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 !

46. Snow balls and fluttering wings

Chapter 46: Snowballs and Fluttering Wings.

AN

warning this chapter contains copious amounts of utter fluff, and if this kind of thing offend you then skip right along ;-) also it is really long... Sorry ;-)

It was four days after midwinter solstice and pale sunlight filtered through the thick cloud cover in bright spears, painting the nearby mountains in pastel blotches. But the magnificence of the view held no lure to Sarah, as she watched the scene unfolding just outside the lodge. It was a simple sparring match but the movements of the three men were hypnotic, as they wove in and out among the gleaming wooden blades, in an intricate series of parries, feigns and attacks. They all wore full battlefield armour and yet the darksteel encasing them, did not seem to slow them down in the least. Leaning on the railing she smiled as Jareth kicked Shivers legs out from under him, sending the goblin on his ass just as Didymus swept Jareth's hasty repost aside and slammed a huge gauntlet clad fist into Jareth's armoured shoulder. The blow packing enough power to force Jareth to take a step back, into an awkward unbalanced stance, at the same instance as Shiver rolled up and threw himself in between the two others, using his impressive strength to basically rip the legs out from under both warriors, sending them all tumbling to the ground in a tangled heap. Fluffy snow puffed up in a heavy cloud, covering them all in a thick layer of powdery white. For a single frozen second, there was no sound but their laboured breaths, and the faint creaking of cold armours as they sat up slowly. Then as sunlight burst through a cloud, laughter, pure and free erupted as all three let themselves flop backwards to lie in the snow with their arms out spread, and their legs still caught in a tangle. They lay there for a while not speaking just laughing. They should have looked utterly ridiculous but instead they looked happy, free and proud. And Sarah felt her own smile widen as she watched them. It was the first time that she saw him like this outside of the living dream. Not Jareth the mischievous goblin king, nor the proud high king of the underground or the arrogant lord of labyrinth. But just Jareth, the man, the friend and the father.

It had been a slow gradual process that had begun when Shiver had collapsed the second time, it had gained momentum when Lilly had reignited the flame of hope, by promising him a prosthesis, and it had been completed on the eve of the midwinter solstice, when that promise had been more than fulfilled. And now as he struggled to untangle his long legs from the two other equally long legged males he was as he should have been all along, had he not been born to rule. And the sight of his joy had Sarah's heart fluttering in response.

"Sooo they look like they are about ready to call it quits don't you think? "

Pulling her thick fur lined jacket on, Lilly quickly buttoned it as she went to lean on the railing beside her friend: "Or perhaps they need a little more exercise? Hmm? "

Her eyes sparkled like two aqua stars set in mercury, and Sarah was instantly caught up by the look of mischief as Lilly discreetly gathered the fluffy snow laying on the railing into a loose snowball.

"Well we can't have them getting fat now can we.. "

"No": Lilly agreed with a wicked smirk: "No that would not do. "

Their movements were sure and swift as they swung themselves over the railing, and crouched in the snow as the three men turned to look on in confusion. Confusion that instantly turned into shocked laughter and childish glee, as the first snowballs found their targets with unerring precision. Happiness had them all grinning, as a barrage of snow filled the air pelting both sides relentlessly.

Her pulse raced and her lungs burned, as Sarah dove under the snowballs that were obviously aimed at her face, and retaliated by launching a loosely packed ball straight at Jareth's face, causing it to vanish in a cloud of snow, making him look ridiculous as he sputtered and coughed trying to clear his eyes and nose: "Oh This means war!"

The declaration of war elicited nothing more that a delighted laughter and a new barrage of fluffy white projectiles, aimed solely at his face and chest. It took all of his skill as a warrior to evade them, but he did, and rolling through a still fluffy patch of snow he tried to present as small a target as possible while scrambling to produce a throwable snowball. It was harder than he would have imagined, but in the end he managed as he surged to his feet, and launched a ball towards Sarah catching her in the open neck of her jacket, sending a frigid spray of crystals into her face. Grinning he flicked his wrist calling a wave of snow up around him in a protective cocoon, as snowballs formed on their own volition and shot out pelting all without mercy. Throwing his head back, Jareth let out a war cry, as the others huddled low and howled at him. This was life and freedom, as magic coursed through him from all four cores finally restored cores, and Jareth revelled in the utter decadence of it all. Striding forward he grinned as he called out: "Oh Precious, come out and finish what you star..."

The world erupted in white, as Sarah barged through the swirling snow, bowling him over and burying them both in the snow that instantly lost momentum and fell to the ground.

Her fingers were icy as she cradled his face, captured his lips and stole any conscious thought he had just held with a deep soul searing kiss. And wrapping his arms around her, holding her tight against him, he surrendered utterly to her. The kiss lasted an eternity and yet it wasn't even close to long enough, as the need to breathe broke them apart. Sucking in a deep breath he laughed: "Fine if you insist on fighting dirty then I surrender to your mercy..."

"Oh yes that would perhaps be the best, oops watch..."

A snowball slashed through the crisp winter air to collide with her head. The look on her face turning predatory and hungry as her head whipped up to see Shiver, Didymus and Lilly stand with snowballs held ready and eager mischievous grins on their faces.

Rising to stand tall before them, Sarah adopted her most queenly expression as Jareth rose behind her, a tall foreboding figure: "If I were you, I would seriously reconsider that plan of action. We are your sovereigns and... "

They were like children as pandemonium erupted again and snowballs flew in all directions. It was a free for all of epic proportions as alliances were forged and shattered with lightning speed on the battlefield. It was a glorious snowball fight. And Jareth couldn't stop laughing as he ran, dodged and launched fluffy projectiles with growing accuracy. Because truth be told, he had not had a snowball fight since he had been a small child, more than three thousand seven hundred years ago. The goblin king did not participate in something as frivolous as a snowball fight. Not even while Shiver had been a child, had it been possible, the web controlling him, unconsciously dictating so much of his life had not allowed it. But that was all in the past, now his life and mind was his own and he Jareth wanted nothing more than to pommel those he held dearest with snowballs.

Startled screams and joy filled laughter echoed around them as they launched ball after ball after any movement. It was complete and utter chaos and they all loved every single second of it. And it only ended about an hour later when all five of them lay panting and covered in tufts of snow like some small badly made versions of yeti's. Blowing out a breath of air and watching it turn into a tiny frozen cloud as it left his lips, Jareth smiled.

And it was a smile that would become a familiar sight as the weeks passed. The winter was cold and dark, yet to the odd quintet it might as well have been the brightest summer, as they settled into a quiet rhythm.

Most morning's would start with the comforting scent of coffee brewing, eggs and bacon frying or bread baking, depending on who was first to rise. After breakfast they trained, most mornings that would mean a few hours of sparring, honing the already lethal skills of the three warriors, reawakening the newly remembered prowess of Sarah, and teaching Lilly as much as she could process each day.

But it might also mean a long trek into the surrounding forest, or a trip up into the mountains to either climb the sharp walls, or explore the deep caverns. And then when midday called they would all gather for lunch followed by either gardening, hunting or simple exploration of the newborn world they now inhabited. And as the light died, each day ended with a shared meal at the same table as it had begun, before they would enjoy the leisurely evening together, filled with friendship and laughter.

To some it would have been a prison of intolerable dull routines, but to battered and bruised souls it was just the balm they needed to soothe their pain.

To them it was so perfect that nothing else seemed to exist anymore, both the above and underground nothing but faint memories of varying pain. They had to return, of that there was no doubt, but until then, they as Sarah said; had earned this.

And so they lingered on, whiling away long winter nights of storytelling, hot chocolate with marshmallows and easy companionship.

. . . . .

Leaning casually against the door frame Jareth gnawed a claw, slowly as he watched the odd couple move in circles out on what had now affectionately been dubbed the field of woe. It was still winter, but the first early signs of spring were clearly visible for one who knew how to look for them. It was in the light and in the way that the light was gaining enough strength to melt the snow, while the still frigid wind still froze every thawed droplet to its perch like a tiny flawless crystal, creating breathtaking scenes in the forest, where threes became jeweled wonders for the light to play with. Yes spring was coming and that meant that the goblin and the girl out on the training ground, had managed to share a room and a bed for just over three months without doing more than very light petting at the very most.

Shaking his head Jareth sighed, because honestly he didn't know whether to be proud of Shivers resolve to do the right thing or disappointed that he had not picked up on the very clear signs that Lilly was giving off. For she was more than ready to take their relationship further, and the mounting tension was beginning to show in the escalating arguments between them. Turning to the fox who lounged on one of the newly built, not conjured, deck chairs with a large mug of steaming coffee and his legs resting comfortably on the low , also newly built table, Jareth said: "Yes I see your point, she is very mortal, and no she does not have the time for a goblin courtship, nor does she have the disposition for. And yet they both seem reasonably happy with what they have, perhaps we should not meddle..."

A loud yelp had both heads whipping up to watch the pair, as Shiver sent Lilly to the ground for the seventh time in the last fifteen minutes. And Didymus might not have a wealth of experience with the fairer sex, but even he knew that one should be weary of women whose look turned as dark as Lilly's did when the obviously oblivious goblin once more failed, to offer her a hand of assistance as she climbed back to her feet.

"Verily I doth believe it to be most prudent should one of us, endeavour to instruct the errant knight ere he ruins that which he has struggled so to build."

Obviously Jareth saw the same danger as Lilly glared darkly at Shiver, because his answer was a curt nod: "Yes, I see your point, I will have a word with him as soon as they are finished. "

The wait did not take long. The words had barely left Jareth's lips before another yelp told the waiting onlookers that Shiver had sent Lilly sprawling once more. And the yelp was promptly followed by a snarled: "That's it, I'm done!"

Brushing the few specks of snow that clung to her hunters green off of her, Lilly surged to her feet with an expression that would have given even Jareth pause, but Shiver was apparently unable to see the danger he was courting as he blurted out: "Oh no not as long as your parries leaves you this unbalanced, Lilly are you listening to me?... Lilly oh no don't you."

Jareth didn't run, not really, but he did move fast and with intense purpose, as he strode off the porch and across the trampled snow, deftly intercepting Shiver just as the goblin was about to commit the unspeakable folly, of grabbing a hold of the furiously retreating girl. Instead of grabbing Lilly's retreating form Shiver found his wrist in the vice like grasp of his father, as Jareth strode towards the forest dragging him along, while calling out: "Don't wait for us for dinner we are going hunting..."

"Hunting? Father what in the thrice cursed underground are you going on about? It's too late to go hunting and too soon after our last hunt. And I was not done teaching Lilly how to parry and not land on her ass ninety percent of the time..."

"Oh shut up ": Jareth didn't even look back as he plucked two crystals from the empty air, crushing them, and dressing them both in thick winter furs: "Of cause we are not going hunting. I want to talk to you in private before you bring ruin down on your own head."

Jerking to a halt, Shiver forced Jareth to stop with him: "Ruin? What do you mean? "

Giving him an utterly exasperated look Jareth sighed: "Really Shiver? You do not see the trap waiting to spring in your face? "

"No, what are you talking about? Father you make no sense!"

Crossing his arms across his chest Jareth gave him a pointed look: "Lilly! You dense boy! You are on the road to ruining the relationship you have with her."

He did not like to be this blunt, but he knew Shiver, and beating around the bush never did anything but aggravate the hot headed boy, and Jareth had no intention of doing that.

"Do you care for her?"

Frowning in confusion Shiver said: "Of course I do."

Nodding Jareth turned back towards the forest and resumed walking, forcing Shiver to either follow Jareth or miss his next question: "Do you love her? "

It was just four small words, yet the impact of them felt like a draegor kick to the gut to Shiver. Not because the answer was no, but because it was yes. Yes he loved her. More than he had ever thought possible in such a short time. Biting down on his lower lip, Shiver looked more like the frightened child he had once been than the proud knight he had grown up to become as he whispered softly: "Yes I.. I do love her."

"Well then stop treating her like one of your squires and start treating her that way..."

"But I don't ..."

"Yes you do, this very morning you had her polish both your boots, before you proceeded to humiliate her in front of us all. And before you fly into a self righteous tirade about her needing to learn how to defend herself. Let me remind you that she is already far more proficient with her blades than most warriors, and that is after just six weeks. I would by now have no scruples about sending her into battle. And yet you insist on treating her like a bumbling fool! I tell you this because I see the happiness you shared slowly turn to resentment, and that has to stop before this fragile seed is smothered."

"But, I...": The terrifying image evoked by Jareth's words had Shiver stumbling in the deep heavy snow as he struggled to formulate an answer that wouldn't make him sound like a complete asinine misogynist: "I just want her to be able to defend herself, I won't survive if she... White blade..."

The last two words were barely louder than a whisper, yet they caused a vicious steel claw to close around Jareth's heart, as he spun to bark: "What did you say? "

The goblin stood in the snow looking utterly terrified and lost, with huge terror filled eyes: "I have seen it, in my dreams... it did not matter what I did or changed, the blade kills her every time. I can't stop it, but if she can defeat me them maybe she could change her own fate, maybe she could ... live."

"Shiver what are you saying? You saw this in a dream? When ?"

Turning those impossible big eyes on his father, Shiver whispered: "When the feysteel all but took my life... I dreamt it night after night, and then I forgot. I only remembered once I gave her the armour. I can't lose her father, that is why I push her so vigorously why I need her to learn all that I can teach her before she returns with us! I need to know that she will live I need.."

Falling to his knees, Shiver hid his face in hands that trembled uncontrollably as he murmured: "No not again, not again... I can't survive it, I can't. "

To see Shiver, strong and stoic, quivering in the snow because of a few dreams really rammed home the depth of his fear, and Jareth would be a fool if he did not take it seriously. Dream visions were not common but they did happen, he knew that from very personal experience. And when they happened they should always be taken seriously. Thus Jareth found himself kneeling in front of his son trying desperately to draw the dream from the goblins lips, hoping that whatever details Shiver recalled might offer a way to avoid the death of a girl that he had come to love as a daughter.

"Shiver, look at me slow down and start at the very beginning! Where are you when this happens?"

"We seem to be in the.. great plaza, though it may be any of the larger squares... or even one of the fields"

Relieved that he had made the goblin calm down enough to make sense, Jareth pushed on: "And who is with you?"

The deep breaths Shiver used to keep himself calm threatened to swallow his words as he answered: "Apart from Lilly, The White Blade and myself, I have seen all and none of you. It was too much of a dream for me to be certain.."

Nodding, Jareth forced himself to think calmly, before jumping to any premature conclusions. However there were no doubt in his mind that this was indeed a dream vision, now he had to find a way to prevent it from coming true. And the answer seemed deceptively clear and easy: "Well if this is indeed a dream vision then the answer seems clear to me, or rather answers. One and this is the one I find you both least likely to find agreeable is that Lilly remains aboveground until we have slain the White Blade and retaken the Labyrinth. "

"No! We do not know how long that would take, what if it takes years? Or decades? She is mortal and outside of the labyrinth she may get sick and die... Alone...No That is not an option. "

Nodding at the highly predictable answer Jareth said: "Then there is the second option, which is less certain but should still ensure her safety. And that is to keep you separate once in the Labyrinth, so that the chance of you and Lilly being in the same place as the White Blade is near zero, thus avoiding the premises of the vision. And thirdly and most dangerously there is the option that she be with you in camp, staying there under guard when you fight. But remember son all of these speculations rests on your continued relationship, and if you were to ask me that is in real danger at this point. "

Drawing in a last shuddering breath, Shiver nodded once as he visible pulled himself together and pushed the debilitating fear to the back of his mind, focusing on what now appeared to be the most pressing problem: "And what do you propose I do about this alienation? How do I stop it before I drive her from me?"

Letting a half smile replace the grim expression on his face, Jareth rose to lean against a nearby tree in that infuriating satisfied way that Shiver remember so vividly, Jareth sighed: "Well I should say that at least part of the solution should be rather self evident. Stop treating her like an inexperienced squire and start treating her like the woman that you love. "

Nodding Shiver sighed: "And if that is not enough? Then what."

The half smile bloomed into a full wide one as Jareth produced a crystal with a flourish of his hand, throwing it into the air with a long practiced ease: "Then you woo her with a grand gesture of love, a rain of falling stars glistening about you as you dance on crisp glasslike ice. Or perhaps you could present her with your still beating heart on a silver plate, whatever you think best..."

The crystal burst in a magnificent shower of iridescent icy blue stars that fell in thick curtains like blizzard driven snow. Turning eyes that shone like the falling stars to Shiver, Jareth took one elegant waltzing step into the stars spreading out his arms as he spun with his face turned up to the stars.

Laughter bubbling in his voice like the soft whisperings of a brook over tiny stones: "I think I have the solution, let us give the ladies a ball the likes of which they have never seen before. Let us sweep them off their feet in such a way that they could never refuse us.. Come.."

His entire countenance changed from carefree to focused as he strode past Shiver with a look of purpose lending its strength to his already strong features: "Come Shiver we have much to do..."

. . . . .

The sound of the front door slamming had Sarah's head whipping up from medical textbook she had been reading, just in time to see Lilly storm through the great room hissing vicious bloody and physically impossible curses under her breath as she tore at her leather jacket, nearly ripping the sturdy leather strings off with her harsh treatment.

Throwing the book on the low coffee table Sarah rushed to her friend intercepting her just before she reached the corridor to their bedrooms.

"Goddess, Lilly what's going on? You almost tore the door off its hinges. "

"He's an idiot! A complete and utter asshole... Seriously Sarah I get that he is like six hundred years old, but must he be such a medieval shithead? He knocked me down eight times, eight! Jareth says that I fight as well as most warriors, but mister "Nooo grip it tighter" keeps trying to break my arms or ankles."

The final knot surrendered to her fingers, allowing her to shed the armoured jacket and yank her right sleeve down, revealing a huge virulent bruise covering most of her upper arm.

"Look what he did! This is from those moronic sword slaps he gives every time he can get through my parries. It bloody hurts! I get that I need to learn if I decide to follow you back to the underground, but I'm honestly not sure whether I wanna do that while he is being such an asshat!"

Punctuating the last half shouted word with a fist to the wall, Lilly growled in a very goblin way as she threw her jacket on the floor and folded her arms across her chest, pouting.

"Ookay": Running her fingers through the unbound tangle of her hair, Sarah sighed as she tried to figure out what to say to defuse the irate woman before the said asshat foolishly entered the room and caused her to spontaneously combust. Well there was one thing that seemed to help calm her down more than anything after coming here. Her hand wove through the air in an elegant series of movements as she plucked a crystal from the air and transformed it into two tubs of sin free ice cream. Handing one to Lilly Sarah smiled: "Okay your room or mine? "

"Neither, hot spring, I'm cold, sore and tired, I need to relax! ": Holding the tub in the crook of her arm, Lilly looked like a sullen teenager as she loosened the scarf protecting her neck with the other, kicked off her boots and stomped through the kitchen calling: "So are you coming? "

Shrugging Sarah hefted her own tub as she absently changed both their outfits into low riding bikini bottoms in matching silver grey: "Sure, lead the way."

The water of the hot spring was clear like liquid glass as the two women slipped into it, and settled against the warm stones, lounging lazily as their ice-cream tubs floated in front of them. There were no words between them as the heat slowly seeped into Lilly's sore and aching muscles, gradually releasing the tension they held.

"What do I do Sarah. He treats me like... hell I don't know. He made me polish our boots before breakfast, I mean that's like squire stuff, not ooh I love thee true my lady.. "

Letting her ice cream tub float in the mineral rich water, Lilly wriggled her fingers in the air in front of her face as she gave a frighteningly accurate rendition of Shivers voice.

Snickering Sarah rubbed her face as she sank further into the hot water: "No it's not really the way you would expect a knight to treat his lady, but..."

"Oh fuck that Knight Shit! ": Slapping the water hard, Lilly nearly upended her ice cream in the water as the resulting wave hit the tub hard: "This is not the way to fucking treat your fucking girlfriend. I mean hell he hasn't even kissed me once in the last week, it's as if he no longer cares about me..."

That little titbit had Sarah's brow creasing as she said: "What! a whole week, but you are sharing a room and a bed?!"

"A bed?! ": She snorted derisively: "Hardly, we use to cuddle while we slept but now he sleeps wrapped in his own blankets claiming that I am; Too hot to lie next to."

Giving yet another perfect imitation, Lilly looked at Sarah, obviously hoping that her friend had a suggestion. But Sarah sat looking shocked as she tried to digest what it was that Lilly was saying. And failing utterly. It made no sense, Shiver was as far as Sarah knew paying court to Lilly, and that was not something a goblin took lightly. Least of all a knight.

Shaking her head Sarah frowned even deeper as she offered: "Maybe he has a reason? Have you tried asking him what the hell he's doing? "

"Asking him? ": Disbelief made Lilly's voice rise a good three octaves, making it almost high enough that Sarah felt just a little grateful that there were no dogs at the lodge, though Didymus might be suffering, as Lilly spat mockingly: "Well that's brilliant, why didn't I think of that! Ask him! perfect! "

"Yeah okay, no need to be snide, I was just asking. .."

"Yeah well, of course I asked and he had no idea what I was talking about and then he proceeded to tell me about all the martial errors I had made the day before. .."

Now it was Sarah's turn to look utterly disbelieving: "Are you kidding me? He what? "

"Yeah and he has then ignored me since, and that was four days ago."

"Really? Wow that's, Okay look you want me to rip him a new one? Cause I will if you want me to, but before I do that. What do you want? Hmm you still want him? "

" I... ": Her eyes filled with a sad hopelessness as she shrugged and all but fell into herself: "Yeah I think so, I mean I... I just want the old Shiver back, the one who held me and laughed with me. But if he is gone and I have to resign myself to this gun hoe asshat then No I don't want him."

Nodding grimly as determination settled over Lilly like a cloak, Sarah said: "Very well I will talk to him okay, tell him what I see, and how it hurts you. "

A sad cautiously hopeful glint lifted just a corner of the sadness that had settled over her, as Lilly sighed: "Thanks, you know I really don't know what I would do without you..."

A wry smile curled Sarah's full lips as she quipped: "You would be pulling all nighters and eating pizza as you prepared to face the trial of the first midterms with three majors."

"Yeah your right, I probably would. Well I guess that I should eat this before it melts, I mean you did conjure it up, and it really would be a terrible shame to waste it, don't you think? "

Smirking around a huge mouthful of triple chocolate Sarah just nodded as Lilly joined her in stuffing ice cream into her face, as the warm water relaxed them both.

. ... .

The day had come and gone while Jareth and Shiver made preparations for their grand surprise. And now finally as Jareth sent the last crystal soaring into the sky were they done. Turning to his son, Jareth smiled expectantly as he watched Shiver release a shimmering crystal to follow his own as it soared towards the lodge. It had not taken long to prepare the ball, magic did have it's uses, but finding the perfect clearing that had taken far longer than Jareth would have thought. Yes he could have used magic to create the perfect spot, but somehow magic never truly captured the purity of a forest clearing. It was strange and Jareth had no doubt that he was the only wielder of magic who felt that way, but still he refused to compromise on the area, and so they had been forced to trudge through the deep wet snow until they found what he was looking for. But even Shiver had been forced to admit that it had been well worth the time spent.

The clearing was surrounded by a near solid wall of weeping willows, which had unusually white bark, making them look as if they had been sculpted from the pristine snow beneath them, a notion that was further enhanced by their ice encrusted branches, that looked as if thousand upon thousands of perfect crystals had been threaded onto them. It made them look like huge masterfully crafted chandeliers, and reminded him of the crystal ballroom, where he and Sarah had shared their last living dream. It was near perfect, and all it took to make it utterly perfect was two crystals that made every third willow tree grow twice as tall as it's brethren and extend their branches out over the clearing creating a loosely woven roof, that shimmered and glowed in the faint fairy light that emanated from the fireflies and glow worms moving amongst their branches, creating a host of dancing shadows. It was magical and mystical, the perfect scene for what was about to happen. All that was missing was music but that would be remedied once Didymus returned from changing into his new cream leathers.

"And now we wait": Crossing his arms over his chest, Jareth's expectant smile widened as he watched his son pace, slowly wringing his hands.

"But what if she refuses? What if it is too late? "

The open vulnerability in Shivers face had Jareth's heart aching for him, because it was devastating to see his child this scared, and know that goblin himself was the cause. Arh well it was one of life's little lessons, and it was better that Shiver learned it sooner rather than later.

"Be at peace son they will come, and is far from too late, as long as you realize your error and move to remedy it, then I see no reason why she would not forgive your foolish behaviour. And if this ball fails then there are other avenues you might pursue. .."

The vulnerability lessened as hope turned Shivers already bright eyes even brighter: "There is ? What avenues is that? "

Smirking wickedly, Jareth raised an eyebrow in a suggestive gesture. .

"Well I suppose that you are intimate with each other by now... thus, you may..."

"No not yet... We have not been..."

Jareth knew of course, that they had not been fully intimate yet, but forcing Shiver to say it might serve to make the young goblin aware of the frustration plaguing the girl he loved. Because she was frustrated and Jareth had seen enough sexually starved females to know what they looked like. And he had known enough of them, to know just how much easier life became when their needs were met. That said, Jareth had no idea what the two of them had talked about, much less agreed to. But it would in either case not be a bad thing to help Shiver see what the rest of them saw.

"Not been what? Fully intimate? But you have given pleasure to each other have you not? Come now Shiver we are both adults here.."

The colour of Shivers face instantly went from dusty green to dark olive, as his mouth opened and closed without sound. Cocking his head slightly to the right Jareth's raised eyebrow rose even higher as he asked: "You do know how to please a girl with your fingers right?"

The embarrassment fled as Shiver snorted: "Of course I do..."

"Well? Then? Do you? "

Rolling his eyes Shiver huffed: "Not that it is any of your concern. But yes I do please her..."

"In the last week? "

"Well I... ": Floundering Shiver looked stunned as he realized how long it had been since they had expressed their love physically and just how much of an ass he had been in that time. His face fell as he mumbled: "No not in the last week. "

"And the week before?"

"Yeah I've been a jerk haven't I?"

Nodding gravely Jareth said: "Yes, yes you have. But there is still time, so wipe that worried frown off you face and prepare yourself, because the ladies should be here any time now. Arh Didymus you are right on time. ."

Sliding gracefully through the thick veil of glistening vines, Didymus smiled gratefully as he bowed, and simultaneously produced his beautifully crafted half moon shaped guitar.

"Verily my lord, I didst endeavour to proceed with all hast, that I might witness the arrival of the ladies. "

Standing tall the fox looked utterly magnificent. His jacket of slashed cream leather with the emerald lining, accentuating the russet red of his fur, and the brilliant gold of his one eye. The cut was that of a typical slashed swashbuckler jacket, with a tightly fitted body and billowing sleeves made from thick strips of supple leather edged with golden wire and it complemented the fitted but not tight pants that vanished down into highly polished nut-brown thigh high boots, folded down over his knees. Reaching up he lightly doffed his matching hat making the lush emerald and gold feathers bob gently, as the he resettled it on his head. Straightening he looked over his shoulder as if reacting to something that neither Shiver or Jareth could sense, his wiry whiskers jerked as he sniffed the air, then a broad smile erupted all over his face: "Verily they come..."

. . . . .

Stretching her long creamy white legs out in front of her, Sarah sighed in contentment as she drank from her mug, letting the rich chocolate and marshmallow fill her mouth with it's rich creamy goodness.

Nothing could beat the sweetness of hot chocolate after a long soak in the hot spring. Or though a good movie like the one she was watching now came close. And come to think of it, so did the utter girl time she had shared with Lilly as they had braided each others hair into fantastical and intricate styles, and painted their nails in shimmering colours. Lilly had chosen a bright silver that had a faint blue sheen to it. While Sarah had chosen a pearly white that looked like she had run her fingers over the ever changing sky and gotten the borealis caught on her nails.

Holding up her hand Sarah smiled as the flickering light from the movie made the polish almost glow. Yeah it might have begun crappy, but the day was certainty ending on a high note. Now all they needed was for the men to return from their impromptu hunt, so that Lilly could clear the air with Shiver, and then all would be right with the world again.

Only they had been gone since noon, and now it was well past suppertime. It wasn't in Sarah to worry, especially not about three seasoned warrior's but the darkness of night had already fallen, and none of them had been in the night cloaked forest since Shiver and Lilly's first ill-fated hunt. And truth be told she was beginning to wonder what they were doing out there. But it was a concern that she kept to herself, at least as long as Lilly didn't seem to be worried.

Turning to Lilly Sarah smiled, and was about to comment on the stupidity of females in movies, when a crystal pushed its way through the wooden front door and hovered just inside.

"What the hell..."

Lilly's brow furrowed with concern as she gathered her fluffy mint green bathrobe about her and got up to approach the slowly spinning crystal: "What do you think this is all about?"

Shrugging Sarah leaned slightly forward in her seat before offering: "Hell your guess is as good as mine, though I doubt that it's anything bad... If they needed us it would not be this still."

Nodding her agreement Lilly reached out and grabbed the surprisingly warm crystal.

Bright sky blue light flared instantly blinding both women, as their bathrobes changed, the once fluffy garments becoming silky smooth as they moulded themselves to their torsos before flowing down around their feet like water. It was a very strange feeling that was only compounded when their feet and lower legs were abruptly encased in snugly fitting heeled boots, with thick fur linings.

The light vanished as suddenly as it had come, leaving Lilly and Sarah to stare at each other in open mouthed astonishment. Gone were the bath robes and warm cozy slippers. And in their place were dresses and high warm boots.

Conjuring up a glowing crystal of her own, Sarah spun it briefly around her hands, before throwing it at the wall, calling up a huge wall mirror for them to see their dresses in. Or rather, not dresses, but gowns, because these garments were far to elegant to be mere dresses.

Sarah's was made from a shimmering cream silk, that looked almost liquid as it flowed over her slender frame like a lingering lovers caress. It had a sweeping waterfall neckline that framed the tops of her pert breasts emphasising their lush roundness. A roundness that was further highlighted by the way the bodice then hugged her narrow waist before turning into a full flowing skirt. It reminded her slightly of the dresses that museums always showed Celtic women wearing, yet the lack of sleeves and the emerald pins holding her dress on her shoulders struck her as more Grecian. Either way it was utterly and completely perfect, and Sarah couldn't suppress a delighted giggle as she spun making the skirt flare out revealing the knee high boots of supple white leather that encased her legs.

And then she turned to Lilly taking in the sight of her best friend as she gaped at herself. Like Sarah, Lilly had her hair arranged in a series of braids and twists that just minutes ago had looked very out of place, but now looked absolutely fitting as they fell randomly from the haphazard pile on top of her head. But the hair and lack of sleeves were the only things similar to Sarah.

The dress that Lilly now wore, looked like it had been woven from gossamer webs with dew drops still caught on their strands. It had a boat neck bodice that clung to Lilly's lithe frame all the way to her hips before flaring out in a skirt that seemed to consist almost solely of water droplets and tiny silver flowers that sparkled with even the smallest of movements. It was stunning.

"Wow": Pressing her hands against her chest, Sarah gaped as Lilly turned to stare at her with an equal amount of astonishment Sarah said: "You look just like a fay! It's amazing! Is it comfortable? "

Nodding silently, Lilly turned back to hesitantly touch one of the sparkling drops that lined the neckline of her gown, only to find that they were as solid as glass. Turning huge eyes at Sarah, Lilly whispered: "It's magnificent, but why?"

Biting her lower lip as she always did when unsure, Sarah shrugged before saying: "I don't know, but the crystal is still here... maybe it can tell us something. Maybe.."

Turning to the still hovering crystal, Sarah smiled as she reached out and grabbed it. Light flared again and when it died down the two found themselves inside that crystal already floating through the gathering darkness of the forest. Trees were everywhere, their ice and snow covered branches reaching for the swirling aurora borealis above, even as the burning bands set the ice alight with a million colours. Pressing against the curve of their crystal carriage, they watched as they hurtled towards a softly glowing dome of loosely woven branches at breakneck speed. It was just a few more seconds then the crystal slowed down, to float to the snow covered ground like a falling leaf where it burst, leaving them just outside of a veil, created by the weeping willows that obscured their view of the space within the dome.

" Well": Sarah smirked: "I guess we know what the boys have been doing all day huh.."

"Yeah, I guess so. .. Soo you wanna go have a closer look? "

The smirk bloomed into a full fledged grin as Sarah stepped up to the hanging ice encrusted vines, sweeping them aside: "Hell yeah..."

The vines parted with a soft tingling of silver bells, as the two women stepped into the softly lit clearing. Stepped in and froze.

The sight that greeted them was so mesmerizing that they could do nothing but stare in wonder. Majestic weeping willows made up the walls that shimmered and glistened in the ever shifting light. Tiny fireflies darted in and out amongst the hanging willow vines looking like they were playing with the miniscule stars that fell like snow to cover everything in a dusting of diamond. It was beautiful and mysterious like the ballroom had been. And then there were the dancers.

They swirled in graceful rhythm to the haunting yet familiar tones of Didymus strange half-moon shaped guitar, while he played a slow alien waltz. They were shadows, ghostly images of brightly dressed beings, that Sarah vaguely remembered from past lives. And she felt nothing but joy as she allowed herself to be swept into the whirling mass by their offered hands. Ghostly hands trailed over her exposed hands and arms, as the throng swallowed her up and threw her into the dance that her soul knew, yet her body had never danced. It was wild and controlled as a cavalier dressed in an elaborate napoleon cavalry uniform spun her into a low dip and passed her on into the arms of a new partner before she could register the switch. Only when she felt the heat of his skin did she realize who lead her.

Holding her hand, he spun her out, causing her skirt to flare out, before bringing her in tight against the ornate front of his beautiful blue gem encrusted jacket.

"You look utterly breathtaking tonight my lady": Resting his warm palm against the small of her back, Jareth leaned into her as he lead them both into a sweeping turn, briefly laying a tender kiss on her lips: "I hope you find your gown to your liking."

Smiling up at him, Sarah nodded slightly as her normally subdued markings flared creating a pale pattern of silver, white, light aqua and a faint of setting blush around her eyes, that instantly made Jareth think of a perfect winter sky: "Yeah I love it, it's so perfect, I just.. thank you. Oh and FYI you look amazing in that coat, you know that right? "

Throwing his head back, Jareth laughed as he spun away from her, striking an elegant pose allowing her to truly appreciate the way the high and gem encrusted collar framed his face, and accentuated his slender neck and wide shoulders. His flaxen hair was pulled neatly back in a tight braid, and the lack of his customary messy halo of hair only made him seem royal and highlighted just how painfully handsome he was, even the faint dusting of peach gold and copper that surrounded his eyes in much the same way as it had done at their final ball only served to emphasise just how masculine he was. Something that never ceased to amaze Sarah. Because he was the most perfect male she had ever seen, and she had no doubt that she would never meet another man who could rival him. From his luminescent alabaster skin to his long powerful legs, which were at present encased in fitted dark grey breeches (That were thankfully nowhere as tight as those hideous tights that he had been forced to wear when she had run the Labyrinth) and gleaming black boots with a low heel. He was utterly perfect in her eyes, and her expression said as much as she curtseyed deeply in response as he bowed to her. Their hands joined once more and their bodies seemed to fuse together as Jareth used their movement to kiss her again, pouring all the emotions he held for her into it.

. . . . .

Ghostly figures swirled around her in a muted visual feast as unseen musicians played a slow sweeping alien waltz. Tiny lights darted in and out amongst the willows crystal laden vines. Looking for the world like living stars. The setting was absolutely amazing, and it was not what had her backing slowly towards the vines. No it was the milling throng of ghostly figures, dancing about the huge ... well if she had to call it anything she would call it a weird ass ballroom, or maybe a fairy ring. Not that it really mattered because the translucent dancers had her wanting to run rather than stay here any longer. Only the vines behind her had fallen closed again, and even if they hadn't, she would have had nowhere to go. The forest beyond was full of unidentified creatures, she had no idea where she was, and to compound matters she was dressed in a flimsy gown in a frozen forest... True she was not cold, but still Lilly was not about to run heedlessly into the night, when the only other sentient beings in this world were here somewhere in this very clearing.

This very creepy ghost filled clearing.

Into which Sarah had happily waltzed, as if dancing with long lost friends. And for all Lilly knew that very well might have been the case. Wrapping her arms tightly around her as she backed herself up against a cool and velvety willow trunk, Lilly found that she had to fight the mounting pressure behind her eyes in an effort not to cry. Out of all the weirdness that she had witnessed since coming here, this was the worst. And to make it worse the ghosts with their grotesque masked shapes kept coming closer, their translucent hands reaching out for her, beckoning her to join them as Sarah had done.

"No..."

The word forced itself from her now cold bloodless lips as they brushed up against her like barely felt wind. It was just too much as Lilly hid her face in her hands and whimpered with terror.

The ghosts were everywhere, heads thrown back as sparkling joyful laughter flitted about them like butterflies on a summer day, or held together in mischievous conspiracy as they danced ever closer.

The tree behind her felt like it was both protecting and trapping her as the pressure of the ghosts drew ever closer. She didn't want them to touch her but there was nowhere to go as their incorporeal hands wafted over her exposed arms and through the few loose braids that trailed down her back when she turned it.

She just wanted for all this to stop. She just wanted. ..

"Lilly? Why are you crying my love? Are you not enjoying this ball?"

The ghostly hands retreated to be replaced by the living heat of Shivers calloused and familiar one's as he gently gripped her shoulders and turned her to face him.

"Shiver!"

His name was a barely murmured sob as Lilly flung herself into him, nearly strangling him as she wrapped her arms around his neck: "There's ghosts everywhere, and they are weird and they touched me.. God that was so FUCKING Creepy! And..."

Pulling out from his arms Lilly shoved him back without warning, forcing him to take two steps back.

"Jesus I was just getting done being pissed at you, and then you pull this MotherFucking bullshit on me! God FUCKING DAMN IT! I'm a FUCKING Human! We don't do shit like this we don't dance with Bloody ghosts, we... Aaargh "

Punctuating each curse with an open handed slap across his chest Lilly ranted and raved as he stared at her in open mouthed shock.

"And just FYI, We .. That's humans, just so you know, don't go out of our way to humiliate our loved ones! We encourage them... And yes I might suck as a soldier or warrior or what the FUCK ever! But I'm trying my best and it's not like we are going anywhere anytime soon, so I just don't see why I have to rush like that. Unless of course you don't want me anymore, cause you could just tell me! I mean I..."

The rest of her tirade was cut off as he stepped in with a fiercely determined expression, and wrapping his arms around her again he kissed her, pouring every ounce of desperate love he felt towards her into that one act. His lips covered hers possessively as he held her as a willing captive. He loved her goddess damn it, and yes he had been an enormous ass, he knew that, but he would be dammed if he let her go. And so he held her tightly as he let his body speak for him. And Lilly was not slow to respond with just as much zeal as her tiny hands locked into his neatly pulled back dreads, not caring that she was pulling them from the bone cuff holding them in place.

Time was lost to them as they reaffirmed their connection in a far more primordial and true way than any words ever could. And when they finally released each other's lips, the fear had vanished and in its place there was nothing but certainty.

Smiling happily as she rested her cheek against his chest Lilly sighed: "Huh I guess that the ghosts aren't as scary when you think about it.."

His hands rubbed soft circles on her back as he spoke quietly into the intricate mass of braids that was her hair: "They are not ghosts, they are... echoes, memories if you like, of people that I or Jareth have known... See the woman over there in the peach gown? She was my history tutor miss Ebernine."

"Ebernine? Really?": Speaking as if the name was something to taste, Lilly turned slightly inside the protective circle of Shivers arms to look at the said woman. For some reason she couldn't help but imagine this woman like some tall thin fey goddess, that she would feel like an ugly fucking duckling next to. Not the four foot two, dwarf woman with a huge bushy blond beard full of peach beads and decorative chains that wove up and into her hair in a strange metal veil who stood there giggling like a schoolgirl, while a strange frog like goblin squatted before her whispering into her gem studded ear. She looked... well she didn't look scary in any way shape or form, she looked sweet, and.. Now that Lilly came to think of it, none of them looked scary at all. They looked happy, and carefree. These were not vengeful spirits, these were echoes as Shiver had called them, echoes of happiness, of innocence from a better time. And boy did she feel foolish as she saw it for what it was and not the terror filled slice of hell that her overactive brain had seen it as. Laughing softly to herself, Lilly shook her head as she turned back to face Shiver.

"She taught you history? Wow that I didn't see coming..."

Grinning softly, Shiver gently caressed her cheek with the back of his hand as his harsh swirling charcoal markings bleed into a much softer green that lined his eyes and swept up at the outer corners of his eyes: "Well to be honest neither did I for the most part. It was not until she thought of using crystals to show me a part of a historical event and then making me research the rest in fathers library that I started actually learning. She is a very special woman.. "

"Yeah I guess so."

Running her fingers up the soft velvety fabric of his jacket, Lilly's smile turned into a slight frown as she realised that he was dressed completely different from what she was use to. Gone were the fitted leather pants and loose peasant shirts in various colours. Instead he wore a perfectly fitted, lightly padded, deep red almost burgundy suede jacket that hit him at mid thigh, and made him look every inch the proud knight that he was. Supple dark brown leather strips covered every seam, and echoed the colour and sheen of his equally fitted leather pants, as they tucked into his armoured black knee high boots. She had never seen this jacket before, yet she was familiar with the cut from both her own armour, and the by now many times she had helped both Didymus and Shiver in or out of their armours. But more than that there were a strategic scattering of artfully hidden eyelets and straps to show her that he was wearing a beautifully designed gambeson doublet. Smoothing her hands up and over his wide shoulders, she noted just how nicely the high leather edged collar brought the red suede up to contrast with his fluorescent green eyes, making them even more bright than they already were as he smiled at her.

"I hope I'm not too forward when I tell you that you look utterly stunning ": A slight flick of his wrist had her spinning out until he held her at arms length as he openly checked her out: "You look like a dew jeweled dryad.. stunning."

A fierce blush instantly heated her cheeks as she stuttered: "Re... Really? "

"Yes, I realize that I haven't told you enough lately. That I have made you feel like crap, and for that I am so very sorry. ": His eye sought the ground, as if he couldn't bring himself to look at her as he apologized: "I'm sorry and I will understand fully if you wish to return home.. I.."

"Oh shut up will you ": Still holding his hand Lilly jerked it unexpectedly, making him stumble towards her as she stepped in and wrapped her arms around his trim waist: "I am here and there is no way that I am leaving this... whatever it is without you. But just so you know the next time you are being a jerk I'm going to slap you silly, and not in a good way. Are we clear?"

Surprise widened his eyes momentarily, before a relieved grin spread on his face and his arms snaked around her back: "Yes mam we are most clear."

"Good now, this is a dance right? "

Nodding Shiver grinned even wider: " I should think so, but only if you actually dance. Do you want to dance?"

Nodding shyly, Lilly whispered: "Yeah I do wanna dance... But I don't know how to dance like they do... Hell I never actually danced with a boy before. ... I.."

His hands were gentle as he shifted his grip on her and pulled her with him into the gracefully twirling mass of creatures: "And neither will you now.. Just trust me and I'll teach you how.."

Pulling her in close he leaned down and captured her lips in a soul searching kiss as he spun her into the dance.

. . . . .

They danced, swirling and gliding in and out between the other mutedly bright couples. Some of them were strangers to her, but many were old friends from their many living dreams. Faces from their shared pasts smiled at her from the crowd and even though she knew that they were nothing but magically created images, Sarah couldn't help but smile back at them, or smile at Jareth as he gently turned her face up towards him.

"It's been too long since we have danced a night away like this. I feel like I need to thank Shiver for making this necessary. Though that might be in poor taste. "

Grinning as she beamed up at him, Sarah said: "Yeah that might not be in the best of tastes, but it certainly seems to have worked. Look at them, neither of them have looked this happy in weeks. .. "

The couple in question dance past them, moving with effortless grace even though they only had eyes for each other.

"Well ": Jareth drawled as he spun her again bringing her attention back to him: "It is not the first ball I conjure up. "

Bringing her in tight he smiled happily as she giggle: "And I hope not the last."

"Ooh": He purred lovingly: "I can assure you that it won't be. But that said ... Come..."

Keeping a hold of her hand, Jareth flashed her a bright mischievous grin and suddenly dragged her from the dancers. Past Didymus where he sat playing an ornate violin carved with grinning gap toothed gargoyles. It didn't sound like any violin from the aboveground. It was far deeper and more wild in its tone, like a beast singing to the beauty of the moon. And it's haunting cry followed them out through the veil of willow branches with their ice crystals and their hoar covered silver leafs.

Pristine snow blanketed the ground under the silver dusted trees reflecting the cold light filtering through their branches. It was beautiful and magical as Jareth lead her by the hand further into the frozen wonderland. But the temperature was also well below zero, and it was not long before Sarah found that she was really beginning to suffer. Pulling Jareth to a sudden stop in the deep shadows beneath a huge marble white Oak tree with pale aqua foliage, she rubbed her arms: "Jareth wait I'm really cold, and I wanna know where you are taking me. "

Giving her a conspiratorial wink, Jareth plucked a shining crystal from the air and rolling it over the back of his hand and along his fingers he flicked his wrist towards her, draping a warm luscious fur cloak about her shoulders. Before whispered excitedly: "I found something that you need to see... it's just a little bit further, not far at all. "

His bicoloured eyes glittered brightly as they reflected the light of the night sky, and the effect made him look like a feral creature hiding in a fey's flesh. Pulling the fur tighter around her, Sarah nodded as she let him take her hand again and lead her further into the forest. They moved in silence as the sounds of the night shrouded forest settled about them. And then after a few more minutes Sarah heard a new sound, the soft roll of wave born stones as they were shifted along the beach.

The sound grew and Sarah knew that they were by the seaside even before she became aware of the saltiness of the breeze, as Jareth led them up to a gap between two thick bushes bearing fist sized glasslike flowers in deep red and orange hues, which clashed with their teal and pale green leaves. Turning to face her he smiled almost shyly as he spoke: "What I want to show you is just beyond these bushes. Now close your eyes, it's only a few more steps. "

Anticipation had her pulse racing as she closed her eyes and allowed Jareth to led her through the bushes accompanied by the soft ringing of glass bells. Cool air washed over her making her shiver as Jareth's hands on her shoulders brought her to a gentle halt and turned her so that she faced downwind, and all sounds seemed to dim as if kept at bay by the gentle wind. All sounds but Jareth's smooth voice.

"Open your eyes precious. ."

Obediently Sarah did as he asked, fully expecting to be presented with some pretty flower or bauble. Not the breath-taking sight before her. They were on a wide ledge hidden by the bushes that they had passed through, and some hundred feet below them the ocean stretched out to vanish over the distant horizon. Light filled the sky above them in wide serpentine bands, that reflected in the small waves of the ocean painting them in pastels like a fantasy painting, where pegasus's would have been right at home gliding through the skies. Leaning back into his loving embrace, Sarah sighed as she felt his lips grace the shell of her left ear: "I found this little place a week ago, and I just knew I had to show it to you. I know that you birthed this world, and that you know it as I know my labyrinth, but sometimes we need to be reminded of the small wonders that are so easily forgotten. The magic in the simple. We may be rulers but we need to remember that there are more to life than that.. That."

A deep shuddering breath escaped him as his arms tightened around her and he buried his face in her hair: "That we are worthy of enjoying the simplest of joys just as all others are..."

Turning slightly, Sarah gazed into his eyes from just a few inches away, finding them distant and dark as he looked out at the endless ocean. Emotions swirled in a dark echo of the bright aurora borealis above them. There was pain, and hopelessness there, and longing deep enough that Sarah feared that he might drown in it, if nothing was said or done. Reaching up she softly laid her right hand over his: "Are you truly talking to me or are you talking to yourself? "

Blinking slowly Jareth sighed wearily: "I am not certain, there are so many thoughts all clambering for attention. And I often find myself caught up in the noise of it all. I try to remind myself that I have all the time I need. Yet I cannot shed this feeling of urgency that has ruled me for so long. "

Frowning as he shuddered almost unperceivably, Sarah untangled her free hand from the thick cloak and plucked a crystal from thin air with as much grace as Jareth usually displayed. But instead of rolling it around her hand, Sarah simply let it spin on the tip of her index finger before flicking it into a small hollow by the roots of one of the bushes. There was no flash of light or glittering dust as a pile of heavy pale grey furs flickered into existence.

"You are cold now come here.."

Shifting her grip on his conspicuously cold hand, Sarah pulled him with her as she moved to the furs and coaxed him to sit before sitting down and leaning back against his firm lean chest, as he opened his jacket so that she wouldn't stab herself on the sharp edges of the jewelry on it. Wrapping the heavy furs around them both, Jareth sighed as he rested his chin on her shoulder and his arms around her waist.

They sat like that for what felt like hours, just watching the waves as they rolled in slowly. It was peaceful in a way that was rare even here, because, yes somehow even though there was no time limit to how long they could stay here, there were still an unspoken expectation that he move and heal. It was not something that Sarah had contemplated before, but now that he had given it life by putting words to his feelings she could see it.

"I am exhausted from living up to your expectations of me. ..."

The ghost of his words whispered through her mind as she gently laced their fingers together beneath the furs. There had been so many layers of meaning hidden in that one tortured sentence, layers that she had never truly understood, and she had no doubt that there were more that had yet to reveal themselves. But right now what she had to deal with was him feeling like he had to rush something that could not be rushed. She had to make him understand that if he needed more time then it was his for the taking, no matter how long he needed. If only she could conjure up the right words as easily as she could a crystal. But emotions were another beast altogether and the shattered reality that hid beneath Jareth's deceptively polished exterior was more complicated than most. How could it not be.

Nestling deeper into his warmth, Sarah sighed as she turned so that she could watch him as he continued watching the waves far below them.

Sitting as she did she could only see the right side of his face, and the softly undulating light of the sky had his azure eye glittering like a pale sapphire mounted in mother of pearl on some exotic gods statue. Reaching up she couldn't resist the urge, to trace the impossibly perfect line of his nose from slightly frowning brow and down to his oh so kissable lips. Blinking slowly as her touch brought him from his revie Jareth smiled, and even though it was barely more than a twitch of his lips he still made her breath hitch.

"Goddess you are really just too perfect, you know that? Just that little smile and I'm grinning like a schoolgirl. Wow I don't deserve you."

The far off gaze shifted, growing warm and soft as he turned awkwardly to face her while still holding her in the circle of his arms,: "No it is I who is undeserving of you. How do you do this? My mind has been nothing but a rampant mess of thoughts for the last many days, but your touch as you lead me to sit here still them all, as if they had never been. . You ground me Sarah. You bring peace to a mind that has been troubled for so long that, I no longer understood peace. I have been struggling for weeks, and never once did I contemplate simply telling you that I needed to be alone with you. Because that is what I have just realized was what I needed. This... ": Tightening his arms he rested his forehead against hers: "You alone... Please Sarah will you promise me something? "

Her heart fluttered as she gently stroked his cool cheek and nodded almost imperceptible: "Yeah anything but to leave you, you know that..."

She felt his smile rather than see it as he spoke again: "Will you promise that this place will remain ours alone? That no one but you and I will ever sit here and watch these waves.."

"Yeah I will.. ": Ceasing her soft exploration of his face, Sarah raised her hand and called a perfect glowing crystal into existence. Rolling it down her fingers and across the back of her hand, she whispered to it as it spun slowly on her pursed fingertips: "Stay hidden from all eyes save ours, from now and till the ending of this and all worlds. "

Shifting slightly she met his unreadable expression head on and offered him the still spinning crystal. Hesitating for just a second he stayed unreadable as he accepted the crystal, rolling it effortlessly along his long golden fingers, letting both it and his finally healed claws shine and glow as he charged the swirling orb with the power that filled him, setting Sarah's words into the very fabric of her world and his own soul.

The crystal burst, and for a single second the world froze outside their tiny private hideaway. For a single second they were the only souls alive, and even the waves stretched out frozen before them. Smiling softly, Sarah whispered: "We can stay here inside this second forever if you want, no one will ever know. Not even the others. "

The unreadable expression melted turning into a deep wonder as he cupped her face and spoke in a quiet voice: "You would do that for me... Freeze the world that you sang forth to save me, because I may need it... Sarah queen of my heart you truly are a magnificent woman. "

Nodding quietly Sarah reached up and holding his hand against her cheek said: " Yes for you I would... For you and no other. "

Leaning down Jareth whispered against her lips: "At times you frighten even I.."

The kiss was soft, warm and wet as he kissed her with all the reverence of a worshipper pleading for grace from his goddess. And melting into him she gave him all.

Breaking the kiss Jareth rested his forehead against hers again, speaking in a hushed breathless whisper he asked: "Let them go... Let us join them and live."

"As you command my lord. "

Her tone might be light but her eyes plainly showed that she understood what he was trying to say.

Because what he actually said was that he had needed to know that Sarah was willing to burn it all for him, to live in a world where they were the only two alive. And yes he knew that it was selfish and needy in the extreme. But it was something that he had needed to be certain of if he was to shed the layers of old pain. If he was to begin to ignore the nagging voice that had been a constant companion for as long as he could recall. A voice that had always told him that he was a worthless monster a horrid freak of nature unworthy of affection much less love, and whom no one would ever want, let alone fight for. Because as he gazed into her glorious bicoloured eyes, eyes which mirrored his own now, Jareth saw just that. He saw a woman who not just liked him, but loved him, and who was willing to prove it in any way he needed her to.

The frozen second shattered and the world seemed to shudder as if it drew a much needed breath. There was no other sign that the spell had broken, no evidence but their memories of what could have happened but didn't. And relishing in that knowledge Jareth kissed her again...

. . . . .

Shiver grinned widely even though he was utterly breathless, as he bowed to an equally gasping and flushed Lilly. They had danced for hours, to music of all kinds. And Lilly had been amazed to realize that she enjoyed dancing, as Shiver taught her the steps of each dance, apparently being all gangly limbs worked for something.

Flashing Shiver a truly happy smile, Lilly straightened from her deep curtsey and sighed: "Sit, I gotta sit before I fall."

Ever the courteous knight Shiver didn't hesitate. The words had barely come out of her mouth before she found herself scooped up, and nestled in his strong arms as he strode towards a seating arrangement, that consisted of brightly coloured pillows of every shape and size imaginable. setting her down he flopped down beside her on his side, stretching like an oversized cat. Then reaching out he gently stroked her cheek moving a thin braid away from her face and back behind her ear as he gazed at her lovingly: "You have no idea just how beautiful you look when your cheeks flush that delectable pink. At time like this I just.."

His words were cut off as she lunged forward and gripping his dreads tightly captured his lips in a deep soul scorching kiss, a kiss that left him utterly breathless when she finally released him to leaned back in the pillows looking severely pleased with herself.

"Yeah I'm guessing that that was what you were getting at so I just cut a few corners, you don't mind do you."

Grinning as he leaned in rubbing their noses together, Shiver said: "No I do not mind, not as long as I am allowed to reciprocate..."

And reciprocate he did. Rolling over her, he pinned her with his much greater weight as he thoroughly plundered her mouth in a barrage of small demanding kisses and nibbles. Soft moans and needy whimpers filled his ears spurring him on. Goddess but he wanted her. Right in that instance he wanted nothing as much as he wanted to rip her deceptively flimsy looking gown into tiny shreds before making her scream and beg for him to plunge himself into her, finally making her completely and irrevocably his. His hands traced the scooped neckline, itching to rip into it and spill her tight and absolutely perfect breasts into the soft light of the ballroom/clearing, and watch as the luminous stars falling like snow covered them. But forcing himself to merely caress them through the silky cloth Shiver made himself list the reasons why he had to regain his increasingly fraying self-control.

Didymus was there, currently playing a merry gig on a wide triangular violin, while the ghostly dancers frolicked. And then of course there was the off chance that Jareth and Sarah might have returned from their little sojourn into the frigid forest, it was unlikely but he had no way of knowing. Pulling back Shiver rested his forehead against Lilly's, groaning as he forced his hands to fall still. Because finally there was the ever present goblin curse...

"Lilly. . Tell me to stop, please, I need you to... I"

Her fingers had entangled in his now loosened dreads holding him firmly in place even as she nodded with a strained expression on her flushed face. Her lips were swollen and scarlet with suppressed desire as she moaned belatedly: "Yeah.. Yeah I.. We gotta stop. Cause... Yeah we gotta stop. While we still can... "

The strength of his passion was just a hairsbreadth from being painful, as he finally untangled himself from her embrace. And it was clearly evident as he stood holding his hand out to help her get up. Goddess but she didn't want to get up, she wanted to grab that outstretched hand and pull him down to rip that ridiculously fitted suit off him and have her way with his insanely perfect body. But yeah she got that they had to reign it in before it got too out of hand. They were after all not alone. And no Didymus might not be able to see them right now, but it would be rude to be intimate right in his face when he was alone. Plus it would feel really awkward. Especially now that she had begun to think about Didymus as a kind of father. And so she let Shiver pull her to her feet, and into a tight almost desperate embrace. An embrace that only served to underline just how much he burned with suppressed desire, because he was more aroused than he had been in weeks as he pressed against the front of her body.

Licking her lips longingly Lilly forced herself to keep her hands above his waist instead of sliding them into his fitted pants, running her palms up and over his hard silky smooth length until he spilled in her hands...

Oh goddess she had to reign herself in right now before...

"Sweet goddess your eyes, your eyes are like burning diamonds filled with lust... I. .."

"Yeah ": She moaned, shuddering as his fingers caressed the nape of her neck: "I think that we can agree that we need to go home right now... So I'm you know gonna tell Didymus good night m'kay and then we'll go.."

Heat and hope filled his eyes and made his voice deepen until it sent shivers down her back as he spoke : "Are you certain? It may be some time before we can conjure a ball such as this... "

Rising up on her toes Lilly kissed him gently: "Yeah I'm sure..."

He didn't trust his own voice as he nodded and lead her through the shadowy dancers towards the musicians dais, where Didymus sat playing his favourite half-moon guitar with a distant smile on his face. A smile that grew focused and broad as he spotted the couple walking towards him

"Greetings. My lord, My lady art thou enjoying this Ball? I must admit it hath been many a year since I hath been privileged to play at such an event. "

Smiling Lilly plopped down to sit on the edge of the dais so that she could look up at large fox.

"Yeah its my first ball but it has been magical.. And your music wow I knew that you were talented but really wow it's like... I've never heard anything as beautiful as what I've heard tonight. And I wish that I wasn't dead on my feet, but I am. And right now I just wanna get off my feet and rest. So what I'm so eloquently trying to say is, that we are going back to the lodge... To, you know sleep, and I just wanted to, you know let you know and say thanks for such a perfect night..."

A knowing smile creased the lips of fox as he took in the obvious flush on Lilly's cheeks and the dark gleam in Shivers eyes. But Didymus was nothing if not a gentleman, and a gentleman who remembered how it felt to be young and in love. Thus he kept his smile warm as he nodded in acceptance: "Verily my Lady I thank thee for thy kind words, and I bid thee both a good night. Nay tarry not for mine sake, I shall linger on to lay this spell to it's rest. Go I shall be quite safe..."

"You Sure? I mean the beasties out here are pretty nasty... "

"Verily my lady I am certain... Go and ": A knowing look passed between the two knights as Didymus winked and caused Shiver to blush a deep hunter green as he took Lilly's hand pulling her to her feet while Didymus continued with a smug smirk: "I pray that thee enjoy the remainder of thy night. "

"Hmm Thank you my lord..."

Turning their back on Didymus Lilly leaned into Shiver as he lead her towards the edge of the clearing turned ballroom.

"What was that look about? And why did you blush like that.."

Clearing his throat, Shiver kept his gaze pointedly averted as he mumbled: "He may be old, but he still remembers what it is like to be young and courting..."

Her brow knit in confusion for only a second before a blush as expressive as Shivers dyed her face a deep beet red: "Ooh.."

"Yes": Shiver deadpanned as he shifted the crystal encrusted willow branches aside letting in a freezing breeze, that dissolved the three nearest dancers before they had both exited and let the hanging branches cover their exit. The darkness was instant, but Lilly felt no fear as his powerful arms wrapped around her waist, holding her safe against him: "Now do you wish to walk or do you wish for me to transport us straight to our lodge? "

Turning in his arms she rested her cheek against the soft velvety leather and shuddering she sighed: "It's too cold to walk and also my feet hurts so let's just do that poof thing you do okay.."

She couldn't see his face but she could hear the pleased smile on his lips as he said: "As thee wishes my lady, but first... "

Reaching up he plucked two slightly tinkling branches from the willow, and before Lilly could protest he had one woven into her hair like a diadem and the other around her neck with its hoar dusted leaves trailing down into her cleavage like frigid fingers.

His voice was soft as he smiled down at her: "A memento of this night. It will never melt and from this day it will be warm when you touch it. "

Reaching up, Lilly let her fingers trail over the glass like crystal: "I wish that I could see them."

"What's stopping you? "

Stepping back, Shiver gave that infuriating self satisfied grin of his as he gestured to the huge mirror that hung above their shared dresser.

Yes she had asked him to just poof them back, but it never ceased to startle her when he did it, and she had told him time and again to warn her before doing it.

"Seriously Shiver I thought we had a deal abou..."

She should have taken the chance to actually look at her new jewelry, because the crushing weight that had her pushed into the bed as his eager hands had her bodice pulled down to expose her already erect nipples told her that it would be some time before she got the chance again.

Not that she was complaining as Shiver's scalding lips began sucking the skin just behind her right ear, warming skin that she had not even realized was cold. And God it felt amazing.

Her hands moved on their own accord, undoing the hidden clasps that held his doublet closed, spreading the lightly padded garment to reveal the fact that he was naked beneath it. Heat rushed through her as she explored his familiar lean torso, revelling in the way his silky skin flexed and moved beneath her fingers and the dark moans it elicited as she dug her nail into the unbelievable firm swell of his shoulders. Twisting Lilly cursed as her legs were caught in the endless layers of her skirt. She wanted, no not wanted, she needed to wrap her legs around his hips so that she could feel him rub over that desperately yearning bundle of nerves throbbing between her thighs. God but she needed to feel his skin against her. To rub her hands over that ridiculously taut skin feeling his muscles gliding underneath like steel serpents, while he moaned and writhed.

"Please Shiver, clothes off."

"Clothes off? ": Freezing above her Shiver smirked down at her, as his dusty markings turning dark nearly swallowing his eyes: "My, my how eloquent, am I to assume then that you wish for me to allow you to undress? Or is it I who should undress? Perhaps I ..."

"Jesus Shiver! .. "

Twisting with everything she had Lilly managed to roll out from under him to rise to her knees beside him instead. The smirk turned to heat and desire as she pounced on him all but tearing his doublet off before ripping her own gown up over her head , dumping it onto the floor, leaving her naked except for a pair of simple white cotton panties. And now Shiver was anything but smug. His eyes glowed with his dark flame turning them into sinister caverns of shadows and fire. Licking her lips suggestively Lilly gestured to his fitted leather pants that were now straining to contain the impressive length of his erection.

"Take them off, I want to see and feel you."

"As you wish.."

His voice was a low animal growl which held nothing of its usual nasal tones as he slid off of the bed in a movement that was liquidly powerful and as graceful as a ballet dancer. And god he was like a living statue as he slowly, teasingly began unlacing the front of his pants revealing himself lace by lace. Letting the lace glide across his straining shaft as it was slowly brought forth. It seemed to have taken an eternity, but finally the pants fell to the floor leaving Shiver completely naked in the soft candle light. An involuntary gasp escaped Lilly's flushed lips as he levelled that devilishly intense gaze straight at her, and dropped to all fours on the bed crawling slowly towards her over the thick velvet cover. Excitement rippled through her body centering in a hard merciless throbbing between her legs, as she watched him move. The flames in his eyes casting red highlights on his cheekbones making him look like the embodiment of fire, like some savage pagan god, demanding sacrifice.

A sacrifice of flesh.

Her flesh...

Powerful calloused hands wrapped around her thighs as he pulled her towards him, forcing her to fall back into the pillows as she lay spread open covered only by her thin white panties. His breath sent shudders through her as he lowered his head until he was barely an inch from the flimsy cloth barrier. A vicious smirk curled his lips as he growled and lunged forward, ripping into the offending piece of clothing with teeth that were sharp and wolf like.

A startled yelp escaped her even as her head flew back and her fingers tangled in his dreads holding him locked against her, as he unleashed his hunger for her in a frantic feeding.

It was not like Lilly had any experiences to compare with, but this was how she imagined it would feel like having a tiger go down on you.

Gasping for air, Lilly whimpered as Shivers tongue and predatorial teeth wrecked havoc with her senses. Normally it was all too easy to forget that he was not human, too easy to ignore the ever changing green skin and markings. But here and now with all constraints peeled back there was no denying that he was cast from blood more primordial than any human's. Here he was a fierce fire storm, that burned over her skin with teeth and razor claws, with far more intensity than any human male. It was utterly overwhelming and yet she would have it no other way.

The snake like movement of his tongue ripped her from her contemplations as he used his grip on her hips to pull her far closer than should have been physically possible. Of course that didn't really bother Lilly as Shivers lips sucked on her swollen and throbbing labia drawing in first one side, then the other to grace across the razor edges of his teeth. Pleasure rocked up through her, born by the sensation as much as by the knowledge that those teeth could easily rip the flesh from her bones. It was not about the danger but that certainly didn't detract from her pleasure, as he shifted his focus unto the aching epicentre of her pleasure, flicking his tongue over it in a languid but strong rhythm, that almost instantly had her writhing against his grip while she moaned and whimpered his name.

Light and heat flared to life under his wickedly clever ministrations, building into a pressure that Lilly had come to crave like crack to an addict.

"Oh God Shiver Yes!"

The words were corny and she knew it, but as the pressure grew unbearable she couldn't stop them, nor could she release the grip on his dreads, that she had a vague idea had to be more than just a little painful. And then the pressure ripped her apart causing muscles that only Shiver had ever affected, to clench hard as whimpering, gasping cries escaped her lips and sped to the stars erupting in front of her eyes as she came.

Spasm after spasm rocked her to her core until she felt certain that her body would implode from the pleasure, because there was no way anything could feel this good. ..

And then he shifted, thrusting his tongue into her hypersensitive opening forcing her still clenched muscles to accommodate him. And oh god it felt amazing as her still virginal muscles stretched to accommodate the unfamiliar intrusion. Arching her back, she screamed as fresh spasms wracked her, causing her eyes to water as new stars burst, leaving her limp and breathless when they finally ebbed away.

Resting back in the pillows Lilly blinked the multi-coloured stars away as Shiver rested his chin on her hip, smirking up at her, looking utterly and absolutely satisfied as she fought to get her breathing under control.

"Ssooo, Shall I interpret that as a job well Done? Or should I repeat my ministrations?"

The thought alone was enough to make Lilly shudder again as she shook her head and rubbed her hands through her hair: "Oh this was a job very well done. .. But I don't think that I'll survive having you perform an encore just yet. Besides. .. "

Pushing up on her elbows up Lilly smiled down at him where he lay on his stomach between her legs, with his chin now on his crossed arms, a wet sheen making the lower half of his face glisten as his heated smirk became an eager anticipating smile. God above as he lay here watching her with upturned eyes through the heavy veil of his lashes he looked wicked and seductive, he didn't look at all like he had been a nearly complete virgin just three months ago, and technically he still was a virgin. And so was she.

Reaching down, Lilly let her fingers trail up both sides of his face, until they dug deeply into his hair again, and his eyes fluttered shut.

"I seem to recall that this here is a mutual thing and as I remember the rules of our engagement, we take turns until one of us pleads for mercy... Aaaand I believe that it is my turn..."

"Hmm, Yes I do seem to have agreed to those terms ":Lifting himself up off the bed in a slow push up, Shiver obediently let her guide him further up onto the bed before making him lay on his back: "Besides I am still in the lead.. "

"Yeah": Smirking Lilly moved to straddle him, trapping his still very much erect member between their bodies. His breath hitched as her slick heat engulfed his throbbing shaft while leaving his engorged head in the comparatively cooler air: "Oh goddess above... You are playing with fire Lilly, you do realise that don't you. .."

Nodding victoriously Lilly push her pelvis forward sliding along his length and making his back arch as she began rutting against him, rubbing her moisture over the swirling pattern of raised cartilage beads that lay just beneath his skin: "Yeah but you like it, and I know that you won't break your own rules. .."

Dammit she was right and he knew it: "Minx ":He growled.

To which she grinned happily: "Uh Uh yup, that I am. .."

Sure it was playing dirty, but Lilly loved the way he felt against her as she rutted against him and brought pleasure to them both. Leaning forward she increased the friction as she laced their fingers together, giving the illusion that she was holding him down. An illusion that shattered as soon as Shiver sat up and wrapped his powerful arms around her waist giving him better leverage as he ground up against her still sensitive flesh.

Sweat covered them as his lip sought out her lips with greedy determination. Need fueled their frantic hands and grinding bodies, as they fought for an imagined dominance.

A large calloused hand engulfed her right breast rubbing firmly over her nipple sending spikes of pleasure through her as she clung to him wrapping her long slender legs around his hips holding them as close as they could be without actually being joined.

Her second orgasm rippled through her like an earthquake ripping mewling whimpers from her as her body clenched down on nothing so hard that she for a moment doubted its ability to ever relax again. His voice was strained into a thrilling dark growl as he ground out: "Please Lilly ... Please..."

That was all she needed to know that her last orgasm had pushed him to teeter on the cusp of release but utterly unable to reach it on his own, he needed more. Scrambling back she pushed him to his back with a firm hand in the centre of his heaving sweat covered chest, as she straddled his legs giving her free reign, as she leaned down to daintily draw him into the hot moist cavern of her mouth, with just enough contact of her teeth to make him whine. At first she just held him there, openly enjoying the feeling of him filling her mouth with his throbbing velvety length. She would never have thought that taking a man into her mouth like this could be a powerful act, but that was nonetheless what it was as, she flicked her tongue over his weeping head, seeking out the tiny ridge of little cartilage beads that encircled it base, so that she could manipulate the largest most protruding one at the middle of his underside. Clamping down she sucked mercilessly while her tongue lashed at those excruciatingly sensitive buds and caused him to wail her name and his pleasure, while his entire body became rigid and pumped seemingly endless streams of cum down her throat. She had only been at it for a few months but Lilly couldn't help but feel a certain pride as she managed to not choke and actually swallow most of the viscous substance, despite its unpleasant acidic and salty taste.

Letting his still hard length slide from her lips, she grinned wickedly as she licked the escaped droplets away and purred: "One... "

The light of dawn had long since chased the night away when Shiver found himself tied to the bed by two strips of gossamer silk while Lilly straddled his quivering thighs and used her delicate hands and perky breast's to coax his sixth release from him, as he begged frantically for mercy.

"Oh goddess it's. .. it's too much... please I can't take anymore. .. I'm too... sensitive. .. Please Lilly! "

"Nope ": She sighed softly as she continued massaging him in the cleft between her breast's: "Please is not the word I'm looking for. "

"Mercy ": He gasped straining weakly against the flimsy bonds as his seed spilled again, coating her milky white skin in sticky streaks: "Please mercy..."

Panting lightly for breath Lilly finally released her prize and slid off of him as his silken shackles evaporated into bright green plumes of smoke. His arms trembled as he reached for her pulling her down to rest as boneless as he was, with her head on his shoulder: "I shall be forced to... accept my defeat at thy hands my ... most devious lady..."

Tired lips curled into a victorious smirk even though her yawn all but swallowed her words: "Damn straight. ... I win..."

Pulling their thick velvet covers up until only their face were visible Lilly sighed sleepily: "Look this is a weird question and don't get me wrong I am not complaining. .. I'm just curious. .. "

Fighting heavy lids Shiver turned slightly towards her wrapping his long frame around her as he nodded: "Yeah ask away..."

"Okay.. why the rules? Why no ... penetration? I mean being a virgin I would have.. you know freaked if you had like, been all gun hoe on stuffing all that meat into me all at once. Cause lets face it you are scary big."

Her hand trailed leisurely down from it's resting place in the centre of his wide gentle flexing chest, down the taut rippled plane of his stomach to lightly cup his now relaxed manhood, eliciting a shuddering sigh as he moved her hand away and draped it around his own waist instead.

Smiling widely Shiver couldn't help but feel more than just a little flattered by her words, what man wouldn't. And yes she was right, he was large, well for a goblin his height he was average but compared to a human he was ... large. Nine inches according to Lilly's tape measure, and five and a half inch in circumference. So yes he was large but not so large that he feared hurting her. No she was right about that, it had nothing to do with size...

"No you are right, it has nothing to do with my size…"

She felt more than heard his words as his scream hoarse and sex deepened voice rumbled up from the depths of the chest she rested against.: "It stems from the same reason as our cultural restraint in all carnal matters..."

"Okay..?"

Yawning loudly Shiver had to struggle to keep himself conscious: "There is no set gestation time... for the goblin race... If we are not... chased when we marry... there is no way to be ... Oh goddess I'm exhausted woman you cannot expect me to be able to think after draining me in such a cruel way.. "

Punching him in the shoulder with enough force to elicit a disgruntled grunt, Lilly pushed: "Focus.. There is no way to what? "

"To be certain of the paternal relationship. . ": He grumbled as his eyes began to seriously droop, god he looked tired and yet he still tried to make her happy by answering everything she wanted. God but she loved him.

Stretching he yawned and pulled Lilly with him to lay draped across him as she usually did: "That's why... Also this human goblin combination. .. It is insanely fertile, goblins are as a whole. . but throw human into it and a pregnancy is almost completely insured. .. "

"Oooh Okay... Well that makes sense, a lot actually. ."

"Yes it does now": Kissing the tip of her nose fondly Shiver sighed: "Now you be quiet and sleep cause I'm exhausted and I sleep far better with you like this..."

Snuggling deeper into the heat of their bed he grew heavy as he drifted into sleep. Resting with the soft steady thud of his heart in her ear Lilly felt herself slide towards the siren call of sleep to join him, nearly missing his last murmured words.: "And also I want to do this right... I want to marry you and make our children legitimate beyond all doubt...hmmm I.."

Freezing in place Lilly blinked owlishly as her mind raced. He wanted to marry her, he wanted... to... have...

Swallowing convulsively she stared into the growing light as golden squares began to creep across the floor. Shiver wanted children, legitimate children. With her...

Why ! her mind screamed. Why would he want that, she plain and tomboyish, and mortal!

"Because he loves you you idiot.. he wants you.. and you want him.. Now stop over thinking this and lay back down..: her hearts voice was fierce as it growled through her chasing her hyperactive mind back and filling her with calm understanding. Because the last voice was right. She was over thinking this. It was simple really just boy meets girl.. what could be simpler?

Lilly didn't know, and right now as the heat of his skin permeated her body she didn't care. All she wanted right in that moment was to sleep..

. . . . .

It had been four days since the midwinter ball, and though he was loathed to admit it, Shiver was full of fear.

Pulling the ornate door of Lilly old room now officially their library, closed behind him Shiver cleared his throat as he approached his father. Jareth sat, no sprawled in a heavy dark stained chair, looking every inch the king that Shiver had always seen him as. Raising his eyes from his book, Jareth smiled as he laid eyes on his son, but the smile turned somewhat tempered with trepidation as he realised just how worried Shiver looked as he moved with an uncharacteristically hesitant gait: "Father?"

Sitting up straight Jareth nodded in acknowledgement as he conjured a chair for Shiver beside his own: "Son, you look worried.."

Words could not express the happiness that had his heart threatening to burst every time that Shiver called him father. It had been so very long since he had been a father to the tall youth and it been a source of constant pain to him, ever since Shiver had decided to become a knight. But now here in this miraculous world, they had finally found their way back to the relationship that they had once had. And they were both enjoying it.

Sitting on the edge of the chair, Shiver leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees as he interlaced his fingers and sighed heavily: "Yes there is a matter that I must speak to you about. "

Nodding Jareth seemed to melt as he resumed his previous lounging pose with one leg casually thrown over the armrest, and an arm draped across the ornate back: "Very well you have my attention. What matter has you worried like this? And what can I do to ease your mind?"

"As you know I have developed a deep connection to Lilly... And.. ": Sighing heavily Shiver looked up, obviously seeking reassurance from Jareth before blurting out: "I wish to make her my wife once this war has ended and live with her wherever she wishes to live... And I ask your blessing as my father in this."

Jareth could not keep his obvious joy from spreading across his eyes in a warm gold and copper pattern interlaced with an apparently black line along his lashes, as he beamed: "And I am honoured to grant you any blessing that you may desire. You know that son. Lilly is a magnificent young lady and you are well matched. There is nothing that could give me more joy than blessing your union."

Nodding Shiver said: "Thank you father, but that does force me to breach a question that we have ever avoided, not for my own sake but for Lilly and any offspring that we will produce."

Dark grey washed the gold and copper away as Jareth felt the trepidation return full force. But taking a full deep breath he forced the worrying feeling down: "And that question is?"

"What am I in the hierarchy of things? I realize that I complicated matters when I chose the life of the knight. But if I am to propose to Lilly I need to know which life I am offering her. And more so I need to know what life our children are to have... What am I? "

What am I... Those three little words were perhaps the most poignant question that Shiver could have ever posed. And yet it was deceptively simple. What am I...

"You are my son, not through blood but will and choice and you are the first prince of the Labyrinth, my heir apparent. And you are the Captain of the Bloodthorns my first guard, and prime knight. You lead my armies and defend our home as my lord commander... And your children will be princes and princesses of the Labyrinth as you were until they too chose a path of their own... Was that enough of an answer for you? You are my son and heir, you have ever been thus... from the day you came to my castle to the day our world ends, you are my son, and Lilly shall be my daughter and a princess in her own right.."

Relief cast Shivers markings in clear emerald, but only for a scant moment then they turned dark and faded again: "And if you sire a child by Sarah then what? Will I still be your son then? Will my title remain unchanged then?"

The words hit him like a cold wrought iron blade straight to his heart, as they cut straight to the core of a shame he had carried in secret for millennia. He had told only Hoggle in all those lonely years. And now he didn't even know how to tell Shiver what he believed that most of his subjects already suspected. Drawing in a deep shaking breath, Jareth unconsciously slipped the carelessly flippant mask of the goblin king on as he seemed to shrug the question away: "Have no worry son that will never happen... "

Disbelief was thick in Shivers voice as he sneered: "Oh and why not? Goddess knows that the pair of you are rutting like crazed animals at any given chance... even a rock would..."

The dark look that Jareth shot Shiver, had the goblin stopping in his tracks before he could finish his scathing comment: "Father?"

There was ice and flame all at once as Jareth spoke: "Stop before you say something that you cannot take back... There are things in play that you do not know."

"What things? Father? Tell me what it is that eat at you? Why would you not father a child with Sarah? You are married or ... Are you married? Do you even know ? "

Holding up a faintly trembling hand Jareth silenced Shiver again.

"What I am about to tell you have never been shared with anyone but Hoggle. .. Not even Morgaine knows this.. And I expect you to honour this secret..."

There was no hesitation as Shiver nodded gravely : "You know that I would never betray your trust .."

"Yes ": Jareth sighed tiredly as he unrolled himself from his seat and stalked towards the roaring hearth. The heat of it's flames reaching out to caress his skin bringing with it a ghost of the pain he had suffered during his seven years... In an instance his skin was a blaze as he thrust his right hand into the dancing fire.

"Father! Jareth By the goddess stop That! What the bloody hell are you doing?"

Strong hands grabbed him from behind ripping him forcefully away from the flames and straight into a different but no less devastating fire as Shiver shook him like a rag doll bellowing: "Goddess dam you Jareth! Answer Me! Why the fucking hell did you go and do that? "

Shiver's eyes were all but drowned in the harsh black lines surrounding them as his marking flared in confused anger: "Why? "

Shrugging Jareth stared down at the untouched limb surrounded by the charred remains of his shirt, it's white silk ruined were the fires had licked against it: "Because the physical pain reminds me that there are worse pains than the one I feel ripping at my pride and heart. Damn it all Shiver I can't give Sarah children! Some part of the spell that gave me life refused me the ability to give life! I can't and I've not the courage to tell her! There! That is why you can rest utterly assured that your position will not change. Not that I would have even if I had been able. But now you know..."

Yes now he knew and now he would never see him in the same light again. He would never be a whole man in his sons eyes once the meaning of the words sunk home. Letting his hand drop to hang limp by his side, Jareth sighed and prepared himself for the scorn that would come any second now. He was so convinced that Shivers response barely registered.

"Huh well that does explain why no accidental bastards ever popped up while I was a child. And here I was wondering how you had managed to keep your goblin blood from spreading. But you have to tell her, otherwise she might be wondering why nothing is happening. .."

Blinking slowly Jareth stared at Shiver with confusion and surprise plastered all over his face: "I beg your pardon, what? "

"I said ": Shiver repeated as if it was the most natural thing in the world: "That that explains why there were never any bastards afoot when I grew up. And then I said that you have to tell her before she begins to worry why nothing is happening. ."

"You do not think me less than a man? "

Shock and disbelief filled both Shivers face and voice as he exclaimed: "What? No why would I think that! You... No.. By the goddess Father! You of all people. No one could ever consider you anything but utterly male! And furthermore what does it matter? It is not like you can pass on the responsibility of the Labyrinth! You do not need a heir, but you do need Sarah and she needs to know.. Will you tell her?"

Nodding slowly as a whole new kind of terror gripped his heart in a vice. Yes he would tell Sarah, terrifying as it was he would tell her, and then he would hope that she could forgive his lie by omission. Because the thought of what might happen if she didn't was too terrifying to contemplate

. . . . .

Punching the newly hung punching bag, Lilly grinned at Sarah as she relayed what Shiver had mumbled in his near sleep right after the ball of Shadows as it had affectionately been dubbed.

"Honest to god he said he wants to have kids with me! Seriously me Lilly Grant... Can you even imagine? I mean sure I want kids and hell yes I want his but, not yet, you know... I really want just a few years of just being him and me before we start setting little half gobo's into the world.. But honestly you really think that he's as fertile as he says he is? Cause if he is that's just like scary..."

Shrugging Sarah flopped down to sit on the still wet log that defined the border of the field of woe, while she rubbed her face with hands, that felt boiling hot. It was cold and wet snow still covered most of the winter brown grass. But much of it had melted in the four days since the ball, leaving behind patches of soaked slimy soil that had Didymus all aflutter with how rich it was and how bountiful a harvest could be wrest from it with relative ease. It was apparently insanely fertile. And so were goblins, who would have known. Maybe that was why goblins were green perhaps they were all really plants, tall dangerous and intelligent plant's. No sooner had the thought entered her brain before her unhelpful brain instantly transformed it into an image of Shiver sprouting enormous pink petals like a daisy. The thought was hilarious and Sarah couldn't hold back a startled laugh from being clearly audible as she spoke: "Well from what I remember Jareth telling me then... it's true. Apparently there is only a very limited number of herbs that can reduce a goblins fertility, and those are all exceedingly rare. But if you want I can see what I can do about making some grow out in the garden?"

Interest peaked Lilly asked: "You could do that? Hmm well do they work like the potion you taught me that keeps my period down to one day without cramps? "

Not seeing the connection Sarah frowned: "What do you mean? "

"I mean does it affect the actual body or is it magical? "

Seeing her point now Sarah leaned forward as she spoke: "Well it works in both spheres and it's sort of permanent meaning that he would be virtual barren by goblin standards."

Taken aback by that Lilly shook her head: "Naah that doesn't sound like a great idea. .. Maybe we should just continue the way we are going. "

Smirking she wriggled her eyebrows suggestively: "It works you know... It works really well... Hey Jareth is like an eighth goblin right, doesn't that mean that he might be more fertile too?.."

The question was thrown out there in a casual fashion that it caught Sarah completely off guard. She hadn't thought about it in conjunction with her relationship with Jareth, being barren was just a part of her now. Something that she had forced herself to make peace with and then put behind her. But if Lilly was right, and Jareth was fertile as fuck, then he would be wondering why she was not pregnant yet. Shit she had to tell him, and sooner rather than later. Meeting Lilly's sympathetic gaze Sarah looked startled as she said: "I gotta tell him, like Now..."

"Yeah I think that would probably be best, you want me there for moral support? "

Moral support sounded good, but rising slowly Sarah still shook her head: "Naah I gotta do this alone. I gotta..."

"Sarah? ": Didymus voice ripped though the quiet air as he poked his head out through a window and called: "Sarah?, Jareth hath asked thee to join him in Lilly's roo... arh verily I doth mean the library. .."

Oh this did not bode well.

"Sure, I'll be right in 'kay...": Turning to Lilly, Sarah grinned trying and failing to hide the sudden shock of nerves that flared to life: "Well speaking of the devil, huh I better go see what he wants. "

"Yeah you better. .."

She didn't say it, but it was obvious to Sarah that Lilly was also considering whether Jareth could have overheard them using a crystal or some such. It seemed just too much of a coincidence for him to wanna talk to her somewhere private. But that didn't seem right, Jareth was not the peeping Tom type, and even if he had been watching their training, their conversation had been very implicit. Unless he already knew what they had been talking about there was no way he could have gleaned it from them there. Of course it being Jareth there was the very real chance that he was just out to get her alone and naked. Oh well there was only one way to be certain.

But on the unlikely event that it was indeed her fertility or lack thereof that he wanted to discuss, then she was ready to let him find a mistress. . Yeah that would be best, someone fertile who could give him heirs... It would break her heart but... Jareth deserved children. Hell for all she knew he might already have a minor army of bastards hidden away somewhere, that he hadn't had the courage to tell her about... Oh Hell.

The thought alone had her throat constricting in that long familiar way, that only came when thoughts of what she could never have, loomed full of self-pity. No! She would not let herself be pulled under by something that could not be changed. Stopping outside the door, she sighed as she pushed the self-pity down and slapped the lid back on her personal Pandora's box. She could be strong for him about this too. Besides who said it was about that anyway.

The door closed behind her with a dull thump, leaving her in the muffled silence that always filled any large paper filled spaces. A first she couldn't see anything but shadows in the dim light, then slowly the shadows became stacks of heavy tomes and piles of colourful scrolls. But there was no sign of Jareth..

"Jareth? You wanted to see me?"

Leaning back against the intricately carved wood Sarah held her breath as she watched the deep shadows for any sign of his whereabouts. Nothing!

"Jareth seriously I'm here, you called me so cut the bullshit!"

A faint rustling sound pulled her attention to her left, where Jareth walked slowly from the area that had been Lilly's en suite, that now housed a collection of books and scrolls, on the flora and fauna of the Labyrinth. Dark shades of grey and black swirled around his eyes like raven wings with the tips sweeping up towards his temples and his wild unbound hair.

Tangled locks of flaxen hair tumbled down around his shoulders like golden waves, giving Sarah an almost uncontrollable urge to run her fingers through it.

"Sarah we need to speak, there is something that I have been omitting to tell you. and it is... it is..."

His voice broke leaving him looking utterly defeated as he stood watching the floor in front of her, as if unable to meet her eyes.

"Okay well I got something I need to tell you too... I.. No you go first.."

Nodding gravely Jareth seemed to fold into himself as he wrapped his arms around himself causing his loose charcoal shirt to blend into the shadows surrounding him, giving the illusion that his head and hands were floating freely.

"There is no way to phase this delicately, and I do not know how to say this any other way... I can never give you a child... I am barren... And I am sorry that I withheld this from you, and I..."

He was barren, and he was convinced that he was robbing her of a child. And, hell nothing could be further from the truth. It was.. It was ludicrous that was what it was...

Laughter, wild and utterly inappropriate burst from her lips, as relief, disbelief and fear warred inside her. It was wrong to laugh and the shocked hurt expression on Jareth's face was a clear indication of that, yet Sarah couldn't stop it. It was just too much of a coincidence, too overwhelming. .. It was... well ridiculous. .. It was Stupid. .. It was... Just...

The laughter stopped, as suddenly as it had erupted, turning into helpless sobs, as Sarah slid down the door, to kneel on the floor with her face hidden in her hands. It was too much, as the ironclad dam, that had held her feelings about losing her ability to create life in check, crumbled and crashed down around her. Yeah she acted all accepting and cavalier about it, but truth was that she was far from accepting about it. Who would be... And then there was the flood of pent up fear, fear of how Jareth would react, fear of how their relationship would change... Fear, just so much fear... It had been a burden ever since the moment she had woken up alone and in pain, to the news that not only was her family dead but so was all hope of carrying on her father's legacy, and having her own family. And she felt that pain race through her again, the ghost of the hollow burning bolt that had rested low in her stomach for weeks after. Her hands moved without her even realizing it, to press against her abdomen as sob after sob rocked her suddenly cold body.

She had been so strong for so long, strong as she was left alone.

Strong as she relearned how to live in record time.

Strong as she settled her family's affairs, selling her childhood home and refuge.

Strong as she did what the world expected of her. Strong for herself and for Jareth... Strong... So Strong... And she had been ready to be strong again as she told Jareth that he could have children with someone else, so strong.

But now confusion tore down her walls letting all those emotions free in torrential flood, and she was unable to control herself as she was swept away by it.

"Sarah, Oh goddess. .. no.. Precious. . .It does not mean that you can not have children, take a lover if you must someone to give you strong children that we can..."

"I can't ": She sobbed, reaching out to take his hand as he knelt in front of her with a look of utterly vulnerable fear laced with uncertainty on his face. A look that was only made more heart achingly open by his markings, that had all but vanished leaving nothing but a bruised shade behind: "I could never. .."

" Yes": He interrupted:" Yes you could, just until you fell pregnant. . We could.."

" No Jareth": Gripping his hand with crushing force, Sarah barely registered as pain flickered through his eyes: "No I can't have children... The accident, it... They had to remove my uterus to save me. ... there is nothing left to heal. Nothing left to... "

"Oh precious Sarah I... I didn't know. .. I."

The warm safety of Jareth's arms encircled her trembling body, pulling her closer until she sat across his lap while he leaned against a bookcase, gently trying to dry her tears away with the dark silk of his loose sleeve. Clinging to his warmth, Sarah rested her cheek on his shoulder, letting his hands and soft words soothe her.

It was a subtle thing, and Sarah couldn't put her finger on it, but suddenly he felt solid beneath her, his arms like castle walls there to protect her. It was safe, and for the first time in an eternity it felt like she could finally stop being the strong one. For the first time since the death of her family Sarah allowed her defences to crumble completely and utterly, safe as she was in his strong embrace.

The world turned fuzzy as it narrowed down to just being held as she cried, her face burrowed into the curve of his neck, letting her breathe in the fresh and spicy scent that always seemed to envelope him. It felt more like home than anything she had ever felt before. More right as his arms tightened around her and he murmured softly into her hair: "Oh Precious we are better matched than we could have ever thought, are we not. Well it's not as big a deal as we have both made it out to be in our own little worlds of shame and seclusion... And in any case you are no longer alone. You don't have to be the one who is always strong, I am here now, and I am ready to be strong for you, I'm ready to be the man that I was meant to be, the man I have been too frightened to admit to."

His muscles rippled beneath the thin silk of his shirt as he slowly rose from the floor, holding her with an almost nonchalant ease.

"It is time we stop hiding from those who love us for those we are, they don't just need our strength. They need our honesty, even when we most wish to hide away from them. And you": Kissing the top of her head softly Jareth shifted her weight into a more secure position as he shouldered the door open: "My precious, you need to be with our family, our strange, broken and loyal family. "

He was right, she knew it, and she just didn't have it in her to protest, not with his commanding voice wrapping around her, lending her a strength that she had no idea where he found. But she was grateful as he carried her towards the great room and the soft murmur of three familiar voices.

They were all there standing in a cluster by the hearth, worry plain in their expressions, as they turned as one to watch the pair enter.

Jareth's voice sounded rough as he spoke into her hair: "It is not often that I say this, not near as often as I should...We need your strength, you are our family and we need you, we.."

"You need not say more Jareth, we know. Our Lilly hath spilled the beans so to speak, And we art here for thee."

Holding out his massive arms in a gesture that clearly invited them into their safety, Didymus smiled reassuringly: "Please have our strength, take our acceptance and let us be the support that thou needs."

Nodding wordlessly, Jareth stepped forward. Letting the huge fox wrap his arm around them and hold them both as if they were not but children. Letting his head fall forward Jareth sighed as his forehead came to rest on the massive cotton clad chest. There was strength in the embrace and letting his guards down, he allowed himself to feel their support as Lilly and Shiver joined in, creating a wall of love and acceptance that filled all inside with strength enough to carry on.

None of them really knew how long they stood like that, but after a while Lilly spoke in her usual irreverent way: "So this, and don't get me wrong I love a good needy hug fest as much as the next girl. But has all this been brought on by you two not being able to have kids of your own?"

Frowning in confusion Sarah nodded: "Yeah more or less."

"Okay and that is a problem because, what? You don't get the chance to adopt a kid who desperately needs a loving family? Hmm oh mighty protectors of the unwanted and wished away children. ..."

"Well when you put it that way, I can certainly see your point.": Smiling wryly Jareth rested his chin on top of Sarah's head: "Especially since I have already found my heir that way..."

Turning slightly in Jareth's tight embrace Sarah meet his warm tired gaze with eyes that shone with hope: "We could do that? "

"Yes why not we are the sovereign rulers of the realm, it is we who receive any child that is not reclaimed or otherwise reunited with their parents. It is we who decide who on the very long list of potential foster parents the child will go to.. In a sense we have first choice if you will. "

Curiosity coloured Lilly's tone a little lighter than normal as she asked: "So was that how you chose Shiver? You saw how handsome and strong he was ?"

A strangely melancholy light instantly flickered to life in both Jareth and Shivers eyes as they shared a look between them. A look that caused Shiver to break away from their tight cluster as if the closeness made it to much for him, and pulling Lilly with him he settled in his favourite corner of the couch coaxing Lilly to sit beside him as the others followed suit and settled in front of the roaring hearth.

Pulling five crystals from the air, Jareth let them roll over and around his hands in a dazzling display of dexterity before releasing each to float into the air and into the hands of the seated friend's: "No I did not choose Shiver because he was strong, quite the opposite actually. May I tell them? It is after all your tale..."

Shrugging Shiver tightened his hold on Lilly, pulling her tighter against him, so that he could rest his chin on her shoulder: "I remember only what you told me, so you might as well just tell it."

The crystals burst leaving them each holding a steaming mug of fragrant mulled wine. Taking a light sip, Jareth settled back into the couch corner letting Sarah curl up against him with her head on his chest as he gently rubbed her back: "Very well I will tell it then... It is some six hundred years since our Shiver wished himself away. And I shall never forget the tiny shivering boy who stood so proud despite the bruises and sores that covered him and the even smaller babe in his arms. I arrived in a courtyard that I by that time knew far too well, to find Shiver cornered by a crone whom I had had far too many dealings with already. It did not take a genius to figure out that the boy had seen her wish children away, and had become desperate enough to take such a precarious chance. For all he knew I could have been Lucifer himself, out to drag him to hell."

"Well obviously you were": Shiver quibbled from behind his mug: "And see what a hell you have carried my innocent child off to. My pure soul has been tainted beyond hope, ooh woe'eth me..."

Snorting in mock derision, Jareth rolled his eyes as he ignored Shiver's good natured taunt, and continued: "As I said, I might very well have been the devil. But he was willing to face even that possibility if it might save the life of the babe in his arms.."

"Verily Lord Shiver thy courage at such a tender age doth astound me, was the infant thy sibling?": Respect made the red furred fox's one eye gleam in the firelight: "Verily it was this courage that made thee chose this child amongst so many others. "

A soft look passed between Shiver and Jareth, clearly showing the depth of the bond between them. Before Jareth shook his head slightly: "Nay it was not his sibling, nor was it his courage, thought that too did endear him to me, no it was... Later once we had returned to the castle beyond the goblin city. We stood in the nursery and I was preparing to use magic to pry him away from the babe, so that the waiting wet nurse could feed him. When Shiver turned to me, looked me up and down, before stating with great conviction " you will care for the baby?" What could I answer but yes, and no sooner had I uttered the words. Than the he thrust the babe into my arms and collapsed. I honestly thought him dead, as I all but threw the babe at the nurse and went to pick up this brave little boy."

Sad warmth softened Jareth's face and made his melodic voice just a little hoarse as he met Shiver's shiny eye's.:" You were so emaciated and filled with wounds that wept pus, that I could ill imagine the horrors that you had seen..."

Clearing his throat, he hastily wiped tears from his eyes as he continued: "I brought him to Alderthorn, but he claimed that there was nothing to do but let nature take its course. And no matter how I begged or threatened I could not sway him. So I brought Shiver to my own room and there I tended him as best I could. Two weeks I sat by him, as fever ravaged his tiny form and nightmares his mind, I held his hand and soothed the terrors away. Two weeks where I waited for that last breath to steal away the child that I was slowly coming to think of as my own. But thank the blessed goddess it never came, and slowly his skin turned green though his eyes never really changed, and by the time the fever left him he was a small weak goblin boy. And goddess help me I know that I should have brought him to a family to be raised, as I had the tiny babe, but I could not let him go. And so he moved into his own room in the nursery and I found him a host of tutors and turned the throne room into a school for the children of the knights and servants living in the castle. And that made for some very interesting years, as I ruled from a classroom filled with rambunctious children... And yes in the beginning I kept trying to convince myself that I would find him a family, once I was certain that he was strong enough to leave me of course..."

Chuckling softly Jareth flashed Shiver a fond look as he shook his head: " But that was a lie, how could I when Shiver had so obviously chosen his home..."

"And his father ": Came the soft words from Shiver: "And so knowing that you can love a child that was dumped on your doorstep, so to speak, why is it so all consumingly important that you have one that shares your blood?"

Shrugging Jareth sighed as the tension and shadows of the last few hours leached from him, he said: "It isn't, it was arh I do not know, but it was foolish and, well I don't think I could give any of you a valid reason... What say you Sarah?"

Shrugging in a movement that mirrored Jareth's Sarah looked slightly sheepish, and pale swirling lines of peach and white curled around her eyes as she said: "Yeah well for me it was more something about not being a real woman if I couldn't give birth to life... "

"Wait what? ": Shooting upright nearly head-butting Shiver, Lilly stared at Sarah in open and very stunned disbelief: "You can't give birth to life! So this, world that you sang forth is not life? Sure that makes sense. A few million animal souls and a fully functioning planet. Nope you are barren girl!"

"Yeah": Embarrassment, coloured her face a bright beet red as Sarah nodded: "I guess going through birth pales a little compared to that. Okay I may have been a little blind on the whole fertility issue. .."

"You think? Hell you are like fucking mother earth, without the weight problem": Sitting up straight, Lilly rolled her eyes in exasperation: "Look don't get me wrong I do see why you would like to go through the whole growing huge, having backaches and throwing up every morning thing to get a child. But that's not gonna happen okay, instead you get to create a planet for the inhabitants of the Labyrinth to live on and you get to save the lives of thousands if not millions of children who would have died otherwise. Don't you think that that is a fair trade? I sure as hell do."

What could she say to that, sharing a soft slightly embarrassed look, that quickly turned into a warm giggle Sarah said: "Yeah, you're right. It is a fair trade. .. Besides you guys are more than ample proof that blood does no make a family."

Sitting up straight, Sarah reached out taking Lilly's hand as she spoke with sincere warmth in her voice: "Thanks guys for being here when we have meltdowns over stupid things, and for just listening to our word vomit. Just you know don't ever change. "

It was Didymus who spoke first as he leaned forward in his chair and rested an enormous paw/hand on Jareth's shoulder, nearly swallowing it up: "Knoweth this, we shall ever be by thy side should you need us. Even if it is for no reason at all. "

Reaching up Jareth smiled as he patted the huge hand/paw affectionately: "Thank you my friend, I shall endeavour to remember this better in the future. But know that after a life of being utterly alone with my emotions, it may take time before I become proficient in asking for the support that I need. "

Nodding Didymus said nothing, but his expression showed that he understood...

. ... .

It seemed as if spring had erupted all around them the moment that Sarah and Jareth had come to terms with their fertility issues. And now three weeks later Shiver and Jareth were sweating under a punishing sun as they crept slowly through the thick underbrush of the now lush and bright green forest. Gripping his worn crossbow in a sweaty hand, Jareth wished for the goddess knew what time that he had chosen to wear a lighter armour, than the heavy mottled twin of his black armour. But the weather had seemed far more temperate when they had set out that morning, in what had been perfect weather for hunting. Casting a malicious glance up at the bright blue sky, Jareth sighed darkly as he resigned himself to the fact that they would return without prey to show for their hours of sweaty effort.

Holding up a closed fist, Jareth signaled for Shiver to stop his slow advance and join him as he headed towards a tall shade giving willow, which like every willow that they had seen until now had shed its winter foliage of pale silver and white bark and light aqua leaves, in favour of a warm red gold bark, soft green leaf buds and small clusters of blush blooms.

Flopping unceremoniously to the ground, Jareth dropped his crossbow and conjured a water skin filled with cool spring water, drinking deeply.

"Goddess above this is not hunting weather... Well not ground hunting anyways. "

Landing in a sweaty heap beside his father, Shiver snatched the water skin from Jareth and poured the cool liquid as much into his mouth as onto his face, and down the front of his hunter leathers: "Oh sweet heaven that was refreshing.. "

Rolling onto his back Jareth stretched out in the soft green grass and let his eyes follow the faintly luminescent clouds that dotted the sky. Shiver was right this was perfect weather for aerial hunting. If only...

Holding his left hand up in front of his face he might seem to just be shading his eyes from the glare of the sky. But the slight knowing narrowing of Shiver's eye's plainly showed that he knew exactly what Jareth as thinking. Because it was the same thing that he had been wondering for the last few weeks.

If Jareth were to transform into his barn owl shape, would the prosthetic arm transform with him, and even if it did would it function properly allowing him to fly... There was only one way to answer those questions, and Shiver fully understood why Jareth was hesitant to try. But nonetheless it remained the last hurdle he needed to conquer before their return to the Labyrinth. Arh well there was no shame in putting a little pressure on him to get things moving.

Pulling his jacket open Shiver folded his long legs into a loose lotus position and leaned back on his elbows: "Soo have you tried to stretch your wings yet? Does it work as well as the old one? "

The heavy sigh escaping Jareth as he let his eyes fall shut said it all.

Seizing the opportunity, Shiver push just a little further: "So are you going to try or are you going to stay grounded always wondering, whether you could sweep through the sky on silent wings? "

Leaning towards him Shiver gestured to the perfect sky where pale ghostly bands of aurora borealis moved behind the clouds, in echoes of the bright night sky: "Don't you want to float through that sky? See these trees from above? Don't you want to feel the freedom of piercing the sky ?"

"Yes, Goddess, yes I do want to hurtle through the eternity of the open sky... And yes I want to ride the turbulent winds that rule those mountains behind the lodge... I love the thought that I might just let my body melt and take to the sky, free and unencumbered... "

Sitting up Jareth nailed Shiver to the ground with the weight of his gaze and all the emotions that swirled behind his bicoloured eyes, the sight made almost unbearable by the fact that his marking had actually faded completely away leaving him naked: "And that is the core of my hesitation, because as long as I do not try then I still have that glorious, what if. But if I try and my arm does not transform or it does not function as it should then I know for certain and I will have to face the horrible truth that the sky will be lost to me. Not only that but a part of me will be lost.. So you see. I am not certain that I am ready to lose that, what if "yet."

Yes Shiver did understand, but still Jareth would have to find out sooner or later.

"Sure I understand father but, still would it not be better to know? To be certain? Because if it works then you can reclaim the sky and not only that, you may reclaim it together with the love of your life... Would you not want that? To soar free and proud by her side? To share the thrill of the hunt with her? "

"Yes ": Jareth whispered in a voice the was drowning in longing: "Yes I want that... "

Pushing up from the ground, Shiver unfolded himself like a great cat, to stand looming over his father with an outstretched hand: "Then come, let us retake the sky."

It took a few seconds for Jareth to work up the courage to clasp the offered hand and let him be pulled to his feet, but once he stood there he felt a new determination ripple through him. A determination that had him nodding as he released Shiver's hand.

His breath hitched as he took two steps away from the shade of the willow and Shiver. Turning his face into the light he whispered fervently: "As the goddess wills so will it be."

It was like pulling on an old familiar coat as he let his form melt in a flurry of feathers.

The brightness of day seared into his large mismatched eyes. It burned but he barely noticed it as he stretched wings that felt...

Slanting his head Jareth blinked rapidly as he watched the left wing flex slowly, the muscles and tendons flexing and moving like they had never been severed. Even the feathers looked similar, the only real difference being warm gold markings that followed a twisting band like the one on his hand.

It felt no different from the million and one other times that he had become the pale barn owl that he was now, and as always he was filled with an overwhelming need to soar free. His eyes had already adjusted to the light, and his soul thrummed with the call of the open sky, as his wings spread on their own accord, launching him into the blue eternity with one strong stoke of his powerful muscles.

A cry of pure joy boiled up through his throat and out through his wicked deadly beak as the cool air embraced him like a long lost lover. The thrill of flight engulfed him and the wind lifted him ever higher, until he wheeled and dove through a sky that had no limits. It worked his heart screamed, it worked and you are free.. truly free.

The wind ruffled his feathers as he spiralled down towards the tree where Shiver stood waiting with a triumphant grin on his face.

Gliding in he transformed mid movement, taking two running steps as he came to a halt in front of Shiver. Bowing slightly he shot the now grinning goblin a wicked smirk: "I assume that you will want to tell me, that you knew it would work, and that I was foolish in letting my fear keep me from the sky for so long..."

Shrugging Shiver spoke in a teasingly casual tone: "Well you do phrase it so eloquently, there really isn't anything more for me to say... Is there?"

"No ":Jareth drawled: "There is not, now let's quit wasting daylight and take to the sky, if we hurry we might catch a few of those rabbit looking things that live in the fields by the waterfall."

The teasing light in Shivers bright green eyes turned predatory as he licked his wide thin lips as if he could already taste the small fast rodents pale blue blood on his tongue: "To the sky then..."

They both transformed in a glittering flurry of feathers and movement. One moment they were tall muscular humanoids and the next two large birds of prey sped towards the serene sky accompanied by loud piercing screeches of happiness.

The pale owl flying wing by wing with a common European buzzard, as they hurtled towards the habitats of their intended prey.

. . . . .

The Spring day had slowly given way to a spring evening, and though still far from the icy cold of winter, it was far from warm as the sky turned dark purple, and bands of radiant colour flowed like oil on water behind the brilliant pink, orange and dark grey clouds. Running his fingers gently over the strings of his half-moon shaped guitar, thrumming a quiet melody Didymus smiled as he watched the splendour of the sky. It had been a magnificent day and it was promising to turn into an equally magnificent night.

"Yo Didymus have you seen Shiver and Jareth? "

Surprise made him strike four strings at once sending out a tortured ploinking sound as he spun to met Lilly's wide and very satisfied grin. Letting the instrument rest abandoned in his lap, Didymus pressed his paw-hands against his furiously pounding heart as he panted: "Verily young lady, thou shall be the death of me! "

Laughter almost disguised the heavy note of worry as she spoke: "Yeah sorry about that it actually wasn't on purpose this time.. But really have you heard anything from them? Cause I'm really getting worried. "

"Worried my love why would you be worried? We are both competent hunters. "

This time it was Lilly's turn to jump out of her skin as two relaxed, smiling and completely grime encrusted men erupted in a cloud of feathers and sparkling dust. Each holding two... well Didymus assumed that they had once been living examples of the half rabbit, half iguana creatures that populated the meadow by the coastal waterfall, where the river cascaded into the ocean. But the state of the mauled bodies made it hard to be certain made it hard to be certain.

"My lords hath thee had a gratifying hunt? "

Winking at his filthy son, Jareth slung his catch over his shoulder with one hand and snatched Shivers with the other as he moved past him and towards the door: "I would say so, but you will have to excuse me, I am in dire need of a bath, and" : Giving Shiver an exaggerated sniff, Jareth scrunched up his face as he continued in an amused drawl: "And I would say that you are as well... Dire. Need. "

Sticking his tongue out in an exceedingly childish gesture, at the comment, Shiver snapped: "I would not be in this state if a certain owl had been able to contain his bloodlust. Hmm If you had had any self restraint then we would have had more than just four butchered carcasses. "

Shrugging noncommittally Jareth seemed anything but sorry as he shouldered the door open: "You just thank the goddess that I had the self restraint not to go hunting insolent buzzards hm.. "

The door closed behind him cutting of Shiver's no doubt scathing comeback, and plunging him into the soft homey silence of the lodge. And he could feel his entire body relax, in a way that until a few months ago was something he only experienced in Morgaine's private chamber's, or in the dreams he had shared with Sarah's soul. Tossing the mauled remains onto the pristine kitchen counter, Jareth felt a sudden burst of grim satisfaction as the blood and fluids of the beasts leaked out in large gelatinous globs that stained everything a quickly greying light blue.

Shiver had been right, the lust for blood and killing had taken over as he had ripped creature after creature apart revelling in their high pitched screeching. For a few scary seconds he had almost lost himself in the cathartic violence of it all. And had Shiver's buzzard form not been the faster bird, then he might very well have been lying in a bloody heap out there in the gathering darkness. Turning from the pile of broken death, Jareth sighed and worked his shoulders as he tried to release the tension that had come as a result of his haunting thoughts. But it was in vain. Not that it really mattered, because just behind the door in front him, there was an en suite with a huge tub, filled with scalding hot water and rich scented oils that would seep into his skin and loosen his muscles.

Pushing said door open, Jareth headed straight to the bathroom, making candles flare to life with tiny bursts of magic as he went. Stretching languidly he let tendrils of magic open the taps and begin to fill the huge tub, as he slowly began removing his hunting armour. Removing any armour on your own was always a slow and laborious process, and though this armour had been designed with unassisted removal in mind it was still a process that took just over thirty minutes. But the relief as he finally shed the last blood drenched layer to stand naked in the warmth of room was immense. And this time as he rolled his shoulders there was little tension.

Padding into the bathroom sighed contently as he looked at himself in the wall sized mirror. Gone was the thin emaciated husk that who had looked back at him for too long, and in its place he now saw himself again. He had always been slender and willowy, and that had not changed. But now he once more possessed a warriors powerful body. Wiry muscles moved beneath pale skin, that to a mortal would have seemed unblemished, but to him the scars were still there, and they always would be. Faded yes, but there. Holding out his right arm, Jareth let his fingers trace the nearly invisible scar that twisted from his wrist and up to his shoulder. It had been a third degree iron burn, made by a chain wrapped around his limb and then tightened until the bones had shattered in an explosion of knife edged agony. Ghostly pain wafted across his skin, raising goose bumps in its wake. The memory was still fresh, and he suspected that it would never truly leave him, but now it was just a memory. Nothing more, it had lost its power over him as he had shed his fey form and become the free and powerful predator once more.

He had healed and faster than he had ever imagined possible those short months ago. But here he was, whole and stronger both physically and mentally than he had been in years. It had been hard getting to this point, there was no denying that. Yet seeing the result there was nothing he would change, well almost nothing. Running his fingers up through his hair, Jareth winced as they caught in the massive tangles in his hair. He had started the hunt with it in a braid, but somewhere along the way it had come undone and now it was a mess of knots, branches and leafs. Something had to be done because his hair was simply too unruly to be this long.

Using magic he had the debris and knots sorted in a matter of seconds, leaving a mane of thick flaxen hair that fell all the way to his waist in a straight curtain. It looked far too feminine for his taste, well as feminine as it could look draped over a body that was lean muscles, strengthen by hours of trekking through a thick forest or hacking away at two of the best warriors of the underground in the field of woe. So the feminine was debatable, but his desire to cut it was not, and without further hesitation he called in a razor bladed dagger. Gripping about half his hair and pulling it over his shoulder Jareth sliced through it. Two cuts later he nodded in approval as he looked at the result. It was still long hitting him just below his shoulders, but the loss of length let the remaining hair move more freely, and regain just enough of its former airiness for it to look like feathers again. Vanishing the dagger Jareth ran his fingers through his hair, ruffling it before letting it settle on it's own showing that the cuts had left it in dishevelled layers, reminiscent of the eighties mullet that Sarah's magic had forced him to wear, but far more uniform and much less attention needing. All things considered he was rather pleased, as he turned his attention towards the still steaming tub. Unlike the one in the castle, this one wasn't sunken, but raised up on what looked like lion paws. Easing himself into the hot water, Jareth sighed as he leaned back against the marble tubs smooth side and rested his neck on its rounded copper edge, letting the heat soak into his tired muscles.

This was heaven, or as close it as he was getting while not floating through the crystal blue sky on wings that he had feared lost to him. Holding his breath he closed his eyes, and plunged under the bubble covered surface, scrubbing at the nearly dried ichor and blood covering him.

It took some scrubbing but once he was clean again, he simple floated in the tub with just enough of his face over water to not drown, enjoying the waterborne silence. But like most things it did not last, as a small vicious hand materialized above him pushing him down in a sudden and very cruel attack.

A full dozen curses vile enough to make even the most hardened goblin marauder blush, spurted from Jareth as he emerged from the soapy death trap, that had been his bath just seconds ago, hacking and spitting in an effort to expel the perfumed water from his mouth before he could inhale it.

"Thrice damned harlot! Are you out to kill me? Could you not find a more insidious way of murder than drowning me? Goddess's wrath woman...!"

"You flew! You flew and you didn't tell me! What did you expect! "

Happiness, open and honest beamed down at him as Sarah perched on the edge of the tub, and reached out to run her fingers through his waterlogged hair: "Oh You cut it, it's a little rough, but it looks good."

Cupping his chin she leaned in and placed a loving kiss on his lips, before pulling back: "So the wing works, and you got carried away with the bloodlust.. Is that about right."

Letting himself slide back into the warm embrace of the water, Jareth nodded absently: "Yes that is what happened."

"Good... now get out of the tub there's something I wanna show you. "

Creeping an eye open, Jareth looked exceedingly annoyed as he grumbled: "Really it cannot wait for me to finish my bath in a proper manner? It has been a long day, and..."

"Yeah well it's about to become longer.. Come on."

Gripping his hand, Sarah laughed at his resignation tinged with amused annoyance, as he let her pull him from the water, into the dry heat of their bedroom, with only token resistance. Stopping in the middle of the room, Sarah turned to face him. Pausing only long enough to take in just how much the new haircut emphasized the width of his shoulders, and general leanness of his strong body. Letting go of his hand, Sarah smiled as she stepped back. Power illuminated her from within, as she wrapped her arms around herself and fell inwards in a sudden burst of ebony feathers, glittering silver white and deep emerald dust.

The screech of a barn owl filled the room as the magic receded, leaving an ebony feathered owl with bicoloured eye's of silver grey and bright emerald. Blinking up at him the bird slanted it's head as if curious about his reaction. And he did react.

Shock, joy and a hundred different emotions raced through him. She had wings, and the form of an owl, a black owl a perfect mate for his pale one. And most importantly of all she could fly with him through the night sky, sharing one of the most important aspect of his life. She could share his freedom and his sanctuary.

Elation, pure and perfect rippled through him as his body shrank and morphed in an explosion of pale feathers and glittering dust.

The panoramic window flew open as twin shapes sped out into the cold night air.

. .,. .

The pale grey ghost of dawn light washed over them as they lay entwined and naked on the furs on their secret ledge. Sweat glistened like flaming crystals on their moon kissed skin as the sunless light caught in the droplets. Resting her head on his slowly moving chest, Sarah felt more content than she ever had before. She had waited to show him, afraid of his reaction if it had turned out that the freedom of flight had been lost to him. If she had stolen his wings just as she had found her own. But now that fear was gone, and running her fingertips gently down the centreline of his torso, Sarah sighed contently as the slight touch had him moaning and tightening his arms around her.

"Hmm you are insatiable precious, did I not just ravish you three times? "

"Hmm yeah but one was in owl form, and I'm sorry but the neck biting didn't do much for me.."

"Arh well you did lose the bet.."

"Yeah I did, and I am not complaining, just making a comment."

"Hmm, Very well but you must admit that it was a novel experience. "

Grinning softly Sarah said: "That it was. Now the sun is coming up and frisky as I may feel, I am also exhausted and aching in places I have never ached before. So I really want to sleep now, is that okay?"

Relief interlaced the mockingly resigned tone of his words as he pulled the furs tighter around her: "Well if I have already lost my allure, then I will have to resign myself to being your pillow. . Oh how I have fallen. ."

Shoving him half-heartedly in the ribs, Sarah grinned: "Yeah well you are not a very good pillow with all your jabbering, now shush and go to sleep."

Yawning widely he simply nodded as the light washed over them, painting the morning a warm gold.