' dented black helmet, and bowed before Jareth.
"Yer Highness.", it mumbled as he fell over itself.
Jareth looked around the room. "Do tell me what you think of it, then." He sat down, next to Sarah once again.
Robert was dumbfounded. He had no idea what to say. Karen sat the tray of drinks on the coffee table, and began her spiel.
"Don't fall for it. It's a simple hoax." Robert covered his eyes with his hand.
"I don't know what to believe anymore.", he said solmenly. He looked at Sarah. And he seen how happy she was when she was holding Jareth's hand. He asked himself, "He is really from another world? Really a king?"
"Are you listening to me, Robert. Don't let her get away with this.", Karen screamed. "If you do, you will be the fool. Not me."
Jareth understood Robert's plight, somewhat. "I can show you my kingdom, Sir. If it would please you, and put your mind to rest." Jareth remebered Sarah's request to be kind to her father. And that was what he was trying to do.
Robert looked up, in a daze. "Ah, yeah. Let's do that, and take it from there."
"I am certainly not going, Robert!", Karen said flatly.
"Yes, you are.", Robert replied evenly. "You always insisted that you were her mother, then here you go. Duty calls." He was not happy, and it wasn't hard to tell. "Get Toby, and lets go." Karen hesitated. "Now!", he yelled, to get her to move. She stomped off, and in a moment, returned with Toby in her arms.
A second later, Robert felt himself, vanishing, and the next instant, they were in a courtyard, with the large castle doors before them. He looked around in amazement. Sarah smiled, at the surroundings. She felt more at home here, then she had ever felt at her family's home in the Aboveground.
Jareth approached Robert. "I welcome you to the Labyrinth. I believe that it is not so much a fairytale as you once believed it to be. I assure you, it is as real as you or I are." Jareth cracked a grin, proud that he was King, and proved a powerless mortal wrong. "Of course, now it is a question as to whether or not you and I are real." He chuckled wickedly to himself.
Karen was cleary amazed. Disgusted, but still amazed, none-the-less.
"I had no idea-", Robret began. Then he turned to Sarah. "Why didn't you say anything?" His face reflected remorse that his daughter hadn't come to him.
"Why? So you both could laugh at me, and tell me to get my head out of the clouds? So Karen could threaten me to take away all the stuff I ever had? It's no wonder,Dad. You guys live in a perfect little world. I- I just don't want to be a part of it anymore." She stode to Jareth's side, and looked to the sky. "I found where I belong. And I found someone who cares about me."
"Really, Sarah. You don't actually believe that your father and I are dumb enough to allow you to stay here, marry a man we have never laid eyes upon, and except everything without so much as a protest? You really are crazy!" She propped Toby up, on to her hip, and looked around the courtyard. "And I suppose that he has everything that you are ever going to need in that castle. And I suppsoe that you have slept with him?" Her hazel eyes were demanding an answer. But Sarah was furious.
"What is this? The Spanish Inquisition? I really thought that you had more tact than that, Karen. But I guess I was wrong." She snorted, and looked at Jareth. "I'm going to my room." She ran off, up the stairs, and into the castle. Her hair blew madly in the breeze, and once she stumbled over her long dress. Jareth paused a moment to collect himself, before he said anything.
"Robert, I suggest that you and I discuss this in private. Without anymore interference. Especially from that woman.", he said as he pointed his gloved finger at Karen.
Robert looked at Karen. "I agree.", he replied. Karen looked from him, to Jareth, and then back to Robert.
"You can't be serious! Are you telling me that I won't have any say in the decision that you make?" She was hysterical.
"That is about the sum of it.", Jareth replied coldly. "I believe that you have caused enough trouble. Especially by sending Lady Sarah running off. Remember. When here,", he pointed to the labyrinth with his right hand to emphasize what he was saying," you play by my rules. Here, I am King, and you are guests. So, I suggest that you, and your self indulgent son go into the gardens, whilst I discuss matters with your husband." Jareth was extremely ignorant. He didn't care for Karen. For some reason, she reminded him of a certain arrogant brat whom he had almost married so many centuries ago.
"May I sit with Sarah then?", Karen asked meekly. Jareth thought about it for a moment. Perhaps things would be alright if she did. Afterall, Sarah was catching on quickly thay she could have many of her requests granted. And the removal of her stepmother would be a rather easy one to grant.
"I suppose that that would be alright. Wait here, and I will send someone to take you to her. Your husband and I will join you later on, once we have settled this matter." Jareth looked at Robert. He could tell that the man was dreadfully scared of losing his daughter. Yet, Jareth wondered why. They had never really paid much attention to his beloved. basically used her as a servant. He watched as Robert whispered something to Karen. By the way that she was gesturing, she was cleary angry. especially by the fact of the final decision being left up to "men". However, Jareth continued to wait patiently until Robert rejoined him. Then, together, they climbed the stone steps into the throne room, and from there, to the conservatory. Karen stayed behind, and awaited the arrival of the servant, still holding Toby, and still enraged.