Chapter 2

(First Meeting)

The sun was setting as Demitri arrived at the fairgrounds. He quickly scanned the area but found no sign of Meridian. Not seeing her he decided to walk the fairgrounds in search of the human girl.

"Stop," Jareth and took hold of his son's arm. Demitri's green eyes immediately turned to his father. "Use your head boy." Releasing his son's arm the king produced a crystal. "Meridian." Instantly the crystal orb glowed and an image of Meridian and her location appeared.

Sarah looked over at the crystal and had to admit the girl was beautiful. "She looks at home dressed like that," the queen commented with regard to Meridian's Orange, Purple, and gold fairy costume.

"Just as you did a fairytale princess," Jareth told his wife affectionately. Even now with many years passed the king remembered her white renaissance dress and the crown of flowers on her head. Sarah looked at him warningly. Ignoring his wife's concern he pointed and told his son, "She's there." The king didn't even have a chance to make the crystal disappear before Demitri immediately headed in the direction his father had indicated.

"If I wasn't here to see it I'd never believe it," Kavan commented watching his older brother.

"Stay close," Jareth said.

"That goes without saying Majesty," Caden said quickly heading after his charge.

Sarah's eyes suddenly went wide. "Good grief! He really doesn't pay attention!" She said watching her son nearly get hit by cart.

"His Majesty was no better off where you are concerned my queen," Dante informed her. Jareth looked at his captain less than pleased causing the woman to giggle.

"I wish I had known this then," she said as they began to walk through the festival. Sarah was happy with the life she now had with Jareth but it hadn't always been the case. After winning back Toby the green eyes woman had thought it was over but she was wrong. Winning back Toby had done anything but ended her connection to the labyrinth.

Sarah had thought she was free of the king when he'd flown away after her win. She couldn't have been more wrong. Less than three days later her nightmare had begun. Jareth had been relentless in his pursuit of her. Anyone and anything that got in his way he'd removed. Sarah shook her head forcing the memories back into the deep dark corner she'd stored them in in the back of her mind. That time was passed and she never wanted to think of it again.

Demitri quickly made his way toward the mortal woman's location. Seeing her come into view however he abruptly stopped. 'Now what?' he thought looking at her. "She's so beautiful."

"Perhaps you should tell her so," Caden suggested.

"I can't just walk up to her and…"

"Why not?" another guard named Morday asked.

"I just…can't. I need to talk to her but how?" The prince asked baffled.

The guards looked at each other trying to hide their amusement. Prince Kavan and Prince Tiernan wouldn't have hesitated to approach the mortal woman. Demitri however was not experienced with women and was clearly out of his element in this matter.

"Should I go for you big brother?" Kavan asked openly teasing Demitri.

"No! You and Tiernan stay away from her!" Demitri warned.

"Alright but standing here is…"

"Do shut up!" Demitri said becoming annoyed.

"Meridian."

Demitri turned and almost deflated seeing her smile at a mortal man approaching her. He suddenly wondered if he was too late to gain her attention.

"Hello Nathan," Meridian said pleasantly.

"You look beautiful," Nathan said admiring Meridian's costume on her.

Demitri watched as Meridian blushed at the compliment. Disappointment began to try to set in as he watched the two mortals interact. Looking at her though he couldn't blame the mortal for complimenting her.

Meridians fairy costume had a gold bodice with a purple and orange bottom. Her wings were purple edged in orange. A wreath of gold leaves and purple and orange flowers sat on her head. The prince found her to be the most breathtaking sight he'd ever seen.

"Thank you," Meridian finally managed. "I like your costume as well," she said admiring his pinstriped suit gangster outfit. It's very realistic."

"Bethany picked. She dressed as a flapper, At I think that's what she told me she was."

Meridian laughed and nodded. "Perfect couples outfit for you two," The blonde woman praised. Nathan shrugged. "Looking for something?"

"I thought I'd find something for Bethany," He admitted. "Wanted to give her a little surprise gift."

"Oh you should go look at John's mom's booth. Bethany was looking at some of her earrings earlier today," Meridian suggested. "I'm certain you'll find something there."

"Yeah? You think?" Nathan said sounding hopeful.

"Uh huh. I bet she could tell you which earrings Bethany was looking at."

"Thanks." Meridian nodded and watched as Nathan walked away in search of a gift for his girl.

As Demitri watched he began to relax as he learned that Nathan was already committed to someone else. He felt a sense of approval at her helping her friend. He had known she was kind to animals and respectful of nature in general. Seeing she was the same with people pleased him. The Goblin Prince had heard many tales about Forest children in the past few weeks. While they were at one with wildlife and nature they were often not able to react as well with people. Meridian however was clearly able to communicate with both.

Meridian watched him leave and as she turned back toward the booth something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. Standing not too far away was a man with dark hair looking at her.

"Get it!" Meridian looked further to her left to see a cat running her direction. Five boys were following after the cat. Without a second thought she stepped away from the booth and into the path of the cat that was heading towards her from the left. The cat leaped for her and Meridian easily caught the creature. Instantly Meridian turned angry eyes on the group of adolescent boys.

"You leave this cat and any other wildlife alone! You hear me?!" She openly scolded and warned.

"It's just a…" Tony visually cringed as Meridian stepped forward towards him and the other boys. "Okay, Okay," Tony said raising his hands up in defeat. Having Meridian coming after them wasn't worth the fun they'd have had tormenting the animal. "Come on," he said not hiding his disappointment. With an annoyed huff the group of boys walked away leaving the cat safely unharmed in Meridian's arms.

"There, there, it's alright," Meridian soothed. "This is not the best place for you." The grey cat with white paws meowed. "Poor thing. Do you live near?" she asked. The young cat gave a meow of affirmation that it did.

"Alright. Stay with me and as soon as I can I'll take you home, alright?" The cat meowed and jumping down from her arms the creature found a spot within the booth out of the way and curled up. Feeling safe Meridian would protect it the animal drifted off to sleep. Meridian looked in the direction of the man she'd seen but no one was there.

Demitri stayed just out of sight but continued to watch Meridian.

"Pray tell, why are you standing here?" Jareth inquired coming up behind his son,

"I don't know what….to do," Demitri hesitantly admitted.

"Are you sure he's mine?" The king asked before he thought. Sarah abruptly hit him upside the back of the head causing even Caden to snicker. The King immediately glared at his son's captain.

"Demitri…just say hello," Sarah told her son.

"Meridian! I'm here," A dark skinned teenager announced.

"Great. See you later Kyla." The dark haired girl nodded and gently picking up the young sleeping cat she began walking away. The animal yawned but snuggled up to her.

"Alright, time to get you home," Meridian said looking down at the furry creature. She smiled warmly at it and the cat gently touched her cheek with its paw. Although the cat didn't speak she knew how appreciative the animal was of her kindness. With her eyes still on the cat she walked away from the booth.

"I just don't….huh?" Demitri said surprised to see everyone suddenly leave. "What?" He turned around only to have Meridian run into him.

"Oh! I am so sorry!" Meridian quickly apologized. Demitri stood there completely awe struck for a moment. "I should've been paying better attention. I am so sorry,"

"It's alright," Demitri quickly assured her. "Taking your cat home?" He asked trying to make conversation.

"He's not mine," Meridian said glancing down at the ball of fluff in her arms. "I'm not allowed to have pets," she said with a hint of sadness. I'm just taking him home," Meridian replied.

"If he isn't yours then why are you taking him home?" Demitri inquired.

Meridian bit her lip before saying, "It's just something I do. It's Halloween and….I wouldn't want it to get hurt. Some kids are cruel. Not a good night for a sweet creature to be left alone."

"No it isn't," Demitri agreed. "You shouldn't be left alone either," he said carefully. "I could walk you," the fae prince offered. "That is if you like," he added trying to cover how nervous he felt. Demitri also wanted to be careful not to scare her.

"Mittens says it isn't far," Meridian replied feeling a little uncomfortable. The cat meowed and she looked down at the creature. "It seems mittens agrees with you. If my ne friend here doesn't fear you then I suppose I shouldn't either. You may walk me."

Demitri felt a surge of excitement as the girl changed her mind and agreed. The prince reached over and gently stroked the cat's ears. He was well aware the young creature was taking pity and helping him. Unlike humans animals were immune to the magic of illusions and uses of glamour. They would always see the truth within any magic. The animal cuddled up in the woman's arms was well aware that he was fae.

"I haven't seen you here before," Meridian commented as they began to walk away from the fair grounds.

"I've never been to the fairgrounds before," He replied openly honest. "Do you spend a lot of time here?"

"Only during fairs or festivals," she replied. "Are you knew to the area?"

"I've started spending time here recently," he said carefully. "I like the forest here."

"Me too," Meridian replied feeling a sense of complete calmness wash over her at the mere word forest. "I spend more time in the forest than anywhere else," she said almost dreamily.

"I believe that about you," he replied fully aware of just how much time she did in fact spend in the forest.

It didn't take long and they reached the furry animals residence. "Stay inside tonight," Meridian instructed the animal. Mittens gave a meow of obedience and darted into the small blue paneled house through a pet door.

"Shall we return to the fair?" Demitri asked once the animal was safely inside. She nodded and the pair began to make their way back to the fairgrounds.

"I'm Meridian."

"I know."

"You do?" Meridian asked.

"I heard your name called out at the fair," he said quickly.

"Oh, I didn't catch your name," Meridian stated.

"My apologies, Demitri." Meridian smiled and nodded instantly causing a feeling of warmth to enter the prince's heart.

"It's nice to meet you."

"Any you," he replied. Internally however all he could think was 'Finally!'

"What on earth?" Demitri followed her gaze and his eyes widened. In the short time they'd been gone something had happened. Judging from the disaster the fairgrounds appeared to be in the prince was fairly certain the goblins were involved.

'I have to go. Maybe we'll see each other again," Meridian told him and raced off further into the fairgrounds towards the booths.

"How did it go?" Dante inquired making his presence known.

"Great until this!" he said gesturing toward the current state of the fairgrounds. "What happened?!"

"Do you need to ask? Tiernan asked him.

"Where's…." Kavan began to ask.

"She left when she saw this!" Demitri said annoyed. His time with Meridian had ended far sooner than he would have liked. Walking away from the other fae he walked behind a tree and transforming into his owl form he perched in a tree and watched as the blonde woman helped clean up the mess before finally leaving for home.

The prince followed after the girl and then perched in a tree outside her home. It didn't take long and he watched her approach her bedroom window now wearing pajamas with owls and trees on them. She opened the window and looked out at the tree he was perched in and the rest of the forest.

"Goodnight my friends. Good night Demitri," giving the forest a smile she walked over and climbing into bed she drifted off to sleep.

"Good night Meridian," He sighed as he transformed out of his owl form at the base of the tree he'd been occupying.

"It might not have gone perfect but you have made an impression," Jareth said appearing in his fae form leaning back on another tree.

"Should've left the goblins at home," Demitri complained.

"On All Hollows Eve? Really it's the one night they have free reign here," his father reminded him.

"Couldn't they have caused chaos somewhere else?" Demitri said not hiding his disappointment. With an exasperated sigh he changed into his owl form and headed home. Jareth shook his head and followed after his son. He understood Demitri's annoyance but couldn't possibly have forbidden the goblins this time. Any other night he'd have forbidden them but not on their night.

Author's Note: For those wondering why I chose the name Meridian it is for two reasons. First was I used to spend summers in a place called Meridian and it was almost a big forest. I have a lot of memories of a lot of wildlife there. The second is that I have known someone named meridian and I often wondered if they were somehow magically connected to the forest. Also Demitri depending on which site and origin you use means earth, forest, and other things like that. Demitri is Sarah and Jareth's first child. As the story continues you will begin to learn more about Sarah and Jareth and how they came to be. Sarah chose Demitri's name. Jareth had nothing to do with it. Sarah chose a name from her world for her first child. Thank you for reading and I love reviews!