"Quick Jenata, let's go," Alia screamed, heading towards Sir Didymus. The fox terrier stood there in surprise as the two girls ran to him, calling out his name. The knight took one look at the girls, then at the guard chasing them. Suddenly understanding there was a threat, he growled as he drew his small sword.

"AHHHHHH!" he screeched, lunging toward's the guard's shins, the sword swinging wildly. Didymus's assault was blind and erratic, making guard and terrier fall to the ground in a heap of limbs and shouts.

"Stay down, you lumbering oaf!" Didymus growled and bit the man's arm, hanging onto him with his sharp teeth.

"Alia, zap him or something," Jenata said as she kicked the guard to get his attention off the small knight. Alia shook her head. "It doesn't work like that, I can't control my powers all the way."

The guard leapt to his feet, flinging Didymus to the side, knocking the fox terrier unconscious. "Get back in that shuttle," he said, reaching towards Jenata. Alia jumped in front of her friend, flinging up her arms. A strong shield of light covered them, making the guard yowl in pain as he fell backwards, stunned. Jenata hugged Alia and looked over at their friend who was just waking up.

"Didymus!" The princess looked at him in alarm. He rose quickly, sword drawn, jumping around looking for threats. "My ladies, did we win?"

"We did, you were very brave," Alia said quickly. "The guard is knocked out."

"Did I do that?" Didymus asked, puffing out his chest. The girls glanced at the guard then at each other. Turning to Didymus, they nodded. "You saved us, but we need to get back to the Goblin City," Alia said. "My uncle wants to hurt everyone on Avian. Will you take us there?"

"Your uncle? Devlin? Why I never trusted that rascal as far as I could throw him - not that I couldn't throw him far if I so wished, you know."

"We know," Jenata said, smiling. "But we really must hurry Sir Knight. Please. Sarah might be in danger."

"The Lady Sarah? Then of course we shall fly as the very wind," he said as he followed the girls to a guard shack to arrange a carriage ride back to the Goblin City, all the way vowing to protect the entire planet from Devlin's tyranny.

JSJSJS

Sarah opened her eyes and looked around. She was back in Jareth's bedroom, three anxious women staring at her. Karen hugged her, searching her eyes for signs of pain. "Are you alright?"

Sarah nodded, shakily. "Jareth loves me. He really does love me." As she said the words, a bright shimmer appeared over her skin and a faint tattoo of an owl appeared on her right shoulder. Marissa gasped as Sarah's eyes grew darker, the green now the color of deep emeralds.

"Jareth's magic has claimed your magic and the bonding is close to completion. The betrothal is valid again." Sarah stared down at the very faint outline of the proud bird. Seline smiled and said she had to go see her son before Sarah did or she'd never get a chance to hug him. The others laughed as she ran out of the room. Sarah's eyes met Marissa's and a strange feeling came over her at the Crystal Queen's expression.

"I told you I don't have any magic," Sarah said but Marissa shook her head.

"You do - Jareth gave it to you when you ran his Labyrinth. The song Sarah, when he sang to you, he proclaimed his love. Although the fool didn't realize it at the time. Silly men, I know, but they never pay attention to what their hearts do while their - well, other parts, are busy trying to lead them." Sarah blushed and didn't answer that. Instead she stared again at her owl.

"Why is it so faint? And why hasn't it appeared before now?"

"It's faint because you have not verbally accepted his offer of marriage. You have until your next birthday you know, then you will either accept him, or not. I believe that the mark hadn't appeared before now because you hadn't proven your love to his magic - you did that when you brought him back from the Fade." Marissa was very abrupt as she explained. The mere thought of losing her nephew just as they had gotten him healed was too much for her to bear. Sarah glared at her.

"If and when Jareth proposes, I'll accept. But I'm not letting him get hurt because of silly betrothal laws. Tell me how I can just accept all of this now." She jumped off the bed and quickly put her shoes back on, running fingers through her hair. She couldn't be a mess when she saw Jareth. Not when they were going to kiss again.

"You can't. You have the full year to decide. If you choose him, the owl will become permanent and your symbol will be just as permanent on Jareth," Karen explained.

"My - symbol," Sarah repeated slowly. "I have a symbol?"

"We all do, but humans hardly ever see theirs. Your father is a grizzly bear - I mean that is his symbol." Karen showed Sarah her tattoo. A growling bear was one her right shoulder. Sarah gasped.

"You've had that this whole time? Does my dad have one?"

Karen nodded, "A sparrow. On his left shoulder. It's a bonding mark and very precious. Not all bonded couples have them - it's rare and special. It means that the magic surrounding Avian has recognized your love and will grant you certain gifts."

Sarah bit her lip. "He had given the girl certain powers," she whispered. Marissa nodded.

"His magic has been waiting for you for a long time, Sarah. Go to it, go to him. Embrace your bond."

Sarah didn't need to be told twice.

JSJSJS

Jareth could feel his soul settle back into his body. His eyes were still so heavy, he could barely open them. A cool cloth was on his forehead and he could sense his mother run into the room.

"Jareth, my son. Are you returned to us?" His eyes opened slowly and he focused on his mother.

"She loves me," he said simply and she smiled, nodding.

"She truly does. And you love her."

"I truly do," he whispered and his eyes closed again, a faint smile upon his lips. Seline held his hand for a few minutes, humming an old lullaby that had been her son's favorite as a babe. Jareth sighed and squeezed her hand.

"I never thought I could love. I mean - I do love you and the rest of our irksome family," Jareth said softly. "But Sarah - the way I feel for her. I don't know how to express it."

"Just tell me that you love me," Sarah said from the doorway. Seline rose and with a quick squeeze of Jareth's shoulder, left them alone. Sarah walked into the room and sat by her king's side.

"Sarah," his voice cracked. "You saved me from myself. I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone. That is, I never thought I could love anyone," he floundered, exhausted and she smiled.

"I love you too," she promised, leaning down to gently kiss his lips. Glancing down at his left shoulder, she gasped softly. A bluebird was tattooed there, barely visible, but there nonetheless. She felt tears come to her eyes and Jareth frowned.

"Precious? What is wrong?" She shook her head, kissing him again with more warmth before staring into his eyes.

"Nothing is wrong." She showed him her owl and he stared in shock. Pointing to his own shoulder, Sarah smiled.

"Looks like we're betrothed again, your highness," she said, wiping away tears. Jareth didn't speak, only holding out his arms to let Sarah embrace him tightly.