Chapter 23: Rise of the Goblin Queen

"What is that?" Sarah asked of the fae beside her who was also listening intently.

"Beelzebub's Hounds… the battle is about to start," Jareth replied and immediately pulled Sarah to her feet with him as he rose.

"Where are we going?"

"I need to get to my goblins to lead them, and I need to get you to safety. Actually this oubliette would be a good place, but I doubt you'd be very happy with me if I left you here."

Sarah frowned and growled out, "No, I wouldn't be very happy."

"Then come on, we need to move quickly."

He started to pull her forward into the darkness. "Why don't you just use a transportation spell to get us there?" Sarah asked as she heard the grinding of rock on rock as he opened a door of sorts.

"Because my magic isn't back to full strength yet and I need to save what I have to fight against the hounds."

Sarah nodded and allowed him to lead her through the tunnels under the labyrinth, remembering that the last time she'd been there with him had been during her run through the labyrinth. It was a memory that made her blush at the sexual energy she'd missed the first time she'd experienced it. Of course, now was not the time to ponder over such things. However she firmly decided that she wanted to show Jareth just how well she remembered that particular scene once this was all over.

Placing her mind in the now, she raced behind him, trusting him to lead her well enough so she wouldn't stumble. The cool dry tunnels felt safe enough, but then she heard another long low howl, closer this time, and she shivered and gripped Jareth's hand tighter. He in response, moved faster still, flying through the tunnels and whipping around corners with the same agility as his owl form.

"Hang on," he suddenly commanded before swooping her up into his arms, not breaking pace as he started climbing up stairs.

Sarah clung to his neck and pressed herself close against him to make herself easier to carry. Another grinding sound could be heard as Jareth slowed to a stop for a moment, waiting for the door to open before rushing through. He didn't bother to put her down and instead picked up his pace to one that Sarah doubted she would've been able to keep up with. It was apparent from his even breaths that he was not exerting himself anyway and Sarah took this into stock mentally. He was much stronger than he appeared. He'd been holding back on her obviously. She smirked and decided that was something else she would discuss with him when this was over.

She suddenly felt him come to an abrupt stop and he placed her on her feet. "Where are we?" she asked sensing that wherever it was, it was much lighter than the tunnels under the labyrinth.

"You're in our quarters. I want you to stay here until I come to fetch you."

"But Jareth…"
"No," he cut her off. "I won't have you getting hurt, Sarah."

He pulled her to him in a tight embrace and kissed her forehead before pushing her down into one of the plush chairs in the sitting room. Then he released her and quickly moved away. She could hear the door close and the lock turn. For a moment, she thought he would come back for her and tell her how she could help, but after several minutes, she realized that he'd meant what he'd said. Sarah grew livid at the thought that he was keeping her here like some helpless fragile girl. She wasn't a mere girl anymore… hell, she wasn't even sure she was completely human anymore. He was not going to leave her to die, not if she could help it.

Herm, she called out to the quicksilver dragon who was tightening agitatedly around her arm sensing her anger. We need to help.

I agree, Mistress. We must help Lord Jareth. The foolish fae will perish without help.

My thoughts exactly…

Did my lady have a plan in mind?

Yes… and Sarah proceeded to explain her idea to it.

The dragon listened intently, hope for success growing with every word she said.

o O o O o O o

Jareth pushed his feelings for Sarah out of his mind as he rushed from the room. He needed to focus on his subjects and how to best protect them. From what he could remember, it sounded like the Hounds had barely penetrated the perimeter of the labyrinth. This however was not an issue; in fact it made things easier. One of the labyrinth's defenses was to create as many dead-end passages as possible. It helped to confuse the enemy and the smaller goblins could run along the top of the walls flinging stones and raining arrows down on the foes.

He ran faster and was soon out of the castle and met his goblins, armed and ready for battle. Howls of frustration could be heard from the labyrinth and he grinned, baring his teeth, settling himself in the necessary frame of mind to make war. He drew a crystal and peered into it. The hounds were getting closer. Time to show them who they were dealing with.

With sharp commands, he sent a battalion of smaller goblins scrambling along the tops of the walls of the labyrinth and another battalion into the labyrinth proper to mislead the hounds and trick them into oubliettes that were not nearly as friendly as the one he and Sarah had just been in. If Zuul wanted a battle, then he would get one.

o O o O o O o

King Zuul of the UnSeelie stood erect and tall on the hill overlooking the labyrinth. He'd sent his hounds in and now waited for victory. The wind whipped through the air, tearing at his cloak, but he paid no mind to it. A movement at the bottom of the hill drew his eye and he glanced down to see Todd steadily making his way up. Zuul sneered at the fae, but allowed him to approach. Once Todd was close enough, he knelt before his king. "I have done what you have bid, Master. The hounds will tear the labyrinth apart in their search for Jareth and his goblins."

Zuul considered the fae lying prostrate before him. Todd had failed him too many times. The lower fae shifted nervously before his master, but did not dare to look up. "Rise," Zuul ordered.

Todd scrambled to his feet, but he was still shorter than his king due to his standing slightly lower on the hill. "Todd, you have failed me too many times to count…"

"I am sorry, Master! I beg for your forgiveness!" Todd interrupted falling to his knees again.

"Do not interrupt me!" Zuul commanded in a deadly voice. Todd fell silent and stared up at his master. "Despite the fact that you've failed me too many times to continue living, you've also been instrumental in achieving our current status. Therefore, I am giving you one last chance to prove yourself. Should you fail, I will allow Beelzebub's hounds to ravage your sorry carcass." Todd shivered, but did not comment.

"I want you to find the Goblin King and kill him. Bring me his head and his pendant and I may consider sharing his worthless human with you."

Todd's eyes widened as he realized he was being allowed to live and may have another chance at Sarah. He nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, my King! You shall have the head of Jareth la Roi!"

"And his pendant! I will need his pendant in order to rule over the labyrinth," Zuul snapped.

Todd nodded again and rose to his feet. "It shall be done, Master." The fae bowed low then departed, making his way down the hill over looking the labyrinth.

o O o O o O o

It was time to meet them head on. The hounds had gotten too close to the Goblin City and it was imperative they did not reach it. Those of his subjects who could not fight had been moved to the castle, and Jareth would be damned if the hounds made it that far. They'd proven to be a difficult opponent, being far smarter than he'd originally given them credit for. Several of his goblins had been injured and a few reports of deaths had reached him, however the hounds were not without their own casualties.

Several hounds had found themselves falling to their death in iron spike laden oubliettes and a few others had been injured thanks to the goblins along the tops of the walls. However it seemed the battle was still too evenly matched and that did not sit well with the king. Thunder rumbled over the kingdom and he glanced up to see dark clouds had moved in. He moved toward the remaining goblin battalions, all awaiting his command, and with a manic grin, gave the command to charge. Chaos ensued as the goblins, cackling and shouting, rushed past their monarch out of the city gates and into the forest surrounding it.

Jareth calmly strode through the bedlam to his mount, a wild looking dapple-grey stallion who, once Jareth had mounted, reared and trumpeted. Rain began to fall in thin sporadic patches, but soon accelerated to fat drops that soaked through the King's cloak and breeches, matting his wild hair to his skull. His torso remained protected by his armor. Riding out the gates and into the forest, his mount turning up large lumps of mud, the Goblin King soon caught up with his warriors. He navigated his way to the front of the attack and drew his sword as soon as he could see the eyes of the hellhounds gleaming in the dim light. He shouted out a battle call and the goblins answered before throwing themselves at the hounds resulting in a crash of bodies, armor, and weapons.

The hounds bore down on the goblins with no mercy, tearing into the smaller creatures with a ferocity only matched by the goblins themselves as they stabbed and swung at the beasts with their crude weapons. Jareth brought down his mighty sword on the head of a hound who had leaped toward him. A sickening crack followed as the hound's skull caved in. However the King didn't waste any more time with the creature and instead buried his sword in another hound's shoulder. The animal yipped pitifully, but didn't hesitate coming back around to attack Jareth once he'd withdrawn his sword. It flung it's heavily muscled body toward the King who laid back on his steed, letting the animal fly over him, but not without gaining another mark as he slid the sword up and the hound's own momentum caused it to gut itself. Jareth gave his foe a parting glance before turning back to the frenzied battle strewn throughout the forest.

His goblins were attacking the hounds in groups now, using numbers to outmatch the creature's abundant strength. There were dozens of the hounds in skirmishes with his goblins, and he sought about for where he was needed most. However he was caught by surprise when a hound leapt for him while his back was turned. The beast had aimed low and barreled full on into the stallion who let out a horrified shriek as he toppled over, bringing his rider with him. Jareth crashed to the ground and rolled away from the stallion, using his momentum to spring back up on quick feet. The hound growled as it stalked the King. The stallion, not badly injured, but terrified, ran off back towards the castle. The king was left alone to deal with the hound now bearing down on him. He held his sword low, prepared for the hound to launch, but it did not. It continued to circle around him; he moved with it, never letting it at his back. Finally, the hound made his move and leapt forward, jaws snapping. Jareth thrust with his sword, catching the hound on the side, but was also caught in return by the beast's massive claws. He let out a pained yell as three deep wounds appeared on his sword arm.

Instinctually, he held the arm close and tried to ignore the pain with deep steady breaths. The hound glared balefully back at the injured king, the long gash left by the sword weeping a thick dark substance that Jareth supposed was the creatures blood. The two sized each other up once more before Jareth raised his sword and leapt at the hound, a battle cry on his lips. The hound, surprised by the sudden attack was caught off guard and the sword swept down, digging deep into its ribs. The hound lay still under the King's sword and Jareth, breathing heavily, pulled it out of the now dead foe.

He turned back to the battle to see that there were bodies scattered everywhere, but there were more large dark forms than small ones and it gave the king hope that they could prevail in this battle. That was when he spotted the other fae only feet from him. The dark haired being bounded forward, sword raised high, and Jareth was forced to raise his at the last second to prevent being decapitated. "Todd," the king growled out. "We all thought you ran away like the cowardly runt you are!"

Todd parried the Goblin King's blows, backing up a little to give himself more room. "I think not, Goblin King. I merely retreated to better serve my master. I know when to call a cause lost."

"And so you went crawling back on hand and knee to beg his forgiveness for failing him again?" Jareth countered, thrusting forward with his sword, the painful marks on his arm now dripping blood.

"Ah, but my master has given me another chance," Todd grunted out the last word then swung back viciously at the monarch's head. Jareth blocked the blow, but Todd continued with his momentum and was finally able to draw first blood as Jareth's sword arm was slow to block a slice towards his legs. The tip of Todd's sword sliced through his thigh, leaving a three-inch gash in the muscle. Jareth drew back with a hiss and Todd leveled his sword, prepared for the next onslaught. "For you see, Goblin King, my master likes me and finds my services useful. In fact, he's given me a very important task just now."

"Really? I suppose sticking your head up your arse would be difficult, but not impossible. Allow me to help!" he roared as he darted forward, weaving his sword so fast, it was all Todd could do to parry the blows as he backed up rapidly. However he didn't block one swipe entirely and the Goblin King managed to slice into his enemy at last. Todd fell back with a hiss of pain as the sword ripped through his armor and into his side. The Goblin King stood catching his breath, waiting for Todd to rise. Despite how much he disliked the fae, he refused to strike an enemy while he was down. Todd lay panting in the mud; rain poured down on them both continuing to soak their surroundings as well as the pair of fae. "What now, Goblin King? Too afraid to finish me off?"

Another hound came bursting through a bush just then and leapt at the pair, but Jareth drew a crystal and hurled it at the beast, causing it to become entrapped in a block of ice. "Not all," he said quietly as though nothing had happened. "I'm merely following a code long forgotten by the UnSeelie."

Todd scowled at the fae king, but then smirked. "How's Sarah? Is she still as luscious as I remember?"

Jareth glared at the UnSeelie. "Don't talk about her. Don't you even mention her. You have no right."

Todd laughed; "What? You and I both know how soft and nubile she is. In fact, if you hadn't interrupted that dream I'd be willing to bet she would have been out of that tantalizing negligee and under me in naught but five more minutes."

Jareth ground his teeth and launched himself at Todd, swinging his sword around as he did so. Todd however was prepared for this and kicked out at the Goblin King's sword arm, hitting the deep gashes that the Beelzebub's Hound had left. Jareth gasped and dropped his sword because of the pain. Todd leapt to his feet and kicked at the Goblin King again, this time hitting him in abdomen, his leather armor doing little to deflect the blunt force. He let out a grunt and curled in on himself. His sword was too far away to reach and Todd standing between him and it anyway. He gazed up at the UnSeelie with rage. "Strike me down if you will, Todd, but your master will never rule the labyrinth! It is loyal to me only!"

This made Todd hesitate for a moment and the two fae glared at each other, one waiting for death; the other deciding whether to deliver it. Suddenly a great roar and crash grabbed their attention. Trees quaked around them and limbs were snapped off as a giant quicksilver dragon landed amongst the trees with a dark haired Valkyrie clad in armor upon its back. Thunder rumbled overhead and rain pelted down, plinking off the maiden's armor. The mighty beast settled to the muddy earth with grace and glared at the UnSeelie. "Back off Todd," the Valkyrie called out calmly.

"Who are you to order me?" Todd called out, putting more confidence into his voice than he actually felt.

"I am the Keeper, I am the Lady of the Labyrinth, I am death to any who would harm my King," she replied.

Todd's face paled for a moment, but then he gained some of his color back as he realized just whom he was dealing with. "Little Sarah… is that you?" he asked, a lecherous grin crossing his face. "I must say you look magnificent, my dear."

"Back away from the Goblin King, Todd," she repeated.

Todd let out a low chuckle. "I'll tell you what, princess. I'll let your Goblin King die a swift death if you'll come quietly with me. Oh and tell your pet there to back down."

The dragon let out a plume of smoke from its nostrils and glared at the UnSeelie in a way that made Todd shiver right down to his soul. "Don't count on it... now back away from my King!" she demanded as more thunder rumbled above.

Todd narrowed his eyes, he could see that the woman would not back down and that left him with only one choice. "So be it…" he muttered and thrust his sword into Jareth's abdomen.

The Goblin Monarch gasped at the sudden pain, his eyes opened wide and he found it difficult to draw a breath. "NOOOO!" Sarah screamed out and the dragon, responding to its mistress' fear and anger, launching itself at the Unseelie.

The dragon tore into the fae, ripping him limb from limb. It was quick and not nearly as painful as Sarah would've liked, but she was much more worried about her King just then. Cutting off her link with Herm as she slid from its shoulders, she stumbled across the uneven ground to where Jareth lay gasping for air. "Jareth!" she called to him as her hands fluttered about, finally grasping upon his sleeve. "Oh god, Jareth! You – you're gonna be fine! We'll take you up to the castle! Just please don't leave me!" she sobbed.

She felt for the sword still sticking out of him and grasped hold of it, pulling it out with a quick movement. He grunted in pain, but then fell back shivering as blood leaked profusely from his open wound. "Sarah…" he gasped out.

Her hands found his face and she leaned over him, placing her forehead against his. "I'm here, I'm here! Please don't leave me!" she begged.

"Sarah, I lo – love you," he choked.

"Jareth," she sobbed, hands running through his wet hair, tears running down her face to land on his, rain soaking them both thoroughly. "I love you," she whispered.

o O o O o O o

There are few things more magnificent in the Goblin Kingdom than the King's garden just after a healthy rain. The flora perks up and its vibrant colors shine through in jubilation and thanks to the life giving rain. The marble statues shine a brilliant white and the fountains' water falls in tinkling little waterfalls. However in the midst of the cheerful garden sat a woman who paid no attention to the marvels around her. She sat cross-legged on one of the marble benches near the gladioluses, head in her hands and her elbows resting on her skirt clad knees. It had been two days since the battle and she'd had next to no sleep in that time. She was dependent on Hermaphroditus to keep her going through the day and the long quiet nights next to the Goblin King's bed in the Healer's Wing. It had been just that morning that Healer Orin had declared it safe to move the King to his own apartments.

They had done so carefully and afterwards, the elf had beseeched Sarah to get some rest, but she had refused. She was needed elsewhere. And so it was shortly thereafter that she'd met with the High Council's representative. He had been kind enough once he'd seen that Sarah was indeed an immortal now. She'd hosted him in the Goblin King's study, offering him drinks and light conversation. He'd flinched slightly when she implied that it was because of the council that she was now mostly blind, but she hadn't gone any further than that in accusations. Instead they'd shifted to talking about the battle and how the UnSeelie King had been taken into custody for breaking the Escheat, the law binding all fae Seelie and UnSeelie alike. Sarah had been rather relieved to learn that he had been stripped of his powers and imprisoned. The High Council's representative was also informed of Jackie's decision to stay in the Underground with Rynn Orin.

In fact, the human and the elf had been nearly inseparable for the past few days. Jackie had worked tirelessly on the sick and wounded from the battle beside Rynn. Sarah suspected that they were nearly as close as Jareth and she. She'd learned that with time, Jackie would absorb more and more magic, lengthening her life, but not making her immortal. The couple would come to that stepping stone when the time came.

The High Council representative had left after a couple hours and that left Sarah alone. She didn't want to return to the King's apartment, she'd spent so much time there and Healer Orin had said that it would be some time more before Jareth would awaken. He'd been poisoned from the blade thrust through him, but the healer had managed to extract it, which left only the healing of his wounds. Sarah had actually spent a lot of time with Lord Utgard, learning of the Goblin King's duties and his day-to-day occurrences. To both hers and Lord Utgard's surprise, she'd had an easy time picking it up, and she even helped out a little with the goblins.

However when the day ended, she found herself back with the slumbering Jareth, praying for him to wake up soon. It had to be soon; he'd been unconscious for going on fifty hours. She sighed and made to stand, wobbling slightly as she did so. Mistress, I know you want to be awake when Lord Jareth comes around, but would it not be better to have a functional mind when he does? Herm beseeched from its usual perch.

I know, Herm… I just want to see his eyes, that's it. Then I'll sleep. She could sense the dragon's displeasure, but ignored it. Show me the way back to the royal apartments, please. she requested.

Herm grumbled a bit, but extended the link to allow her to see through the dragon's eyes. She stumbled into the castle and up the stairs then down the hall and into the royal apartments. The two goblin guards moved aside for the sleepy human as she staggered into the room. She managed to change into a night shift, even though she didn't intend on sleeping, before lying down next to Jareth. She stroked his soft winter blond hair as she lay there. Herm broke the sight link and her sight grew dark again. Thank you, Herm. she mumbled.

Whatever for?

Everything… you've helped me in more ways than I know how to thank for.

You are my Mistress… it explained patiently.

Yes, but…

No, you don't understand. As the goblins are bound to their king, I am bound to you, Mistress. Of course I've come to care for you as well…

Aww, Herm!

Don't start…

Sarah chuckled at the tender moment. Still… thanks, Herm.

You're welcome.

Sarah settled back onto the bed, her head tucked against Jareth's side, her hand resting on his chest. She never even noticed the slight veil of magic coming from Herm as she drifted to sleep. The dragon sighed with satisfaction. Its human Mistress could be quite stubborn. If she ever found out the dragon had cast a sleeping spell over her, it would certainly get a long talking to, but it would be worth it because she was finally getting some rest. It slowly unwrapped itself from her arm and slithered down from the bed over to the fireplace to curl up.

o O o O o O o

A light spicy breeze blew over Sarah's face and she smiled as she breathed it in. She settled back onto the bed, content to lay there in perfect comfort forever. However a gentle tickling along the right side of her face woke her further and she frowned as she tried to swat whatever it was away. A low chuckle was heard and Sarah's eyes snapped open. The light in the room was low and she could see very little through the veil that constantly covered her eyes, but a darker shape shifted on the edge of her vision and she turned toward it. "Jareth?" she whispered.

"Yes, love," he replied and pressed his lips to the end of her nose.

"OH, JARETH!" she thrust herself at him, throwing her arms around his slender form. A low grunt of pain made her back up a little though. "Oh, I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?"

"No," he answered hoarsely. "Just broke another rib is all," he teased.

Sarah's hands couldn't stay away from him and she caressed his face and torso gently. "I was so scared that you wouldn't wake up."

Jareth shushed her and ran a pale hand down her face. She leaned into the caress and closed her eyes before snuggling into his chest. "I'm here now. I'd never leave you, precious. Not willingly at least." There was a long silence where they simply held each other and gave reassuring caresses. It was enough at the moment for them to just be together. "Sarah," Jareth broke the silence. "What happened with King Zuul? I'm assuming that he did not win since we are here in our chambers."

Sarah shifted so she could touch his face then told him of the visit from the High Council representative and how Zuul was now powerless and imprisoned. Jareth held her tighter as she described how she'd been helping Lord Utgard to manage the kingdom. He kissed the top of her head right below his chin. "I'm very proud of you, love," he started. "You have overcome immense odds and will make a fine Goblin Queen."

She smiled, but pulled back a little from him so he could clearly see her. "About that… you never asked."

"What?" he questioned confused.

"You never asked me if I wanted to be your wife or the Goblin Queen for that matter."

Jareth was silent for a moment before understanding what she meant. He sat up, groaning slightly as his sore muscles protested; then rose from the bed and came around to Sarah's side. Sarah sat up, her head following him based off the sound of his movements. He knelt on one knee before her and took one of her hands in both of his. "Sarah," he began. "I have come to realize over the past month and a half that there are no words for how I feel about you. Love, adore, like, adulate, revere… all of these words are too paltry to express how I feel for you. The only way I know of to express my feelings toward you is to ask you to be my wife then I can properly worship you the way you deserve. So I ask of you, Sarah Williams, will you consent to be my wife even though I am less than worthy of you?"

Sarah sat motionless for a moment before thrusting herself at the fae before her, pressing her lips to whatever part of his face she could find. "You – are – more – than – worthy," she said in between kisses. "Yes…" she grinned. "Yes, I'll be your wife!"

Jareth held her tightly and met her kisses with his own until they found each other's lips and meshed together. The scorching heat from the kiss sent tingling bits of electricity up and down Sarah's limbs as she wrapped them about Jareth, digging her fingers into his soft hair. He moaned as her digits worked their way into his hair and touched the base of his skull. His own arms were busy as well; one was wrapped around Sarah's waist, holding her close; and the other was supporting her back. The kiss deepened and the two lovers fell back onto the floor. However Jareth broke the kiss as he landed, grunting in pain. Sarah's hands fluttered over him, unsure of how to help. "Jareth, I'm going to call Healer Orin. He'll want to know that you're up anyway," she said rising from her position on top of the Goblin King.

She helped him to rise and get back on the bed then moved out into the sitting room. Despite the darkness that constantly surrounded her, she had made an effort to learn the layout of their suite of rooms and could now walk unhindered between the bathroom, bedchamber, sitting room, and library. She opened the door that led to the hall from the sitting room and poked her head out. She heard both goblin guards salute with a clanging of metal on metal. "Lady Sarah?" one of them asked.

"Yes, could one of you fetch Healer Orin? The King needs his attentions."

Another clang of metal as they saluted then the scurry of hurried footsteps rushing away. Sarah closed the door and made her way back into the bedchamber, climbing on the bed next to the fae she'd just promised to wed. She sat next to his resting form and gently ran her fingers through his hair. He let out a pleased hum, almost like a giant cat purring. "Thank you," he said.

"For what?"

"Agreeing to marry me. I really am not worthy of you, you know."

She playfully smacked his arm. "If anything, I'm the one who's not worthy of you," she replied.

"I seriously doubt that, love."

"How about we both just accept that we're made to be together because of our unworthiness?" she suggested.

He seemed to think this over. "I could accept that I suppose, though I'll never believe you to be unworthy," he replied humming again as she continued to run her fingers along his scalp.

Healer Orin arrived only a few minutes later and bustled over to the king's bed with a bag of instruments and potions. "Your Majesty," he bowed slightly before beginning. "I'm pleased to see that you are awake. You suffered from iron poisoning when the UnSeelie Todd stabbed you. However I've managed to extract the iron and your wounds should be healing nicely now, but I'd like to check if that's alright?"

Jareth nodded and the healer helped him to sit up. He lifted the king's nightshirt and began to unwind the bandages around his torso. Jareth leaned back again once they'd been removed. The healer gently ran his long fingers around the edge of the wound made by the sword. It had closed over, but was still red and looked like it would be a nasty scar when all was said and done. "This is healing nicely, but I'm going to put some salve on it just to be sure," Healer Orin said rummaging through his bag and coming up with a jar of white cream.

He unscrewed the lid and lifted out a dollop with his fingers, spreading it over the wound. Jareth grimaced, but held still. "I expect you'll be quite sore for a few more days, but I'll give the cook orders to send tea with some of my herbs for the pain twice a day." He finished rubbing in the salve and closed the jar, putting it back in his bag. "Now, the arm," he requested, reaching for the king's right arm that had been gouged by the Beelzebub's Hound. He examined the scratches carefully, but seemed satisfied with how they were healing. "Alright, everything appears to be doing well," he said helping the king to sit back up so he could put new bandages around his torso.

Sarah helped to get the bandages tight and she frowned as Jareth grimaced more than once as she tugged on the bandage to make it tighter. When they had finished, they helped the king to lie back down. "I would request that you remain in bed resting for another day at least, your Majesty," he said lifting his bag from the nightstand. "If the pain gets to be too much, don't hesitate to call for me. I'll leave some of the herbs here for you." The elf set down a packet on the nightstand.

"Thank you, Healer Orin. I appreciate all you've done."

The healer bowed his head then left. "Would you like some tea?" Sarah asked once they were alone again.

Jareth nodded and she rose to fetch some water from the pitcher across the room. She poured it into one of the small cups and brought it over to the nightstand. "You'll need to heat it in the fire," Jareth commented.

"Hold on a second," she requested and closed her eyes, concentrating intensely for a moment. Suddenly the cup between her hands started to steam and the water bubbled slightly with the heat.

Jareth's eyes widened as she placed the packet of herbs in the now hot water to steep. "How – how did you do that?"

"Herm and I have been practicing how to connect with my magic. I can't do very much, but heating water isn't that hard."

"The magic I gave you?"

Sarah nodded. "Yes, I doubt I'll be making any of those crystals anytime soon, but I'm working on it."

Jareth still stared at her dumbly. "You are an amazing woman, love."

Sarah blushed and checked his tea, deeming it to be ready and pulled out the teabag of healing herbs. "Here, drink," she said, handing him the cup.

He sat up, leaning against the massive elaborately carved headboard, took the cup and sipped at it, still pondering over Sarah's successful use of magic. She climbed back up next to him on the bed, resting her head on his shoulder. There was another moment of quiet, only disturbed by Jareth's sipping. Once he'd finished the tea, he set the cup down on the nightstand and settled back against the pillows between him and the headboard. A large grin crept over his face and he turned to Sarah, kissing the top of her head. "I just had a thought, dearest." She raised her head and looked up at him. "Do you remember when I said that I could change you into a bird and we would fly together?"

Sarah furrowed her brow, trying to remember. Then it hit her. It had been when he had first arrived at her apartment and they had gone to the carnival in the park. It seemed so long ago now. "Yes?" she replied.

"When I am strong enough to, we could do that, only I'll teach you how to change yourself now."

She smiled at the idea of them both soaring above their kingdom as pale owls. "I think I'd like that very much," she said laying her head back down on his shoulder and hugging him gently, careful not to upset his wound.

"You'll love it; I know you will. And I'm sure you'll make a magnificent owl," he responded, his voice light. His arm about her tightened, pulling her closer. "I love you, Sarah."

She snuggled further into him before replying, "I love you too, Jareth."

FIN

o O o O o O o

A/N: Wow, so this is it. The Reference has ended. My apologies for how long it took to get this chapter out. We were having some technical difficulties… However I hope you all enjoyed it and will review letting me know what you thought. Any and all comments, critiques, or questions will be welcome. Also, I have a tumblr account that I would be more than happy to answer questions on as well if you want to follow me. I don't visit as often as I'd like, but I will answer all questions put to me on there. You can find a link to my tumblr account on my profile page.

I would like to offer a HUGE thank you to my beta I'Like'Cheetos who has supported me throughout the majority of this story. She is a wonderful person and a great beta!

I would also like to thank everyone who has reviewed this story, especially those who have been with me from the beginning including the members of the jdbfangirlharem.

And one last thanks to my family and friends who've been so supportive of my writing throughout my life.

I'm planning on taking a little break from writing now, but I have more planned for future stories. If you are impatient and haven't already done so, I urge you to check out my profile page and my other stories. I have several one-shots that are perfect for a short read as well as a couple longer fics (though not nearly as long as this one). Thanks again!

Ismira Daugéne

Labyrinth (c) Henson & Co.