A/N: Hello all! Let's get into the next installment shall we? Per usual I do not own either of the storylines, every character belongs to their respective owners.
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3 Months Later…
There was never a dull moment in the Goblin King's Castle. There never had been, and never would be. Alarik, Jareth decided, added a special flavor to the chaos however. It was with amusement as Jareth reclined in his throne room watching his son play with the goblins. The boy had a streak of mischief in him that Jareth had noted with quiet glee. The months that followed Alarik's adoption, Jareth had gotten to know his son a bit better. Funnily enough the boy had begun imitating himself and Jareth couldn't help but preen with pride. Alarik took after his mannerisms and sayings quickly.
At the moment Alarik was invested in a game the turned goblins had invented for themselves. Who could make the goblin king laugh first? This game more often than not brought disarray very quickly. But before Alarik had become part of Jareth's life, the game was quite difficult to win. In years past the goblins could only evoke a calm bored reaction. But Alarik was the champion when it came to this particular game. Alarik was surrounded by his fellow compatriots as they conspired a method that could make him laugh. They whispered furiously amongst each other, Alarik casting him furtive glances. Finally the rag tag group presented themselves before the king and said; "Goblin King, Goblin King we request your attention!" Was the saying that started the game. It was sung and not spoken and Jareth was looking forward to the performance.
Jareth tilted his head and replied, "Granted my little scoundrels, do not disappoint me." His expression was serious, but the indulgent smile belied his true emotions. With Alarik leading the group of turned goblins, an improv challenge of insults commenced. There were two groups as they faced off one another in two lines. Soon cackling filled the air as the goblins lost their cool as they laughed at their own insults. Jareth could appreciate a battle of insults and thought the idea deserved a proper competition setting in the future. A few insults brought a smile, but he refused to laugh. He was prepared to see how long his little goblins could last against their own foolishness.
"You like to bathe in the boggy woggy!" Yelled Scissormittens as she faced off Butterwink with a bold insult. Or bold for a turned goblin that is. Butterwink aghast at the implication, giggled uncontrollably. "You have bog breath!" Butterwink said in turn. A lot of insults involved the bog when it came to turned goblins. Laughing at each other the goblins looked to their king for approval, he only gave them a raised brow as he smiled.
"I was sure the bog would get Kingy this time.'' Scissormittens whispered conspiratorially to Butterwink. Butterwink for his part nodded sagely in consideration as they went to the back of their respective lines. Alarik and Fangwart were up against each other next. Stepping forward, Alarik said, "Your pranks are so silly the Dursley's wouldn't even fall for them!" Alarik heard a collective "ooo '' erupt from the surrounding goblins as Fangwart guffawed. Goblins had a knack for appreciating insults. Fangwart especially had been one of the goblins to terrorize the Dursleys. Emboldened Fangwart said in turn, "Your hair makes a bird's nest look tame." Alarik clutched his stomach in laughter as the silly game continued.
What the goblin's didn't account for was Alarik's unintended magical reaction as he laughed. The wild fae magic brimming under the surface finally came through as it latched onto Alarik's high emotions. The goblin's closest to Alarik had the unfortunate luck of being bestowed with color shifting skin. The goblin's that were affected pointed at one another in amazement before laughing as the colors changed from pink, blue, orange, and other various colors. Alarik was much the same as he marveled at his skin which had previously been a pale white. Now he was purple which easily shifted into green the next moment and so on and so forth.
A slow chuckle which divulged into a deep laughter came from the throne as Jareth stood up in all his multi-colored glory. Jareth crossed the threshold to his son, when upon seeing his Father Alarik lost it immediately to a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Waving his hand the spell Alarik unknowingly cast ceased. Jareth picked up his small son and rested him on his hip as he declared him the winner of the competition. The goblins cheered before issuing forth another game of sorts.
"Bravo little bird for manifesting an illusion so well." Jareth was extremely proud his son had been able to produce an effective illusion.
"Oh is that what that was?" Alarik said innocently as he smiled. "Yes. I'm so proud of you Alarik." Jareth said.
The days that followed were spent in daily lessons now that Alarik's wild magic could be manifested. Jareth was quite patient with his son as he taught him the art of illusions. It was a nuanced skill, one that took years of mastery. Seeing how adept Alarik was at creating an illusion unwittingly, Jareth wanted to cultivate the talent. Alarik was a very willing student, practically bouncing where he stood in excitement. That particular lesson that day was focused on creating a crystal. Crystals, Alarik had come to find out, were a conduit of magic. The crystal spheres were perfect for housing the wild magic and bending it to your will. When the lesson had ended, Alarik had channeled a crystal for a few seconds before it disappeared. The beaming smile Jareth bestowed on his son as a result of his efforts had given Alarik a new purpose. To see his Dad smile like that all the time.
From then on it became routine for Alarik to find himself at his Father's breakfast table asking him endless questions about magic. With his Father's encouragement, he asked all sorts of questions. Whereas before Alarik had been scared to ask any whilst living with the Dursleys. In stark contrast, his curiosity was rewarded. Life had completely turned around for him, but it still came with its bumps in the road.
Such bumps were the frequent nightmares Alarik had at any given night. Waking up with tears in his eyes, Alarik knew what he had to do. "Jareth!" He cried into the dark room. One of the first few lessons that Alarik learned Underground, was that names held power with the Fae. Alarik was astonished to learn that only he was given permission to use the King's name so freely. Alarik had tried to get one of the Goblin servants to call him by his first name. He wasn't used to such formal manners, but everyone had taken to calling him "Princeling." However when the little green servant paled at his command and fervently shook its head, Alarik became confused. Then the poor goblin ran away from him. Leaving Alarik alarmed and hurt by the reaction. Later that evening he had asked his Father about it and he smiled with a glint in his mismatched eyes.
"My son, there is much you still have to learn about our ways. It is not out of disrespect that the little goblin fled from you." Alarik tilted his head as his bright green eyes regarded his Father with silent questions.
"As you know, the very words you speak hold magic amongst our kind. We measure our words carefully before we speak." At this Alarik nodded slowly, showing he understood as much.
"The more powerful a Fae is, the more magic is behind their given name. Very few remember mine in fact. Only those of equal power are able to remember a Fae name. Each Fae is born with a certain level of power. Because of my royal blood that flows through you, you are going to be remarkable little bird." Jareth paused as he watched his son take in the information.
"So that means not just anybody can say my name?" Alarik said, still confused. "If they remember it." Jareth clarified. "The goblin servant ran because he couldn't do as you commanded. He thought he was about to be punished for forgetting your name." At this Jareth chuckled in amusement at his son's wide eyed expression. Meanwhile this threw Alarik for a loop.
"So nobody will remember me?" Alarik said with a frown, his eyes beseeching his Father's. Jareth tilted his head, "Alarik," Jareth enunciated. "Only those you regard as your equal are given the privilege to use your name. Fae can be very particular on who they trust."
Alarik scrunched his eyebrows, not sure how he felt about the subject. "If names hold power, what does that mean?" He asked instead.
"When someone utters my name for example, I can pinpoint their location. It can be a summoning, or tether to the Aboveground. More often than not, it gives me power over someone." Jareth patiently explained. Seeing his son's expression turn to pondering, Jareth continued.
"I am renowned as Goblin King, this title allows me certain powers over my realm. If a servant were to know my birth name they must have a higher standing amongst my court. It does not give them permission to use it however. To say my name is to call my attention to yourself. Though not many want my attention to begin with." At this Jareth's smile seemed almost devilish as he regarded his son.
"I see." Alarik said slowly. He would have never guessed that words and names were so important. But he supposed that meant the Fae were very meaningful folk. It was something he would adjust to, and Alarik could see the benefit of going by different aliases.
Thus on those wretched nights when Alarik thrashed in his sheets due to nightmares, he called out to his Father.
"Jareth!" He cried into the dark room. In moments his Father appeared at his bedside. Quite ruffled as he looked as though he quite literally poofed out of bed. Sitting down beside his distraught son, Jareth collected the crying child into his arms. Cradling the small boy like he was made of glass, Alarik in turn clutched his Father as he sobbed into his chest. Jareth began smoothing his son's disheveled hair as he began to whisper comfort into his son's pointy ears.
"I'm right here little bird. There's nothing to fear." Alarik began to hiccup quietly as his sobs slowly began to subside. The slow comforting circles Jareth rubbed into his back did wonders to calm him down. But still he clutched his father as if he would disappear from existence.
"Now, now, what is this about tra la la?" Jareth said gently. Already he was beginning to have an idea. Jareth mentally cursed the Dursleys for their mistreatment of his son. Causing him such frequent distress. Jareth vowed silently that with every nightmare his son had due to the Dursleys, they would find themselves having an awful nightmare of their own. He was King over dreams and nightmares for a reason. Jareth's thoughts were dark until Alarik pierced his heart with a knife.
"I was locked in the cupboard. And you left me there." At this admission Alarik couldn't say anymore as he began to cry anew. As if prepared for his Father to follow through on his nightmare. Immediately Jareth began hushing the boy and murmuring denial.
"Never would I dream of doing such a thing, little bird. You're mine, and I love you. Nothing can change that." Jareth said this with conviction as he held his son close. He felt this truth in his innermost being. What made him fae, what made him Jareth. He couldn't see his son in any other light.
"We are Fae my child, and we cannot lie…" Jareth murmured soothingly.
Alarik sniffled as he buried his face into his Father's chest. Alarik took comfort in the strength he felt being wrapped up in his Father's arms and the words that he spoke. Even his scent was comforting, earthy and musky almost. Like the woods on a warm summer evening. Alarik blinked back tears as his Father began to sing in a soft alluring tone. Alarik hadn't known peace until the moment his Father's warm dulcet voice met his eardrums. He hadn't heard him sing before and quickly he succumbed to the power that washed over him.
Jareth cradled his son lovingly as he sang him a song in the Fae tongue. He sang of bright starry nights, of calming winds. Soft rabbits cuddling into their burrows. He sang of the crickets that buzzed, the fireflies that glowed, and the faeries that danced in their circles forever. The lilting tune carried on until his child fell completely asleep, hoping tonight that he banished the nightmares for now.
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6 Months Later…
Alarik was suddenly awakened from his comfortable sleep. What he found when he opened his bleary eyes was Butterwink bouncing on the foot of his bed in excitement. Alarik considered Butterwink one of his closest goblin companions. "Happy, happy birthday Princeling!" Alarik's heart warmed at this proclamation, he smiled up at his friend as he continued to bounce around the large bed. Butterwink's energy was hard to disregard as the goblins' chaotic magic affected the room. The possessions that Alarik slowly accumulated were flying around the room. Many were books of creatures, or study material. His Father had gone through great efforts to continue schooling him. He was assigned a tutor which he met with four times a week. His tutor was notably fae like himself and his father.
Alarik was amused as he watched the materials fly around him from his bed. Stationary like pencils, pens, feather quills, and crayons joined in the fray. Before long he began to giggle at the mess. "Hmm it seems a goblin has beaten me to the festivities this morning." Perking up Alarik saw his father standing at the door to his room. Butterwink was still singing about birthdays and happy occasions. Jareth snapped his fingers and the chaos was easily managed. Everything was restored to its original place as Butterwink continued his happy song. Alarik often wondered if Butterwink was even aware of his magical effects. Most turned goblins he met seemed to be half aware of their own magic. Which caused a lot of disruption.
"Happy Birthday Alarik." His Father said with a bright smile. Alarik was easily swept up in joy. To have his birthday acknowledged felt amazing. For the first five years of his life he was disregarded. To get this attention was almost overwhelming for him. But despite that he easily hopped from his bed and gave his Father his daily hug. Smiling up at his Dad was the best way to start his day in his opinion. The now six year old giggled as his Father easily managed to pick him up into an embrace.
"I have a big day planned for you little bird. Many surprises in fact." Jareth's smile turned mischievous as Alarik whooped in excitement. "But first we must be dressed for the occasion." Jareth easily waved his hand and the day's outfit appeared. Looking down, Alarik found himself in the most extravagant outfit yet. He matched his Father as was the norm. His Father always had the inclination to match his son. Alarik found it fun for the most part. His Father's outfits were always interesting and so different from what Alarik was used to.
The outfit was green, to match his eyes. The light green waistcoat was embroidered with gold stitching. The design was flowery and had many celtic knots stitched throughout. The undershirt was white to offset the green color, and the sleeves were cuffed at the end. The overcoat he wore was long and well tailored to his form; it was a deep velvet green. He had been with his Father for almost a year and his scrawny frame was almost entirely filled out. He was beginning to grow again and his father constantly had him fitted for measurements. The fitted trousers he wore were a light brown with his customary riding boots. His Father's outfit as always was similar in color, yet always seemed more ostentatious.
The high collared outfit was regal and fitting for a fae of his status. Yet all the same, the way Jareth carried himself made the outfit seem playful. Especially his hair, it always made the outfit eccentric no matter what he wore. The two long hair strands framed his aristocratic features, but the rest was a wild poofy statement. Alarik sported a similar hairstyle. His hair had always been unmanageable. But as a Fae it seemed to correct itself. Somehow the wild state of his hair suited him more and added to his ethereal appearance. It was curlier than his Father's, but it was still the same ashen blonde.
"Are we going somewhere Father?" Alarik questioned. He usually wasn't dressed so eloquently. Smiling Jareth tsked. "Ah ah, all will be revealed precious thing." Alarik pouted but then smiled. He was whisked away to breakfast, which was being held in the large dining hall. It was decorated for the occasion, with a large feast prepared. Alarik was googly eyed as he took in the celebration meant for him. The goblins, of course, were running amok. But they were just as excited as Butterwink was that morning. Many choruses of "Happy Birthday!" met his ears. Alarik became emotional very quickly. Tears of joy pooled in his eyes as he took in the goblins gathered for him. Many were friends he had made while in the Underground. His tutor was there as well. The blonde haired Fae sat demurely in his seat. In stark contrast to the royals his hair was impeccably well kept. His long golden blonde hair sat straight and perfect along his back. His brown eyes shined softly at Alarik as he regarded him.
"Good morning Sire." His tutor, also known as Master Rhyn said whilst bowing his head in greeting to the Goblin King. "Happy Birthday Young Highness." Alarik easily unwound himself from his Father's hold and ran over to hug his tutor in the same fashion. Many months had gone by under Master Rhyn's tutelage. Alarik considered him his first Fae friend outside of his Father. Their relationship, although professional, was still close. Alarik knew if he were studying, his teacher would tut him for his lack of propriety. But birthdays called for leniency, and Rhyn would give it. Rhyn seemed surprised at first by the hug, but relaxed as he smiled gently at the child. Looking up to meet the eyes of the smirking King, Rhyn cleared his throat and bid the Prince to sit at the table. Alarik was becoming quite the hugger these days, Rhyn concluded. But no Fae could resist the pure adoration of a child. With so few and far between in their race, Rhyn couldn't help but cherish this rare occurrence.
Breakfast was enjoyable as Alarik's favorite foods were arranged upon the huge table. It was a grandiose feast fit for the royals in attendance. Alarik was so full and content that he hardly noticed when his Father bid him to stand. Blinking up at his Dad he was ushered out of the dining hall. Alarik said a cheerful goodbye to his Tutor, and before long he was within the innermost part of the castle.
Alarik had spent hours exploring the ever changing halls of his home. But this area, he had never discovered. It was a sanctum that housed a singular crystal ball. It was huge, and it sat upon a pedestal. Heavy drapes lined the walls and even to his budding magical prowess, he felt the immense magic that surrounded the object. Wide eyed and curious Alarik couldn't help but ask about it. "What is it Father?" Jareth smirked down at his son, "Why don't you tell me little bird?"
Everything nowadays was a lesson to be learned for little Alarik, nevertheless he closed his eyes. His eyebrows scrunched in concentration as he focused on the mysterious object in the room. Inherently he knew it was a crystal, but crystals could do almost anything. As the months went by Alarik could conjure small crystals in the palm of his hands to do small illusions. But this gigantic crystal would have a bigger purpose in mind. He was unsure of what he was looking for when evaluating the crystal. Alarik first looked for the tendrils of illusory magic that he was familiar with.
It didn't reveal much other than the entrance was heavily cloaked with illusions. Thus explaining why he had never encountered this room before. Breathing in deeply, Alarik tried his best to clear his mind. This was a new aspect of magic he had not encountered yet. Alarik was beginning to feel excited despite trying to remain calm. Magic just seemed to excite him to no end.
Tentatively Alarik let some of his magic scan over the mysterious crystal, in doing so he was able to catch a glimpse of what it was. Opening his eyes Alarik looked up at his Father with barely contained enthusiasm. "I saw a crystal palace. Surrounded by an enchanted forest. It was beautiful." Alarik said with awe in his tone.
At his statement his Father smiled proudly and clapped him on the back. "Clever, precious. You are correct in what you saw, however this crystal does not merely show images." Reaching for Alarik's hand, Jareth clasped the small hand firmly in his own. He took a step towards the crystal. In wonder Alarik went along with his Father, completely trusting him to show him something fantastic. His Father hovered his hand above the huge crystal as he began to murmur in the Fae language. Alarik had begun to understand this language the more he embraced his new perspective as a full blooded Fae. As Alarik listened, he discerned that the chanting was like an old rhyme, and Alarik was thoroughly intrigued.
"Take me under the old pathways abroad.
To a land that flows with enchantments awed.
Frivolous faeries are what I seek,
Not to be trifled for those who are meek.
A crystal palace is where they reside,
Where ancients command and followers abide.
Yield to me now pathways untold,
That my journey forward be something to behold!"
Alarik was swept up in the verses of incantation. Before he knew it a great murmur of power could be felt throughout the chamber. A great wind blew around them and Alarik was suddenly clutching his Father's pant leg. Awed though he was, he was also frightened of the ancient power his Father invoked.
He felt then a warmth that flowed through his body, as if in greeting. He felt this magical presence settle within him and before he could blink he stood somewhere completely different. All around him the wind finally settled, Alarik had not realized he had been glowing as well. When he finally got his wits about him, he noticed they were in another chamber. Although this one was a lot larger, and a lot grander than he expected.
The walls glimmered and shined with ancient runes engraved upon them. They glowed a soft blue and he heard an unassuming hum within the very walls. Alarik's attention was captured by every little thing in the room as he looked around in wide eyed curiosity. Looking up he saw a large chandelier floating above them with no chain attached to the ceiling. Glimmering crystals were interwoven throughout its structure. The chandelier sparkled as it caught the fractured light within the dimly glowing room.
"You always were one for dramatic entrances." A silky voice said. Not seeing the speaker immediately, Alarik was curious to find that a man appeared before them.
The Fae that appeared had Alarik hiding behind his Father intimidated beyond belief. The sense of power emanating from this being had Alarik carefully peeking from behind his Father. The glimpses were enough for Alarik to digest. The male Fae shimmered and glowed with grandeur as his elegant silver brow rose to scrutinize his visitors. Upon his brow was a circlet of wildflowers that reflected off of his cascading silver hair. The long decadent robes he wore bespoke of someone in high standing.
"I learned from the Master." His Father replied with cheek as he bowed graciously to the host. Alarik suddenly found himself not as hidden as he would have liked. Awkwardly he looked up at the fae with obvious nerves. Alarik felt the full force of this being's attention. The frosty blue gaze regarded him with a fascinated mirth. "I see he's following in his Father's footsteps already. Adrianne will be immensely pleased." The Fae said with a fond smile. Jareth eased out of his bow with a flourish as he began to speak amicably.
"It is regrettable you both were unable to come to the adoption ceremony. I presume the dragons are well taken care of?" The elegant fae waved his hand in a dismissive manner. "The Dragon Lord's are of no importance nowadays. But yes Adrianne was quite mournful the weeks that followed."
Alarik had quickly resumed hiding behind his Father's coat tail. Though he was confused by the words spoken between them. "Tra la la nothing can conquer you it seems." Jareth said, amusement dripping in his tone. A chilling chuckle left the fae's pale lips as he replied. "The dragons were quickly subjugated. I was not pleased to be missing my grandchild's adoption." He said in an airy voice.
Wide eyed Alarik wondered at what the fae had just said. Although the only part that mattered to his young mind was, "Y-your my grandfather?" Alarik had not meant to say so aloud as he stared up at the elegant fae. Jareth smirked as he stepped aside to usher his son forward.
Alarik felt his father rest his hands on his shoulders in a comforting gesture as he stared up at his grandfather in shock. Still reeling from the revelation. "I would formally like to introduce you to one another. Father, I present to you my son, Alarik Olonorin Evenfall. Alarik, this is my Father Olonorin Aelfrik Evenfall, King of the Higher Courts."
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Important A:N! (Please read)
A/N: Can I just say that I'm so shook by the amount of favorites and follows this story has received? I wasn't expecting much, but yall really shattered my expectations! Thank you for the support and reviews! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I intend to continue down the route of highlighting Alarik's childhood. By the time he reaches school age I have the intention for him having a strong bond with his home and family. But on to the reason this A/N is important.
Just so you guys are aware, there's going to be a lot of Fluff in this story. And I mean A LOT of fluff. So if you find that boring or cringe, oh well lol. There is a reason for it. I experienced a really traumatic event in my life 6 months ago. This is the product of that trauma and has been a huge coping method for myself. Writing fluff has helped me deal with a lot of negative emotions in a healthy way. I didn't mention it before because I didn't want to overshare. But with the amount of followers this story seems to be getting already I wanted to clarify some things for all of you lovely readers. While I appreciate all the love this story is getting, I just want yall to know that at the end of the day this story is primarily for myself and healing. I don't mind suggestions to make this story better, but please don't demand I go a specific route with this story. (I have received some interesting PMs about that...) It was kind of a spur of the moment decision to upload this story. I had not expected the amount of interest this would garner haha. (This is such a niche crossover lol) But regardless I love to see you guys enjoying something I created. With that said, I'm still currently working on more chapters, but thought I'd drop another post since its been a while. Hopefully I'll get back to regular updates soon! :) Thanks again for the kind reviews, I'll see yall in the next chapter!
-FluffySlipperz