They did have dinner that night. Beran was quite happy to let his mate leave his sight. Rather, he was not happy, but he was prepared to trust that Elban would not suddenly fall victim to Jareth's many charms. Besides which, Beran found himself a ready companion in one Braan, King Gildred's most trusted friend and adviser. The two sat down and had a long conversation about the various methods of animal husbandry.

Jervohl and Gildred were occupied far too much with each other, much to Pandora's great disgust. They didn't coo, far from it! They argued every step of the way. It was tiring to sit beside them and try to see the difference between a real argument and the general flow of harsh words. They took it as a matter of course. And Pandora supposed that they were happy enough to live in such a way, but it seemed quite ridiculous to her. She gave up any hope of a civilized conversation with them and settled for drawing Dervina into an animated discussion.

Toby was not in attendance. He had elected to spend some time with the goblins, all of who were holding an impromptu gambling den in the backyard for the evening. There were caterpillar races and cockfights. People came up from the City to look in and bet. In less time than it took for a small group to decide that they would have a small festival to celebrate their victory over the rogue assassins, others had set up food stalls and wine encampments. More had taken it upon themselves to ensure that there were lanterns enough to see by. In the middle of the yard was a huge bonfire, perfect for sitting beside, perfect for entertainers.

Toby remembered the goblins in the Lady's Palace occasionally doing such things for birthdays or to celebrate a good harvest or the opening of a new store. Only, in the Lady's palace, it had been on such a small scale. The City itself was large enough to hold over five hundred people. The elves were petitioned for musicians and dancers, the sprites for jugglers and acrobats. Centaurs offered to read palms or tell the future from the moon or the bonfire flames. The fire sprites played tricks and told jokes, singing their bawdy songs to make people laugh.

It was wonderful.

Toby joined in as much as he wanted, but elected to sit a little way away and watch. He would be one of them soon, he told himself, and he would be a fae. Too tall, perhaps, and even the magic would not really refine him. He looked down at his hands and grimaced at them. Too broad and too thick. Not elegant. Nothing at all like the hands of a high class fae family. But that was what he would be in a year or so. He would be fae. And he wouldn't look very different from the way he already did. The magic did not work like that.

But he would be fae.

He watched them all, laughing as they did and enjoying it as they did. He couldn't imagine being in another place. He shouted with the crowd when the costumed sprites jumped out from the far, dark corner of the yard and re enacted the battle in the Castle. The crowd clapped and shouted and crowed for more.

From nowhere, came a thunderclap from the sky that made the children shriek and jump up and down as they pointed to the sky. Fireworks rained down. Even the dancers stopped as the shower of green and gold sparks cascaded like stars from the sky. The elvish musicians, ever professional, played on, one eye on the fireworks as they watched as eagerly as the rest.

Toby watched the fireworks too, but hisgaze automatically left the sky to seek out the window where a dark shape stood. He caught Jareth's eye and gave a mocking bow, laughing as more crystals were hurled out into the sky. The shadow vanished when the last crystal released its last flair of colour and excitement into the night sky.

Toby didn't have long to wait. Jareth joined him less than an hour later, coming to a quiet stop beside him so they could watch the festivities together. "An enchanting people," the Goblin King commented, "Full of life and predictably hopeful. Chaos can do that to you."

"Where is Elban?"

"The others are on their way. Here they are." He looked over his shoulder and jerked his chin at the sudden shout from Braan.

Those of the Underground looked up, startled and shocked when the sombre-dressed Outlanders suddenly leapt into the flame-lit area and began a graceful dance. Sleek limbs and subtle movements, complex footwork belied by delicate motions of the arms and head. Dervina nad Jervohl were as much a part of the dance as their male counterparts, though they wore the dresses common to the females of the Underground.

The music never once faltered and after that first shock, the audience took it in good part and demanded more. Some even stood to try joining in. Gildred kindly darted into the crowd and emerged with the hand of a blushing young fae, drawing the younger boy close and teaching him the movements with gentle hands and patient explanation. The youth looked as though he couldn't decide whether he wanted to die of embarrassment or whoop in pleasure. He laughed in compromise, flushed and sparkling and the picture of innocence.

Jareth smothered a smile. Gildred was at his diplomatic best, it seemed, worming his way into the affections of the Goblin King's people. Jareth didn't dance. He preferred to stay where he was. Toby didn't dance either and Jareth found it amusing to watch the way the mortal whole-heartedly threw himself into the spirit of the evening.

But he could not stay hidden in the shadows for long. Most would not dare approach him, but Ezreeka came to him with flowers in her hair and the slender grace of her gown clinging to her supple body. And she blushed prettily as she asked him if he would sing for them.

Jareth shook his head and smiled. He sang, but not in public anymore. Not since Sarah.

"Please," she asked earnestly, "Your people would be most honoured." And then she looked wicked. "Lord Gildred has danced for us, Your Majesty. Surely we can show that our monarch has an equal talent, if not a better one?"

Toby chuckled beside him as Jareth raised a stern brow. "An equal talent?" he echoed.

She had the grace to smile and duck her head in embarrassment.

The Goblin King sighed and held out his hand. "Alright then. Where am I to go?"

She took him by the hand, asked Toby to excuse them both and pulled Jareth after her into the crowd. Automatically the crowd parted for him and the dancers left the performance space before the bonfire. Jareth was led there and Ezreeka respectfully melted away. Toby could not hear what was said, but there was a general cacophony of good humour. It seemed Jareth had asked what he was to sing.

Inevitably, someone, emboldened by the fire and drunk on the exhilaration and gaiety, shouted loud enough to be heard over the crowd- "The Song of the Promise."

From the way Jareth faltered, Toby straightened and made to go to him. But the next second, that panic that shifted to soft nostalgia. And the light blond head dipped in acquiescence. The musicians began to play a gentle tune, fingers moving carefully over their instruments.

Jareth called to someone and laughingly the crowd pushed Ezreeka forward again. The elf was blushing but she curtseyed and took his hand as he drew her into a slow dance with him. The tenor voice, still so ragged at the edges and so rich, began a litany of promises, each one as powerful as the next.

Toby vaguely recognized the song. It sounded familiar; at least the tune did. The sudden image of a music box with a doll in it that went around and around.

"S'okay," an old lady said just in front of him, "Romantic nonsense, I calls it."

"Aw, can't be saying the King is ever so romantic, reelly," her companion wheezed, "Ain't never sung that song for anyone but Her."

Sarah. Blue eyes flicked up and Jareth was still singing, twirling with a hand firmly on Ezreeka's waist as he led her around the circle of light. Other lovers had joined them, all dancing in their own private haze of romance. The rest of the crowd only watched,delighted.

When the song ended, Toby considered it had ended too soon. But then Jareth let go of Ezreeka and bowed gallantly to her before graciously accepting the applause of the crowd.

Without warning, Braan highjacked a flute from the elvish musicians and blew a long, clear note. The entire assembly looked startled and even the two old females providing Toby with a running commentary were stunned into silence.

Braan blew the note once more and everyone else cleared the space around Jareth as Gildred stepped forward. Shoulders straight, arms clasped lightly behind his back and a challenge on his face that Toby could make out from where he stood at the back. Jareth seemed to find it all very funny, but he took off the long jacket he wore and stood only in shirtsleeves. He mimicked Gildred's stance, his gloved hands clasped lightly behind his back and tossed his head up in answer.

The one note became two and Dervina showed the elves the right beat on the tambourine she had taken from them. Bells and flutes and the high jangle of noise.

The two monarchs circled each other, slowly at first and then faster and faster. Both watchful, both never missing a beat.

Toby had never seen this dance before. It was a very old one, taught only to certain classes of society. It was a dance taught by the highest warriors, meant to prove the skills of balance and poise. It was an artform in itself, this dance, usually performed as a challenge between two. Sometimes the challengers were individuals- such as with Jareth and Gildred- other times it was performed by two groups.

They moved faster, twisting and writhing in impossible movements. Gildred was the better dancer but Jareth matched him pace for pace. The longer it continued, the faster the music wove. Everyone watched in fascination and the gamblers began to bet on whom would misstep first. The music crested, all the instruments sweeping into one last, long, loud note of infinite tension. And crashed back down into the finish.

The two males stopped and stood, hands grasping the other too tight, out of breath and leaning close for support. Jervohl held her breath, but Jareth let go and waved weakly at Gildred.

"You certainly have the better of me," the Goblin King allowed, "In this at least."

"Ha!" Gildred crowed, not as badly winded as his opponent, "I shall remember that you said that."

Jareth nodded and made his way back through the crowd. Someone passed him a bottle of wine and he accepted it with thanks before finally making his way to Toby's side. "Come with me," he said quietly, laying a hand on the broad arm.

Toby followed him back to the Castle. Jareth took him right up, strolling leisurely up staircases until he reached a small wooden door at the very top. He opened it and led them both out to the parapets, gesturing to his ward to follow. In the very middle he stopped and put the bottle of wine out of the way, holding out his hands. "Come dance with me," he said quietly.

Toby raised an eyebrow. "I? Dance with you?" He eyed the fae strangely, wondering why Jareth would even ask him such a thing.

The Goblin King dropped his hands but continued to stand- silent, waiting.

Toby wasn't really in the mood to dance. He never did, usually. A few times, perhaps, for Luka, but never usually. And yet he imagined how Jareth felt now, having sung that song in public that he had once sung so openly for Sarah, promising her every delicate fascination he could conjure up with his power, dancing with an elf that could have been Sarah's match for complexion and manner. And just like that surreal night when Jareth had come to his room and asked to be made whole again, Toby could not leave him in that pain.

He went to him, then, walking around him to stand behind, placing a hand on his waist and another on his shoulder. Jareth leaned back, sighing, eyes closed even Toby couldn't see them. They could still hear the music from below. The elves were playing another song for lovers, most of the excitement having dissipated like the bonfire to glowing embers instead of flames. The children had been taken home to sleep. The older people either slept where they sat or dreamt aloud of their own times of youth. And youth fell in love and lust, quietly taking companionship for a lifetime or just a moment where it was offered. Couples already established relived the pleasure of each other.

No one could see the Goblin King or his ward as they swayed almost imperceptibly on the parapets of the Castle. And Toby appreciated that Jareth had kept his promise to be discreet about their closeness. In return he tried to give his lover all the comfort that Jareth seemed to need, whispered soft things in a pale ear that he wouldn't remember come the next day. When the song ended, they stopped.

Jareth sighed and opened his eyes. "I suppose you think me an old fool," he remarked suddenly, his voice stronger than his defeated stature allowed him to seem.

Toby put an arm around the hard chest and pulled Jareth closer. "No. We all have things we look back on with pain."

"Yes, but I should have known better," Jareth complained bitterly, "Than to fall headfirst in love with a little girl. But I swear to you I would never have touched her, not even if she had wanted it from me. I would have stopped it."

"Does it matter? Let it go."

"I have. I just cannot believe I was so stupid."

"I will thank you not to insult my sister by calling it stupid to love her," Toby said acerbically.

A laugh- finally. Jareth chuckled and turned. "How did you know I like being held from behind?" he asked, winding his arms around Toby's neck, "Or did you just take a chance?"

"I wondered," Toby admitted, smiling down and tangling thick fingers in rough blond hair, "When Gildred ran his fingers over your back you mimed slashing him across the face. You only do that when you get touched on a vulnerable spot."

Jareth was impressed. Toby was certainly getting better if he had noticed that. And then he remembered that Toby was probably referring to the scratches on Luka's cheek and wondered if he should explain that. But it was not his business to explain his actions, and really, Jareth hated having to explain himself. If Toby wanted to know, he could ask. Jareth always reserved the right not to answer.

"The Kingdom is safe tonight," he said instead, coming back from one of those frequent mental trips abroad. He disengaged himself and went to get the bottle of wine. Drinking straight from the mouth and then passing the bottle over. "Are you coming to my bed tonight?"

Toby gave the bottle back and shrugged. "I have no idea. Do you want me to?"

Jareth considered that. "Well, we have both been tired for the passed two nights. But I suppose I could stay awake long enough." He smirked and drank again. "Here."

"Oh, I would not want you to miss any of your beauty sleep," Toby replied in kind, "You look like you could do with a lot more that you're getting."

The Goblin King laughed out loud and went to the parapet, leaning on the wall as he looked down on the remainder of the night's festivities. "I take exception to that," he murmured. He waited till Toby joined him before silently demanding his wine back.

"I was only joking."

"Why? I am hardly beautiful." The snort from his right made Jareth twitch in surprise. "Attractive, perhaps. But not beautiful. My mother is beautiful, my sister… Gildred and Elban. Even Dieter was beautiful. He had the most perfect features- a strong jaw, a straight nose, an elegant mouth and fine eyes, a wide forehead. Why he wasted himself on that sea snake I will never understand."

"It was his choice."

"I suppose. It was an idiotic choice, however."

Toby stole the bottle and shook it with a frown. There was less than half left. "You drink too much," he accused.

Jareth groaned and dropped his head down to the stone, bending fluidly at the waist. "I have a job that requires me to be constantly monitoring the ebb and flow of life and time," he ground out, "I exist in a high state of physical excitement and sensual awareness. I like alcohol because it dulls the world for a little while. I like sex because I get aroused easily. Is that enough information?"

"I was only remarking on fact. Stop twisting everything I say into an accusation."

"Everything you say is an accusation," Jareth snapped, "You have not stopped questioning me since we met!"

"Well, why not? Is there a reason why no one should ask you why you are the way you are?"

"I am as I am. Is that hard to believe? That someone can just act as they wish to act?"

"No." Toby offered the wine back as a peace offering, "I cannot understand a word but I trust you to know what you're doing. That does not mean that I will stop asking you to do the right thing. I cannot. It is as much a part of me as your unpredictability is a part of you. I am a little predictable like that."

Jareth lifted his head and looked at the bottle. He eyed it, noting the level of liquid still left in it. He finished it in a long swallow and set it down on the stone beside his boots. "Come to my room tonight," he said decisively, walking away.

Toby stayed where he was for a little while longer. It was a lot easier to tolerate Jareth now that he didn't really set up expectations for him. It was a hard lesson, but Jareth just could not be caged in any way. The only way to keep him- both metaphorically and literally- would be by letting him decide to stay or not, just as he liked. Give him the facts and let him decide.

Of course, even Jareth had certain things that he always responded to. Sex and alcohol were two things he never turned down. He liked honesty. He liked secrets. He liked fun. He needed someone to remind him of what he neglected to remember and even his method of extracting gossip was fallible. He responded to the memory of Sarah; Toby suspected he always would. It was good to know these things. They would be brothers soon, no matter how strange that sounded. It sounded even stranger given that Toby would go to Jareth's bedchamber when he finally left the parapet and would make love to him.

But that was days later. He knew exactly what Jareth would say to him if he brought it up as a worrying issue- "That is then. This is now. What do you feel now?"

And right at the moment, he felt like undressing the fae and watching him writhe on his back as Toby plied his mouth and tongue as skilfully as he could. If Jareth succumbed quickly enough, Toby even considered taking him. It was an appealing thought. The Goblin King was always free with his body. He openly enjoyed being on the receiving end and gave back from even that submissive position as much as he received.

Toby looked at the innocent bottle not two feet away and picked it up. He could hand it to a goblin on his way down.