A/N: This is a little longer chapter than what I normally post. This is simply because after this chapter I plan to touch on hella more plot. However, it does also mean that it may be a little before I update. Mostly because I'm starting to catch up to myself, and I like the extra time to make sure I'm pulling the plot the right direction. But anyway enjoy, and feel free to let me know what you think so far.

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On Holiday


She snuggled deeper into her comforter. She wondered what her time in the Labyrinth meant to him, and what it meant to her.

"Hey, sorry about the Toby thing" she said quietly eyes closed.

He looked from his book. Eyes wide in surprise, "It's quite alright", he said keeping his eyes on her in thought for a little while before turning back to his book


Sarah sat straight up from her spot on the sofa. Her eyes flashed around the room in a quick panic. There was no one. Just her and the tiny room. She sighed in relief, as her mind tried to reach for what she was dreaming of moments ago. Her memory was blank and trying to remember made her head throb. She rested her head in her hands for a moment to calm her headache. Her attention was suddenly drawn to the noise on deck. Curiosity pulled her out of bed. She quickly laced her corset and boots, and discretely found her way onto the deck.

The sun was setting painting the sky and sails a red and gold. People were running every direction adjusting the sails, or pulling ropes. Suddenly, she felt a pull on her body similar to the feeling to a sinking elevator and heard the moan of the cargo shifting below deck. She scurried to the side of the ship to see them slowing descending towards the sea. Not far was a dockside that she was more accustom to. Past that was a town, then a city, and fields, and beyond that mountains. The most prominent feature on land was a massive cliff that overlooked the ocean. Precariously perched atop it, was a massive castle. The scene spread out before her was more than the storybooks could've ever told her.

As they descended below the clouds, the familiar scent of salt water began to mingled in the warm sea breeze.

"There you are" Jareth greeted leaning with arms crossed, against the ship's mast. "I would suggest you brace yourself, we're about to touch down" he said motioning her to hold the mast.

Everyone else began to pull hard on ropes, or support themselves on anything they could get ahold of. Sarah wrapped her hands around a rope that was around the mast, and Jareth placed himself around her. A second later she understood why he had such a good hold on her. The crash when it hit the water was great. The landing was earth-shakingly rough. Some water even managed to splash onto the deck.

Once the ship's rocking settled, the crew began to jump into action once more. As they did Sarah noticed everyone was congratulating each other on the landing as they passed one another. It made her wonder how often they weren't as successful.

"That's your father's kingdom then?" she asked head tilted upward towards the towery fortress in awe.

"It is" he apathetically replied.

"It's incredible" Sarah admitted, "I've seen pictures of the castles we have in Europe, but nothing is quite like this"

"My father's rien exists far past what you see now" he lazily explained, "...The sunset is lovely" he commented in a far lighter tone.

"It is" she agreed and turned back towards the horizon to gaze at the orb that rested on the golden sea.

The captain made his way over and began to chat up Jareth, so she wandered over to the side to watch the ship find its way to harbor. As it did, she drummed her finds on the wooden rail and dreamed of the mermaids and monsters that may lurk below the water's surface. She then stepped to the side letting the sailors toss rope to those waiting on the docks and she found her way over to Jareth.

"And even with a mortal woman onboard we managed to get you here safely your Highness" the old captain chuckled.

Sarah scowled, but bit her tongue.

"Quite" Jareth nodded emotionlessly, "It was a pleasure, as always, Captain"

"Anytime your Highness" he said.

Jareth lead Sarah over to the side of the ship where they were lowering the ramp.

"Is everyone like that?" she asked, of course refer into the old sea captain.

"Ignorance is everywhere, darling. Above and Underground. Sadly, even when you tack a couple thousand years on a sexist swine, it often stays a sexist swine"

When Sarah met the dock, she found herself rather relieved to be back on land. This dockside was more like what she was used to. The pungent scent of fish, the warm air, and familiar ocean breeze.

As she was lead to harbor, a man being swarmed by sailors caught her attention. He was dressed far more expensively than anyone else on the docks, and instead of lifting crates and nets, he was lifting a quill and notepad. Even his shrill tone stood out amongst the rugged chatter of the sailors. He was a feather lying in a pile of nails, and far too busy to notice their approach.

The rest of the crowd seemed to take note though and silently parted for the pair as Jareth approached .

"Name of ship and cargo, please" the oblivious feather-man demanded to Jareth without lifting his head, too still busy scratching away at his notepad.

"The Tiniyana. His Highness the Goblin King" Jareth announced.

The man chuckled a moment then stiffened and slowly lifted his head, "My goodness, your Highness!" he cried in alarm, "a million apologies! I hadn't been warned of your arrival -nor did I anticipate you arriving on this particular ship. Please, allow me to obtain transportation to his Highness's estate"

"A horse" Jareth nodded.

"Yes, yes, of course" the man said rushing away.

"A single horse?" she stared up at him, "What am I going to ride?"

"Have you even ridden a horse before?" Jareth condescended.

"My mother used to take me out with her, when I was younger. Her parents owned horses" she retorted in a very matter-of-fact kind of way.

A white horse's head began to bob through the crowd with a little boy, about Toby's age, in the lead. A smile broke across the child's dirt spattered face when he realized he'd found them.

"Your Highness" he beamed proudly handing over the reins.

"I thank you" Jareth said handing him a crystal that with a charming pop, dissolved into a small handful of coins, "You're dismissed"

The boy excitedly cupped the gold in his hands then sped off and ducked into the crowd.

"Hello there" Sarah said laying a hand on their new equine friend's neck, as Jareth mounted the horse.

She hadn't been this close to a horse in years. Nostalgia gave a quick tug on her heart a moment. She hadn't even thought about riding a horse in years.

"Well, despite your experience" he playfully teased extending a hand to her, "I must insist we ride together. I assure you, I plan on riding much faster than you would be able to manage"

She reluctantly accepted it and threw her legs over the saddle. Slowly, they parted their way through the crowd. Once they got into the street, Jareth made a quick snap of his wrist and in his hand appeared a riding crop. Like a magician would make his wand appear.

"Hold tight" he warned.

At first she was a little reluctant to take hold of him, but with a single gentle tap of his cropped they were flying down the cobblestone road. Sarah wish they could've stopped at all the little shops and markets they blurred passed. They made it through the dense little town, then turned to the trail up the cliff side. That trail took them through the woods. This forest was far greater than what she'd seen back home. It was richer in color, and thicker in foliage. And the earthy smell was something man would wish to bottle.

Slowly then all at once, darkness descended upon them, and what little light they had was masked by a canopy of branches. Eventually, they made it to the castle's gate, which was standing open, waiting for them. Inside the walls there was another small town though it extremely wealthy in comparison to the village below. Through one more gate, and they were looking at the entrance to his father's estate. It reminded Sarah somewhat of a glorified Disney World. White, stone, and dizzyingly tall.

Jareth offered a hand to help her off the horse.

"In comparison to the Labyrinth, this place seems rather -normal" she said straightening out her dress.

"Perhaps so" he said almost pridefully.

"Your Highness!" a plump man bellowed as he tottered down the main entrance's stairs to greet them, "Your father did not expect a visit from you and...?"

"Lady Sarah" Jareth introduced.

"Yes, well please, follow me" he nodded between breaths, "Your father wishes to have word with you immediately" the man explained leading them up the stairs and to the foyer.

Sarah marveled at the ivory interior and the stunning architecture. It was everything her childhood self had dreamed of. From the exquisite paintings, to the impressively high ceilings. It was like a dream. They eventually stopped into front of an ornate door. The man cleared his throat then knocked.

"Your Highness, your visitors have arrived"

"Excellent!" came booming voice through the door.

The door opened to a brilliant study. A brown-bearded man stood behind a desk. He didn't look much older than Jareth. Despite his youthful appearance, you could see in his golden eyes that he was just as old as the sea his estate overlooked.

"It's good to see you my son" he smiled warmly, holding Jareth's arm a moment, "And who is this lovely lady you have with you?"

"This is the mortal, Lady Sarah Williams" Jareth introduced, as they approached the desk, "And this is my father, his Highness King Kendrick the III, Ruler of the Fae"

"It truly a pleasure" the man grinned, shaking Sarah's hand.

"I should say more so on my part. This place is just lovely, your Highness" Sarah returned the man's delightful demeanour.

"Not as lovely as you Miss" he playfully winked, "And please Kendrick will do fine. So son, tell me, do you bring me good news?" he said taking a seat.

"I should think so" Jareth remarked plucking a crystal from air and allowing to melt into the sheet of paper his sister signed hours ago.

His father took a moment to read it over then met his eyes, "Layla then?" was all he said.

"She is undeniably a valued asset" Jareth assured.

There was a sudden tension. Sarah's eyes dodged between them.

"Philip" his father said to one of the servants, "Will you please take Lady Sarah to get washed up and find her a room for the night"

"Yes Sire" the man bowed and then nodded towards Sarah.

Sarah reluctantly followed behind Philip, as the doors to the study were closed behind them.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. As you heard, my name is Philip" he smiled the same way servers smile when they greet your table.

His hair was a well manicure brown and he had unusually dark eyes. They seemed to hold just as much age as Jareth's father's.

"It's a pleasure" she smiled back.

"If you need anything during your stay at His Highness's estate, please feel free to ask me or any other servants here. You're a guest, and we wish to make your stay Underground as pleasant as possible"

"Thanks, I will keep that in mind"

As they walked he gave a small tour, naming each room they passed. Eventually, he stopped a maid as she went to walk by.

"Mynica, afternoon, will one of you take Lady Sarah to get washed up?" Philip commanded more than asked.

"Of course" the girl said then nodded towards Sarah, "Miss"

They parted ways. Once the two of them were down the hall the girl spoke.

"I'll be your assistant as long as you stay here, or until someone tells you otherwise. As you heard my name is Mynica. If it suits you, you may call me Myn, and it's a pleasure to meet you" her tone was polite and formal.

"Likewise" Sarah replied, honestly not sure what else to say. She wasn't at all accustom to this kind of hospitality.

Myn was thin, and strawberry-blonde. She had sharp graceful features, and an even more elegant walk.

After a moment of silence Myn said, "Milady, may I ask"

"Ask what?"

"Are you- mortal?" Myn practically had to spit it out.

"Yeah, I guess so" Sarah shrugged at the peculiar question.

Myn looked back at her in excitement but said nothing.

"Why do you ask?" Sarah questioned.

"Well, you're the first mortal I've ever met, milady. And His Highness doesn't often keep too much mortal company" Myn watched for Sarah's response out of the corner of her eye.

"Kendrick, you mean?" she giggled a bit, "We've only just met I'm frien- I mean, Jareth brought me here"

"My apologies, I didn't mean to sound if I was suggesting anything by that"

Myn opened a door and allowed Sarah to step in before herself. Before her was a sitting area, and a small dining space. It was all just as beautifully furnished as the rest of the estate. The ceiling was high and the floor was marble.

"This will be your room for the night. Behind that curtain is where you will be sleeping, and off to the right here is the bath"

"Wow, its lovely" Sarah marveled her way to the washroom.

Myn began drawing a bath then reached for Sarah's gown.

"I can undress myself" Sarah defended.

"Milady" Myn chided, batting Sarah's hands out of the way, "you should really just let yourself get used to it"

"'It' being?"

"The cultural customs" she said ripping at her corset strings.

"When in Rome" she reluctantly surrendered, "You can call me Sarah, by the way"

"I don't know if that'd be proper, Milady" she said guiding Sarah into the bath.

"Would it be proper for you to say no?

"It would not, Sarah." Myn said pouring herbs, and salts into the bath, "A mortal in the Underground is pretty rare. How did you meet His Highness, The Goblin King, if you don't mind me asking?"

Sarah smiled, and found it a bit funny that she'd just told Toby of the tale, "It's a silly story. I hadn't seen him in years before last night, or perhaps it was this morning. Time seems to be different here"

"Oh, then he isn't courting you?"

"Courting me? No, no, no. I'd like my time Underground to be a temporary as possible. I can feel all my work back home piling up on me"

Myn nodded politely, "I see"

"If you don't mind me asking, are you fae?" Sarah said, "Where do you come from?"

"Never has a guest asked about me before" Myn smiled pouring things from glass bottles into Sarah's hair, "I am no fae. I come from a small elvish village. One not terribly far from here"

"How did you end up here?" Sarah asked looking to find Myn's pointed ears.

"How anyone ends up here I suppose" she sighed as she massaged Sarah's bubbly head, "Guards came into town one day and were offering jobs. I wanted money for my village so I accepted. Most of the other servants were born into the position though" she explained pouring water over Sarah's head, " Let me grab you a fresh towel" she said before exiting.

Sarah stretched a moment. The bath smelled dunked her face in the water and wiped off her make up. She began to admire the bottles on the side of the tube. All of them were different shapes and colors. She picked one up and plucked the lid off. It smelled of strawberries.

Myn returned, pulled her out, and wrapped her in a towel. Then walked her back out to the central room. She pushed back the curtain to reveal yet another room. The massive bed and stone balcony caught Sarah's attention.

Myn threw a thin gown over Sarah's head.

"Would you like me to bring you something up from the kitchen, before you retire?" Myn asked.

She shook her head, "No, I'm fine, thank you"

"Now, there is a room connected to this one where I'll be sleeping. And like I said I'll be your assistant until you leave, or you're told otherwise. I still have a few things to take care of. If you need me just ring the bell" Myn said pointing to the string by the bed.

"Okay, will do"

Before Myn left, she lit a few candles and handed one to Sarah. Sarah stood in the center of the room, alone. For a moment she wished Jareth was there. He was the only person she knew in this entire world, and this world was making her feel quite small.

She then sighed and stepped out onto the balcony. It overlooked the sea. Of course that wouldn't have been visible if the waxing moon hadn't cut light down the ocean's calm center. She wrapped her arms around herself to defend the cool night air. Her eyes were then drawn upward and her breath from her lungs. She'd never seen such a brilliant sky. At home, stars were sparse and dim thanks to the ambient light. But here they appeared as if millions of diamonds were resting on velvet. As she stared entranced, she began to feel the surreality of the recent events. These stars shared no astrological similarities to the ones Aboveground. Nothing about this place was anything like home as far as she could tell.

"Erica is probably freaking out by now" she whispered to herself, "Jim too. My first no-call-no-show"

She yawned and headed back inside, closing the balcony doors behind her. Despite her nap on the ship she felt exhausted. She walked over to the room's vanity. She definitely looked tired, she thought as she prodded the bags under her eyes. Small boxes sat on its desk. Carefully, she opened one. Several pairs of earrings sat in a row, each as elegant as the others. She closed it gently and yawned again.

She moved to the bed then crawled under the thick warm comforter and much quicker than expected she drifted off to sleep.

And dreamt of nothing

She sat up in her bed. Surprised to see that she wasn't in her apartment, but then it all flooded back to her. She held her head feeling like she stayed up drinking the night before. Sighing she pushed her way out of bed and walked over to the balcony door. The sun hung high in the sky. It had to be noon at least.

"Oh, you're awake milady" Myn said carrying a tray, "I was just about to wake you. Hungry?"

"Yes, very" Sarah said then followed her over to the table.

The spread was far too large for just her. Pancakes, eggs, toast, etc.

"You're not going to eat?" Sarah asked mid mouthful.

"I eat separately from guests"

"Keep me company. Please. I feel weird, when I'm the only one eating"

Reluctantly Myn sat next to her.

"Aboveground, is it common for you to dine with servants?" Myn asked taking a bite of toast.

"Aboveground, most people don't keep servants. At least where I am from" She smiled.

"Then who serves your ruler?" she looked confused.

"Where I'm from we don't have a monarch" Sarah did her best to explain while grabbing some bacon.

"It's in complete anarchy then?" she looked concerned.

"No, no, we a flawed system of government too, just different"

Myn raised an eyebrow, "I understand your point, but you may want to refrain from calling the system 'flawed' just until you're out of the castle walls"

"Point taken"

"So you have nothing on your itinerary other than to rest" Myn said.

"Hm. What time is it?"

"Around two"

"Really, that's ridiculous!" Sarah said in disbelief.

"Well you were possessed by a shadow creature last night, were you not?"

"Where did you hear that?"

"People like to talk. Things like that can really drain your energy" she explained, "You're lucky you haven't fallen ill"

"Nah, I do keep waking up with headaches though"

"Headaches? Do you dream?"

Sarah thought a moment, "I guess I haven't been"

"Comedenti de somniabunt, is what the your people used to call them. It simply means dreameater"

"Latin? How many languages do you speak?" Sarah asked stabbing at her pancakes.

"Varcaidian, and Twillic. Twillic being an old elvish language. I just know a couple latin phrases from my schooling"

"And English" Sarah added.

"No, I don't speak any English"

Sarah laughed, "Were speaking English now"

"On the contrary" Myn smiled, "Perhaps it may sound English to you, but Varcaidian is an ancient magical tongue. It can be learned by anyone willing to listen. It was made to unite nations. From what I understand your kind were once given the privilege of it as well, but that was taken from Aboveground long ago"

Sarah tilted her head in thought. She felt a bit embarrassed thinking that everyone Underground had just adopted the English language.

"What am I supposed to do for the rest of the day then?" Sarah asked finishing her pancake.

"Whatever you desire"

"Anything?" she sat and pondered a moment, "I want to go to the ocean"

"Milady you were attacked last evening. I am under strict instruction not to let you leave castle grounds"

"Who says I can't leave? Jareth?" Sarah furrowed her brows.

"Precisely" Myn answered firmly,"Allow me to walk you around the grounds, and perhaps you'll find aught to do"

"Alright" Sarah got up and Myn followed suit.

"What do you desire to wear this evening?"

"I don't know. Jeans and a t-shirt"

"Jeansss?" Myn said testing out the word, "Mortal wear? No, no" Myn shook her head walking over to the closet.

"Layla can wear latex, but I can't wear jeans?"

"As in her her Highness? She can wear whatever she wishes. And to be honest I haven't the slight as to what 'jeans' are"

Sarah sighed plopping onto the bed, "I trust your judgement. I'm not too picky"

Finally Sarah was dressed in a short sleeved dark purple dress and a pair of brown boots for walking about the grounds. Myn even took the time to braid her hair.

First, Myn took her around the gardens. They were massive and impossible to trek through in a single day. She took her times analyzing the unusual plants and things. There were others walking about them, but she thought it best to stick to Myn.

As it got darker she was lead inside to the library which was unimaginably large and smelt, as anticipated, of old books. This almost felt like home. She spent quite some time looking through anything she could lay her hands on. Books that were in english were difficult to come by, but she would admire the text of other languages and even found a few that would change language at random. She spent some time trying to relate to mortal literature with Myn. Which ended mostly is hilarious disaster. After a few hours they made it through the maze of towering bookshelves and back to her room for dinner.

"Is there anything else you'd like?" Myn asked taking away the empty plates.

"Like what?"

"Perhaps cake, wine, or-"

"Wine?" Sarah stopped her.

"Yes, would you like some?"

"Please" Sarah nodded..

While Myn was out looking for wine, Sarah used the time to change for bed.

"You're not having any?" Sarah asked when she returned with one glass, "Just a little. I don't want to drink alone" she encouraged when she saw Myn's reluctant expression.

Myn retrieved another glass and sat next to her.

"Tell me about yourself"

"What do you mean?" Myn asked pouring the drinks.

"Back home I'm an author, and I'd love to write about you. You're the first elf I've ever met" Sarah blushed a bit wondering if she sounded foolish.

"I mean, I write fantasy novels, and those Aboveground view elves as fantasy" Sarah explained

"Oh, alright" Myn's eyes lit up, "What would you like to know"

"Um, things like: What's your family like? How would you describe your childhood? Do you have a boyfriend, or is someone courting you, as you say?" Sarah rattled off some questions while taking another sip of wine.

"Well, when I was little my parents died. They were killed during a war, but that's a whole different story. So my little brother and I were raised by one of the village elders"

"Oh, I'm sorry" Sarah said quietly.

"No, do not be. I had a really good childhood" she smiled, "the elder treated me like her own, I have many good memories. We spent many days playing in the streams, climbing the cliffside by the ocean, and raising wildlife"

"You had pets?" Sarah asked as her mind buzzed with inspiration.

"Many. I had an elk that was just mine, but I had to leave him when I came to work here"

"So is someone courting you?" Sarah raised her eyebrow.

A big smile grew across Myn's face, and she took as rather long sip of the wine.

"What's their name?" Sarah giggled at her lack of response.

"Sarah, in this position it's very inappropriate to have a significant other, you understand?"

"I won't tell a soul" she swore, "I mean maybe mortal souls, but I don't know anyone here to tell"

"His name is Marculus" she confessed.

"How did you meet?"

"He's from the neighboring elvish village. We got to watch each other grow up. He's busied himself with military work right now though. Soon he will be leaving that. We hope to take the money we have and start a new life somewhere, hopefully sometime next spring" she smiled and then got stern, "But please do not speak this to anyone"

"I won't I promise"

"I was actually reading a book on identifying magical creatures before...before all this. Can you make crystals and things too?"

"I can, but not like His Highness and those who practice. They have had years of training. My magic is quite limited"

"Interesting"

"Milady, if I could, I'd like to excuse myself I have a few things to finish up before I retire"

"Yeah, of course, thanks Myn" she waved as she left.

Sarah was doing her best to treat this like a vacation. Which was sometimes hard for many reasons. She'd only been gone a day, and she was already starting to miss home. This vacation didn't have freedom or friends. It just came with a lot of worry and uncertainty. However, it was undeniably inspiring.

She went into the bedroom to pick though the desk for a pen and paper. She sat on her bed and began doodling her open balcony door and the night sky that laid past it. When she was finished she folded it up and stuck it on her nightstand, hoping to keep it as a souvenir of this adventure. Then rolled over into bed, and only thought of a hallucinations from the apartment for a moment, before drifting to sleep.