~All credit goes to Jim Henson, I sadly Do not own the Labyrinth, cause if I did...well let's just say it would have ended differently.~

Much thanks to my beta Joie Cullen! Without her we wouldn't be here reading this..cause I wouldn't have had the courage to post it!

Chapter 5

"Well?"

Closing the door Rashem jumped in fright at the menacing tone behind him.

"Nothing that a bit of rest won't set to right my King. Your lady will be fine. You must be gentle with her though. She cannot undergo any activities right now that would strain her tender state. She must be given time to get her strength back."

With a nod and dismissal, much to Rashem's relief, Jareth re-entered the room, only to scamper out with an arrogant laugh as a plate of food went whizzing by his head. The grin didn't last long however as his brothers walked by, Dorian laughing, Garin scowling at him. They were headed for the throne room.

"Your Majesties, the lady Sarah wishes to return home at once but this is ill-advised. Someone of great magical stamina and bearing will need to remain in constant contact with her, through touch at least, until she is returned to the Underground. Her changing process is dangerous at best due to the fact that it has lain dormant within her. Without the magic of the Labyrinth it might have lasted longer, but the strength in which it possessed the girl removed whatever was keeping it at bay. Now that she is dream weaving I would say that she has but months or possibly a year. I cannot be certain which."

"But that is unheard of! Why only royals push ahead at that speed usually through such large magical source."

"Yes my Queen. It appears that Milady Sarah has very strong magical ties. Her lineage should be discovered at once if we are to gauge a better time of the changing. No sense worrying over surprises."

The High King stood at his throne and turned to his Paige, "Set someone upon it at once, Bray. Tell them that I wish for the information by the eve of the girl's birthday on resting day next. We must have time to prepare."

"As you command my King." Bowing the Paige backed away and went in search of the historian.

With a bow Rashem took his leave at once. Aireya stood and took her leave to go see Sarah just as her sons walked in to the room. Their polite bows were noted as she moved on without speech, intent on seeing Sarah now that she knew the girl was in the palace. Regardless of what Jareth had NOT told them the attendants had. Not much went on in the palace that they were not aware of. It was rare that any of their sons managed to get something past them.

The High King glared down at his sons, namely one. "Jareth, have you no kingdom to run? When will you be retuning?"

"Father, I had thought to put a steward in my place for a few days. I have acquired a guest and would ask your leave to tend to that guest most….diligently."

"You may not have it. The Lady Sarah, whom you have scandalously hidden away in your rooms, will be taken home tonight. You will return to your kingdom and await your invitation to the ball your mother is planning. And Jareth, I would advise you to heed my words and cause no stir over this. It is my final word that you do as I ask this once."

Tampering down his temper he did as he was bid, calling his servants to prepare for his departure so that he might have a few last moments with Sarah.

If the swearing in the hallway weren't enough to go by Aireya would have wondered why a group of Goblins fought for residence in front of the key hole to Jareth's room. As it were she laughingly shooed them away and without knocking entered the room as quietly as she could. Would it be rude to laugh at the girl? There was Sarah, lying on the floor and half under the bed, for whatever reason she couldn't possibly imagine. Another loud curse and thump occurred before a glaring Sarah squirmed around on her stomach to face her.

"My dear girl, whatever are you doing?"

"Preparing to leave your Majesty. I have to go and say goodbye to my family. Collect some things. I have decided to accept your proposal for a place to stay until we either find out what is going on or another place can be secured. I cannot possibly fathom how I keep getting in to these situations." With a frustrated sigh she stood and pushed a small red book into her bag. Curious Aireya moved to the bed and gestured towards it.

"May I, Lady Sarah?"

Shrugging Sarah moved to the bathroom to find her shirt. Her pants had been easy enough to find thrown across the back of a chair. Aireya's eyes widened as she pulled the book from the bag. "Sarah, where did you get this?"

Re-entering the room, the medieval attire removed, she began to put a few things into the bag. "My mother gave it to me when she and my father separated. She told me to keep it with me always. Easy enough as it was my favorite story." With a frown her words cut off as it suddenly occurred to her that this was no longer a story for her anymore. Aireya turned and taking hold of Sarah's hands moved her to the nearest chaise.

Taking the seat next to her she twisted the book front to back cover several times over before speaking. "Sarah, this book has an enchantment on it. One meant to keep changing at bay, suppressing it so that it cannot grow as it should. It is meant to absorb magic so that your changing is prolonged. You have become ill because it is full and can no longer push your magic away. Why, it's leaking magic from its very pages. Have you been reading this lately?"

Sarah nodded, tucking her feet beneath her. "Well, that explains a lot. I took it with me overseas this year. I read it nearly every night so that I felt closer to home. Who knew that it would be the very thing to take it from me?" With that being said Sarah did something she hadn't done in years before her trek through the Labyrinth. She bowed her head and sobbed.

"Oh my dear girl…" Putting the book aside Aireya pulled the girl close as if she were her own. Whispering words of comfort and hope in her ear. It was nice to know the girl had a heart after all, but could she love?

Just about to knock on the door his hand paused and lowered to his side as the sound of broken sobbing assailed his ears. Frustration vibrating through his frame he sank to the floor to stare at the ceiling. Well perhaps there was something he could do. Summoning a crystal he dropped it to the floor and hogwart appeared, looking a bit frazzled but otherwise unharmed.

"I ain't done nothing wrong yer Majesty!"

"Come, come hogbrain. Such nonsense. Go, comfort your friend."

"Hoggle ain't got no friends." With that being said he shuffled through the door that Jareth had pushed open, noticing the strain within the usual cruel glare. Peeking inside he saw two women leaning on some kind of chair, bed thingy. As they looked up at him Hoggle cried out in surprise. "Sarah!"

"Oh Hoggle!" Breaking from the Queens embrace Sarah rushed to the little man's side, throwing her arms about his neck to begin sobbing anew. Aireya smiled and spun on the spot, dipping her head in acknowledgement of Sarah's friend.

Jareth paced outside the room, ignoring the goblins who were nearly bouncing in place in their eagerness to get home. He merely wished to say goodbye to the girl; the occasional giggle from the other side of the room assured him that he had made the right decision. Finally, when he could take it no more he pushed open the door and nearly fell flat on his face. Apparently the imp was leaving and had opened the door at the same time.

"Fergive me your majesty. I was jus comin to tell ye that I am ready to get back to me gardens. Her Ladyship is feeling much better now."

Jareth, without waiting, merely threw a crystal at his feet and watched as he disappeared in a poof of glitter.

"You? You sent Hoggle to me?" Forgetting herself Sarah stepped towards the Goblin King, gratitude mingled with doubt in her eyes.

"He is your friend is he not? I thought you needed him." Turning away he searched the room as if in need of some lost article or discarded item.

Reaching out Sarah touched his arm whispering softly "Thank you..Jareth."

Whipping around to face her he searched her eyes, taking one step to close the gap between them. Lifting his hand to cup her cheek his eyes bore in to hers, unflinching, never blinking. "I would but be your slave if you asked it of me, Milady." He smirked at the intake of breath that was her response but there was no turning back now. Lowering his head he gently brushed his lips to hers, savoring the sweetness for but a moment. Releasing her he stepped back, careful to put a little distance between them.

"I take my leave of you Sarah. At my father's behest I am returning to the Goblin Kingdom until a later time. Fare thee well Milady. I've brought you a gift. It is sure to match your eyes." Lifting his hand a crystal appeared and before she could utter a word a box took its place in her hand. The Gods help her! Then so turning, he left, giving her no chance to thank him.

Perhaps she should have followed but she was simply dying of curiosity. Opening the hinged box slowly, eyes closed, lifting the lid till the hinges creaked she brought it chin level and opened her eyes. Nearly dropping the box in shock it took her a moment to realize the yelp of surprise was her own. Inside the lovely black velvet case was the most exquisite emerald and diamond necklace she had ever seen. Made to hang flush with the collarbone it glinted with a star-like glow, perhaps an Underground version of gold. The diamonds WERE the chain; princess cut squares the size of her pinky finger nail. They met at the center where three large teardrop emeralds dangled in tier form surrounded by even more diamonds.

Again, perfection at its best. Holding it up to her throat she nearly squealed in delight to see that they did indeed match her eyes. Twisting this way and that she frowned at her Aboveground attire, beginning to look forward to the days she would wear the more formal, medieval style dresses of the Underground.

From his carriage Jareth smiled into his crystal watching Sarah. At least he knew she liked jewelry. Well she would just LOVE what waited for her at home.

"Garin! Your father asked that I wait but you should be able to take me Aboveground, yes? I'd really like to get this over with and the faster it is done the less sick I will feel." Sarah stood in the door of the suite that the King and Queen now called her residence. It was beautiful but not at all to her tastes. The pale pink walls and white bedding complete with matching window scarves made her feel like a little girl all over again. For some odd reason she felt like a girl no longer. She didn't need her birthday to confirm her womanhood.

Moving back she waited for Garin to enter but he merely smiled and shook his head at her. "I am not nearly so much of a rake as my brother and would not risk damaging your reputation by entering your rooms now that you are in the Underground." At the comical look on her face he rushed ahead. "Now don't protest or worry. Jareth keeps the goblins here as his personal attendants preferring they remain with him as they are want to get in to trouble without some duty to attend to. Your secret is safe with them. Come, we will seek out my father and decide from there."

Sarah closed her mouth in a huff of frustration and pulled the door shut behind her. She wasn't taking anything save for the book that brought this on her. She had decided to leave it with Toby in the hopes that he would not forget her while she was unable to visit. Taking Garin's offered arm she allowed him to lead her to the Kings study, chuckling as she heard arguing going on inside.

"Excuse me, Sarah." Bending he kissed the back of her hand gently and slipped inside. Sarah began to pace the hall; it took Garin only seconds to reappear. "Alright, let's get moving." With a pop and a spin they were gone. Closing her eyes against the sudden wind and unease that was becoming a favorite past time for this type of travel, Sarah took a deep breath and suddenly they were in her room. Almost immediately she noticed two things. One, she was so weak she could barely stand. Two, Garin looked HOT. His hair was swept back from his face and his eyes danced with laughter as she took in his appearance.

Black jeans and a black T-shirt complete with normal shoes. She would have never taken him for a member of the Fae had she passed him on the street. Stop staring Sarah it's only a glamour….but Dammmmmn.

Turning she gasped in surprise. A dress of the most beautiful green lay across her bed. Straight line sleeves ended in a point with black lining, no poofy shoulders here. The skirt was a simple bell shape though the neck line looked a bit dangerous. A single black stripe ran down the bodice of the dress, falling to matching lines within the skirt, presumably as it moved. On top of the dress sat a gorgeous tiara. Tear drop emeralds lined with diamonds. A perfect match for her necklace, and suddenly, she knew who the gifts were from. Smiling she crossed the room to see a note there, with a pair of matching earrings laying on top.

"My brother adores you Sarah."

She swiveled around, noticing how Garin had somehow managed to place a hand on her back without her notice. She smiled at him and shrugged, as if to say she didn't know what he was talking about.

"Let's pack shall we?"

She took very little with her, her jewelry box and a few photos albums. He talked her into leaving her hair brush with something about jewel handled finery and finally her make-up.

"Alright, that's it." She packed the separate items into one long bag so that it was all she had to carry. Taking Garin's hand, out of breath, she pulled him out of the room, down the stairs and straight into her surprise party.

"Surprise!" An open mouthed Karen and Robert stared as Sarah and a very handsome stranger barreled down the stairs. A very shocked Sarah squealed in delight as several of her friends came forward, including Sophie, her traveling companion to Europe. Hugs and kisses on the cheek were passed about.

Karen watched as Sarah glowed while sitting and laughing amongst her friends. The party was in full swing at once, cake dished out, Toby laughing while the stranger bounced him on his knee singing a song about dancing magic? Robert merely watched with a frown, noting how the stranger's free hand stayed on Sarah's back the entire time. Seeing the looks her parents were giving her she excused herself from her friends and, pulling Garin alongside her, went to make up the best explanation that she could.

"Dad, mom, this is Garin. We met in Europe and he's vacationing here this summer so he came by to say hello. Garin, this is my father, Robert, and my mother, Karen."

"A great pleasure to meet you both, your daughter has been kind enough to explain the English customs to me at the University as it was a small part of my studies. If you'll excuse me it looks as if Master Toby requires my attention." Smiling down at the toddler tugging on his pant leg, he swooped down and picked him up, twirling him around and singing to him once more. The three watched, turning to laugh at each other.

Suddenly the room swayed on the spot, a wave of nausea overtaking Sarah so fierce that her father had to grab her arm to steady her. Questions forgotten,Karen grabbed her other arm and they began to maneuver her through the party and up the stairs.

"Thank you all for coming!" Sophie followed them up the staircase a hand on Sarah's back. Once in her room Karen and Robert helped Sarah to bed, pushing aside the bag on Sarah's bed. Sarah thanked her lucky stars that the tiara, earrings, and dress were carefully packed away.

"Sarah, you're packed? I thought you weren't leaving till the fall course?" Sarah shot Sophie a warning glance as Karen glanced around the room.

"Karen, Dad, I wanted to talk to you about that. I've decided to go back a few weeks early. My professors have agreed to give me a bit of a head start since I can work from my dorm room for now. They understand my condition and if I want to finish school I need this."

Before she could protest she rushed on hoping that what she said was believable. Getting weaker by the minute she began to panic. Where was Garin? She wasn't supposed to be without magic! She could feel the waves of blissful oblivion lapping at her and prayed she wouldn't become hysteric.

"I'm leaving some time tonight if I want to get there in time. Maybe Sophie can accompany me?"

"Of course I can Sarah! I'd love to go back to Europe with you! I am on my own after all now that my parents are gone."

Karen frowned at the two girls and merely nodded her assent. She knew how badly Sarah wanted to finish school and it seemed that if she didn't go she might not get that chance. "Well it seems that is decided. I'll tell Toby of course. All the guests should be leaving now and as you need your rest I guess this is goodbye." Robert said nothing, merely bent to kiss her forehead and left the room. "You'll call me should you need anything or if anything should happen, right?"

Nodding in agreement she watched as Karen stood and left the room. Letting out a gasp of pain she doubled over on the bed just as Garin burst through the balcony doors.

"Sarah!" Crying out in unison Sophie and Garin both made a grab for her as she slunk back on the bed.

"We must go now Sarah, the situation grows dangerous."

"Sarah, what's going on?" Sophie looked past panicked. "And who the hell ARE you and how did you get on the balcony? I just left you down stairs?"

Garin frowned, "No time for that now. Sarah I am going to give you a shot of energy. Use as little as you can. You must allow your body to relax. Only one way to do this I'm afraid." With that he grabbed her up against him and using all his concentration plastered his mouth against hers. Sarah's hair nearly stood on end as the full blown power of the magic behind the kiss hit her.

Sophie watched the two of them as if they'd gone mad. She would have laughed but that kiss seemed as least love like as any she had ever seen. So if they weren't lovers, what were they? Peeking out from beneath her lashes she realized the handsome stranger was doing the same. Her eyes met his and a most becoming flush lit her cheeks. Garin chuckled, lifting Sarah up in his arms as her eyes fluttered closed. Alarmed at the sound of her breathing he wasted no time leaving. He was weak but prayed to the gods he would be able to get her back safely.

"Sophie is it? Grab that bag please and follow me. I must get Sarah to the doctors, now." Rolling his eyes at her hesitation he spoke angrily. "Do you wish her ill then? We have no time. Just agree to accompany me and we can go."

In a huff of aggravation she stalked forward and picked up the bag waiting for him to move. Walking towards the door he was moving past when his arm suddenly shot out and grabbed Sophie's. The room spun and wind kicked her hair into her face suddenly giving her the feeling of Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Shrieking in fear, nausea rose up to meet her and she sank to the floor the moment the room stopped spinning. Gasping she crawled to the nearest trash can and began ridding herself of her dinner in a most unpleasant manner. Lifting her head she noticed that she was in the biggest room she had ever seen complete with a sleeping Sarah on an amazing cream puff of a bed, pale and withdrawn her breath coming in short spurts.

Moving quickly to her side tears pooled in her eyes as he grabbed Sarah's hand. Where were they? Looking around for a phone and seeing none she began to panic. Where the hell was that man? The door suddenly burst open and a short man came shuffling quickly in followed by a man that looked a hell of a lot like Garin, only dreamier. Was that even possible? Pushed and shoved roughly aside she grunted in surprise while the short little man climbed up on the bed next to Sarah and began running his hands just above her face and chest.

"Your Majesty what have you done? Did I not say she would need constant magical contact at all times? What were you thinking?"

"Forgive me Rashem, I had no idea. Will her ladyship be alright?"

"Yes, but she will be unconscious for some time." With a heavy sigh Rashem turned his attention to Sophie. "Forgive me dear girl. I did not mean to be so rough. You are unhurt, yes? Do you work here at the Palace?"

Eyes wide, Sophie shook her head as the little man's eyes narrowed. Words like Magic, Palace, and Majesty rolling through her head she barely noticed.

"Your highness…"

"Enough Rashem, you are excused."

"Yes your highness." Rashem left the room, still glaring at the Prince's back. Shutting the door he turned and squeaked in surprise. There stood the High King. "You're Majesty. Forgive me but I did not see you there."

"That is quite alright Rashem. How is her Ladyship? I have come to escort her home."

"It seems that your Majesty is a bit late as your son has already been so noble as to take that role upon himself. Her ladyship has suffered some ill effects from her journey and will be unconscious for a few days at best. One can hope that the effects of her journey will not be long lasting." He bowed as the king, face getting redder by the moment swept past him in to Sarah's rooms.

Without warning the King grabbed the front of Garin's shirt as soon as he reached him feet dangling. "What is the meaning of this? Who gave you leave to take Sarah home, you could have killed the girl Garin!"

"Father, if you will recall your meeting this morning Dorian nodded your assent that I may go and you gave your leave!"

"I did no such thing! I but gave permission for you to wait for the meeting to adjourn that we might speak! It seems a misunderstanding has occurred." Setting Garin back on his feet he suddenly realized there was an odd squeaking noise coming from the room. Glancing around he set eyes on the most lovely, fiery red headed girl he had ever seen with the most familiar lavender eyes. Now where had he seen eyes like that? Ah, yes! Ignoring Garin he moved over to the girl noticing how she squeezed herself in to the corner as if she might blend in with the wall.

"You are Flanagan, are ye not? Of the clan Flanagan, are ye not?"

Sophie nodded meekly, eyes never leaving the King. "I am sir. My Great Gran was chieftain for a time."

"Aye lass, I recall it. We had a bit of a disagreement over a wedding I do believe. Tell me child, how does he fare?"

"Hopefully well, wherever he may be. It is believed he passed some time ago."

Nodding he merely smiled trying to ignore the odd squeaking noise she was making probably in a panic of some sort.

"Where am I sir…sire…..er….your Majesty?"

"You have no brogue!" Shaking himself out of his stupor he grinned at her. "Oh that! You are in the Underground in the palace of the High King and Queen of the Fae. I am your host, Dracomus." He bowed on the last and smiled as she pulled herself out of her camouflage to curtsy at him.

Motioning for Garin he placed her arm in the boy's and showed them the door. "Get some rest dear. We will see you on the morrow when you are…settled." Moving to sit on the bed with Sarah he frowned at her pale complexion. He had news for her that was apparently going to have to wait. Turning he watched the door close behind the two and motioned for the servants to unpack Sarah's belongings. He pretended not to notice her jewelry which looked very much like something from the royal vault.

Once her things were put away, including the dozens of dresses with matching overskirts he had special made for her (he turned his head away for the under things), he kissed her forehead just as another man entered the room. Alarm covered the man's features and the King put a hand up to stop him. "No sense in panicking. She will be fine. A few days rest is all that she needs and then we will all talk."

Nodding the man moved to kneel by the side of the bed. Resting his head against Sarah's hand he took a deep breath, raised his lips for a soft kiss on her fingers, and then standing, left the room.

Shaking his head Dracomus watched her sleep. She reminded him very much of his Aireya. Such a lovely young girl. Her wit and temper were a perfect match for Jareth. Now if only she would admit it to herself. Perhaps if Jareth admitted how he felt she would come around, eh? For once he couldn't wait for the ball.

Sophie followed the Prince and froze in her tracks. Just beginning to notice her surroundings she couldn't help but admire the huge hall and the elegant rooms lining it. Some of the doors were open, showing all manner of creatures putting things away, fluffing pillows, cleaning, giving the rooms a bit of air she presumed. Turning her attention to the man at her side Sophie couldn't help but watch him. He was breathtakingly handsome; his dark features were so entrancing. She itched to reach out and brush away the raven locks tickling his cheek. His hair was longer than she was used to, though.

"See anything you like?" He swiveled his eyes to look at her, grinning as she flushed a red to rival her hair.

"Your home is beautiful your highness. I am simply in shock I think. I don't think I have ever believed in Fae tales."

Laughing he shook his head. "Are you sure you're Irish? Never believed in Fae tales? My dear, look around you. This is no tale. I thought ever girl dreamed of being rescued by a handsome knight on a white steed, charging in to the fray to save the fair damsel! Come, even you have wished upon a star at some point, yes?"

"NO. Dreams and fairy tales are for just that. Dreamers. I prefer to make my own reality. Besides, even if I wanted it to all be true there will never be a handsome Knight for me. I have to go home sometime. I am not Fae."

Sighing, Garin pulled her along the hall, ignoring her depressing little speech. Who said she had to go home? Not he. He was sure Sarah would beg her to stay. Besides, she could have a life here. Couldn't she? Well, on the great fade what did he care? He definitely needed to get out more. Escorting her to the dining hall he seated her and called the attendants to bring them some diner. Late as it was he was sure they had missed the formal sitting anyways.

Authors note: Thank you all so much for your subscriptions and reviews. Sorry for the late posting. Crazy life issues got in the way but I will be posting at least weekly until I run in to writers block so cross your fingers that it doesn't happen! Enjoy this little slice :)