Ch.12-The Assembly
The important thing to remember is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we COULD become…
Charles Dubois
As with love, the feeling of being on the verge of receiving power just on the tips of your fingers is a weight of numerous sensations. I am afraid, my dear reader, that one emotion is simply not enough to describe it. It is victory when you almost lost it, it is excitement for it is almost yours, it is fear because it could very well be ripped from your hands at the last minute. It is great, it is terrible, and, as with all things, it is somehow…beautiful. All these emotions and more crashed down upon me when it came time for my debut to a mass court. In our world, different rulers govern different sections of the Fay Land. My family, for example, once ruled over the Land of the Light, Jareth rules over the creatures of Labyrinth and his goblin city, the Frog Queen over sees the riverbanks and her watery subjects, while Agrea rules fate and all that is to become, and so on and so forth. When these rulers meet together at the core of Fay Land, they are called The Great Assembly, which is a nicer word we like to use rather then "a grand court".
As is custom, whenever a king or queen takes their place on their throne or joins another ruler to become part of their kingdom, they must first be presented to The Great Assembly and the Queen of Fay herself for approval. They like to call this process the Great Debut, which (aside from being around fake company and gaining even more unwanted attention) usually isn't as bad as it seems-it's days of socializing, drinking, and grand-dances. In my case, I was joining Jareth to govern the Labyrinth and the Goblin City by his side as his queen, not to govern the Land of the Light, which, was still the original plan. I promise, that goal was to be reached, but in due time. For now I had to worry about being pranced around numerous ballrooms, hoping for passable judgment from most of the royalty present. Word spreads fast about this sort of thing and so I was not surprised when Jareth ordered our bags to be packed as soon as possible. Within two moons, the Goblin King bundled me up in one of his rather larger carriages, and rode me away.
"Many say I shouldn't do this thing, joining my throne to you," Jareth said as he laced his fingers in mine. It was our first night traveling on an endless road to the center of Fay Land, with only the stars as our company. The moon had shone for hours and our long speech about views towards life, drifted into conversations, until they finally disappeared into random comments. The realization that we would arrive in two days and one night made the journey even more exhausting. Being in the limelight was just a big show.
"So the king does listen to his kingdom's gossip?" I tiredly grinned, resting my head under Jareth's chin. "Your Labyrinth creatures say this I imagine?"
"Yes," Jareth yawned, "yet half of them think your presence will do more good."
"And the Great Assembly?"
"They'll adore you in the end," Jareth says, "But even you my dear will have to work your magic on them but that is what you do best I'm afraid."
"Oh please my lord, don't you dare give me all the credit on that! You're a bad influence." I yawn and feel Jareth smile as I begin to rest my eyes. "If you knew the curse I'd bring upon you're kingdom then why have me in the first place?"
"A token of victory from a war or not, you bring me a light that I can not find within myself," Jareth whispers and I can feel his own tiredness in his voice, "and it can get rather dark in the Underground."
After two days, Jareth helped me out of the carriage and into a new morning, where an enormously huge bright castle that was surrounded by a green maze of a garden, greeted my eyes. Personally I had never laid eyes upon the castle where The Great Assembly met up until this point. Debuts were something that my sister's and I were not aloud to attend due to our age, making us realize that growing up as young royalty, does not always grantee the perks that come with the future title.
"Well?" Jareth stretched after helping me out of the carriage, "what do you think?"
"It's" I paused, trying to observe the other rulers, who had stopped strolling about the gardens and were now observing me as well, "um…big."
"Just big?" Jareth smiled.
"Very big," I bite my lip a bit conscious of all these royal eyes staring at me, "Okay it's not just very big, it's monstrous." They're whispering, I can feel it, I haven't even been inside this fortress and all who inhabit it are already passing judgment and I can't help but feel a bit uncomfortable like I did the first time I came to the Labyrinth. But they're always passing judgment on you no matter who you are, that's just how it is when in power.
"Wait till you see the inside." Jareth chuckles taking my arm in his. Just as he promised the inside of this palace is as grand-if not grander-then it's outside. The floors are a black and ivory marble and the walls shimmer so much so that they seem to be made of gold. Everything glitters as though touched by sunlight. We walk down a long hall and at the end of it we're met by a table, which holds a thick gold book. Behind the table stands a staircase and a fox-dog-animal type creature, heavily dress in finery, who guards the book.
"Welcome to The Great Assembly," the long haired dog thing bows his head not knowing who we are but knowing that we have some sort of title, "please sign here," he flips the book open and stops halfway through, "I shall need to know your names."
"Jareth, the Goblin King of the Labyrinth." Jareth takes the pin and signs.
"Funny, forgive me but I would have expected the Goblin King to be a bit more gruesome looking." The dog host comments to which I have to stifle a laugh.
"Yes well," Jareth shoots a cold glance up from his writing that could kill, "nothing is what it seems."
"Apparently not!" the host says stunned when he finally looks up at his paper work and at Jareth and I for the first time.
"I'll be damned," Jareth groans, "if it isn't that rat who calls himself a knight that aided in my destruction years ago! I thought I left you to guard the Bog of Eternal Stench!"
"Well you didn't! I've moved up to grander things since then, as you can see. And I am a knight, not a rat!" the feisty little creature barks showing his tiny but nevertheless sharp, white teeth.
"A knight?" I ask, "Your name is Didymus, am I correct?"
"Almost my fair maiden. I am Sir Didymus."
"Sarah's Sir Didymus!" I smile.
"Yes," Sir Didymus nods, "but how do you know of Lady Sarah?"
"Yes," Jareth turns to me, furrowing his high eyebrows, "how?"
"Oh, you know," I explain trying to calmly chose my words carefully, "the Underground's not as big of a kingdom as you'd think it is-and the ladies of the Cleansing Room talk of such things often." Good save.
"Of course!" Sir Didymus agrees, directing his attention to me, "and you my dear are?"
"Amethyst, princess of the Land-" but the talkative "knight" interrupts me.
"You mean the Goblin Queen?" Sir Didymus eyes widen, "So you're the one we're all assembling for!"
"So they're talking?" I ask, "About me? Why am I not surprised?"
"Everyone is! Again forgive me but the title doesn't suit you much if you ask me. You are much too pretty for it."
"Nobody's asking you," Jareth slams the book shut, "now if you will please direct us to the room."
"Your in the Linen Chamber, you're usual your majesty." Sir Didymus says rolling his eyes.
"Very good," Jareth says turning me away, as quickly as he can from our host "come let's go, you'll love this room, very exceptional, it'll suit you. Besides, I'm not rather fond of our host over there."
"Why?" I giggle as we leave the busy Sir Didymus , "he's quiet entertaining."
"Entertainments are for jesters," Jareth rolls his eyes stubbornly, "perhaps he'd go further in that job position."
"Does that make me a jester?" I arch my eyebrows when we finally reach the door of a wide hallway.
"You, my love, are very different," Jareth gives me a wicked smile, "you are something else."
"And that something is?"
Jareth bends and leans his forehead against mine, "You know what that something is Amethyst, don't make me say it, it tortures me."
"I like to see you tortured a bit," I gently kiss his lips, "now tell me or you leave me no choice but to refuse to go into that room and consecrate it with you."
"You are my queen and my heart."
As Jareth lays wrapped in sheets I climb out of the bed and away from his grasp. Quickly finding my undergarments and silk tossed on the floor, I slip them on and wrap myself in a warm robe.
"Where are you going?" Jareth asks with a yawn propping up on the bed obviously enjoying his view of watching me redress, "You've worn out my strength."
"And my muscles are sore," I say making for the door.
"I'd gladly run your bath water."
"And I, my lord, would gladly take you up on you offer but we both know it will only lead to even more worn out strength and more sore muscles," I grin shaking my head, "no, I want to soak in a steam pool or something. Does this place have any? After all it has everything else."
"There's a steaming spring on the ninth floor," Jareth tells me, "shall I go with you?"
"I'll be fine. Rest up, you never know…you could need it for tonight. Beside I want to explore myself. This place has nine floors!" my jaw drops.
"Twelve if you count the ballroom upstairs."
"There's a ballroom on the twelfth floor! A whole ballroom?"
"Of course, that's the only use for it." Jareth says, "Are you sure I can't come with you?"
"I'm sure," I open the door, "you don't have to worry, I'll be back in a heartbeat and if not, only then should you look for me."
"Alright. Behave."
"You know I won't!" I tease before closing the door.
"That's why I have reason to worry!" Jareth calls form behind me. I laugh and then make my leave for the ninth floor. Little by little I am starting to enjoy the Goblin King's company, but it was a long journey from the Underground and I wanted to be by myself for a bit. Besides, I wanted to find Agrea, I hadn't seen her since leaving her with Hoggle in Sarah's room a few nights back, and surely as a queen of fate she'd be at this Assembly. Jareth's was right. This palace was magnificent, so much so, that you almost didn't mind too much if you got lost. It was the picture of wealth with its lush carpets, high velvet curtains, and marble sculptures and intricate paintings everywhere, in places you'd least expect to find them. It was a puzzle all it it's own, and the more rooms and halls I discovered on my way to the ninth floor, the more rooms and halls I wanted to explore.
Strange how nudity doesn't faze us fays much, at least around other fays. I suppose for the majority of our race, because we have to deal with constantly being in that current state in the mortal world, having little or no clothes on, we're comfortable in our own skin. So it didn't bother me too much when the few Fay creatures that occupied the steaming spring swam about with little clothing on.
"Amethyst!" A small familiar voice calls, "You've finally made it!"
"Agrea!" I smile thankful to see someone I recognize amongst the many strangers I've encountered so far, "Hello!"
Agrea turns to the group of three fays she's been speaking with, "See? That's the one I was telling you about! Amethyst do come in, the water's perfect!"
"It better be," one of the females in her group comments, "for what the government's paying for, it better be perfect year around."
"Isn't it though?" I ask disrobing and stepping into the warm water, "I heard that somewhere."
"Not only that," another says matter-of-factly, "it's also pure. So, this is the infamous soon-to-be Goblin Queen?"
"Guilty I'm afraid," I say, "I'm Amethyst."
"Yes, we know." A tall male pixie says relaxing in the water.
"Amethyst," Agrea says, "this is Peron the king of the pixies."
"Charmed I'm sure," Peron slightly bows his head, "and where is your Goblin King? I was hoping to catch up with Jareth the old devil, myself. We go back a long time you see, my dear."
"I'm afraid your majesty that Jareth is sleeping off the journey it took to arrive here." I tell him with a smile, "but I'm here now, and I'm the next best thing."
"So I can see that." Peron grins.
"And to my right is Queen Brighid the Bright, and to my left is Sheela the Green Woman."
"Hello." Both say is unison.
"How do you ladies do?" I ask politely, "Um, so…if you don't mind my asking. I'm simply trying to familiarize with all the royalty present here. Where does everyone govern from?"
"Nonsense!" Sheela pipes up, "don't excuse your asking of our lands. It is as it should be for you're induction to the throne is the reason we've come together. The Goblin King is conked out you say? So is my king, he's been so since this morning though I blame it on the Calisto wine."
"I'd die for a glass about now." I gasp, "it's strong stuff.
"I know," Sheela flashes me a mischievous smile, which I return, "Isn't it just lovely?" Sheela has short wavy hair, and it's clear she's not at all so young as I am judging by the winkles that appear from the corners of her eyes, but her smile is what makes her never ageing. She's a bit loud, but I think I'm going to like her.
"There'll be enough of that at the ball tonight," Agrea says of the Calisto, splashing about, "and who knows what else?"
"Or what is to happen?" Peron chuckles, "something always does at the end of the night that leaves the rest of us to talk of it the very next morning."
"What ball?" I ask.
"You're ball of course," Queen Brighid says, "for your crowning to the Goblin Kingdom?"
"Oh yes of course!" I suddenly realize, "I just didn't imagine this would be so soon."
"Yes well, that's how the Fay Queen likes to run things," Queen Brighid explain, "Quickness leads to progression are her words. I rule the Land of Promise and if you ask me, things progress with time."
"And what does your ruler-ship entail?"
"Well nothing simple, that's for sure," Brighid laughs, "but nothing is ever simple in our worlds. To the mortal world I stand between the now and the know, I assist and give true purpose to those on a spiritual journey. In Fay World however I am responsible for keep old magical tales, fairy and mortal alike, alive."
"And what will responsibilities will you take on when you become Queen, Amethyst?" Sheela asks.
"I'm not too sure, you see," I explain, "there's a bigger picture to my ruler-ship and why I want it. There is a lot of unfinished business that needs resolving and…I just don't know. Yes, I'll govern the Labyrinth with Jareth, but there's got to be more then bossing a bunch of goblins about all day."
"There is." Peron says.
"And you'll figure it out." Sheela smiles reassuringly.
"I know," I say stepping out of the spring, "I would so much so love to continue speaking with you all but seeing as I'm just now aware of my own ball I best be off and get ready for it. If you'll excuse me, it was a pleasure meeting you all, but I must go."
"Of course," Brighid says, "we shall talk more with you tonight anyways."
"Amethyst," Agrea calls stepping out of the spring as well, "let me come with you and help you find something to dry off with." Naturally, I agree waving good-bye to the royalty I have just met.
"When I heard that my presence was requested to attend your Induction Ball nothing pleased me more." Agrea says as we walk to a servant who hands us both dry, fresh towels, "I'm just so glad you made it this far, I don't think you understand. There are many who won't know of your story tonight, and there are more that do. And those who understand your struggle cry happy tears for you. Especially those of your fallen kingdom."
"How are my subjects there?" I ask eagerly, "What news has come from them?"
"Nothing good," Agrea whispers, "The noble King Ytene is here in the palace and so is your friend Laume."
"Ytene and Laume!" I squeal, "I haven't seen them since the fall of my empire!"
"Yes well Ytene told me that he'd be present for tonight's ball but he won't stay long for there is an uproar concerning the Land of the Light. He asked me to tell you that he can only meet with you and Jareth tomorrow morning at brunch. He'll send Jareth away to play a game of croquette with Peron and only then will you have the chance to discuss your fallen kingdom." Agrea explains, "As for Laume, she shall be present at the ball all night. She is eager to see you and I think she greatly misses you."
"I miss her too." I whisper, "I hope she is well." Ytene is the King of the Forest and those creatures who inhabit it and he's known my family for god only knows how long, which would make him a friend and someone I could trust with my life. Ytene is wise because of his long life expansion and is well respected amongst the royals at this palace. Rumor also has it that many, many moons ago he had a long affair with the Fay Queen herself. Like Agrea, Laume spins and weaves fate. She knows there is no dream to impossible to achieve an that's why, growing up she was my only and best friend. I remember as Jareth's goblins marched into my father's kingdom, no matter how much she protested, I begged her to hide and not speak to me whatever my fate was to become. As my best friend she kept her promise and did what I asked.
"Sometimes," I say, "it's even a mystery to me how I got this far. I suppose I persuaded the Goblin King a bit."
"Yes well, I don't know how you did it either, but what I do know," Agrea says, "is that many times, it's not difficult to persuade the one who loves you."
"You must get ready," Agrea says interrupting my thoughts, "I wish you the best of luck tonight."
"Yes well," I turn to leave with the towel wrapped about me, "I don't think I'll need it."
"Good!" Agrea calls out with a smile, "That's what I like to hear!"
"Jareth!" I pout as a servant pins another violet curl away from my face and up into my half up-half-down hairstyle, "I haven't the slightest idea what to wear!" Another servant continues to apply the finishing touches to my eye makeup, while another begins to paint my lips a nice, deep, crimson.
"Well," Jareth smiles in another mirror across the room straightening out his suit, "that certainly is a problem isn't it?"
"You'd think with all the junk you made me bring I'd have something suitable for such a high occasion!" I say frustrated as the servants take their leave.
"I have something suitable for you," Jareth says eyeing the door, making sure the last servant leaves. "Wait right here." Jareth too leaves the room and when he returns, in his arms, is perhaps the most beautiful gown of soft violet and gold I've ever seen.
"Oh!" I gasp running up to him with a wide smile upon my face, "Perfect!" I quickly undress and jump into the gown leaving the Goblin King to chuckle at my current girlish state of excitement. "Lace me in the back." I command turning around.
Jareth marches up to me, "With pleasure," he says, gently moving my hair away from my neck and taking the strings and lacing them in place.
"Well?" I ask Jareth eagerly, spinning around in the dress for him, "Will it dance well on me?"
"Beautiful," Jareth whispers taking me by the waist, "come sit down by the mirror and have a look for yourself." I do but when I sit down Jareth get out a velvet box.
"Ah, more surprises?" I arch an eyebrow with a grin.
"Yes but for this one you'll have to close your eyes." Jareth tells me.
"Ugh!" I shut my eyes unwillingly. "You know hate those types of surprises." I hear the box open and seconds after I feel something heavy being clasped around my neck. "It's quiet heavy…jewelry perhaps?"
"Maybe," Jareth laughs, "you can open them now." When I do, there resting just above my cleavage, is the same gold triangular pendent that Jareth wears right now. I remember when he explained its origin and meaning; power.
"Oh, Jareth." I gasp running my fingers over the chain, "It's beautiful."
"A fine piece of jewelry fitting for a queen," Jareth runs two fingers over mine that cover the chain and then briefly down to the peak of my breast, "just as promised. You look amazing, too amazing to be mine." He runs a hand along my neck and I smile as I take his lips in mine.
"There will be more time for this later my lord," I giggle pulling away from him, "We must go now." And we do. It's hard to imagine this is really happening, not months ago I was princess Amethyst of the Land of the Light, and in just moments I'd be named Queen Amethyst of the Labyrinth. Perhaps all things are possible…