Even Death

by Midtnight

Raising his head ever so slightly, his mismatched eyes gazed up at her lazily through the lifeless strands of his unruly mane. Sitting there as if he was nowhere he had not expected to be, as if kneeling half naked and bloody on the floor of a college dorm room was nothing out of the ordinary for the Goblin King, Jareth smiled softly. Now fully betaed Please read warnings !

45. Midwinter trees

Chapter 45: Midwinter Trees

warning this chapter is long and very, very fluffy, but it contains important stuff too, now read on.

The morning following that strange night brought a surprising serenity with it. Sitting by the fully laden breakfast table, Lilly smiled absently as she pushed the last few bites of very tasty scrambled eggs around on her plate and considered her plan for the day, or rather days. Midwinter solstice was just three days away and the surprise that she, Shiver and Didymus were preparing were so close to being ready that she could barely contain her excitement.

"Really Lilly are you listening to a word I'm saying?": Dropping his fork with a perfectly practiced degree of dramatic exasperation, Jareth sighed teasingly: "Really young lady how can I take you with us back to the Labyrinth if you do not hang unto my every word? As your king I really must insist that you pay heed."

"Arhrm... What? Sorry I was just going over the things I still need to prepare for the solstice feast you lot have been dreaming about. It's a little daunting to try to cook shit you've never even heard of. I mean who eats things that's called trumpet leaf? And those huge orange cabbages that you insist we stuff the turkey with... Are they suppose to smell like something died inside them? Oh and the turkey! When you conjured it up, I would have thought that you would have thought to conjure it all ready to stuff and not in it's full plumage. .. That was on purpose wasn't it. .."

The smirk he sent her was telling enough to let her know that it had indeed been on purpose, as Jareth drawled: "Oh I thought that a huntress such as you would not mind... but I may have been wrong? "

Feeling utterly childish, Lilly gave in to the obvious good-natured taunt and stuck out her tongue at him, making not only him but the three other still enjoying their breakfast, howl with laughter.

"You are such an ass... But no that's not the point, I don't have the time do it all, and Didymus wants me to go find a tree with him later today.. "

"A tree? ": Jareth said looking mystified and curious: "What would we need a tree for? I thought that we were celebrating midwinter solstice, not Christmas"

"Well I or rather we were thinking that we could do a mix of the two and since we are exchanging gifts we thought that we might place the gifts under it ": Smiling Sarah poured more fragrant coffee into Didymus empty mug as she continued: "Lilly told me once that she has not had any real Christmases before she was adopted by George and neither of us have had a tree since our families died. And Shiver told me that he hasn't really celebrated midwinter solstice since before he became a knight. Not to mention how much you loved to celebrate it in our living dreams. So we decided that we need to get a tree and make our own tradition since none of us really have any. Hence the addition of a tree."

Smiling as he nodded, Jareth said: "In that case it is a splendid idea, this is after all a new world, it is only right that we give it it's own traditions. And I must say that I relish the opportunity to show you all a small part of the gratitude that I feel towards you."

"Yeah that's right you do": Grinning wickedly Lilly winked at Jareth and said: "And you better remember all we did for you when you start conjuring up baubles."

The look on Jareth's face told Lilly clearly that she had toed the line of what he was able to joke about, yet he still he smiled, albeit a tight serious smile as he gave a small nod: "Oh my gratitude will be clearly evident in what I plan to present you with. Have no fear of that. "

There was no doubt in anyone's mind that Jareth was still raw where the subject of what they had had to go through for him was concerned, as an uncomfortable silence descended to make them all squirm in their seats, unsure of how to return the easy happiness from before.

It was Didymus who finally manned up and commented: "What sort of tree art we seeking out? I hath no idea of which tree to fetch."

"Well": Lilly mused as she gathered up her empty plate and reached for Sarah's: "I would say a pinewood of some type, I don't know which ones are out there... What do you think Sarah ?"

Smiling widely Sarah idle rubbed at the bandage covering her missing eye as she pointed out towards the still mist shrouded forest: "I think that you should go pick out one of the noble firs in the little cove just beyond the treeline by the big standing stones. I'm sure one of those will do. And while you are out getting the tree Jareth and I will pluck the bloody turkey and start on the stuffing for the Aardvark roast okay? Those two things can be done with magic, so there is no real chance of us screwing that up. And Shiver you can help by crumbling the old bread for me unless you have other plans? "

The look that passed between Lilly and Shiver plainly said that there were other plans afoot, as Shiver smiled apologetically and shrugged: "Much as I would enjoy helping to prepare for our eminent feast, I do have other plans for the day. "

Nodding Jareth shot him an amused wink as he prodded casually: "Oh and what might that be? Perhaps you will need a... Helping hand ?"

The expression on Shivers face was one of feigned innocence as he ignored the obvious implication of his father's words, but it was clear that Jareth had hit close to the mark as Shiver brushed him off : "No I think I have enough hands as it is, but thank you father."

Chuckling softly as the mood grew light once more, Sarah shared a short moment with Jareth as their eyes met, and she saw nothing but warm happy relief in his glorious bicoloured orbs. It was obvious that he was just as excited as the rest of them with the prospect of defining their own holiday. And his eyes sparkled as he brought the plates over to the sink. Yes this was going to be a great Christmas.

. . .

Golden light flooded the spacious room, from the big panoramic windows spilling across the thick fur rugs making them sparkle in a faint echo of the Labyrinths enchanted light. Sitting in front of the large hardwood desk, Jareth smiled to himself as he conjured a second perfect crystal and lowered it into the velvet lined box sitting in front of him. Right at that moment they looked like nothing more exciting than a pair of glowing crystals, but the second that Didymus touched them they would envelope his enormous form in a new gleaming silver armour, bonding it to his soul, and marking him as the captain of Sarah's guard. It was a trivial thing really but the symbolic value of it was immense, and as Jareth waved his hand over the box materializing a lid complete with a big rust red bow and a golden name tag, he felt utterly assured that Didymus would be pleased with the gift.

Another wave of his hand had the box floating up from the table and over to land softly beside the two boxes already bearing Shiver and Sarah's names. Both boxes contained crystals, but theirs would become an ornate crossbow for Shiver, accompanied by a case of fine quills with dusk steel tips. And for Sarah it would become a music box much like the one she had had as a child, only this one would feature a prince in a black armour dancing with the ebony haired princess in a creamy white dress, as it played the ballad that he had sung for her as they danced in the ballroom. And as a surprise he had hung a brilliant emerald set in a platinum star above the dancing couple, it looked to belonged there but it was a necklace, and one that he could not wait to see nestled against his precious Sarah's creamy skin. They were all good gifts and Jareth felt certain that the recipients would be pleased but that only made figuring out what to give Lilly all the more difficult. Leaning back in the comfortable desk chair Jareth let his gaze wander out of the panoramic window and into the ever shifting aurora sky, as he contemplated the best gift for the strange girl. Had she been a "normal" girl he would have conjured a pretty necklace or some other bauble and that would have been that. Only this was no normal girl. No this girl had taken care of him no matter how cruel he had been towards her, and never once had she complained. Instead she had persevered and striven to see beneath the cruelty to the pain and spell. No she was no ordinary girl, but a warrior princess.

A warrior!

It was so simple that it was almost laughable as his hand moved on it's own accord pulling a single glowing crystal from the air, rolling it effortlessly over the back of his hand and unto his palm. A warrior needed a weapon and Jareth knew just which one suited Lilly. With her willowy grace, and ease of movement she was made for wielding dual swords.

Power coiled in his still restoring triple cores, not yet the vast ocean of power that he was use to but more than enough for imbuing the crystal with his will. Holding the image in his mind, Jareth smiled as he watched the twin blades materialize in the swirling depths of the crystal.

Yes, Jareth nodded, these were perfect, long and slender with graceful blades of silky shadow steel, that looked almost translucent as they spun slowly in the depth of the crystal. Their detailed cross guards shaped to resemble glistening star bursts with bright azure star sapphires in their centres, mimicking her bright captivating eyes. The slowly spinning swords dissolved into the inner glow of the crystal as Jareth gently placed it into the last silver grey box, sealing it in with a bright blue bow.

Sitting back, he crossed his long legs under the table and smiled expectantly as he looked at the four brightly coloured boxes. It was not much considering that he had regained enough of his own magic that he could indeed conjure up anything he desired, but he had put so much thought into each of his gifts and he felt certain that he had gotten it right. And that was an utterly alien feeling in relation to midwinter solstice. Many were the midwinter feasts where he had presented a gift only to have the recipient look disappointed no matter how extravagantly generous he had been. In truth he couldn't recall a midwinter solstice feast with his seelie fey family, that had not been a study in feeling utterly inadequate and wrong. And usually that would cause him to take his leave at the earliest possible moment, to flee back to his own castle and lose himself in the rancorous celebration of his own subjects, and Hoggle's home brew of course. More often than not he would don a disguise so that he could drink himself into a stupor in peace. But not this midwinter. No, looking pensive he absently ran the emerald ribbon of Sarah's gift between his fingers, this midwinter would be the start of something new, something good. Something that he would die before losing.

"Hey there gloomy puss, why the frown? I always thought that wrapping presents was something that made you happy, not something to frown over. Unless of course you're not quite satisfied with what you are giving. Is that it? "

The frown melted as he turned to see her standing in the doorway with her arms straining to hold an entire mountain of gaily wrapped presents, and was replaced by a soft loving glow: "No precious, I am very satisfied with the gifts. But seeing you now I am left wondering whether my gift is worthy of your beauty. "

A faint blush spread on her pale skin, imbuing her with a luminous beauty that had his breath catching in his throat, as she shook her head slightly: "And just when I think I can't possibly love you anymore, you go and say something like that, Jesus Jareth can you be anymore perfect.."

"Hmm those are big words love, they might give a man an inflated self image": Pushing the chair back, Jareth rose gracefully, and called the presents to float up and place themselves in his arms, making it look as if he still had two hands: "I take it that Lilly and Didymus have returned with the tree?"

"Yeah they even decorated it, so I thought we might as well just put the presents under it. I know it's still two days off but I like looking at the boxes and imaging what's inside them. "

His creamy shirt billowed ever so slightly as he strode towards her with a sincerely happy gleam in his eyes, Jareth nodded: "I must admit I that I like that thought. Come let us go place the gifts under the tree and then I'll put a pot of wine and spices over the fire to warm us all."

Pausing as he reached her, Sarah leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on his smooth silken cheek, before whispering along his skin: "This is going to be the best Christmas ever! "

. . . . .

Closing the door quietly behind her, Lilly grinned while she shed her heavy fur lined coat, and discarded it on the armchair by the fireplace as she passed it on her way to look Shiver over the shoulder, where he hunched over the massive desk, intensely focused on the confusing nest of tiny springs and finely braided leather thongs in front of him. Slipping a miniscule loop over an equally small hook, Shiver smiled and turned just in time to catch the kiss that she had intended to land on his cheek, with his soft lips.

Pulling back, Lilly shook her head in mock affectation of disapproval as she sighed: "Really Shiver what am I to do with you?"

Reaching up, Shiver cupped her smooth cheek with his slightly greasy fingers, feeling light and joyful as that small innocent touch had her eyes burning with a inner fire that lit the azure star bursts: "You could kiss my insolence away and then thank me for having mounted the last of the wrist springs..."

"Really you finished it! God you are such a genius. . See I knew that there was a reason why I put up with your stubbornness.": Smiling widely she leaned down for another kiss, only to be caught around the waist and seated firmly on his left thigh as he quickly dove in and stole the kiss that she had been offering, thoroughly plundering her mouth as he held her tight.

Wrapping her arms around his neck Lilly let herself melt into him, simply enjoying the feeling of being desired both body and soul. It seemed like it only lasted a second, but they were both flushed and breathing hard as they pulled apart and Lilly rested her head on his shoulder.

"So are we done with the wrist.?"

"Yes": Shiver sighed, burying his face in the lush fall of her hair breathing in her flowery scent with a content murmur: "It is done, all I need do is close the seam and merge the skin. Have you given how we are to present them any thought? "

Her hair tickled him as she nodded slightly: "Yup, I was thinking that you both need to rebuild your strength once your wounds close, and I'm pretty sure that the pair of you like to spar with each other right? "

Shiver's response was a softly humming sound, that Lilly took to mean yes, and so she continued while the heat of his skin permeated her: "So I was thinking that we put his royal messiness' new hand in a box with the two practice swords that Didymus has carved and I was thinking that Sarah's new eye is gonna look wonderfully gory in a black box on a red velvet pillow. What'd you think?"

"Hmm I think that you are a very wise young lady. Who sees more than one thinks. You are right I use to love sparring with my father but we have not done so since I became the Knight commander of the bloodthorns ..."

Pulling back ever so slightly Lilly twisted enough for her to see the sad wistful smile he now wore: "Oh why not? "

"Bolton and Titania found it inappropriate because as lord commander I was supposed to be the better fighter, and it seemed like bad form for the king to be beaten by his own adopted son. And so we... stopped. "

Gently caressing his cheek with her thumb Lilly gave him a light peck in the trail of her touch, before speaking against his still too warm skin: "Well once you are both well again you can kick his butt all you want, who is gonna care right? And you are both gonna need to rebuild your strength after being out for so long, and also Didymus is beginning to get a little round, around the middle."

There was a tiny fragile hope in Shivers eyes as he nodded and looked at the still open arm: "Well I suppose that you are right, and I do miss it, he is the only warrior but Didymus and Llagain who have ever presented a true challenge.."

"So lets make it happen, remember there are no rules here."

His grip tightened as he rested his chin on the crown of her head once more: "You are right as usual.. I just hope that Jareth sees it the same way."

Giving him a gentle squeeze Lilly snuggled even deeper into his arms as she said: "Why wouldn't he? He has been hovering over you ever since he found out how sick you were, treating you like a babe in arms. I am pretty sure that he will be thrilled to pound you into the ground if nothing else I'm sure he would do it for bragging rights alone.."

A wry grin chased the wistful air from Shivers face as he imagined his father looking all smug as he had done every time Jareth had bested him: "Hmm yeah I believe that you are right. I hope you are..."

Nuzzling the skin along the slight hollow of his throat, Lilly murmured contently: "Oh I am... This is so gonna be the best Christmas Ever!"

. . . . .

The snow had fallen thick and heavy ever since Lilly and Didymus had brought back the tree and the piles were now, as dawn on midwinter's day arose, high enough that they touched the lower windowsill and spilled over the edge of the porch. It was the picture perfect image of a winter wonderland. And sitting in the window perch, Sarah soaked in the view as she quickly and quietly pulled a brush through her sleep tousled hair. She had to be quiet so she wouldn't wake the still sleeping monarch, before she had breakfast ready.

Breakfast on Christmas morning had always been something special in her family. As long back as she could remember her father would creep up at dawn and bake nanna Milla's special cinnamon bread so that the smell would wake them all. It had been magical and now that she was building this new Christmas together with her new family it was one of the traditions that she truly wanted to keep alive.

The floor was cool beneath her bare feet as she crept silently from their room and down the dark hallway, and into the kitchen. Keeping as silent as a mouse she blew the embers in the huge wood burning stove back to life and pulled out bacon, eggs, and huge juicy tomatoes and mushrooms.

Now all she needed was the bread and though she could simply call up a crystal and summon a perfect replica it would defeat the purpose of what they were trying to create. Thus Sarah smiled as she rummaged through the bulging kitchen cabinets in search of the ingredients that she needed. And yes the flour, yeast, butter, cinnamon, eggs and milk was all conjured, but that was not the point as she started combining it all in the heavy stoneware dough trough that Lilly used when she made bread. The point was that this was something that she, Sarah Williams queen of the goblins and mistress of the labyrinth, had put an effort into making for those she loved. It was not about the bread, or the bacon or any of the other foodstuffs that now cluttered the table, but about the love that she poured into it as she cooked for their strange family.

And it was that warm feeling that had Sarah whistling as she kneaded the dough...

. . . . .

The midwinter solstice in the underground had never been a favourite holiday of Jareth's, and he had made a habit out of fleeing the stifled and stilted celebration of the seelie court in favour of either his own rancorous goblins, or the small and far more intimate affair held in the unseelie court, before he could finally escape it all fully and flee into a living dream to bask in the presence of his soulmate. But here seated at a comparatively humbled table eating fresh baked cinnamon bread dripping with butter, thick slices of succulent bacon and luscious fried tomatoes and mushrooms while laughing along at Didymus' retelling of how he and Lilly had nearly been defeated by the tree that now decorated the great room, he could not imagine anything more perfect. This was how midwinter was meant to celebrated.

With family and love.

With gifts given because you truly wanted to please the recipient not to garner goodwill or curry favour.

And with true joy instead of stiff tradition. All that was missing was Morgaine and Hoggle.

A slight melancholy tinted his eyes with a dusty grey as he thought of his true family. Because this would have been something that they would have loved, and he would have loved to have shared it with them. To have seen Morgaine seated here in her true form, with her wispy white hair brushed back from her wrinkled face, so that her midnight eyes were clearly visible when she giggled as only she could. And have Hoggle basking in the warmth of the company, was something that he would have given anything to have seen.

"Hey, why so gloomy? "

Sarah's slender hand squeezed his knee as she leaned in to speak softly into his ear. Shaking his head slightly Jareth exhaled as if blowing the cobwebs of sadness away: "I was just thinking that my mother, my real mother and Hoggle would have loved this, and that I would have loved for them to have been here... But."

Pushing the last of the sudden melancholy away, Jareth smiled softly as he placed a chaste kiss on Sarah's cheek: "There is always next year, that is the beauty of we creatures untouched by time, there is always next year..."

"Yeah": Sarah agreed: "But we won't have to wait that long... Remember, time hasn't moved back in the underground, so when we return there will only be a little over two months until midwinter."

"Oh yes I forgot, Well ": Raising his tea cup in salute, Jareth smiled at the group as he announced: "I wish you all a happy midwinter, and I would like to let you all know that we expect you all to join us for the next Midwinter solstice and all the ones to come. If you want to that is. "

"Really Jareth you have to ask? ": Lilly's eyes glowed like captive stars as she gripped Shivers hand and locked eyes with Jareth: "This is the best Christmas ever, and we haven't even gotten to the presents yet! Hell yeah we'll be there with bells on."

"Bells on? Why wouldst we don bells? Is this an earthen custom that thou hath not shared with us? ": The confused look had the fox looking endearingly perplexed as he looked from one girl to the other.

"Ooh goddess the image that evokes ": Grinning as she reached out and patted Didymus massive hand, Sarah said: "But no it's an expression, it means that you are eager to participate. That you will attend no matter what the cost. It does not mean that you wear actual bells..."

"Aarh then verily I shall indeed attend, though I must confess that the wearing of bells wouldst not have caused me to balk."

"Well Sir Didymus you are a braver man than I then": Quipped Shiver as he saluted the fox with his tea: "For I must admit the thought of wearing nothing but bells had me somewhat worried. "

"OooKay ... And that mental image will keep me up all night! ": Setting her cup firmly on the table, Lilly shook her head with an amused chuckle: "And to change the subject I think that it's time to open our presents, or am I the only one who can't wait any longer? "

Leaning back in his chair Jareth felt utterly content as he soaked in the easy atmosphere as the others teased Lilly with being impatient, even though they were also clearly just as eager as she was.

Well he could most certainly understand her, because he was just as eager, though his eagerness stemmed more from the desire to see the reaction of the recipient of his gifts rather than what he was about to receive.

"Well lords and ladies I do believe that we are all quite full from all of my precious Sarah's excellent offerings. So what would you say to following Lilly's suggestion and moving over to the tree and begin presenting our gifts? I know that I am eager to see your reactions to the gifts. "

"Yes": Shiver agreed with a bright twinkle in his eye: "Let us proceed to the gifts, I too am eager to see your responses. "

"Okay" : Pushing her chair out, Lilly rose and rubbed her hands together: "Sarah made breakfast so it's only fair that...

The loud snaps of two sets of fingers cut her off, as the dirty dishes, cups, pots, pans and crumbs all disappeared in a shower of bright green and dark azure sparkles. Blinking owlishly she stood stunned for a fraction of a second until the joy filled sound of Jareth and Shivers combined peals of laughter as they both beamed up at her like a pair of proud schoolboys, brought her back to reality.

And playing right into that image, she placed her hands on her hips and gave them both her best overly exasperated look: "Really, again with the magic? Just because you can does not mean that you have to! "

Looking like the very image of properly chastised youths both men cast their eyes to the table as they mumbled: "No Lilly."

They looked so sincere that no one would have doubted how sorry they were. That was of course if their voices hadn't been thick with suppressed laughter. Laughter that erupted the second Lilly sighed, and rolled her eyes, grinning: "Christ you two are impossible... Now let's go open some presents. "

The fire of the hearth roared and filled the great room with heat, light and the fragrant scent of burning pine needles. Gathering around the majestic tree, the quintet stood quietly as they enjoyed the sight. Large luminous crystals in deep red, azure blue, grass green and bright gold glittered amongst its deep bluish green needles and the thick gold tinsel and holly garlands. Little silver and gold goblins seemed to fly beside them on small stubby cherub wings, trying to steal the peppermint candy canes and succulent gingerbread cookies shaped like stars, hearts and Jareth's sigil.

It should have been gaudy and tasteless in its Victorian splendour, but instead it was just perfect.

Wrapping his arm around Sarah's waist, Jareth gave her a loving hug as he said: "I must say, that this is Beautiful! I would never have thought to use our crystals in such a way, but it is stunning.. When last I saw a tree this magnificent I was collecting the daughter of a Victorian Earl. The poor girl had been wished away by her new stepmother, for nothing more than daring to speak out of turn at a social function. It was what the lady used her one wish for... a tree. But this, this far surpass that tree."

Blushing slightly, Lilly nodded: "thanks... So umh what now? When I was little we would, like just sit and stare at the tree, until my father had finished his third beer, and then..." Shuddering Lilly pressed her forehead into Shivers side as he gently wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Well ": Sarah said killing the awkward silence before it could spread: "My dad use to play Christmas songs on our piano, and my stepmom would choose these weird church psalms for us to sing, only my dad would play Christmas carols instead. And she would huff and look insulted before singing along like everyone else."

"Verily to lift our voices in song doth fill me with joy. Pray wouldst thou teach us these songs of carol?"

"Yes ": Jareth purred teasingly: "Please teach us the songs of Carol... "

Her grin was wide and infectious as she drew a crystal from thin air, tossing it against the floor next to the tree, making it burst in a shower of emerald and silver sparks revealing a real baby grand piano: "I would be happy to, but I'm warning you I haven't played since I turned ten."

"Oh precious I'm certain that you will do just fine ": His hand on hers pulled her to the piano, and guided her to sit on the low bench: "Now why don't you begin with silent night..."

Her skills on the ivories might be slightly less that perfect, but no one cared as they sang together, teaching Didymus the psalms and Christmas carols of Lilly and Sarah's childhoods.

The hours seemed to melt away as they sang and laughed, and soon the daylight began to wane making the candlelit great room into a warm safe cavern of golden light. The last notes of Frosty the Snowman died out as Lilly slapped her hand lightly on the top of the piano: "So I'm gonna slap the roasts in the oven, and what would you all think about opening the presents afterwards, because I really can't wait to see what you guys are gonna think about the presents. So what'd you say? "

"Verily Lilly I find your plan most agreeable. "

"Yes ": Jareth agreed: "It does indeed sound like a plan. Do you need any assistance?"

"Naah": Lilly said as she brushed some imaginary dust from her long dark green skirt: "I'm good."

Nodding his acceptance Jareth turned his attention back to Sarah as she sat and tickled a small melody out of the keys, with a vaguely dreaming expression on her face. Her dark hair cascaded down her back and down across the thin nearly invisible bandage covering the healed ruin of her eye. The contrast was utterly striking as she blew a stray lock away from her perfect nose and looked up at him coyly through the thick raven wings of her lashes.

"So, Why the long stare?"

Smiling as he sat down on her right side on the low piano bench, Jareth bumped her shoulder playfully: "I was just wondering whether you know chopsticks... "

The choppy notes of chopsticks filled the room as Lilly quickly, or as quickly as she was able with Shiver constantly getting in her way as he "helped" her, pushed the large trays containing the mouth-watering cuts of meat into the blistering ovens.

Magic was usually banned in her kitchen but today was different as she pulled out a glowing emerald crystal, and charged it with images of how the finished roasts and vegetables were to look and taste, telling it to chime loudly once they reached that stage.

Today she didn't want to be forced to check on the food every so often, today she just wanted to relax and enjoy. Setting the crystal on the pristine countertop Lilly smiled at Shiver as he finished setting the newly cleaned utensils away, and held out her hand for him, beckoning him closer.

"You done?"

"Yes": He answered as he leaned down stealing a quick kiss: "I am finished, shall we? "

"Yeah let's. "

The first gift was from Shiver to Lilly, and it left her utterly speechless as she opened the box and lifted the heavy hunter green leathers into the golden light. Copper thread created lavish patterns along the seams, wrought into fine images of delicate vines and thin leaves. The leather itself was supple and buttery, feeling almost like silk as she ran her fingertips along the perfect seam. Holding the jacket up Lilly grinned as she saw that the cut of the jacket while still allowing for full freedom of movement, would enhance and emphasise her small breasts. No she reminded herself, as her face turned utterly beetroot red. Not small, delicate. At least that was what Shiver had had her repeat again and again as he had explored them through the flimsy veil of her nightgown.

Turning to thank him, her blush turned even deeper as she was met with a satisfied smirk, which told her that Shiver thought of the same incident.

" I take it that you like your gift?"

"No I don't like it, I love it! ": Holding the perfectly fitted jacket up against her own front, Lilly turned to show the others her gift, only to stop as a faint but clearly metallic jingle was heard.

"Well then it would seem that this has more to it that meets the eye.": Jareth's voice was ripe with admiration as he nodded his approval: "Is it darksteel?"

"Yes": Shiver confirmed solemnly: "It is, I could imagine nothing stronger, nor lighter. I will not see her hurt again for lack of protection. And I do not care that only knights may wear it as armour, it must be enough that a knight gave it to her. "

"Verify my friend it is a most magnificent armour, it is surely worthy of a lady as strong as thee."

"Yeah yeah": Folding the jacket into the large box Lilly turned and looked at Shiver: "Thank you honey, I can't wait to put it on. But now I think it's time for more presents.."

The next to receive a gift was Didymus, who looked almost more surprised that he was even getting anything than anything else. Until he opened the large heavy box. His gift was a cloak, full circle, full length made from panels of creamy white leather and edged with a metallic deep emerald lizard skin. It was perfect but for the colour that clashed with the deep crimson of his usual jacket. That of course changed as soon as Shiver presented him with his gift.

Great heavy tears formed in Didymus eye as the lanky goblin handed him the soft carefully wrapped packet tied with a luminous rust red ribbon.

"I truly hope that this will show our deep regard for you, and I honestly hope that it will show that you belong here with us now."

"Verily, I doth find myself at a loss for words to express..."

Laying a gentle hand on the floundering fox's shoulder Shiver cut off the knight with an equally gentle: "Hold your praise until you see the gift."

"Thou speakest the truth lord Shiver.. But I must express the joy I feel, and the pride that fills me as I doth know that I have now finally found. ... a Home."

The gentle hand became a reassuring squeeze as Shiver spoke in a voice made deep and rough by his emotions: "You have indeed found a home here, never doubt that, you are forever my brother, if not in blood then in arms. "

The tear that had clung so stubbornly to the fox's lashes, finally relinquished it's hold to roll down his cheek leaving behind a trail of slick damp fur: "Verily I doth not know what to say."

"Well ": Sarah interjected: "Don't worry about it just. .. open the damn present. We are dying over here."

Sharing a last meaningful look with the now equally wet eyed goblin as Shiver returned to his seat, Didymus bowed lightly: "As my lady commands."

His hands shook as he undid the elaborate bow, and pulled the fine silk paper aside, revealing a jacket in a sinfully soft cream leather, with a dark emerald lining visible through the intricate slashed design that covered the fitted body and billowing sleeves. Emerald buttons graced the front and the cuffs of it, sparkling with an inner fire that made them look almost alive, as warm gold threads graced every seam. The look on Didymus face was one of stunned reverence as he ran his fingers over the garment: "I am utterly undeserving of garments this magnificent. Verily I .. I..."

"Well ": Jareth purred as Sarah pulled away from his arms to stand in front of the towering fox: "You cannot stand as the captain of her guard if your colours clash, it would not be seemly. "

"Besides ": Sarah said as she produced a wide band of warm red gold carved with thorns in a design reminiscent of the pattern adorning Shivers ring: "I think that it is time that we make it official. So this is my gift to you. The ring that marks you as the captain of my white shadow guards. I want you to lead them and stand by my side as Shiver stands by Jareth's. We need you Didymus and once we return home we will of course make it official with a proper ceremony, but until then I still wish for you to wear the ring that shows your rank. Lilly made it, so it's from her as well, and..."

The sudden rustle of cloth as Didymus dropped to his knees had Sarah shocked into silence as she found herself staring at the top of Didymus wild mane of flame red hair.

"Jesus Didymus this is so not necessary, please get up.. I. . really. "

"Nay my Lady in this matter I must insist upon ceremony, I must swear the oath in the proper manner ": His one eye glowed with the bright flame of his dark flame as he tilted his head to met her confuse gaze: "I pray my lady let me speak the words as they are meant to be spoken. "

"He speaks the truth Precious, some words carry a power of their own. And this oath is one such instance ": The words were softly spoken but they still carried the full weight of Jareth's experience and otherworldly power: "This oath's more than mere words. It is a type of magic that binds you to one another, they will compel Didymus to protect you, even at the cost of his own life. He will be bound to you unable to resist a direct order from your lips. His life will be utterly yours, from the words are spoken and until his last breath."

Her eye grew huge, and her skin paled until no colour remained and she was as pale as the frozen world outside. Her lips parted as if to speak, yet no words came, and she was left looking scared as she met the utterly calm conviction in Didymus eye.

"No wait I ... You want this? "

"Verily, there is nothing that I desire more, but if my queen desires a more worthy captain I shall understand and never revisit the subject. "

"Goddess Didymus how can you even say that ": Outrage and shock had her voice almost break as she took in his calm certainty that he could not possibly be the best choice for the role. And she was about to speak further when Jareth's soft but stern voice cut in admonishing: "I believe we already discussed your worthiness, and if my memory does not fail me, we agreed that you would trust your sovereigns when it came to who they chose as worthy. Am I correct? "

Didymus head bobbed as he agreed quietly: "Your memory doth serve thee well my Liege."

"Good, and Sarah listen to me Didymus knows this fully well, all those of the underground understands this, and yet here he kneels ready to swear the words binding his life to yours.. It is his wish will you deny him?"

"Well I No.. but I... Really you want this? To die for me? "

Gazing up at her through the ginger veil of his fur and his long lashes, Didymus smiled widely. as he said emphatically: "Verily I require no oath to die for you my queen, my friend, but it would greatly warm my soul to have the bond so set in stone. Thus I mean to say yes I do want this. ."

Biting her lower lip Sarah looked every inch as terrified as she felt, yet her jaw clenched with determination as she nodded once, and seemed to forcefully pull the mantle of Queenship onto her now squared shoulders.

"Very well, Lord Didymus of the Llwynog do you freely accept the captaincy of the white shadow guard. "

His eye never left hers as he answered in a calm sure voice that left no doubt as to his conviction: "I doth swear upon my honour and my very life that I shall defend thy life unto death, I swear upon my honour that I shall obey any order that thou shall give unto me. To thee I pledge my sword, my honour and my very life to thee and should my sacrifice save thee, I shall lay down any price without hesitation. This is my solemn vow and oath. As surely as my word is my bond, my life is now thine."

Taking the ring in steady fingers, Sarah raised it to her lips and placing a light kiss upon the slowly warming metal, she held it out to the kneeling knight with the words: "And in return I shall protect your honour, I shall strive to be worthy of your sacrifice and know that I shall ask nothing of you that I do not ask of myself. Thus I swear that you and no other shall be my sword and shield."

Slipping the wide band onto the middle finger of his right hand, Didymus nodded as he rose to tower over her once more: "And so it is done. "

Wrapping her arms around Didymus massive waist, Sarah buried her face into his chest, breathing in his comforting musky scent: "Goddess give that we will look back on this with happiness in the years to come."

"We shall": His voice rumbled out through his chest, as his huge hands held her gently and rubbed his back: "We shall, but pray let us now resume the giving of gifts. Lest we succumb to this sombre mood. And if you would so allow I should dearly like to give the next gifts"

"You are as always right good sir, and please present our gifts. "

Waving his great paw-hand Didymus smiled shyly as a present manifested in the laps of each person there, gesturing to the packages Didymus said: Pry open these humble offerings, though I must admit to being ashamed of their coarse nature now that I have witnessed the beauty of the gifts given.

"Didymus stop": Leveling an exasperated look at the big fox as he hooked his finger in the bow loop of his gift Jareth sighed: "I have never known you to do anything to less than your best, and I am certain that that will apply to these gifts as well."

Undoing the bow with a single firm tug Jareth's expression shifted instantly into one of awe as the small bone hair cuff within was revealed. The piece was small which only served to make the tiny owls and runic knots carved into it so much more impressive. Holding it up so that the soft light of the living room caught the tiny gems imbedded in the polished bone, Jareth said: "This is magnificent! Didymus how did you manage such strength in a piece this small?

Delighted embarrassment enveloped the foxes entire person as he shrugged and half mumbled: "It is the bone that doth determine the strength of a piece. And the bones of the beasts that roam this world is truly quite strong. As for the stones then the river yonder doth teem with them."

"Well it is most beautiful! Sarah precious would you help me? : Turning his back to Sarah Jareth managed to look almost childish in his joy as Sarah clasped the cuff around the lower part of his braid so that he could pull it over his shoulder and admire the exquisite craftsmanship. Turning back to face the stunned fox Jareth beamed at him: "I will cherish this for as long as I live, this is a gift of true friendship."

And to the others he said: "Now come open your gifts, let us see what Didymus has made you each.

Three bows were eagerly ripped open and the delighted gasps of admiration followed promptly, as the treasures were revealed. For Shiver the fox had carved a hair cuff much like the one he had gifted Jareth only this one was in the shape of a thorny branch and held tiny crimson stones between its branches like tiny drops of blood . Running his fingers over the magnificently detailed carvings Shiver looked up in stunned surprise.: "I am unworthy of such a magnificent gift! Truly Didymus this is...thank you... my friend...I.."

His words were cut short by Lilly as she leapt from her seat and jumped straight into Didymus startled arms as she squealed: "I love it! Thank you Didymus! It's so beautiful!

The bangle on her wrist sparkled and glowed with tiny golden stones set in the meticulously carved surface, featuring small cogs, screws and a single anatomically perfect heart suspended from a delicate golden ring. It very much her and Lilly was not afraid to let that be known as she beamed: "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you it's perfect! How did you know?"

"Verily young lady it is but a trinket, surely it is not worthy of you."

"Oh Didymus, you goofball" : Cutting in Sarah sat looking down at her gift with a teary eyed expression: "I have no words to express my gratitude, it's... You realise that I will never wear any other crown right, this is it, this is my crown."

Lifting the perfect circlet up for the others to see Sarah beamed as she brought the circlet to rest across her forehead. It was made not from gold or silver, but from one intricately carved piece of bone that Didymus had shaped into a circlet with a single inverted teardrop emerald set at the centre of her brow. Tiny delicate swirls almost like vines or roots held the stone in place and curved out to gently follow the circlet and frame Sarah's face. It was beautiful and very feminine.

"Well Didymus it seems that you have held back a great talent from you": Trailing his fingertips along the skilfully carved bone, Jareth looked pensive as he mused almost to himself: "I think we shall have you work with Ludo once this war is over and won, to rebuild the labyrinth, I think that Hoggle would like that..."

"My liege, I...I do not... I... Verily I...": Gaping like a newly landed fish, Didymus realised that he had nothing intelligent to say. At least not anything that would not get him a terse reminder of the conversation, he had had with Jareth about accepting his sovereigns judgement of his worth above his own, and so he merely fell silent and nodded as Lilly ghosted a soft kiss to his burning cheek, and bounded back to her seat next to Shiver.

Clearing his throat Jareth spoke softly as if afraid that the fox would flee if he spoke too loudly: "Didymus I believe that I speak for us all as I say that we are grateful beyond belief that you have deemed us worthy of gifting these treasures that you have lavished, what I can only imagine were many hours upon, Thank you my friend. And now I think that it is time for another gift..."

Holding out his hand in an elegant gesture, Jareth called a relatively small package from the pile, letting it hang slowly spinning halfway between them and the couch.

"This one is for you young Lilly, it is but a small token of the immeasurable esteem that I hold you in. "

As he spoke the package floated through the air to alight itself in Lilly's lap, and her hand instinctively went to grab it before it could float away again.

"Wow really you shouldn't have gotten me anything, but now that you did."

The ribbon and lid was quickly removed to reveal the shimmering crystal ball inside. Yet her hand hovered above the clear surface as she looked up at Jareth with a slight hint of concern in her eyes.

"Arhm what's this? It's not gonna turn into a snake or anything else weird is it?"

Giving her his best exasperated look, Jareth rolled his eyes and drawled: "Really Lilly you must learn to trust me, I will not tell you what it is, but I do swear to you that it is nothing unpleasant."

"Oookay."

Grabbing the crystal with both hands, Lilly's eyes grew huge as she watched it dissolve into an azure blue mist that covered her hands as it condensed in her hand and grew heavy. Then the mist vanished in a shower of silver and emerald glitter, leaving Lilly holding a set of matching swords.

Words escaped her as she sat staring in wide eyed wonder at the dusky almost glass like blades and the deceptively frail looking cross guards. They were exquisite and it did not escape notice that the stones in the cross guard and hilt matched the bright blue of the star bursts in her own eyes.

"Well say something girl, do you like them? ": Leaning forward expectantly Jareth looked like a much younger boy hoping for approval. And approval he got as Lilly beamed.

"They are beautiful, I've never seen anything like them before, are they real?"

"Yes you silly girl of course they real, what would be the point otherwise? ": Relief was clearly evident as he rolled back to lounge comfortable in the thick fur, casually adjusting the empty cuff of his plain cream coloured silk shirt as he spoke.

"But": Running her thumb gingerly along the edge, Lilly looked up questioningly: "I don't know how to use a sword, are you gonna teach me? "

"No": Jareth grinned: "I could but I believe that Shiver would be a much better teacher. I thought that for a tenacious warrior such as you there could be no other present. "

"Well I love them and I can't wait to get to try them out. But I think it's time for me to give a gift. Ahm I... it's. .."

Grabbing a small present wrapped in bright spring green silk paper, Lilly blushed until she glowed a very pretty beet red as she handed Shiver the gift, jerking her hand back as if afraid that Shiver might bite her.

"It's umh not much cause I don't you know have magic and well there ain't any stores around here sooo yeah I kinda just. ... I. I don't know. "

Smiling softly, as his powerful fingers peeled the paper back delicately, before opening the box as if it had been made of the most delicate glass. Looking into the box his expression grew young and vulnerable as he stroked a single finger over the content of the box.

"It is magnificent... It .. Thank you.. Lilly."

His fingers trembled ever so slightly as he reverently lifted the pendant out by its subtle braided leather string. It was simple yet still intricate as the stylized gold bramble branch wrapped around itself in a celtic knot, forming an oval pendant the same size as the outer joint of Lilly's thumb.

Smiling shyly Lilly reached out and lightly tapped a well hidden latch that held the pendant closed: "It opens up, if you tap this."

Nodding he obediently thumbed the latch making the tiny spring activated hinges open the pendant and reveal the minute group portrait inside.

"Did you paint this? It is exquisite! I will treasure this always, I ..."

Rolling up from his seat on the couch, Shiver closed the distance between them, engulfing her in his arms and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss before Lilly had any chance of evading or protesting. Not that she looked like she was about to do either of those things as she eagerly melted into his embrace and slipped her arms around his waist and let herself be swept away by the kiss.

Leaning into Sarah, Jareth gave a very satisfied smirk as he spoke in a mock whisper: "Well I do believe that our young knight is well pleased by his gift. Do you think he intends to release her before he smothers her? "

The look in Shivers eyes could have made lesser men freeze in fear, or tuck tail and run, as he finally released Lilly to glare at his father over her head, but Jareth's smirk merely grew wider and infinitely more satisfied as he watched the couple with one humorously arched eyebrow: "I take it that the gift pleases you? "

The furious stare turned into one of happiness as it lost its power when Shiver shook his head and spoke into the thick, and for the occasion combed and tamed tangle: "I love it, but it is missing something vital."

Pulling back so that she could meet his now sparkling mischievous gaze Lilly's brow furrowed into an adorable look of confusion: "Missing something what are you talking about, I got everyone into the bloody picture, and that was not easy let me tell you. I'm good at miniatures but this thing is fucking microscopic! "

"Yes, but considering how close this will be to my heart, I want someone special inside it too."

"Yeah, I figured but I didn't know what Lace looked like but if you tell me I'll b happy to..."

Pain flickered through his eyes like a predatory shadow, as he gripped her jaw in an infinitely tender hold stopping her before she could say anything more: "No not her, You you silly little girl! I want you next to my heart always, just as I have you here beside me. And Lilly even if Lace had not died I am not certain that I would not have forsaken her the second I saw you. I love you Lilly Grant, You and no other. "

Tears gathered in her eyes as she stood like a deer frozen in headlights, under his loving gaze.

He loved her.

She had known of course but she had forced herself not to truly contemplate it as they had been caught in the maelstrom of insanity that surrounded them. But here and now as the words spilled from his lips she had no choice but acknowledge that she too loved him with a fierce desperate strength.

"I love you too Shiver, I love you so much it hurts. ..I.."

There were more words that she needed to say, but his lips closed on hers once more stealing it all away as he put all his emotions into that one kiss, and all she could do was cling to him.

The need to breath forced them apart, and as the world returned to normal the first thing they heard was Sarah's soft: "Well that was about time, and now that you are finally ready to admit what the rest of us have known for the last few weeks, I think that it is time for a toast."

The smiling trio rose, and saluting the furiously blushing couple with their goblets called: "To Lilly and Shiver. "

Their blushes deepened as they silently acknowledged the toast and returned to their seats on the fur covered couch, seemingly curled into one another's arms.

"And now ": Sarah announced as she moved to the tree: "I want to give a gift, this one is for my king and my heart."

Jareth's eyes were soft as he accepted the flat box with a quiet: "You should not have precious."

"Oh but I should.."

Opening the box, Jareth couldn't hold back a gasp as the simple golden circle was revealed.

I've never seen you with a crown, and I thought it fitting that you get one now that I am finally returning this."

Her fingers unfurled letting a familiar sigil drop to swing from the end of its chain as firelight made it's swirling runic knot shimmer and sparkle, as if competing with the new gem at the apex of its mirrored sickle curve. Gold, blue, white and emerald hues churned in the centre of the dusky gem, giving it a life of its own. Reaching out hesitantly, Jareth whispered: "It found you, I feared... I feared it lost within the strands of the spell."

"It was, but it came to me when I was inside the spell. And now I am returning it to its rightful owner. Here this is where it belongs. "

Her hand shook ever so slightly, as she pressed the warm sigil against his chest in an echo of how she had done it when she first returned it to him, back on the stairs of the castle. Once more power flared as the chain separated and slithered up and around his neck to fuse together again. Stepping back she watched with great satisfaction as the sigil nestled in against his chest and took on an otherworldly glow as it regained it's smooth silken sheen.

"There that's better. "

His fingers closed around the pendant as his eyes fell closed and a look of relief settled over his face: "Gods but I missed this, Thank you my love, this is a gift that I can never repay. "

"Oh you already have, you completed me, and gave me back all that is me. It is I who are repaying you with this gift. Besides it didn't really do much for me, it's far too masculine for my taste, especially compared to this..."

It was only when she fished her usually blank sigil out of her scooped boatneck neckline that any of them realised that the silky silver disk wasn't blank any longer. Nor was it a round disk any longer. In the place of the blank pendant hung a phoenix with it's up reaching wings touching above its outstretched beak, seemingly frozen just before the down stroke that would see it speeding from the ashes. The bird itself was beautiful but simple, setting the intricate runic knot on its back off as light caught its raised silver embossed swirls. Swirls that wove together to form the image of a blazing star.

"A Phoenix bearing a guiding star, reborn to guide, fitting. "

"Well love, this has been something of a rebirth for us all."

"Yes": He agreed, as his hand unconsciously sought out his own sigil where it rested against his cream shirt: "It truly has been..."

Sarah and Jareth never saw the look that passed between Lilly, Shiver and Didymus just before Shiver spoke, interrupting Jareth's quiet musing

"And speaking of rebirths": He said as he and Lilly rose and collected two brightly wrapped gifts from under the tree, bringing them to Sarah and Jareth, handing Sarah the smallest before placing the two foot parcel in Jareth's lap and stepping back.

"Please open them, they are from us all. They are... Well "

Bright paper parted under trembling eager hands, revealing the gifts beneath. Jareth's face became an unreadable mask as the pale motionless limb resting on the two practice swords came into clear view. Wetting his lips slowly, Jareth kept his eyes firmly fixed on the gently curled hand: "There is no straps?"

"No, it... It doesn't need them, once it is grafted on it won't be removable, and it will function just like your old hand did... ": Smiling proudly, Lilly rose and knelt in front of Jareth as she spoke.

"Grafted on": The look on his face was frightened and vulnerable as he slowly traced the crisply edged pattern that marked the edge where the limb was to be joined with his flesh with a pointed claw.

"Yeah we are banking on your goblin and human blood being at least as strong as your fey blood, and considering that you are able to use almost any human gadget, we really can't see why this wouldn't work."

"No ": Shiver chimed in: "And it should not take long to graft it on, the spell has already been engraved on the skin."

Lifting the hand from the box, Jareth stared at in open wonder as he easily manipulated it's joints.

"It feels so alive, how did you manage such a feat? It looks... real. "

Smiling up at him Lilly nodded as Jareth turned the hand obviously studying the spell runes and finding them without fault, as Lilly said: "Well that wasn't exactly easy, but once we found out the right type of leather it all sort of fit together, you like it? "

His head shot up as he looked at her as if she had just asked the most ridiculous question that he had ever heard, before blurting out: "Like it, it is sublime, a work of art. And even if it cannot be grafted, it more than lives up to your promises. It... with this I shall be whole again. And for this I owe you my very life. I..."

Tears trembled on the verge of spilling as he looked from Lilly to Shiver and then to Didymus, trying to convey the enormity of what this meant to him, as words failed him completely and utterly. Because this gift was more than the sum of its parts it was the last puzzle piece he needed to feel whole, and to begin rebuilding himself.

And no words could express just how monumental it was. And then he turned to look at Sarah, his breath catching as he saw her expression.

Tears streamed down the right side of her face, while the thin silk padding covering her left, grew more and more pink as blood and tears soaked it. But despite the tears, joy and awe shone from her as she reverently stroked the object still hidden within the small box.

"Sarah?": Turning fully to face her he called her name softly, gently pulling her attention away from the object and back to him. The look she gave him was wet and so filled with emotions that he had no idea what word to use to describe what it was that he was seeing. But he didn't have to as Sarah spoke in a soft half choked voice: "I had no idea that you were.. I, I don't know what to say. .. It's perfect. It's more than perfect. ..."

"Really? You serious? Cause we tried so hard to make the emerald that Didymus found work, but.."

"No Lilly it's, perfect this way, with this no one will ever know that I am missing an eye."

"Well, No. Cause with this you won't."

"I... what do you mean? I won't? "

Scooting across to Sarah, Lilly reached down and gingerly lifted the glistening eye up into the light: "No you won't cause this is has been made to function just like a real eye, that's why we couldn't use the emerald, I couldn't cut it thinly enough to construct a true fluid adjustable iris, and it resisted all attempts to bond it with the diamond lens. So that's how we ended up using that bright mercury, because it will expand and contract the way it needs to...that's why it's silver"

"You made me an eye! You really just made me an eye. Only you would do this you glorious nut job! A working eye! "

Surging to her feet Sarah pulled the now laughing Lilly with her allowing her to wrap her arms around the smaller woman hugging her tight: "Goddess above, but I love you and your weird convoluted mind, Please Lilly don't ever change."

Lilly's voice was muffled by Sarah's shoulder but her happiness was clearly evident as she chuckled: "Sure I'll stay weird but... please could you pull your shoulder out of my mouth it's just a little hard to breathe. "

"Sure, if you insist. "

Stepping back, Lilly grinned at both Sarah and Jareth as she crooked her head: "Oh I do insist, but I was thinking that there's just three more gifts under the tree and I as far as I can smell then dinner is close to done. So how would you like to try out your gifts after dinner? Didymus and Shiver both say it won't take long since we already used your blood to do the initial bonding, but Shiver thinks that it might hurt for a little while, while your flesh gets use to the metal, Right?"

Turning Lilly looked to Shiver for confirmation, receiving a small nod as the goblin quietly sat back down: "So I was thinking that we should, you know just do it? "

Looking from Lilly to Jareth, Sarah wet suddenly parched lips as she tried to process what Lilly was saying. How could she even begin to process that Lilly, her roommate and best friend. Very much not magical Lilly, who wanted to be a prosthetics builder of all things, and who were sitting here telling her that she was about to have two functioning eyes again. That all the pain they had suffered through were about to become a quickly fading memory, as they continued the healing that had begun. That she was about to become whole again. It was all so overwhelming. And Sarah felt grateful to Jareth as he quietly answered Lilly: "Yes, I think that it is an excellent plan of action. "

"Great, then let's get to it. "

Bounding to the tree, Lilly scooped up the last three gifts, and quickly deposited them in the laps of Sarah and a very stunned Didymus, before flopping down beside Shiver with the last perfectly square box in her hands.

"So who goes first? "

"You do Lilly ": Gesturing with her own unopened gift, Sarah smiled apologetically: "It's not an eye or an arm, but I hope that you'll like it anyway. "

Lilly's hands moved in a blur, as she ripped into the paper with almost childlike zeal, and in ten seconds flat she had it open and the luminous crystal pulled out. Holding it up into the light, Lilly's eyes grew huge as tiny images spun in the depths of the orb and soft title music from the neverending story filled the room.

"Oh shit really this is sooo cool."

It was exactly the reaction that Sarah had hoped for, as Lilly sat staring into the orb with a wide grin on her face. And she could barely contain her own excitement as she blurted out: "That's not all. If you blow on it, and put it on the table it will project the movies up on the wall."

"Really? "

The words had barely left Sarah's lips before Lilly had the orb up by her lips, and was gently blowing on its smooth surface. A bright ray of light, instantly flickered to life, and with it a six foot image of the fussy dragon Falkor carrying Bastian through the air: "Oooh soooooo cool, how did you know that this is my favourite film of all times."

Shrugging Sarah leaned back into Jareth, allowing him to casually drape the stump of his arm over her shoulder, holding her close as she said: "I didn't, it takes a look into your mind and picks up on what you want to see, or hear, it does music too. You can choose of course, and it will allow you to see or hear anything that you have seen or heard before. It was the best alternative to a VCR, plus you know we don't have any electricity. ."

"Or a TV, don't forget the tv": Drawled Jareth as he gentle nuzzled the crown of Sarah's hair.

"Yes ": Mimicked Sarah: "We don't have a TV. So I really hope you like this.."

"Like it?!": Lilly's voice had always had a nasal tone but now the sheer strength of her elation made it even more pronounced: "I fucking Love it! This is sooo Awesome, It's just as cool as the swords and my armour. .. It's so cool, you know I'm beginning to love this magic thing."

Smiling as he hugged her from behind and pulled her back against him, Shiver grinned: "Well that is good to know, because it would be somewhat difficult if you did not like magic, me being a magical being and all."

Twisting slightly, Lilly's eyes grew soft as she turned to look into Shivers fluorescent green eyes with utter adoration: "I could never dislike anything about you, you know that don't you?"

"Yes ": He admitted with a half grin: "I did have my suspicions. "

Her reply to his gentle words were a softly sighed: "Good": As she left the crystal to continue its movie magic, while she nestled into Shivers arms and turned her attention towards Didymus.

The fox sat staring at the box with a vacant look in his eye, compelling Jareth to say: "Didymus? Are you unwell? "

"Nay, my liege, I am most certainly not unwell. It is indeed the opposite. I hath not been this joyful for neigh on two thousand years. But I knoweth not what I hath done to deserve such as this. I.."

"Am to shut up, and open the bloody gift..": Leaning forward Sarah locked eye with the huge fox:" I know what it is that you are feeling, but Didymus trust me when I say that those who died, wouldn't want you to wallow in the pain of their loss. I didn't know your wife, but I do know that you loved each other, and no one would want their loved ones to be unhappy. And that makes me ask you to please, allow yourself to live and enjoy life, celebrate their lives by living yours to the fullest, and that means letting yourself be happy. We love you Didymus, like a friend and brother and we need to see you happy. Please Didymus for us? "

The look of vulnerable and fragile hope that filled his red furred face could have broken even the most hardened of hearts, as Didymus looked from one to the other, while cradling the still undisturbed gift in his massive hands, obviously struggling to give voice to the many conflicting thoughts assaulting him. Thoughts that gave way to gratitude as Shiver said: "She speaks the truth my brother, you must allow yourself to live, not only survive. Now open the gift from our king, and let this night be a beginning to a new existence. Do you have the courage to do this?"

A single tear drew a dark trail from his bright eye as Didymus nodded: "Verily I shall try, for thee all I shall do my best to allow this open wound that is mine heart to heal."

"Good ": Said Lilly: "That's all we could ever want. Now I'm dying here, lets see what's inside."

"Verily thy wish is my command. "

"Aah yes ": Jareth intercepted before Didymus could begin: "You may want to stand while unwrapping this, it's not an order, merely a... friendly suggestion."

Nodding in silent reply, Didymus obediently rose. Because one did not have to be a subject of the Labyrinth for long to realize that it was a good idea to follow the suggestions of its king, lest one suffer the consequences of disregarding him.

Didymus great paw-hands shook ever so slightly as he delicately undid the rust coloured bow, lifted the lid, and reached into the oblong box. Instantly light engulfed him, swirling about him as it solidified into the an elaborate silver armour, complete with a helmet shaped like a snarling fox's head. Clawed gauntlets encased his paw-hand as he raised the visor, allowing him a unobstructed view of his gauntlets as he held them up, letting the golden feylight play along the intricate engravings, creating swirling patterns of stars and phoenix's. It was an imposing figure who stood before them as an unseen and unfelt wind made the accompanying emerald cape move ever so slightly.

Gaping in wonder Sarah found it impossible to tear her gaze away, Didymus had seemed huge to her ever since he had regained his true form, but now he looked like a mythical giant, as he towered above them fully encased in the silver metal.

"Wow.. That is the most magnificent thing that I have ever seen! Didymus you look, you Wow, just wow! This armour is so perfect that you would not believe me. "

"Verily thou doth flatter this humble knight to excess. It is the armour that doth lend unto me this glory. "

"No good sir Knight it is you who brings this dead metal to life. An armour is nothing before a warrior with a great soul dons it. This armour is my gift to the new captain of my queens guard. "

Looking away from his new gauntlet, Didymus locked his gaze with Jareth, as Jareth continued speaking: "This is but a small token of my regard for you, you have gone far beyond that which any monarch might hope for from his subjects. But more than that I am honoured to call you my friend."

"My lord I know not what to say, I... I thank thee, and henceforth vow to be a most true friend to thee."

"Oh" : Jareth said quietly: "You already are..."

A warm silence settled as Shiver rose and quickly and efficiently aided Didymus as he removed his new armour, letting each piece dissolve into russet smoke as they went. It only took about ten minutes for the two seasoned warriors, to restore the fox to his now habitual trousers and loose fitted wide sleeved shirt, and allow him to sink back into his favourite overstuffed chair with a happy smile curling his lips as he admired the craftsmanship of his helmet.

A mirroring smile curled Jareth's lips as he looked to Sarah, who still sat holding her unopened gift in her lap as she met his soft gaze: "I believe that it is your turn now precious. Go on open you gift and tell me what you think."

His words might sound teasing and light, but Sarah easily detected the faint underlying tone of vulnerability as he prompted her. He might have come further than she had thought possible, but he was still raw and fragile, desperately not just wanting, but needing her approval. And she was happy to comply as she nodded and smiled coyly: "Then I'd better open it ."

The ribbon parted easily, and the lid seemed to vanish revealing the gleaming gift inside, as Jareth leaned in whispering: "It's a gift, but not a gift for an ordinary girl, no this is a gift for the girl whom I love above all others. A gift to show just how much I adore you."

Her fingers tingled as she lifted the orb up, confusion furrowed her brow as she glanced at him: "And what does it do?"

"Kiss it, and it will reveal its secret. "

"Oh you would just love that wouldn't you": Grinning wickedly, Sarah shot him a sultry look which ignited a delighted dark laughter that wrapped around her like a sinful blanket. Shivers rolled down her neck when he breathed suggestively.

"Yes I would. But for now it is the crystal you need to kiss, if you want to have your present that is..."

Bringing the crystal slowly up to her lips, Sarah didn't answer before pressing her lips to the flawless surface, in a chaste kiss. The crystal hummed and vibrated gently as gold and azure light erupted from it's depths, momentarily blinding them all. The weight of the orb grew as the smooth surface changed and became the much sharper pressure of four small legs that felt strangely familiar and yet utterly alien.

Blinking against the spots before her eye, she heard the familiar tune that had haunted her teenage years as she lamented the stupidity of her youth. Running her trembling hand over her eye, she banished not only the last lingering vestiges of glare, but the unwelcome tears that threatened to spill. And finally she saw the object in her hands.

It was a music box. One that looked almost identical to the one she had owned as a child, only this one did not feature a lonely princess in a fluffy white gown, dancing alone. No this one had a matched pair, consisting of a raven haired queen dressed in a miniature version of the creamy white leather gown that Jareth had given her. And a tall flaxen haired king proudly wearing the black goblin armour, as he spun his queen to the soft melody. Enthralled Sarah watched as they slowed to a gentle halt, frozen gracefully in mid swirl as a magnificent emerald jewel the size of her thumb nail lowered slowly from the dark azure canopy, burning with an inner fire as is spun on it's silver chain. A fire that was mirrored by the light that lit in Sarah's face as she saw the hidden surprise reveal itself.

"Oh goddess that is so beautiful."

"Yes that it is, but not nearly as beautiful as you, Now": Doing an elegant wave with his hand Jareth caused the scattered piles of paper and discarded boxes, to dissolve into small tufts of blue glitter:" Let us all join in making the last preparations for the feast that smell so irresistible delicious."

Surging to his feet, Didymus was already halfway to the large kitchen when he spoke: "Verily I most heartedly support this venture my liege. As doth mine belly, for verily I must admit to being most famished. "

"Jesus Didymus you walking stomach. "

It didn't take more than a half hour for Didymus and Shiver to help Lilly arrange the piping hot food, while Sarah and Jareth set the table and decided on which wine and other beverages would best compliment the extensive spread. Or rather Jareth decided while Sarah just nodded politely and agreed with his more or less outlandish suggestions, until Jareth finally realized that she really didn't have any real opinion on the matter, and simply ended up settling on a deep fruity red wine to set of the savoury spiciness of the aardvark, and two different white wines one dry for the fowl and one sweet to complement the more bitter vegetable dishes, as well as an assortment of non alcoholic beverages that he felt certain would be appreciated by their motley crew.

And so seated they laughed and ate once more.

. . . . .

He sat straddling a reversed kitchen chair, dressed only in a pair of comfortable loose fitted trousers, with his left arm resting on the narrow newly conjured table beside him while Shiver slowly pulsed wave after wave of magic into both his flesh and the cool metal and leather of the prosthesis. And he had never felt more vulnerable and fearful. It was not being the only one who was half naked exposing the newly healed scars that covered his skin, though that was certainly something that made him uncomfortable. Nor was it the pain that pulsed up from the edge where flesh met metal, and the miniscule tubes that wriggled deeper and deeper into veins made rigid and stiff by the scars left by the iron burns. Tubes that allowed his frantically pounding heart to pump blood through the cool tubes slowly heating the limb from within. It hurt but it was nowhere near the searing agony that had accompanied the amputation of the original hand. And Jareth was not afraid of pain.

No the fear he felt stemmed from the nagging thought that this might somehow fail and wrench the one thing that he had clung to since Lilly had offered it to him, out of his tentative grasp. Because if this failed then he had no idea how to keep all those souls who depended on him being strong safe, if they even managed to save the labyrinth.

It was all too much as he bit his lower lip and struggled to keep that fear from bubbling up and stealing what little courage he still possessed. Licking his suddenly dry lips, Jareth tried to swallow only to find that his throat was too dry, and that he could hear his own blood roaring through his veins as the world suddenly began spinning. Blood drained from his face and he knew that he was instantly turning pale as a sheet, as a faint gasp escaped him and his right hand clamped down hard on Sarah's.

"Jareth look at me does it hurt too much? Do you need a break? "

The soft voice of Sarah sliced through the dull roar like a scythe through ripe wheat. Grabbing onto her familiar voice, Jareth slowly focused on her worried expression: "No I ... I feel faint... I fear that I may..."

May what? Stopping mid sentence, Jareth blinked owlishly as he realized that the faintness, pain and taut discomfort had given way to a strange buzzing sensation more akin to a horrific case of sleeping hand than anything else. And the annoying numbness had him instinctively flexing the pricking limb in the hope of reviving it, because this insufferable cold combined with the pins and needles that were springing to life was close to unbearable. Grinding his teeth he found himself struggling to keep still as the prickling itching sensation moved further and further up his arm until he could stand it no longer and he was forced to release Sarah's hand to rub at the tingling hand, intertwining the fingers of both hands as he worked life back into the...

Freezing in place Jareth slowly lifted his head to lock eyes with Shiver, seeing tears gathering in those bright green orbs.

"Is it working? Can you feel anything? "

"It... It feels": Unfolding his fingers, Jareth stared down at his left hand in wonder as he moved the pale perfect digits as if they had always been a part of him. Claws slid from their pockets as sharp and lethal as they had ever been, their edges shimmering golden in the warm fey light as he turned his hand: "It feels as if it has always been a part of me... It... I..."

He was done crying, he really was. The goblin king had cried enough and yet the sheer volume of emotions that broke through the dam, had tears streaming down his cheeks . Tears that he had no real desire to quench, as his voice caught in his throat: "It worked... You did it, you have restored me, and I... I can never repay this debt. But know that I will try. "

"No father": The words were soft and hesitant, yet still they resonated through the large room as Shiver stated quietly: "This is but a small payment on the debt we all owe you. If it had not been for you, Didymus would be dead or worse, still in the clutches of Titania. I would have never seen my sixth year of life, I would never have know a fathers love nor been blessed with knowing Lilly. Had you not stood against Titania's vile spell Sarah would have lived out her life not knowing where she truly belonged! And Lilly..."

"Would never have known about magic, goblin knights and strange wonderful worlds. No Jareth we are the ones in debt... ": Stepping up beside Shiver, Lilly smiled warmly as she continued smoothly, where Shiver's words failed him: "And if you had not been strong enough to let Sarah go when you did then we would all be dead. So yeah I'll have to agree with Shiver. We are the ones in debt... But if you insist then you can repay us by being our friend, you think that you can do that? "

He didn't care that his face was wet or that his voice was gravely, as he grasped Shivers hand and surging to his feet, engulfed both the goblin and completely stunned girl in a tight affectionate embrace.

"Yes ": Happiness flooded his entire person spilling over and into his voice as he said: "Yes I can do that. And most happily so. Now I have my present I believe that it is time for my queen to try on hers."

Swallowing back the sudden wave of anxiety that threatened to steal her resolve Sarah looked from one to the next, as she clutched the small black box to her chest.

"Well I.. It can wait, I mean. I don't want to strain your magic. "

Yes she was stalling, she knew that, and she also knew that the irrational fear she felt was just that, irrational. Because if Shiver could merge something as complicated as an arm then an eye with just four muscles, a couple dozen veins and one optical nerve could not present that much of a challenge. And yet she still felt her nerves begin to unravel as her gaze was drawn to the now empty chairs, that no longer had a narrow table between them. Because scary as having a hand grafted back on, this was her eye and somehow that just seemed a million times worse.

"Sarah precious, if you want to wait, then that is your choice, but sweetheart, it does not hurt in the least. And...": His voice was soft, the kind of voice one would use on a frightened child, something that Jareth arguable had vast experience with. It was a good voice and Sarah found herself focusing solely on him and it.

Holding his new hand up so that the golden runes inlaid in a narrow band which began as a ring around the cuticle of his ring finger and wrapped around it in two loops until it crossed the back of his hand and continued to wrap around his wrist and up until it circled the skin where prosthesis and arm merged seamlessly, gleamed softly as he flexed the new limb: "It feels just as it did before. Even now the memory of the loss fades."

Warm fingers closed on her wrist as he gently pulled her towards the chair, and with a final encouraging smile he made her sit, as he knelt beside her still holding her hand.

"Do you want me to numb to the initial discomfort?"

Her breath left her trembling lips in a faint half laugh as she visible gathered her tattered courage around her. Because damn it this was just a few moments of discomfort, and it could not compare to all that she had already suffered. And if Jareth could take it like a man then god fucking damn it, so could she.

"Did you numb it?"

The grin spread unbidden on his face as the stubborn lilt of her voice registered: "No, I didn't. "

Sniffling she met his warm gaze as a steely determination crept through her: "Well if you can do it then so can I..."

Nodding proudly, Jareth settled more comfortable on his knees before signaling for the trio who had pull back, allowing he and Sarah a measure of privacy, to come closer: "I believe that we are ready, who will do the honours? "

"I shall my liege if it pleases thee?"

Stepping forward Didymus gave a light half bow before, sitting in the opposite chair when he received no objections.

Her hand shook as she opened the box with a flick of her thumb, and handed it to him. His paw-hand engulfed her as he supported her hand and plucked the macabre orb from its resting place on the crimson velvet. Holding it up delicately, he inspected it one final time before turning his attention to her: "Mine lady I shall have to move the dressing and clean the orifice beyond. May I begin?"

Her fingers tighten almost painfully on Jareth's as she nodded her acceptance: "Yeah lets get this done."

It hurt yeah, but not like she would have imagined. The worst part was when Didymus gently cleaned away the coagulated blood and congealed lymph fluid that inevitable collected at the bottom of the cavity, and pushed the orb into place. Because that truly hurt!

The orb was just slightly too large, and the split second before Didymus sent a faint trickle of magic into it, causing it to shrink until it fitted snugly and without any discomfort, had her head feeling like it was about to burst.

Blinking felt strange as her lid moved over the smooth slick surface of an eye for the first time in weeks, it felt good but strange as her vision was still one sided.

"My lady I believe it to be prudent if you were to close thy eye while thy nerves doth connect to thy new eye? "

Drawing in a shuddering breath to steady herself Sarah gave a court nod: "Sure that sounds like a good idea. And Jareth?"

"Yes precious. ."

"Don't let go..."

"You know that I won't."

Yeah she knew yet still she needed to hear him say it as she closed her eyes and put her entire trust in Didymus.

The first wave of pulsing magic caught her completely off guard, drawing a startled yelp from her as it set her new eye alive with a strange pins and needles sensation. It didn't hurt, it itched and burned like a hand coming back to life after being icy cold. And the urge to rub at the eye had her gripping her chair and Jareth's hand with bruising strength.

The next wave wasn't as much of a surprise as Didymus' immense paw hands cupped her face, resting his calloused thumbs across each eye. Magic wove through her, leaping from one orb to the other like miniature lightning, painting bright images of jagged trees in her mind. It was a lightning storm without sound.

At first there was a break between the lightning, a few seconds in which Sarah had a chance to adjust and anticipate the next volley. But that only lasted a few rounds then the pulses began to speed up, giving her less and less time to prepare. Her grip tightened as the individual flashes grew into one continuous blinding glare that slowly excruciatingly crept out of cover both sides of her vision, until all she saw was bright constant light.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she felt her eyes strain to shut out the painful glare. And then just as she feared that she couldn't bear it any longer, the light burst into a shattered rainbow of unearthly colours. The hands cradling her face vanished leaving her to float in a sea of pulsating colour as her mind reeled from the sudden violent stimulation. Warm hands held fast to hers, grounding her as she slowly drew herself back to the world, opened her eyes and gasped...

She had never needed glasses, nor had any problems with her vision, in fact she had always enjoyed perfect vision, both day and night. Yet as she saw the world she had created through her new magical eye for the first time, she knew that she had been blind.

Colours shone with a brilliance unlike anything she had ever seen before, as magic pulsed beneath the surface of everything, making even the most humble item magnificent and luminescent. It was marvellous and overwhelming, and Sarah could do nothing but gape in open-mouthed astonishment of what had been given her.

"Precious? "

There were tears in her voice and eyes as she turned the full force of her gaze straight at him, giving him a perfect view of her glorious mismatched eyes. Because they were glorious, as they glowed silver and emerald up at him.

"It's. . It's I can't even begin to explain it... The colours, I see magic! I.."

Turning from Jareth she met Didymus joy filled gaze as she grasped his massive paw hand: "I can never repay this... I ... Thank you my knight! "

Inclining his head slightly, as a truly happy smile creased his black, lipped muzzle Didymus said: "Verily my lady as with our king it is we who offer thanks, for the world that you have given birth to and for this home that you have given us. "

"I know but still... "

"Oh Jesus Sarah just say thank you and enjoy your gift, it's really all we want! ": Stepping forward Lilly rested her slender hands on Sarah's creamy white shoulders, forcing her to meet her sparkling gaze: "Also two coloured eyes looks wicked cool, and knowing that I can actually build something like this, is really something that can make a girl feel special. So just enjoy it. And speaking of enjoying, who wanna watch Ladyhawke, and eat sin free ice-cream and popcorn. For those of you who don't know its a movie, and I can give you the highlights if you want. "

Smiling ever so slightly as he spoke Shiver said: "So this is where I am supposed to ask you what you are talking about and not know Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer right? Well I am sorry to disappoint you but I am quite familiar with the movie... And I would love to watch it again it's been years since I saw a good movie... What do you say father? You were not as enchanted by the story."

The curt head shake sent a few stray strands of flaxen hair loose from the tight braid holding his hair back, flying across his flushed face: "No I found the story dull, but that said.

His new hand closed on Sarah's left wrist pulling her up against him as he gazed at her lovingly: "I had to make due with the company of him, in a crowded theatre, not the love of my life in a quiet cosy lodge... So what I am trying to say is that I won't mind seeing it again."

Lilly all but bounced on the spot as she clapped her hands: "Cool, Shiver conjure up some goodies while me and Didymus move the couch and clear the wall, cause this is gonna be epic...

. . . . .

The room was dark and warm as they lay on thick fur pillows, wrapped in heavy fur blankets on the floor. Floating above them, the spinning crystal glowed faintly as it projected the final fight between Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader onto the wall. Nestling against Jareth's slender chest, Sarah sighed contently as Darth's lightsabre passed through the empty cloak of Obi Wan. This was perhaps the single most perfect moment of her entire life as she let the utter calm that permeated the atmosphere soak into her. Not even the choked exclamations of Didymus could stir her from her content stupor, it was so perfect. It was the fifth film of the evening, or rather night because they were by now far beyond midnight, and yet none of them seemed to want to put an end their night. Running her fingers lightly up Jareth's left arm, Sarah smiled softly as he shuddered under her gentle touch, and tightened his comfortable hold around her middle. If anyone had told her seven years ago that she would be curled up on a couch with the goblin king and a bowl of extra buttery popcorn without a bottom, watching Star Wars, she would have told them that they were delusional. But here she was, and though the road here had been filled with trials untold and hardships unnumbered, she would change nothing. Because it had brought her ... Home.

. . . . .

The air was light in that strange grey way that the air gets light in as dawn slowly approaches. Sitting by their desk, Sarah smiled as the soft tones of her music box filled the room and the small couple danced in slow circles under the glittering gem. Memories floated on heels of the dreamy music, and ghostly figures danced in her minds eye as Sarah recalled the final dream they had shared. It had been a ball in a crystal ballroom, and they had danced for hours, oblivious to all but each other. It had been a magical moment and Jareth had had such hope that the memory of it could entice her fourteen year old self to stay with him. He had been wrong of course, the timing had been wrong. No matter how much she wanted it to have turned out differently, the fact remained that she had simply been too young to be the partner that Jareth needed. But that was seven years ago, and neither of them were the person that they had been then, and now even less so.

But all thoughts of melancholy fled as a soft voice invaded her sombre musings.

There's such a sad love

Deep in your eyes.

A kind of pale jewel

Open and closed

Within your eyes.

I'll place the sky

Within your eyes.

There's such a fooled heart

Beatin' so fast

In search of new dreams.

A love that will last

Within your heart.

I'll place the moon

Within your heart.

He walked in from the bathroom, wearing just a pair of low hanging silk pajama pants as he toweled his still too long hair, singing softly. Pulling the soaked towel away, Jareth didn't stop singing as the still damp tresses settled on his shoulders and down his back in a tangled mass. Closing the distance between them, Jareth smiled that wild radiant smile of his as he gave a deep courtly bow and offered her his hand. And how could she resist, letting herself be pulled to her feet she laughed as he swept her into a sweeping elegant waltz around their room. And all the while he never missed a note or a word.

As the pain sweeps through,

Makes no sense for you.

Every thrill is gone.

Wasn't too much fun at all,

But I'll be there for you-ou-ou

As the world falls down.

Falling.

Falling down.

Falling in love.

I'll paint you mornings of gold.

I'll spin you Valentine evenings.

Though we're strangers 'til now,

We're choosing the path

Between the stars.

I'll leave my love

Between the stars.

Golden dawn light filled the room and stars fell from the ceiling like diamond snow as he spun her, making her silk dressing gown flare out like a true ball gown.

As the pain sweeps through,

Makes no sense for you.

Every thrill is gone.

Wasn't too much fun at all,

But I'll be there for you-ou-ou

As the world falls down.

Falling

As the world falls down.

Falling

As the world falls down.

Falling.

Falling.

Falling.

Falling in love

As the world falls down.

Shadowy couples flowed from every corner of the room dancing with them in a faint echo of the memory.

Falling.

Falling.

Falling.

Falling.

Falling in love

As the world falls down.

Makes no sense at all.

Makes no sense to fall.

Falling

As the world falls down.

Falling.

Falling in love

As the world falls down.

Falling.

Falling

Falling in love

As the world falls down.

And as the song came to an end, Jareth spun her twice before enveloping her in his arm and sealing their lips together in a deep kiss. And only when their lungs screamed for air did he break the kiss, leaving her panting and slightly dizzy as he scooped her up and into his arms.

It felt like home, yes he was still far too thin, but now there was a strength in his movements that made that utterly irrelevant, as he laid her tenderly on the bed and sat beside her. And for a moment all he did was look at her as if trying to see through to her very soul, and truth be told he very well might be. Then without a word he rose and moved gracefully to the desk where the music box still played it's song. A secretive smile curled his lips as he reached in and swiftly plucked the spinning emerald from its perch, drawing a delicate chain out with it. Then still smiling he returned to the bed and sat down once more, holding it out for her to see.

"I have a last gift for you, precious. And I thought it better to wait and give it to you in private, because it means a great deal to me. "

Her eyes sparkled brightly, the right one mirroring the lustre and colour of the gem while the left shone more like a captive star: "It's beautiful Jareth."

Nodding he made no other move but to sigh: "It belonged to my human mother Aideen wife to king Cathan who as you might have guessed was my human father. Cathan gave her this on the eve of their betrothal and she wore it until she died of old age. But before she died she bade me take it once she was gone, and give it to my future bride when I met her. You are my bride Sarah, will you do me the honour of wearing it?"

Her eyes grew huge and tears shimmered in their depths as she found herself all but drowning in the vast ocean of azure and gold emotions beyond his eyes. This was more than an empty gesture this was obviously something that meant more to him than he was telling her, and it would not hurt her to show him just how much she appreciated the gesture.

"Of cause I will, and I will wear it as your mother did."

Sitting up she held the thick fall of her hair out of the way, as Jareth leaned in and closed the delicate clasp behind her neck, before leaning back to see the stone resting against her chest.

He had known that it would suite her, how couldn't it, it was an emerald after all, and with her emerald eyes and ebony hair there was no way that it would not look amazing nestled against her moonlit skin. but the sight of his mother's jewel shimmering against her velvet breast just grazing the up turned red gold wings of her Phoenix pendant, took his breath away even before her robe opened enough to fully reveal the perky mounds. And when that happened all other thoughts left his mind, but how desirable she looked.

He could feel his eyes begin to blaze even as he leaned in and captured her mouth in a greedy plundering kiss. Slender hands slid up his back and into his hair locking him in place as she pulled him down to lay above her.

Breaking the kiss she batted long midnight lashes at him as flames flickered to life in her own bicoloured eyes as a response to his quite literally burning desire.

"You have me at a disadvantage, my lord, For I have nothing but love and my body to offer in return, for your magnificent gift. "

His expression grew dark as he searched her eyes, obviously finding what he was seeking because a wide hungry smile spread lazily across his kissable lips, and he purred: "Hmm I believe that your body will be more than sufficient my lady, for I already have your love..."

Her body shifted below him, letting her wrap her legs around his waist and simultaneously laying her bare so that there were nothing but his silky pj pants between them as she rubbed up against him: "Then my lord take what has ever belonged to you."

"Very well. ."

He snapped his fingers, and Sarah instantly found herself bound spread eagle to the bed by silver silk scarves. Smiling wickedly Jareth cupped her breasts slowly stroking the firm mounds as he licked his lips hungrily: "Ooh my precious, you seem to be somewhat tied up at the moment. Now it would be quite unlike me to take advantage of a maiden thus encumbered... But in this one instance I may have to."

Her eyes widened with delight and slight fear as he drew his claws over the inviting peaks, sending shivers down her back, keeping the pressure just shy of pain, and drawing breathy gasps from her parted lips. The wicked darkness deepened as he shifted into a kneeling position between her spread thighs, running his claws teasingly from her knee and up over her naked body: "Hmm you look ready to be consumed. I will have to be careful not to get carried away, and end this too soon.."

It was not real fear that had her pulse racing off the charts because he would never truly harm her. Yet there was something dark in his eyes that had a tiny seed of doubt taking hold in her.

"Jareth what are you..."

"Ssch ": Pressing two fingers over her parted lips Jareth silenced her with a burning feral gaze: "Your mouth has better uses than talking, but I will get to that in due time, so this will be your only warning my queen to keep silent or I will gag you. There is only one thing that I need you to answer before I begin, and that is do you trust me? "

She didn't have to think about it, and there was no hesitation as the seed of fear shrivelled under the strength of her love and his savage strength, turning to hungry anticipation. There was only trust as she nodded and spoke in a husky voice: "Yes.. I trust you."

"Good..."

His claws slid out with just the barest of hisses, as he began slowly drawing swirling patterns on her chest leaving faint reddening lines behind. Letting his hands trail down her torso to the taut plain of her stomach, Jareth grinned as he watched her cheeks flush red, and her lips part in tiny whimpering pants, when his fingers reached the fine nest of curls between her legs. His claws trailed further down parting the dark nest as they went, and eager anticipation had her whimpering and straining against the scarves holding her securely. Whimpers that turned whiny as he purposefully avoided her pleasure pearl to trace the edges of her nether lips with the very tips of his razor claws.

The sensation of his claws caressing her, slowly delving deeper and deeper as her juices made her slick, was like being caressed with a warm razor. She had seen him slice through meat with them like a knife through butter, and now she was trusting him not to hurt her as he explored her most intimate parts. It was to say the least exciting and the sensation left her lightheaded and filled with burning need.

Need that grew and made her mewl as a single digit slipped between her swollen lust soaked lips, just teasing her entrance in the most cruel way before being withdrawn as he chuckle darkly: "Oh you liked that didn't you? Well if you want more..."

Another finger entered her pushing just a little deeper, before being pulled out again, leaving her feeling empty.

And goddess she wanted to speak to scream at him to just take her, to fill her. But if she did he would at least gag her if not stop completely, and that was more than she could take right now. Her thoughts must have been clearly visible on her face, because Jareth's next words were: "Do you like to be touched? Hmm you may answer.."

"Yes, oh god yes I love when you touch me... Please."

His grin was wicked and seen in hindsight she should have foreseen what he would do, but right in that moments all she wanted was to feel him touch her.

"Well then you wish is my command, but first. "

The darkness engulfing her was immediate and impenetrable, and for a single terrifying second she though that he had left her. But a single warm hand on her thigh told that he was still there.

And then that hand was joined by another hand on her opposite thigh, and two more slowly kneading her breasts as a new much smaller pair concentrated solely on her painfully erect nipples.

Helping hands!

The bastard had called in helping hands to touch her. Squirming in her bonds Sarah gasped as the hands tweaking her nipples twisted them and sent pain filled pleasure out through her, while small and delicate fingers teased her slick folds apart so that those familiar razor claws could resume their slow leisurely exploration.

She could feel him shift between her legs and she could only assume that he was now lying between them as she felt his warm breath waft over her, as the deadly digits finally invaded her soaked orifice again, sending more shivers of pleasure up her spine.

It was like walking an electric tightrope while carrying a jug of napalm on her head, as Jareth pushed her further and further towards the shining edge of her undoing, with those wickedly sharp claws. Because much as she desperately wanted to let herself fall screaming into that precipices of glory she feared what his claws might do to her as her body lost control. But the struggle was getting increasingly difficult as more and more hands joined in to push her relentlessly.

Her entire body shook as her muscles screamed with the effort of holding her undoing off. Sweat coated her as Jareth's devious fingers found new pleasure points to coax new harrowed screams from her.

Her control was slipping and if he didn't stop she would fall hard, and his claws would be inside of her as she did. It felt as if she was hanging of a cliff by her very fingertips as she screamed: "Please Jareth No more! I can't hold back..."

His voice was a soft caress of warm air as he breathed against her throbbing bundle of nerves: "Then trust me... Let go..."

And then she fell...

Spasms wrecked her body ripping cries of pleasure from her again and again as she shook. It was a maelstrom of pleasure that started in her core and spiralled out to encompass her entire body, turning her into liquid life as she withered against his flaming presence. And then slowly the light receded leaving her safely cradled in his arms.

"See it pays off to trust me."

The afterglow was like a heavy warm blanket that left her floating in his arms, immersed in a sea of content heat as he slowly carted his fingers through the tangled mass of her hair gently combing the knots out.

Nodding sleepily Sarah nestled deeper in to his arm, wrapping her arms around him with a yawn: "Yeah it does... But really helping hands? "

Shrugging as he pulled a thick fur up to cover her before the drying sweat could make her cold, Jareth said: "Well not entirely, those hands you felt were only illusions, nothing more. But they are very useful as long as you remember their limitations. But that is not a conversation for now..."

"Hmm ": She hummed: "And why not? Are you worried what I might use it for..."

Wicked ideas filled her head instantly banishing the drowsy stupor. And being Sarah she had no intention of not acting on those ideas. Thus turning in his arms she reached up and cupped his face gently, giving him her most innocent and angelic smile.

"You really need to trust me more love."

The magical mechanics behind the illusionary hand really wasn't that much of a challenge, and the surprised "O" that his lips formed as she put them to good use made it well worth the effort. The hands that she had conjured were small and delicate like her own, and the similarity was not lost on Jareth as they gently began caressing his still hard length beneath the silken confines of his silk pj's. Keeping his face firmly captured by her own hands, Sarah's angelic smile turned wicked and slightly devilish as she purred: "Because you know that I am a very quick study. "

Swallowing convulsively, Jareth found it hard to concentrate on her words as her bicoloured eyes twinkled up at him, and the illusionary hands slowly fondled and stroked him into exquisite hardness. And then suddenly they were no longer hands, but the lips of a multitude of greedy mouths all nibbling, kissing, biting and oh sweet goddess suckling. It was an incredible sensual overload that left him panting and weak in her arms, as she showered him with kisses and caresses interlaced with soft encouragements, telling him to just let himself feel the pleasure that she was offering.

It seemed to last an eternity but suddenly the multitude of mouths dwindled until only one vicious pair of lips remained, slowly and languidly suckling the slit of the head driving him wild. And then just as he became convinced that he could not take it anymore, the greedy lips parted to draw him into a mouth that had a score of tongues all lapping at him until he felt the entire world unravel as he came with a string of very colourful curses...

It came to him as he stretched out with her resting on his shoulder, and her arm draped over his midsection as she relaxed into a satisfied sleep. He should have remembered, he should have known that he had not been the one to teach her about the illusionary hands and their million and one uses. No, she had been the one to teach him. And this was how she had taught him.

Well once he had a few hours of sleep, he would take great pleasure in showing her just how well practiced he had become. And taking great pleasure in that though, he smirked silently into her thick hair, as he let himself relax into the siren call of sleep.