Chapter 8
Christine sat a long time among the beautiful flowers with one thought repeating itself through her head there just wasn't enough time. She hardly noticed her surroundings or the moon rising high in the night sky she was consumed with her feelings of failure and self-doubt. She felt as is every thing around her was out of control…. out of control. Christine suddenly remembered the meditation that Jareth did in the forest he said it helped him focus when things were out of control for him.
Slowly she stood up and walked to a clearing in the garden and with her eyes closed she began the ritualistic dance she saw Jareth perform earlier in the dark forest. At first she felt clumsy and ungraceful but as she repeated the dance her moves became smoother and started to flow together nicely. As she moved to each of the Elemental corners she asked for strength and guidance so that she could complete her destiny. As she started the dance again and as she was facing east she suddenly felt a gust of wind surround her body, as she turned to the south she felt a comforting warmth mixing with the wind and when she faced the western corner the dew that was in the night air kissed her cheek gently, and finally as she was winding up the meditation facing north she opened her eyes and saw a woman standing before her with chestnut hair and a brown gown flowing in the wind walking toward her.
Frightened Christine stepped back from the approaching women and bumped into a strong body that was behind her; afraid at what might happen next she closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm her frazzled nerves. When she turned around to see what she bumped into she saw a handsome man with fiery red hair with a matching red tunic and he held a sword of fire which lit the garden brightly. As Christine continue to look around she saw another woman dressed in a sea foam gown with dark blue hair that was adored with seashells that shimmered in the light and finally she noticed the only familiar figure to her. Quickly she walked over to the Elemental of Air that saved her from the bridge and as she stood before him she asked,
"What is going on here?"
He smiled at her and answered, "You called to us during your meditation for guidance so her we are to help any way we can."
Christine looked around when it suddenly dawned on her the others were the physical representations of the Elementals. The women in brown came forward and confirmed her realization,
"I am Mother Earth and this is Water," nodding to the woman in the West, "And this is Fire," she said while nodding her head to the man in red, "and of course you have already met Air." She finished.
Christine looked in aw at the people in front of her and couldn't believe that she called upon the Elementals.
Mother Earth took her hand and continued, "My dear the strength you need is inside of you and all you have to do to access your power, is to believe in yourself."
Christine remembered the Spirit of the Labyrinth telling her the same thing not to long ago, she looked at the beautiful woman holding her hand and commented, "I understand what you are saying and I do believe in myself but I don't have enough time to learn how to tap into my magic."
Fire stepped forward his baritone voice reverberating in the garden, "The power within you cannot be acquired in your human form that is why it is so difficult for you."
"I don't know what you mean what form do, I have to be!" Christine exclaimed loudly not understanding.
The melodic voice of Water intruded to explain, "Your human body cannot handle the energy required to utilize your magic you must be transformed into a Fae.
Christine looked at the Elemental astonished not believing that she could be transformed, but at the same time she felt a bit of excitement build in her chest at the thought of becoming a part of Jareth's world
Water interrupted her thoughts with a warning, "We can help with the change but it comes with a sacrifice you may never return to the Aboveground again. Once the transformation is complete you a part of the Underground forever."
Christine's excitement dwindled immediately she would have to give up her career, her family, and her world she would never be able to see her beloved Grandmother and she wasn't sure if she could sacrifice so much. She walked away from the Elementals and looked at the castle she had taken residence in for some sort of sign of what she should do. With a sigh she turned away from the building and looked at the garden Jareth had shared with her and thought about all the things she had seen and people she had met. 'Could she give up her old life for this new one?' So many things were going through her head that when Mother Earth touched her shoulder she jumped apprehensively. Christine turned around and looked at the beautiful woman as she spoke quietly,
"Think hard about your decision Christine because no matter what happens the transformation cannot be reversed."
Nodding her head she turned away from the woman in brown and looked at the castle once again and saw in the far distance a shadowy figure in a window silhouetted and she new instinctively that it was Jareth and her heart swelled with love for this man that has become such a important part of her life. At that very moment she knew what she had to do she slowly turned toward Mother Earth and smiled,
"Change me into a Fae because no matter what happens I must do what I can for the man I love and his kingdom, if that means sacrificing my world so be it."
Mother Earth nodded her head and led her back to the circle, Christine stood in the center while each of the Elementals surrounded her. Mother Earth raised her hands in the air and called out loudly,
"Hear me Spirits of our land the Champion has conceded to transformation we ask for your presence to assist us in the ceremony."
Christine looked on as the many different magical energies of the Underground converged upon the circle. As she stood in the center she watched as each of the Elementals turn back into their original forms and join in the growing magical sphere, as the whirlwind continued the colors increased in intensity so much that Christine had to close her eyes so not to be blinded. Within moments the energy that surrounded her enclosed her in a cocoon of color that felt like a warm blanket to the Champion. She opened her eyes and looked at the colors around her and was mesmerized by their prismatic movements. As she watched the movements she heard Mother Earth's voice called out once again,
"Our magical powers are combined let the transformation begin."
Christine barely had a chance to prepare her self as the colors suddenly became white and the circle became smaller and smaller she closed her eyes again hoping that the transformation would not be painful. Before long she felt the magical energy around her permeate every fiber of her being she relished in the feelings that the white light caused within her body then almost instantly the magical power that lied dormant within her emerged in a flash of magenta energy all at once she became one with her magic signaling her transformation into one of the Fae race.
Jareth was looking out of the window of the castle wondering why his Champion had not returned when a flash of magenta color caught his eye in the gardens below. He quickly created a crystal to transport him to the origin of the light hoping Christine was okay as he reappeared in the garden he was shocked to see that the magenta color was coming from his Champion and as the light faded he saw her gently fall to the ground he hurried to her side to see if she was okay. He slowly lifted her head from the soft grass and noticed that she was still breathing relived, anger started to set in. He looked up to find Mother Earth looking down at him yelling he asked,
"What have you done to her? I swear if you harmed her in any way…"
Mother Earth interrupted him in her calm voice; "We have not harmed her King Jareth look at your Champion again and you will understand what has taken place tonight."
Jareth looked at the lovely woman again and noticed an aurora that surrounded her body that was not there before, realizing what had happened the feelings inside of him for her grew even stronger he looked up at the woman in brown questionably.
Earth nodded her head and answered in unasked question, "She has been transformed by her own free will so she can complete her destiny and free your kingdom. She has sacrificed her world and her old life for this world and for you."
She knelt beside him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and continued, "King Jareth the Fates choose wisely sending her to you I suggested you treat her well."
Looking down at the beautiful woman he smiled fondly and spoke quietly, "I promise to treat her as if she is my Queen."
Mother Earth stood up slowly and walked to where the others where standing and before they disappeared she stated, "That is a promise we all know you will keep, farewell King Jareth."
Each of the Elementals disappeared and as the light died down from their magic; darkness enveloped the garden once again. Jareth gathered his Champion in his arms and almost dropped her; the sensations that usually were apparent whenever they touched were magnified dramatically. He could almost sense her feelings and her thoughts and as he adjusted her in his arms to carry her to the castle all he could think about was how much he cared for her and he silently thanked the Fates for bringing her into his life.
On Mount Titima the Temptress awoke from a deep sleep in confusion she knew that her dark magic awaken her but she was not sure why it did. She sat up straight on her bed and closed her eyes. Focusing her energy she started a magical trace to find the disturbance that caused her darkness to react in such a way. As her threads of energy reached out to the surrounding lands she sensed nothing, until she got to the Labyrinth and found that her magic was blocked by a strong presence as she pushed further with her dark threads something repelled her magic so strongly that it knocked the Temptress to the ground as she hoisted herself up she saw an apparition of a women with red hair floating in her chambers with determination the ghostly figure spoke,
"You are forbidden to enter this land Dark One."
Once the warning was delivered the apparition disappeared. The Temptress recognized the women immediately and roared in anger somehow Jareth's Champion had become powerful enough to block her dark magic. The hatred burn deep within the Temptress and out of frustration she started to destroy everything in her room, as she calmed down a bit she sat on her tattered bed and started to conceive a plan to destroy her enemies but she needed that imbecile Waylinn to help her. She created a crystal and transported herself to the oubliette that held her minion she wasn't sure if her dark magic would be successful in transporting her but knowing that if she didn't try her plan would fail.
As she reappeared outside of Waylinn's holding chambers she felt weak and a bit disorientated, intuitively she knew that she could not transport both her and Waylinn back to Titima but there was another way as she walked into the oubliette she created a bottle with a releasing potion inside of it.
Waylinn heard a noise inside his cell and looked toward the sound worriedly. But when he saw his Mistress approach he jumped to his feet and ran to her making sure she was not a figment of his imagination.
"Get your hands off of me you fool," the Temptress hissed at the soothsayer.
"My Mistress I knew you would come for me."
"Yes Waylinn I am her but I am not pleased with your performance." Her anger apparent in her voice, "I should destroy you for your incompetence but unfortunately I need your assistance. I need you to do something for me and this time you better not fail me."
Waylinn nodded his head afraid that if he said anything he might anger his Mistress further.
She handed him the vial she created outside his cell and continued, "Put this potion in your water and drink it rapidly it will allow you to leave this cell but the effects are temporary. Then I want you to go to High Councilman Drayton and give him this," She created a figurine in the shape of two lovers intertwined in each others arms and continued, "Tell him it is from his beloved and then leave it with him. Do you understand everything I have said soothsayer."?
Waylinn nodded his head again not trusting his voice. The Temptress turned and disappeared leaving the seer on his own, as he laid down to rest before the breaking of dawn he heard the menacing voice of his Mistress reverberate on the walls of his cell,
"And Waylinn if you fail me I will tear your limbs from your body and throw you into the lake of eternal fire."
Shaking, Waylinn laid his head down he but was unable to fall asleep due to the fear permeating through his body.
Once Jareth got Christine into her chambers he gently placed her on her bed and smoothed her hair from her face and as he put on her bed gown he looked to see if there were any injuries to her body from the transformation ceremony. Satisfied she was okay he finished tying the delicate strings together of her gown and pulled the warm comforter over her body and sat down in the chair next to her bed.
As he watched her sleep he thought about what she had done for him and his kingdom a look of wonderment crossed his angler features. As he continued to watch her breath while she slept he knew he could not deny his feelings anymore in the short time he had known her she had given him her trust, comforted him when he slept, sacrificed her human life for him, and some how during their brief time together he had fallen in love with her. He knelt down and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek and promised,
"I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and show you every day how much I love you."
As he sat back in the chair his eyes slowly closed and the last thought that entered his mine before sleep overcame him was that the Temptress better watch out because his beloved will defeat her and save him.
Christine abruptly woke from a refreshing slumber slightly disoriented the only thing she remembered from the night before was her magic manifesting itself to her and a sweet kiss from Jareth. She looked out the window and noticed the approaching dawn, as she closed her eyes again she felt the sun's warm rays on her face and listened carefully to the bird's morning song.
Her peacefulness was interrupted when she heard a snort from someone next to her bed, as she turned to face the sound she saw Jareth sleeping in a chair snoring loudly. Smiling to herself she watched him while admiring the beauty of the man nestled comfortably in his chair with one leg over the arm and the other on the footrest. The sunlight caressed his face and it made him look very handsome to her green eyes she watched enraptured as the sun illuminated his masculine chest and the rest of his lower body. As she watched him sleep she imagined what it would be like to explore every part of his muscular form with her hands and lips; and how it would feel to be underneath him in the beautiful dance that lovers create when two people become connected as one. Shaking her head she quickly put each of those dangerous thoughts into the deep recesses of her mind because she didn't even know if the man sitting next to her felt the same as she.
Christine slowly got up out of bed so not to disturb the sexy sleeping man and walked to the mirror to see if their was any physical changes that matched her inner change that took place in the castle gardens last night but the only thing reflected in the mirror was passion in her green eyes from the intimate thoughts she was having about a certain Goblin King just a moment ago. She turned away from the mirror and she was startled when she saw Jareth staring at her.
"Good morning and how are you feeling?" He asked in his accented voice.
She walked to him and placed her arms around his neck and answered, "I feel wonderful Jareth it is as if I have finally come home to where I belong."
He placed a gentle hand on her face, "You have always been where you belong." Then he continued hesitantly, "Do you have any regrets of your decision to become a Fae?"
Shaking her head she answered, "Not a one Jareth."
As they separated he tilted his head toward hers and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Christine was surprised when their lips first touched because she could sense every one of his feelings through the kiss but as it deepened her surprised turned into elation because she knew without a question that he loved her. As the passion increased between them it was awe-inspiring to her and as they separated, both of their breathing was shallow and their hearts seemed to beat as one.
Jareth looked into her eyes and smiled, "I guess you becoming a Fae has made our connection complete."
Breathlessly Christine answered, "I think you are right."
Their intimate moment was interrupted by Christine's stomach growling loudly, Jareth laughed, "It seems as if your stomach has a mind of its own."
Laughing with him she turned and started toward her closet to get dressed for the day as she walked out the closet door with a dark blue blouse and a pair of pants to match she asked, "Do you think Adrianna could bring our food outside Jareth?"
Questionably he answered, "I don't see any reason why she couldn't but why do you want it to be served outside?"
She looked at the handsome King and explained, "I am aware of my magic Jareth, but I still need your help to master it and control it and I only have a month before I go in front of the Council and prove to them I am your Champion I need to start practicing now."
Jareth knew that she was correct in her assessment that practice was needed, but he really wanted to spend time with her and explore his new found love. Guessing his thoughts Christine walked up to him and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Jareth I would love to explore our relationship as well, but unfortunately the Council and the Temptress must be dealt with first; but after the threat to your kingdom is over we will have all the time we need especially since you and I are both Fae now."
Nodding his head concurring with her observation he replied, "How did you become so wise?"
Christine smiled at his statement and answered, "I am not wise, just patient, now you better go and get breakfast before my hormones cloud my judgment."
Jareth kissed her one last time then turned and left her chambers. Christine couldn't believe that his departing kiss left her just a breathless as the one they shared earlier trying to get her mind off her passionate King she busied herself by getting dressed for the day.
Adrianna walked the dimly lit corridor to bring Waylinn his food wishing that the goblins could be trusted to complete this chore, but Jareth was afraid that Waylinn would trick them and escape before he was brought before the Council to pay for his crimes. Adrianna was glad that Jareth trusted her but the comments that the seer called out to her from the door were very unsettling to the young maid. As she walked closer to the cell, which held the soothsayer, she took a deep breath and lifted the small trap door that would allow food to be moved into the oubliette. Adrianna was surprised that no comments were called out to her. She wasn't sure if she was grateful for the silence or if she should be fearful of it as she shut the trap door she hurriedly walked away to tell King Jareth of the change in his prisoner.
Waylinn sat quietly awaiting his food as the light footsteps approached he readied himself for the magic that would release him from his cell as he saw the food enter through the small door he quickly poured the potion into his water and drank it down in one gulp, within moments he felt his body changing and as he looked at his reflection in the left over water and he saw his body became transparent and disappear. He tried to pick up his cup to get a better look when his hand went right through it.
Elated, he slowly walked through the door like a ghost and started to walk down the corridor to find a way out of the inner maze and complete his mission. As he floated along the floor he saw Adrianna ahead of him and all thoughts of his mission departed from his head as revenge took over his mind and body he moved quickly and within moments he was standing behind his object of his obsession. No sooner as he reached her, the potion he had taken wore off and before she noticed him he grabbed her from behind and whispered dangerously into her ear,
"You will now pay for your rejection of my love with your body." Adrianna tried to scream but the hand covering her mouth muffled her voice.
"Go ahead and yell no one will hear you and when I kill your beloved Gaylord in front of you then take you as my bride over his dead body I will relish in your screams." Shocked Adrianna immediately stopped screaming.
Chuckling menacingly Waylinn continued "yes my dear I know you love him I saw it every time you looked at him, you should have looked at me that way instead of that pitiful doctor."
Waylinn led the young maid toward the exit to complete his revenge, but in his haste he didn't notice a goblin hiding in the corner of the passageway. Snout sat very still as he watched the dark soothsayer grab Adrianna and listened intently at everything that was said by the seer. As the duo walked out of the goblins view he stood up from his sitting position and ran to find King Jareth and tell him about what he saw.
Jareth was walking down the hallway outside Christine's bedchamber when Snout one of his goblins ran up to him out of breath, "Your Majesty Waylinn has escaped and has taken the maid Adrianna as a hostage."
The Goblin King roared in anger, "What do you mean Waylinn has escaped?"
Slightly frightened the goblin stepped back in fear and started to explain quickly, "Waylinn somehow escaped his oubliette and grabbed Adrianna from behind and threatened her in the outside corridors of the inner maze."
Anger and fear enveloped the King's but as he continued his questioning he spoke a bit more calmly, "How long ago did you see them?"
Tilting his had the goblin calculated and answered, "It was about fifteen minutes ago."
Looking down at the goblin that once almost became his son he praised him, "You did well Snout thank you for your quick actions. I am proud of you."
Standing a bit taller then usual Snout beamed at the compliment given to him and watched as Jareth immediately produced a crystal to find the escaping criminal within a few moments he disappeared quickly in a shower of royal blue glitter.
Snout exhausted from rushing to notify the King continued down the hallway looking for somewhere to rest before he went on patrol when he came to the room next to the Goblin King's chambers that was usually unoccupied and decided to rest in there. As he entered the room he saw a women staring at a full-length mirror as she turned around she smiled at him and asked,
"Hello how can I help you?" Christine wasn't sure what to think of her visitor and she wondered if the goblin understood her language.
Not knowing what to say to the beautiful women he hesitated answering her in his squeaky voice. "Forgive me my Lady for intruding but I was looking for a place to rest and I thought this room was unoccupied."
She was surprised that the little goblin could speak so well and asked, "Why do you need to rest goblin?"
Without thinking he answered her quickly, "I had to rush to give the King an important message about Waylinn escaping and using Adrianna as a hostage."
Christine's heart jumped she had only meet Adrianna once but she was very kind and friendly to her during their time together. She knew just enough about Waylinn to know that he was dangerous. 'I wonder if Jareth will need my help?' she thought to herself then asked the goblin,
"Where are they at?"
The goblin shifted on his feet concern that she would be angry at his answer, "I don't know my Lady the King produced a crystal and disappeared from the hall."
Nodding her head Christine tried to think of someway to find Jareth when suddenly a magenta crystal materialized in her hand as she looked down and saw the magic within it swill and then became clear and with a gasp of surprise it showed her exactly where the King was. With her other hand she motioned for the goblin to come closer and inquired,
"Is this where you think the King is?"
Looking into the crystal he immediately noticed the location, "That is the tunnel where the oubliette are and where I saw the dark seer grab Adrianna."
She nodded her thanks to the goblin and then asked him, "What is your name goblin?"
Looking up at the woman he replied with pride, "My name is Snout my Lady."
Christine recognized the name and took a closer look at the goblin that was formally known as Toby and asked curiously, "Are you happy here Snout?"
Not understanding why the woman asked him that type of question he wasn't sure how to respond but decided to answer the best he could, "I think so, I get to eat good food and sleep in a dry bed and play with my friends and when I get older I will be trained to take Quastia's position as general of the army so I guess I am happy."
Wanting to talk to the goblin a bit more Christine suggested, "I am about to leave so why don't you rest here till my return."
Snout glad to be able to stay replied, "Thank you my Lady."
Christine then looked again in her crystal and focused very hard on the image and hoped that the magic within her would know what to do and guide her to where Adrianna and the Waylinn were so she could help Jareth somehow. As her mind continued to focus she suddenly heard a pop and in a shower of magenta glitter she disappeared from the room. Snout shrugged his shoulders and walked to the chairs in front of the fireplace to rest and wait.
Jareth appeared in front of Waylinn and Adrianna and spoke dangerously his eyes burning with hatred, "Soothsayer if you let her go right now I promise to be lenient in your punishment."
Waylinn laughed at the Goblin King, "Do you think I am foolish enough to believe your promise as soon as I let her go you will probably kill me." He repositioned Adrianna between him and Jareth and started to play with her hair and kiss her neck, "Besides this beauty and I have some unfinished business to attend to and I plan on keeping her for a long time."
Adrianna tried not to cringe as the seer kissed her neck and as he continued to place kisses on her body she stared at her King gaining strength from his presences. Jareth looked on disgusted at the seers actions not sure what to do. He didn't want Adrianna to be harmed but he also didn't want Waylinn to escape his kingdom as he pondered the situation hoping to buy him some more time he asked,
"How did you escape my oubliette seer?"
Laughing Waylinn looked at the King and smiled, "My Mistress took pity on me and gave me a potion to mix with my water that allowed me to escape from you isolated cell because she needs my help. Now stand back I think it is time for us to go."
Jareth looked on hopelessly as his friend was being dragged away when he noticed a flash of color in the next tunnel, thinking that it might be Matilda he tried to stall the departing figures again,
"Let her go Waylinn or I will destroy you."
When Christine appeared in the dark corridor she heard Jareth's warning and hurriedly went to the adjoining tunnel to see if there was some way she could help. Knowing the element of surprise was on their side she moved quietly so not to give away her location. She peered around the corner and saw that Waylinn's back was facing her she knew that this was the only chance they had to rescue Adrianna from the grasps of a madman she produced a crystal praying to the Elementals that her magic would work and gestured to Jareth to be prepared to attack.
Surprised that it was his Champion instead of Matilda he nodded his head slightly, acknowledging her gestures and watched as Christine threw a crystal at Adrianna that quickly materialized into a magical shield around the frightened maid and at the same time he created an orb of his own and threw it at Waylinn which immediately knocked the seer to the ground unconscious.
Glad that her magic worked Christine ran over to the fallen maid and helped her back to her feet and asked, "Are you all right?"
With tears in her eyes Adrianna answered, "Thank goodness you got here. I was worried all was lost when we started to move away from the King."
Jareth walked over to the seer and created a magical prison around him so he wouldn't escape again then went to see how the two women were doing still amazed that his love created such a powerful shield around Adrianna. As he approached Christine she turned to him and inquired, "Jareth are you okay."
He answered her touched that she was concerned for him as well, "Yes my dear I am fine," and then he turned to his friend and continued, "Did he hurt you in any way Adrianna."
Shaking her head she answered, "No your Majesty he just frightened me…" she stopped her answer as the reality of the situation hit her and she started to sob.
Christine held the sobbing elfin and whispered words of comfort as she looked up at Jareth immediately she noticed the anger rise within his eyes as he watched Adrianna emotional release taking place in her arms.
In a strained voice he asked, "Christine will you please bring Adrianna to her room and make her comfortable while I deal with my former seer?"
Nodding her head she asked, "Do you want me to return and help you deal with that sorry sack of shit?"
Chuckling he answered tilting his head toward the fallen seer "No, just take care of Adrianna I must deal with this sorry sack of shit on my own."
"Okay Jareth we will see you soon." Christine produced a crystal and transported her and Adrianna to her own chambers not sure if she could focus well enough to go someplace else.
Jareth watched the two women disappear and then noticed Waylinn starting to stir on the ground that he laid on. Jareth walked toward him slowly allowing his anger to build so that there would no doubt in the seer's mind that the Goblin King was not someone to mess with especially in his kingdom. Waylinn looked up at the approaching figure trying desperately to clear his eyesight so he could react quickly but the prison that that Jareth produced around him held tight. He watched as the dangerous Goblin King reached through the magical sphere and grabbed his clothes and lifted him high in the air and spat with anger,
"I told you that I would be lineate if you would let Adrianna go but since you were not wise in your decision you will be punished harshly."
The soothsayer started to laugh, "You cannot kill me you haven't petition the council for incineration and I am sure with the pending meeting with them you don't want to be on their bad side."
Jareth knew that the evil man was correct but that didn't mean he couldn't do something. Smiling to himself a suitable punishment came to him, "You are right Waylinn, but I don't want to kill you right away I want to see you suffer."
With his other hand he produced another crystal orb and placed it inside of Waylinn's pocket and with a smile placed him back on his feet. The soothsayer stepped back from the King and took out the orb and as he held it in his hands it started to glow soon the seer started to vanish but before he was completely gone Jareth called out,
"You are banished from my kingdom and if you ever show your face again I will kill you without the council's permission." As he turned around to walk away he stopped and called over his shoulder, "And by the way Waylinn, say hello to the Forest of Darkness for me."
The soothsayer's started to scream in fear as he disappeared completely, his fearful voice echoed in the corridor. Jareth transported out of the darkened hallway satisfied the justice was served.
Back at the castle, in Christine's room, the two women appeared Christine led the young elfin to the bed and sat her down gently calling out to the goblin, "Snout, come here please."
The Goblin immediately came to the woman's side and asked quickly, "Yes, my Lady."
Christine requested, "Go to the kitchen and get some water for Adrianna."
Snout looked at the young maid that was always so kind to him and asked, "Is she going to be okay?"
"Yes, she will be fine, now go please." Christine watched as he left to complete his task.
Once Adrianna was settled Christine went to her closet to fetch a nightgown for her friend hoping that Jareth would punish the seer well, as she came out of the closet door she noticed Adrianna fast a sleep on the bed. Instead of waking her up to dress, she pulled a warm comforter over her and sat down in the chair Jareth occupied the night before to watch over the sleeping maid.
She had just started to settle down to rest when Jareth materialized within the room, she watched quietly as her love sat down on the bed and smoothed the hair from Adrianna's face after he was sure she was okay he turned toward her and asked, "How are you doing?"
She replied touched he inquired about her and answered, "I am okay just a little weak from using so much magic in such a short time. What did you do about that bastard Waylinn?"
He replied quietly as he looked at her, "The weakness you feel will lesson as you use your magic more often." He stood up from the bed and walked to the window before answering her second question, "I sent Waylinn to the Forest of Darkness and banned him from my kingdom."
Christine followed him and stood next to him looking out the window as well, "Good a man like him deserves what he gets I hope he meets up with a Tigerdragon."
Jareth put is arm around his love and commented, "Yes he deserve what he gets but I have a feeling we will see him again… thank you for your help but I have to know how did you find us?"
She slowly lifted up her hand and produced a magenta orb, "I looked in my crystal ball."
Chuckling he smiled, "I guess you figured out how to use some of your magic."
"No not really I just kind of wished my magic to work, but I think I still have a long way to go before I am proficient at it."
Jareth nodded, "Well that is partly how you access your power but I agree we need to practice."
"Yes, I think that you are right, but shouldn't someone watch over her just in case she has a bad dream or wakes up fearful?" Christine asked?
As he looked at his friend he answered, "Yes I think you are right she did just go through a precarious situation let us go find Matilda and see if she will watch over her."
He started to produce a crystal but Christine stopped him, "Let me do it I need the practice." She focused hard to search for Matilda in her own crystal and within a few moments she smiled, "I found her she is in the throne room with Lady Katrina."
"Good I need to talk to both of them." He replied then continued, "Shall I get us there or do you want more practice?"
"I think I can do it but can you help because I am still a bit tired?" Christine asked.
Nodding his head Jareth grabbed a hold of Christine's hand and together they transported to the throne room.
Soon after Snout returned with the water and noticed the maid all alone deciding to take care of things himself he grabbed a rag and started to bath the sleeping maid's forehead with the water in the cup and sit with her till the King retuned.
Matilda and Lady Katrina were talking quietly when Jareth and Christine appeared in front of them in a flash of blue/magenta color. Matilda looked closely at the Champion and stood up quickly excited, "You did it you learned how to use your power."
Looking at the older Fae she confirmed her comment, "Yes Mattie, but I still have a lot of practicing to do before I meet the council or defeat the Temptress."
Jareth interrupted Christine before she told Matilda about the Transformation ceremony that took place the night before and address Lady Katrina, "I would appreciate it if you would inform the council that my Champion will be presented to them at the next full moon."
The councilwoman stood and nodded her head, "Of course King Jareth I will depart immediately."
As she started to walk out of the throne room Jareth called out to her, "Could you do me one more favor Lady Katrina?"
"Of course I can." She answered.
Jareth continued, "Could you also inform them that Waylinn has been banished from my kingdom and that I will be petitioning for the Right of Incineration."
Nodding she answered, "I will not only notify them I will start the necessary paperwork myself."
Jareth bowed to the Fae woman, "Thank you Lady Katrina."
Once the councilwoman was out of the throne room Matilda looked at the coupled and asked, "What else has happened that you did not want Lady Katrina to know about?"
Jareth lead the two women up the stairs into a private chamber that he used for sensitive subjects that should not be mentioned while the goblins were about in his throne room and once the door was closed he answered Matilda's question, "Last night Christine went through the Transformation Ceremony that is why she can access her magic ability now."
Bewildered Matilda asked, "How that is possible Jareth the Ceremony can only take place among all the Elementals."
"Mattie they all were there and they initiated the ceremony."
The older Fae walked over to where Christine stood and looked at her intently for any indication that she was actually part of the Fae race, it was then she noticed the aurora surrounding her that signaled the transformation and asked, "Did the Elementals explain to you that if you became a Fae that you would never be able to return to the aboveground ever again?"
Christine walked over to Jareth side and answered, "Yes Mattie, they told me about the conditions of my change but, since I have been here I have come to think that the Underground is my home and I can't think of any place I want to be."
Jareth was happy that she considered the Labyrinth her home and he knew deep inside that if she every left his world it would crush him.
Matilda looked at the couple and smiled at last her King had finally found love and what was even better she was in love with him. The older Fae's thoughts were interrupted when Jareth asked, "Mattie will you go watch over Adrianna in Christine's bed chambers she has had a difficult time this morning and I don't want her to be alone."
Mattie looked at the King in confusion, "Why does Adrianna need watching over."
Realizing his mistake he told her everything that had happened earlier in the day. After he was finished Matilda commented, "I wondered why you were petition for Incineration. I will go look after Adrianna until she awakens then maybe then I will get her some tea or soup."
"Thank you Mattie I owe you."
Shaking her head she replied, "No Jareth you don't owe me anything." She walked over to Christine and gave her a motherly hug and continued, "You just train her well so that she can return to us safely after she defeats the Temptress."
As she left the room Christine wrapped her arms around Jareth and gave him a passionate kiss enjoying the sensations coursing through her body as their lips touched. Reluctantly she ended the kiss and as they separated Jareth stated, "If you keep kissing me that way I don't know how long I can contain my passion for you."
Smiling she decided to tempt fate and kissed him again and at the same time she molded her body against his strong form as Jareth held her close to him their minds exploded with each others thoughts and feelings. Christine saw in her minds eye everything Jareth wanted to do to her in the privacy of his bedchambers and in turn Jareth saw her fantasies about him. As they separated Christine's cheeks blushed in embarrassment then with confusion in her voice she asked, "What just happened between us as we kissed?"
Unable to answer right away due to overwhelming sensations in his body Jareth took a couple deep breaths before replying, "I don't really know what happened all I know is our connection is strong and probably will get stronger as we spend more time together."
Nodding her head not knowing what to think she commented, "I guess there are some things we are not meant to understand right now so until it becomes clear to us shall we practice my magic in the garden."
He smiled at her amazed at her ability to accept things without question and asked, "Well my dear shall I transport us to the garden or do you want to?"
Christine chuckling replied, "I think you better do transporting because the images I saw from your mind are a bit distracting right now."
He started to laugh and wrapped his arms around her body and responded, "I must say some of the images I saw are very enticing to me as well but I think I can focus long enough to get us to the garden." In a splash of glitter and color they disappeared from the inner chamber of the throne room.
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