Chapter 3: I've brought you a gift
It was in the bathroom one night, Jareth was leaning against the door frame, watching as Sarah washed her face, combed out her newly showered hair and brushed her teeth.
He said, "What do mortals do when they love someone?"
Sarah laughed, though her cheeks went rosy. Jareth found he liked her blush very much. "Well, they go out on dates, get to know each other, then if the relationship is stable enough they will live together, a sort of test to see if they could live a lifetime together." Sarah smiled. "What do they do in Underground?"
Jareth frowned a little. A seriousness came over him; Sarah hadn't seen him like this since the Labyrinth, cold and a little distant. "Since most marriages are arranged, it is all very formal courting. Like you said when they live together, courting is a test to see how well they can cooperate together once married."
Sarah's smile dropped. "Arranged?"
"Only most," Jareth answered quickly. "There is no rule that says one cannot choose who they wish to wed, but a Fae can only love once, and usually those the Fae loves are lost to them."
"Only…once." Sarah echoed. "Can the Fae…can they only marry the Fae?"
"Most of the time, Fae steal mortals to wed, and Fae children even born from a mortal mother or conceived by a mortal father are born one hundred percent Fae." Jareth said. "My mother and father were Fae though my mother had been born a mortal."
"So mortals can be turned to Fae?" Sarah asked.
He nodded. For a while both were silent, Sarah's thoughts buzzing. In truth she didn't give a damn about the Fae or their laws. She just cared about Jareth, and deeply wanted to be with him, Fae or otherwise. This bulked up her courage.
"Jareth?"
"Yes?" He was a little alarmed by her new tone.
"I love you." She whispered. "I have only ever loved you, but I am afraid for what I had done to you, I feel the upmost regret for denying you and hurting you." She was chewing her lip, avoiding his eye. He didn't like that.
"Sarah." He said sternly. "Look at me."
Hesitantly her eyes moved to his face, and he breathed in deep, as if to gather those aching words from the very bottom of his lonely heart.
"You are the only one I will ever care for." He said, the words an explosion in his mouth. "I move the stars for no one but you. My cruelest nature did not dare expose itself to you, I tried to be generous in the only way I could, but I lied and cheated, tried to coax you into a quicker love. I did everything I could because I wanted to keep you there. Not just Underground, but the Ballroom. Where I thought I could win you. I had dreamed of you, wished for you. Saw you from time to time, knew it was you I was destined to love. I'd never been more happy then the night you wished Toby away, because I got to see you, speak to you and…" he stopped for a moment, not because he did not mean what he said, rather because tears were starting to fall down Sarah's cheeks. He took hold of her and cradled her in his arms, savoring the feel of her body against his. "What I mean by all that my precious, is that I love you."
To his terror Sarah broke down into sobs which shook her body violently. Sarah pulled away and wiped her face with the sleeve of her shirt. Then a smile crept across her face and she began to laugh. Sarah's eyes were bright as stars, her cheeks warm with her embarrassment. But her heart was thundering happily. He loved her back! He really loved her back! His hand grasped hers and she looked up at him. His deep eyes were glowing. He pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her waist, their bodies closer then they had ever been. They clung to each other and Jareth sighed, a release of air he felt he'd been holding for centuries. Sarah pulled herself out of the embrace and cupped his face in her hands. He smiled slightly and felt that bliss he'd felt briefly before run through him again.
"Jareth, kiss me." She said.
"I am your slave, precious." He said and leaned in to lay his lips gently on hers.
At first the kiss was soft and gentle, but as each of them felt their bodies tingle in delight it soon became much deeper. Jareth forced her lips apart and their tongues met hers shy and his demanding. In the tangle and battle they shared Jareth pushed Sarah down under him so she was stretched out on the floor. It was pure bliss.
The dark thing deep inside of him stirred and very soon he groaned. Sarah wound her arms around his neck tighter and would not let him go. But he wriggled free to kiss her face, her cheeks her nose her jaw and then down her neck. She moved her hands to his loose vest and folded away the material of his shirt so she could caress the muscle of his chest.
Jareth sighed at her touch, savoring the feel of her hands on him. It was sweeter then any of his dreams. He wanted her in his arms forever and this moment; this kiss was the seal of forever. He would never let her go again.
Around them Jareth had accidently conjured a thousand twinkling orbs, a reaction to his happiness. Sarah laughed softly when she saw them, and Jareth turned to look at what he had done.
"What's the human word…Oops?" He said and smiled. He flicked his hand gently and they fell to the ground and smashed into a thousand sparkle of glitter which dissolved into the floor.
"You funny king." She said and played with a strand of his hair.
"Your funny king." He said.
"Such a pity…" She smiled devilishly. Jareth kissed her nose and she giggled.
"So, I want to ask you out on a date, how would I do that?" He asked. Had he been in Underground he would've asked for her hand in marriage right there, but he was in her world so he wanted to follow her tradition.
"Well you sort of just did," Sarah laughed. "But where would we go?"
"Well, Underground maybe?"He asked. "I could take you to the Goblin Fair, or the River of Dreams and Slumber," He was getting excited; Sarah could see the glimmer in his eyes.
"I like the sound of that," She said. "It's a date."
Hoggle heard her call and arrived at her mirror. She was once again wearing her robe, this time though her hair was soaked and dripping all around her.
"Hoggle! I need help, I have a date tonight." She said.
"Oh no I ain't picking out nothing for you to wear." Hoggle said.
"No, no, I want to give a gift to Jareth but I'm not sure what to get him. I have an hour before my date and he's gone exploring some stores for clothes and I was wondering if you could take me to the Goblin Market so I could find him something?" It all came out in a rush, while she fumbled about her bedroom looking for her brush. When she found it she began to comb out her hair in a flurry, sending water droplets every which way.
"Well, sure." Hoggle said. "I gots jewels to barter with, but you may want to put some clothes on first." She dashed into her closet before he finished his sentence and came out with a T-shirt and blue jeans on. Her hair was twisted back into a bun, so when it dried it would be neat and waved nicely.
She followed Hoggle through the mirror into Underground, unaware of the crow at her open window watching as she vanished.
The Goblin Market was unlike anything she had seen before. Banners hung from the roof tops, declaring the names of sales or businesses. She was bombarded by every which smell, from the familiar scent of unwashed goblin to the sting of cinnamon rolls. Colors were awash every stone and pebble, the lanterns glowed with rainbow flames. She followed Hoggle through the mingling crowds and stopped when he paused near a blue tent.
Inside were little iron shelves, each decorated with a dozen of tiny trinkets. On a stool near the back of the tent sat a withered goblin, hidden under the shadow of a drooping hat. When Sarah and Hoggle appeared the goblin raised her face to expose a wrinkle-worn smile, a stout nose and huge violet eyes. For a goblin she was extraordinarily beautiful, but all goblins had a beauty unique to them, Sarah felt this goblin's beauty was not born from her strangeness but rather her heart which could be seen sparkling in her youthful eyes.
"Well dears, what are ye looking fer?" She said.
"We're looking for a gift," Hoggle said. "For her sweetheart."
Blushing, Sarah let her eyes wander around the tent, searching for anything that would please her king. Then she found it. It was sitting in the cradle of a carved dragon's claw, flickering in the lantern light. It was the color of violet-blood, dark yet enchanting, she found she was unable to draw her eyes from it.
"Hoggle," She whispered. "Look."
The dwarf saw what she wanted and a smile ran across his face. "We'll take this crystal," He said to the sales-goblin.
It was a match to the crystal's Jareth conjured with his magic, only this one was so richly colored it made Sarah think of his heart, or at least how she imagined it would look. All stone and shinning with warmth and unfathomable color. She just prayed that he liked it.
Hoggle had it wrapped up in a velvet sack for her, the color of lilacs and it was tied with a silver cord. He traded two of his larger jewels for it, which Sarah complained about on the way home. She insisted she pay him back, but he thought the exchange equal enough for he had cost her the ring she paid for false advice in the Labyrinth, while one of his small jewels would have done just as well.
After saying goodbye to Hoggle, Sarah quickly hurried to change into the green dress she'd planned to wear for their date. It was thin strapped, reaching to just brush her knees and the low collar was decorated with an embroidery design in white lace that resembled the outstretched wings of a butterfly in flight. Its overall color was mint green.
After letting loose her waved hair she went to wait on the living room couch for Jareth.
The few clothes Jareth had found he liked were fancy, dark leathered bits. He much preferred to wear his own leather ensemble, which he had worn while tracking Sarah around the Escher room. Thus dressed, he once more unfolded the gift he had for her from its silk wrap. He looked down at the pendant, one that matched his own, though it was made of more silver then gold and many sizes smaller to adorn her delicate throat. Smiling contently he folded it up again gently and slid it into the pocket hidden near his heart.
He dissolved into the air and reappeared in her apartment in a cloud of glitter. He saw around him the living room furniture. Turning around at the sound of a gentle cough he saw Sarah, doused heavily in most of the glitter he'd arrived in.
"Could you at least appear a few spaces away, or soon I will be walking around with glitter in my hair everywhere I go." She smiled and said. "Hello."
"Hello my dear." He smiled and sat down on the couch beside her, helping in the process of dusting glitter off of her.
"Where are we going?" She asked brightly.
Smiling darkly Jareth pulled her legs up to drape over his lap, running his fingers along her lean limbs. "First, I've brought you a gift."
Sarah raised an eyebrow then burst out laughing. For a moment Jareth was a little confused as to why precious was laughing so. Then it came to him, seven years ago he'd said those same words before she went to rescue her brother. But that had been a different sort of gift, one that had been in her possession for many years now.
"Jareth, before your gift," Sarah leaned over to pick up a little sack from the small table. "I have a gift as well, but this is not a gift for an ordinary king who follows around spoiled girls. Do you want it?" She grinned, a sort of mocking expression of the look he'd given her so many times. He found the look absolutely darling.
"Yes, but what pray tell is your price?" He asked and ran tickling fingers up her leg.
"No price," She giggled. "Just you."
"Then I will take your gift." She handed it to him and he undid the string and reached inside the bag. What he saw when he removed his hand was enough to make his newly thawed heart flame up. It was a faultless crystal, one he could never conjure on his own so perfectly. His love had stunned him with her gift and he twirled the crystal on his fingers before tucking it away in that secret pocket near his heart. "Now for yours, I want you to shut your eyes."
Sarah obliged without question and he took out her pendant and wrapped it around her neck. With a gentle toss he fluffed away her hair and dragged the cord down so the pendant hung suspended just over her breasts.
He would never forget the look of pure joy she gave him when she opened her eyes and saw the necklace, how her eyes sparkled just so.
"It's perfect." She said. "Jareth, I love you."
"Let's go," He said. "I have another surprise for you."
Eager to see what her next surprise was Sarah nodded, but then to her very frustrated anger the doorbell rang. "Of all the fraggin' aardvarks!"
Jareth burst out laughing at the goblin swear as Sarah jumped up from the couch to answer the door.
"Karen!" She sighed exasperated at the sight of her step-mother.
"Hi Sarah, I just came to…are you going out on a date?" Karen smiled and tried to peek around Sarah.
"Um, yes, can you please go now?" She said.
"Who is he?" Karen still fought to see behind Sarah. "Is it that Jareth? I knew you two would get together!"
Sarah felt arms wrap lovingly around her waist and Jareth leaned his chin on her shoulder. "Hello, Mrs. Williams," He said, his voice was like velvet. "How are you today?"
Karen seemed a little flushed, and then smiled politely. "Just fine thank you, where are you two planning to go?"
"Maybe Burger King," Sarah joked. Karen laughed. Jareth chuckled very confused. What was a burger?
"Well, we should probably get going," Jareth said. "If we want to make sure we don't get in too late."
"Of course, I'm so sorry," Karen couldn't seem to make herself stop smiling. "I'll just come by some other day."
"Sure, bye Karen." Sarah said.
"Goodbye, Mrs. Williams." Jareth said.
She turned and left and Sarah shut the door behind her.
"Let's go." She said. "Before someone else comes to interrupt and spy."
His hold on her waist tightened and a shower of glitter fell over them. When the clouds subsided and Sara could see again she found herself surrounded by crowds of masked dancers.
"Oh!" She gasped and put her hands over her mouth. It was the ballroom where she had fallen in love with Jareth. The dancers were there, the decorations, everything. She moved to take a step but was slightly weighted down by the white skirt. Looking down she saw the gown she had worn the first time in the Labyrinth. Only it was suited to her age, the collar was lower then it had been before, the puffy sleeves gone, in their place cobweb-like strands of twinkling string which hung in looped threads. Her hair she found was once again pulled up and curled, with the silver ornaments entwined in the strands. She smiled, though a little irritated when she turned to find Jareth had vanished.
His voice could be heard though, singing the same love song from before. She knew where he was, knew he wanted her to search for him, but instead she had a much better plan. She circled the perimeter of the room until she reached the opposite side. From there she cut directly into the center of the room where Jareth stood. To her satisfaction he was not facing the direction she was coming from.
He was wearing his sparkling blue jacket, her favorite from the Labyrinth Selection of Goblin King Attire. She giggled softly and stalked up closely behind him.
I'll place the sky within your eyes
As the pain sweeps through
Makes no sense for you
Every thrill has gone
Wasn't too much fun at all
"But I'll be there for you," Sarah sang softly and wound her arms around his waist. "As the world falls down."
He laughed darkly and spun around to pull Sarah close to his chest. They danced across the floor and he continued to sing. They were the glowing couple on the dance floor, all eyes watched them.
I'll paint you mornings of gold
I'll spin your valentine evenings though we're strangers 'til now
We're choosing the path between the stars
I'll lay my love between the stars
As the pain sweeps through
Makes no sense for you
Every thrill has gone
Wasn't too much fun at all
But I'll be there for you
As the world falls down
It's falling, falling
Falling in love
He leaned down to kiss her, the crowd around them sighed in awe as the two began to vanish in a cloud of glitter. Sarah felt the wind of transporting blow her hair loose of her ornaments. She could feel the sudden release of the weight of her dress turn to the free swish of her green dress that she had worn before. Then Jareth released her and she began to fall, gently, like she was swimming through the air. She landed in a familiar place; the final battle of the Labyrinth had taken place here. In the room beyond the Escher room where she had said those insipid words that had broken his heart. Why would Jareth choose this place?
Then she saw why. Perched on one of the broken stairs was a little barn owl. He said proudly, but a little cowering in his stance, as if he was questioning the logic of taking here there.
Jareth had been afraid of taking her here, the place where she broke her heart and his world fell down, but Sarah smiled softly, her eyes understanding.
"I won't ever do what I did to you the first time we were here ever again." She said and walked to lean in front of the bird. "Why would I? When I love you far more then anything I've ever loved before?" She kissed the bird's head.
Jareth turned to his human form, wearing his red velvet leather ensemble. "How can you be so sure?" He was on his hands and knees like she was, his nose almost touching hers.
"Sure of what?"
He gave her a lopsided grin. "That you'll always love me, you are mortal, your heart sways easily."
Sarah smiled, and raised a hand and traced a circle around his mouth. "We have forever; I don't plan on ever leaving you."
"Forever," He scoffed. "Not long at all." Then his face went from teased fear to stern earnestness. "You would love me forever?"
"Without a question, no doubts or regrets. If you looked into my dreams now, you will only see you." She said. "That and to have many children when I grow older."
"Any particular idea for the father of these many children?" He asked with a smile.
Sarah smiled, but gave him no answer other then a kiss, which he returned with alarmingly sweet fire. Then another shower of glitter overcame them and they vanished once again.
Hours later, Sarah was draped across Jareth's lap, her head on his shoulder, half-asleep. After their kiss they had reappeared in a Market Restaurant, where they ate a meal of peach cobbler, peach pie, and strawberry shortcake. All fruited out, their final destination was Sarah's couch where they spent some time kissing and laughing together. Then Sarah began to grow tired and curled up on Jareth's chest and she started to doze off. He hummed a lullaby, and very soon she was completely asleep. This would not do, he wanted to ask her something.
"Sarah?" He coaxed her awake, and she smiled sleepily at him.
"Yes?" She said. She was playing with the collar of his vest, toying with the material.
"I want to have you forever, precious." He said. She nodded as if this was old news. "I want to make you my Queen."
The only way to describe Sarah's eyes was: buggy. They burst out of her head in surprise, and then she blinked and laughed uneasily. "You mean you want to marry me?"
More then that precious, He smiled. "Yes." He conjured a crystal from the air and in his gloved hand it turned into a small crystal box in the shape of a heart. He put it in Sarah's hand then opened it to reveal a ring, perfect and elegant. She gasped.
"Sarah Williams, will you do me the most fulfilling honor of becoming my bride?" He asked softly. "Will you marry me?"
She blinked and watched him take the ring out of its case and put it on her finger. Then she smiled. "Of course I will Jareth."
Just then a crash sent shards of glass everywhere as a very large crow burst through the window.
Both of them jumped to their feet as the bird began to fly low and around their ankles, nipping at their skin and slashing the skin of Sarah's legs with its sharp beak.
"It's Fae!" Jareth yelled and swung Sarah behind him. The crow flew around the room once, twice then landed opposite of them.
And then it began to change. Slowly it doubled in size and continued to grow. Its bones cracked and changed and soon it formed the shape of a man. He was clothed in a billowing black cloak, with black armor underneath. He had dark hair, black as coal and eyes to match. His skin was chalky and without life. He looked like a skeleton, draped in death as a garb.
"Irvus." Jareth breathed. "What business do you have here?"
Sarah held a firm grip on Jareth's shoulder, against her will force she trembled, Irvus was the walking example of fear. She knew instantly she did not favor his presence.
"No business," He said and smiled. Like Jareth he had sharp teeth, only his were sharper, longer with a strange animalistic style about them. "All pleasure."
"You will find none of that here." Jareth said. "As the son of the High King I command you to leave this instant." Sarah looked to Irvus and felt her fear heighten when she saw how he was looking at her.
Irvus tilted his head. "What a pretty girl you've grown up to be Sarah," He said. "As charming as your smile is I find your eyes afraid are far more enticing."
"Under the name of my father, Tiran of the Fae, I command you to leave this house and never return." Jareth ordered in a dark voice that brought shivers to Sarah's skin.
"Not until I have what is mine." Irvus said and held out his hand to Sarah.
"Nothing here is yours." Jareth said calmly, though his eyes were full of thunderstorms.
"I have claimed this girl," Irvus said. "By all rights she is mine."
"I am betrothed to her." Jareth said. "She is mine."
Irvus smiled dangerously, eyeing Sarah with those coal black eyes that made her want to scream. "We shall see what my father has to say about that," Jareth took a sharp intake of breath. "You have seven days to be rid of Sarah and everything that reminds you of her, or I shall take what is mine and kill anyone who gets in the way."
With that Irvus transformed into a crow and darted out the broken window into the shadows of the night.
"Jareth," Sarah gasped. "Who was he?"
He didn't answer, only grasped her wrist and dragged her to her bedroom. Once there he began to gather her clothes, a few of her books, anything he could find that he thought she would need. Once he had gathered what he thought was enough he tapped each thing and it disappeared into piles of glitter. Then he turned to her and picked her up in his arms so her knees bent over his arm and her back against the other. Then he transported them. Though Sarah didn't see it her floor length mirror and portal to and from Underground was smashed to glittering pieces not seconds after they vanished. A black crow's feather lay among the pieces.