Chapter Six

Birds of a feather

The spiral in the center of the circle glowed with energy, and then became calm. Morganna turned to Oberon and her face was filled with fury. "My Lord! What have you done?" her voice was not respectful as she stood quivering with rage.

Oberon looked at the gathered dignitaries, "Who among you has not thought that I have been too lenient with the Childe Jareth?" Guilty eyes refused to meet the Fae King's accusing gaze. "All of you have voiced a complaint, or an objection of some sort, to something that rash young fool has done. Not one of you, including you, my Lady Morganna, can deny that. Yet does one of you praise what he has done right? No!" Oberon entered the now dormant spiral. Demonstratively he moved with in the corkscrew design. "He is rash! Granted. He is arrogant, and he is prideful. To be sure! Nevertheless, he is also a king who rules over the goblin race with a fair and firm hand! He is the first King to control the Labyrinth! He is the first King of our appointment to hold sway over the Goblins. So, I do tend to over look some of his childish high jinks. Can any of you deny that he is a good and just king? Or that he had carried the mantel of his appointment with grace and forbearance? He alone took up the kingship of the Goblin Race. He accepted the responsibility for gathering the unwanted, and has done his task without one complaint. Without one objection, grievance, criticism or protests mind you." The Fae King saw the faces of his court. "None of you wanted the task! Not that I blame any of you."

Oberon crossed his arms and glared. "To be labeled thief in the night. That is the mantel he has borne. And borne it with dignity the boy has, and boy he still is. So yes, I have often over looked his brash ways his ill manners and his covetousness." He paused and looked sadly at his Court. "Would that just one of you had shown him such consideration."

Morganna dropped to a deep curtsey, her gown like a wave at her feet. "My king, I do often complain, and loudly about King Jareth. I oft forget that he has not had the best of life, before he took up the mantel, nor after." She rose to her feet. "And I know I am being most impertinent. I know your actions are never to be questioned. Yet, at this moment, all I have are questions."

Oberon gazed at the Fae woman with kindness. If there was one thing he liked it was honesty, and Morganna embodied that virtue. "What is your question, my child?"

The rest of the court watched as the red haired Fae moved closer. "Father, why would you bind Jareth to a mortal?"

The fatherly Fae reached out and caressed the cheek of his childe with pride. "Did he not make claim to her, here before his peers?"

"He did." Morganna sighed ruefully. "He made a valid claim." A claim that now that she knew the girl, Morganna was not overly happy with.

Oberon looked at the gathered Fae. "Yes, and we validated the claim. However, thanks to Puck's good eyes and his constant observations facts about the one called Sarah have come into light." Oberon made a motion and in the center of the circle was a holographic image, an image of Jareth kissing Sarah in the arbor.

Emrys crossed his arms, "We've heard of this infraction, his constant pursuit even when told to be still." The old wizard was still discontented with his King's over looking the boy King's behavior.

Oberon, looked at each Fae, none was seeing what was before them. "So, all any of you see is that young rash fool kissing a mortal girl child in an arbor, eh? Are ye all so blind?"

Morganna knew there had to be more. She looked closer, and then gasped. "Father! I see… but how?"

Emrys frowned. "See? See what?"

Vivanne, whose heart was open, looked at the image and smiled. "I see."

The Fairy Queen Aeval focused her eyes, and saw. Gasping she too turned to the King. "I see it as well, my Lord."

One by one, with the aid of others who'd seen the entire circle of the Fae were alerted to the truth. Sarah Williams was no ordinary mortal. Oberon called for order. The room hushed. "We are bound by honor, are we not?" He watched as the circle nodded in agreement. "He had a valid claim, but I could not allow him to just own this creature and possibly, most likely, abuse her. When we are not as of yet sure what she is. Or how she could be of our kindred, but kindred she is." He pointed to the pair in the hologram.

"From what I witnessed here this night, I'd say he is well matched. She has fire and spirit! Is she not the one to have solved his Labyrinth? Bested by a mere girl." The Fae King chuckled. "And none of us saw it. That no mere mortal could have possibly solved that puzzle! We were all too pleased to see him bent low. I include myself. I too was pleased to see him humbled. Binding them was the only way I could teach them both a lesson they need and protect the girl from harm. Jareth is young, and will not understand the full measure of the binding. He will know only that I have thwarted a plan he had to inflict pain on the mortal girl. He does not see that Sarah is more. Nor does she see it. Whatever the truth of her being is, it will be revealed in good time."

Morganna sighed. "Father, where, if not back to the Goblin Castle; have you sent them?"

The image of the young lovers burst as a bubble or a crystal bursts upon contact. "Avalon." The Fae King said firmly. "I've sent them to isolation at Avalon."

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Jareth opened his mouth to protest, however it was too late. He could not transport himself with or without his prize. He could feel the restraints on his magic, it infuriated and exasperated him. His hands were just above her abdomen, resting on her rib cage, he could track her breathing. She was panting with fear, that fact pleased him. He looked round and cursed soundly under his breath. Turning his attention to the bird in his hands he leaned closer to her ear. "Sarah," he let his lips linger on her name, how that pleased him. The panting breath ceased and she was still. "Are you alright?"

For a moment she didn't answer him. When she found her voice, it was barely a whisper. "Jareth," she swallowed hard. "I have to sit down, or fall down." The shock of the transporting was still making her feel sick.

"We'll sit." He said patiently. "We need to be coordinated about this, so no one gets injured." He stated. "You will follow my instructions, understand?" She nodded to his question. "Easy, slowly." He guided her down, resting his back on the outer wall of the chamber they'd been sent to. He settled himself, his left leg up, and the right one straight out. She was nestled between his thighs, not as he'd wanted or had planned on her being, nevertheless it would have to do for now he'd told himself. He placed their bound arms up on his knee, and patted her right shoulder with his free hand. Her right hand fell limply over his right thigh. "Better?" he asked benevolently.

Sarah was still reeling, her head was spinning and she felt ill. She tried to focus her eyes, but the shock of being sent here was still too fresh. She tried to slow her breathing, to ease her pounding heart. At last she closed her eyes leaned her head back against him and sighed, "Jareth?"

"Yes?" he sighed in a long breath.

"We're in big trouble, aren't we?" Her voice sounded like a squeak at first, then she cleared her throat to speak in a more controlled tone.

He nodded and chuckled. "You could say that." He looked down at her, trying so hard to make sense of it all. A thinning smile came to his lips, and his eyes. Her bravery, or attempt at bravery, filled him with untold pride. No one could say his Sarah was not courageous. His Sarah, he liked the sound of that even if only in his own mind, his property. "This is not what I'd planned." He mused.

"How so?" She turned slightly to look up at him.

"I thought by now I'd be giving merry chase to you around my throne room." He teased.

Sarah blinked. "I had a dream…"

"It was no dream, Sarah," he boasted in a gloating tone. "I gave chase to you once in the throne room, but Oberon put a halt to our…merry little …game." The word was low and dangerous. "He reordered time and froze the memory, making it a dream instead of a reality." He sounded proud of the achievement of the other Fae.

"Oberon?" She faced forward again, "Professor Woodard, is Oberon?" She said the words more to herself then to the man she was now a forced companion of.

"The old fox!" Jareth laughed softly, "Well, well. Yes, he's Oberon, the Woodland King, and High King over the Fae. Not too far a jump from Woodland to Woodard, now is it? One has to credit him with a dynamic imagination."

Sarah leaned back rested her head on Jareth's chest. "You called him Father." She whispered.

Jareth nodded, and sighed. "Mmmm hummm."

There was a moment of stillness. "Oberon is your father?" She swallowed the lump that had gathered in her throat.

"Not precisely." He growled into her ear, so tempted to nibble on the lob, but enjoying her discomfort too much. The lob nibbling would have to wait he told himself. "Oberon is called Father by all the Fae, and by all Fae connected creatures. We all in some way descend from him, some directly, other's not. While he is not my blood father, he is the only true Father figure I've ever known. I was sent to his courts when I was very young. My own parents were preoccupied." He looked with chagrin at the sliver binding. He rubbed her shoulder with his free hand. "That old fox more or less raised me. He and his Queen that is."

She turned her head slightly and with eyes filled with sympathy whispered "I'm sorry."

Jareth looked at her coldly. "Don't waste pity on me, little girl. I was far better off being raised by the High King and his Queen." His words were arrogantly high and mighty.

"What is this place?" She asked as she looked round the chamber. There was no door, no window, and no furnishings. Only four walls and a floor, one could not even see the ceiling.

"This is an antechamber, a room one is placed in to wait till one is given entry to… what ever." He looked round the room himself boredly.

"It's little better than your oubliette." Sarah criticized.

"I rather like the oubliettes… they make wonderful places to hide." He said defensively thinking on how many times he'd escaped to one to be alone. "Wouldn't mind being in one right about now." He muttered to himself. When Sarah shifted against him he was startled. "Easy darling," he warned. "Unless you want trouble."

Sarah tipped her head back and looked up at him, "I hope you're as uncomfortable as I am." Her words stung like a bee.

Jareth looked down, and watched her breasts rise and fall as she breathed; the soft pink and peach tones of the fabric hugged her figure. "More," he growled.

"Good." She said sweetly. Sarah looked away from his eyes, "Where are we, do you know?"

"I can only guess," he admitted, staring at the offending binding. "We are most likely at Avalon." Now the girl twisted round and looked at him, her left arm still resting on his left knee. Her mouth opened and shut with a snap. She was having difficulty finding words. Jareth stroked her jaw line and cheek with his free hand, nodded and smiled at her disquiet. "That's right, Avalon. Home of the Fae, hidden in mists between your world and mine. Seat of power of Oberon, High King of the Fae."

"Why are you enjoying this? From the way he spoke to us, you're in as much trouble with him, as I am with you," she glared.

Jareth laughed, "Am I?" The words were issued as a challenge.

Sarah turned and rested her head on his chest again. "You are the most infuriating man."

"Yes, I am." He kissed her head. "And you find it irresistible. Admit it Sarah, you enjoy it."

In spite of the ire, and the situation they found themselves in, she found she had to smile at his words. "I happen to like nice men," she insisted, knowing that was a not a lie, but not quite the truth either.

"No you don't," he breathed in her ear tantalizingly, his voice vibrating at her ear. "You like your man on the dark side, with a touch of danger and very romantic." She shivered deliciously as he spoke. He'd hit a nerve yet again.

"Stop it." She brushed her ear where his breath had tickled it.

He leaned forward when her hand moved away. "You are partial to sparing with me. You enjoy the challenge. Nice, ha! Nice bores you to tears, Sarah. Take that Greg. The one who drove you to that concert, when you were dressed like …little red riding hood… He bored you to tears. Or that other boy that Jason creep. Everyone thought he was… nice…No, Sarah, nice is not what you like. You prefer a man who can play the game. You want your man to play to win."

"I like winning!" She said hotly. "Or have you forgotten?"

Jareth laughed, "We all like winning, Sarah." The hand at her shoulder now gave it a playful squeeze.

The young woman shifted again, carefully and looked down at her hand resting on his thigh. She stared, wondering how she could move it without being obvious. She was suddenly very aware of how close he was. It was as if she could feel her temperature rise, and she knew she was blushing.

Jareth sensed the change in her; the scent of her altered and he breathed her in. "Oh Sarahhhhhhhh." he growled. "What a delectable morsel you are." He laughed as she shivered violently at his suggestiveness. "How I shall enjoy our time together."

"How long are they going to keep us in this…thing?" She was trying so hard to ignore the growing heat.

Jareth slid his right hand over her collar bone and drew her closer, "If I knew that, I'd be actively working on seducing you my pet." He felt her start, but he pulled her hard against himself. "Don't defy me. You're no match for me Sarah." His voice was a dark echo of another time. "I'm bigger and meaner than you are, pet."

She closed her eyes, "I beat you once." Sarah gathered all her bravado about her like a cloak to protect her from his sway.

"Did you?" He asked. His voice dropped an octave. "Or did I let you think you beat me?" Before she could answer, a portal opened in the wall directly in front of the pair. Jareth sighed, "Looks like they are ready for us." His hand urged her to stand. He bowed slightly to her and allowed her to step in front of him, "If we are careful, we won't look too foolish entering like this."

Moments later they entered a large chamber that had the appearance of a sitting room or a formal parlor. Jareth looked about, but didn't recognize the room. The room was only dimly lit by the flames in the hearth, but it seemed pleasant enough. He could only hope it meant that Oberon was not too displeased with him about what ever it was that had put him in this pickle of a ticklish situation.

"Welcome, children." Oberon said from behind them. "Welcome to Avalon."

Jareth bowed, "My King." His voice was polite, but held just a hint of edginess.

Sarah looked at the man. All of the façade of her professor was now gone. All that was left was a regal being. She lowered her eyes and curtseyed as best she could, while bound to Jareth.

"Good, very good children, I'm glad you've remembered your manners," Oberon said in a fatherly tone. "Now," he sighed and waved his arm. "I hope you appreciate the accommodations."

"Your…kindness…." Jareth chose the words carefully. "Is most appreciated. However, you need not put your self to so much trouble. We really don't want to be a nuances and…"

"Stop," Oberon ordered harshly and Jareth ceased speaking. "You are for now, my guests. And will be treated as such as long as you don't become a problem." He looked at them both. "These chambers are yours for now. There is a terrace and garden out those doors that you may enjoy. You are, however, not allowed to venture out of this chamber. For now, there will be no use of the ability to transport yourself or others. I've decided to allow you to keep the rest of your magic…for now. As long as you don't abuse the privilege. I have as of yet decided just what to do about both of you."

Jareth wondered if protesting would do any good, but seeing the face his Fae King wore he doubted it. "As you wish, my King." He conceded as gracefully as he could.

Oberon looked at Sarah, awaiting her submission to the situation. She looked up at him, the hurt in her eyes wounding him. He sighed. "You will eat here, sleep here, so on and so forth." He moved to the pair and took hold of the binding. "hisc" The binding became a cord once more. He placed it in Jareth's hand. "This may be of use when you learn how to use it…properly." He was clearly displeased with the pair.

"My thanks my Father, I am truly sorry to have caused you any distress." Jareth actually did sound sincere.

Oberon sighed raggedly, "Jareth, of all the Fae, I am most lenient with you! But you've pushed me to my limit in your pursuit of this…young woman." He then turned to Sarah, "And you… calling out to him! Every time I had you two separated… like magnets." He clasped his hands in front of him. "Well, now you're together. Learn to deal with each other! There will be no other company for you at this time." He moved toward the open wall. "We hope you will learn, or you may spend the rest of eternity in this chamber."

"Father! My kingdom." Jareth looked worried, concerned about something more than himself.

"It sleeps," Oberon comforted the worried king. "It will sleep until its master returns." He stepped though the opening, and turned to address them, "Your needs will be met, food given, and garments provided. But you will have only each other for company. Learn to deal with one another, or else." The wall closed.