Chapter Twenty Four: Thirteenth Afternoon (Aerynn's Promise)
Jareth paced nervously back and forth in the brightly lit hallway. Vizael sat in a window seat, leaning against the frame work, and staring out at the vast Labyrinth. Light poured into the wide hall, allowing few shadows to lurk even in the deepest corners. Painful cries came from the closed off room that was only ten feet from the King. His head snapped to the wood framing as the door opened and a midwife ran out, carrying an empty pitcher and two towels soaked in blood. His stomach curdled at the sight, and he forced himself to look away. The young Fae ran down the hall, and out of sight as the door opened again.
"Sir… the Lady requests your presence." Another midwife said. Jareth swallowed the lump in his throat, before glancing at Vizael. The pyro nodded once, before returning his gaze to the twists and turns of the Labyrinth once more. Jareth inhaled slowly, and followed the Fae into the darkened room. The smell of sweat, blood, and smoked lavender filled his senses. It was a strange combination that was both revolting and yet calming.
The chamber wasn't furnished elaborately, but it was enough. A large, cushioned bench sat beneath the wall to ceiling open window. There was a changing table, a large glass bowl filled with steaming water, and a side table with a clear jar that held burning lavender. That was where part of the strange smells came from. Upon the bed was a sweat and blood soaked Aerynn, her hair plastered to her face, her cheeks redder than a cherry tomato. She wasn't wearing any sort of top, her breast were displayed to those present in the room (which were all midwives, save for himself). A thin blanket covered her body from her waist to her knees, her legs propped up.
It was almost terribly agonizing hearing her screaming and crying out every few moments. The midwives urged her to keep pushing even after she cursed them and threatened them. Jareth cautiously walked over to her side, brushing her hair out of her face. She opened her eyes and glared at him with such a hatred he never thought possible— it stopped his heart for a few moments.
"You… You did this to me… I hope you will cherish your life… because it will be short lived when I'm done here!" She grunted in pain, before heaving for breath. A blonde Fae wiped her face with a damp cloth. Aerynn sighed, leaning her head back against the pillows as Jareth stroked her soaked hair. "I will make sure you pay… Believe me when I say the first thing my child sees is Mamma hacking Daddy's balls off!"
Jareth grimaced at the mental imaged. "Yes, whatever you say love. It will be done." Her face reddened further (if that was possible) as she pushed again. More curses spilled from her lips, and Jareth was surprised at the vocabulary she had. He turned to a midwife, and leaned close to her ear.
"How much longer?" He asked softly. The Fae tiredly wiped her brow with her forearm.
"Not much, Your Majesty." She answered, before carrying blood soaked towels out of the room. Jareth frowned. How much blood was she losing from this?
"Honey… I think it's time we learned something new…" Aerynn hissed, glaring at him again.
"And… what might that be, my love?" He asked, suddenly incredibly afraid.
"When this is over, I will shove Little Baby up your—" She grunted in pain, cutting off. "…Up your anatomy, and then you get to experience what it's like pushing a ten pound baby out of a tiny… ass… hole!" Jareth swallowed the lump that had once again formed in his throat. 'Best keep the mouth shut.' He thought, stroking her hair and face. She screamed again, arching her back slightly. The King thought it would never be over—
But wait… that sound… A baby's cry?
"Wonderful, My Lady!" A midwife cried, aiding a nurse in wrapping the tiny baby in a light blue blanket. "It's a boy!"
The world seemed to slow as the nurse glided over to him. He didn't see the face at first, but that all changed in a matter of moments. Jareth's heart stopped beating for a split second in time as the nurse handing him the joyous little bundle into his arms. He stared down at the pale face with rosy cheeks, wisps of blonde hair, and two mismatched eyes. His gaze never lingered from that beautiful little face, so adorable and chubby. 'I can't believe it…' He thought, his heart skipping beats to catch up. His face flushed as he stared down at his son…
His son.
"Jareth…" Aerynn spoke weakly, panting for breath. She held her arms out slowly. "L—let me… hold him…" Jareth sat down beside her, gently placing the baby in her arms. She tiredly opened her eyes to gaze upon her son. A bright, weak smile lit on her face as she poked the child's button nose. "He's…"
"Adorable? Beyond beautiful?" Jareth suggested, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek.
"…Just like… his father…" She said. Jareth froze for a brief second, which allowed Aerynn to turn, capturing the kiss on the lips. He slowly cupped her face with one hand, stroking her cheek gently. As they pulled away, he rested his head upon hers.
"I love you." He whispered. She grinned.
"I love you too, Jareth." A midwife slowly eased the baby out of her arms for washing and clothing. But Aerynn nor Jareth made any sort of protest to it. They simply sat together, lost in each other's eyes. Only when a deep, nervous voice cleared his throat did their attention drift to the bystander.
"Umm… I hope I'm not interrupting anything…" Vizael said. Jareth smiled as Aerynn looked upon the fire mage in thought.
"Oh, Aerynn. Allow me to introduce my older brother, Vizael." Jareth said, motioning to the fire mage. He bowed in response, and Aerynn smiled.
"It's a pleasure to meet the future Goblin Queen." Vizael said, straightening his posture.
"And it is a pleasure to meet my future brother-in-law." Aerynn replied, bowing her head. Vizael glanced between her face and her breasts, constantly blushing like a love struck puppy. Aerynn giggled nervously, and apologized under her breath as she drew the blanket up, and tucked it under her arms. Vizael muttered a word of thanks, and turned his focus to Jareth.
"Do you have any thought of what the child shall be named?" He asked. Aerynn and Jareth turned to each other. A deafening silence fell between the two of them. Aerynn hadn't thought much on the subject of naming the baby, and Jareth couldn't decided. Aerynn glanced away for a brief moment, before turning to Vizael.
"…Aizel…" She said softly.
Jareth couldn't have thought of anything better.
Epilogue: Wedding Day
(One month later)
I swear I was seeing stars.
If not I had to have been high on something, because the world was constantly spinning around me like a merry go round. I clung to the four poster bed, trying let the nausea pass as Vixanne laced the bodice up, synching it tighter and tighter. I shut my eyes against the world, not wishing to pass out as air became scarce. Perhaps it was just the butterflies in my stomach. Who didn't get butterflies on their wedding day? Or perhaps it was the Fae child synching my bodice too fucking tight! I wheezed, trying to breathe without busting the cursed thing. How some people managed to wear these things, I would never know! Finally, she tied the remaining ribbons off with a fancy bow, before padding across the chamber to the large chair, where my gown sat. She lifted it with ease, gliding back over to me, and helping me into it.
I stared at my reflection in the large mirror that she had conjured. The gown was made of a sleeveless red velvet sort of vest tied together with golden ribbons in the front. By my shoulders were large puffs of velvety fabric that clung to my biceps, before flowing away from my arms all together with lace. The dress flowed away from my body in most cases, but it shaped me in all the right places, accenting the curves of my hips and breasts. I was wearing a simple pair of glass slippers (much like Cinderella's, it was very childhood reminiscent!) and the pendant that Jareth had given me. My hair had been curled, some put in a bun at the back of my head, and the rest loose and free. I smiled at myself, marveling at my own beauty. The engagement ring glistened on my finger. And soon, another would join it.
Vixanne turned to me, a bright, childish smile on her face as she placed her warm palm against my cheek. 'Beautiful', her thoughts filled my head, and I nodded in thanks. A goblin padded into the room, carrying a crystal that was a little larger than the ones I had seen before. The goblin, with his black face and beady green eyes, placed the crystal into my hands, before bowing low to me. He turned on his heel, and dashed out of the room. I stared down at the crystal as Vixanne fixed a fold in my dress. A smokey image began to fill the sphere, and my mother's face came into view. She was beaming with delight.
"Aerynn! Honey, congratulations!" She exclaimed, her voice ringing from the crystal as if she was standing beside me. I smiled at her reflection, a blush crossing over my cheeks.
"Thank you, Mom." I said in response. She sighed heavily, looking upset.
"Ooh! How I wish I could be there with you on your wedding day!" She huffed, glancing at me with a smirk. I grinned.
"All you have to do is say the words…" I replied, feeling my heart pounding harder. "I'm sure the goblins won't mind picking up a familiar woman." I laughed as she blushed. Sarah tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. I frowned, staring at her image.
"Mom?" She looked up at me.
"Yes?"
"Did you cut your hair recently?" She grinned, and nodded. I laughed again.
"It looks great on you!" I looked up to see Vixanne pointing at the large clock. I hitched a breath into my throat as the time read 5:15. Fifteen minutes till the wedding itself. I stared back down into the crystal. "Mom, do you want to come to the wedding?" I asked her. She blinked, before nodding enthusiastically.
"Okay… All you have to do is say the—"
"Can Toby come too?" I grinned.
"Of course!" She inhaled slowly.
"I wish the goblins would take me and Toby to the castle beyond the Goblin City… right now!" Her image vanished from the crystal as the air spun around the chamber. I turned my face away from the swirling glitter and smells of peaches, letting everything settle before I turned back. Sarah and Toby stood about ten feet from a wide eyed Vixanne. Sarah was adorned in a blue and white dress with lacing and beading on the front. It was a sleeveless dress which had roses stitched into the side seaming. Toby was wearing a black and red tuxedo suit with a silky white tie. I blinked once, marveled at the sight of my family. Sarah gazed down upon herself and at Toby, laughing as she looked over at me.
"Honey, you look beautiful!" She said, embracing me tightly. I smiled, feeling light as I held tight onto my mother. Toby stood beside me, and held his arms out as I let go of Sarah. I hugged my uncle warmly, feeling him rub my back softly. There was always something about Toby that made him more of your best friend that a family member.
"Congratulations, Aerynn." He whispered in my ear. I smiled, and pulled away. Vixanne motioned to me, pointing at the clock. 5:25 now. My face fell.
"Sh— ucks…" I corrected myself when Sarah gave me the eye. "Alright, Mom, do you remember how to get to the garden with the stone book throne, where the wise man and the hat were?" She glanced away, before nodding. "Okay, that's where the wedding is going to be. You and Toby can head there now, I have to go find out where I'm supposed to be." I kissed my mother and uncle, and they began to head to the gardens. I turned to Vixanne, who took my hand, and led me down a separate corridor.
(Five minutes later)
My heart thrashed like a wild horse in my chest, and I slowly inhaled to calm it. Vixanne, along with several other Fae girls, glided forward down the rose covered aisle. Hedges were decorated with red, pink, white, and yellow roses. Faery dust was sprinkled all over as the afternoon sun sunk to a special part in the sky. 'Twilight.' I thought, blushing slightly. It was one of my favorite times in the day. There wasn't a single cloud in the sky, of which I was very thankful. I could hear the music playing; violins carried the main tune as a piano accompanied it. I was quite certain I could also hear a harp.
I walked forward, seeing the rows of people turned to see me. The lace veil covered my face, but still allowed me to see everything around me. Unfamiliar faces and faces I had briefly seen smiled at me. Toby and Sarah were near the front. I saw Hoggle, Didymus, and Ludo standing beside my family. On the left hand side I saw Vizael and a man in white robes who looked like an elderly version of Jareth. 'His father, perhaps?' I thought, gliding passed everyone to the white alter. It was covered in white roses, a large crystal embedded into the top. I stood beside Jareth, glancing over at him. He was wearing the same outfit that he had worn when we first met, a Halloween dance that felt more like a distant dream than our first memory together. His new pendant was hanging from his neck.
An aged Fae man with white robes and a dark red scarf around his neck held a book open, and spoke clearly. "Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate love. We see it in the faces of Jareth and Aerynn, but we experience it in our own hearts as well. This love is powerful enough to untie the strong entangled knot of life. It is a love which is spoken of in all languages, seen in all colors, which kindles our souls with hope and which is our true home, our true meeting place.
"Jareth and Aerynn have opened their hearts to one another, and today they will share their vows of marriage together. We are deeply grateful to them for opening their hearts to us as well, inviting us to witness and share in this precious moment. To this day they bring the fullness of their being as a treasure to share with one another. Their marriage is being entered into reverently, with the recognition of a true union which has been discovered. For what greater joy is there for two pure souls than to join together to strengthen each other in all their endeavors, to support each other through all sorrow?
"We hope that the words and spirit of our gathering may be filled with a truth that will deepen with the passing years. We hope, too, that the meaning of the vows that Jareth and Aerynn are about to share with one another will deepen as well, as they discover the endless possibilities of this life together. This is a love which need not be tarnished by common events, but which can flower both in deepest adversity and in greatest joy. As the years go by, you will find more and more in one another a loveliness which neither comes nor goes, which neither flowers nor fades, no longer even taking the form of face or hand or words or knowing. Everything in your marriage can partake of this mysterious beauty beyond beauty, until wherever you turn you see reflections of this loveliness.
"We ask that the vision you have of one another be always informed by that radiant power which first brought you together. Love is stronger than your conflicts, bigger than life's changes, the miracle always inviting you to learn, to blossom, and to expand. It is to love that you must always return." The man's voice softened and I heard a soft sniffling behind me that I was more than sure was coming from Sarah. Jareth took my hand in his, and turned me to face him. His eyes sparkled with a shimmer of happiness that I had seen many times before. But it had never made me feel so alive like it did now. I swallowed the lump in my throat from joy as Jareth spoke the words that sent my soul to the heavens.
"Aerynn, you are my beloved, to love and to cherish, and to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, in sadness and in joy, to share our lives together, from this day forward." I smiled brighter, feeling the tears brim at the corners of my eyes behind the veil, and I recited his exact words.
"Jareth, you are my beloved, to love and to cherish, and to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, in sadness and in joy, to share our lives together, from this day forward." Still holding hands and turned to each other, Jareth and I turned our faces to the Fae man, who had a gentle smile on his face. He read from the book, glancing up at me as he read.
"Aerynn, do you take Jareth to be your Husband and King, to love him, to cherish him, and to continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion?" I turned my head to stare into my King's eyes.
"I do." I said clearly. Jareth beamed as he returned his gaze to the Fae.
"And you, Jareth, do you take Aerynn to be your Wife and Queen, to love her, to cherish her, and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion?" He fixed his eyes upon me once again, no hesitation.
"I do." Vixanne stepped beside us, holding out two black velvet boxes to each of us. I took one, and opened the lid slowly, staring down at a golden band of rose petals, a crystal nestled on top. It was much like my engagement ring, but on the inside of the band, engraved were the words 'You are my love and light. My heart forever belongs to you.' I smiled as Jareth slid my ring next to the engagement ring, and I slid his on. We took each other's hands again, lost in the seas of each other's eyes. The Fae man spoke, but it was distant to my ears.
"Jareth and Aerynn, you have consented together to marriage before this company, pledged your faith and declared your unity by each giving and receiving a ring, and, as you are now joined together in mutual esteem and devotion. Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness for you, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, to enter into the days of your togetherness, and may your days be good, and long upon, the earth. You may kiss the bride." Jareth released my hands, slowly reaching up and lifting the veil from my face. Over my head and behind my hair it went as his gentle hands cupped my face, and he leaned downward, capturing my lips in on of the many passionate kisses I had ever experienced with him. The family and friends stood and applauded. I was certain Toby wolf whistled as we pulled away from each other, simply lost in the arms of one another.
I stood, staring down at the two rings on my finger as many of the guests swirled around and danced with one another. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I smiled up at Jareth as he planted a soft kiss against my throat. I shivered in pleasure, and he chuckled. Though he hadn't been at the wedding itself, Aizel gurgled happily as he stretched his arms out to me. I grinned, lifting my son into my arms as I rocked back and forth with him slowly. His blonde hair had grown to completely cover his head. He was wearing a small blue tunic and pants with white socks. His pointed ears were slightly pink as he smiled at me.
"He's so much like you." I whispered to Jareth, pecking Aizel on the head. Jareth laughed, gently pinching Aizel's cheek.
"Yes… but he has the shine from your eyes. He has the blush from your cheeks. He has his mother's radiance of light…" He said in response. I blushed slightly, bouncing Aizel on my hip. He laughed in delight, before grabbing onto my dress. Jareth's eyes wandered over my frame, soaking in every inch like he'd never see me again. "You look beautiful…" He whispered softly, brushing his lips against the side of my neck again. Aizel gurgled again, curling in my arms as he shut his eyes. I smiled, feeling a shiver run down my spine as a moan rolled off of my tongue.
"Alright you two, I can see you want some alone time. Here, My Lady. I'll take the babe off of your hands." My eyes shot open as I stared at a smiling Vizael. He winked slightly, glancing at his brother as he lifted my son into his strong arms. I smiled at him, and nodded once.
"Oh, everyone's requesting that the King and Queen take a dance or a song." He added. I blushed, looking over at Jareth.
"What?" Jareth asked, his eyebrows pulling together in confusion as I took his hand, and led him back to where everyone was dancing and eating together. Through the maze of dancing Fae, I led Jareth up to the stage where the band was playing. I leaned over to a short blonde haired boy, and whispered a song into his ear. He looked puzzled, but when I explained the song, he picked it up easily from the few notes I gave to him. I took Jareth's hand in mine as he heard the tune. It was a song that he should have known well from watching Sarah. He grinned.
"Now I've had the time of my life, no I never felt like this before. Yes I swear, it's so true, and I owe it all to you…" Jareth sang. I grinned brightly, letting my voice ring through the courtyard.
"Cause I've had the time of my life, and I owe it all to you…"
"I've been waiting for so long, now I've finally found someone to stand by me." I took a step off the stage, dancing through the crowd.
"We saw the writing on the wall as we felt this magical fantasy!" Jareth ran after me, sweeping me into his arms and rocking me side to side as our friends and family clapped their hands to the tune of the song. Sarah whistled as Toby cat called. I blushed madly.
"Now with passion in our eyes, there's no way we could disguise it secretly. So we take each other's hand, cause we seem to understand the urgency!" He spun me in several circles, my dress twirling around me like a brilliant white light in the setting sun. The moon, coming into view, was full and vibrant in the darkening skies.
"Just remember—" Jareth sang, taking my hands again.
"You're the one thing I can't get enough of—"
"So I'll tell you something—"
"This could be love, because I've had the time of my life! No I've never felt this way before. Yes I swear, it's the truth! And I owe it all to you." I spun away from Jareth, standing beside the altar, beneath all of the roses and the giant crystal. He stood at the end of the aisle beside two large hedges. He knew what was coming as well as I did. Fae women and men partnered up and danced off to the sides, keeping their eyes mostly on us, and occasionally joining into the chorus.
"With my body and soul, I want you more than you'll ever know!"
"So we'll just let it go, don't be afraid to lose control." I took one step away from the altar, back towards Jareth. A bright, wide grin was on my face as I let my voice soar above the Labyrinth itself it seemed.
"Yes I know what's on your mind when you say: 'Stay with me tonight'"
"Just remember you're the one thing—"
"I can't get enough of—"
"So I'll tell you something!"
"This must be love, because I've had the time of my life, no I've never felt this way before. Yes I swear it's so true. And I owe it all to you. Cause I've had the time of my life, and I've searched through every open door. Till I found the truth, and I owe it all you to!" I ran forward as Jareth crouched low. I had already abandoned the glass slippers as the crowd turned to us to watch in amazement as Jareth grabbed me by the waist, and lifted me into the air, spinning in a circle as I hovered above all else. Cheers and whistles rang out as he lowered me back to the stone ground.
"Now I've had the time of my life. No I've never felt this way before—" Jareth sang softly.
"Never felt this way—" People had stopped to watch us now as we slowly danced in a small circle. His arms were wound around my waist, and mine around his neck.
"It's so true… and I owe it all to you because—"
"I've had the time of my life. No I've never felt this way before, yes I swear. It's so true. And I owe it all to you. Cause I've had the time of my life, and I've searched through every open door, till I found the truth. And I owe it all to you…" The music faded as applause roared around us. I grinned before Jareth captured my lips once again with his in a fiery kiss that said every emotion his heart held. It was a kind of kiss I didn't want to end, but eventually, like most other things, it did. I rested my forehead against his for a moment, trying to fully believe that I was now married to this man and had a family with him.
"Aerynn, honey. We need to be getting back." Sarah's voice whispered in my ear. Jareth and I looked at her and Toby for a few brief moments. I nodded once, giving her a hug and kiss, as well as Toby.
"Thank you so much for coming tonight." I said in her ear. Jareth shook Toby's hand and gave Sarah a hug. I didn't notice Vizael's presence beside us, but Sarah gave the tiny sleeping Aizel in his arms a kiss on the cheek.
"Congratulations again, sweetie." She said, waving goodbye as Jareth tossed a crystal to her. It popped like a bubble just as it touched her fingers, and they were gone. Jareth's arms wound around me again, swaying me to the music as I leaned my head against his chest. I inhaled, smelling the intoxicating scent of peaches. My heart fluttered lightly as the music faded from my senses. It felt as if the world was empty except for us. If I didn't have such a strong tie to my friends and family, I would have been fine with it just being us. But that wasn't part of humanity. People needed change.
Well…
So far this was one fucking amazing change.
"Aerynn… I have something for you…" Jareth whispered in my ear, leading me away from the large crowd, to a more remote and silent place. My head spun with the excitement of the day, and he sat me down on a stone bench. He placed his palm over my eyes, telling me to the close them. I did, and a strong scent of musky magic filled my nose. After a moment, Jareth told me to open my eyes. Upon doing so, I stared down at a marvelous silver crown with blue and green jewels embedded into the frame. Delicate rose petals were entwined together, a crystal in the front. It reminded me of the ring and his pendant combined. And my guess was that was what he was aiming for.
"Fit for a Queen." He said, placing it on my head. I stared in awe at him, before leaning over and kissing him softly.
"Thank you, Jareth." I said as he wrapped his arms around my waist, and pulled me onto his lap.
"Forever truly isn't so long." He said in my ear.
"It's only the beginning." I said, reaching up stroking his face with my fingers.
So. Yeah. Tell me what you think. XD Hahaha.