A/N: I owe all of you, my faithful readers, who have been anxiously waiting an update, an explanation on why I haven't maintained my 1 chapter/month standard lately. Well, back in November, we became really short-staffed at work so I was working days, weeks at a time, and I work third-shift so my schedule became work-sleep-work-sleep-work while I was also training two different people on both night shifts. December came along and with that, Christmas and all the stress and fun that comes with that, but I was still writing. It just wasn't...right. Then comes January and I became obsessed with Dungeons&Dragons and learning the game and making my first D&D character (a Teifling Rogue if anyone is interested). Anyway, I've got the gist of that, and now I am back and will be posting two chapters this month as an apology to you all and a thank you for hanging in there with me. I've been reading and rereading your reviews and seeing your follows and favorites and I want you all to know how much that inspires me and gives me the drive to keep going when those dreaded blocks hit me. That being said, I know this isn't what you want to read so I won't keep you any longer. Just wanted to tell you all what's been keeping me and that I love and appreciate every single one of you for your support.

Poor Terra

The doors opened to reveal the young, blinded girl being carefully led by her newly appointed attendant. Jareth watched as two approached the throne one hesitant footstep at a time. Ambrosius, upon their entry, stood and loped to the pair, walking close by. The goblin kept careful watch on both the floor for possible obstructions and her young mistress for signs of discomfort and Jareth's approval of Relde's choice increased. They stopped just at the foot of the steps.

"Careful, there's stairs," he heard Sath mutter, lurching the girl to a stop. The steed sat on his haunches next to her, glancing up at her frequently. The King silently praised the creature's instincts, far superior to his master's.

Upon closer inspection, Terra's hair was not black, as he'd first presumed, but in fact, a dark chestnut that flowed to about her mid-back. She was taller than Marie but her face, though thin and half obscured by wide bandages, had not yet lost the roundness of youth. Perhaps two years older than his first ward, he guessed.

"His Majesty is right in front of you, the young missie is beside him," Sath reached up and gently turned the girl's face toward his friend, "over there is Sir Miren, the King's advisor, and the annoying foxy." Jareth had to suppress a chuckle at the description and Marie's snort of laughter made the task even more difficult.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, young miss," Miren said with a grin.

"'Tis indeed a great honor," Didymus squeaked, bowing low.

"I'm so glad you're here, Terra," Marie said, bolting up from her cushion and hugging the other girl tightly around the waist. She hesitantly returned the gesture, patting the younger's back. After a moment or two, Marie stepped back, drawing Terra's hand into hers and helping her to sit on the stair next to her. Jareth conjured a second cushion the moment he realized what she was doing and Sath retreated to Relde's side until she was needed again. He watched as the older girl felt around, her fingers dancing over every surface she could reach, before she finally settled, her knees under her chin.

"Who did this to you?" Jareth asked softly. Miren and Didymus moved closer, ensuring their footsteps were heavier than usual so that Terra would be sure to hear their approach.

"Let me guess," Marie interrupted. "Master Thaddeus?" Terra nodded. "Thought so. This looks like something he'd do. Want to talk about it?" Terra shook her head.

"That's okay. We won't make you. How's Big Sister? Is she okay?"

"She's still alive if that's what you mean," Terra replied bitterly. Marie sighed.

"Yeah, pretty much. She still Lord's favorite?"

"Of course. He loves that he can pretty much do whatever he wants with her and she won't fight it. I don't think she can do anything that would make her not his favorite."

"Has anything changed at all since I left?"

"Oh yeah. A lot's changed. Remember how they used to lock us in that big room together at night and we pretty much just did chores all day if we weren't needed for clients?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, after you escaped, we got locked in the room all day if we're not entertaining. Only the older ones are allowed to do the chores now."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

Terra shrugged. "Don't be. We were all really impressed that you managed to get out of there. They tried to tell us you were dead but we didn't buy it. No one heard any gunshots until Lord used it on Sam a few days later."

"Oh no, Sam's gone?" Terra nodded. "Anyone else?"

"Umm…Krista, about a week ago, but those are the only two and you wouldn't have met her. She came after you left and she didn't last long. Oh! Mira finally ended up getting a punishment." Marie gasped.

"No way! Really? What'd she do?!"

"I don't know for sure. She and Big Sis were talking about it after but they were really quiet about it. Something about Mira not pretending good enough?"

"Maybe the client was so bad even she couldn't keep up the act," Marie snickered.

Terra snorted. "Maybe." The two dissolved into quiet giggles. "So, what's it like here?" She asked after they had settled. "In the Labyrinth, I mean."

"It's amazing! It's all just like Big Sister said it would be! Oh, I wish you could see it. The castle and the Labyrinth are huge and Jareth and Miren are so nice! They've done a lot to make sure I'm comfortable here. They haven't punished me once since I've been here and I get to eat all the food I want!"

"Really?"

"Uh-huh. I even asked for more once and before I knew it, Grybar, he's the head cook, put another plate in front of me."

"Sounds like a fairytale."

"I know, I feel just like that Cinderella girl Big Sister tells us about. Sometimes I still wake up thinking it's all a dream and that I'm still back in the House but then I see Relde lighting the fireplace in my room. It's all real. Just like Big Sister said, only so much better. And now you're here too and that makes it even better."

Jareth had been listening to the pair catch up with rapt attention. It was almost as if they had forgotten he and the others were still in the room, which suited him just fine. He had never seen his young ward so animated before and her eager manner was encouraging Terra to relax further with each passing moment. Far faster than he knew would have happened had he been the one to question the girl.

It still astounded him that such little things as adequate meals and a lack of abuse were their standard for what constituted a 'fairytale'. It unnerved him to hear the young girls speak of the demise of their fallen comrades so casually, as if they were simply remarking on a change in weather. He looked to his friend to see if he was of a similar mind and was unsurprised to see the rage contorting the face he knew so well. Now was not the time for such emotion, however, and Jareth narrowed his eyes at his advisor. Miren caught the warning and blinked in acknowledgment, clearing his expression instantly.

"Is that okay with you, Jareth?" He started at the sudden address and turned his attention back to his young wards, both of whom were now facing him.

"Forgive me, my mind had wandered elsewhere. What were you asking?" Marie giggled.

"A King's work is never done, right?"

"Indeed not," he chuckled, ruffling her dark hair. "However, such work can be set aside in light of more important matters. Now, your request?"

"I asked if it was okay if Terra goes with us when we go on walks in the mornings. She can't see anything but she can still smell and feel things."

"I have no objections so long as you both continue to adhere to the rules and her guide does not leave her side." He stared pointedly at the kitsune who he was pleased to see quail under his gaze.

"Rules?" Terra whispered, stiffening.

"Only one rule, really," Marie answered. "We can't wander off on our own. It's too dangerous."

"Quite right. As I have told Marie, there are things protecting the Realm and the castle that even I cannot control. Such things fall under the direct control of the Labyrinth and are as dangerous as they are varied."

"Oh, okay. I won't wander off, I promise. What do you mean, 'guide'?"

"That is what Didymus and Ambrosius are tasked with," Jareth answered, causing her head to turn sharply to his direction. "Whenever you are not in your chambers, they will be at your side serving as your guard and informing you at all times who and what is within your vicinity so that you are not caught unawares."

"Didymus and Ambrosius? Like from Big Sister's story?" Terra asked excitedly. The steed laid its head on her knee, causing her to jump. "Wha-wha-wh-?"

"Don't worry, that's Ambrosius. He's trying to say hi." Marie guided Terra's hand to its head and her fingers gave an experimental stroke before a relieved smile replaced the fear on her face. Her other hand reached over and she began feeling the creature, learning him in the only way she could. "He's already started protecting you, you know. When you were coming in, he walked beside you to make sure you didn't fall."

"Oh. Thank you." Ambrosius' tail thumped against the stone lightly. "So, if Ambrosius and Didymus are real, does that mean Hoggle and Ludo are too?"

Jareth stared sharply at the blinded girl. How could she possibly know about them? How could this mysterious 'Big Sister' have such intimate knowledge of not only his Realm, but those three specific subjects? The ones who were her companions, how could- Unless… 'It can't be…' He stood without thinking.

"I don't know, I only met Didymus and Ambrosius a little while ago today and I forgot to- Jareth? Where are you going?"

"Forgive me," he said in a slightly strained voice. "I will be but a moment."

He transported himself to his study, summoning his scrying crystal the second the room materialized around him. It couldn't be, and yet… He had to know.

"Jareth, no," Miren said behind him before he could open his mouth to speak her name. He turned, glaring. "I know what you're thinking, but I do not believe they are one in the same. It is just not possible."

"Miren, there are far too many coincidences to be ignored. I must at least check."

"My King, please, do not do this. You have come so far. For my sake, for the sake of your wards and your subjects, please do not continue this self-torture. We could not bear it if you were to return to that shadowed version of yourself. What would you do if they were the same person? Rescue the damsel in distress as you did before, and then what? Those children need you and they need you not pining for some mortal who turned her unworthy nose up at your heart."

Jareth felt the tension in his body release as he gazed into those purple eyes silently begging him not to go through with his plan. Miren had a valid point. He could not help Marie and Terra if he was trapped within his own mind, plagued by the hurt that had sustained him since that day. Still… His eyes drifted back to his crystal, the conflict tearing at him.

"Please, my King, my friend," Miren implored.

"Toby." An unruly, familiar mop of blond curls set in a rounded face instantly came into view. Older than when he first met the child, though still very young.

He was crying. Screaming, really. His face was blotchy, all scrunched up, and large tears stained the poor boy's pudgy cheeks.

"Sawah," he wailed. "Where Sawah?" His parents entered the room and the mother picked him up, cooing gently in a fruitless effort to sooth the boy. He screamed louder, flailing his little legs.

"Hush now, Tobias. You're alright. It was just a bad dream. It can't hurt you."

"Sawah. Want Sawah."

"Son, we've told you. Sarah had to go away to school. She's at college," his father explained patiently, threading his fingers through Toby's unruly hair.

"Sawah!"

Jareth allowed the image to fade from the crystal and vanished it with a wave, his suspicions laid to rest. She was safe in her place of higher education and he had not had to torment himself further by seeing her visage.

"That was a brilliant compromise, my King. I thank you." He could feel Miren's relief in every word. He nodded, acknowledging the gratitude, and shook his head of the strange coincidences that allowed this human, this 'big sister', to know of those three specific subjects.

"Let us return to the girls. I'm sure they must be concerned about your abrupt departure." Jareth nodded again and chose to walk back to the throne room, Miren at his side as always.

"Jareth, you're back!" Marie's exuberant tone and delighted expression elicited an easy smile on his face. Terra swiveled her head back and forth.

"Over here, Terra." He watched as her head cocked at the sound of his voice and her face turned slowly in his direction. "Well done, young one," he praised, walking closer to the two, remembering to make his footfalls slightly heavier. He heard Miren copy his movements.

"I'm here as well, Terra," Miren announced. Her bandaged head nodded. Jareth raised an eyebrow at Didymus. Announcing presences was a large part of his duties as her guard. The fox's ears flattened and he seemed to shrink back as he realized his mistake.

'If he doesn't improve soon, I shall have his head for a trophy,' Jareth growled to himself.

"So, where did you two go? Is there something wrong?" Marie asked as he took to his throne and Miren stood behind him.

"Not at all. I merely recalled an important document that needed approval before the evening bell. You need not worry yourself, young one, all is well." She beamed at him.

"That's good. Terra was just about to tell me how she got to be at the house. I realized I never asked before."

"Really? I would like to know, myself, if that is alright with you, Terra."

"Okay," she replied meekly, hugging her knees to her chest.

Ambrosius sat in front of her with his head resting on her knees and gave her nose a tiny lick, causing the girl to giggle softly and scratch his ear. This seemed to satisfy the creature and he laid back down with her hand still on his head. Jareth watched the whole interaction with increasing interest. If he had known the steed would provide them with such comfort, he would have fetched Didymus two moons ago.

"Well, I was at the park with my auntie. Someone came up to me and asked me if I knew how to get somewhere. Since auntie was busy playing with my baby cousin, I tried to tell him. He didn't really understand me though so I started to show him. We walked to the edge of the playground and…" Her soft, halting tone faltered as one of her hands lightly grazed a spot on her neck. "I…I don't know. I don't remember anything after that until I woke up in Big Sister's lap. She was…stroking my hair. Telling me not to be scared." Two damp spots appeared on her bandages and she sniffed. "I tried not to be. I really did."

"I have no doubt of it," Jareth soothed. "I'm sure she was very proud of how you handled yourself."

"Thank you." She sniffed again, moving to wipe at where her eyes should have been, only to pause just before touching the bandages. Terra sighed, lowering her hand to her knees again. The simple movement tore straight into Jareth's heart and he was forced to look away before Marie could see the expression that was sure to be on his face.

"I don't understand," Marie muttered. "How can you cry?"

"I don't know. But I'm kind of glad I still can. I haven't cried in a long time. Not since my parents died. It feels good to cry again. I only hope Big Sister still remembers how to cry. She's been there for so long and I don't know what her life was like before."

"I see. So, your parents have perished as well?" Miren asked gently.

Terra rested her chin on her knees, her mouth downturned. "Mm-hmm. There was a fire. Then I went to live with auntie. To be honest, living at the house wasn't that much different from when I lived with her and uncle. Same kinds of punishments, same chores."

"Oh, so that's why you were so good at pretending," Marie said, a look of realization lighting her face. "You were used to it already. I always wondered how you got that good even when you first got there."

"Yeah, pretty much. I'll never be as good as Big Sister though. The clients usually get me."

"I don't think anyone can be as good as Big Sister. She's amazing at pretending!"

"I know. She doesn't cry or scream or anything. She just stares at them." Terra's voice grew quieter. "It makes me wonder if she can even feel it anymore."

"I never thought about it that way. That's why you said you hoped she still remembers how to cry, isn't it?" Marie asked, her eyes glistening with tears of her own. Terra nodded. "In that case, I hope so too." Without warning, she launched herself forward, kneeling at Jareth's leg, her tears breaking free down her face. "You'll sa-save her, won't y-you?" she sobbed. "Yo-you're the Gob-lin King! You have to save Big Sis-sister!" She buried her head into his leg, clutching the fabric at his knee. "Please," she begged.

"Can you?" Terra asked awed, her face turned in his direction. "Can you really save Big Sister?"

"If I could," Jareth replied, gravely, "she would have been here the day Marie arrived, as would all of you." He placed a gentle hand on Marie's head and stroked her hair. "Even though I can travel freely between here and the Aboveground, I must be called to a location by a wisher in order to bring the wished-away with me. That is the Law of my position as Goblin King. I am sorry, Terra, Marie."

"So, if Big Sister wished you would take us away instead of us wishing ourselves away…" Terra pondered

"I would be there in an instant to bring you all here." Jareth finished, still stroking Marie's head.

"What about Lord and the Masters?"

"Those vermin would never again see the light of day," Miren swore. "Of that we can assure you." A tiny smile appeared on her thin face.

"Thank you," she whispered. A bell tolled sharp and clear, echoing off the high walls and causing Terra to squeal in fright, nearly toppling off her cushion.

"Easy Terra, easy," Marie soothed, grasping her hand quickly. "That's just the evening bell. It means it's time for dinner." Marie looked toward the King as Terra calmed slightly. "I guess this means you signed that document just in time, doesn't it?" She asked with a short laugh.

"Indeed, young one. It would seem so. Shall we venture to the Great Hall and enjoy our meals?" Marie nodded eagerly and helped Terra to stand. Ambrosius was on his feet in the same instant and Didymus was in front of the pair, bowing low.

"Allow me, young Miss, to attend you."

Marie glanced skeptically at Jareth who nodded his encouragement. She placed Terra's hand in his fuzzy paw and stepped away. Didymus took her hand and laid it atop Ambrosius' head before mounting his saddle and taking the reins. Flicking them once, the two set a slow pace to keep with Terra's uncertain and hesitant footsteps. The King lead the small group with Marie and Terra close behind. Miren walked behind, his eyes peeled. After the display of the guards, he did not expect trouble, but gossiping goblins could be a nuisance as well and he would have no tolerance for anything that would upset his King's wards.

Once in the Great Hall, the goblins, again, turned their curious gazes on the newcomers. Despite her recent…affliction…, Terra still seemed to shirk closer to Ambrosius. Jareth heard a few mutterings about 'the annoying foxy', and apparently Didymus heard it as well as he began growling low. One sharp glare from Jareth shut him up instantly but Jareth still saw Terra flinch slightly. The goblins' muttering increased with shock entering its tone as the small group was led straight to the high table and Miren summoned seats to accommodate her, Didymus, and himself.

"As you were," he commanded, taking his seat in the center.

Miren sat on his left and Marie on his right, Terra beside her, and Didymus on the far side. Sath and Relde took their places among the other goblins who suddenly found their meals far more interesting than his wards. Jareth nodded his approval as their meals were brought to them. He tucked into his and allowed his thoughts to drift.

As often happened these days, they immediately drifted to Marie and the life she had led before arriving in his Realm. Only now, Terra also featured in those thoughts. The blinded girl had never known a gentle hand. At least Marie had had that for a short time, but poor Terra had been battered even before she was taken there. She was so accustomed to the abuse she suffered with her relation, her own blood, that what she faced there barely phased her. Jareth's heart broke for the girl. For both of them. Neither girl had a place they could call home in the Aboveground and no one they could rely upon except 'Big Sister'. Jareth was grateful to the mysterious girl who had been so kind to them.

"Young Miss, what is the matter?"

Jareth was drawn out of his thoughts by a distressed-sounding Didymus.

"Terra? What's wrong?" Marie asked, almost panicked.

Terra sat still; her plate untouched. Her bandages were nearly soaked and her shoulders shook with her silent crying. Jareth turned his hard gaze on a baffled Didymus, who only shrugged and shook his head.

"I…I…" She sniffed, so quietly, he could only just make it out.

"You…what?" Miren pressed gently.

"I can't see," she whispered, hunching her shoulders in as far as they could go and lowering her head so that her chin touched her too-slim chest.

"Huh? Terra, are you just now realizing that?" Marie asked confused. Terra shook her head, her lip quivering against the futile struggle to keep her emotions under tight control.

"We cannot help until you tell us what troubles you, young one," Jareth encouraged.

He waited impatiently, watching her hands clench and unclench within the folds of her skirt. A quiet sob escaped and her teeth gnashed into her lower lip in an effort to keep silent. Any harder and he was afraid she would break the skin. The goblins on all sides were beginning to notice the commotion at the high table. Relde and Sath glanced at each other and made a quick ash to the high table, stopping just behind the group.

"Terra," Jareth coaxed softly, frowning when she flinched from his voice.

"I don't know where anything is!" she exclaimed loudly. Her hands flew to cover her mouth, muffling the violent sobs she tried so hard to suppress. "I'm sorry," she whispered, just barely audible through her hands and cries. "I'm sorry, I…I di…didn't m-mean to to…I c-can't…I don't…I'm s-sorry…I'm sorry…I-" Her words were cut short as Sath reached for a utensil and scooped some of the food onto it, pulling Terra's hands away from her mouth.

"Begging pardons, young miss, I didn't mean to be gone so long," the attendant said calmly, shooting Jareth a questioning look. The King nodded his approval of the small mistruth as it seemed to be settling her. "Here." Sath brought the food-laden utensil to Terra's lips and fed her the bite. "That's better, right?"

"Jareth," Marie whimpered, already curled in on herself against the stares of the goblins facing their way. "Can we eat in your study today?"

"A splendid suggestion, Marie," Miren replied. "I believe I would much prefer that as well."

"Agreed," Jareth nodded, laying his utensil on the table. "Relde, have new meals prepared and sent to the study where we shall enjoy them fresh." The goblin bowed.

"Come on, Miss Terra, let's get these bandages changed first, yes? Then we'll join the others." Terra nodded and allowed Sath to lead her away from the table still sobbing quietly. Sath led her around the Great Hall, allowing Terra to keep her hand on the wall the entire time. Ambrosius trotted along in front of them, bearing his fangs if he thought a goblin was too close to his mistress. Didymus hurried behind them.

It was only when the walls of the study materialized around them that Jareth saw Marie begin to relax again. He watched as her shoulders straightened, the tension relieved from them. Her brow remained furrowed as she took her place on one of the couches while he and Miren lounged on the other. Silence fell over the trio, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Curse those meddlesome fools," Miren growled suddenly. "To make our dear Marie so uncomfortable. You're right, Marie, this is far better." A light blush rose to her cheeks, though when she turned away from them to stare out the window.

"I'm worried about Terra," she muttered. "Is she going to be okay?"

Jareth sighed. "Her condition, there is a lot she must re-learn how to do all over again. It is going to take time. In a way, this outburst of hers in the Great Hall might have been a good thing. I've been feeling she was taking everything a little too well. Now we are all more prepared for the difficulties that lie ahead of young Terra."

"We will help however we can," Miren assured, placing a soothing hand on Jareth's shoulder. His purple gaze turned to Marie. "However, if she has the same aversion to touch that you do, there won't be much we can help with. Much of this she will have to learn on her own."

"Her attendant is going to be instrumental in this, even moreso than Didymus. I hope this goblin is up to the task."

"I do not believe Relde would have chosen her if she were not. Relde would not put one of your wards in jeopardy by selecting one who was inadequate."

"You will be important in this as well, Marie. Terra trusts you. She may confide in you where she would not come to her attendant or myself. Are you prepared for that?"

"What do you mean?"

Jareth sat straight, holding her gaze. "There may be things she feels more comfortable talking to you about than Sath or either of us," he said, gesturing to himself and Miren. "If you believe such things are dangerous or important for her comfort, you may have to break her trust to inform us so that we may take care of it. Is that something you are prepared to do?"

"I…I don't want her to get mad at me," Marie muttered, her furrowed brow deepening. "But if it's dangerous or important, I guess I have to, don't I?"

"If you do not feel comfortable coming to us directly, you can tell Relde and she will relay the message. Will you not, Relde?" The door to the study opened, revealing Marie's attendant. The goblin held it open for another who pushed in a cart laden with dishes.

"Of course, Majesty. I would straight away." She placed the dishes in front of their recipients and dismissed the other goblin. "Miss Terra has decided to finish her meal in her room, with your permission. She says her head aches. Sath is helping her now and we've already sent for Lady Ghilanna." Jareth nodded his approval.

"See to your own meal and return in an hour for Marie," the King dismissed. She bowed and left.

"Poor Terra," Marie sighed, listlessly pushing her food around her plate a while later. "I can't believe Master Thaddeus would do something like that to her." She paused. "Well, I can," she amended, "he's done things like that but it's never been anything that bad."

"I know I am going to regret asking this because I know it will only serve to fuel my anger towards those masters of yours," Miren growled, "but what do you mean?"

Marie laid her utensil down and pondered for a moment before continuing softly, a haunted expression settling on her face. "Sometimes Lord wanted him to cut out girls' tongues or cut their fingers off for punishments. Master Thaddeus was always the one who did them. He likes it. But the eyes? That one's new." She shuddered.

"He…likes it?" Miren whispered, his face growing pale. Marie nodded.

Marie shrank into her couch, the expression on her face sickened as she nodded. "He says he 'gets off on it," she replied in a tiny voice. "He loves punishing us."

What followed was the most silent meal Jareth had shared with the girl since she'd arrived. She poked and prodded her food. He and Miren sat in mutual revulsion and silent fury at what she had just disclosed. Marie left with her head hanging low and Jareth having no idea how to soothe her this time. Miren followed not long after, grumbling too low for him to hear.

If the Goblin King thought the unspoken tension would dissipate overnight, he was wrong. Far from it. Over the course of the next several days, Terra became increasingly lifeless. The girl followed passively where she was led, answered in a distressing monotone when spoken to, ate mechanically and only when pressed. The enthusiasm she'd displayed in the throne room had vanished entirely. It was as though Terra had given up Her passive demeanor was even beginning to affect Marie, Miren, even the goblins were losing their mischievous and inquisitive glee. He hoped she would shake herself of this barely responsive existence but by the middle of the eighth day, Jareth decided he would no longer tolerate her passivity.