Disclaimer: Do I look rich? I don't own the Labyrinth or anything to do with it.
I knew you guys wouldn't stay too mad at me after that. And you guys are:Reverie919: Yeah. It's not to nice to sneak around, as was discussed but it all gets sorted. Don't you worry. Thanks.
lyn: Will do.
Bluegirl2751: Thanks. I will.
Anyana: Perhaps you wont be so jealous when I tell you that I also live in Ireland. Not quite so exotic when you live were your holiday home is. Anyway, yeah you could call it extreme shock. Just wait.
jazzy021: Well firstly, good luck with those results. Major good luck vibes are being sent your way. Jareth would never sleep with the pink whale. Its just gross. And yes, Steve is a wanker.
EleanoraRose: Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
im his: Thank you. It's good that you like it.
anglewingz202: Hurra for clapping. Just read.
janine: Fantabulous? Phantom of the Opera quotes? Labyrinth fan? You're my kinda gal. But I digress, you predict such angsty things. And violence. Are you sending me hints?
VividWhiteLove: Oh no! Stuck in dairyland? That must suck but then you're not stuck on the island of perpetual rain are you? I love the fact you love it. Thanks.
Avalon-blackandgreen: Sure you're special. I remember back in the "Vacation" days when it was just you and Moonjava. Glad I improved your day.
Anyway. Here we are. The next chapter. Sorry this one took so long guys but I have had the flu. Yes the evil one where you can't move. I have rotted my mind on day time TV. Oprah has much of little consequence to say. Well here you go.
December 19th
Jareth drank his coffee as he looked over some documents that had been sent to him by the Labyrinth overnight. It looked like he wasn't going to be able to get away from his duties that easily. Cyros looked over the top of his paper at Jareth. Finally Jareth got annoyed and put down the paper work.
"What? What has got you so suddenly interested?"
Cyros continued to study his friend. "You don't act any nicer but there's something different about you I can't seem to put my finger on."
Jareth rolled his eyes and looked back at his documents. The door opened and Jareth glanced up but his eyes quickly returned to the paper in front of him when Ionnina walked into the room. Suddenly Cyros put down his paper.
"I've got it. You've…"
He was quickly silenced by a glare from the Goblin King who gestured to the door and rose. Cyros followed him out and as soon as they were alone.
"You old bastard. You got her, didn't you? For a while there it was looking pretty hopeless but I knew you and…"
"For the love of the gods Cyros, would you shut up!"
"But you did didn't you?"
Jareth grinned at his friend who let out a laugh and slapped him on the shoulder. "Well done."
"Yes, thank you. But would you please refrain from mentioning it to anyone. Etáin already walked in on us. I'd rather not have two jealous persons descend on us just yet. I enjoy the peace."
Cyros gave Jareth a devilish grin. "If you're lucky she'll be giving you everything but peace."
Jareth shook his head. "Would you please shut up. If she hears you talk like that she'll think I'm using her."
Cyros' face sobered. "You do care for her don't you? I will not see you hurt the girl."
Jareth frowned. "Of course I do you fool. I grew out of breaking hearts before you got married, before you did."
Cyros frowned back. "Don't be opening old wounds Jareth."
"Then don't question my feelings for her."
Cyros took a step back and studied his friend carefully. "Dear me, you actually love her don't you?" Jareth shook his head again. "I don't know. I've never been in love before. How am I supposed to know what it feels like?"
Cyros smiled. "You'll know. So did you get any.."
"Cyros!"
He held up his hands in defence. "Alright, alright. My lips are sealed. But she's a wild fire, bound to be interesting in the…"
"Cyros!" Ionnina threw open the door and Cyros looked terrified.
Jareth smiled at the woman. "You keep him like that and we'll be safe. Did you hear, or were you just standing at the door for kicks?"
Ionnina nodded, "I'm happy for you. Both of you."
"Thank you. Now, I have actual work to be doing so if you will both excuse me." Jareth bowed to Ionnina and threw a warning look at Cyros before leaving the couple.
Ionnina turned to her husband, an evil smile on her face. "Now, my dear. What is it you were about to say to our dear friend?"
Sarah sat up in bed and stretched. She smiled as she remembered the events of the night and morning. Her face fell as she heard the shower and remembered who was in it. She pulled open her bedside drawer and grabbed the crystal that lay inside. She wasn't going to call Jareth but she like the feel of his magik in her hands. She rolled it about on her palm, practicing as he had shown her and she watched as it fell on to the soft covers of the bed. The shower stopped and Steve emerged from the bathroom with a towel draped around his waist.
"You're up." He began to get dressed and she watched him silently. "So," He pulled on a shirt. "Where were you last night? You disappeared after your lesson with that little Jap chick. She said you were coming but you never showed. You know who else never showed?"
Silence.
"That Jareth freak. Did you go off with him?"
Sarah looked up at him. "Yeah Steve. I did go off with Jareth."
Steve marched up to the bed. "You're my girlfriend, and you go marching off somewhere with some fairy fag? What's up that?"
Sarah just looked at him. "I've known Jareth for a long time. He knows me."
Steve gaped at her. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"
She shrugged. "It means he knows me. You know what Steve? I don't think we should do this any more. We both know we're just kidding our selves. You should go home."
Steve's face turned red. "You don't mean that. That freak is just messing with your head."
Sarah stood up. "No Steve. I really mean it. I'm going to get my own room."
Steve scoffed. "Like you could afford it."
Sarah shook her head. "Then I won't stay as long as planned, but I'm still leaving." She moved away from him but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"You don't mean that. You'll come around. We were meant for each other. Just stay and you'll see." "No Steve."
He threw her on the bed, not particularly violently but rough enough for tendrils of panic to begin to rise within her. She reached for the crystal but he got there first.
"And what the fuck is this? Some piece of shit he gave you? I know it's from him. Well fuck him."
Sarah watched helpless as the crystal shattered against the hard stone wall. Sarah stood up. She grabbed a pair of trousers and pulled them on, putting on a shirt and shoes quickly. She zipped up her suitcase and turned to Steve.
"If this is what you think you should do to make me stay, you are sorely mistaken."
She turned and opened the door.
Steve ran up to her. "No Hunny, I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I'll try harder."
She walked resolutely down the corridor.
"Just you wait Sarah. You'll come back to me."
Sarah slipped down the back staircase with those words echoing in her ears. Etáin and Nadír looked up as Sarah came through the door.
"Oh, hey….Sarah, what's wrong?" Sarah swiped roughly at her tear stained cheeks as she put down her bag.
"It's nothing. Um, is there a single room free? Far away from the east tower?"
Etáin came forward. "Oh. I'm sorry." Etáin hugged the woman and pulled back, examining a cut on her palm where a shard of crystal had sliced into the soft flesh. Sarah had barely noticed until now, such was her haste to get away from Steve.
She looked up, her face hard. "Did he hurt you?"
Sarah shook her head. "No. Not really. He just smashed something of mine. I don't think he's gonna give up easily."
Etáin hugged her friend. "Don't worry. We'll make sure he doesn't get out of control."
Nadír came up behind his wife. "And if he ever hurts you…"
"If who ever hurts who?" Ionnina asked from the door before seeing Sarah.
She hurried over and embraced Sarah too. Sarah could get the faint sent of sandalwood and an assortment of other spices from the dark woman's thick hair. "So you told him? I was sure it was going to be a bad break up."
Etáin gave her a tired look. "You think every thing is going to be a disaster. Sarah.." She took Sarah's hand and waved her own over it. The deep cut didn't heal and she frowned.
Ionnina looked over Etáin's shoulder. "Sarah, did something magikal make this cut?"
She nodded mutely.
"Well then, it either heals naturally or the owner of the magik heals it."
Sarah wiped her face. "I think the owner is going to be a bit mad at me." Another tear rolled down her cheek. "God, I'm being stupid."
The others shook their heads. "Not at all. With everything you've found out over the last week I'd have had good cry ages ago. This just pushed you over. It's good for you. Get's it all out of the system." Ionnina rolled her eyes. "That's Irish logic."
Sarah laughed. "Um, listen. I can only afford another three or so nights here. Just to tell you I won't be staying so long."
Nadír pushed forward. "Are you crazy? Sarah you are free to stay for as long as you like. Right Etáin?" Etáin nodded. "Well, until we get sick of you anyway."
The group laughed.
"Ok, come on. Lets get you settled."
Sarah looked around the room. It was as big as the last one but it had an darker look to it. "So this room can only be reached…"
"By those who know where it is. Yup. You are safe from Steve and Cassandra."
"But not you?"
"Oy, I can throw you out when ever I want. I live here." Etáin continued. "The bathroom's a little primitive but the tub's huge and unfortunately, no electricity. But I think you won't have any trouble with that."
Sarah smiled at her and suddenly all the candles in the room came to life and a fire erupted in the grate. Etáin looked at her surprised. "How the hell are you mastering that so fast? It amazing."
Sarah shook her head as they sat on her bed. "Like I said. I've always been a quick study."
Etáin looked at her incredulously. "Really Sarah. This just isn't natural. Not among mortals anyway." Sarah just shrugged. "I honestly don't know. It just happens. Feels perfectly natural. I have something to take care of. Do you know where Jareth is?"
Etáin got off the bed and followed Sarah to the door. "In his room doing paper work last I heard. An over night emergency. I'll be in the back office if you need me."
"Well, I'll be in to help Andre with dinner, so I'll see you then any way."
"Yeah, but if you need me…"
Sarah smiled. "I'll call."
Etáin nodded and walked away. Sarah found herself on a second floor corridor. It seemed her mystery room moved.
No wonder they couldn't get electricity in it. They'd have to reinstall the wiring every day.
Sarah moved down the corridor but was intercepted by a head of bouncing dishwater blond curls. "Cassandra. How are we this lovely morning?"
"Delightful. I believe I'm making progress with my soon to be fiancé."
Sarah felt her blood boil with jealousy but kept her face calm. "Well, if you'll excuse me."
Sarah moved past her but Cassandra called after her. "I do hope your staying away from him like I asked. I saw your little dance the other night but luckily I managed to make him forget all about you." Sarah turned. She was going to rip that bitches head off, but as she whirled around Cassandra was no where to be seen.
Sarah stood outside Jareth's door staring at the dark wood. She hesitantly raised her hand and knocked. She heard a muffled word from inside and took it as an affirmative. She opened the door slowly and peeked around the door.
Jareth looked up from what he was reading, regarding her coldly. She stepped in and closed the door behind her.
"Hi." She got no response as he continued to read. She moved forward. "I…I need to talk to you about something."
His head snapped up. "You want to tell me sorry right? That you made a mistake and that's why you broke my crystal."
Sarah scowled. "There you go again. Making assumptions." She threw her hands up in defeat. "I've moved rooms. Etáin will tell you where I am when you're ready to talk." She turned on her heal and headed for the door but Jareth caught her hand in his and pulled her back. She was reminded of Steve's actions a few hours earlier. Jareth drew her to him gently and turned her hand palm upwards as he had in the Library a few days ago.
So much had happened since then, she thought distractedly.
He ran his thumb over the deep gash that marred the smooth skin and it disappeared. He brought her palm up and kissed where the cut had been, looking up into her eyes.
"Did he break it?"
She nodded silently.
"Sorry. I was angry."
She let slip a small smile. "I shouldn't let you get away so easily you know."
"I know. But you will anyway."
He drew her into his arms and she laid her head on his chest and he propped his chin on top of her head, breathing in her scent.
"So, you told him. How did he take it?"
"Not to well. He thinks that I'll come back. He is not going to let this go easily."
"Well, he has to get through me first."
"You're really sappy like this you know."
"Don't tell. I have an image to keep."
"Your secret is safe with me. I know I've broken up with Steve but I still think we should keep quiet. I don't want another punch up on my hands, and I ran in to Cassandra again."
She could feel him tense. She pulled back and motioned him to sit. She sat on his lap, settling against him as his arms went loosely around her.
"Relax. All she really did was make me mad. Same old, same old."
He shifted against her. "If it wasn't going to start a war, I would gladly tell her where exactly I would like to see her and her aspirations."
"The Bog or an oubliette?"
"Somewhere worse."
"I don't want to know."
Sarah opened her eyes and yawned. Something moved underneath her and she realised that she had fallen asleep on top of Jareth. She looked up at him from her position against his chest.
He glanced down at her from what he was reading and then looked back but she could detect the faint hint of a smile at the upturned edges of his lips.
"Sorry. Turns out ending a relationship and starting one all in the space of twenty four hours can be kinda tiring."
He shrugged slightly. "Are you still doing paperwork? What the hell happened?"
She moved up to see what he was reading but it was written in a language she had never seen. He looked down at her again. "It seems the Labyrinth has become a bit upset in my absence and is currently terrorizing the natives."
Sarah looked surprised. "What do you mean 'upset'? You talk like it's alive."
Jareth moved so that Sarah was level with him. "Really Sarah, do you think something as magikally complex as the Labyrinth can exist without some kind of consciousness?"
"Well I always thought it was just you."
Jareth laughed shortly. "No. The Labyrinth is a very intelligent entity. It's why my position is very hard to both fill and usurp. It took me years to gain its trust. In fact most of the things you experienced in the Labyrinth were its doing not mine. I just prompted."
She raised an eyebrow sceptically. "Like the oubliette?"
"No, that was me."
She dug an elbow into his ribs. "Be nice. Hey, what time is it? How long have I been asleep?"
"Its five to four. Why?"
She jumped up, suddenly feeling a chill without his body near. "Oh fuck."
"Language Sarah."
"Shut up. I'm going to be late for Yukio's lesson and her father already doesn't like me."
"That old bastard doesn't like anybody."
She looked down at where he was sitting. "Language Jareth. How long is this Labyrinth thing going to take you?"
He shrugged elegantly. "From here? Who knows."
She bent down to face him. "Well, why don't you go back, sort it out and then come back her for dinner, hmm?"
"Fine. But if I'm not back for a week it's your fault."
"Fine." She kissed him quickly. "I'll see you at dinner." She turned and headed for the door. "I need to get back to my room and change qui…" She opened the door and where she expected to find corridor she found her room. She looked back at Jareth, who was looking amused at her confusion. "This is just weird."
Sarah looked over to Andre as he came down the stairs to the kitchen. "So are you sure we're all finished? Nothing else to be done? Absolutely nothing?"
Andre shook his head for the millionth time. "No Sarah, there is nothing more to be done."
Sarah looked nervously around, glancing at Fiona and Cian who were talking in a corner and Etáin who had brought up a few bottles of wine from the cellar. "Maybe I'll just have dinner down here tonight." Etáin shook her head and grabbed her hand, dragging her towards the door. "Its time you got out there and faced them Sarah."
Sarah dug her heels in. "I'd hardly call ten hours sufficient time to recover. I'm in for further humiliation. Please don't do this to me."
Etáin rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't give me that shite. You spent the entire day in Jareth's room. I'd call that recovering."
"Nothing happened."
"Not the point."
"Entirely the point. Now let me stay down here. If I cant sit near Steve I have to sit near Cassandra. It's a loose loose situation."
Etáin paused. "You have a point there…nope. You haven't swayed me. Come on."
"But I don't want to." Sarah whined as she clung to the counter.
"You sound like a child."
Sarah sat stiffly between Lady Kagero and an empty seat across from which sat Cassandra. Etáin had threatened her with telling Steve that she wanted to get back together if she didn't come up to dinner. Towards the end of the second course Jareth arrived in looking slightly stressed. Cassandra perked up and pulled out a seat beside her.
"Jareth I saved a seat for you."
He simply ignored her and took the one beside Sarah, earning her a death glare. Sarah assumed he just couldn't be bothered with diplomacy at this point. Cassandra continued to glare at Sarah until the end of the meal and she could also feel Steve's gaze on her from the other end of the table. The meal was quieter and more tense than any of the others she had experienced here understandable, but she still felt acutely uncomfortable. When Nadír finally stood and asked everyone to move to the drawing room she let out a breath.
She moved quickly over to Fiona. "Hey, could you just tell Etáin that I've gone to the library. And no dragging me around this time."
Fiona nodded and smiled. "Yeah, sure. That was pretty bad."
Sarah slipped down the corridor that led to the library but paused outside the door when she heard raised voices. She recognised Cyros and Ionnina who had been conspicuously missing from dinner.
"I don't want him here and that's that!"
"What you think you can just order him and me around? How dare you?"
Sarah could hear the dangerous edge to Ionnina's voice.
"I don't want you near him. Is that unjust of me?"
"Yes. You have no right to tell me who I can and cannot see!"
"He loved you!"
"So what? He no longer does."
"I wouldn't say that by the way he looks at you."
"What are you afraid of Cyros? That I'll stray? That's your trick, not mine. And I forgave you."
Cyros sounded wounded. "That was along time ago Ionnina. A mistake."
She gave a harsh laugh. "A mistake that lasted for six months. I don't do that Cyros, and I can't believe you think I would after all we've been through. I thought we had passed all that when…"
There was a silence then the sound of feet on the stone floor.
"Ionnina, wait. I'm…"
"No, Cyros. I can't even look at you. I can believe you…I need to get away."
The door slammed open and Ionnina stalked past, not even noticing Sarah as she stormed past. Suddenly she was gone in a whirl of smoke.
"Sarah?"
Sarah looked in at Cyros, who's usually proud handsome face seemed aged almost. The sadness on his face struck her deeply. "Cyros, I'm sorry. I was just coming up and I heard…"
He waved a hand to silence her. "No. It was my fault. The words should not have been spoken to be heard in the first place."
Sarah moved into the large room as Cyros slumped into an armchair. "Where has she gone?"
"The hell if I know. That woman knows more places to hide than there are oubliettes in the Labyrinth." Sarah nodded. "Do you know what we both need?"
Cyros looked up expectantly. "A stiff drink."
Cyros nodded slowly and pulled a bottle of whiskey from a near by cupboard. "The best in Ireland. Best in the world I'd say."
Sarah took a seat. "Fill 'er up then."
They drank in silence before Cyros began to speak. "I suppose you want to know what happened then?" He didn't give her a chance to reply before he continued.
"Myself and Ionnina were married less then a decade. That's like a week to you Aboveground. I didn't realise how lucky I was. She was beautiful, powerful, rich and she loved me to boot. I mean you really cant ask for anything else. And I loved her for that matter, I was just to idiotic to realise it. So then I cheated. I had a mistress for six months and Ionnina found out. But not before she got pregnant. My child. No doubt. She was…is…better than me in every way. She ran off. Disappeared like she just did now, and she was right to, after what I did. But something happened. Don't know what still. Nearly killed her. Killed the baby. I didn't realise how much I needed her until I nearly lost her. And now I've gone and fucked it up again just because I was too jealous to have an old admirer in the castle. Gods, she should go off with him. Be better for her."
Sarah shook her head. "She'll be back. She loves you, that is obvious."
He leaned forward. "But she shouldn't. She should go off with someone who'll treat her right."
Cyros lurched to the side drunkenly and Sarah moved towards him, concerned.
"I didn't realise Fae got drunk so easily."
Cyros dropped his glass but Sarah had quick reflexes.
"We don't. We have a very quick metabolism."
Sarah looked over him carefully. "How much have you had?"
"Including or not including those over there?"
She looked to the table to which he had indicated which was hidden in shadow. It had four empty whiskey bottles on it. Sarah rolled her eyes and attempted to call Jareth mentally but it appeared that even with her advancement she had not developed long distance telepathy yet. She crouched down beside Cyros.
"I'll be back in a minute. Will you stay here?" He nodded. "You promise you won't move?"
"Anything for you dear Sarah. Not a muscle shall twitch."
"Good, I'll be back in a moment."
Sarah hurried into the drawing room and over to Jareth who appeared to be trapped by the Princess of Obnoxiousness. Sarah butted in rudely much to Jareth's relief and Cassandra's annoyance.
"Sorry. I have to borrow the Goblin King." She began to drag him away but Cassandra grabbed his other arm.
"No, I was talking to King Jareth you cretin."
"Oh, I'm sorry. This is a little more important than what kind of canopy your going to have in you fictional wedding."
"Fictional..? You little bitch, give him back."
Sarah was at the end of her tether. "Oh, just give me a reason princess, I'll blast you in to the fourth dimension."
Cassandra gave a nasty laugh. "I'd like to see you try."
Suddenly Sarah quite literally burst into flames. The angry red flames surrounded her like some furious avenging angle, her hair moving about her ominously. "That's it, I'm going to tear you apart." She launched herself at Cassandra but fortunately Jareth decided to give up his passive role in this odd tug of war and intercepted Sarah as Cassandra let out a shriek. He grabbed her and hauled her back towards the door but she was still fighting to get to her enemy.
"Ok, calm down, come on." Jareth was uncomfortably aware that Sarah's whole body was beginning to burn him but he held on to the struggling woman.
"No, let me at her. I'll burn all that pretty hair off."
He managed to transport them both out to the field at the back of the gardens where nothing could get burnt. He quickly let her go and attempted to heal his hands, futile a gesture as it was. Sarah turned still flaming literally but they disappeared as soon as she realised she had injured Jareth.
"Oh, god. Jareth I'm sorry. Here let me see."
He jerked his hand away from hers and she looked hurt but she grabbed one anyway, examining it. She waved her hand over the hand she had clutched in hers and Jareth felt the pain ebb away. She repeated the action with his other hand and then stepped back looking at the ground. Jareth looked at his healed hands and then up to Sarah in wonder.
He suddenly realised that she thought he was angry at her for burning him.
He moved her face up so that their eyes met. "You know you shouldn't be able to do that?" he asked softly.
She averted her eyes. "Which part?"
He forced her to look at him. "Any of it, the flames, the strength, the healing. All of it. You should be proud."
She looked surprised. "Proud? I hurt you, nearly burnt down the castle, exposed myself to all those fae. What is there to be proud of?"
He took her hand. "Most of the Fae in that room couldn't even dream of the power you have and you've only been to the Underground once. So you need some lessons in self control. I don't blame you for loosing your temper at Cassandra after she's been at you since she's been her."
"But I hurt you."
Jareth laughed. "Trust me. I've had much worse and you healed me didn't you."
She nodded. "Well, then. No harm done."
She looked up at him and then started. "Oh shit. Cyros. Take us to the library."
Jareth did so and when they arrived Sarah was dismayed at Cyros' lack of presence. The both whirled around when they heard a clinking behind them and Sarah groaned.
She ran over to where Cyros was sitting against the wall and removed the bottle from his hand. She smoothed back some damp hair from his face. "Hey, you said you wouldn't move a muscle. You promised."
He blinked at her. "Deepest apologies Mademoiselle. It's just, you were gone for so long."
"And I'm sorry for that. Look who I brought along."
She looked over to Jareth. "I think we need to get down to the kitchen. Give him some water and coffee."
Jareth nodded and moved over and helped Sarah lift Cyros of the ground. "Jareth old boy, good to see you."
Jareth transported them to the kitchen and put Cyros in one of the big chairs while Sarah put on the kettle.
"What the hell happened to get him in this state? Where's Ionnina?"
"She's scarpered mate. She's buggered off….again!"
"Oh."
Sarah turned and handed a mug of coffee to Cyros who took it in shaky hands. "Yeah. They had a fight and she disappeared in a poof of smoke."
Jareth nodded and stood across the table from Cyros. "Sounds like her style alright."
Sarah leaned against the counter as Cyros drank his coffee quietly. She glanced at Jareth, who was looking extremely tired, she noted. "Oh gods Jareth, I'm sorry about all of this. I know you've been stressed enough with that Underground business. Did you get it all sorted?"
He nodded wearily. "It seems some new residents were abusing some of the land so it decided to fight back. It was better that I dealt with it in person."
She went over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist and he rested his head on hers. "I'm sorry again. It''s been a hectic day, huh?"
She could hear his low laugh rumble in his chest. "So to speak, yes."
Sarah could sense how tired he was. She pulled back and looked him in the face. "Go to bed. Get some rest. I'll make sure Cyros gets where he needs to be and I'll see you in the morning. Ok?"
He nodded slowly. "Fine, but try to avoid the attempted murder of any aristocracy, ok?"
She gave him a frown. "I'm sorry ok. I just couldn't restrain myself. Just the knowledge that I could give her a permanent bad hair day was too much."
Jareth laughed again and drew her to him. "I know. You need to realise when I'm joking."
She gave him a mock glare. "I'm getting better. You're just lucky you already have permanent bad hair." He laughed again and headed for the door. "If I see Nadír or Etáin I shall send them down to help you." She smiled and kissed him lightly. "Thanks. The joys of not being the host, eh?"
He kissed her back and disappeared out the door.
Sarah moved to sit by Cyros. "How are you feeling?"
He blinked at her. "Slightly more coherent, I think. I thought you couldn't get a hangover until after you slept."
Sarah gave him a small grin. "Ahh, a mistake many have made. No, you can talk through the process too."
"Had experience have you?"
"I had my wild years."
"That I don't doubt."
Cyros placed his face in his hands. "I can't believe I've done it again. I really am a major fuck up."
The door swung open and Etáin marched in. "You got that right. How you manage to rule a kingdom on a day to day basis I will never go."
Cyros flinched at her loud voice as it echoed of the cold stone walls. "Ahh, Etáin. Ever a pleasure to have your input. I assume you have been talking to Ionnina."
Etáin came up to the table brusquely and slammed her hands down on the top. "You're damn right I have. What on earth, or the Underground were you thinking? Ionnina hasn't even so much as talked to Lorkán in a hundred years and you get jealous?"
Cyros averted his face from her accusing gaze. "He still loves her."
"And how do you know that? Gut instinct?"
Cyros looked back to her angrily.
"Because he told me so. That's how. Told me I didn't deserve her and that he'd be waiting when she came around. Said it was only a matter of time."
Etáin suddenly looked conflicted. "Gahh, I'm not sure who to be more angry at, him or you. How dare he?"
"That's what I said."
Etáin slumped into one of the chairs and looked over to Cyros. They exchanged melancholy glances. "Well, I don't know what's to be done. I understand why you reacted to him coming here but there's been too much damage to be repaired by a simple explanation. You know her. She'll be back when she's ready."
Cyros looked at Etáin forlornly. "I don't think she'll come back this time."
Etáin stood again and went over to his side of the table and began to get him to stand. "Don't be stupid." She said shortly. "You love her, she loves you. It'll all work out in the end. It'll be grand. Now what you need is sleep. Come on."
Sarah helped Etáin get Cyros to his room and they both left, shutting the door quietly. Sarah turned to Etáin, a serious look on her face.
"Listen, I'm really sorry about earlier, with Cassandra. I just couldn't control myself."
Etáin shook her head tiredly and swept her long dark hair back from her face. "It's alright. I'm not too happy about it and neither are some of the others, but then it was bound to happen sooner or later. A power like yours… Better that it happened here than in some completely Aboveground place. Can you imagine spontaneously bursting into flames on the metro because some bastard kept pushing you."
Sarah gave her a weak smile. "All the same, it shouldn't have happened at all and I am sorry. This is just going to cause more trouble, isn't it?"
Etáin nodded wearily. "You've made a powerful enemy tonight. Do not underestimate her Bitchyness. She has some even more powerful friends."
Sarah sighed as the two began to walk along the corridor. "Leaving that cow aside, what about the others? How will they take the news that I can do that?"
Etáin gave her a calculating look. "Sarah, I am not going to lie to you. Some of them will not be happy. Some of them may even move to have you magik stripped by the courts."
Sarah sucked in a breath but let her continue.
"Some will try to use you to their own advantage. You would be a powerful asset to any kingdom, there is doubt of that after your little display. Many will be jealous that you, a mortal born, have been given this and they may try to take it from you."
Sarah looked at her strangely.
"But I thought you said the magik chooses the person."
Etáin nodded. "True, but none of us anticipated that you had this much power. Enough power that people will want it for themselves. It is very difficult and fatal to you but it can be claimed by another." Sarah paled. "Maybe I should just leave. I've caused nothing but trouble for everyone here."
Etáin caught her arm. "Are you kidding? You have to stay here where we can keep an eye on you until the court acknowledges you. Until that time you are fair game. I won't let that happen."
"What do you mean about the court?"
Etáin opened a door that led to Sarah's room (this time.) She sat down on the window seat and motioned Sarah to sit beside her. Sarah felt the unease rise in the pit of her stomach. Etáin took Sarah's hand in her own.
"Sarah, this kind of power, it's never been seen in a mortal born. It carries with it some baggage."
"Like what?" Sarah was apprehensive.
"For one thing, you are no longer mortal. You are like the Fae. Immortal, it is doubtful you will physically age beyond this point. This may sound fine but you will have to.."
"…I'll have to watch my family age and die in front of me. Along with everyone else I ever knew." Etáin nodded. "Yes. You will be able to live out your life with them as you can make them think you are aging but eventually they will all be gone."
Sarah gave her a sad look. "What else?"
"Well, obviously you will carry certain responsibilities. If the court deems you worthy, you may even be given a kingdom. Many were left in a state of limbo after the war and are simply run by the court." Sarah sighed again and sat back. "My own kingdom, great. Just what I need. What does being acknowledged by the court mean?"
"They will call you before them and interview you. They will decide whether you are fit to join our society. I doubt you will have any problems there. The majority of the court are fair."
Sarah gazed out the window as Etáin spoke. It seemed her rabbit hole was spiralling downwards at an alarming rate.
"…on Cassandra's side."
"Right."
"Are you even listening?"
"Of course. What about this people asking for the court to strip me of my magik?"
Etáin shook her head. "You won't have a problem there. The only ground they have is that you are mortal and have no mastery of your powers. You have already mastered more that the basics without prompting so with a few lessons you'll be a pro but we should get started because I have no doubt you will be called up."
"Great. And the other person claiming my magik thing?"
Etáin's face darkened in the fire light. "That…" She said in disgust. "Is highly illegal and punishable by death among the Fae but unfortunately it is still a concern."
She saw the scared look on Sarah's face and laid a hand on Sarah's arm. "We will do everything in our power to keep you safe until you have fully bonded with your magik and are able to protect yourself. Don't worry. That will not take long. I have a feeling you would not be fun to attack in a dark ally. Third degree burns don't cover the damage you could do."
"Gee thanks for reminding me."
Etáin laughed softly. "Sarah, fire can be a constructive force, not just destructive. You can…but we'll start the lessons tomorrow. You have had a phenomenally long day. Get some rest."
"Best thing I've heard all day."
Etáin left Sarah alone with her very confused and full thoughts. This was not what she had expected when she came on this trip.
Sarah lay in bed and tossed the covers off. She had been lying there for over an hour and she still couldn't get to sleep. She grabbed her dressing gown and headed for the door. A walk would help clear her head. She stepped out the door, but opposed to finding herself in a corridor she found her self in Jareth's bedroom. She could make out his sleeping form in the dark, his blond hair catching the light from a sliver of moon light that made its way through the curtains.
She shrugged as she made her way to the bed. The door obviously knew things she didn't.
Who was she to object.
She slipped under the covers slowly, trying not to wake Jareth. Once she had settled an arm slid around her middle and she was pulled against Jareth's hard chest. She put her head down on the pillow and closed her eyes.
"You know this is highly improper?" he murmured sleepily against the back of her neck.
"Oh stop complaining. I couldn't sleep."
"You thought this was the way to get sleep? Are you sure you weren't the one drinking tonight?"
"Ha ha. Now just shut up and go to sleep."
End Chap.
Well? Any reason for complaint there?
