Thank you all very much for your patience. A dramatic change of schedule has occurred in my life, and I hope to get a chapter out every month now =)
I have a lot to set up, but the pace will pick up soon, including some spicy chapters. Enjoy!
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Sarah awoke to darkness. Her eyes were open, but she could see nothing in the pitch black.
Then, in the distance, a golden light shone; she walked towards it.
A few minutes passed before she realized it wasn't getting any closer. She ran towards it but made no difference.
"Wait!" she cried. A stillness rippled through the already silent air. Sarah walked towards the mysterious glowing again, and this time it grew larger as she closed the gap between them.
"Thank you," she said out loud, feeling as though she were not alone.
Before her floated an oblong, golden light no bigger than a rose blossom. It didn't crackle or flicker like fire, and it didn't make any humming sound like electricity, but it felt warm.
Sarah reached her hand towards it.
"Hello," she smiled.
"Hello," it replied.
Sarah's eyes shot open and she gulped a few breaths of air.
"It was only a dream," she whispered to herself. She had no clue what she had just seen.
Sarah sat up and her heart nearly jumped out of her throat. It took her a moment to realize she really was in her own room, but the dimensions had been stretched; Jareth had said he would outfit her room to meet her upcoming instruction.
"Not 'my' room," she thought to herself. Her room was in New York.
She didn't want to think about that now, though; she wanted to focus on that warm, golden light.
Sarah wiggled her toes into her slippers and wrapped her robe around herself without putting her arms into the sleeves. She wandered to the balcony and looked into the distant maze winding beyond the courtyard below.
"Was that you?" she asked with an amused grin. The Labyrinth did not reply. "So you visit my dreams, too, huh?" Still no reply, and Sarah didn't expect one. The Labyrinth was a mystery, and Sarah was beginning to think there was more to it—them—than just stone walls.
"The king of the Goblins had fallen in love with the girl, and he had granted her certain powers…" whispered Sarah to herself. Did she really have powers? And who wrote "The Labyrinth" book anyway? Sarah had never questioned the existence of the book before or even wondered how it had come into her posession.
Berta's entry with breakfast interrupted her thoughts.
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The hours between breakfast and lunch passed slowly in her room. Sarah took advantage of the extra space and danced. At first, it made her sad knowing she'd never see her studio again…
"Stop thinking like that!" she chastised herself.
Still, dancing took her mind off things after a while. Sarah was glad for the exercise. She enjoyed walking around, especially when she got to explore the castle, but she needed to get her blood pumping.
Eventually lunch was served and Sarah plopped down at her vanity mirror with a book. Lunch today was some sort of stew that tasted fishy. It dawned on Sarah she had never bothered to ask what her food was. Did she really want to know? It had been mostly fruits and vegetables and grains anyway.
"Berta, what am I eating?" the girl asked tentatively.
"Just a stew of river fish and some various muscles what grow on the river banks."
Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. She would hate to be told she were dining on a mermaid or the swamp-thing. But, she couldn't complain. The food was beyond good and there wasn't a thing she didn't like yet. Except maybe the wine…
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Daylight was slowly turning into twilight, but Sarah felt like she had just spent a week memorizing names rather than half a day.
Jepha was kind and patient, but learning the important members of the court wasn't exactly the most interesting thing Sarah had ever done.
The baroness sensed Sarah's dwindling attention.
"You've done well today. Let's name the living immediate royal family and their relation to the king, and we can retire for the night."
Sarah thought for a moment. Everything was mixing together in her head, and it didn't help that the names weren't typical Aboveground names.
"You are Baroness Jepha, second cousin to the king on his mother's side, married to Baroness Consort Sylviana. Your mother was Countess Adriana—who is no longer with us. Sorry. Living relatives. Uuuh… Duke Hadsley is the king's uncle on his father's side and is married to Duchess Consort Myrien. Jareth's only surviving elder is his third cousin twice removed on his…mother's side, Lord Anatol. The first and only of the younger generation is Master Quigsley, whose father is Jareth's third cousin on his mother's side, Baron Gladden, married to…."
Sarah had no idea. A distant relative on his father's side, which complicated things even more.
"Baroness Consort Delphinia," Jepha finished for her. "Though her full title is Baroness Consort Lady Delphinia. Fourth cousin on his father's side." She giggled. "Or is it fifth cousin…"
Sarah gave an exhausted chuckle and relaxed the white-knuckled grip she had on her notebook; it was fourth. This was not going to be easy. She wasn't sure if omitting last names, as was custom if you were not a monarch, his parents, or children, was more difficult or not. And, the reason as to why they had their titles in the first place was pretty lax compared to what Sarah knew about royal families Aboveground. None of these royals owned any land, but many did oversee certain areas of the Labyrinth or royal duties. Of course, lineage was important in order to know who would step in should someone be busy.
"Or die…" Sarah thought to herself. It was sad that there were no relatives from the older generation besides Jareth's fourth cousin and his uncle, who was not considered an "elder" due to being only one generation older.
Jepha was smiling warmly at Sarah and saying nothing else, so Sarah assumed the lesson was, thankfully, now over. Sarah rose and extended an arm towards the door, effectively dismissing this woman who was most likely decades or even centuries older than her. The Baroness rose.
"Thank you, my lady. You have done very well today."
"And thank you, Baroness. Your patience is invaluable to me. I hope you can see your way out? Or I can call for a…guide, should you so need." Guide? Were they servants? Sarah didn't like the concept or using the word. Should she have said Goblin? She didn't know what was proper, but she couldn't let the Baroness know that she was imprisoned to her room; Sarah didn't want to make herself seem weak or without control.
"You are very kind. I can see myself out." Jepha bowed her head in respect and proceeded to walk straight through the door as if it were thin air. Sarah let out a surprised squeak, hoping after the fact Jepha hadn't heard it; she'd never get used to casual magic.
Sarah turned and let herself collapse face-first onto her bed; what an exhausting day. She hadn't even covered extended family.
She was happy to be alone.
"Spoke too soon," Sarah thought to herself as Berta knocked on her door and came in without waiting for a reply.
"How was y'day, miss?" Berta asked with a tray full of steaming food. What looked like root-vegetables and dark, green stalks sent an earthy smell wafting through the room. Sarah's stomach announced its hunger with a loud grumble; a tea had been served for her and the Baroness, but the biscuits hadn't made up for the fact dinner would be served after the lesson.
Sarah sat on the balcony after grabbing a light cloak from her wardrobe. It wasn't cold, but the light breeze was enough to give her goosebumps.
Berta had opted to stay inside the bedroom, only after Sarah suggested she stay where it was warm of course. Again, whether a Fae or a Goblin, Sarah still couldn't get used to giving permission and being "in charge," even though it was already day number…
"How many days have I been here now?" Sarah asked herself. Four? Five? It didn't matter; it would be weeks before she could get back home. But, if she prevented her and Jareth's wedding, perhaps he'd let her go.
And if not… well, she'd figure something out.
In the meantime, she would have to fit in, and fitting in meant history lessons and genealogy.
Today had been mostly memorization, but Sarah couldn't lie: she had enjoyed most of it, despite how boring rote memorization was. She tried to think of it like learning lines for a play—except the play was reality. It seemed like today had been the crash course, but it had been enough to bring Sarah closer to her beloved Underground. Today had made her forget she was a prisoner. Today had made her feel like she truly belonged.
The Crystal City, which was the land from whence the Fae originated, was one of the eight realms. Jareth's great-great-great-great-great grandparents had come over with approximately twenty other royal families, blood-relatives and no relation alike. Apparently a small population of Fae had already been growing within the Goblin City and Labyrinth, and certain members of the Crystal City felt it was a good place to establish their reign; the Goblins didn't seem to mind one bit. The first generation had reported back to the Crystal City as their sovereign, but by the reign of the second generation they had broken this tie. The Crystal City didn't want much to do with Goblins and Creatures of the Labyrinth, and the Fae of the Underground couldn't be bothered with reporting to anyone anyhow. Jepha had said the cultures were similar, but things were much more relaxed in the Underground; the Crystal City had a bit of superiority complex about it, but no one really cared all that much. They lived on completely different planes.
When Sarah had asked about the Labyrinth, Jepha said it had always been, predating the arrival of the Fae in the Underground.
Time was a funny thing in the Labyrinth. It wasn't something they considered a set concept; it was something flexible, something alive. Like water, you swam in and out of it. That being said, a day did exist in the same way it did Aboveground. The sun rose and the sun set. Sarah wondered if it had anything to do with the sky.
Sarah looked up and saw the familiar constellations appearing. How was this possibly? How could they be living under the same sky when home seemed so far away? The golden orb of the sun wasn't even visible from this plane, or so it seemed.
Down in the courtyard of the gentry, no one was out and about tonight. In the direction to Sarah's left, a flock of birds ("'winged creatures;' can't assume they're 'just' birds here," thought Sarah) flew up from a forested area beyond. Something bellowed with a cry similar to a large deer. Within the right field of her vision, something large and luminescent was moving through the stone walls of the maze. It was wondrous and free, and Sarah promised herself to one day join it. For now, she would have to play her part.
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"Levitation, telekinesis, summoning of objects or plants, intangibility. Talking to animals. All sorts of things. Similar between us all, but also different. If you're blessed with magic," said Gwyreign after Sarah had asked what kind of magic abilities the Fae had.
"So, Jareth isn't the only one. Does everyone have powers?" Gwyreign flinched at the informal use of the king's first name, despite hearing it often from Goblin mouths.
"Almost everyone has a little magic, and of course some are more powerful than others. I can only do this," Gwyreign said snapping her fingers. A small flame floated at the tip of her pointer finger.
Sarah gasped and smiled at the sight of such a wonder.
"But others can do multiple things," she added, letting the flame disappear into thin air. "His Majesty is the most powerful of us all—even more powerful than the royalty of the Crystal City." She lowered her voice. "And if I may be so bold as to say," the Lady looked left and right as if someone could overhear, "it bothers them immensely." Lady Gwyreign wore a cheeky smile and her eyes sparkled mischievously.
Sarah giggled. She didn't know how strong the feelings between the different kingdoms were, but she thought about New York versus New Jersey: nothing truly wicked, but a little teasing here and there.
"But why does everyone have such different abilities?" asked Sarah still smiling.
"Our magic comes from nature. How it manifests no one knows until we reach the age of walking."
"Probably a good thing. I wouldn't want a baby who could fly or summon a tree in the living room."
Gwyreign laughed heartily.
"Oh Lady Sarah, a very funny idea. I had never thought about it! Hopefully you won't have to wait too long to find out for yourself."
Gwyreign was smiling warmly, but chills went up and down Sarah's spine. She hadn't even thought about what would come after marriage.
She tried to change the subject.
"Is Jareth…very powerful for a Fae?"
"Oh yes, he was a great warrior centuries ago. A monarch, or any Fae, hasn't been blessed with this much power since generations ago with his great great great Grandmother Veronne or other Fae in the Crystal City. We might have the more powerful monarch, but the Crystal City Fae generally get more abilities among its citizens."
"Interesting," said Sarah, not really knowing how else to respond.
Later that night, Sarah thought about what Gwyreign had said and Baroness Jepha shortly thereafter. The Crystal City sounded like all the magic of the Emerald City—except more magical and less green.
"And real," Sarah added in her thoughts. The Crystal City certainly had more rules and etiquette than the Castle at the Center of the Labyrinth. Sarah was secretly glad a Goblin City Fae had stolen her. If she had to find a silver lining, it would be that she had less rules to learn.
Two days down and 12 more to go.
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The third day was mostly review on what she had learned about the Labyrinth and Crystal City, but with the addition of dance. Both Jepha and Gwyreign had appeared after breakfast, but Gwyreign was dressed in attire much different than her usual gown. The juxtaposition of her plain, leather breeches and boyish tunic against the Baroness' rhinestoned dress was jarring, but Gwyreign still looked lovely as ever.
"Lady Gwyreign shall be your cavalier. Begging your pardon for the imposition, but this lesson will require more formal attire, Your Ladyship."
Sarah gently bowed her head in acknowledgment and strode to the wardrobe. She pulled a red velvet dress with an onyx brooch loose of the other garments. This was certainly heavier than something she'd wear to a ball, but just the thought of wearing revealing gowns in front of the two stunning women when she herself was just a girl caused a blush to creep up her neck. Sarah was certainly…developed enough, but she didn't want to show skin and be found lacking. At least not without Jareth at her side.
The floor-length dress was a bit too warm for the day with its long sleeves, so Sarah opened a balcony door before rejoining the ladies.
Sarah knew she was a good dancer, so she was utterly frustrated that she felt so nervous.
"They can totally tell," she thought to herself. The confidence in herself still did nothing to abate her nerves. Her neck and shoulders were tense. She was sure she was grasping Gwyreign's hand too tightly. Sarah breathed.
"You like dance," she told herself. "Get it together. It's just a quadrille."
A quadrille, a minuet, a jig (a gigue, Sarah supposed, and her favorite so far), and a waltz were the dances Sarah learned that day. There were several variations of each, and the waltz was also used in even-metered music (it's just a slow dance with good posture, Sarah thought to herself).
"Upon my…first visit to the Labyrinth," Sarah started, choosing her words wisely, "I danced with Ja—His Majesty. It was a waltz variation." A slow dance, Sarah added in her mind. She was annoyed that they still called it a waltz.
"Yes, I was told there had been a ball," said Gwyreign brightly, "so you're already ten steps ahead of our teaching." Gwyreign squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"It was quite free in the steps. I don't think it was an organized dance. I…" Sarah smiled. "I enjoyed it."
'Besides the "me and my brother being kidnapped" part,' she added in her thoughts.
"I'm so glad! Yes, such organized dances are not the only dancing. In fact, they're not even the majority of the dancing that happens. It's mostly free choreography. But, for the most important royal events and social gatherings they are popular," Gwyreign informed her.
"You're a lovely dancer, Lady Sarah. His Majesty said you danced professionally, so it's no surprise that you're learning so quickly," the baroness said with a smile.
Sarah blushed so bright she thought she could see it reflected in their eyes; Jareth had spoken highly of her dancing? She didn't have much time to revel in the compliment before Baroness Jepha cut into her thoughts.
"And now we must learn to dance them socially with other pairs and partners."
Gwyreign lead Sarah by the hand to the far end of the room. With a snap of her fingers, several tiny flames appeared across the room. A gasp escaped Sarah's throat.
"Worry not, Your Ladyship," giggled Gwyreign, "they're actually quite cool." Gwyreign extended a hand and a flame zipped into her palm. She gently tossed it to Sarah who yelped and instinctively threw her arms in front of her and caught the flame.
Sarah couldn't believe her eyes. The flickering light she held felt like a cool breeze was blowing across her hands.
"Incredible," Sarah whisper, bringing the flame closer to her face.
"Lady Gwyreign," scolded Jepha, "there's no need for theatrics."
Gwyreign hung head. "Begging your pardon." She looked up and Sarah and gave a cheeky wink.
"It's really alright," said Sarah, still a little breathless in astonishment.
The rest of the day consisted of learning the floor-work for the dances. The flames acted as the other pairs with whom she and Jareth would dance. Jepha carefully instructed where to go and how to step as Gwyreign took the lead. They approached the first pair of flames, and the one closest to Sarah suddenly elongated until it took on a humanoid form. It extended a "hand" to Sarah who took it with a giggle as she and Gwyreign traded partners.
It was a good day; this didn't stave off the loneliness that followed dinner after Berta cleared the dishes away. The silence was stifling.
Sarah picked up a book.
The War Years
Sarah remembered Didymus saying something about a war.
"But is this fiction or fact?" she thought to herself. If it didn't say in the book, she would have no way of knowing. Maybe she shouldn't fill her head with things before she knew whether they were true or not…
But what else could she do?
"I'm lonely. I've loved and love being alone. But I'm cut off." Sarah didn't know what to do.
"Certain powers…" she thought to herself. She went to the door.
"By the certain powers he has granted me, I command you to open," she said.
Sarah thought she heard a stirring in the air. Was she imagining it, or did she hear the wind? Did she feel a presence?
Nothing.
Nothing happened. The door remained locked and the room was as ordinary as ever.
She huffed in frustration and threw herself on the bed.
"Book it is," she said out loud.
Why didn't it work now? When she called upon these supposed powers to protect her friends after their visit, she hadn't thought twice. She knew they had worked even though she didn't see the effects. She just…knew. A warmth had coursed through her that she associated with the power of the Labyrinth. And she had called upon the powers automatically, she hadn't planned it. She was protecting her friends. It was just…spontaneous, automatic. Like a part of her.
She read until she slept.
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After breakfast the next morning, Sarah was surprised by the entrance of Chelsea.
"Lady Sarah," she said with a voice a little too kind and a bow a little too low.
This wasn't going to be an easy day.
"Lady Chelsea," she said with a respectful nod of her head.
"Today we are to speak of what it means to be the Intended. And of course, betrothal and wedding rituals. Wedding day…" Chelsea smiled, but the narrowing of her eyes said it was ill-intended. "…and wedding night."
Her stare was daring Sarah to say something. What did Chelsea know? She was most certainly taunting Sarah.
"Thank you," Sarah said simply.
"Don't give her anything she can use," she thought to herself.
Chelsea walked her through what it meant to be the Intended.
"The King has sent invitations to the Court of the Labyrinth and the monarchs, or rulers, rather, of the realms announcing his intention to wed and inviting them to his Intended Ball. Here he will introduce the intended spouse who will rule at his side. Usually the monarchs send their well-wishes and an ambassador in their stead, saying they have something more important to do. It's a formality. They usually show up for the engagement party where the real fun begins. But this time…" Chelsea looked her up and down like a feline about to pounce on prey, "things are much more interesting. Jepha, Gwyreign, and I are magically bound to conceal your identity. But I wouldn't be surprised if word of your return has made it across the realms already."
"Understood," said Sarah, attempting to remain deadpan.
"So, the reigning monarch, this time the King, holds a ball to announce their intended. In the following weeks they propose, traditionally with a ring, and hold a ball to announce the engagement. The wedding traditionally takes place on a seasonal solstice. An heir is born sometime in the following years. And they all lived happily ever after," Chelsea finished with mild disgust. "Now, the weddings—" she continued.
"But the Intended," Sarah cut in, "is not yet betrothed?"
"No…" replied the Fae, curiously looking Sarah up and down once more.
"Has there ever been an Intended who did not end up marrying the reigning monarch?" Sarah boldly asked.
"In the history of the Labyrinth? Once. Twice in the known history of the Crystal City."
"But why?" ventured Sarah. "Why would they do that."
"Once it so happened in the Crystal City that the bride and groom simply hated each other. The other time was the same as the Labyrinth: the gentry did not approve." Chelsea looked at Sarah expectantly, as if to say, so shall it be with you. Sarah would not let Chelsea get to her.
"I'll show her," Sarah thought to herself. She wasn't planning on becoming Underground royalty, but she sure as heck wouldn't let everyone make a fool of her
"I have fought my way to the castle at the center of the Labyrinth, and I have every right to be here."
The rest of the day was actually interesting, as always, despite Chelsea's apparent dislike for Sarah. Lady Chelsea taught her the etiquette of each realm. Greeting the Sorcerers was not the same as greeting the Wizards, greeting the Fae of the Crystal City was not the same as those in the Labyrinth, and so on and so forth.
"Lady Chelsea," Sarah ventured; it was almost sunset and Sarah still had time to ask a question. It was about a devious topic, and Sarah was sure Chelsea knew the answers and would enjoy talking about mischief. "Why do Goblins steal babies?"
Chelsea smirked. "Because it's fun."
Sarah shuddered.
A sober look fell over Chelsea's face. "Of course, there is much history and purpose to the games. Goblins are not allowed to leave Changelings anymore, and they are not allowed to take babies or children unless they have wished themselves away."
"How old is too old to be taken away to the Labyrinth?"
"Usually a child has to be taken before 'the change,' but there are exceptions…" the Lady said, nodding towards Sarah.
"The Fae trade their baby, or simply take a baby because humans have potential. It's their imagination and capacity for love and empathy that make them so magical, in their own way. A human child brought to our realms becomes a Changeling in our world and is certain to develop magical powers. In return, the Faerie child becomes human, but is…special. They never lose that magical spark. They are powerful humans who have the capacity for great change, and their own belief in a little magic and wishing fuels our realms. The Fae baby develops exceptional capacities for thinking and feeling rather than magic, and the human baby developed magic rather than their earthly love and empathy. Feelings. Consideration."
"What do you mean 'fuels' the realms?" asked Sarah, puzzled.
Chelsea observed her for a moment before answering slowly. "That's not in the lesson plan."
Sarah ventured further.
"Is there a legal process? Do you have to…register a Changeling or anything like that?"
Chelsea threw her head back and cackled.
"Whatever for? Of course not. What's the fun in that? In both the Crystal City and the Labyrinth one doesn't really talk about switching your baby. No one has to know. And it's such a common practice, there's certainly nothing taboo about it. We help the poor, unwanted children of your world. The abused. The unloved. They can come here and start a happy, new life. Yes, sometimes as a Goblin. But also sometimes as a Fae."
Sarah thought about how Jareth had come only because she called. Had he really thought her family so unhappy? No, of course not; it had been a ploy to get to her…
The next day, day number five, Sarah began to feel time drag. It was Baroness Jepha again, and she reviews the histories and etiquettes of the Crystal City and the Labyrinth. She began to dive into the Great Forest and tell of all the "pixies," the generic word for magical folks besides Fae, who lived there.
This was interesting, but Sarah wanted to get out. She wanted to see something other than these walls—though she was grateful for the balcony. So grateful. She stood out there this very evening and inhaled the fresh air.
She was lonely.
She was going stir-crazy, she could just scream. She was lonely, and there was no one who could help her. Her lessons were nice, and she had grown accustomed to Berta's friendly presence, but that wasn't the same as a friend. Heck, at this point she didn't need a friend, she just needed some space, something new. She wanted to go ride her Peryton.
Sarah gasped!
Isabell!
Sarah had no clue if this was going to work. More likely than not, she was going to get in trouble. Disturbance of the peace or something. Jareth would come to chastise her—at this point, she would welcome a visit even from him. But, she had to try something.
Sarah closed her eyes and took a big breath.
"Isabell!" she cried.
Nothing.
"Isabell?!" she tried again. She called her name again and again, hoping the creature would hear her. Maybe the magic of the Labyrinth connected them even if Isabell couldn't physically hear her.
Sarah gave up and went inside. Then, she heared a whoosh! She spun and dashed back out to the balcony to find Isabell standing there waiting. Sarah approached and touched her forehead to the peryton's own.
"I'm glad you came."
Sarah was so glad to have a pet, a friend, who cared enough to keep her company. They had only just met, but Sarah already felt a strong bond between them; Isabell sensed it as well. Sarah led her inside and grabbed a leftover biscuit off of the tea table that had been left earlier that day. Isabell gladly gobbled it up and Sarah giggled.
"Thanks for keeping me company."
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