"I look stupid," Hoggle sputtered as his sister looked him over critically. This idea was ridiculous but he was her brother and Grizelda treasured the horrible old dwarf. His speech wasn't refined, but he was raised by the men of the family. What did they know of culture or class?

"Yes. Yes you do, but you're the one who wants into that luncheon so deal with it."

"Did you have to put so much goop on my face?" He frowned at the bright red lipstick and blue eyeshadow staring back from his reflection. She laughed, somewhat enjoying his discomfort.

"Do you want your Sarah to recognize you? Now hush and let's get the food inside that room. Then, dear brother, I wash my hands of this whole thing." Grizelda gave a firm nod and lifted up a serving platter.

Hoggle pulled down on his long skirt, trying not to trip. All he had to do was talk to Sarah and she'd listen to reason. Goblin Kings didn't love - they didn't feel anything but anger and trickery.

Sarah needed to be protected from Jareth even now. Once she knew what the rat was planning she'd be completely horrified. He smiled as he imagined her gratitude for saving her from Jareth's advances. Why, she might even kiss him!

Hoggle's mood improved and he followed his sister out to the luncheon.

JSJSJS

Sarah watched the two beautiful women walk into the queen's study. They seemed to be deep in conversation and the older woman looked sad somehow. Both of them seemed to have an aura of magic around them. Sarah tilted her head to admire how regal they looked, seemingly without effort. The younger one looked familiar, blonde hair sparkling and eyes that could cut you if you crossed her. Sarah stared at the woman and realized that she looked a bit like Jareth. As she thought about him, she blushed slightly.

She found herself wishing he was there if only to tell him that she didn't hate him. She'd had some time to think about it - she didn't love him, of course - but she didn't hate him either. It was - complicated. She wondered if her entire life was to stay complicated. If Jareth was in her life, she already knew the answer.

For no reason at all, she found herself needing to see him again just to prove to herself that she wasn't afraid of him now. He wanted to be her friend. She supposed that was better than constantly running away from him, wondering when he was going to Bog her or turn her into a goblin. But she still wouldn't trust him. She didn't know if she ever would. Glancing out a window, she saw a glimpse of Jareth as he walked in the gardens with an older man. They were deep in conversation and she was surprised to see the elder man hug Jareth and shake his hand firmly. What on earth was he up to now? And why wasn't he in here, trying to talk to her?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the High Queen welcoming Briella into the party.

"Ah, Briella you are here," the High Queen nodded at her daughter, "I was not sure you would grace us with your presence."

"It was pointed out to me that I have been remiss in my duties and for that I apologize," Briella smirked. "Jareth sends his regards and wishes that he might be allowed to see his mother again soon."

"Jareth is always welcome in any room I am in," the queen smiled, noticing how Sarah's eyes grew bright at the mention of the Goblin King. Clever girl her Briella, giving Jareth a way into the room once the spell was cast. Obviously Jareth wanted to see the girl again. And just as obviously, Briella was helping her brother get into the luncheon today. What mischief were her two children planning? "Princess Briella, this is Sarah, Champion of the Labyrinth." Briella bowed and looked carefully at the mortal who had stolen her brother's heart.

"It is good to meet you, Sarah," Briella said, studying her quietly. Sarah bowed, nervously trying to keep her attention from the window.

"I am honored to meet you, Princess," Sarah answered politely. A short serving girl entered and seemed to freeze when she saw Sarah. Another servant pushed her roughly and the girl muttered about rough sisters. They were ignored.

"Briella, please - we are family," the princess said, amused at the mortal's nervousness. This was the fearless victor of the Labyrinth?

"And Sasha, so good of you to come." Seline smiled at her sister.

"Kindly use my title when I enter," Marissa's voice was a bit strained and Seline paused. Something was troubling Marissa.

"Your royal highness Crystal Queen of the Under Ground, Marissa please allow me to introduce you to Sarah, Champion of the Labyrinth and daughter to Kareena, your sister." Seline bowed slightly. Marissa turned to Kareena who was holding a child. A child with a bit of Fae flowing within him. His mind was open to her and she saw all that he had experienced with Jareth. The dancing and singing, the laughter. Jareth telling the boy he'd rename him Jareth, and Marissa sighed. Such unconditional love Jareth had shown this boy, it moved her deeply. She forced herself to turn to Sarah and bow, lost in thought.

"I am pleased to meet you Sarah." She turned toward Toby and stared. "You bring another child to us," Marissa said softly. Karen nodded and held onto Toby a bit tighter. It did not go unnoticed by Marissa.

"He is your son - a son you did not see fit to tell me about. Tell me Kareena, what have I done to make you hide such information?"

"Yes, he is my son - I - didn't know how you would react to my having a child with a human or if you would welcome him into the family. I did not know if you would come here today since I've been away for so long. But I've missed you, my sister, and want Toby to know both of his aunts. Please forgive me."

All of Marissa's angry words died on her tongue as the boy held out his arms to her. Marissa took him and held him to her, tears fighting to be shed. "There is nothing to forgive, your child comes first - it should be no other way, sister. I would like to know him if he is to be an heir to my kingdoms."

"Heir? He is being raised mortal," Karen said with an odd tone in her voice. Marissa shrugged, a small smile on her lips.

"Be that as it may, heir he remains unless he revokes his right at a later time. I do not force my will upon others." Like everyone's will was forced upon me, she thought sadly. "His life is his own."

"I agree, but he does wish to learn more of this place and I was hoping that maybe you could teach him of the Crystal magic? He really is a bright child and I would not deny him the right to learn of our world. If someday he wishes to be heir, then I will not stand in his way." Karen looked almost nervous and Marissa paused. Perhaps her sister did respect her heritage more than Marissa had given her credit for years ago. She nodded at Karen, afraid to speak, then turned towards Sarah and smiled softly.

"You beat my nephew's Labyrinth, you must have a strong will. I am pleased that he was challenged. Jareth has been coddled for far too long. It amused me to hear that his precious kingdom was nearly destroyed." At Seline's look, Marissa grinned. "Rebuilding it may keep him out of trouble for a time."

"He does seem to find trouble without trying," his mother noted.

"He's a menace," the short serving girl whispered to Sarah who looked at her in shock. She looked familiar somehow.

"Pardon?" Sarah was trying to decide if she'd met this woman before, but she had her face hidden by too much make up.

"He goes through women like rain goes through clouds - he ain't trustworthy." Another servant girl grabbed her and muttered something that sounded like 'playin with fire'. Both servants retreated to the far side of the room to continue their argument.

After a moment, the three sisters laughed, slowly coming back into harmony with each other after so long apart. Sarah bowed to Marissa and smiled as more servants started coming into the room with large serving trays. The women sat a small oval table trimmed in gold and blue getting to know each other again. One of the serving girls seemed to watch Sarah closely, but Marissa inwardly shrugged. Humans were a novelty here. The protection spell was put into place once the male servants had left.

"I am honored to meet you, your highness. Karen told me about you, I mean Princess Kareena," Marissa held up a hand.

"No titles are to be used within this room. We are all family here." Seline smirked at that remembering Marissa had demanded her title be used just moments ago. Such a whirlwind of emotions, the Crystal Queen.

"Thank you, your - I mean, Marissa," Sarah said shyly. "I didn't mean to destroy anything. I just wanted my brother back."

"Brothers are special," Briella broke in quickly. "I know Jareth is the finest brother a girl could hope for, he's always been there for me when I needed him. And such love he shows the wished away children, it is sweet to watch him play with them."

Sarah looked shocked. Jareth - played? The High Queen noted the look and grinned.

"It is true, Jareth loves games and tricks. He is very suited to his position, protecting lost children. And he has always been a champion of the unwanted," his mother agreed. "He has given shelter to many a weary traveller far from home."

"Traveller?" Sarah asked, accepting a cup of tea from the nearest servant. Seline nodded, noticing the servant seemed to hover near the Champion.

"The Labyrinth is more than a test, Sarah - it is a defense against those who would harm the innocent. There are vast kingdoms throughout our universe, some are friendly, some not. We are a link to the rest. Jareth is a sort of - I would say, guardian."

"So this place is in a different universe?" Sarah's eyes grew wide as the sisters nodded. Seline continued to explain.

"Our world is but one of thousands. We do not know every planet or even a small portion, but if anyone travels within our reach, they must first be judged by the Labyrinth before being granted access to further exploration. Sometimes, people are cast out from their worlds for being different, or not agreeing politically with their rulers. My son allows them asylym here if they are in danger of being killed - or even if they have nowhere else to go. Jareth protects our realms fiercely. In some ways, he acts like a child, but when you consider all he does for so many - well, a little trickery can be forgiven."

"We were amazed that he spoke of you fondly when you won - he is very competitive. And no one has ever been nice to him outside of his own family. He was not used to your kindnesses during your run."

"I don't remember being kind," Sarah said, haltingly.

"You were kinder than you know, dear Sarah," Seline assured her. "You didn't ask for more than you needed, you didn't try to harm his Labyrinth. You did not curse him as a monster, or try to harm him even when you thought he held your brother captive."

No, I just told him he had no power over me when he confessed his love.Sarah felt pangs of guilt. Would it be so wrong to accept a friendship from him when he really did ask for so little.

Hoggle watched the changing expressions on Sarah's face. She was softening towards Jareth, he could see it. He made a show of refilling her tea cup, spilling some on her dress.

"My apologies - let me get you cleaned up. Come on, missy - through this door," Hoggle said in a high pitched voice.

Sarah went to stand and as she was wiping the tea off her dress, she bumped into a new occupant in the room. Looking up she was met by a mismatched pair of eyes that made her breathless.

"Jareth," she whispered, and smiled.