**Warning: Adult-type touching**
Chapter 18: … but I get up again.
Jareth stood in stunned silence before the High Council Master, and Sarah watched as he swayed slightly. It looked like he was about to faint, but she felt too dazed to help him. This couldn't be… what would happen to the labyrinth? Lord Utgard had made it clear that the labyrinth would most likely die without Jareth. The only good thing about this decision was that he could stay with her, but could she let her feelings toward him rule her? He was needed here. The labyrinth needed him… his subjects needed him. She needed him…. NO! she yelled at herself. Her short mortal life was nothing in comparison to the immortal needs of the labyrinth and the subjects of the Goblin Kingdom.
Sarah suddenly stood in a towering rage. Herm tightened his hold on her arm as he felt her fury. Lord Utgard tried to stop her, but she pulled away from him to approach the High Council. She came to a stop beside Jareth and glared at every member of the Council in turn until she stopped at the High Council Master in the middle, giving him the full power of her wrathful glower. "I protest the Council's decision," she said as calmly as possible and not succeeding.
Jareth seemed to snap out of the daze he was in and turned toward her. "No, Sarah. Their decision is just."
Sarah whipped her head about to glare at him. "No it's not, Jareth." She turned back to the High Council Master. "I request an appeal on Lord Jareth's behalf."
The High Council Master stared down at the mortal before him in shock. No one had ever stood up against the Council like she did. He kept his calm though as he asked, "What evidence could there possibly be that has not already been presented that would change the Council's decision?" Sarah raised her right arm, the slotted sleeve evident now as it fell aside and allowed the Council to see her entire arm from shoulder to fingers. The High Council Master's gaze fell on the quicksilver creature wrapped around her bicep. It moved with serpentine grace as it coiled about in order to stare back at him. "What is that?"
"I'm afraid I cannot tell your honor until the appeal seeing as its story is part of the evidence," she snapped.
This girl knew how to play. Despite her obvious dismissal of his station, the High Council Master liked the mortal and decided to play by her rules. He glared down at her as his fellow council members whispered around him. "Fine, an appeal shall be heard tomorrow at thirteen o' clock. I suggest you prepare accordingly. The High Council does not lightly change what it has decided. You all shall stay here in the Palace of the High Council until after the appeal. Court dismissed!"
The members of the High Council all rose and exited through the door behind the panel, leaving a flabbergasted Jareth and Lord Utgard and a confident Sarah. Nobody moved for several long interminable minutes. Finally, Jareth turned to Sarah, his mouth still hanging open slightly. "You… you are crazy! Insane!" he shouted. "And completely and utterly brilliant…" His arms flung around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. She stood stunned as he held her close. "I-" he paused as he realized what he was about to say. He looked to her and smiled. "I love you."
He drew back slightly from his bone-crushing embrace and Sarah could see the sincerity of his words in his eyes. She stared wide-eyed at him not expecting his declaration and action. She was speechless for a moment before smiling as she realized she could honestly return his sentiment. "I love you too, Jareth," she replied and he quickly bent down to kiss her hungrily. She worked her mouth against his and was just getting to the part where she wished they would never have to stop when an embarrassed cough broke them apart. Sarah looked around still in a stunned daze until she caught sight of Lord Utgard. "I believe it is time for us to withdraw," he commented.
Jareth smirked and pulled Sarah along, one arm still wrapped firmly around her waist. They were led by the chamberlain out of the courtroom, through the antechamber and into the main castle. Sarah paid little attention to where they were going. Her lips hungered to return to Jareth's and her arms longed to wrap around him and never let go, but she held herself in check for Lord Utgard's sake.
They finally arrived at a doorway that led to a suite of rooms and the chamberlain informed them that food would be provided in the sitting area at the usual mealtime before excusing himself. The sitting area was a large room with a dining area along with a number of bookshelves and a large fireplace with more comfortable looking furniture gathered around it. Two doors on opposite ends of the room led off to what Sarah assumed were the bedchambers. "If you'll excuse me, I'll adjourn to my chambers to freshen up a bit before dinner," Lord Utgard said walking toward one of the doors.
Jareth and Sarah watched him go silently. Once his door was closed, Jareth pulled Sarah over to the settee in front of the fireplace. "I want to thank you, Sarah, for standing up for me."
Sarah looked down, reminded of the decision she'd made in the courtroom. "It was nothing… I'm sure Lord Utgard would have if I hadn't."
Jareth gently raised her face to look at him. "No, he wouldn't have. No fae would have, which is why I'm so thankful that you are who you are. No fae would dare stand up to the Council like you did. It is very rare indeed that the Council grants an appeal."
"Is everyone so afraid of them?"
"Mostly… they hold a lot of power. The one thing in favor of anyone on trial is that the Council must make a unanimous decision in order for it to pass. If even one council member holds out, the Council must reassess the situation until the vote is unanimous."
"Wow… that's heavy."
"I fail to see what weight has to do with this?"
Sarah laughed, "It's another human saying Jareth… it means that it's intense or serious."
He nodded, "I see…"
They sat in silence for a while, watching the fire lick over the logs in the fireplace. Only the soft purring of Hermaphroditus and the crackling of flames could be heard. Jareth shifted sideways on the settee and pulled Sarah back against him, her body resting between his strong legs. She leaned back, her head rested against his chest, just high enough for him to rest his chin on top of. His arms wrapped around her and she linked her fingers with his. Nothing more needed to be said at the moment. Both understood that this was a stolen moment and that depending on the outcome of the appeal it may be one of the last.
It may have been several hours or several minutes later, neither was sure, that a knock came at the main door announcing the arrival of their dinner. They ate with Lord Utgard at the table, speaking very little. The only one of their number who seemed truly happy was Herm who was quite pleased to be feasting on meat. After dinner, Lord Utgard excused himself to his chambers again for the night and Sarah and Jareth did the same. Herm, sensing that Sarah wished to be alone with Jareth stayed in the sitting room and curled up in front of the fireplace, basking in the warm heat it emitted as only a reptile could.
Alone in their bedchamber, Jareth approached Sarah with the need to show just how thankful he was to her. He started by kissing the back of each hand then running his hands up and down her arms. When she seemed relaxed, he moved around behind her and gently ran his gloved hands up her back, his nimble fingers automatically finding the tense spots in her neck and began to massage them out. She relaxed even further, becoming like putty in his hands, which moved down to loosen the corset of her dress. His deft digits made quick work of the laces. Once it was loose enough, he pulled the dress down over her hips, his fingers caressing the curves of her body as they moved downward.
She shivered as the fabric pooled at her feet and turned to face Jareth. He cupped her face with both hands and kissed her chastely, his lips ghosting over hers in soft butterfly touches. "You are so beautiful," he whispered.
She sighed and took one of his hands, peeled the glove off, lifted it to her mouth, kissed the pad of each finger then repeated the process with the other hand. "And you are the most amazing man I have ever met."
He chuckled as he ran a hand through her hair, freeing it of the delicate chignon. "Technically I'm not a man. I am male, but man refers to a male of the human species. I am fae, not human."
She looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. "Don't ruin the moment, Jareth."
He chuckled again, "I don't think it's possible to at the moment, love."
"Shh! You'll jinx it," she teased.
He leaned down and kissed her again, this time with more passion, his teeth nipping at her lower lip and his tongue seeking entrance to her mouth. She granted him access and wound her arms around his neck, hanging on for dear life as he possessed her completely. His hands slid up and down her sides coming so close to the underside of her breasts. She pressed herself closer to him, melding her body to his, intent on fusing the two together.
Their clothing was lost soon after and they fell onto the bed. Jareth's warm weight pressing down on Sarah in what couldn't feel anything else but absolutely and utterly right. It was as if their bodies were meant to be together, so perfectly they fit. Moans of pleasure could be heard as they met and crashed together. Just like last time, all logical thought flew out the window and instinct took over. The result could be heard from the sitting room and it was several hours later when the sounds had died down that Herm managed to crawl into the bedchamber to check on its mistress.
The dragon found her wrapped in the arms of the blond fae, a euphoric expression on her slumbering visage. Sleep well, Mistress, it projected the thought and then returned to its warm spot in front of the fire.
o O o O o O o
"That's your plan?" Jareth's voice echoed around the sitting room the next morning.
They'd awoken early that morning and met an annoyingly chipper Lord Utgard in the dining area for breakfast. After their meal, Jareth had asked what Sarah's plan was for that afternoon in court. She'd explained that she intended to tell the truth of the matter and perhaps they could call on Puck to witness since Jackie was still in a deep slumber to avoid the ill effects of the nightmare curse.
Herm poked its head out of Sarah's slotted sleeve at Jareth's loud question and hissed. Please inform him that some of us are not morning creatures… the dragon requested preferring to speak through Sarah.
"Herm doesn't like it when you yell," she relayed the message.
Jareth gave the quicksilver creature a dirty look but continued at a normal tone of voice, "Sarah, forgive my impertinence, but we're going to need more than just a good story to win the High Council over."
"Jareth, have you ever heard the saying, 'The pen is mightier than the sword'?"
He shook his head, "I fail to see how more human sayings are going to help."
"Listen to me you arrogant fae," she snapped. Jareth frowned, but stayed quiet, indicating he would comply. "That particular saying is a metaphor indicating that logic and reasoning are better weapons than brute strength. However in this case I'm applying it to stories. If we tell the High Council why Todd took me in the first place, what you went through to retrieve me, and what the implications could have been if you had failed, then I don't see how they could refuse you your title and kingdom."
Jareth scoffed, "Then you do not know the High Council. They take pleasure in knowing they are the cause of anguish for many."
Sarah scowled at him then turned to Lord Utgard who was sipping at a cup of steaming tea. "Lord Utgard," she addressed him. He swallowed and looked up at the mortal woman. "Please tell Lord Jareth that he is a pessimist and that the High Council cannot possibly be so arrogant."
He set his teacup down and waved a hand as though in surrender, "Oh no, no, my dear… I believe I'll stay out of this matter. Consider me to be Switzerland, as you humans say," he exclaimed, a small smirk upon his lips.
Sarah let out an exasperated sigh, "Really? He probably spends less time than you do in the Aboveground and yet he knows more human sayings than you do, Jareth."
Lord Utgard chuckled, "You'd be surprised, my dear…" he mumbled.
Sarah felt the urge to question the older fae, but turned her attention back to Jareth instead. "Don't you think you're being a little pessimistic? I mean, the High Council Master seemed reasonable enough yesterday."
"You aren't fae, Sarah. You don't know half the things people say about the High Council."
"Maybe that's a good thing! Maybe it's all rumor and hear-say and like any good pessimist you're choosing to believe all the negative things!"
Jareth pursed his lips and furrowed his brow, giving her an exasperated scowl. He opened his mouth to refute her, but Lord Utgard cut in, "She has a point, lad."
Jareth turned his scowl to the elder fae. "I thought you were Swiserland?"
"Switzerland," Sarah corrected.
"Whatever!"
"I am, but she's right."
Jareth threw up his hands in defeat. "Gah! I can't win."
Sarah smiled and moved her chair closer to him, placing a hand over his on the table. "No, you can't."
He sighed and turned to face her, "You really think you can make the High Council change their mind?"
"Yes, they were wrong to make their decision before getting all of the facts. Besides, I've already asked Lord Utgard to send a summons to Puck."
Jareth looked over to the elder fae who nodded in confirmation. "He should arrive shortly before the trial," he said.
"Alright… you win. We'll do it your way."
"Thank you," she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
They spent the rest of the morning talking quietly until Puck arrived about an hour before the trial. He gave the good news that Healer Orin was close to finding a counter to Jackie's nightmare curse and they were optimistic for a while until the chamberlain came to fetch them. They followed him into the antechamber, but did not stop and instead went straight on through to the courtroom.
The High Council had already gathered and had seated themselves. The customary bows and curtsies were made before everyone took their seats; this time, Jareth sat beside Sarah. "The High Council calls to order the appeal of Lord Jareth le Roi for the right to his title and kingdom," the High Council Master said starting the session. "Considering the information presented during the… request for an appeal," at this he looked up at Sarah who blushed, but stared ahead determinedly. "The High Council would like to call upon Ms. Sarah Williams to stand first." Sarah rose and moved to stand before the court. She folded her hands in front of her and waited to be asked a question. "Ms. Williams, last session you presented a creature to the court. Please explain how this creature is relevant to the case."
"If it please your honor, I would prefer to start at the beginning. The creature's story is towards the end and I'm afraid it wouldn't make much sense if I start there," Sarah explained patiently. The High Council Master nodded and leaned back in his chair. Sarah then proceeded to tell how she had been dating Todd in the Aboveground not knowing he was UnSeelie. She explained in detail all that had happened from the date with Todd and Jareth, to the night Todd abducted her, to her presentation to the UnSeelie King, to her journey through the labyrinth, and finally to Hermaphroditus. "Herm and I are now linked and are learning to work together."
"May we see the creature?" the High Council Master requested leaning forward.
Sarah nodded and approached the panel. Herm, the Council would like to see you.
I will comply. Place me before them. It said climbing down to Sarah's hand.
She lifted him up and placed him in front of the High Council Master. Herm did its best to look intimidating as it stood staring at the High Council Master, smoke curling from its nostrils. The High Council Master leaned forward, his sharp blue eyes examining Herm from head to tail. "Fascinating…" he murmured. "And you say he can understand us?"
"Yes…" Herm, it might help if you spoke to him. she added to the small dragon.
It nodded and turned back to the High Council Master. I can understand you, it said simply.
The High Council Master jumped back slightly. The other Council members murmured and inched closer to the center of the panel to get a better view of the quicksilver dragon. "Hermaphroditus, could you please explain how you came to be?" the High Council Master asked. Herm explained what it knew, repeating much of what it and Sarah had discussed that first night. "I see… you are dismissed, Herm." The dragon scurried over to the edge of the panel where Sarah was waiting and climbed back up her arm to coil around her bicep. "You are dismissed as well, Ms. Williams." Sarah nodded and returned to her seat. "The High Council calls on Lord Jareth le Roi to stand." Jareth rose and moved to stand before the Council. "Lord Jareth, please fill in the Council on your half of the journey through the labyrinth."
Jareth did so, explaining how he and Jackie had got there with help from Titania, that Puck had also helped them tremendously, and the events of what happened in the Escher room. "Your honor, if I may. I'm sure you are aware of what was hidden in the Escher room, that it is even now sitting with us in this court in the form of Herm. I would like to remind the Council of the theories regarding Herm and his power. It's said that the human's belief in magic helps to supplement our own. It is also believed that one could control both worlds with ease should one have the power. One can only imagine what an UnSeelie fae would do with this power. I request the Council to consider all of this in regards to my actions to prevent it from happening."
"It will be noted in our deliberations."
"Thank you," Jareth nodded.
"If that is all, then you may be seated, Lord Jareth." Jareth returned to his seat and gripped Sarah's hand seeking comfort. "The High Council calls upon Puck the faun." Puck rose, his hooves clattering against the marble floor as he took his place before the council. "Please tell the Council your part in all of this." Puck told his part, corroborating what Jareth had said. When he'd finished, the High Council Master dismissed him and turned to his colleagues. "The Council will reconvene later today once we've come to a decision. Court dismissed!"
Once again the court filed out, leaving Sarah, Jareth, Lord Utgard, and Puck to themselves. They returned to the antechamber to wait out the Council's deliberations. As they sat, tea was served along with pastries and more little triangular cucumber sandwiches. Sarah looked over at Jareth beside her on the settee. He was staring off into space, holding his teacup with both hands. "Jareth?" she addressed him. He glanced up. "What does it mean… that they didn't set a time like last time?"
"Probably that the Council doesn't agree. During the court session, they have a tablet before them that they can write on and the message magically shows up on all the other tablets. That's how the High Council Master knows what questions to ask… though he's been doing the job long enough that he probably doesn't need the guidance of the other members."
"So last time, they'd already decided not to give you your title back when they dismissed?"
"Most likely… or there were a couple members unsure and needed the hour to review. The fact that they didn't set a time this time simply means that they need to discuss things. Which could be either good or bad, it's impossible to say."
Sarah nodded and took a sip of tea. Herm slid down her arm into her lap again and nibbled at the pastry Sarah had selected, but hadn't felt like eating. It's no use worrying… it said looking up at her. There's nothing else you can do. Now it's up to the Council.
Yes, but I can still worry…
It doesn't do you any good…
No, but I want to do it anyway.
Herm gave a mental shrug and went back to its pastry. The tea lasted for about two hours at which time Sarah stood and began to pace. The males watched her go back and forth across the room a few times until Jareth stood and stopped her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "Sarah, calm down. We've done all we can do."
"You sound like Herm," she sighed.
He smiled, "Well perhaps the little parasite does know a thing or two."
Herm poked its head out from Sarah's sleeve and gave Jareth a dirty look, smoke curling from its nostrils. Jareth winked at it. "That's not very nice," Sarah mumbled.
"Look, it's uncertain how long the Council will be in there and us being here will not affect the decision at all, so lets take a walk. I can show you around the High Council Palace." Sarah nodded; anything would be better than staying here. "We'll be back in a jiffy, gents," Jareth called out to Lord Utgard and Puck then led Sarah out of the antechamber. "Lets start with the gardens shall we? It'll be nice to get some fresh air."
Sarah nodded and followed Jareth as he led her down a set of stairs and out a nearby door. Outside, a stiff breeze blew, ruffling Sarah's dress and Jareth's overcoat. They strolled along a brick path between beds of exotic looking blooms. "Thank you, Jareth. I needed this," Sarah said watching her feet as she walked.
"Yes, I know, and you're welcome." They walked slower; not really looking at the flora around them, merely soaking in the sun and each other's presence. "Sarah, I've been thinking that since Herm here has decided to literally attach itself to you and you'll most likely be staying here in the Underground, if you'd want to stay with me if I'm allowed to stay here as well?"
Sarah stopped walking. "Whoa, back up a bit there. Why would I have to stay in the Underground?"
Jareth gave her a look as though the answer should be obvious. "Because of Herm… It has to stay here in the Underground. There's no telling what would happen if it ventured to the Aboveground."
"But that's just Herm…"
"Sarah, I thought you realized this. Herm has linked itself with you. I very much doubt you two could stand to be far from each other let alone in different worlds."
Sarah was having trouble breathing. "I need to sit," she whispered. Jareth quickly led her over to a marble bench in a small trellis alcove. "Thanks…"
He nodded and squeezed her hand. "Sarah?"
"I'm sorry, I… I'm not sure why I'm acting like this. It's not as though the Aboveworld really holds anything for me."
Jareth shook his head, "But it's your home. I understand, Sarah."
She looked up at him then leaned against him. "Yes…"
Herm tightened his hold on her arm and seemed to nuzzle against her. I'm sorry to have caused this distress, my lady.
It's not your fault, Herm. Well… it kinda is, but not really.
The dragon didn't say anything else, but continued to comfort her with nuzzles and squeezes. "I guess the only thing I would want to go back to the Aboveworld for would be Jackie," Sarah said quietly against Jareth's shoulder. "But she's here and who knows how long it will take her to recover from the nightmare curse?"
Jareth put an arm around her shoulders and pressed her firmly against his side. "Every case is different, but yes, usually a victim of the nightmare curse needs extensive therapy after the curse is removed. As might be expected, the curse usually results in turning the victim into an insomniac once it is removed."
"I hope she'll be alright."
"I'm sure she will. Like I said earlier, she's shown remarkable resilience toward the curse already, more than any fae victim I've heard of."
They sat in silence for a while, Sarah thinking over everything Jareth had said until she realized she'd never answered his question. Looking up at him examining his sharp features, his high cheekbones, his thin lips, his hawk-like nose, his upswept eyebrows. He was a handsome fae to be sure, but she'd come to appreciate more than just his looks. Somehow she'd come to love this foolish fae for who he was inside and out and she couldn't imagine living without him now. "Yes," she whispered.
"What?" he asked looking down at her.
"To your question from before… yes."
His eyes widened as he realized what she was talking about; then he beamed and leaning down to kiss her upraised face. It was gentle, but passionate, showing exactly how thankful he was, and Sarah reciprocated, showing just how grateful she was for his offer.
They broke apart after a minute and Jareth rose to his feet, holding out a hand to help Sarah. She accepted it and stood beside him. "We should head back now," he said still holding her close.
She nodded and they made their way out of the garden back to the main palace. They traversed the marble hallways slowly, taking their time getting back to the antechamber. As they stepped through the doorway into the room, they noticed the alertness of Lord Utgard and Puck. "The Council has reached a decision, Lord Jareth, " Lord Utgard said, rising from his chair.
Jaw set, Jareth nodded and made to follow Lord Utgard into the High Council's chambers. The court sat in their places behind the panel and those entering paid their respects before resuming their seats from earlier in the afternoon. "Lord Jareth, please rise and stand before the court," the High Council Master said not giving any hint of what the decision may be. Jareth did as requested, giving Sarah's hand a squeeze before leaving her side. He stood before the Council awaiting his fate. "We, the High Council, have reviewed the case of Lord Jareth le Roi in his appeal for his kingdom and title. We have decided that the actions Lord Jareth took that led to his breaking the terms of his punishment were in fact necessary to keep the peace between the Seelie and UnSeelie kingdoms, not to mention between the Underground and Aboveground. As such, we will grant Lord Jareth le Roi his title as Goblin King, his powers, and his kingdom on certain conditions," he paused and looked over at Sarah. "Please rise, Ms. Williams, and stand beside Lord Jareth." Sarah did as asked, preparing herself for what was to be said. "The condition the Council has provided is that Ms. Sarah Williams remains Underground in the protection of Lord Jareth. Being that she now appears to be the keeper of the mortals' belief in magic, it will be required of the Goblin Kingdom to continue to do its job in protecting that belief and the keeper of it."
"Thank you, High Council Master…" Jareth said bowing.
"I was not finished, Lord Jareth," the High Council Master said disapprovingly. Jareth looked up in interest and waited for the High Council Master to continue. "The High Council requires that the mortal undergoes the transformation that will make her immortal. It wouldn't do to have the Keeper dying in only a few short decades."
Jareth ground his teeth and Sarah glanced back and forth between the two men curious as to what this meant and what the transformation would involve. "As the Council wishes," Jareth said and bowed again.
Sarah curtsied as well. The High Council Master watched them for a moment before addressing them again. "In regards to the UnSeelie fae, Todd. A warrant will be put out for his arrest in all the Seelie kingdoms and among those fae living in the Aboveground. Also, the High Council wishes to be kept apprised of the situation with the other mortal, a Ms. Jackie I believe her name was, in regards to whether or not she will continue to live in the Underground." He gave one last glance around before announcing, "Court dismissed!"
The Council rose and left the room through the door behind the panel. Jareth and Sarah remained standing, not saying anything until all the members of the Council had left. Once the last black robe had disappeared behind the door, Jareth turned to Sarah and took her hands in his. His eyes seemed to be showing more emotion than she had ever seen from him before. "I'm sorry," Jareth said, sincerity evident in every syllable.
Confused, Sarah opened her mouth to ask why, but was cut off when Lord Utgard rose to address them. "We best be getting back to the Goblin Kingdom."
Jareth sighed and nodded. They'd already been gone too long. Leaving the goblins unattended for such long periods of time could lead to some nasty consequences… such as the time he'd left unexpectedly for two days and come back to find that the little cretins had attempted to move the bog of eternal stench inside the castle. Their reasoning had been that it was only for their King's benefit, so he wouldn't have to expend so much energy transporting goblins so far to the bog. Jareth shook his head clear of the memory and turned back to Sarah who was still staring at him perplexed. "Later, I promise," he said taking up her hand and pulling her along to follow Lord Utgard out of the court room and through the antechamber. They traveled the short distance to a transport room, where they would be free to use transportation spells to go back to the Goblin Kingdom. Puck stopped at the entrance to the transport room. "Here is where we part ways. I must be returning to my master now," he said giving them a short bow.
Jareth nodded, "Thank you for your testimony, Puck. I am indebted to you."
A sly smirk crossed Puck's features. "And I'll be holding you up to that someday." Jareth grimaced, he was almost afraid to know what was going through the faun's horned head. "I'll take my leave now," he said. Before he left though, he turned to Sarah, a serious look now on his face, "Good luck… I'm afraid you'll need it." And then he was gone.
Sarah turned to Jareth again, even more befuddled than before. However he didn't say anything as he pulled her close in the small circular transport room. Sarah felt a swooping sensation in her stomach as they transported away. Once again, she felt a kind of nausea sweep over her during the short time in transit. She was relieved when she felt smooth stones beneath her feet again. Looking back at Jareth, she found him smiling a gleeful smile. She couldn't figure out why until a thought struck her. "Did you? Was that…" she trailed off.
He beamed down at her and nodded. "Yes, I have my magic back."
o O o O o O o
A/N: I wish to take this time to announce that I am going to kill my plot bunnies. They seem to think this story needs at least another couple of chapters beyond this one even though this one was suppose to be the last.
Labyrinth (c) Jim Henson & Co.