The Way Forward Is Sometimes The Way Back:
Sequel to Labyrinth
Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, shape, or form own Labyrinth, its characters, its scenes, or quotes. They all belong to the geniuses Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, Brian Froud, Dennis Lee, Terry Jones, & Trevor Jones. I only own this fanfic storyline and the characters I made up (if I make up any).
Note: Just a reminder, Sarah and Jareth are going to have flashbacks to Labyrinth throughout this fanfic, so their flashbacks, which will be a flashback of images, sounds, or both, with be written in Bold and Italics like this…
Note: I researched different kinds of vows for Sarah and Jareth to say, unimpressed with the plain and basic vows, so I hope you all enjoy them….
Note: If Jareth is going to sing aloud (not in flashbacks) it will be in Italics just like in subliminal thoughts, but since he is singing aloud it will be in "quotes"…
Chapter 10: Where Nothing Ever Hurts Again…
The news of Sarah and Jareth's engagement spread through the Underground like wildfire. Jareth had insisted the wedding only take place after Sarah fully recovered, but that didn't stop the massive torrent of wedding gifts from pouring in. Sarah could not believe how much adoration she was receiving from the Underground. Jareth would laugh as Sarah would redden as Sagira and Jareth's other personal servants would sort gifts in their suite.
Sarah had moved into a big and lavish suite that she and Jareth would share upon Jareth's request, but she made absolutely clear that no promiscuous advances would made, at least until they were wed. Jareth tried to hide his disappointment, but agreed just the same. Sarah did make exceptions for passionate kisses, nuzzling, and cuddling, so most nights the happy couple fell asleep in each other's arms.
In between Sarah's recuperation and rehabilitation, the pair would make decisions about the wedding; traditional or unique, blossoms or buds, cream or ivory, top hats or hat-less, gloves or glove-less, black or white… Sarah found that the physical therapy much easier than wedding planning. Still, Sarah loved every minute of it because she got to spend that much more time with Jareth.
All throughout the wedding planning, Jareth was a good sport… most of the time. Sarah could tell he would get bored going over meaningless tasks, but he would always involve himself in large decisions, reminding Sarah he did take a general interest in the planning. One of the more troublesome choices in particular, gloves or glove-less, made Sarah worry about Jareth's feedback. She was sure he had worn gloves most his life, as she remembered seeing him always in gloves as she'd traveled through the Labyrinth, but recently, he had ceased to wear gloves around her.
While taking notes and details down with Sagira and Midori, who had agreed to be in charge of coordinating the wedding, Sarah looked at Jareth, preparing for his reaction, and asked, "So…gloves or no gloves…"
Jareth looked up at Sarah, after noticing a change of tone in her voice, and took her hand in his ungloved one. "No gloves…" he said, looking deeply and sincerely into Sarah's eyes. Sarah gazed back into Jareth's eyes, knowing the change that Jareth was making and valuing that it was because of her.
Midori and Sagira glanced up after hearing Sarah and Jareth pause and looked at them, wondering why they were lingering over such a small detail. When they saw the connection Sarah and Jareth were gazing at each other with, they turned to each other and smiled, as if reading the other's mind.
They are so in love! Both thought.
Midori finally cleared her throat, breaking the moment, knowing they had more important matters to discuss. Jareth took Sarah's hand and placed a small kiss to it, then turned to Sagira and Midori. Sarah smiled as Jareth kissed her hand and turned to Sagira and Midori as Jareth did.
"Your Highness, it seems that the only decision left to make is where do you have the wedding?" Midori said, kindly.
"We hope you're not planning to have it in the Bog of Eternal Stench, but we were unsure of where you were thinking of wedding…" Sagira said honestly and satirically.
Sarah and Jareth laughed, both thinking of the absurdity of wedding in the Bog of Eternal Stench, then Sarah added, "Well we really hadn't had anything in mind…" Sarah looked at Jareth and said, "Do you have any objections to tying the knot right here in the castle? I love being outdoors," Sarah wrinkled her nose, "but I'm not one for outdoor weddings…"
Jareth laughed at Sarah wrinkling her nose and said, "I'm fine with wherever Sarah wishes the wedding to be…" He slipped an arm around Sarah's waist, "…Just as long as we wed, I could care less where we do it…"
Sarah placed her hand over Jareth's and began to stroke it slowly with her finger, smiled at him, then said to Sagira and Midori, "The castle it is, then…" Sarah gazed at Jareth with devotion and eagerness, and Jareth returned the gaze by kissing Sarah's forehead.
Sagira and Midori looked at each other again, and as if saying aloud to each other, thought, We'd better get these two married… and fast!
After Sarah had fully recovered after undergoing a few months of physical therapy, Jareth set the wedding less than a week after Sarah announced she'd recovered. It was at that moment Sarah experienced her first pre-wedding jitter.
A week? Oh but there's so much to do! We still have to get the cake in order, I still have to make some adjustments on my dress… Sarah's head swarmed with problems and things she still needed to tend to. Sagira immediately noticed Sarah's apprehensive behavior and addressed it as Sarah's friend.
"You're worried, aren't you, Sarah…" Sagira said plainly but sincerely.
"What? Oh, I'm…" Sarah tried to cover her anxiety, but seeing the look Sagira was giving her, stuttered, "I'm… I'm…" Sarah sat and put her face in her hands, "I'm going out of my mind, Sagira! I'm getting married in a week… a week! Less than a week, actually… Less than a week I'm getting married and there's so much to do… And not to mention in less than a week I am going to become queen of an entire realm!"
Sagira kneeled in front of Sarah and took her hands off her face and said kind-heartedly, "In less than a week you are getting married to the man that you love and does nothing but returns your love wholeheartedly and devotedly. Do not worry… Everything will fall into place…" She rubbed Sarah's hands gently and added, "…for you will have a strong and powerful king ruling right by your side…"
Sarah had felt an anxiety attack coming on, but at Sagira's kind and gracious words, she took a deep breath and smiled at Sagira. "Thank you, Sagira, I don't know what I would do without you…" She gave Sagira a thankful hug and Sagira returned it graciously.
"Now… let's go make the final adjustments to your wedding gown!" Sagira said encouragingly, pulling Sarah to her feet and pulling Sarah out of the room. Sarah laughed as Sagira dragged her to the seamstress's chamber to make the adjustments on the gown she was going to wear in her dream wedding… in less than a week!
The day of the wedding, Jareth was surprised to find he was a bundle of nerves. He fiddled with his cream-colored boutonnière that was attached to his black jacket (that was identical to the jacket he'd worn when he summoned the cleaners) with a cream-colored silk vest and black poet shirt.
He waited at the altar, the Wiseman behind him, preparing to marry them
"Have no fear, Your Majesty, this wedding will go as smooth as silk!" Sir Didymus said boldly.
"I'm sure you're right, Sir Didymus… Thank you for your assurance…" Jareth said.
The music cued and everyone made their way to their seats. Jareth took a deep breath as he saw Mizelle meandering down the aisle, dynamically flinging flower petals about. Jareth couldn't help but smile at Mizelle's dynamic but adorable behavior. Ever since she met Sarah, Mizelle began to break her timid shell. Jareth smirked as he thought, Sarah can do that to people…
The music cued to the wedding march and the guests rose. The wedding march began and Sarah appeared in the foyer. Jareth's gaze was fixed on Sarah as he finally experienced what people mean when that "their breath was taken away."
Sarah was in a charming silk satin Victorian-styled gown that had a gathered skirt and a strapless, beaded lace corset-style bodice. The cream-colored skirt opening revealed a beaded and embroidered lace underskirt that matched the bodice. With the bodice's sweetheart neckline, its Basque waist, the gown's Chapel train, the traditional Victorian-styled gown looked positively beautiful on Sarah. Sarah looked very exquisite in it.
Her long hair was down around her bare shoulders in romantic looking curls with a Swarovski Princess tiara with clear crystal pavé and white pearls that looked ornate with her pale ivory veil. Jareth noticed some kind of sparkle around Sarah's neck and he noticed the Swarovski Floral necklace with clear crystal pavé all-around the necklace with White Pearl accents. Sarah just looked absolutely stunning.
Jareth felt himself smiling as he gazed upon his exquisite bride and Jareth saw Sarah return his smile.
As Sarah made her way down the aisle, she gazed back at Jareth, and her anxiety began to ease. Jareth looked so handsome in his surprisingly elegant black accented by his cream-colored vest and boutonnière that brought attention to his long blonde locks. Sarah felt her love for Jareth dominating over all her anxiety as she saw him smile at her, to which she returned happily.
Sarah finally reached the altar and she took Jareth's outstretched hand, both never feeling happier than they felt that second. They turned to the Wiseman, who regrettably was the only one in the Underground that was qualified to marry them. They both had agreed he had never done anything but give them advice, but he more than often would stray from the point; not to mention fall asleep!
The Wiseman cleared he throat and said, "Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to witness the marriage of our King, Jareth, to his love, Sarah Williams. They will pledge their love before us and before God in holy… holy…" he slumped a bit and began to snore softly as he dozed off.
Jareth cleared he throat rather loudly and when he did, a little goblin positioned behind the Wiseman gave the Wiseman a quick kick. The Wiseman let out a loud snore as he woke with a start. He cleared his throat as he began again and finished with Jareth glaring at him forebodingly.
"They will pledge their love before us and before God in holy matrimony. If anyone has any objection to these two joining, please speak now or forever hold your peace…" Jareth glanced around and was pleased to see no one rising to state any objections. The Wiseman turned to Jareth and said, "Your vows, Your Majesty…"
Jareth turned to Sarah, gazing lovingly at her, and recited, "I, Jareth, King of the Goblins, take you, Sarah Lynn Williams, to be my lawfully wedded wife, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our friends and subjects, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live." Jareth slid a band on Sarah's finger with her crystal engagement ring.
Sarah had told herself she wouldn't cry, being completely against how cliché crying is during wedding vows, but she felt tears welling up in her eyes as Jareth looked into her eyes. It was so different, actually hearing him saying those words at that moment, knowing how much he meant them.
"Sarah…if you will…" the Wiseman offered.
Sarah heard Sagira's words in her head, You are getting married to the man that you love and does nothing but returns your love wholeheartedly and devotedly… Everything will fall into place….
Sarah smiled, knowing Sagira wasn't sitting too far away, then recited, "I, Sarah Lynn Williams, take you, Jareth, King of the Goblins, to be my lawfully wedded husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our friends and subjects, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
Jareth smiled as Sarah slid a band on his finger. They both gazed happily into each other's eyes. This was it. The Wiseman cleared his throat for the umpteenth time and said, "With the power vested in me in the great Underground, I now pronounce you husband and wife," He looked at Jareth, relieved he hadn't messed up that much, and said, "You may kiss the bride…"
Jareth carefully lifted Sarah's veil, never tearing his gaze with her pale green eyes. He gently held Sarah's chin, Sarah getting tingly feelings all over at his bare hand holding her chin, and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. They gazed at each other for a moment, then like that first day they went horseback riding, their small, sweet kisses turned into a long, passionate kiss. The attendance stood and began applauding and cheering and Jareth and Sarah turned to the crowd.
"Ladies and goblins, it is my pleasure to present Jareth and Sarah, King and Queen of the G—" The Wiseman promptly fell asleep again, but his sudden catnap was unnoticed as the attendance cheered and clapped as Jareth and Sarah made their way back down the aisle.
Later at the reception, everyone was making there way to Sarah and Jareth's table to present them their wedding gifts. Sir Didymus gallantly rode up on Ambrosious and quickly dismounted and presented them with his prized staff. He quickly left however chasing after Ambrosious, who was scared by a balloon that a goblin child had suddenly popped.
Ludo came up and gave them a little collection of rocks. It was a bit odd, but Sarah knew how tender and affectionate the gesture was, the rocks being Ludo's friends. After all he was able to call the rocks, so the gift was very appropriate.
Hoggle's present was the most appreciated as he approached and placed a crystalline jewel necklace in front of Sarah and a small sapphire ring in front of Jareth. Sarah got up to give Hoggle a hug, knowing how much Hoggle treasured and prized "his lovely jewels". Jareth even shook Hoggle's hand, surprising Hoggle who was used to being tortured and abused by Jareth.
After everyone had presented their gifts and given their blessings, Sarah and Jareth rose, Jareth leading her to the dance floor. Jareth cleared his throat and everyone turned his or her attention to him.
"Thank you all so much for your gifts and words of support… Sarah and I greatly appreciate them and are very grateful to have you here. Now, it is customary in Sarah's world for the bride and groom to share a first dance, so I convinced her to let me choose the song." He turned and smiled at Sarah and said, "Sarah, you've brought so much light into my life and the Labyrinth as well… The vines of flowers that grow around the castle now speak for your influence on it… I've loved you from the moment I saw you… This is for you, Sarah…"
Music suddenly began and Jareth sang tenderly, "These are silver wings… These are golden eyes… These are floating clouds… Angel for life…"
Sarah smiled as she gasped, choking back tears, and Jareth twirled her into him and he held her in his arms, dancing while he continued to sing, "Dreaming alone and I feel that someone… Listens to me… Angel for life… These are silver wings… These are golden eyes… These are floating clouds… Angel for life…" Jareth looked lovingly at Sarah as he sang, "Heaven is smiling down, Heaven's girl in a wedding gown…" He grinned mischievously as he continued, "I'm gonna be good, just like a good boy should…" Sarah couldn't help but let out a small laugh and smile, and Jareth continued, "I'm gonna change my ways… Angel for life… Of all the saints alive… Don't I feel like a saint alive… She's not mine for eternity… Though I'll never fly so high… I'm smiling…" Sarah felt tears in her eyes as she heard Jareth sing intimately, "I believe in magic… Angel for life…" As the song ended, Sarah couldn't help herself, and she flung her arms around Jareth's neck and kissed him, all the love she felt for him pouring out of her. Jareth wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up and spun her around happily. The audience applauded and wiped the tears from their eyes. Midori and Sagira, who were sitting next to each other, looked at each other and thought happily, They're finally married!
Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, shape, or form own The Wedding Song by David Bowie. It was written and sung by David Bowie on his album Black Tie, White Noise, and I am honored just to put it in my fan fic… It is a beautiful song with beautiful lyrics written for his wife, Iman…
Note: I couldn't help myself, but I looked all over the internet at wedding dresses (yes that's how much of a sap I am) and I found the dress and jewelry I described on Sarah. If you want to see what they look like, you can see them via my Photobucket account:
The link to see Sarah's wedding dress is: http/i104. link to see Sarah's necklace is:
http/i104. link to see Sarah's tiara is:
http/i104.