Chapter: Please Rest

Staring at the tall, pig-like and slightly pudgy Goblin Sarah blinked slowly, and repeated: "Say that again.."

" As you wish your majesty. As queen, you are expected to be acquainted with the dignitaries of each race and of the seven realms, it's some three hundred who are of note and who will be arriving in four days time to greet you, and in time attend your coronation ceremony."

Her coronation... Forcing herself to close her mouth, Sarah had to struggle to keep the sudden all-consuming terror from making her sprint from the room, and straight to the aboveground. She hadn't even figured out what was going on with her and Jareth, and now she was staring at the grand plans for her official coronation, and trying to decide on livery colours and coats of arms. Hefting her silver goblet, Sarah drew a deep swallow of sweet, fruit juice only to nearly spit it back out as Bolton, yes that was the Goblin butlers name, said: "Oh yes your majesty I all but forgot, we shall have you meet with the royal dance instructor, tomorrow, that you may learn the required dances before the ball, we wouldn't want you to reflect poorly on the realm now would we.."

" Dancing... ok... how many? "

Smiling at her apparent compliance, Bolton beamed: " Not too many just the traditional five and then perhaps a Volta, for your majesties pleasure."

Standing Sarah shook her head, as she took in the massive and nowhere near completed seating chart, the incomplete menu, filled with dishes she had never heard about, and mountain of sketched suggestions for her private sigil and coat of arms.

"Nope I can't do this, I'm finding Jareth. This can't be right."

" But my Lady you can't leave now, the dressmaker will be here in a short while, with the dress choices for tonight's feast... my la..."

Spinning on her heel, she didn't run from the large airy room, though it was close enough. Slamming the door behind her, she leaned against it as she suppressed the need to rip something to pieces, before striding purposefully down the torch lit hallway, pointedly ignoring the curious looks that the servants sent her. Jareth, she needed to find Jareth, and talk to him, about all this... Everything was moving way too fast and she needed to... Jerking to a halt as a strange sensation registered, it was as if the thought of Jareth had flipped a switch inside her, and suddenly, she felt a sharp tug in her core, and somehow she just knew that Jareth needed her just as much as she needed him. In fact... following the faint but insistent tug of her newly formed core, Sarah swallowed harshly, it felt as if he needed her badly...

. . .

Leaning on the huge round table, Jareth sighed, as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. They had been planning the Labyrinths defence for the last five hours, and his body were now trembling so bad with pain, that even the soothing numbness of the labyrinths power couldn't mask it. And he had been forced to pull a heavy glamour over himself to hide it from Shiver and the other Knight commanders. It would after all never do to have them see him this weak, this pathetic. Thank the gods that they had finally covered every possible entrance and agreed to a plan of action. Turning slowly he looked at each captain with a stern gaze.

" So are you all clear on your charges? If there is any doubt then I expect to be told at once.. no? Good, and just to be exceedingly clear on this... if any of you preforms ONE ounce, beneath what I know you capable of. I will personally upend you in the bog, do you hear me?"

Four voices rang as one as they pressed their right fists against their hearts:" Yes sire, For the Labyrinth and Peace."

" For the Labyrinth. Now get to it."

Leaning on the table, Jareth waited until, the knights had all filed out, finally leaving him alone in the silent room as the doors slammed shut. Instantly letting his glamour drop, Jareth sank slowly to the floor, resting his burning forehead against the edge of the table as he moaned softly. This was too much, too fast and his body simply couldn't keep up, the price of his hurried magical healing was too steep. Soft gasps passed his thin lips, no matter how hard he pressed them together, and tears of pure burning exhaustion rolled from his mismatched eyes in treacherous lines.

Sleep, gods he needed, no craved sleep, only there was no way he was able to get to his feet, let alone get to his bedroom. And oh elder gods be damned Ludo and Didymus were waiting just outside the door. Waiting for him to give them their assignment...and then there was the feast... Damn it, damn it all to the bog ...

. . .

Need, deep urgent need filled her every breath, as Sarah all but ran down the hallways, Jareth was hurting now, she could feel it.

Slowing to a halt, as she turned the last corner, Sarah stared at the milling crowd gathering outside the huge engraved doors, she vaguely recalled Bolton had called the room of maps earlier on her tour through the seemingly endless castle. Every single creature stood facing the doors, obviously waiting for their king to call them in. Well they would just have to wait or handle it themselves, if what she felt was true, then Jareth wouldn't be in any shape to see anyone. But first she had to deal with the awaiting courtiers.

Pulling herself up with as much dignity as she could muster, without feeling like a pumped up brat, Sarah cleared her throat, calling everyone in the silent hallways attention as if she had just shouted at them.

" My Lords and Ladies, The king has asked me to relay his most sincere apologies, but urgent matters have claimed his complete attention, and will detain him for some time yet. He asks that you all leave your name and the nature of your business with his attendants and he promises to see you all in time, as for now he bids you all a good night, and a grand feast."

Giving a curt nod Sarah smiled coolly, and walked quickly through the stunned crowd to the doors, slipping in before anyone could react, pausing only long enough to ask for Sir Didymus and Ludo to remain outside the doors and not allow anyone in.

Leaning against the closed doors, Sarah took in the apparently empty room. Huge shelves held neatly rolled and labeled maps, in a multitude of colours and materials. Walking slowly to the table that took up most of the central floor space, Sarah smiled as she recognized the labyrinth beautifully painted on the ancient parchment. Everything was depicted in loving detail, and bright colour, making the map a work of supreme beauty. Running her fingertips across its soft surface, Sarah froze in place as a soft moan reached her ears.

" Jareth? Is that you?"

" Sarah?" : His voice sounded hoarse, and strained as he groaned her name, letting Sarah know where he was. And rounding the table, she knelt beside the trembling King, gently touching his shoulder.

"Jareth? What's wrong?"

" I think... I may have ...pushed myself a bit too far,... a bit too soon" : Letting out a soft defeated chuckle, he tilted his head to the side, just enough for him to see her while still resting his forehead against the table edge: " And I find myself... in need of your assistance once again."

" You idiot! what did I tell you? You have to take it easy, you can't keep doing this! "

Sighing he let his eyes slide shut in defeat, as he reached out and grasped her hand: " I know, I know... Please just help me up... my knees are on fire..."

" Fine, but we are going straight to you chambers, and you are going straight to bed... no feast for you... here let me just get a better grip."

Throwing his arm over her shoulder, Sarah rose, bringing the staggering Goblin king up with her. Keeping her eyes on his ashen face, Sarah sighed softly: "So how do we get you to your room, when you have so cleverly chosen a room on the highest floor. Oh and Bolton may or may not be out to kill me for not meeting with his dressmaker about some dress for tonight..."

Chuckling softly, Jareth graced her with a small half smile filled with both mischief and agony, as he leaned back against the table, gripping the edge: "Well there are two ways to go about this, one is for you to slowly drag my royal carcass up all those stairs in a less than dignified manner, or and this is the option that I myself am vastly leaning towards. We remember that this is my realm, and part of the labyrinth, thus..."

Raising his right hand, Jareth winched as a crackled crystal flashed into being at his fingertips, resting there as he breathed deeply, and tried to keep from dropping it before he could use it. Slowly, he regained enough control, to wink at Sarah, before letting the crystal float through the room, and melt into the wall creating a worn looking door: " We use the door, that leads straight into my chambers...but first, call in the terrible duo, I... have... Sarah! .."

His hand shot out grabbing hold of her wrist, as she stepped in to catch him just as his legs suddenly gave, nearly spilling him to the floor. Her arms were all that held him up, as the world spun around him in tight icy circles. Resting his head on her shoulder, Jareth let out a strained groan: " I'm cold... so cold... Please, Sarah just hold me."

Pulling him further onto the table, Sarah rested him against her body, freeing her hand enough to press it against his forehead.

" Damn it you're icy, you really need to rest now."

Pushing back weakly, Jareth managed to get into a sitting position, as he rubbed his shivering hand over his face: " Yes I know... but there is one thing... I must... do... call them in, Sarah, don't make me ask again."

Sighing Sarah resigned, Jareth was apparently dead set on killing himself, and who was she to stop him.

" Fine. but, I still think that you are taking a stupid risk, whatever it is you need to tell them, it can wait until tomorrow."

" Sarah.."

Anger and concern coursed through her as she stepped back, and turned to the door muttering furiously under her breath: " Of all the idiotic imaginary kings I could have dreamt up, I have to concoct an emo glam rocker with a grade a death wish, well fine see if I care..."

Pulling the door open Sarah, popped her head out, quickly calling out to the awaiting pair.

" Ludo, sir Didymus, could you come in here?."

The strange pair entered looking both excited and nervous, like children not entirely certain whether they were about to be scolded of rewarded.

"My Liege " : sweeping his hat of sir Didymus flowed into a graceful bow: " how may I serve thee? mine sword and life art thine to command"

" Thank you Sir Didymus, Master Ludo, I shall be forced to be blunt, and I beg your forgiveness but it seems that the hardship of my absence have... weakened me... But I digress. My lords, The Lady Sarah hasyet to fully accept the role of Goblin queen, nevertheless she must have her own personal guard, I would charge you Sir Didymus with leading that guard, only a knight who have bested the captain of my own bloodthorn would be worthy of leading my lady's guard. Will you accept? "

Didymus's eye looked like it was about to pop right out of his head as he tried to stop stuttering and form a coherent sentence. Smiling quietly to himself, Jareth contently busied himself with straightening the lace cuffs peeking out under his leather braces, somehow managing to look utterly regal, while still sitting on the edge off the map table. And finally after a few moments Didymus succeeded in forcing out: " Verily your majesties thou doth elevate me to a more exalted position than I a poor exile might ever hath dare hope to obtain, I most humbly accept, though I fear that thou hast give this honour to a warrior most unworthy."

Cocking an arched eyebrow, Jareth never as much as flicked a look towards Didymus as he sighed with mock exasperation and studied his gleaming claws: "Hmm remind me Sir Didymus, but did we not have a conversation on doubting the judgement of ones sovereign lord, hmm? This very morning if my memory serves me right? "

" Why most certainly we did your majesty, pray forgive this humble fox, for his immeasurable stupidity."

Looking up from his claws, Jareth froze the Llwynog knight with a look that was equal parts stern and gentle: " I would not charge you with a task of such importance if I found you lacking sir. And we most certainly do not see you as lacking in any way, we are in fact most honoured by you acceptance, now as for your second I would propose that you take your time and choose wisely, that goes for your knights as well. And know this I don't care what realm they come from as long as they swear the oath, and you think them capable. "

"Thank you your most exalted majesty, I shall not disappoint thee. "

Nodding faintly, Jareth turned his attention to the giant orange yeti, who looked utterly out of place inside the meticulously organized room: " Now as for you, Lord Ludo, I shall need you to gather the other rock callers and go to the gates of both the Nightrealm and the unseelie. There I need you to bury the entrances in iron ore, then I need you to return here and work out a plan for rebuilding the goblin city, enhancing both its defensibility and beauty, can you do that?"

" yearh, Ludo do, whah Jareth king ask... thank you king.."

Smiling at the clumsy, but sincere bow, Jareth gestured towards the door the pair had entered: " Now you may take your leave, I bid you both a good evening. Oh and before I forget, would you be so kind as to seek out Bolton and inform him, that he is to suspend all our plans for at least a week, and that we will not be attending tonight's feast, due to the need to attend to urgent matters. But he is to carry on with the feast regardless of this.

Quickly bowing from the room, with assurances that they would indeed do as asked, Didymus closed the doors softly behind them, as Jareth seemed to fall in on himself, with a soft laughing sound.

" Will you help... me please? "

" You are an idiot, you know that?"

Reaching out a violently shivering hand Jareth nodded slowly as Sarah slipped his arm over her shoulder and heaved him to his very weak feeling feet, holding most of his weight with her arm around his waist, as she set about dragging him through the door to his chambers.

" Yes I am... aware that you feel that way... but hmm...what I did could not... wait, Ludo will have those realms... sealed before dawn, and be back here... by noon tomorrow... He may be an artist and a brilliant architect, but... he is also... a Warrior of countless... wars... he will know to begin the... fortifications as fast as... possible... and. .Sir Didymus... needed to have. ... my spoken permission to... enter the seelie realm... to recruit... more off his kind for... your knights... a task... he must. .. complete with all hast... if any are... to remain " : Drawing in a gasped breath, Jareth paused just long enough to groan: "..Hmm Couch Sarah, I need... to get out of this...

Pointing to the deep leather couch that made up a big part of the seating area, Jareth almost stumbled as Sarah shifted her grip, before lowering him carefully to the worn looking seat letting him lean back as she knelt before him.

" God Jareth you look like a corpse, just sit back and let me get you out of this armour, okay."

" Hmm, you just couldn't wait to get me alone and naked could you " : Smirking down at her, Jareth laughed softly as her expression shifted through mild shock and into wicked mischief. Rising she leaned over him, giving him a good eyeful of her well-presented cleavage as she graced his lightly pointed ear with her full lips, whispering: " Hmm oh no, you have seen straight to the heart of my most wicked desires, yes I have thought of nothing else since I entered the map room, but. ..".: Pausing for dramatic effect, Sarah held her breath for a moment, before breathing seductively: " Ripping that armour off you, and getting my hands on whatever you are hiding under it."

Jareth felt relatively sure about the direction of this considering his current state, but the fact that Sarah played along so easily thrilled him to no end. Unable to stop himself he moaned playfully: " Hmm and what would you do, once you have your hands on me..."

" I would... change your dressings and clean your wounds before..." : Pausing Sarah leveled a smouldering look straight at him as she bit her lower lip: "oh yes, tucking you into bed for hmmm a good night of sleep.. hmm yes you naughty boy would you like that?"

Laughter bubbled from him, as he tried in vain to keep his composure: " Oh you wanton creature you... I bet you say that to all the men you meet."

Sarah's eyes sparkled happily as she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, but breaking it off before it could become anything more: " Nope I only say that to the stubborn Goblin kings who insist on trying to kill themselves, now enough with the stalling your highness..."

Nodding Jareth winced as the glamour hiding his burns faded, leaving him ashen faced and bruised in front of her. Her eyes narrowing slightly as she gentle turned his face to get a better look: " Wow it looks far better than it did this morning that's for sure, and are all the cuts gone? "

" yes, I believe so, though I might have missed a few, it was not the best of times to be meticulous."

" Yeah well it is still a massive improvement.. but god you are cold, come on let's get you into bed."

" No Sarah, I need a bath first, I have been in this armour all day, I smell like a fracking aardvark, and I need a proper bath first. "

" A Bath!" : Sarah's eyebrows looked like they were trying to vanish up into her hair, as she repeated the word as if it was something poisonous : " A bath? you have first, second and third degree burns on more than forty percent of your body, you can't stand on your own and you want to bathe? Are you insane?"

Sighing softly, Jareth shook his head, as he met her frustrated gaze with one of quiet determination: " Sarah, please must you fight me on this, it is such a small thing... I have not bathed nor eaten in nigh on seven years, eating a proper meal is still quite beyond me, and will remain so for some time yet, but a bath isn't Sarah. If it is because you are afraid that I might drown, then please by all means join me, gods know that the tub is big enough for it."

" Jesus, Jareth, what about your burns?. "

Victory was his, Jareth could feel it even before Sarah asked that final question it was in the way she held herself and the tone of her voice. All he need do was put in the final triumph: " I have bath infusions for iron burns...you know it's not the first burns I have suffered. Believe it or not, I have suffered worse injuries before. "

Throwing up her hands in utter exasperation Sarah sighed: "Fine, what do you need me to do. "