Underneath the Crystal Moon
a/n: I do not own Labyrinth. And I do not own the song, "Strangers in the Night".
Part One: Phoenix
Chapter 11
When Toby had finished kissing his fiancée, everyone took off their masks and the dancing soon resumed. Sarah even danced, though her big belly prevented her from waltzing too fast. Aidan danced with many of the women. He even danced with Cara, when Toby had let her go for a bit. She had been there when Phoenix was born.
"Are you scared of Her Highness?" Aidan asked Cara.
"Only someone who was blind could not be afraid of her a little bit. She is powerful, has even been so since she was born. She came out powerful. She's also sweet, caring, loving, and honest. She knows everyone fears her. It alienates her. I think that is why she spends so much time riding alone. The land does not fear her, and neither does Daemon. She can take comfort in that. Even Sarah and Jareth are the littlest bit afraid of her. Not enough for anyone to notice though. Phoenix knows she will not rule. She is a princess without a queen role to fulfill. She wants more than to just sit here and grow old without someone to love her," Cara told him. Aidan nodded. He and Phoenix were not so different. They were both stuck here, wanting to do more than grow old alone.
Aidan found Phoenix when she was walking back to her room, after all the guests had either left or retired.
"Did you have fun?" he asked her.
"Mm-hmm," Phoenix nodded as she walked. They reached their doors, still across the hall from each other. Aidan opened her door for her and kissed her cheek. He felt there was no need to push anything tonight. Then he went to his room and closed the door.
Aidan took off his clothing without any problems, and collapsed into his bed. He would not get any answers or ask any questions until morning. He fell asleep between one thought and the next.
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Phoenix made herself wait until she was showered and had her hair combed and dried before she sat down to read the letter. She was dressed in a long, black nightgown, and a white robe was tied loosely around her waist. She sat on the bed and opened the letter. His writing was a little scratchy and not neatly rounded like hers. She started to read.
"Phoenix,
The first time I dreamt of you and me together is the one dream I remember the strongest. It was a period piece, come to think of it. 1940's in the Aboveground. I was wearing a black tuxedo with tails and you wore a sapphire blue dancing dress, with a flirty skirt. Your hair was done in the style of women like Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall, all sleek and wavy. Your lips were as red as your hair, and your eyes were made up to look smoky and seductive. You were more beautiful than anyone could imagine, with your shining eyes. We were in a modern ballroom, but we were alone. I asked you to dance, and you said yes in that sweet voice I would always remember. On your wrists was the bracelet you are wearing right now. It was the first and only time I ever saw it until your mother produced it for me to give to you. A song began to play. I knew the words and asked you if you did. You said no. I sang to you as we danced, close as lovers.
'Strangers in the night exchanging glances
Wond'ring in the night
What were the chances we'd be sharing love
Before the night was through.
Something in your eyes was so inviting,
Something in you smile was so exciting,
Something in my heart,
Told me I must have you.
Strangers in the night, two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment
When we said our first hello.
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away,
A warm embracing dance away and -
Ever since that night we've been together.
Lovers at first sight, in love forever.
It turned out so right,
For strangers in the night.'
Phoenix nearly dropped the note. The memory came back to her all of a sudden. She had dreamt that dream too. The melody had been so haunting, so unlike anything she had ever heard before. A tear dropped from one of her brilliant eyes and she brushed it away before beginning to read again.
"I twirled you around that ballroom, my eyes never leaving yours as I sang softly to you. Your dress flirted against my legs as we swayed. You rested your head on my shoulder. I stopped our swaying and placed my fingers underneath your chin. I tilted your face up and kissed your lips. You opened your mouth for me, and it tasted better than anything I had ever tasted before. I looked up and we were no longer in a ballroom. We were in a beautiful bedroom. The bedroom I sleep in now. Then I woke up Phoenix. I woke up and you were not real. That night was the first night I drew you.
I now know why we have plagued each other's dreams. I have thought about it long and hard. We were meant to be together. Fate pushed us together. I'm not that good at words, Phoenix. So I think I will leave it at that.
Even though I have written this before I will even see you tonight I wanted to tell you that you looked more beautiful than anyone could possibly imagine. You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. And for the record, I am not afraid of you. – Aidan"
Phoenix refolded the letter and tapped it against her chin.
"Well, mortal, you are about to find out why people are afraid of me. We will see if you find me so beautiful after this," Phoenix transformed herself into her full Goblin Princess regalia, the costume she had worn the night she and her father had offered Aidan's brother his dreams. She looked fearsome, and she swept out of her room, crop in hand.
Phoenix looked to make sure no one was looking, and then she walked across the hall and opened Aidan's door.
a/n: I know, I am evil. A cliffhanger…oooohhh. Well, hang onto your hats people, because there is only more chapter in Phoenix's story…and you will not be seeing it until Friday I think. Two whole days! On another note of shameless sisterly promotion, all of you should check out the story "Blood Ties" by ammendiana. I may be biased, but it is a really wonderful Laby fanfic my little (if 20 can be called little) sister is writing. I personally am in love with it.