Disclaimer: Do I look rich? I don't own the Labyrinth or anything to do with it.
Before I go off on tangents, the reviewers:
Lyn: I shall try
Moonjava: And more you shall have.
Avalon-blackandgreen: I'm glad you like it. I'll try to update as often as possible but I ask you all to keep in mind, I have exams coming up.
pipersara: Ahh depth of plot. Do you know this was meant to be a short story. Shows you how easily I get sucked into things.
Eleanora Rose: Fascinating, refreshing. I like that. I hope the rest lives up to that.
PinkCrescendo: Groovy name. Will do
Janine: I've never actually Irish danced so much that I've broken anything, but I did get motion sickness one time. Luckily my partner was a very nice boy. Here are some guests for you too.
Hey there. Another long one for you guys. Sorry for the delay on this one but I was in Cavan for new years. Which, coincidentally is about an half hour drive from Tara. I hope you all enjoy. Any grammar or spelling mistakes are mine as I am Beta-less.
Song Lyrics
Thoughts
Telepathy
December 14th
Sarah groaned as Steve shook her awake. "What the hell, Steve, what time is it?"
"It's six am. Come on. We have a bus to catch at seven."
"Great two hours sleep and I can hear the wind try to blow the castle down." She muttered under her breath. "Hey Steve, what's the point. It's December. It's gonna be dark for the next few hours any way."
Steve grabbed one of her sweaters and pulled her to him. "Just think, what's more romantic than seeing the sun rise in one of the most magical places in the world?"
She forced a smile onto her face. "Your right."
"Of course I am."
Sarah resisted the urge to shout at him and pulled on the sweater he had grabbed as he moved away.
They descended the main staircase at a quarter to seven and Nadír, who was working at reception, gave them a surprised look. Sarah muttered something in Steve's ear. He seemed to object but she ran over anyway.
"I told you he'd have me up at an indecent hour."
"Right. What do you need?"
"I was wondering what time lunch is served."
"Oh. As long as we keep Fionn out of the kitchen it should be around half one."
"Ok, thanks. I'll see you later, as long as I don't freeze first."
Nadír smiled at her kindly. "Hey, you don't want the fire to burn you, it won't. Just be discreet."
She smiled back. "I know, but I really don't think I'm ready to do that alone just yet." "Alright. See you."
She ran back over to Steve who was waiting at the door, staring out at the dark drive way. "What was that about?"
"I was just asking him when lunch was."
"If I didn't know that blonde wasn't your type, I would think you were flirting with him."
She frowned at him. "Please. He's married to a very beautiful woman and has been for a long time."
"They don't look much older than us."
"And how do you know blonde isn't my type?"
"Well the only blond guy you have ever even mentioned isn't even real. You know, that guy you told about from that lame book…the ahh…the Goblin King. Man, that character was lame."
Seán coughed/laughed from the other side of door and Sarah slipped him a glance noting the amused grin on his face.
Oh boy, I really hope Jareth doesn't come or there'll be a war.
"It's a hill."
"Yes Steve. The Hill of Tara."
"But…but I was sure there would be a castle or a ruin or something."
"That was thousands of years ago. Do you really think a motte and bailey would survive here, with the Vikings and the Normans and the civil war and everything. I mean were pretty near the northern boarder as well. I'd say someone would have tried to blow it up at one point."
"But, it's just a hill. I was sure there was more. I'm gonna go back to the information office. You wait here."
"But its dark and cold why don't we just…"
"Just wait Sarah. Will you? Thanks." And he was gone.
Sarah sighed and looked up at afore mentioned hill. Steve was right about something. This place was magikal. She could feel the place humming, vibrating with energy. There was a large stone at the very top of the hill. A kind of monument to the past. She started up the hill and sat down on the top, facing east.
She cupped her hands in her lap and concentrated. A small, friendly little yellow flame appeared in her hands and radiated warmth through her body. So she sat there and watched the sun rise with only a flame for company.
Eventually a rather disgruntled Steve arrived back. "Why the hell did you come all the way up here?" he asked as she quickly closed her palm, extinguishing her source of warmth.
"I wanted to watch the sunrise like you said."
"Yeah well, I was hoping there'd be more to see but I was sorely disappointed." Sarah smiled up at him, feeling completely at ease on the hill.
"Well, how long are we staying?"
He glanced down at her. "Well, as a Christmas and new years surprise I extended our trip. We're booked into the castle for three weeks."
"Three weeks! That must cost a fortune."
"You know money isn't a problem. It's just this trip isn't really turning out the way I wanted it too. I think maybe well just go home."
Sarah jumped up. "No! …no point in wasting all that money. I could happily stay in the castle for the whole three weeks and never leave. Come on. It's so beautiful and relaxing here. It would be the best Christmas present."
Steve looked sceptical but gave in when Sarah kissed him. "Fine. Come on lets head back. It'll be nearly lunch when we get there."
Ok, so she didn't have a problem misleading him to get her way. What are you going to do?
"Right. Well let's go. Hold on. Lunch? How long have we been here for?"
He looked at her strangely. "Well, we got to the entrance at eight. Took us an hour to walk up here. I got lost for like two hours and then it took me another hour to get back up here. By the time we get back it'll be one. Didn't you notice?" She shook her head. "I guess I just went into a bit of a daze."
Sarah showered and changed for lunch. All in black, she wore a loose neck angora sweater and a floor length cotton skirt with silver embroidery.
With so many beautiful Fae women around and more to come, she had to at least make the effort to look good.
As she exited the bathroom she noticed that Steve had already left for lunch. "Huh, always was lead by his stomach and not his brain." She said to the empty room.
She scooped her hair into a loose bun and applied some light make-up in the huge mahogany mirror. She slipped her feet into some bright pink buffalo runners and grinned. They didn't quite go with the ensemble, but no one would see them, so it was ok.
She left the room and paused out side the door, deciding between the scenic route of the short cut. She decided on the long way round, pondering whether there were any more secret passages.
She turned a corner and slammed in to a warm, hard something.
"Ahh Lady Sarah. I apologise. You look ravishing as ever."
Sarah took a step back and smiled. "Thanks Cyros. You don't look too bad your self, but be careful. I really don't want the wrath of your wife on my head."
He laughed. "No, neither do I." He offered her his arm. "May I escort you to lunch?" She took his arm and grinned. "I've never been treated like this since the Lab…Um, nothing."
Cyros smiled slyly at her. "Since your little trip through the Labyrinth? Yes, Jareth does know how to treat his lady guests."
Sarah looked sadly ahead. "It was a dream. It wasn't real anyway. It wasn't him. But I now have a terminal fear of peaches."
Cyros let out a bark of laughter. "That's Jareth alright. Appearances can be deceiving with him."
"Hmm, so I've learned."
They entered the dining room but only Steve was there. He looked up and spoke while stuffing his mouth with mashed potatoes.
"Hey Sarah, heref uoo een?"
Sarah just shook her head in disgust while Cyros shook with silent laughter. Oh Sarah, you do know how to pick them.
Cyros' rich accented voice sounded inside her head and she jumped slightly before scowling at him.
Do you want to warn me before you start doing that! You can read my thoughts can you?
Only the ones you want me to my dear.
"Hmm." Sarah said out loud before taking her seat on the opposite side of the table from Steve.
Etáin, Nadír, Fiona and Seán came in from the direction of the kitchen.
"Hi guys, sorry were late. We've got at least ten people arriving today and tonight. Your wife…" She looked at Cyros "…has helpfully disappeared so we've been a little busy."
Sarah looked up from her chicken. "Well if you need a hand with anything, just gimme a call. I'm a teacher. I'm used to organising stuff under pressure and I can cook too if Andre needs a hand."
Etáin smiled at her. "I think we're ok for now, but if we need the extra pair of hands I'll call you."
She took her seat at the head of the huge table. "So, how was your trip to Tara?" Sarah smiled. "I loved it. There was such energy about the place."
Steve looked at Sarah in disgust. "I thought it was boring. Just grass and trees. Nothing good to look at."
Sarah frowned at him. "Yes, but the history is incredible and the beauty of nature here is unsurpassed. How can you call that boring?"
Steve snorted. "Well sorry if I don't finds wood and weeds interesting. Im just more sophisticated than that."
He stood quickly, the noise of his chair scraping against the stone floor making Sarah flinch. "Well, I'm going to take a nap. I'll see y'all later."
He left the room in a hurry leaving behind him an uncomfortable silence. Sarah pushed her plate away and got up slowly.
"I'm sorry about him, everyone. I…I seem to have lost my appetite. Which way is that library?"
Nadír pointed to a door. "Just down that corridor. Very last door, you can't miss it." She nodded. "Right. Thanks. Um…Sorry about all that."
She practically ran out of the room. Etáin made to get up and follow her but Nadír held her back.
"Leave her alone. She'll work it off. She's just embarrassed."
"But…"
"Leave her."
Etáin flopped back into her chair. "I hate that. She's such a lovely girl. And very talented."
The rest of the table nodded in agreement.
Cyros poured himself a glass of water. "Yes. I think we can all feel it. And she has a spirit to match her magik."
Fiona scowled at her plate. "How can she go out with an arse like that? He treats her like shit and he's bloody ignorant!"
Seán nodded in agreement. "Yes. We've all seen it."
Etáin shrugged. "Well if Jareth shows up…have you talked to him Cyros?"
He shook his dark head. "I haven't had the time yet. I'll try and contact him tonight." "Well, dig in folks. We still have a lot of work to get done."
Sarah stalked down the corridor angrily.
How dare he?
How dare he humiliate her like that?
Granted he didn't really know who these people were, but that still didn't give him the right to just insult their land without any thought to the people around him. She was fuming and it was only when she noticed that her balled fists were being licked by angry red flames that she forced her self to calm down. Ok, breath. Deep calming breaths. You can kill him when we get home.
She pushed open the door to the library and stopped. She forced herself to breath as she took in the library. It reached up to the roof of the top most fourth floor. The only thing separating each level were wrought iron catwalks which circled the entire room and had on walk way each crossing the centre of the circular room. A spiral staircase of the same design went up through the centre of the room intersecting with each of the four runways. The roof itself was a giant glass dome with panels of every colour. There wasn't a space on the wall that wasn't filled with books. On the ground there were several comfortable looking sofas and three mahogany fronted desks, one of which faced the door. She was in heaven, or something damn close to it. There were candelabras placed at intervals all the way up the walls. They weren't lit but there was still enough light for Sarah to have a good search of this enormous room. There were two ladders that ran al the way up to the top of the room on each side of the room but they were on rails to allow movement, noted Sarah absently, as she took in the incredible room.
She was still extremely angry but this would definitely distract her for awhile.
The weather seemed to mirror her mood as lightning flashed and thunder rolled across the sky. She smiled up at the large glass dome.
"We need something dark, to match our mood." She said talking to the weather. "I'm thinking something gothic. Something Gormengast-esque."
"Sarah? Sarah are you in here?"
"That you Ionnina?"
"Yeah where are you? Its so dark in here."
"I'm up here. I can see fine. Must be part of my magik huh? I didn't even notice how late it was."
"Well, it makes sense. You have Fire. It would light your way whether you have a flame going or not. But I can't see a thing, so come down."
Ionnina looked up to see a flame ignite by Sarah, separate and fly to each of the lower level candelabras. Sarah slid down the ladder and stood by Ionnina who was looking at her, amazed.
"Well, what can I do ya for?"
Ionnina just gaped at her. "Do you realise what you just did?"
"Um, I just lit some candles. Did I do something wrong?"
Ionnina sat down on one of the sofas. "No. Its just…It takes months, even years to learn to control a power as volatile and powerful as Fire. You've had it less then a day and you'r already using it like its second nature."
Sarah sat down beside her looking puzzled. "Well, it was."
"What do you mean?"
"It was second nature. I mean, you needed to see so you light a candle. It made sense. I did it without thinking."
Ionnina took Sarah's hand in her own. "My dear, I believe there is much more to you than meets the eye."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Are we back to appearances can be deceiving again?"
Ionnina laughed. "I'm afraid so darling."
There was a knock and a dark head appeared at the door. "My love, are you here?"
"We're here Cyros. It appears our dear Sarah has more prowess with her powers than we originally anticipated." She said giving Sarah's hand a squeeze.
"Wonderful. Well, dinner is on time today and we have some new guests to introduce to our charming new friend."
"Oh great. More Fae."
"You make it sound like we're going to humiliate you Sarah."
"Its not you I'm worried about. It's my bloody boyfriend." She looked at Cyros. "I'd like to apologise again, about lunch…"
"No need my lady. It's not your fault that Stephen is an utter prat."
Sarah laughed despite her lingering embarrassment. "Thanks you guys. You've really made me feel welcome."
The couple laughed also. "May this be the beginning of a long friendship."
"Thanks." She repeated sincerely.
"Well, let's go to dinner shall we?"
When the three entered the large dining room there were six new people at the table. There was a beautiful woman with short dark hair dressed in a white flowing dress. She laughed lightly as the man beside her whispered something in her ear. His hair was a shade lighter than hers, loose and curly. Their skin was smooth and olive. Beside them sat a young woman in the same style of dress to the other. Her dark tresses fell down her back in long waves and her brown eyes were deep and dark. Across the table stood a young man who's chestnut hair was in a loose braid and his brown blue eyes sparkled with mischief. He had on a leather tunic over a green shirt and loose black trousers. A young man sat by the third woman. His sleek black hair was tied back in a short ponytail and he had a large spiral tattoo covering one half of his face. At the head of the table stood Etáin, speaking to a regal looking woman with wild black hair. She was dressed in a purple dress and her dark skin had the same style of tattoo on her face as the man.
Andre opened the door from the kitchen and brought out the final tray before taking his place. Etáin looked up as Sarah took her place beside Steve.
"Right, introductions. This is Sarah Williams and Steve Foster."
The six people inclined their heads as did Sarah.
Steve began to serve himself.
"Starting across from Sarah then, this is Lord Orpheus and Lady Eurydice."
Ionnina leaned into her and muttered. "Married, blissfully."
Etáin continued. "Then we have Princess Persephone."
"Single, but we suspect she might have eloped recently so we're not sure."
"Then, the man trying to feed whiskey to the dog is Loki. Please stop that."
"Sorry."
"Engaged, but not happily. Arranged marriage."
"Then we have Prince Maui…"
"Single."
"…and his mother Queen Taranga."
"Widowed. Don't worry about her. She may look formidable but she's really a very sweet woman if she likes you."
"And if she doesn't like you?"
"Best not to think about that."
"Great."
Dinner had not been half as bad as Sarah had anticipated. Steve said barely anything and excused himself as soon as he had finished.
She found Loki quite entertaining when he wasn't trying to play some kind of prank. Persephone was quiet but seemed nice enough. Maui and Taranga were silent all through dinner but Ionnina informed Sarah that this was nothing unusual for them.
And Orpheus and Eurydice?
They were nothing short of charming. Afterwards the group minus Loki and Persephone who had both retired early found them selves in a room off the corridor that led to the library
"Oh dear, it has been a mad week for politics in the Underground. You should all be glad you're not living there at the moment."
Eurydice looked at the group that resided in the castle and her eyes lingered on Sarah for a moment before they swept past.
Etáin laughed from her position on Nadír's lap. "Really, you are such a drama queen Eurydice. Here, why doesn't your charming husband give us some music? It is his own personal magik after all." Orpheus grinned. "I will play, but only if you're equally talented husband joins me."
Nadír grinned back. "Take up your harp old boy, I'll do the flute. I propose a rousing hornpipe. What do you think?"
"I quite agree, what, what."
The two men laughed and took up their instruments. The pair played a hornpipe, a reel, a waltz and then Orpheus played what he called one of his early tunes. Sarah thought it was the most magical thing she had ever heard.
Fiona leaned over to her and whispered "It makes the trees dance, and the rocks up root, it makes the pebbles skip like mice."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "This is that Orpheus. 'Who's magic is music' Orpheus?"
Fiona smiled. "The very same."
"People have to stop surprising me like this."
Suddenly a deep female voice cut through the idle chatter. It was Taranga and she was looking at Sarah. "You, you young American. Can you play anything? Sing?"
Sarah was a little unnerved but she nodded. "I…um…I play piano and guitar. And I sing, a little." "Well, let us hear something. And make it something different from this tripe we've been hearing." "Mother!"
"Don't you mother me Maui. I know what I like."
Sarah gulped nervously but moved slowly towards the piano. The room was deathly silent. She sat on the low stool and struck up the introduction to a favourite song of hers.
There's a saying old
Says that love is blind
Still we're often told, seek and ye shall find
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind
Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet.
He's the big affair I cannot forgetOnly man I'd ever think of with regret
I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
Tell me where is the sheppard to this lost lamb
There's a somebody, I'm longing to see
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could always be good
To one who'll watch over meThe room stayed silent for a beat as she finished the song before it burst into applause, led by Taranga. "Ahh Gershwin. They really do pass the test of time, don't they? I knew Ira, lovely man. George did tend to be a bit introverted at times though. Such a pity he left us so young. Delightful rendition."
Sarah let out a breath. She hadn't anticipated having to revert to her old passion during her stay, but somehow among this crowd she didn't mind.
She stood and gave a small bow, grin plastered on her face. "Well, I'm sorry to leave so early, but I got about two hours sleep last night and would really like to catch up. Etáin, do you mind if I borrow a book from the library?"
Etáin shook her head. "Go ahead. Good night Sarah."
"Good night. Thanks for a great evening."
She left the room with a small smile on her face. She was very glad she was spending three weeks here. She entered the library. The candles she had lit were long since cold but she found she could see perfectly well and everything had a soft orange glow as if it were actually being lit by a flame.
Curious-er and curious-er. I wonder just how far this rabbit hole goes. She thought gaily to herself. Sarah finally chose a book that she wished to take and hopped off the ladder she was balancing on and glanced at her watch.
"Oh balls." She muttered.
She had taken forty five minutes to choose a bloody book. Ok, that was to be expected from her, but she was meant to be catching up on her beauty sleep. She slipped out the door and headed towards the lobby. She paused in the shadow of the corridor as she saw Nadír talking to what appeared to be a late comer judging from the trunks.
"We really didn't think you we're going to show. This is a pleasant surprise."
"Yes well, I promised my mother that I'd turn up to this thing at least once every century. It's usually not that bad."
Sarah froze and shrank further into the corridor.
"Why thank you Jareth. I can get on with life now that you've given me your approval."
She heard him chuckle. "So, may I have my usual room please?"
"The east tower? Sorry occupied."
"Well move them."
"Sorry, no can do. You can have the second third or fourth floor east tower rooms of you want."
"No, the wind noise is awful up there. Just give me one on that floor."
"West tower?"
"Sunset instead of sunrise? I suppose it will do."
"Picky."
"So, are there any worth while ladies?"
Sarah frowned in her shadow.
"Princess Persephone?"
"No. To spoilt. Anyone else?"
"Taranga?"
"…"
"Right. Well there's a mortal woman staying here."
"Mortal? No thanks. I've hand my fill of mortal girls."
She could hear Nadír sigh. "So you've told us Jareth. Many times. Just try to be civil if you meet her."
"I make no promises."
"The others are in the music room. You remember the way."
Sarah panicked as she heard the all to familiar click of boots coming towards her.
She grabbed onto a book case and suddenly found herself whirled around and in one of the off-chambers of the dining room.
She sighed in relief.
Best leave that confrontation for another time. She walked through the drawing room and up the back stairs, avoiding contact with anyone but Fionn, the huge Irish Wolf Hound who had given her a friendly lick before continuing on his way.
Jareth was here.
In the castle.
The same castle that she was staying in.
With her boyfriend no less.
This was a bad thing!
Then why was she grinning like the Cheshire cat?
Sarah stood looking at the door to her room. The room that Jareth had stayed in. The bed that Jareth had slept in. A shiver ran down her spine.
"Bloody rabbit hole." She said to no one in particular.
She closed her eyes for a moment willing her inner flame to darken. When she opened her eyes the only light source was from a chandelier around the corner. She opened the door quietly and slipped in.
"That you Hunny?"
She cringed. "Yeah Steve, it's me."
"Come here baby, I got something for you."
Sarah shuddered in the darkness. "You know what Steve, I've got a head ache. I think I'm just going to take some aspirin and read for a while. K?" Best just let him fall asleep. She got changed behind a screen and set her book on the window seat with a blanket. She grabbed a candle and looked over to the bed.
"Steve, you got a lighter?"
"Yea, on the dresser by my smokes."
She grabbed it and lit the candle. Sitting on the window seat, she pulled the blanket over herself and opened her book.
"Come on baby. Come to bed."
"Steve just drop it."
She could just see his vague outline in the soft light. "What book'r you reading?"
""One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez."
"Sounds like a load of crap if you ask me."
"Well, I didn't ask you. Go to sleep Steve."
"Fine. What's the deal with you lately anyway?" She heard him roll over and settle.
She took a deep breath and returned her attention to the book.
The group were chatting quietly when Jareth entered with his usual flourish. "Bloody hell you lot are boring. I thought this was supposed to be a party."
Cyros jumped up and crossed the room in long strides. "Jareth." He embraced the tall blonde man. "You scrawny, makeup wearing bastard. How have you been?"
"Not bad at all. And you, you dirty, yurt dwelling cretin. How are you?"
"Good, good. How is your idiot infested weed hole?"
"Thriving. How's your pathetic sand box?"
"The same." The friends laughed and fell in to conversation, catching up.
Etáin slid over to Ionnina. "Did Cyros ask him to come?"
"No he hasn't had time."
"That's it. It must be destiny."
Ionnina scoffed "Destiny. Really Etáin. You do have a flare for the melodramatic."
"No really. I mean, when does he ever some to these things of his own free will. And when she shows up so does he. It's fate."
Ionnina raised an immaculate eyebrow. "We'll see. Jareth?"
Jareth turned his smile on her. "Ionnina. It's been far to long."
She returned his smile with her own. "Indeed. I was just wondering, what induced you to come to our little gathering this year?"
Jareth simply shrugged his shoulders gracefully. "I had an urge I suppose. I came early to procure my favourite room in the east tower but I have been informed that it is currently occupied, by a mortal no less."
Ionnina could hear Etáin's softly spoken "Oops." And she shot her friend a glare.
Taranga stood and approached Jareth. "It is good to see you again Goblin King. Our kingdoms have far too little contact these days. I assure you that this mortal woman is absolutely charming."
Jareth raised her slight hand to his lips. "You are too right about our kingdoms your majesty. And I am sure if this girl has gained your approval, she is nothing short of incredible."
"This is looking better than I thought." Ionnina looked closely at her friend.
"Keep your ideas in check my dear. This is not a match making trip."
"Oh, pfshaw."
"Really Etáin. Be careful. Someone could end up getting hurt, especially with their chequered past." "I'll try to be good."
"Yes. And you have a reunion to organise. Don't get so distracted."
Jareth turned to the two conspiring women. "Etáin. I hear you plan to out do yourself this year."
End Chap.
'Meras Rambling Authors Notes(MRAN):
For anyone who loves folk lore and legend, you'll probably know where most of the guests come from but if you're not: Eurydice, Orpheus and Persephone are from Greek legend. Loki is one of the Viking gods(god of mischief) and Maui and Taranga are from Maori legend. My mum grew up in Auckland.
"Someone to Watch Over Me" written by the Gershwin brothers. You can't help but love it. I was listening to Ella while writing this.
"One Hundred Years of Solitude" is one of my favourite book and I would suggest it to anyone.
I think that's it. Review and ask if I missed anything. Well, did you love it or loath it? R&R people.
Slán.
