Chapter 11 is here and ready to go! Let's hear it for plot development!
Disclaimer : I've got nothing. Literally.
*...*Heartspeak/telepathy
"..." spoken words
Between Dreams and Reality
By Lyra Matsuoka
Rated PG-13
Chapter 11 : Choices Made
Sarah sat impatiently as a small goblin female put the last touches of makeup on her face. Uncertain about the goblins under the best circumstances, Sarah was downright terrified now that one of them had been placed in charge of making her presentable for the evening. Admittedly, the loose pile of hair affixed with diamond clips didn't look half bad, and her dress was exquisite, but allowing someone else to put makeup on her wasn't something Sarah had done in years.
It wasn't outside the realm of possibility that she would end this makeup sitting the same way as those sessions in high school...looking like Bozo the Clown.
Fidgeting slightly only got her a reproving glare. After what seemed like ages, the goblin woman stepped back, allowing Sarah an unfettered view of her reflection. And Sarah smiled. The makeup was understated in places, extravagant in others. Her eyes seemed larger, her mouth more vulnerable, her cheekbones higher. The effect of the cosmetics combined with the dress and the hair was stunning. Nothing like Bozo the Clown, Sarah thought with satisfaction and relief. The goblin woman nodded once, a smartly contented nod before moving away to gather up various items of clothing, accessories and knickknacks that had fallen victim to the ageless ceremony of dressing for a party.
Sarah stood slowly, shaking her head back and forth to test the solidity of the hairstyle. The laws of gravity didn't seem to apply, as the graceful loops and coils seemed that they would shiver apart if anyone breathed on them, and yet refused to come loose no matter how hard Sarah shook her head.
"Better than hairspray and mousse combined," Sarah muttered, taking one last look in the mirror. "Thank you," she said to the small maid, watching with amusement as the goblin squeaked and dropped the pile of clothing she had been carrying. Sarah turned to face the door and found Jareth standing in the doorway, looking sexy enough to melt an iceberg.
"My clothing will be perpetually wrinkled if you keep scaring her," Sarah admonished, the sparkling humor in her eyes taking any sting out of her words.
"You will be hard pressed to find a goblin who doesn't harbor a little fear of me," Jareth said, his mouth twitching with amusement.
"You don't scare me," Sarah teased. "Perhaps I should give lessons. Or a seminar."
"You will do no such thing," Jareth responded in his most noble voice.
"And who is going to stop me?" Sarah returned, a mischievous smile on her lips.
"If your mouth is otherwise occupied, you will be unable to teach," Jareth said, his voice dropping to a lower register. Sarah recognized that tone, and felt her pulse respond. She moved closer to him, her hips swaying slightly, the rustle of her skirts the only other sound.
"Are you planning on keeping my mouth 'otherwise occupied?' That certainly sounds promising."
"It is my fondest wish. You are my fondest wish..." Jareth said softly as he pulled Sarah into the curve of his body. Their pendants met for a moment, sending an electric shock through the hearts and minds of both. Sarah looked into the multi-colored eyes of her only love and smiled. Her arms moved around his waist as his hand caressed her face, shoulder, collarbone, and then moving lower. His hand brushed the side of her breast, whispering along the silk as his head dipped lower and his forehead bumped lightly against hers.
"Watch the hair," she whispered just before she fused her mouth to his. Neither heard the door open and close softly as the goblin made herself scarce.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Midsummer Ball was an event looked forward to by the entire Underground. It was considered a great honor to be invited, crushing to be excluded, and a sweeping event of beauty that would be spoken of in hushed whispers for the rest of the year.
The Ball was moved through the kingdoms each year to prevent hostilities from arising - if that was possible. For the most part, the Ball was considered neutral territory. Feuds were set aside for the evening, enemies avoided each other without seeming overtly rude, and laughter both sincere and false, chimed through the room.
That the Goblin King had outdone himself was certain. The decorations were exquisite, the dinner had been superb, and the Underground had joined together at the gateway between worlds to celebrate the evening and the magic of their land. Sarah watched Jareth for signs of overt tension. He seemed relaxed, calm, his deep laughter causing smiles and flickering glances of interest from most females in his vicinity. Sarah resisted the urge to smirk at them. Jareth was hers...had been for years, if the truth were known. Their relationship was so uniquely complex that no mere Fae could hope to understand it. Sarah started at her newfound snobbery. As much as she would have liked to deny it, she felt that these glittering, immortal creatures had lost something by virtue of their immortality. She wasn't sure what it was, but the feeling that something was missing in this room, some emotion that permeated human gatherings, nagged at her.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Jareth asked, his mouth barely moving from the formal smile he had been wearing all evening.
"I can barely breathe, I don't know anyone, and I have nothing to say regarding the Goblin Wars of 1234," Sarah teased.
"There is nothing to say about the Goblin Wars of 1234. There is nothing to say about any Goblin War. They simply enjoy conflict," Jareth said, assuming a superior expression. "The trifling matter of a border left unguarded is incidental to the sheer pleasure they derive out of stealing from one another."
Sarah was unable to restrain herself. She burst out laughing, and the sound carried across the room, causing many guests to stare momentarily. Jareth's smile turned from formal into genuine, and Sarah caught her breath at the sheer male beauty that stood in front of her. Jareth made no move to touch her, but Sarah felt his love wrap around her like a shield that could tangibly protect her from the cold stares and vicious words that circulated throughout this gathering.
"Which province do you hail from, Lady Sarah?" The question came from an older man, his blue beard nearly touching the ground. Sarah smiled and placed a hand on Jareth's sleeve. Without missing a beat, Jareth swung into their somewhat rehearsed story.
"Lady Sarah lived in the Elven kingdom for several years..." Jareth began, spinning a tale of tragic loss and bravery on her part. Sarah managed not to snort. Most of the story was true. Her mother had abandoned her, her father remarried to a woman who didn't care for her. It was only the part about everyone being Fae that was fabrication.
At least she blended in well with the natives. Sarah had worried that her burgundy silk with jet trim would stand out in the crowd. In actuality, the dress was rather simple compared to some of the outfits and costumes worn by other guests. Every imaginable color and every precious material known to the world was swirling in the ballroom, creating a dazzling display of colors and textures. The opulence of this affair was startling, and Sarah had not tried to disguise her shock and fascination.
"The name of this game is impressions," Luster said, sliding up beside Sarah. Luster wore her hostess mask well. In a midnight blue gown she shone like the evening star - she was gracious, amusing, and careful to slight no one. Well, Sarah amended, almost no one.
"Is that your family?" Sarah asked, gesturing to a group of elegant, silver haired guests.
"However did you know?" Luster asked dryly, and Sarah laughed lightly. "Yes, those are my esteemed relations. The woman wearing the glass crown is my grandmother, Amalthea."
Sarah focused in on the glass crown without undue difficulty. The light shimmered off it and cast a thousand rainbows in every direction. The woman wearing the crown was shorter than the others in her party, though she carried herself with a dignity that belied her stature. Her silver hair was styled in loops and swirls, a contrast to Luster's, which hung straight down her back. The sigil on her forehead appeared white.
"We age well, as a race," Luster said low, and Sarah nodded. "My parents are not here which is a small mercy. I suppose they have been left behind to hold the fort, as it were."
"Who are the others?"
"Courtiers, those who have risen high in royal favor over the past year. At least one diplomat, I suppose. The others are of little import. Amalthea herself graces us with her presence - what need have we of others?"
Luster's face had tightened as she finished her speech. Sarah looked over at the group of people and glimpsed Kemal standing near the queen, his head bowed attentively as he listened to whatever it was she was saying. He wore a medallion suspended on a delicate gold chain.
"It marks him as heir to the Throne of Fire," Luster said quietly. "Carved from opals mined in the Mountains of Ice."
"Do you..." Sarah began, and stopped herself.
"Have one?" Luster finished wryly. "Yes. Each throne has a crown, a medallion and a ring. Mine are, I can only assume, safe in Summerhaven. I've never worn them, and only touched them once. That was enough," she finished quickly, and Luster turned a sad smile toward the group. Just as quickly, it was gone and Luster was back to being the perfect hostess. "Are you enjoying yourself, Sarah?"
"I am, yes," Sarah replied. "Will you walk with me, Luster?"
"Of course," Luster replied, turning toward the balcony doors. Sarah touched Jareth's arm briefly to let him know she was leaving, and was surprised at how easily the she had slipped into the idea of being one-half of a couple. Jareth grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips, nipping her knuckles lightly before he let her go and seamlessly returned to the polite conversation he had been engaged in before she interrupted him. Sarah smiled and shook her head, turning to follow Luster outside. As she followed Luster out onto the balcony, Sarah was struck by how silence fell wherever Luster walked. The balcony cleared of people as soon as Sarah joined Luster by the rail.
"Are they afraid of you?" Sarah asked.
"Yes. And with good reason," Luster said, gazing coolly at the last remaining couple on the balcony. The couple started, stared for a moment, and finally walked back into the ballroom at a brisk pace. Sarah paused for a moment, thinking of the best way to word her question.
"Luster, do you remember the last thing Jareth said this afternoon?"
There was a pause, and Luster looked searchingly into Sarah's eyes.
"Of course."
"Is it true?"
There was another pause, almost as though Luster were attempting to find a simple and gentle way of phrasing her next thought.
"If Jareth or I were to begin the transformation spells and you were uncertain or unwilling, the spells would kill you, yes."
"Otherwise they would, what?"
"Begin the transformation. The spells would begin to change the blood in your veins, the scope of your limitations. You would awaken as one of the Fae, an eternal child, with all the gifts and boundaries of that race. Your magical gifts would take shape slowly. You might be able to shape shift, or speak the tongues of all races in the Underground. You might be able to pass between worlds, see your family if you wished."
"But I would have to be willing."
"More than willing - accepting and desirous. I will not lie to you Sarah. This is not a decision to be made lightly. It has far reaching repercussions, and someone will have to bear the weight of them."
There was a pause. Sarah stared out across the expanse of the Labyrinth, cast in silver by the rising moon. An afternoon and evening of pondering this issue had brought no conclusions to her troubled mind.
"Thank you Luster. Thank you for being honest."
"It is your choice, Sarah. Neither Jareth nor I can make it for you. Nor would he if he could."
"Would you?" Sarah asked, knowing the answer even as she voiced the question.
"I would do anything to prevent Jareth from suffering," Luster replied quietly, her eyes on the Labyrinth. Sarah nodded and turned back toward the ballroom. "They know you are here, Sarah. And before long they will know who you are. You will, at that point, have two choices. You can return to your reality, or you can accept the chance to change the very fabric of your existence."
Sarah nodded and returned to the ballroom at a slow walk. Not watching where she was going, her body connected with another. Making a brisk and brief apology, Sarah turned her face upwards as her gaze collided with Prince Kemal's.
"Madame," he said, sketching a bow before stepping onto the balcony. Sarah nodded quickly and turning away, lost in her own thoughts.
Luster remained on the balcony, staring out into the night. Her face was schooled into calm lines as she surveyed her options. They were few, and every one of them have a bad result for someone.
"You are damned either way you turn," came the quiet voice.
"Leave me be, Kemal. This is not a moment that I wish to share with you," Luster said, a weary note in her voice. Kemal stepped closer and Luster turned to face him, throwing up a magical shield as she did so. Kemal's low chuckle filled the fragrant night before fading.
"You know, of course, that as the one who brought the human to the Underground, you are the one who will suffer the weight of the Council's reprimand."
"They will not harm me. I am too important to their plans," Luster spat out, contempt written on her face. Kemal nodded.
"There are ways to punish without harming, Luster. The Prison of Dreams, for example."
Luster raised an eyebrow. "Dreams are shadows, Kemal. Dreams can only harm you if you allow them to."
"But the Prison of Dreams is a place between dreams and reality, Luster. So many things are real there that might not be true in this world. Anything is possible. You would be at the mercy of whichever jailer the Council imposed on you. I hear some of them are skilled in the art of manipulating dreams."
"You would know better than I, Kemal," Luster said, her tone cool and impersonal. The battle lines were drawn quickly and surely.
"I could reveal the human now," Kemal taunted. "I could announce her presence to the Council and allow them to cast judgment upon her and your precious Goblin King."
"But you won't do that, Kemal, will you?"
"Not if I can get what I want another way."
"I suppose you're going to explain it to me."
"Come back to Summerhaven, Luster. It is where you belong. That is all I want, is you in Summerhaven, claiming your birthright. It was always meant to be yours, Luster. Come home."
"Why?"
"Because the country needs you. The Thrones need two beings to hold them and bring balance to Summerhaven. You and I are the chosen two. All things in the world are at your fingertips. Respect, power, beauty..."
"You?"
"Am I such a bad bargain, Luster? What is it about me that you do not like? I am not so different from your Goblin King. If given the chance, I believe Jareth and I could become friends. You enjoyed my company once," he said low, his voice a blend of silver and silk. "What changed in you, Luster? Why did you run away?"
"I will not be controlled, Kemal. Not by the Council, not by the Throne of Light, and certainly not by you," Luster said, her voice quiet.
"And you believe that I would attempt to control you?" Kemal shook his head, silver hair shining in the night. "I could not, even if I wished to. You and I are evenly matched, Luster - for us to battle would be to invite chaos into our midst."
There was a pause that filled the space between them with aching tension. Luster looked into the ballroom just in time to see Jareth sweeping Sarah into a waltz, bending to whisper in her ear, to steal a kiss. Sarah adjusted his collar, pushed a stray piece of hair behind his ear. They shone with a love that transcended worlds and races. They held in their hands the truest magic of all. Luster shook her head briskly, clearing the poetic nonsense.
"I have seen love, Kemal. I know that it can and does exist," Luster said, shaking her head to tear her heart away from that image. "And what we have is nothing like that. I doubt it ever *can* be like that. I want love, respect, tenderness. I want to share my life, not just power and prophecy."
"You do not believe that I can offer these things?" Kemal asked, his eyes focused on her face.
"I'm not sure anymore, Kemal. But I will not allow the Council to destroy the only example of true love I have ever seen. I will guard their love with every asset at my disposal."
"Including your life?" came the quiet response.
Luster nodded once, quickly, and began walking back into the ballroom. Kemal reached out for her, and caught her hand.
"I am sorry, Luster. I tell you now that what I do gives me no pleasure."
"You must do what you must do, Kemal. And I shall do the same."
Kemal tugged on her arm and stepped forward to press his lips to hers in a swift, burning kiss.
"I love you, Luster."
Turning on his heel, Kemal strode back into the ballroom, leaving Luster on the balcony, her thoughts in a jumble. She watched with a detached interest as Kemal made his way to the center of the ballroom and cleared his throat to gain the attention of the room. She watched as silence spread in a wave through the crowd, and reached out with her mind to find Jareth.
*Are you ready?* she asked.
*Is it possible to be ready for something like this?*
*No. But we must be.*
Luster watched as Jareth hugged Sarah into the curve of his body. She reached back in her mind for a dormant power that always shimmered just under the surface of her mind. And she watched as Kemal opened his mouth to speak as she started forward into the crush of people. The battle had begun.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
And here ends Chapter 11. I wanted to get this chapter out before I vanish to Europe for six months.
Let me know what you thought! Review! Email me! I'm not picky!
lyrasoze@hotmail.com
Disclaimer : I've got nothing. Literally.
*...*Heartspeak/telepathy
"..." spoken words
Between Dreams and Reality
By Lyra Matsuoka
Rated PG-13
Chapter 11 : Choices Made
Sarah sat impatiently as a small goblin female put the last touches of makeup on her face. Uncertain about the goblins under the best circumstances, Sarah was downright terrified now that one of them had been placed in charge of making her presentable for the evening. Admittedly, the loose pile of hair affixed with diamond clips didn't look half bad, and her dress was exquisite, but allowing someone else to put makeup on her wasn't something Sarah had done in years.
It wasn't outside the realm of possibility that she would end this makeup sitting the same way as those sessions in high school...looking like Bozo the Clown.
Fidgeting slightly only got her a reproving glare. After what seemed like ages, the goblin woman stepped back, allowing Sarah an unfettered view of her reflection. And Sarah smiled. The makeup was understated in places, extravagant in others. Her eyes seemed larger, her mouth more vulnerable, her cheekbones higher. The effect of the cosmetics combined with the dress and the hair was stunning. Nothing like Bozo the Clown, Sarah thought with satisfaction and relief. The goblin woman nodded once, a smartly contented nod before moving away to gather up various items of clothing, accessories and knickknacks that had fallen victim to the ageless ceremony of dressing for a party.
Sarah stood slowly, shaking her head back and forth to test the solidity of the hairstyle. The laws of gravity didn't seem to apply, as the graceful loops and coils seemed that they would shiver apart if anyone breathed on them, and yet refused to come loose no matter how hard Sarah shook her head.
"Better than hairspray and mousse combined," Sarah muttered, taking one last look in the mirror. "Thank you," she said to the small maid, watching with amusement as the goblin squeaked and dropped the pile of clothing she had been carrying. Sarah turned to face the door and found Jareth standing in the doorway, looking sexy enough to melt an iceberg.
"My clothing will be perpetually wrinkled if you keep scaring her," Sarah admonished, the sparkling humor in her eyes taking any sting out of her words.
"You will be hard pressed to find a goblin who doesn't harbor a little fear of me," Jareth said, his mouth twitching with amusement.
"You don't scare me," Sarah teased. "Perhaps I should give lessons. Or a seminar."
"You will do no such thing," Jareth responded in his most noble voice.
"And who is going to stop me?" Sarah returned, a mischievous smile on her lips.
"If your mouth is otherwise occupied, you will be unable to teach," Jareth said, his voice dropping to a lower register. Sarah recognized that tone, and felt her pulse respond. She moved closer to him, her hips swaying slightly, the rustle of her skirts the only other sound.
"Are you planning on keeping my mouth 'otherwise occupied?' That certainly sounds promising."
"It is my fondest wish. You are my fondest wish..." Jareth said softly as he pulled Sarah into the curve of his body. Their pendants met for a moment, sending an electric shock through the hearts and minds of both. Sarah looked into the multi-colored eyes of her only love and smiled. Her arms moved around his waist as his hand caressed her face, shoulder, collarbone, and then moving lower. His hand brushed the side of her breast, whispering along the silk as his head dipped lower and his forehead bumped lightly against hers.
"Watch the hair," she whispered just before she fused her mouth to his. Neither heard the door open and close softly as the goblin made herself scarce.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Midsummer Ball was an event looked forward to by the entire Underground. It was considered a great honor to be invited, crushing to be excluded, and a sweeping event of beauty that would be spoken of in hushed whispers for the rest of the year.
The Ball was moved through the kingdoms each year to prevent hostilities from arising - if that was possible. For the most part, the Ball was considered neutral territory. Feuds were set aside for the evening, enemies avoided each other without seeming overtly rude, and laughter both sincere and false, chimed through the room.
That the Goblin King had outdone himself was certain. The decorations were exquisite, the dinner had been superb, and the Underground had joined together at the gateway between worlds to celebrate the evening and the magic of their land. Sarah watched Jareth for signs of overt tension. He seemed relaxed, calm, his deep laughter causing smiles and flickering glances of interest from most females in his vicinity. Sarah resisted the urge to smirk at them. Jareth was hers...had been for years, if the truth were known. Their relationship was so uniquely complex that no mere Fae could hope to understand it. Sarah started at her newfound snobbery. As much as she would have liked to deny it, she felt that these glittering, immortal creatures had lost something by virtue of their immortality. She wasn't sure what it was, but the feeling that something was missing in this room, some emotion that permeated human gatherings, nagged at her.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Jareth asked, his mouth barely moving from the formal smile he had been wearing all evening.
"I can barely breathe, I don't know anyone, and I have nothing to say regarding the Goblin Wars of 1234," Sarah teased.
"There is nothing to say about the Goblin Wars of 1234. There is nothing to say about any Goblin War. They simply enjoy conflict," Jareth said, assuming a superior expression. "The trifling matter of a border left unguarded is incidental to the sheer pleasure they derive out of stealing from one another."
Sarah was unable to restrain herself. She burst out laughing, and the sound carried across the room, causing many guests to stare momentarily. Jareth's smile turned from formal into genuine, and Sarah caught her breath at the sheer male beauty that stood in front of her. Jareth made no move to touch her, but Sarah felt his love wrap around her like a shield that could tangibly protect her from the cold stares and vicious words that circulated throughout this gathering.
"Which province do you hail from, Lady Sarah?" The question came from an older man, his blue beard nearly touching the ground. Sarah smiled and placed a hand on Jareth's sleeve. Without missing a beat, Jareth swung into their somewhat rehearsed story.
"Lady Sarah lived in the Elven kingdom for several years..." Jareth began, spinning a tale of tragic loss and bravery on her part. Sarah managed not to snort. Most of the story was true. Her mother had abandoned her, her father remarried to a woman who didn't care for her. It was only the part about everyone being Fae that was fabrication.
At least she blended in well with the natives. Sarah had worried that her burgundy silk with jet trim would stand out in the crowd. In actuality, the dress was rather simple compared to some of the outfits and costumes worn by other guests. Every imaginable color and every precious material known to the world was swirling in the ballroom, creating a dazzling display of colors and textures. The opulence of this affair was startling, and Sarah had not tried to disguise her shock and fascination.
"The name of this game is impressions," Luster said, sliding up beside Sarah. Luster wore her hostess mask well. In a midnight blue gown she shone like the evening star - she was gracious, amusing, and careful to slight no one. Well, Sarah amended, almost no one.
"Is that your family?" Sarah asked, gesturing to a group of elegant, silver haired guests.
"However did you know?" Luster asked dryly, and Sarah laughed lightly. "Yes, those are my esteemed relations. The woman wearing the glass crown is my grandmother, Amalthea."
Sarah focused in on the glass crown without undue difficulty. The light shimmered off it and cast a thousand rainbows in every direction. The woman wearing the crown was shorter than the others in her party, though she carried herself with a dignity that belied her stature. Her silver hair was styled in loops and swirls, a contrast to Luster's, which hung straight down her back. The sigil on her forehead appeared white.
"We age well, as a race," Luster said low, and Sarah nodded. "My parents are not here which is a small mercy. I suppose they have been left behind to hold the fort, as it were."
"Who are the others?"
"Courtiers, those who have risen high in royal favor over the past year. At least one diplomat, I suppose. The others are of little import. Amalthea herself graces us with her presence - what need have we of others?"
Luster's face had tightened as she finished her speech. Sarah looked over at the group of people and glimpsed Kemal standing near the queen, his head bowed attentively as he listened to whatever it was she was saying. He wore a medallion suspended on a delicate gold chain.
"It marks him as heir to the Throne of Fire," Luster said quietly. "Carved from opals mined in the Mountains of Ice."
"Do you..." Sarah began, and stopped herself.
"Have one?" Luster finished wryly. "Yes. Each throne has a crown, a medallion and a ring. Mine are, I can only assume, safe in Summerhaven. I've never worn them, and only touched them once. That was enough," she finished quickly, and Luster turned a sad smile toward the group. Just as quickly, it was gone and Luster was back to being the perfect hostess. "Are you enjoying yourself, Sarah?"
"I am, yes," Sarah replied. "Will you walk with me, Luster?"
"Of course," Luster replied, turning toward the balcony doors. Sarah touched Jareth's arm briefly to let him know she was leaving, and was surprised at how easily the she had slipped into the idea of being one-half of a couple. Jareth grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips, nipping her knuckles lightly before he let her go and seamlessly returned to the polite conversation he had been engaged in before she interrupted him. Sarah smiled and shook her head, turning to follow Luster outside. As she followed Luster out onto the balcony, Sarah was struck by how silence fell wherever Luster walked. The balcony cleared of people as soon as Sarah joined Luster by the rail.
"Are they afraid of you?" Sarah asked.
"Yes. And with good reason," Luster said, gazing coolly at the last remaining couple on the balcony. The couple started, stared for a moment, and finally walked back into the ballroom at a brisk pace. Sarah paused for a moment, thinking of the best way to word her question.
"Luster, do you remember the last thing Jareth said this afternoon?"
There was a pause, and Luster looked searchingly into Sarah's eyes.
"Of course."
"Is it true?"
There was another pause, almost as though Luster were attempting to find a simple and gentle way of phrasing her next thought.
"If Jareth or I were to begin the transformation spells and you were uncertain or unwilling, the spells would kill you, yes."
"Otherwise they would, what?"
"Begin the transformation. The spells would begin to change the blood in your veins, the scope of your limitations. You would awaken as one of the Fae, an eternal child, with all the gifts and boundaries of that race. Your magical gifts would take shape slowly. You might be able to shape shift, or speak the tongues of all races in the Underground. You might be able to pass between worlds, see your family if you wished."
"But I would have to be willing."
"More than willing - accepting and desirous. I will not lie to you Sarah. This is not a decision to be made lightly. It has far reaching repercussions, and someone will have to bear the weight of them."
There was a pause. Sarah stared out across the expanse of the Labyrinth, cast in silver by the rising moon. An afternoon and evening of pondering this issue had brought no conclusions to her troubled mind.
"Thank you Luster. Thank you for being honest."
"It is your choice, Sarah. Neither Jareth nor I can make it for you. Nor would he if he could."
"Would you?" Sarah asked, knowing the answer even as she voiced the question.
"I would do anything to prevent Jareth from suffering," Luster replied quietly, her eyes on the Labyrinth. Sarah nodded and turned back toward the ballroom. "They know you are here, Sarah. And before long they will know who you are. You will, at that point, have two choices. You can return to your reality, or you can accept the chance to change the very fabric of your existence."
Sarah nodded and returned to the ballroom at a slow walk. Not watching where she was going, her body connected with another. Making a brisk and brief apology, Sarah turned her face upwards as her gaze collided with Prince Kemal's.
"Madame," he said, sketching a bow before stepping onto the balcony. Sarah nodded quickly and turning away, lost in her own thoughts.
Luster remained on the balcony, staring out into the night. Her face was schooled into calm lines as she surveyed her options. They were few, and every one of them have a bad result for someone.
"You are damned either way you turn," came the quiet voice.
"Leave me be, Kemal. This is not a moment that I wish to share with you," Luster said, a weary note in her voice. Kemal stepped closer and Luster turned to face him, throwing up a magical shield as she did so. Kemal's low chuckle filled the fragrant night before fading.
"You know, of course, that as the one who brought the human to the Underground, you are the one who will suffer the weight of the Council's reprimand."
"They will not harm me. I am too important to their plans," Luster spat out, contempt written on her face. Kemal nodded.
"There are ways to punish without harming, Luster. The Prison of Dreams, for example."
Luster raised an eyebrow. "Dreams are shadows, Kemal. Dreams can only harm you if you allow them to."
"But the Prison of Dreams is a place between dreams and reality, Luster. So many things are real there that might not be true in this world. Anything is possible. You would be at the mercy of whichever jailer the Council imposed on you. I hear some of them are skilled in the art of manipulating dreams."
"You would know better than I, Kemal," Luster said, her tone cool and impersonal. The battle lines were drawn quickly and surely.
"I could reveal the human now," Kemal taunted. "I could announce her presence to the Council and allow them to cast judgment upon her and your precious Goblin King."
"But you won't do that, Kemal, will you?"
"Not if I can get what I want another way."
"I suppose you're going to explain it to me."
"Come back to Summerhaven, Luster. It is where you belong. That is all I want, is you in Summerhaven, claiming your birthright. It was always meant to be yours, Luster. Come home."
"Why?"
"Because the country needs you. The Thrones need two beings to hold them and bring balance to Summerhaven. You and I are the chosen two. All things in the world are at your fingertips. Respect, power, beauty..."
"You?"
"Am I such a bad bargain, Luster? What is it about me that you do not like? I am not so different from your Goblin King. If given the chance, I believe Jareth and I could become friends. You enjoyed my company once," he said low, his voice a blend of silver and silk. "What changed in you, Luster? Why did you run away?"
"I will not be controlled, Kemal. Not by the Council, not by the Throne of Light, and certainly not by you," Luster said, her voice quiet.
"And you believe that I would attempt to control you?" Kemal shook his head, silver hair shining in the night. "I could not, even if I wished to. You and I are evenly matched, Luster - for us to battle would be to invite chaos into our midst."
There was a pause that filled the space between them with aching tension. Luster looked into the ballroom just in time to see Jareth sweeping Sarah into a waltz, bending to whisper in her ear, to steal a kiss. Sarah adjusted his collar, pushed a stray piece of hair behind his ear. They shone with a love that transcended worlds and races. They held in their hands the truest magic of all. Luster shook her head briskly, clearing the poetic nonsense.
"I have seen love, Kemal. I know that it can and does exist," Luster said, shaking her head to tear her heart away from that image. "And what we have is nothing like that. I doubt it ever *can* be like that. I want love, respect, tenderness. I want to share my life, not just power and prophecy."
"You do not believe that I can offer these things?" Kemal asked, his eyes focused on her face.
"I'm not sure anymore, Kemal. But I will not allow the Council to destroy the only example of true love I have ever seen. I will guard their love with every asset at my disposal."
"Including your life?" came the quiet response.
Luster nodded once, quickly, and began walking back into the ballroom. Kemal reached out for her, and caught her hand.
"I am sorry, Luster. I tell you now that what I do gives me no pleasure."
"You must do what you must do, Kemal. And I shall do the same."
Kemal tugged on her arm and stepped forward to press his lips to hers in a swift, burning kiss.
"I love you, Luster."
Turning on his heel, Kemal strode back into the ballroom, leaving Luster on the balcony, her thoughts in a jumble. She watched with a detached interest as Kemal made his way to the center of the ballroom and cleared his throat to gain the attention of the room. She watched as silence spread in a wave through the crowd, and reached out with her mind to find Jareth.
*Are you ready?* she asked.
*Is it possible to be ready for something like this?*
*No. But we must be.*
Luster watched as Jareth hugged Sarah into the curve of his body. She reached back in her mind for a dormant power that always shimmered just under the surface of her mind. And she watched as Kemal opened his mouth to speak as she started forward into the crush of people. The battle had begun.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
And here ends Chapter 11. I wanted to get this chapter out before I vanish to Europe for six months.
Let me know what you thought! Review! Email me! I'm not picky!
lyrasoze@hotmail.com