~I must say that this is one of my fav chapters I have written. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. As usual I own nothing but the characters of my own making, all credit goes to the creators of labyrinth. There is also a reference to a line from Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, in this one as well, no copyright infringement intended!~
The day of the funeral was dark and gloomy. A gentle rain had begun, darkening the sky giving an appropriate back drop for their sorrow. Sarah was back in her plain black gown, Vale and Sophie dressed to match. The Princes had come as well, their clothes plain black to match the ladies, the only difference that each one wore the crest of their Kingdom on his chest. The villagers cried softly, noting that Lela would have been proud to know that the Royals were in attendance, a high honor indeed in the Underground. Rydin oversaw the service, speaking for Lela and her husband. Little Atraeus was wrapped in a silk black cloth, a black suit, something Jareth had commissioned for him. Sarah held him, Jareth's arm wrapped around her shoulders.
Vale remained quiet throughout. Her black veil across her head hiding her tears. When the service ended she stood, dropping a red rose on to the memorial stone they had made in Lela's honor, before silently walking away. The others stayed to speak with the villagers, soothing tears and giving words of comfort. Little Alyssa held on to Sarah's skirt, refusing to leave her side, or that of little Atraeus. When the villagers went home, Ivy was quiet once more. Sarah handed the little one over to Jareth who nodded at her, smiling softly. Kissing her cheek he walked back with Rydin and the others, Alyssa in tow, leaving Garin and Sarah behind.
"Are you sure about this Garin?" She stared at him for a moment.
He stood strong, placing his hands in his pocket. "Yes. It is the only way."
"Should we really do this today? I don't know if Vale can take much more."
"There is no more time. The letter has been sent, my parents will be arriving shortly to confirm it. We cannot wait."
Nodding Sarah took his offered arm and they left the village in search of Vale.
In the meadow Vale lay next to the pond, soaked through to the bone. Throwing aside her veil she let the rain fall, her hair in a blonde mass around her shoulders. Shivering from the cold she barely felt, her hand swept through the water, back and forth with no rhythm or rhyme. She could not go home, back to Ivy that she dearly loved, not being able to bear saying goodbye to Atreaus. He was leaving her, just as his mother had gone, and it was tearing her apart. Could Fae die of a broken heart? She supposed it was possible even if unheard of. When the footsteps sounded behind her she didn't bother to turn. "I wish to be left with my grief. Leave me."
"I am afraid, my Lady, that I cannot." Vale turned over, flat on her back, the wet ground soaking through her where ever the rain had not yet reached. This was his fault. Sort of. The Royals had set up this system long ago. It was their rules bringing her this sorrow. Might as well blame him as well.
"Have you no heart, Your Highness? No mercy? Would you torture an innocent woman? Leave me to mourn my friend in peace, Sir. I have no wish to lay eyes on you."
"That was a strong speech Vale. Worthy of your anger. You will not hear why I come?"
"No Sir. I have no wish to hear you words of comfort. They are nothing to me. You come to tell me that the babe will be safer, well cared for, loved above all by his new family. But who could love him better than I? It is like he is of my own! I cared for him while his mother was ill. I loved him as my own and now your family seeks to rip the last part of me away. No, I will not hear you. Take your words, your daggers and fling them at another. I have not the stomach for it." Her words ended on a sob, her body jerking away from him to hide her tears.
Removing his coat he placed it about her shoulders as she leaned up, his temper flaring as she tossed it away. Picking the coat up from the ground he picked it up, placing it once more around her shoulders, his hands remaining so she could not toss it away. She began to struggle beneath his grip, but he held fast, pulling her to him as he dropped to his knees. "Stop Vale! Stop this madness at once!"
"Leave me!" Screaming at him she lashed out with her hand, his catching a hold of her wrist. Without warning he tugged her hard, knocking her over into his chest, Vale scrambled to right herself. Growling in frustration Garin locked his arms around her. Attempting to strike him again Vale cried out and then suddenly he was kissing her. It took seconds for her to go completely still, Garin refused to let up, kissing her until suddenly their arms were wrapped around one another and she was kissing him back. Releasing his grip he couldn't help but notice that he felt like a man burning, his whole body warming from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. Vale began to squeak flapping her arms like a bird. Chuckling he let go completely, smirking as she landed on her bottom in a puddle of mud. Splashing her across the chin he thought she looked quite ravishing, and told her such. Sputtering Vale stood, putting some distance between herself and the Prince.
"You shouldn't have done that! Why did you do that? ! Have you lost your sense completely? I am a Lady, sir but most importantly I am a lowly commoner. You can't go about kissing people like that and…and…"
"and what Vale?"
" A moment please, I'm thinking!" He watched her pace, grinning. That was quite enjoyable. He would bet his crown it was for her as well.
'Vale, you react needlessly." Standing he moved towards her with purpose, chuckling as she gave a squeak and began backing away from him. "I merely wish to talk to you…you really should stop…"
"No. Stay where you are. You must give me leave so that I might return to Ivy, Your Highness, and get cleaned up."
"No." He continued to advance, Vale putting a hand out as if to stop him. He leaned towards her, intent on kissing her until she couldn't think anymore, maybe then she might hear him out, when suddenly she grabbed his arms and they were both falling backwards, straight into the pond.
Vale came up sputtering, her dress weighing her down in the water. Tripping, she thought she could grab a hold of him but oh no, he had to go and try to kiss her again.
"You arrogant arse! What were you thinking? ! Do you know how much trouble you are going to get me in? I am not and will not ever be a man's mistress. If you think to have me you are sadly mistaken! I will not hide about and give myself to a man who cannot give himself to me! I would be ruined! And you! I could be charged with treason for this you bloody oaf! Stop laughing!" She splashed water at him, trying to stand and leave but the weight of her dress bogged her down in the bottom of the pond.
"Come My Lady! Allow me!" Vale shrieked as she was suddenly lifted, a large tearing noise rent the air. Much less heavy but very much improperly dressed in nothing but her under gown, the light blue skinned Fae turned a deep mottled purple.
"Bu..bu…bu…." Vale stuttered over her words, shivering full force now she practically ripped the dripping Prince's jacket from his hand. "You sir, are a rake and a cad! How dare you? !" Stomping across the field she let out another shriek for the day when she was suddenly lifted and spun in the air.
"Are you always going to be this much fun My Lady?"
"Bah! Oh shut it! And I am NOT your Lady! Put me down right now!"
"You would issue a command of a Royal Prince of the High Court?"
"You leave me no choice! You force me to commit treason!"
"Then give me my treason again." Crushing her to him he kissed her once more, ravishing her with a fierce possessiveness that left her breathless. Melting against him her arms dropped to her sides, and without realizing began to kiss him back. Practically dragging her to the ground, wet under gown and all, they rolled about, fighting for purchase over one another. Her body sought his, never being close enough, his hands roamed her back, practically clawing at the ground to be as behaved as was possible. When a throat cleared behind them Garin groaned, Vale froze.
Muddy and wet, rolling about on the ground like they would take each other right there, Sarah could only look on in feigned shock.. "What in the name of the Gods are you doing Garin? ! Vale?"
"Ummm…" Vale, who had the good graces to turn a furious shade of purple blinked as if something was caught in her eyes.
Laughing, Dorian stood. "Forgive us Your Grace but we were merely having a disagreement."
"A disagreement?"
"Indeed."
"What say you Vale?"
"I have no idea Your Grace."
Sarah shook her head giving Garin her best stern look. "Did you even tell her why you are here Garin?"
"I got distracted, Your Grace." Smiling, he turned to Vale, taking her hands in his. "I know that this is sudden Vale. I know that you most likely don't love me. I am not sure yet as to what my feeling may be for you but I know that I can no longer sit by and watch you in such pain. Let me help you?"
"I don't understand…."
"Marry me." His voice was fierce, not so much that he seemed angry, simply commanding. It was definitely not a question.
"Marry? I can't marry you! I am not a noble. And….you don't love me. I don't love you!"
"You wound me my dear. Would you not consider? Perhaps in time we can learn to love one another? Arranged marriages often occur in the Underground and many a happy marriage has come of it. Do you not think you could find happiness with me? I'll make you a Princess…"
Sarah laughed out loud at that. Men and their fairytale weaving. "Vale, I have granted Garin my blessing and the High King and Queen are on their way here as we speak to discuss the matter. Think carefully my dear, he has much to offer you. Besides, I am sure after that display that we could have you married rather quickly, in the interest of protecting your good reputation."
"Oh Gods…" Vale swayed, Garin happy to catch her against his arms. Pulling a box out of his jacket, they all stood in the rain as he swept himself down on one knee in the mud.
"I shall do everything within my power to make you the happiest of the Fae, My Lady. If you would but grant me your hand I will spend eternity as your most humble servant."
"I don't know what to say….I can't…."
Sarah stepped forward, shaking her head in aggravation. "You can. Just say 'Yes'. It's that simple Vale."
"But, I don't want to leave Ivy. And what of my family?..."
"Garin has requested that he be allowed to make residence in Ivy here at the Estate. It seems to have become a royal hotel." Laughing, Sarah threw an arm around her shoulders. "Will you leave us in the rain and poor Garin in the mud. Come Vale, what say you?"
"On one condition.."
"Yes My Lady?" Garin nearly fell over so great was his shock.
"You must promise me that should we ever leave here we will not go far? I could not bear to leave what little family I have left."
"I swear it shall be as you ask. We can work out all the details, anything that you need I will see that it happens."
"Then Yes, with the High Court's and Her Grace's permission, I'll marry you."
Grinning at her he opened the box, reveling in her gasp, taking the large pink diamond from the box to gently slip it on her finger. Even through the rain he could see her tears. Sarah, hugged her friend, standing back as Garin stood to wrap her in his arms and kiss her senseless once more. Overwhelmed and a little in shock, Vale felt very faint as they made their way back to the Estate. Sarah had finally produced a crystal, changing Vale's clothes and giving her a cloak to shelter her from the rain. They all entered the doors, dry and smiling. Sarah took Vale's hand and walked her towards the study. Garin pulled the doors open for them and shouts of "Congratulations!" rang throughout the room. Vale, laughing and smiling, not having forgotten her friend but ready to live again, accepted the hugs and well wishes of the others. Nervous about the arrival of the King and Queen she accepted a small glass of Goblin Wine and sat on a chaise next to Garin, waiting with tightly held hands for his parents to arrive.