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Chapter 6
Jareth awoke with his arm feeling numb due to something heavy laying on it, he felt oddly refreshed and at peace which was unusual for him, as he turned his head to find out what was on his arm he saw Christine resting comfortably next to him with her back cradled by his own body. He vaguely recalled her voice calming him during a very disturbing dream but he truly believed that it was only his imagination that was playing tricks on him. But as he looked at her again he knew that her calming voice wasn't just a dream and he wondered if her being there beside him was the reason he felt so rested.
His arm was starting to tingle and he wished that he had his magic to stop the sensations so he would not disturb his sleeping Champion. As the sensations became too painful to bear he gently moved his arm from under her head and stood up to stretch the other parts of his body. Before walking outside to start his meditation exercises he covered Christine up and smoothed her hair from her face and gazed at the beautiful women before him and whispered,
"Sleep my dear and gather your strength you will need it for today's travels.
Rubbing his neck the Goblin King walked outside and was amazed at what he saw the hut was located on one of the few clearings located in the forest, as the light filtered through the trees he noticed the yard had a few beautiful flowers blooming around it. They almost looked as if they were draped with diamonds as the morning dew settled on their precious petals. He saw some ferns growing on the outskirts of the clearing and as he looked more closely he noticed the forest nymphs were starting their morning dance. All in all it was quiet and he understood why Milton and Milly settled here, the peacefulness was very appealing.
With a deep breath Jareth started his own morning dance his movements were slow and deliberate and very graceful each movement acknowledged the Elements that ruled his world. As his movements continued he started at the North and lifted his hands with his palms down then he slowly moved to the right and faced the East and placed his palms parallel to each other then he turned to the South and moved his hands in a diagonal line started from the top of his head to his feet. Finally he moved to the West and moved his hands from side to side. With each movement he took a deep breath and slowly let all the traces of stress depart from his body.
He always felt he could see things more clearly after his meditation dance and he truly needed clarity especially with all the chaos that he had experienced since he had found his Champion. As he continued to rotate through each of the Elemental corners in a cross shape, and soon he became more relaxed. To most people it looked like a difficult dance, but to the Goblin King it was second nature and it gave him balance and strength that he needed to get through difficult times in his life.
Christine awoke to find that she was by herself on the floor where she had fallen asleep next to the Goblin King the night before, slightly disappointed he was not there but a little relived as well, she didn't really want to explain why she was lying next to him for fear of embarrassing him or herself. As she stood up to walk outside she was surprised to find Jareth doing some sort of meditation technique that seemed, to her to be kind a like the Tai Chi she had seen on television the only difference between the two were his hand placements.
As she continued to watch she saw his movements become a little faster but still controlled and for some reason she thought that it would be good to learn the same technique. Maybe it would help her call upon and control her magical abilities she paid close attention to the movements that the Goblin King was making and did her best to commit them to memory. Before long she knew that she would need his help to master the meditation and understand the true meaning behind the movements. Finally he slowed and he came to a halt with his face turned toward her, as he opened his eyes he saw his Champion staring at him in deep concentration.
"Good morning Christine how did you sleep?"
It took a few moments for his question to register especially with her trying hard to remember all the moves she just saw the Goblin King complete butbefore long she replied, "Good morning, I slept quite well last night until I heard you thrashing in the next room, are you okay you seemed very disturbed about something you were dreaming about?"
As the Goblin King walked toward her she noticed how handsome he looked in the sunlight and was mesmerized by his every move. When he was standing right in front of her, Christine for the first time noticed how tall he was and as she tilted her head up to look into his mismatched eyes she suddenly felt the warmth of passion envelop her body and quickly tilted her head toward the ground in embarrassment.
He chuckled while watching her react to his advances, "Yes, I was having a very disturbing dream last night until a certain angel from the Aboveground soothed my mind with her calming voice," as he leaned his face closer to hers, she could feel his warm breath caress her forehead as he continued, "She also soothed my soul with her touch as well."
Christine looked up into his eyes and saw such a deep passion emanating from them that she had to take a deep breath to steady her fast beating heart. She responded shyly as she quickly looked down again toward her feet, "I am glad I could help Jareth and if I can help again don't hesitate to ask. I don't like to see someone I care for deeply in any type of pain."
Jareth could not believe what he had just heard, did she actually care for him he had to make sure. He touched her chin and tilted her head up so he could look into her green eyes,
"Do you actually care for me deeply Christine?" he inquired suspiciously.
With tears in her eyes she answered knowing that it was time for honesty not denial, "Yes, more then I probably should."
As he listened to her and looked into her eyes he knew that she spoke the truth slowly his head came down to close the gap between the two as he replied to her confession, "I care about you as well my sweet Christine."
Nothing in either of their worlds could have prepared her for the sensations that she felt when his soft lips touched hers it was as if his kiss touched her very soul, the passion that she saw in the Goblin's King's eyes earlier was felt by every nerve of her body. As the kiss deepened she felt his hands caress her back in soothing circular motions and before she could stop herself her hands lifted from the side of her body and she entwined them in his snowy white hair. With a soft moan she leaned into Jareth arms wanting to feel more of his body against hers.
Jareth noticed the movement of her body and knew that the time was not right for a deeper intimacy besides he promised him self that he would never care for another woman again no matter how much he wanted it. Quickly he pulled away from his Champion and as he looked into her eyes trying to catch his breath he saw the same passion he felt for her reflected in them.
Christine was startled at first when his lips left hers but as she opened her eyes she smiled at the handsome King and then tilted her head to the right and winked at him. Jareth surprised, threw back his head and laughed loudly,
"I must say that is the first time that I ever received a wink from such a beautiful woman."
Christine smiled slyly, "I have heard that it is a good way to get noticed by someone."
In a soft voice he answered, "I think that whoever told you that was a very wise man indeed."
Jareth was still trying to control his rapidly beating heart as their jovial antics were interrupted by Milly calling from the hut that it was time for breakfast. Jareth placed his hand within Christine's,
"Shall we have some breakfast?"
As she looked at their entwined hands she stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek, "I think that would be lovely."
As the duo walked into the hut neither noticed that beneath where they were standing a cluster of beautiful flowers magically appeared on the forest's floor to greet the morning sunlight.
Matilda awoke to the morning rays feeling a bit more optimistic then she did the night before. She dressed for the day trying to conceive a plan on how to find the Goblin King and his Champion without success. As she walked down the hall to the dining area she still wasn't any closer to a solution on how to find them, she signed in exasperation while she spoke out loud,
"I need a person to discuss my troubles with and help me find a solution to my dilemma."
When she walked into the dining room for breakfast Lady Katrina was waiting there for her. Matilda smiled to herself and thought, 'Maybe Kathryn will be able to give me some advice how to locate my dear friends. But she is a member of the High Council I wonder if it would be wise for me to involve her…' with another sigh she knew that her choices were limited, 'well I might as well talk to her, what do I have to lose except three good friends.
The older Fae woman sat down in the seat she occupied last night and addressed her guest,
"How did you sleep Kathryn?"
The younger Fae looked up at Matilda and noticed that she looked as if she didn't sleep a wink and replied, "I think I slept better then you did, you looked terrible Mattie, what is on your mind that has you so preoccupied and looking like the weight of the Underground is on your shoulders?"
This was the invitation that Matilda needed as she sat back in her chair she responded, "Yes, I do have some perplexing problems on my mind and I could use a fresh point of view. But I must ask that you give me your word that what is said here will not be repeated to anyone."
"You have my word Mattie now let me help you."
Matilda started to tell her everything that had transpired since Waylinn kidnapped Gaylord and how she was not one step closer to finding the King or the Champion. With a final breath she concluded her story, "So you see my friend I am not sure what else I can do."
Kathryn sat back in her chair and thought about everything that has been said to try and find the solution her friend needed desperately, 'If I was a seer that had limited abilities and was placed inside in a kingdom to be a spy where would I do my dirty work and where would I communicate with my master.' With a slow smile she looked at Matilda and stately triumphantly,
"I bet that he is in his own room in the castle."
The older Fae shook her head and commented, "That was the first place we looked and he wasn't there…."
"Yes, I remember you telling me" the council woman interrupted, "But did you look in there magically for hidden doors or passages?"
Matilda stood up and looked at her guest with admiration, "No, we did not look at the room that way." And with a sense to triumph she continued, "Shall we go a remedy that discrepancy right now my friend."
"Lead the way Mattie." Kathryn stated quickly following the older Fae out of the dining room so not to be left behind.
The breakfast seemed long to Christine the food was delicious but she was a little distracted by the memory of the kiss she and Jareth shared at first he seemed to enjoy the connection and then abruptly discontinued the sweet kiss and she wasn't sure why. She had never been kissed with such passion before and it frightened her a little bit but it excited her even more. 'How is it that I have come to care so deeply for a man that I have only known for a couple of days?' Christine thought to herself trying to understand her feelings a little bit better. There was no doubt in her mind that she was attracted to the handsome Fae King and that he felt something for her as well but was it superficial or something deeper. 'I have to be careful and take things slow otherwise we both might get hurt.' She concluded with here inner thoughts.
"Christine is everything okay…. Christine?" Milly asked while tapping her on the shoulder.
Christine looked up from her contemplation embarrassed, "I am sorry Milly what did you say?"
The older gnome smiled and repeated her question, "I was wondering if you would like me to brew up some more herbal remedy for your trip to the Goblin City so that your ankle doesn't flare up again?"
"Yes, that would be great and I am sorry I didn't answer your question earlier."
"That is okay dear, but you need to be alert when you are traveling through the forest."
Jareth chimed in smiling at the older couple, "I will make sure that she stays on guard my friends."
Milton nodded his head to his King, "My Lord, you better be on your way if you want to reach the Goblin City by dusk."
Jareth stood up from his chair and shook hands with Milton, "Thank you for everything and I can't wait to see you next month with your shipment of Berry Blossom Wine."
Milly went to the back room and returned with a big bag for the two travelers, "My Lord I put some food and water in this bag for you as well as a map to help you get through the forest." Turning to Christine she continued, "I also put your tea in the bag and a few other necessities that you all might need along the way. I hope the elements bless you both as you travel through the dark forest."
As the group walked out of the house to the clearing Jareth turned to their hosts once again, "We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your hospitality."
Milton bowed at his waist and smiled, "The pleasure was all ours my King farewell." Jareth grabbed a hold of Christine's hand and lead them into the dark forest once again.
They had been walking for quite some time when Jareth turned to his Champion and noticed that she was favoring her ankle again and light layer of perspiration was apparent on her face and arms. He looked at her and gestured for her to sit down on a rock that was along the path,
"Why don't we sit here for a short rest before we continue and drink some more of your healing tea."
Christine smiled with relief written on her face, "I think that would be great. I do need some rest."
Jareth walked over to the bag he was carrying and took out the tea and poured some in a cup for his Champion. As he walked over to her he handed her the tea to drink then stated while sitting down next to her.
"I am sorry I didn't stop earlier but I really want to get to the Goblin City before dark."
"That is okay Jareth I really don't want to be in the forest after dark either but if we are I am glad you are here with me."
He turned his head to her and smiled seductively, "I can think of some better places I would rather be with you in the dark, besides the Forest." Deciding to go against his resolve he leaned closer to her and kissed her gently, "And they would be much more comfortable then the rocks that we are sitting on now."
Still trying to catch her breath from the gentle kiss she reflected on her reaction, 'How come his kisses take my breath away so quickly?' She took another sip of her tea to quench her suddenly dry mouth without breaking eye contact with the man next to her when she spoke huskily,
"I do hope that I might soon be able to experience some of those better places you speak of, but until then tell about the meditation that you were doing this morning?" She asked in order to change the subject and give her a chance to recoup from the sensations he caused in her.
Jareth chuckled, "Changing the subject on me are you?"
She looked at him and nodded her head up and down to confirm his question. He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand and continued in his cultured voice, "I agree with you a change of subject would be wise." His hand dropped from her face but she could still feel the remnants of the sensations that his touch invoked.
He took her now empty cup and placed it back into the bag and then held out his hand to assist her to her feet. As they started walking down the path Christine asked him again, "Jareth please tell me about the meditation that you were doing this morning. I really think it might help me focus on the magical energy that is inside of me."
Jareth stopped in his tracks and looked at her intently, "I think you are right it might help you tap into your magic."
As they started along the path again he started to explain the meaning behind the dance, "It is a meditation that helps me to sort out things in my head or when I need guidance from the Elementals."
Christine opened her mouth up to ask him what Elementals were, when he stopped briefly and held up his hand to her, "I will explain everything to you and when I am finish I will answer any question that you might have."
She nodded her head to let him know she understood, once they started to walk again he continued, "Elementals are where our power comes from; each Fae can utilize the energies for magical purposes. North is the element of Earth and East is Air, South is Fire, and finally West is Water. Each of the four elements has certain magical aspects that they are stronger in or are used for. For example Earth's magic is used for knowledge, grounding and renewal. The Meditation that you saw me do this morning shows my respect for each of the Elementals; it also opens my thoughts to their advice. When I do the movements that are specific to them, I realign myself with each one of the Elemental aspects and become more attune to their energies. It is hard to explain but it is important to know, anyone who uses magic in the Underground should understand that magic just doesn't appear out of thin air it comes from some where and as a result it is important that we thank the Elementals for the use of their powers." As he finished he stopped to survey his surroundings once more.
Christine walked past the Goblin King trying to understand everything he was telling her, so distracted she was she did not notice the cliff until it was too late. As Jareth looked around he saw what was about to happen he ran quickly to her side and grabbed her arm as she started to fall over the cliff with a yell. Once she realized that she was not plummeting to her death she looked up at Jareth and noticed the strain her weight was taking its toll upon him. Knowing that his grip may falter any minute Christine looked for something to put her feet on, in order to give some relief to his arms. As she surveyed the cliff in front of her she saw a small ledge that would serve her purpose and she quickly placed her feet on it and was relieved to find it was stable enough to take most of her weight from the Fae King's grip.
With the extra weight removed from Jareth's arms he braced himself against a rock protruding from the ground and was able to lift her up safely onto solid land. As Christine's face emerged from the edge of the cliff Jareth pulled even harder and when her feet finally touched the ground he quickly gathered her up in his arms and started to kiss every area of her face relieved that she was still alive.
When his lips connected with hers the intense feelings she experienced made her feel as though she was drowning from the emotions coming from the Goblin King. He finally ended the kiss when he was satisfied that she was still there with him, but as he removed his lips from hers he maintained the connection by continuing to touch her cheeks with his fingers. Jareth looked deeply into her face and saw some slight bruising on her lips that his kisses had caused and touched them gently with his finger while whispering,
"Please forgive me but when I saw you go over that cliff my …"
Christine quickly placed a finger on his lips to quite him, "I am sorry that I frightened you Jareth. I will be much more careful from here on out I promise." And with that statement she kissed him gently on the cheek and held him tightly in her arms. They both sat down in the soft dirt to calm down without letting go of each other, not knowing if it was a wise choice but deciding to let go of their inhibitions and reveal in being alive just for once.
After a few moments Jareth stood up and held his hand out to help Christine to her feet, "We should really be on our way especially if we plan on reaching the Goblin City before nightfall."
She grasped his hand and hefted herself off the ground as she turned around to see the ravine that almost caused her demise she asked with a shiver, "How are we going to get across that Jareth?"
Without letting go of her hand the duo walked along the edge till they came upon a small rickety bridge and as Jareth smiled at her he stated, "We are going to get across by going over that bridge."
She gave him a vain attempt of a smile, "I guess now would be a bad time to tell you that I am terrified of heights especially when I cannot see anything below except darkness,"
Jareth smiled at her, "If you weren't afraid especially after your near fall I would be really concerned. Think of it this way Christine at least your feet will be on something solid instead of floating in the air; let me go first and if it can hold my weight then we will know for sure that it can hold you without difficulty."
Christine looked on as the Jareth started across the flimsy bridge holding her breath hoping that he wouldn't fall. As he crossed she felt the breath leave her chest when one of the boards broke underneath his feet as he continued to cross a big gust of wind blew over the bridge and almost knocked him off Christine let out an audible gasp as she watched him he grabbed onto the many vines hanging over the bridge from the trees that surrounded the crevice and using them for extra support as he finished crossing. She breathed a sigh of relief once he was out of danger and standing on the other side of the bridge. With a jester of his arm he beckoned for her to cross over.
She took a tentative step onto the bridge praying to the Air Elemental that Jareth just told her about a few moments ago asking for it to help her keep her balance while she crossed. She felt more confident with each step she took but when she was halfway across a gust of air swirled around her and lifted her up off the wooden plank she was standing on. She could feel the warm embrace of the air as she was lifted into the sky once she realized she was safe she looked down at the bridge she was just standing on and was shocked to see it give way and fall into the dark recesses below.
The breeze that surrounded her started to become denser almost as if she was being encased in a bubble of wind. Jareth looked on with surprise written on his face when he saw his Champion lifted in the air and when the sphere started to move toward his side of the now fallen bridge he stepped back and allowed it to put Christine down gently beside him.
As the air dissipated around her she noticed that she was on the other side of the of the chasm and as the Goblin King took a hold of her hand she looked on in amazement as the air that saved her materialized into a very handsome man. His skin had a metallic sheen to it his flowing hair had the same color but the most amazing thing was that on his back he had wings that seemed to be made of clouds. The Spirit bowed his head to the two people standing before him and when he spoke his voice was musical to Christine's ears,
"Are you okay My Lady?"
"Yes, I am fine but forgive me who are you?" Christine asked while stepping forward to meet her rescuer.
"I am the physical representation of the Elemental Air. You called to me when you were crossing the bridge." He answered her question while extending his hand to her.
Christine accepted his hand, "Thank you for rescuing me I really appreciate your help."
He brought his head to her hand and placed a gentle kiss on it, which felt like a soft breeze against her fingers, "The pleasure was all mine My Lady and any time you need my help again just call and I will be there to assist you."
With that final statement he turned to Jareth, "Thank you for remembering me during your meditation your Highness. I wish more of your race would acknowledge the Elementals as you do. Now I must bid you both fare well."
Then before Christine's eyes his image shifted back into the gust of wind and he was gone. She turned to Jareth and smiled, "People in your world do have a strange way of showing themselves to me."
He chuckled at her comment and grabbed her hand; "We should go so we can reach the Goblin City by dusk."
As they were walking Jareth was amazed that his Champion not only has called upon the Spirit of the Labyrinth but also called upon one of the Elementals of his world she is truly going to be powerful when she finally understands how to use and control her inner magic. As he turned his head to look at the women beside him he thought, 'She is truly an amazing women and I am thankful she is on my side.'
Christine looked up to see Jareth looking at her intently and asked, "A penny for your thoughts."
He looked at her confused, "What did you ask Christine?"
"I asked you if I could give you a penny for your thoughts, it is expression in my old world that you say when you want to know what someone is thinking."
He nodded his head in understanding, "I was thinking about how you are the most amazing women I have ever meet and that I am glad you are on my side."
She tilted her head to the ground in embarrassment and stated plainly, "I can't think of any better place I rather be then by your side Jareth." Then hand and hand the duo walked diligently toward the Goblin City.
Back in the castle Matilda and Lady Katrina hurried along the corridor to Waylinn's room in hopes to find the betraying Fae there, so they could ask him where Gaylord was as well as the Goblin King and his Champion. When they finally reached the door Matilda opened it quickly and started to search his chambers more thoroughly then the goblins did the night before when Lady Katrina touched Matilda's hand and halted her search,
"Allow me to search the room magically Mattie."
Then with a flick of her wrist she created a crystal not unlike the Goblin King's except hers was a pale pink color. As she released the crystal the magic incased within the orb started to search the room methodically. When it reached the far wall it stopped and glowed brightly as the two Fae women walked toward the wall the orb dropped onto the ground in a splash of pink glitter which showed a shadow of footprints that seemed to be half inside the wall and half in the room.
In an instant Matilda created her own crystal that glowed with a fiery color of reds and oranges, "Step back Kathryn so that you don't get hurt."
She threw the crystal toward the wall and in a flash of color the wall was obliterated before them. Once the dust settled they saw a dimly lighted stairway that headed into the depths of the castle. Without a moments hesitation the two women grabbed the torches that were on either side of the stairs and rushed in to find the one who betrayed their King.
Waylinn was on the floor in his hidden room enjoying the gift of power his mistress gave him as a reward when he heard the loud explosion at the top of the stairs and in an instant he was on his feet trying desperately to shake the fog that surrounded his mind so he could react quickly. A few moments later he saw Matilda and another woman descend into the room that he was inhe quickly tried to produced a crystal to transport him out of the castle, Lady Katrinaguessing what he intended to doquickly produced a crystal of her own and threw it toward Waylinn.Her orb intercepted his in a flash of color that blinded everyone in the room momentarily, as the light cleared and everyone could see again Matilda noticed that Waylinn was incased in a magical prison in which the bars surrounding him caused extreme pain when any part of his body came in contact with them.
Once the two Fae women were sure that Waylinn would not escape Matilda walked up to the seer with loathing in her eyes, "Tell me where Gaylord is or I will make you feel pain like no other pain you have ever experienced before?"
The soothsayer looked at her and started to laugh, "Your powers are nothing compare to the powers of my mistress the Temptress I won't tell you a thing."
Matilda moved closer to the bars that held the soothsayer and spoke in a low dangerous voice, "Tell me everything you know Waylinn or you will see how dangerous I can be."
He looked at the Fae in front of him and spit at her feet and stated defiantly, "You can't do anything to me old women, as a Messenger of Fate you are not allowed to hurt anyone. Besides your precious doctor is already with my mistress at Titima near the Desolate Valley and I am sure he won't be alive much longer. So you are too late."
Matilda turned to Lady Katrina, "Do you think he speaks the truth Kathryn?"
"We have no choice but to believe him Mattie."
As Lady Katrina looked back to Waylinn she created a dark orb of magic, "Matilda may not be able to hurt you soothsayer but I can, tell us where King Jareth and his Champion are or you will feel the pain that we promised you."
Waylinn looked at the younger Fae and started to laugh, at that very moment Lady Katrina released the dark orb in her hand and as it surrounded the seer the energy encased within it formed rays of lighting and Waylinn felt the pain he was promised and with a yell he exclaimed, "I don't know where they are."
As the magic dissipated from the first orb Lady Katrina produced another sphere of the same dark energy, "Don't lie to us Waylinn."
Blabbering like a wound animal he exclaimed again. "I swear to you I don't know where they are I promise you I don't."
The crystal disappeared in her hands and she turned to Fates Messenger, "He is a coward Mattie I bet he really doesn't know where Jareth and Christine are but I will bring him to the High Council and they can interrogate him further."
Matilda shook her head in response, "No Kathryn lets lock him in one of the oubliettes till Jareth returns I think he would like to have a word with him." At the same time she was talking to Kathryn she transported the seer with a flick of her wrist to one of the oubliettes.
As the two ascended up the stairs Lady Katrina asked, "Do you think that King Jareth and Christine are okay?"
Matilda looked out over the Labyrinth I think they are okay but I fear that if they don't return soon chaos will fall upon the Underground. Jareth doesn't realize how important he is to our world he is the only one that truly comprehends the complexities of the magic we use in our day to day lives."
The younger Fae nodded her head in agreement and added, "And Christine will finally bring the balance that has not been present in our world since the Temptress found out about her powers." As both women looked out the window the shadows of the morning were quickly turning into the shadows of the afternoon and as each women looked out to the Labyrinth they were keenly aware that time was not on their side.
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