A/N: I'm so sorry that this is so late. Rehearsals for Brigadoon have ramped up and I haven't had much time to myself to get this written. Thanks to all who continue to read and enjoy this story. I'm really glad to be able to entertain so many people. Special thanks go to Dark-Assassin92, pixiechick13567, LittleMargarita, EmeraldAnne, wedimagineer, TheraSerenity, DarkDreamer1982, Full-Empty-Spirit, Fangirl, Xsaris, EmeraldRomance, xAnamolicXInfectionx, hazlgrnLizzy, seniastardust, I'Like'Cheetos, chichi89, xAngel-Of-The-Operax, and Nani2san for their most awesome reviews. Thanks to Xsaris and seniastardust for inspiring me to come up with the idea I used near the end. I know it's not an outburst, per say, but I'm warming up to a spectacular one down the road (*hints* to TheraSerenity). As always, reviews make me happy and happy people update faster.

Disclaimer: I tried to conjure up a crystal to prove that I, indeed, owned it all. Unfortunately, I have no power over the Labyrinth's creation or its creators.


Sarah sat in her room, thinking about everything Raghnall had told her. Out of all her suitors, she felt that Pryderi would probably take the news the best. She really didn't think he had any feelings for her other than friendship, which would be perfect since that's all she felt as well. Gough would be more difficult, but not impossible. She knew that, as a King, he would not want to appear weak. Asking him to step aside for one of her other suitors would be very hard for him to do and save face. Maybe she could get him to think it was his idea. That way, he would appear strong and she would still be able to get out of the courtship. Sarah was still pondering this plan when Allison stepped into the room.

"Sarah, you aren't even ready yet," Allie said impatiently.

Sarah looked at the clock and flinched. It was almost time for them to leave for their swimming excursion. She hurried around the room, gathering the things she would need. She undressed quickly and threw on her bathing suit. She and Allie weren't sure what would be appropriate swimming apparel in the Underground. Allie had asked Fagan, but he had said that they should wear whatever they would be most comfortable in. She had told him what they wore in the Aboveground and he had conjured up two swimsuits for the women. Sarah had seen the look of interest on his face when they had told him what they wanted. His smirk made her suspicious. She decided it wasn't worth her trouble to continue to dwell on it.

After putting on her swimsuit, she threw a simple muslin dress over it. She ran over to the bathroom and grabbed a towel. She grabbed a bag and threw the towel, a pair of sunglasses, and sun block into it. She wasn't sure if she'd need the sun block, but she wasn't going to take any chances. Her fair skin burned far too easily.

Sarah had just finished up when Fagan came to escort them to the Falls. He transported them to the beautiful lake near the Falls and both girls gasped with delight. It was a most beautiful place. The water was crystal clear and looked so inviting. Trees flanked the lake on most sides, except for an area of rocks that created a waterfall from a small stream on the east side of the lake. Sarah and Allie saw the four suitors waiting for them on an open grassy area near the west side of the lake. They waved and began making their way down to them.

The first thing Sarah noticed when she made her way to her men was that they were all shirtless. She blushed heavily, but found she could not turn away. They were all beautiful specimen of men. Each of them was a little different from the next, but they were all simply gorgeous. Liam's chest was covered with dark hair and Sarah's mind automatically thought about what it would be like to touch it. This only increased her blush. Jareth's chest was smooth, but not entirely hair-free. The little bit of blond hair he had went from his chest and dipped into his short trousers. That thought made her think of what might lie beneath those tight breeches, which made her heart begin to race. Pryderi's chest was smooth, yet muscular. He seemed very strong and she ached to trace her fingers over his tight pecs. 'Stop it Sarah,' she admonished herself. Why was she even thinking about that when she didn't even like him in that way? Her hormones must be working overtime right about now. Finally, she stole a glance to Gough. He was very fair with freckles, but under his skin laid a solid wall of muscle. It was enough to make her drool.

After saying their pleasantries, Sarah and Allie slipped behind a tree to undress. The men watched them leave and settled into an innocuous conversation about the weather. Jareth hadn't been swimming in ages. It was something that he and Fagan had done many times when he was a child, but he hadn't really done so since becoming King. Too many responsibilities or something like that. Being with Sarah made him feel young again. Looking around him, he could see that he wasn't the only one. She seemed to have the same affect on all of them. He looked down at his own white legs. When was the last time he wore short trousers? He couldn't remember. It felt strange and wonderful to be barefoot in the grass near a tranquil lake with a beautiful woman. He frowned, looking at his rivals. He just wished he could enjoy this moment without company.

Sarah and Allison stepped shyly away from the tree. Allison chose a black one-piece swimsuit with cut away panels on her sides. She thought it made her look slimmer. Sarah had laughed at her explanation. She knew that Allie was just shy and the thought of showing off her skin made her turn red with embarrassment. Sarah knew she couldn't really say anything. Her swimsuit was a purple tankini and only showed a bare minimum of skin around her midriff. It flattered her body, but was tasteful. Just the look Sarah was going for.

From the looks of the men, Sarah could tell that they liked what they saw. Jareth's mouth was turned up into a devilish smirk. Liam stared at her with his mouth slightly ajar. Pryderi had a smile on his face. Gough grinned lecherously as his eyes raked over her from head to toe. Fagan was staring at Allie with a grin on his handsome face. The two women looked at each other and walked over to the lake. They dipped a toe in and found it to be a very pleasant temperature.

"Last one in is a bog bubble," Sarah said to Allie as she walked into the water.

"Sarah Lynn Williams," Allie complained as she entered the cool water. "You did not even give me a chance this time. So not fair!"

"Nope, but that's the way it is," Sarah said, swimming away.

"Thank you Professor Williams," Allie replied sardonically. She turned towards the shore and noticed the men had started to follow them as they made their way to the lake.

Sarah was half-way across the lake before the first man made his way into the water. She was swimming at a fairly good pace and thoroughly enjoyed herself. That is, she was enjoying herself until she slammed into something firm, yet wielding. Strong arms wrapped themselves around her. She looked up to see the grinning face of the Goblin King as he looked down at her.

"Going somewhere, precious?" he asked.

"You're such a cheater," Sarah admonished. "You're supposed to swim, not transport yourself around the lake."

Jareth laughed at that, but didn't relinquish his hold on her. He looked around and saw his cousin glaring at him from across the lake. In an instant, he had transported them both to a hidden cavern behind the waterfall.

"Trying for subtlety are we?" Sarah quipped.

Instead of answering her, he bent down and claimed her lips with his own. She closed her eyes and her hands went from his chest to around his neck. She stroked the soft skin of the back of his neck with her fingertips. He bit her bottom lip, demanding entry to the soft contours of his mouth. She granted him admission and their tongues met. His hands found the hem of her tank and slipped underneath, caressing the smooth skin of her back. His fingers traced her spine, sending shivers of pleasure to her core. He slipped his mouth from hers and began planting kisses on her neck. She moaned and tilted her head back, granting him greater access to the soft flesh of her neck. He could taste fresh lake water and a flavor that was all Sarah. She tasted of honey and springtime. So fresh and sweet.

After a moment, Sarah broke away from him. Breathlessly, she said, "we need to get back before they send a search party after us."

A fleeting look of irritation passed through his eyes before Jareth nodded in agreement. He transported them back to the middle of the lake. She moved away from him and swam to the group. Fagan was telling a story and the men were laughing, while Allie seemed to be blushing.

"Hey Sar," Allie said, swimming to meet her friend.

"Hey," Sarah replied. "Having fun?"

"I could be asking you that," Allie said with a smirk.

Sarah squealed as she felt someone's head move between her legs. She was hauled out of the water on broad shoulders. Looking down, she saw the red-haired Gough beneath her. She wiggled, trying to get back into the water. Gough held tight to her legs, refusing to let her get free.

"Water wrestling," Allie cried, giggling. She swam over to Fagan, who put her on his shoulders. He wandered over to Sarah and Gough and the two girls wrestled, trying to knock the other into the water. After a good struggle, Sarah managed to dislodge Allie from Fagan's shoulders and into the water she went. After a victory cry, Sarah began to laugh and pump her fists in the air.

"Sarah-1, Allie-zip," she said.

"Rematch," Allie replied. She climbed back on Fagan's shoulders and they played their game again. This time Sarah was bested. Allie did a little wiggling victory dance holding up her two index fingers in the air. Sarah laughed, coming up from the water and pushing her hair back from her face.

"Score is tied, care to try again?" Sarah shouted.

Fagan whispered something in Allison's ear. "Think I'm gonna pass Sar," Allie replied. The couple swam away, leaving Sarah with her four suitors.

'Well, this is awkward,' thought Sarah. She tried to decide what she could do with four men without allowing her mind to travel to the gutter, where it so wanted to go. For a while, they all chatted. Each of the men tried to garner her favor.

"Anyone up for a race?" Sarah said, finally.

The men all decided that would be a good idea. Liam suggested they give Sarah a head start, but she wouldn't hear of it. She was nothing, if not fair-minded. Just because she was a woman, didn't mean she wasn't strong. Pryderi declined the race because he didn't want to get his hair wet. He said he'd be the referee.

"On your marks. Get set. Go!" he counted off.

The four of them took off swimming for the Northern shore at a fast clip. Sarah reminded herself that slow and steady won the race. She kept a stable pace in a strong breast stroke. It wasn't long before she fell behind, but she kept going. Gough led the crew, followed close behind by Liam and Jareth. Gough reached the other shore and then turned around to begin swimming back. Sarah watched him pass her, but continued on her way. Halfway through her return, she began to use her reserve energy to swim faster. The men had forgotten about her bringing up the rear, so they didn't pay attention until she swam past them towards the shore. By the time they realized that she was no longer behind them, it was too late. She came in second, right behind Gough. Sarah climbed out of the water and did a little victory dance on the shore.

"Bested again," Jareth remarked, smirking.

"What happened?" Allie asked, suddenly appearing with Fagan on the shore.

"I came in second in our race. Pretty good for a girl don't ya think?" she asked sardonically. Allie gave her a high five and they walked towards the grassy clearing near the lake. The men watched them go and began to follow behind. It was getting late and stomachs were beginning to growl.

Fagan conjured up a blanket and everything they would need for a picnic. Liam helped Sarah take a seat and then sat down next to her. Pryderi waved his hand and everyone was instantly dry. Sarah looked at him with gratitude and amusement. The others took their places around her and began to eat happily.

Sarah was reminded of one of her favorite parts from the novel she first read the summer she turned seventeen. She pretended she was Scarlett O'Hara, surrounded by beaus at the Twelve Oaks plantation owned by the Wilkes'. In a manner of speaking, the scene did look quite a bit like that. Her "beaus" fought for position by her side as she ate and made pleasant conversation, sometimes even teasing the men. However, unlike Katie Scarlett, Sarah Lynn was much less self-absorbed and really did care about the feelings of her suitors. She tried to be fair in her attention so as not to play favorites.

The seven of them ate together and chatted for over two hours. The sun was beginning to set when Fagan stood and began the process of clearing away the evidence of their meal. Liam helped her stand and bent down to brush her cheek with his lips. She smiled and blushed, remembering her state of undress. Excusing herself, she went back behind the tree to get dressed with Allie.

"Would you care to take a walk around the lake with me, Lad

y Sarah?" Liam asked nervously.

"That sounds nice, let me say goodbye to everyone before we go," she replied. She announced her departure and thanked everyone for the lovely time. With a kiss to each proffered cheek, she bid her suitors adieu. She watched as, one-by-one, they disappeared to their prospective Kingdoms. Allie and Sarah hugged and made promises to talk later. With that, Fagan and Allie returned to the Fairy Kingdom.

Liam held out his hand and Sarah took it. For many minutes, they walked in silence and simply enjoyed each other's company. They skipped rocks across the lake and Liam picked a wildflower for Sarah. She promptly tucked it behind her ear.

"Tell me about yourself," Sarah requested, finally breaking the silence.

"What would you like to know?" Liam asked.

"Let's start with where you grew up," Sarah suggested.

"I grew up in a neighboring Kingdom," Liam began. "My mother is the Nymph Queen."

"Sounds interesting," Sarah replied. "What's your family like?"

"Well, you already know my uncle and cousins on my mother's side," he said. "I spent many days in the High Castle playing with those two. I didn't have any brothers to play with and so they became surrogate brothers to me, I guess you could say. I have two sisters and they are both younger than me. One of them is getting married soon, but the other is too young to start thinking of such things. My father joined the Underworld several years ago. I visit him as often as I can."

Sarah's eyes grew large. This was fascinating to her. "You can still see your father?" she asked.

"Yes," Liam acknowledged. "Death is different here than in the mortal realm. Here, one either passes when they feel that they are ready and have no more unfinished business, are killed in battles both large and small, or when they are called by the Underworld itself. Like most areas in the realm, including the Labyrinth, it is sentient and will call upon the Fae when they are needed."

"Wow!" Sarah exclaimed. "So you actually go into the Underworld to see him?"

"Yes, my Lady," Liam replied. "There are several times a year when the veils between the worlds become thin. These same times are the most likely times when a Fae will enter the Aboveground. Not all of us have the kind of power to be able to cross worlds on a whim."

Sarah looked at the dwindling light and sighed. "We ought to be getting back soon," she said.

"Before we return, may I ask you a question?" Liam asked.

"Ok," Sarah replied, turning to face him.

"Would you care to join me tomorrow evening for a night at the theatre?" Liam asked.

"That sounds like a lot of fun," Sarah replied. "I'd love to go."

Liam's face lit up with happiness. He stepped forward and put his arm around her waist. Sarah's arms slid around his neck. Their lips met together in a perfect minuet. His tongue slid over her bottom lip, requesting access to her mouth. Her lips parted and he entered her mouth, savoring the flavors within. Her hands twisted in his hair, feeling the varying lengths and running them between her fingers. Breaking from her mouth, he began to place soft kisses on her cheeks, her forehead, and over her closed eyes. Sarah felt so comforted in his embrace. She placed her head on his chest, resting right beneath his chin. Her arms came around his shoulders, holding him tightly to her. They stayed in the embrace for what felt like a lifetime. Neither one wanted to release the other.

Sarah, becoming conscious of the time, reluctantly stepped away from Liam. He took her hand in his and gave it a chaste kiss. With a wave of his hand, he transported them at the door to her chambers. They shared one more gentle kiss before finally parting with the promise to meet again the next evening. Standing alone in the hallway, she turned to enter her room only to be startled by a voice behind her.

"Lady Sarah"

"Why you not with Kingy?"

"Why you make kiss kiss with Kingy cousin?"

"Don't you like us anymore?"

"Don't you want be Queen?"

Sarah looked at her five friends and was surprised at the guilt she felt. "Of course I like you," she said. "You're my friends aren't you." They all nodded in unison. "Well then, you should know that I will like you no matter what. I'm not sure yet what I want. That's something that I will have to work out on my own. It's nothing you should worry about. If it's meant to be, then it will happen. That's what my mother always told me. Now I need to get to bed. It's been an incredibly long day. I promise you that I'll play a game with you tomorrow."

The five goblins smiled their cute goblin smiles at her and went off to make mischief. Sarah sighed and went in to face another interrogation by Allison. Why her love life had become such fodder for the entertainment of others, she'd never know.


Jareth sat on the shore of the lake, trying to rein in his emotions. He hadn't left when the others did. Instead, he concealed himself behind a tree and watched as Liam and Sarah took their walk by the lake. He was doing alright until Liam pulled Sarah in for that kiss. After that, his brain became a hazy cloud of rage, jealousy, and despair. How dare his cousin touch what was his? There was no way he could love Sarah as much as Jareth did. He cursed his cousin's name a few more time before continuing to ponder this latest development. Fagan's words came back to him. He needed to fight for the Lady. A woman who could be won easily wasn't the woman for him. Didn't he learn that when she ran the Labyrinth? Jareth spent another hour before a neat plan formulated within his head. He transported back to the Goblin Castle to make arrangements to put his plan in motion. He would win in the end or die trying.