Heritage

Chapter Two

Mystcgrl99

Disclaimer/AN: No, I don't own the rights to Labyrinth, though I do have my own copy of the movie. Deirdre is my own character however, and the story of her heritage is my own new spin on an old tale.

Sarah let go of Deirdre's wrist, and Deirdre settled more comfortably into the cushions. "I don't really know where to start. I suppose I should tell you all of it. Well, anyways, about three years ago…"

"I went to visit my grandmother in Ireland. I get my red hair from her. I was there for my fourteenth birthday. That's when it started. That night my grandmother took me to an old place. There she told me about my heritage. I'm a descendant of Morgaine, the Lady of the Lake."

"Impossible."

Deirdre looked towards Jareth and blinked. "Why do you say that?"

"Mordred died before he had a chance to become a father."

"So? No one knows this, but Morgaine had a daughter. Her name was Lenane, and she married Merlin's only son, Bruien. Before closing Avalon to the rest of the world, Morgaine sent her daughter away. Morgaine did leave one way back for her daughter though."

"Can you prove it?"

Exasperated, Deirdre glared at Jareth. Sarah just sat to the side shaking her head. Three stubborn people in one room was a dangerous combination.

"Jareth, you of course know the nature of magical swords that are bound to one family? Excalibur is such a sword. It was bound to the women of my family at its creation, long before Morgaine and Arthur. Arthur was able to wield Excalibur as a sword because he was brother to Morgaine, though he could not use the magic contained there, because he was male. When Morgaine sent Lenane from Avalon, she made Excalibur a key, so that all of her line could return and receive the training there. Since that time the women of my family have guarded The Sword, taking their daughters to Avalon for training in their fourteenth year. My grandmother didn't have a daughter, so she took me. Once the training is finished The Sword is passed on, though the new bearer learns a great deal from simply having The Sword. So you see Sarah, I've been bringing a sword with me to school every day for some time now."

This last comment was said with a sly look at her best friend. Jareth looked thoughtful, while Sarah was thoroughly confused.

"Di, what do you mean you've had Excalibur with you? I know the sword you're wearing isn't magical; I used it at Renfest last month. So, unless it's invisible… how?"

"Weren't you listening Sarah? Deirdre did tell us the has magical powers."

"Oh shut up Jareth! You're a monarch, of course you're used to paying attention to details, while I on the other hand am a teenager who daydreams all the time. Of course I'm not going to catch that!"

"Well perh-"

Jareth was cut off suddenly by the sock that appeared in his mouth. Sarah giggled and started to say something but as she opened her mouth she too found a sock in it.

"Now that I've effectively gotten the two of you to shut up, I can continue with my story. To answer your question Sarah, Excalibur can turn into a ring. I wear it at all times. I'll show you."

Deirdre took a ring off her left hand and held it up. It was thin with a design of roses and thorns. Holding it in the palm of her hand, Deirdre spoke.

"Viburnum!"

There was a flash of light, then Jareth and Sarah looked, seeing Deirdre standing with a shining sword. Freeing the sock from his mouth, Jareth gave Deirdre an approving look.

"Well, it seems my history was wrong."

Sarah fainted.