Bwa ha! Chapter 10 has arrived. I feel so productive. Anyway, enjoy the latest installment, and let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: I don't own Labyrinth, or any of the characters that Jim Henson and Co. created. Boom baby.
Between Dreams and Reality
By Lyra Matsuoka
Rated PG-13
Chapter 10 : The Past Returns
Luster reappeared in her private bedchamber and sank to the bed. She allowed herself a brief moment of despair. There was nothing that could be done now...the power was awake. She could feel it now, straining towards its mate. She knew that from now until the moment she and Kemal were together forever, her power would seek his. And that meant that she would seek Kemal. It was not an ideal situation, but experience had taught her that a certain amount of distance would assist her levels of control. Luster felt fury begin to burn in the pit of her stomach, and she stoked the fire by adding bits of memory to the flame. Rage burned through her, pure and clear and blissfully uncomplicated. It cleared her head and set her path.
Shaking herself briefly, Luster turned her attention to the preparations for the Midsummer Nights Ball. It was in less than a week, so time was of the essence. Luster picked up the guest list, and began planning seating arrangements for the banquet, throwing herself into the delicate balance of etiquette and personal preference as the light faded from the Labyrinth.
Long after darkness had fallen, Luster rose to light another candle and happened to glance down into the garden. The beauty of the night was evident, but Luster did not see the landscape. She turned her eyes toward the stars and crossed her arms over her chest. The silver sigil gleamed in the moonlight as silence covered the world.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kemal stretched out on his bed, pondering his options. The afternoon had been productive in more ways than one. He had reawakened the power in Luster, rebuilt the connection to the Throne of Light that she had been trying to sever. It was permanent now; the Throne would be ready for any tricks she might try. Yet the victory was hollow. Luster would resist, and she had the right to do so. Theirs was not a normal connection, and theirs would be no ordinary marriage. These details needed to be seen to, sure enough.
But other things pressed on his mind. Rising, he went to the mirror and passed a hand over it.
"Your Majesty? I need a moment of your time."
An elegant older woman looked back at him, blue eyes sharp and vigilant. The nine-pointed silver star on her forehead shone almost white, and Kemal bowed toward her.
"Your Majesty."
"Greetings, Kemal. Tell me, what news of my granddaughter?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
For Sarah, the days blended together in a haze of writing, meeting new people and trying on dozens of gowns. The Midsummer Night Ball, she had been informed, was a tradition of epic proportions and the slightest details of her dress could not be overlooked. Sarah smiled and tolerated these exchanges with the seamstress, assuring the Elfish woman that whatever the dress looked like she would adore it. Her relationship with Jareth was tempestuous at times - they were both stubborn and willful, a combination that did not make for a peaceful existence.
It had been Jareth who had insisted that Sarah needed not only a ball gown, but an entire new wardrobe. And so it was that Sarah found herself standing on a stool gazing at her reflection. Her mirror self was draped in a burgundy satin with dangling border of jet-black beads. It was stunning. And a little frightening - just thinking about wearing it tonight was enough to send a cold tingle down her spine.
"I'm actually supposed to be able to move in this? I'll break it," Sarah muttered. The trim was a delicate design of swirls and peaks that swayed and glittered whenever she moved. The sheer opulence of the outfit was mind boggling.
"You won't break it. Of that you may be certain. This dress will be spelled seven ways from Wednesday to insure that nothing will stain, rip or wrinkle this gown," Luster said from the doorway. "It's tradition."
"That's fine by me, as long as the spells don't weigh the dress down. I would like to be able to move," Sarah replied, looking back toward the mirror. The bodice seemed a little tight...
"If I have to wear a corset I'll mutiny. I'll organize a revolt and hold the Labyrinth hostage," Sarah stated, the awful notion of wearing one of those devices flitting through her mind. The seamstress seemed shocked, which was nothing new. The poor woman had been walking around with pursed lips and a frown ever since Sarah had voiced the opinion that breeches were far more sensible for riding than a bulky riding habit.
"The dress will be finished by tonight, my lady," the woman said, stripping Sarah of the nearly finished garment and gathering up the tools of her trade. Luster nodded and moved to one side as the seamstress swept from the room, nose in the air.
"Oh dear me. I do believe I've shocked her," Sarah said dryly, reaching for her shirt. Luster shrugged.
"It'll be good for her. That woman hasn't been upset since the Great Wars. She's very talented and something of a snob. I do believe that she doesn't quite know which box to stick you in."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It was intended as one."
"That's alright then," Sarah tossed a grin over her shoulder and was surprised to see that Luster was staring out the window. "Luster? What is it?"
"The entourage from Summerhaven has arrived," Luster replied, her voice trembling lightly. Sarah walked quickly over to the window and peered down. She saw nothing.
"I don't see anyone," Sarah said softly, and Luster turned to the mirror.
"Show the front gate."
The mirror emitted a gentle blue glow as smoke swirled just beneath the surface. When the smoke cleared, Sarah saw the front gates of the Goblin Castle, and four silver coaches drawing up to the portcullis. It was a stunning sight, and as Sarah watched, Prince Kemal appeared from within the castle. He walked to the side door of the most ornate coach, opened the door and bowed while offering his hand. A sharp looking older woman exited the coach, took Kemal's arm and walked with him into the castle. The two of them laughed just before they disappeared.
"I'm impressed," Sarah said as the smoke swirled across the surface of the mirror once more. "That was quite the entrance."
"Of course it was. Never do anything by halves when magic is so very effective." Luster's eyes flashed as she bit the words off. Sarah turned to her in surprise and was shocked to see tears shimmering in her friend's eyes.
"Luster, what's wrong?" Comprehension came in a flash. "Was that your..."
"Grandmother? Yes indeed. And likely my mother and father have arrived as well. Kemal has certainly mustered the troops. The whole damn entourage is people that I knew..."
"And missed?" Sarah nodded slowly. "Families...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em."
"Tell me about it," Luster said, brushing the tears from her eyes. There was a long silence, not oppressive but quiet and contemplative. It seemed that neither woman knew what to say.
"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," Sarah offered, not really knowing what prompted her to do so. Her family was not a topic she often discussed. There was another silence. Luster nodded after a moment and Sarah began.
"My father remarried when I was fourteen. By the time I was fifteen he had a whole family that didn't include me. He had a new wife, new friends, a new son...he didn't need me. That's why I wished Toby away. I was so hurt that my father had forgotten about me. Karen wasn't so bad, I suppose, but God almighty...she represented all the changes in my life. Everything I hated. I transferred that anger to Toby and wham, bam. There I was in the Labyrinth. Crazy."
Luster and Sarah both sat on the opposite sides of the bed, leaning back so that their legs dangled and their heads were close together.
"I've gone home for holidays and stuff, and I exchange letters and phone calls. But sometimes I feel like my dad and I are just going through the motions of a father-daughter relationship. Maybe that's why I don't miss him," Sarah mused. "I wondered about that. I really don't miss my old life. Must be because I don't really know my dad anymore, and I never really knew Toby or Karen. I miss the person my dad was, not the person that he is. And I've missed the guy that he was for so long that it doesn't hurt so much anymore."
Luster turned her head to meet Sarah's gaze. Blue eyes met green.
"Why did you tell me that?" Luster asked softly. Sarah shrugged and turned her head away.
"You were hurting. I wanted you to know that you weren't alone. I wanted to help."
"You did," Luster replied. "And fair is fair. Besides, it isn't as if my life is a closed and locked book. Everyone in the kingdoms must know my story by now."
"My parents are still a couple. Mated, I guess you could say. Joined. I was raised knowing that I would someday rule Summerhaven. And then one day it all went to hell."
Luster paused, and Sarah didn't push. After a few moments of silence Luster continued.
"I wasn't young when things fell apart. Well not young by mortal standards. 1350 isn't terribly old to a unicorn. I suppose the equivalent would be eighteen or so to a mortal. I think we age about one year every 75 mortal years. It was my grandmothers birthday, though she refused to say how old she was. I was to be declared her formal heir at that celebration. And that was the night that Kemal appeared. He was beautiful, just a few years older than I, and I thought him arrogant, hotheaded and just a little too bold. I liked him immediately. We danced, talked, laughed together. And my grandmother announced that I was her heir. Everything seemed perfect. A little too perfect, now that I look back on it.
That night the Thrones of Fire and Light awoke. I was drawn from my chambers to the Crystal Room, and I met Kemal outside the doors. We opened them together, entered together.
It was the most beautiful and perfect thing I'd ever seen or felt. Magic, pure magic rolled through me. There was a connection to something greater than myself, and I reveled in it. Turned myself over to it. It was marvelous. But that's all I remember. I don't remember fainting, or screaming, or crying or laughing. I don't remember anything after Kemal and I walked into that room."
Luster paused again and stood, pacing to the window.
"Anything could have happened. Anything at all. I woke up on the floor of the Crystal Room with Kemal. We were tangled around each other, but I'm not sure how we got that way. Our fathers found us there, with the Thrones still singing softly. The betrothal was announced that same day. Kemal was declared co-heir and the wedding plans were set in motion. It was a dizzying experience. There was so much activity that I didn't really think about that night until the evening before my wedding. And when I thought on it, I dropped everything and ran. Ran away from home, like a frightened child. I left a note, of course, giving up my right to Summerhaven, asking only that I be left in peace. I hid for some time in the Mountains of Ice, gathering myself together, learning. I've visited all the kingdoms, seen much of the Aboveworld, and I haven't been home in years. I thought I'd made my peace with it, but seeing them...all of them, here and now..."
Sarah stood and walked to Luster, placing a hand on her shoulder. The comfort was silent and easy. It was friend to friend.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Some time later, Sarah found herself wandering the halls of the castle. She turned a corner, immersed in her own thoughts and feelings, searching for Jareth with one eye and keeping her inner self focused. Turning a corner, Sarah heard the musical ring of elfin voices and rolled her eyes. All she had received from most of these guests was the utmost in courtesy, but some of them refused to afford her a smile or a kind word. They seemed to regard her as below them in some fashion. Which, Sarah mused, if she had been guaranteed a life long enough to rival the stars themselves, she might have been a bit of snob as well. Sarah continued past the group of tittering ladies, smiling coolly in response to their simpering eyes.
"Really. Who does she think she is?" one of them said, making no attempt to be circumspect.
Sarah rolled her eyes and continued past.
"Did you hear that there is a mortal in our midst?"
Sarah froze.
"It hasn't been widely mentioned, but I've heard whispers that it's true."
"Have you scryed for a human?" another woman asked in a hushed whisper.
"I have. And it's true. There *is* a human here. It's well protected though. Powerful spells are shielding it. I had to scry for an hour, and even then I only got a hint. But it's here. I can sense its presence."
"I wouldn't worry about it," came the airy response. "Any human left in the Underground will either be absorbed by the magic of the Labyrinth or will die. So either way, it won't be a problem in a week or so."
Laughing, the women disappeared around a corner, never noticing that Sarah stood frozen in the center of the hallway. For a moment Sarah concentrated on breathing, willing away the spots that danced in front of her eyes. And she was galvanized into action, seeking Jareth.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Is it true?" Sarah asked quietly, an hour or so later. Her search for Jareth had ended in his study, and seeing her distress, the Goblin King had dismissed those who hovered around him. Through the last hour Sarah had watched his face grow grimmer and grimmer as her story unfolded. And even as she asked the question, Sarah knew the answer. But Jareth had not answered. Wordlessly he rose from his chair and walked to the settee Sarah was perched on. He sat beside her and folded her into his arms, holding her to his heart as though he might be forced to let her go entirely. The medallions clinked and Sarah was greeted with a rush of thoughts and emotions as Jareth made no attempt to shield his mind from her. Sarah clenched her jaw.
It was true. Not entirely, but it was possible that Sarah would fade and perish in the Underground. But Jareth had refused to believe that fate would be so cruel a second time. Not to them - they were Jareth and Sarah, the Goblin King and the mortal, villain and hero, magic and imagination. They were destined for one another, and Sarah felt a single tear trickle out of the corner of her eye at the simple beauty of that thought. He would not let her go.
"How can I stay?" she asked in a whisper.
"There are procedures, spells that the Council wields. If they so choose, they may blur the boundaries between mortality and eternal life."
"Would they do it?" There was a pause. Jareth's eyes turned to ice, and melted into pools of something similar to despair.
"It is unlikely."
Sarah heard a steely note of fury in his voice and raised her eyes to his. Jareth's face had become an implacable mask. She nodded against his chest and attempted to relax.
"Luster is on her way," he murmured against her hair, and Sarah turned her face toward the door.
"They will not turn her," Luster said, entering the study quietly and shutting the door with care.
"I know that. They are determined to see me suffer," Jareth hissed.
"You represent change. And you took me in when the others would have forced me home. You must be punished," Luster said, a wry tilt to her mouth. Jareth nodded jerkily. "And so we are left with ourselves, as we started."
"How long will your charm hold her here?"
"That charm was tied to you and her, not to me. She could stay as long as she liked, but for the Law. She cannot stay here and remain human."
"On that we are agreed." Both figures faced each other, Sarah momentarily forgotten.
"And so we are two, both with strong magical capabilities. You cannot turn her. She will need you during the time of her transformation."
"I could..."
"She will be comatose, Jareth! Defenseless. And when she awakens her magical powers will need training. We have no way of predicting what they will be or how they will manifest. She needs you," Luster finished, walking to the window and looking out over the Labyrinth.
"You cannot do it by yourself!"
"Excuse me. Hi. Remember me?" Sarah said. "What exactly are the two of you discussing?"
Luster sighed and raised one hand to her forehead.
"The Council is in control of which mortals become Fae not because they alone hold the spells, but because they alone have the power to accomplish such a feat. There are a few magical beings who might be able to gather together and work such magic, but the list is short and few on it would feel inspired to do so. Jareth and I could succeed if we worked together, but we are unable to do that."
"Why?"
"Because the transformation is harsh on the body and spirit. You would be unconscious for the better part of six months, and in that time you would be powerless against outside forces. Someone must protect you, and the penalties for attempting this feat are such that only one of us may endeavor to undertake it."
"And you must be ready, Sarah. If you are not, the spell would snuff the life from you as easily as you would blow out a candle," Jareth added, his eyes grave.
Sarah nodded and stood. "Time to get ready for the ball," she said low. Luster and Jareth exchanged a glance and nodded. Sarah preceded the two of them out the door and walked quietly back to her room. There was no time to think or plan or ask questions. There was only time to act.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The End.
Of Chapter 10 that is...it was so long that I had to divide it into two chapters. Good times, good times. But Chapter 11 will be up shortly, I promise.
Please review. Let me know what you think! Or email me!
lyrasoze@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I don't own Labyrinth, or any of the characters that Jim Henson and Co. created. Boom baby.
Between Dreams and Reality
By Lyra Matsuoka
Rated PG-13
Chapter 10 : The Past Returns
Luster reappeared in her private bedchamber and sank to the bed. She allowed herself a brief moment of despair. There was nothing that could be done now...the power was awake. She could feel it now, straining towards its mate. She knew that from now until the moment she and Kemal were together forever, her power would seek his. And that meant that she would seek Kemal. It was not an ideal situation, but experience had taught her that a certain amount of distance would assist her levels of control. Luster felt fury begin to burn in the pit of her stomach, and she stoked the fire by adding bits of memory to the flame. Rage burned through her, pure and clear and blissfully uncomplicated. It cleared her head and set her path.
Shaking herself briefly, Luster turned her attention to the preparations for the Midsummer Nights Ball. It was in less than a week, so time was of the essence. Luster picked up the guest list, and began planning seating arrangements for the banquet, throwing herself into the delicate balance of etiquette and personal preference as the light faded from the Labyrinth.
Long after darkness had fallen, Luster rose to light another candle and happened to glance down into the garden. The beauty of the night was evident, but Luster did not see the landscape. She turned her eyes toward the stars and crossed her arms over her chest. The silver sigil gleamed in the moonlight as silence covered the world.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kemal stretched out on his bed, pondering his options. The afternoon had been productive in more ways than one. He had reawakened the power in Luster, rebuilt the connection to the Throne of Light that she had been trying to sever. It was permanent now; the Throne would be ready for any tricks she might try. Yet the victory was hollow. Luster would resist, and she had the right to do so. Theirs was not a normal connection, and theirs would be no ordinary marriage. These details needed to be seen to, sure enough.
But other things pressed on his mind. Rising, he went to the mirror and passed a hand over it.
"Your Majesty? I need a moment of your time."
An elegant older woman looked back at him, blue eyes sharp and vigilant. The nine-pointed silver star on her forehead shone almost white, and Kemal bowed toward her.
"Your Majesty."
"Greetings, Kemal. Tell me, what news of my granddaughter?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
For Sarah, the days blended together in a haze of writing, meeting new people and trying on dozens of gowns. The Midsummer Night Ball, she had been informed, was a tradition of epic proportions and the slightest details of her dress could not be overlooked. Sarah smiled and tolerated these exchanges with the seamstress, assuring the Elfish woman that whatever the dress looked like she would adore it. Her relationship with Jareth was tempestuous at times - they were both stubborn and willful, a combination that did not make for a peaceful existence.
It had been Jareth who had insisted that Sarah needed not only a ball gown, but an entire new wardrobe. And so it was that Sarah found herself standing on a stool gazing at her reflection. Her mirror self was draped in a burgundy satin with dangling border of jet-black beads. It was stunning. And a little frightening - just thinking about wearing it tonight was enough to send a cold tingle down her spine.
"I'm actually supposed to be able to move in this? I'll break it," Sarah muttered. The trim was a delicate design of swirls and peaks that swayed and glittered whenever she moved. The sheer opulence of the outfit was mind boggling.
"You won't break it. Of that you may be certain. This dress will be spelled seven ways from Wednesday to insure that nothing will stain, rip or wrinkle this gown," Luster said from the doorway. "It's tradition."
"That's fine by me, as long as the spells don't weigh the dress down. I would like to be able to move," Sarah replied, looking back toward the mirror. The bodice seemed a little tight...
"If I have to wear a corset I'll mutiny. I'll organize a revolt and hold the Labyrinth hostage," Sarah stated, the awful notion of wearing one of those devices flitting through her mind. The seamstress seemed shocked, which was nothing new. The poor woman had been walking around with pursed lips and a frown ever since Sarah had voiced the opinion that breeches were far more sensible for riding than a bulky riding habit.
"The dress will be finished by tonight, my lady," the woman said, stripping Sarah of the nearly finished garment and gathering up the tools of her trade. Luster nodded and moved to one side as the seamstress swept from the room, nose in the air.
"Oh dear me. I do believe I've shocked her," Sarah said dryly, reaching for her shirt. Luster shrugged.
"It'll be good for her. That woman hasn't been upset since the Great Wars. She's very talented and something of a snob. I do believe that she doesn't quite know which box to stick you in."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It was intended as one."
"That's alright then," Sarah tossed a grin over her shoulder and was surprised to see that Luster was staring out the window. "Luster? What is it?"
"The entourage from Summerhaven has arrived," Luster replied, her voice trembling lightly. Sarah walked quickly over to the window and peered down. She saw nothing.
"I don't see anyone," Sarah said softly, and Luster turned to the mirror.
"Show the front gate."
The mirror emitted a gentle blue glow as smoke swirled just beneath the surface. When the smoke cleared, Sarah saw the front gates of the Goblin Castle, and four silver coaches drawing up to the portcullis. It was a stunning sight, and as Sarah watched, Prince Kemal appeared from within the castle. He walked to the side door of the most ornate coach, opened the door and bowed while offering his hand. A sharp looking older woman exited the coach, took Kemal's arm and walked with him into the castle. The two of them laughed just before they disappeared.
"I'm impressed," Sarah said as the smoke swirled across the surface of the mirror once more. "That was quite the entrance."
"Of course it was. Never do anything by halves when magic is so very effective." Luster's eyes flashed as she bit the words off. Sarah turned to her in surprise and was shocked to see tears shimmering in her friend's eyes.
"Luster, what's wrong?" Comprehension came in a flash. "Was that your..."
"Grandmother? Yes indeed. And likely my mother and father have arrived as well. Kemal has certainly mustered the troops. The whole damn entourage is people that I knew..."
"And missed?" Sarah nodded slowly. "Families...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em."
"Tell me about it," Luster said, brushing the tears from her eyes. There was a long silence, not oppressive but quiet and contemplative. It seemed that neither woman knew what to say.
"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," Sarah offered, not really knowing what prompted her to do so. Her family was not a topic she often discussed. There was another silence. Luster nodded after a moment and Sarah began.
"My father remarried when I was fourteen. By the time I was fifteen he had a whole family that didn't include me. He had a new wife, new friends, a new son...he didn't need me. That's why I wished Toby away. I was so hurt that my father had forgotten about me. Karen wasn't so bad, I suppose, but God almighty...she represented all the changes in my life. Everything I hated. I transferred that anger to Toby and wham, bam. There I was in the Labyrinth. Crazy."
Luster and Sarah both sat on the opposite sides of the bed, leaning back so that their legs dangled and their heads were close together.
"I've gone home for holidays and stuff, and I exchange letters and phone calls. But sometimes I feel like my dad and I are just going through the motions of a father-daughter relationship. Maybe that's why I don't miss him," Sarah mused. "I wondered about that. I really don't miss my old life. Must be because I don't really know my dad anymore, and I never really knew Toby or Karen. I miss the person my dad was, not the person that he is. And I've missed the guy that he was for so long that it doesn't hurt so much anymore."
Luster turned her head to meet Sarah's gaze. Blue eyes met green.
"Why did you tell me that?" Luster asked softly. Sarah shrugged and turned her head away.
"You were hurting. I wanted you to know that you weren't alone. I wanted to help."
"You did," Luster replied. "And fair is fair. Besides, it isn't as if my life is a closed and locked book. Everyone in the kingdoms must know my story by now."
"My parents are still a couple. Mated, I guess you could say. Joined. I was raised knowing that I would someday rule Summerhaven. And then one day it all went to hell."
Luster paused, and Sarah didn't push. After a few moments of silence Luster continued.
"I wasn't young when things fell apart. Well not young by mortal standards. 1350 isn't terribly old to a unicorn. I suppose the equivalent would be eighteen or so to a mortal. I think we age about one year every 75 mortal years. It was my grandmothers birthday, though she refused to say how old she was. I was to be declared her formal heir at that celebration. And that was the night that Kemal appeared. He was beautiful, just a few years older than I, and I thought him arrogant, hotheaded and just a little too bold. I liked him immediately. We danced, talked, laughed together. And my grandmother announced that I was her heir. Everything seemed perfect. A little too perfect, now that I look back on it.
That night the Thrones of Fire and Light awoke. I was drawn from my chambers to the Crystal Room, and I met Kemal outside the doors. We opened them together, entered together.
It was the most beautiful and perfect thing I'd ever seen or felt. Magic, pure magic rolled through me. There was a connection to something greater than myself, and I reveled in it. Turned myself over to it. It was marvelous. But that's all I remember. I don't remember fainting, or screaming, or crying or laughing. I don't remember anything after Kemal and I walked into that room."
Luster paused again and stood, pacing to the window.
"Anything could have happened. Anything at all. I woke up on the floor of the Crystal Room with Kemal. We were tangled around each other, but I'm not sure how we got that way. Our fathers found us there, with the Thrones still singing softly. The betrothal was announced that same day. Kemal was declared co-heir and the wedding plans were set in motion. It was a dizzying experience. There was so much activity that I didn't really think about that night until the evening before my wedding. And when I thought on it, I dropped everything and ran. Ran away from home, like a frightened child. I left a note, of course, giving up my right to Summerhaven, asking only that I be left in peace. I hid for some time in the Mountains of Ice, gathering myself together, learning. I've visited all the kingdoms, seen much of the Aboveworld, and I haven't been home in years. I thought I'd made my peace with it, but seeing them...all of them, here and now..."
Sarah stood and walked to Luster, placing a hand on her shoulder. The comfort was silent and easy. It was friend to friend.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Some time later, Sarah found herself wandering the halls of the castle. She turned a corner, immersed in her own thoughts and feelings, searching for Jareth with one eye and keeping her inner self focused. Turning a corner, Sarah heard the musical ring of elfin voices and rolled her eyes. All she had received from most of these guests was the utmost in courtesy, but some of them refused to afford her a smile or a kind word. They seemed to regard her as below them in some fashion. Which, Sarah mused, if she had been guaranteed a life long enough to rival the stars themselves, she might have been a bit of snob as well. Sarah continued past the group of tittering ladies, smiling coolly in response to their simpering eyes.
"Really. Who does she think she is?" one of them said, making no attempt to be circumspect.
Sarah rolled her eyes and continued past.
"Did you hear that there is a mortal in our midst?"
Sarah froze.
"It hasn't been widely mentioned, but I've heard whispers that it's true."
"Have you scryed for a human?" another woman asked in a hushed whisper.
"I have. And it's true. There *is* a human here. It's well protected though. Powerful spells are shielding it. I had to scry for an hour, and even then I only got a hint. But it's here. I can sense its presence."
"I wouldn't worry about it," came the airy response. "Any human left in the Underground will either be absorbed by the magic of the Labyrinth or will die. So either way, it won't be a problem in a week or so."
Laughing, the women disappeared around a corner, never noticing that Sarah stood frozen in the center of the hallway. For a moment Sarah concentrated on breathing, willing away the spots that danced in front of her eyes. And she was galvanized into action, seeking Jareth.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Is it true?" Sarah asked quietly, an hour or so later. Her search for Jareth had ended in his study, and seeing her distress, the Goblin King had dismissed those who hovered around him. Through the last hour Sarah had watched his face grow grimmer and grimmer as her story unfolded. And even as she asked the question, Sarah knew the answer. But Jareth had not answered. Wordlessly he rose from his chair and walked to the settee Sarah was perched on. He sat beside her and folded her into his arms, holding her to his heart as though he might be forced to let her go entirely. The medallions clinked and Sarah was greeted with a rush of thoughts and emotions as Jareth made no attempt to shield his mind from her. Sarah clenched her jaw.
It was true. Not entirely, but it was possible that Sarah would fade and perish in the Underground. But Jareth had refused to believe that fate would be so cruel a second time. Not to them - they were Jareth and Sarah, the Goblin King and the mortal, villain and hero, magic and imagination. They were destined for one another, and Sarah felt a single tear trickle out of the corner of her eye at the simple beauty of that thought. He would not let her go.
"How can I stay?" she asked in a whisper.
"There are procedures, spells that the Council wields. If they so choose, they may blur the boundaries between mortality and eternal life."
"Would they do it?" There was a pause. Jareth's eyes turned to ice, and melted into pools of something similar to despair.
"It is unlikely."
Sarah heard a steely note of fury in his voice and raised her eyes to his. Jareth's face had become an implacable mask. She nodded against his chest and attempted to relax.
"Luster is on her way," he murmured against her hair, and Sarah turned her face toward the door.
"They will not turn her," Luster said, entering the study quietly and shutting the door with care.
"I know that. They are determined to see me suffer," Jareth hissed.
"You represent change. And you took me in when the others would have forced me home. You must be punished," Luster said, a wry tilt to her mouth. Jareth nodded jerkily. "And so we are left with ourselves, as we started."
"How long will your charm hold her here?"
"That charm was tied to you and her, not to me. She could stay as long as she liked, but for the Law. She cannot stay here and remain human."
"On that we are agreed." Both figures faced each other, Sarah momentarily forgotten.
"And so we are two, both with strong magical capabilities. You cannot turn her. She will need you during the time of her transformation."
"I could..."
"She will be comatose, Jareth! Defenseless. And when she awakens her magical powers will need training. We have no way of predicting what they will be or how they will manifest. She needs you," Luster finished, walking to the window and looking out over the Labyrinth.
"You cannot do it by yourself!"
"Excuse me. Hi. Remember me?" Sarah said. "What exactly are the two of you discussing?"
Luster sighed and raised one hand to her forehead.
"The Council is in control of which mortals become Fae not because they alone hold the spells, but because they alone have the power to accomplish such a feat. There are a few magical beings who might be able to gather together and work such magic, but the list is short and few on it would feel inspired to do so. Jareth and I could succeed if we worked together, but we are unable to do that."
"Why?"
"Because the transformation is harsh on the body and spirit. You would be unconscious for the better part of six months, and in that time you would be powerless against outside forces. Someone must protect you, and the penalties for attempting this feat are such that only one of us may endeavor to undertake it."
"And you must be ready, Sarah. If you are not, the spell would snuff the life from you as easily as you would blow out a candle," Jareth added, his eyes grave.
Sarah nodded and stood. "Time to get ready for the ball," she said low. Luster and Jareth exchanged a glance and nodded. Sarah preceded the two of them out the door and walked quietly back to her room. There was no time to think or plan or ask questions. There was only time to act.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The End.
Of Chapter 10 that is...it was so long that I had to divide it into two chapters. Good times, good times. But Chapter 11 will be up shortly, I promise.
Please review. Let me know what you think! Or email me!
lyrasoze@hotmail.com