A bath did much to improve Sarah s skittish behavior. Although everyone she came across eyed her cautiously, no one threatened her. It could have been the healer's protection, but as he showed her to a bathing chamber he had bowed and said softly, "The maids will tend to you, Sarah, and show you a room afterward." She was going to protest but he hushed her saying, "I have other patients to tend to." He had given her a pat on the hand and finished with, "You'll be fine."

And fine she was. After the bath she was indeed shown to a room that was overwhelmingly beautiful. The drapes, the shag rug, and the overstuffed comforter were all of a rich mauve. The bed frame, desk and chair were of red oak. It was spectacular, and she was afraid to touch anything, but smiled as she ran her fingers over the softness of the bed. Tired she was not, however; and soon found herself gazing out the window. The view was shocking. In all directions a vast maze of twists and turns surrounded the castle. With a grimace she seemed to remember walking through some of those paths, but it didn't seem such a mess from the ground. The memory disturbed her. Being chained and herded like an animal was something she never wished to experience again, but more disturbing was how she came to be there. For the first time she was able to ponder her situation.

The world she currently found herself in was not the one she was originally from, that she was sure. One night she woke and found herself at the base of a large cliff, darkness all around. She knew her name, but nothing before that moment came easy to her. At times at night she would think she remembered something, but those dreams soon faded away. It was confusing and frustrating.

Sarah took a deep breath. It was possible that she could find answers here, she was hopeful. A soft rap came from the bedroom door and Sarah quietly walked over and peered out.

A maid stood with a tray of food and curtsied, "Hungry, ma'am?" Sarah opened the door fully and the maid came in and set the try on a small table-stand. She then went to the armoire and opened the doors wide to display rows of dresses. She smiled and pulled one out to air. "You must be special, hmm?'

Sarah frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Well, with the king seeking a private audience with you and all, you must be special." The maid smiled, "You're to meet him in half an hour, so eat, change into that," she said pointing to the dress, "and meet him in his study."

"Where is that?"

The maid rolled her eyes, "I'll have a page brought to you." She curtsied again, turned and exited as quickly as she came.

Sarah eyed the tray. It was a simple morning meal; cup of tea and some unknown fruits. She was starving, and though she didn't recognize any of the foods, her empty stomach really didn't need it identified and she ate until she was satiated. From the vanity, she picked up a comb and brushed through her hair, enjoying the sensation. Somewhere in the castle a clock chimed and a knock came from the door. Without a response the door opened and a tall slender boy entered and gave her a small bow.

"I m to show you to his Excellency." He straightened, "Please follow me." He waited a moment while Sarah rose nervously and then turned and walked down the halls. Even though Sarah tried she couldn't keep the path straight in her head. The halls twisted and turned on themselves. Usually small windows filtered in the daylight, but in some areas torches were lit to light the way. A few more turns and the boy stopped at a door and tapped ever so lightly. A voice called from within and he opened the door, bowing low, "You highness, I've brought the girl."

"Bring her in." Sarah could hear the voice, but had not stepped in the room. She hesitated now and the young boy shot her a warning look that sent her hurriedly into the room. The boy turned, and closed the door as he left. It left Sarah standing in a large room.

It was brightly lit with candles, but no windows that she could see. They must be in the center of the castle then. Before her was the same man she saw the night before and she blushed softly at the thought. He was sitting at a desk glancing at a paper, showing no signs he even realized she was in the room. She fidgeted with her dress and jumped slightly when the paper rustled as he set it upon the desk. It was the loudest sound in the room.

"Please, sit." He said suddenly. The girl looked scared and white. She did as he said and folded her hands in her lap looking away from him. "You are Sarah, correct?" She nodded but did not look his way. "This is my kingdom, Sarah. The kingdom of Dorensae. I am Jareth."

"The king," she whispered softly.

He smiled, but she did not see. "Yes, I am the king." He leaned back against his chair. "Tell me, do you know how you came to be here?"

Her hands tightened again. What should she tell him, how much? Would he even believe her? Her life was essentially resting in his hands, and she was very afraid that any moment he would send her back to the dungeons. She couldn t breathe; she couldn t get any sound out. And her face was moist as tears dropped from her eyes. She heard a sigh and looked up as the king offered her a handkerchief. She accepted it silently and dried her tears.

"I'll not harm you," Jareth said after several silent moments. He waited. Finally she looked up to him, most of the fear gone from her eyes.

"I swear, I m not his slave, or his servant. I don t know how I got here, or why I am here, or who I am," the last word was choked out.

Jareth frowned. He figured Tarrence kidnapped the girl, but magicking her? That was unheard of. Why would Terrence risk so much for a single Underground girl. It was then that Sarah's scent hit him. Not from the Underground from Above. This was a human girl in front of him. Did Tarrence realize this? Jareth wasn't sure, but he wasn't going to let the lord know now, not after sheltering her. He was aware she was still watching him and he managed to keep the revelation behind his eyes. But now, what to do with her? Full blooded humans were rare Underground, most had a mixing of Underground and Above parentage. In fact, the only other full blooded human he knew was his second in command. "You have no memory of how you came to be here?" He asked again suddenly.

She shook her head. "No, sir. I awoke on a hill," and then the scene must have been painful for she shut her eyes, "There were just men, everywhere. Seizing and grabbing me..." her voice trailed off.

Jareth stood elegantly from his chair. "You will stay here, for the time being." He gestured for her to stand and she hastily did. "Stay in the upper floors, do not wander below, do you understand?" She nodded, but he doubted she truly did. He paced away from her, turning his back. "The man who claims you is still in the castle, you must not see him." This time her nod was more vigorous. "I'm sorry I have no good news for you," he said softly.

"I'm alive because of you." Her voice whispered through the room and Jareth spun around. There, in the dim candlelight the girl in front of him was a beauty. It was just a small thought that had sneaked into his head, but he agreed with it whole heartily. "I.." she began but stammered before taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, "I don't really know how to repay you."

He didn't answer her for a moment. It was true, he had saved her life, it wasn't the first debt of that kind, but Jareth knew he didn't save her for selfish reasons. He shook his head, "It was my pleasure." They stood like that in the silence for a few heartbeats looking at each other. Jareth wasn't sure why, but he was at peace with her, with this Sarah, and the Labyrinth practically was singing out to him. And Sarah felt safer in his presence than she had since she woke up in this strange place. Jareth wanted to speak more to her, to put her mind at ease, but before he could another knock came from his door. It opened quietly and Didymus entered a few steps before seeing another person standing in the room with the king.

Didymus was surprised. He hadn't known the king had requested someone. He bowed as Jareth's eyes lit up at the interruption. "My Lord, forgive me," he said bowing low, "I did not realize you had an audience." He turned to leave, but Jareth s voice called back to him.

"Didymus, this is the Lady Sarah." Whatever had passed between them was gone, shattered as Didymus had entered the room. Even the Labyrinth's presence was more subdued, quieted, and Jareth sensed a strange longing. He couldn't tell if it was the Labyrinth's or his; for so many years their will was as one. And he found it didn't really matter anyway.

"A pleasure, my Lady." Didymus was confused at Jareth's words. This was the same girl from the slaves, but Jareth had him bowing to her like royalty. It was odd. Not that the king was cruel, but the happenings of the lower gentry usually fell on Didymus' lap. Didymus straightened and swallowed, unsure whether to continue or to leave them alone again. The girl fidgeted but remained silent, a slight blush to her cheeks. Jareth had turned away for a moment, so Didymus continued to speak. "A few of the other Lords have arrived, Sire."

Jareth nodded his head. He was well aware of the early arrivals. The noise from the precession would have been enough to wake him had he been alseep. He hadn't been though. Slowly he rubbed a temple with a gloved finger, he hadn't been sleeping well at all. Whenever he closed his eyes images sprung up that he couldn't control and couldn't make sense of. It seemed to be coming from the Labyrinth, but the Labyrinth had a funny way of making Jareth guess what it wanted. Pushing his inner ramblings aside, Jareth glanced at his second, "Who?"

"Lady Emma and Lord Ovster." Didymus supplied. He noticed that Sarah had turned to watch Jareth as he leaned against a wall, head in hand.

"Oh? I suppose I should great them." There wasn't any animosity in his words, just exhaustion. Jareth liked the Lady Emma; she had been raised in Dorensae and was one of the few people he trusted. Ovster was one of his more annoying, if not loyal lords. Though Jareth wasn't sure if Ovster's loyalty was to *him*, or to his father. Not that it mattered anyway.

"Which was the reason for my call, M'Lord." Didymus replied. Something was bothering Jareth, Didymus had been friends with the king their entire long lives. But Jareth was also good at hiding things when he wanted, and right now Didymus couldn't imagine what was troubling him so. He vowed to ask later. Then the king did something that shocked him.

"Sarah," Jareth said as if remembering her presence in the room. She looked up to him quickly as he said her name, "would you be interested in joining us?"

Though she hadn't remembered actually answering the king, Sarah found herself following Jareth as he led the way. She walked silently next to him, Didymus a few feet behind. Didymus had informed Jareth that the lords were waiting in the common hall, a smaller room for more intimate gatheringS on the third floor. Unlike Lord Tarrence, the Lady Emma was allowed the upper levels of the castle due to her close proximity of the present king, namely, being raised with him. Lord Ovster was given the courtesy due to the past King and Jareth would never insult the lord, so Ovster was also allowed access to the upper floors.

As they rounded a corner, two doorman stood to attention. One bowed low as the other opened the massive wooden doors to the room. Sarah was amazed.
The hall was brightly lit from numerous windows high above their heads. chandeliers dropped from the ceiling, but not one was lit. It was all natural light. The stone walls were clean and smooth and several different banners waved lazily in a soft breeze. The only bit of furniture in the room was a long table, not overly large but enough to sit eight to ten comfortably, and the chairs that encircled it. Already a woman with long blonde hair and a man with greying hair were chatting amiably at the table, small goblets resting on the table, a basket of fruits laid between them.
When the doors closed behind them the other woman glanced their way, a smile gracing her beautiful face.

She stood fluidly, crossed the distance between them and embraced Jareth with a small kiss on the cheek. "You're looking well, Jareth."

"And you as well, Emma." he replied with a soft smile. Emma was the closest thing he had to a sister, but sometimes her closeness was bothersome. He stepped away and gestured to Sarah, who was staring at the woman before them. "Lady Emma, may I present to you, the Lady Sarah."

Emma *had* noticed the young woman next to Jareth, but had assumed her to be a new servant girl. She was only dressed in a simple cotton dress, nothing to suggest a title. But Emma was born into royalty. She covered her confusion with a small bow, "My lady, a pleasure."

Sarah blushed and returned the bow. She was always left speechless here; never knew what to say. The silence would have continued longer had Jareth not noticed Ovster's hand beckoning him over. "Come, Sarah. Meet another of my lords." Without touching her, he escorted Sarah away from Emma and closer to the other man. Emma watched them go a moment before turning to Didymus, who was also watching them. "Alright, Didymus. What's going on?" She whispered quickly. "If that girl is a lady, then I am a maid."

Didymus' eyes locked onto Lady Emma's and she held them in a fierce gaze. He had never been able to lie to her, not ever in their long acquaintance, but he found himself unable to answer either. This Sarah had managed to confuse him. Jareth rarely granted rank, and never seemed so protective of anything except the borders. Didymus watched as Jaerth interacted with Sarah and wondered what was passing through his liege's mind, for it was not evident to Didymus.

Lady Emma tapped her foot, "Didymus?"

With a sigh and a shrug he took her arm and escorted her back towards the table. "I don't know what to tell you, Emma."

Someone laughed at the table as Didymus and Emma sat. Ovster had laughed, and from the way Sarah blushed it had been at her expense. They were all seated; Jareth at the head, an elbow propped up on the chair's armrest. He motioned with his hand and several servants emerged with trays of food which were situated carefully around the table. Sarah eyed the food, but did not touch it. She wasn't very hungry, but then she noticed no one else touched the food either. After a few moments, Jareth grabbed a goblet of wine and then the other diners filled their plates. Sarah followed suit and listened to the conversation.

"I hear the Lord of Torin caused a commotion," Ovster began as he bit into a piece of cheese. His grey hair, though short, was unruly giving him a slightly comedic look.

Jareth sipped his wine. "Nothing serious," he replied his voice devoid of any emotion.

That caught Ovster's attention and his brows rose. "Nothing serious? I heard you confiscated an entire shipment of cargo." His tone hardened, "We lords need *some* autonomy, Your Highness."

A flicker of annoyance was all Sarah saw, and then Jareth replied calmly. "Remember that the next time you request aid with those brigands."

Ovster bristled, but Emma sighed loudly. "Come now, come now; it is a lovely day and there is no need for this now. We'll have plenty of time when the other lords arrive."

Ovster laughed aloud and Jareth gave a nod in agreement. Afterwards the room's atmosphere seemed to lighten considerably. Ovster continued most of the meal talking about different taxes and imports and exports. Emma commented occasionally , as did Jareth and Didymus, but Sarah knew nothing of economics and remained silent.

Shortly, a page entered the room and bowed low to Jareth. "If it pleases his Majesty, the Healer wishes an audience with the Lady Sarah." Sarah paled a little, but Jareth just nodded. The page was ushering her out of the room before she could utter a word, but as she left she heard the conversation continue. With a sigh, she followed the page.

ug...I should have added this part with the last update, but I was tired...I was just going to add it with the next update but it really doesn't work. It has to go here. This is one of the last slow, foundation building chapters so stick with me. After that, its away we go!

A door was slightly ajar and the page knocked on it briskly. "The Lady Sarah, Healer Zalick." Then
the page bowed to Sarah and disappeared again around a corner.

Zalick hobbled to the door and greeted Sarah enthusiastically. "You look much better," he said with
approval. "And how do you feel?"

"Fine," she replied softly, but actually she felt better than fine. It was like she had never been
hurt before, ever. Like she was brand new.

Zalick straightened his glasses on his nose, "Alright, alright, excellent. Let me see." To Sarah's
surprise the healer closed his eyes and reached out to her. With one hand he touched her shoulder,
another lightly pressed a back rib. Nothing hurt and she smiled as the healer's eyes opened. "Very good.
Keep a watch on that shoulder and you should be just fine." He turned away and scrambled to a shelf,
organizing a few jars.

Sarah stood there for a moment lost in thought. Did she want to return to the hall and finish the meal?

Not really. What she really wanted was to see something other than stone walls. It was a double edged

sword the predicament she found herself in. On the one hand she was protected, but on the other she was confined.

After a few moments Zalick renoticed Sarah standing still, her eyes unfocused. "Sarah, my dear, whatever
is the matter?"

Her eyes focused on him, "What? Nothing?"

He frowned, "It is a lovely day, why not venture outside?"

Sarah made a sour face. "I can't. I can't leave the castle..." That was a bitter fact to realize. In the
end it seemed she traded one prison for another. One that was more luxurious, but a prison still.

Zalick stepped back, "You come with me, my dear Sarah." The bent man grabbed a cane and walked briskly
past Sarah. She turned on her heels and followed as closely as she could. For someone with a crooked
back the healer was making excellent time through the corridors and only slowed to navigate a flight of stairs.
By the time they reached their destination both were slightly out of breath. Zalick leaned against a door
and smiled broadly as he pulled it open.

The first thing Sarah felt was the sun. The warm rays embraced her and filled her with so much warmth. The
second thing she noticed was the smell. Or smells, more precisely. Her eyes adjusted to the bright, golden
light and found herself in a garden balcony. The air was fragrant, so many flowers were in bloom. The paths
were dotted with a multitude of colors and greenery. She didn't know the names of anything, she didn't care.
Instead, she took a few steps foward and sat on a stone bench beside a flowering bush. "Thank you," was all
she could say. This place was more than she could have ever wished for, and she was thankful so much to
the healer for showing it to her.

Zalick just grinned, "I will leave you now. Do you remember your way back?" Sarah nodded so Zalick turned
away, closing the door on Sarah's sanctuary.

Phew. That's all I can do right now. Keep with me, this is slow for now, I know, but its about to move forward with leaps and bounds. Just gotta have some support for up coming chapters.

Thanks to those who reviewed, it is greatly appreciated. (And to satta; thank you.)