Disclaimer applies still. Thanks for all the kind words.

CRASH!

That was the - fifteenth crystal that had shattered in the last five minutes, by Moira's calculations. She'd quit actively counting after eight, actually.

"Jareth-- throwing things and," she paused as a goblin sailed past, "kicking goblins is not going to help anything. Has it made you feel any better? At all?"

The king grew still in his restless pacing. "No. However, I do think it keeps me from feeling worse. "

Brushing a stray hair out of her eyes, the Queen Mother sighed. "I sincerely doubt that, my son. "

"Emilek is turning her against me! And he WILL hurt her, you know that."

Moira winced as another orb smashed beyond her head. "First of all- if she can so easily be turned, then the love is not true in any case, so in an unfortunately ironic way, your father's son is doing you a favor." She would not acknowledge that little prick as any child of hers. Three globes smashed before she could speak again and hope to be heard. "Second- stop that- or I'll forget what I was going to say second! Now, then. She is understandably confused- and once she can talk to one of us, will see good sense."

"That is days away!" However, Jareth did not smash anything, though his mutinous mien made it clear he wished to.

"Perhaps you should not have promised her then- however, if you break your word, you will only prove Emilek's words to have some verisimilitude. I would offer, but the promise extended to me as well, therefore, I can do naught, except advise you in the future, do not bind me in your oaths."

"Technically, you are not bound to a promise you did not make," Jareth suggested slyly.

"Don't be silly. Of course I am- even though I am Queen Mother and Regent if you are in exile- and do not do that to me again!- or ill-- as your subject, I am bound to your vows."

A long streak of curses erupted. When it was over, Moira unblinkingly suggested, "However- there is an older bond that might serve you well. Hoggle, Didymus, all those who befriended Sarah on her journey to the Labyrinth may come to her when she needs them."

"Would that include ME?" Jareth asked hopefully.

Moira considered. "Possibly, on a technical detail, however, the line is blurry - I would not advise crossing it. Just send Hoggle. I know you dislike him, but Ludo is not eloquent by any imagination, and Didymus is too much so. You witnessed what that creature implied, therefore, you know what she will need to know. What she mostly needs to remember is you love her."

"She knows that! Or should!"

"It is nice to hear, still. Trust me, I am a woman, I know these things."

Jareth sighed, then yelled, "HOGWART."

Sarah was confused enough and frightened enough of the idea that Jareth's brother might take the stage again to call in sick. Mr. Welles was upset and concerned, but admitted her understudy would likely be relieved to get a chance to perform. She then, in a superstitious fit, placed crosses near every door or window or mirror.

When he entered through the mirror, Hoggle knocked one over. "Sarah?"

Hearing the noise, she hurried in from the living room. "Hoggle? What are you doing here?"

"Well, ah- you said when you's needs any of us, we could come see ya- every now and then anyway. An' looks like you needs us, so I'm here."

"Did Jareth send you?"

"Well, uh, yeah. But - you know I don't like that rat. But I like how good you two are fer each other - so- anyway. I'm only hear because of you needing me, not because of him telling me, except he had to let me know about it. And since you said he couldn't see you fer a few more days yet, well - I was able to come and he can't without breaking his vow. He can keep an eye on you, and saw what his scum brother said."

"Is it true?" Sarah asked bleakly.

"Kinder, but not so much as he said it was. Uh, look, Sarah, the king - he ain't perfect. So, there is some bad in him, but there's some bad in everyone who ain't The Boss Upstairs. Just one little flaw's 'nuf to make 'm vulnerable, y'know? But he's not bad, through n' through like that brother of his'n. " Hoggle hoped he'd got it all right.

"Can Emile use me to hurt Jareth?" her voice was even more desolate.

"Sure. Emilek's his name, by the by. He can use anyone. But only if'n you lets 'm. "

Sarah sighed. "Can I revoke what I said?"

"Cor, Sarah. 'ave I made you mad?" Hoggle looked distressed.

"Not about needing you- about- not letting Jareth come here."

"I dunno. Try and see." The dwarf shrugged. He'd given his message, best as he could, and beyond that was beyond him. Magic was for other folk.

"I wish- I wish Jareth would come here, now."

"Thought you'd never ask," a familiar voice drawled.