A Forgotten Love

Chapter 16

Jareth appeared in his study to be greeted with Valerian's presence. Valerian was tall, but not much taller than Jareth. He had shaggy dark hair that sometimes fell loosely around his face. He was a very masculine looking man, he had a strong Jaw line and a well-defined chin. He often had to keep women at bay. Jareth had known his friend for many centuries, and he had known that although his friend meanll ill in giving him advice, Valerian himself had truly never fallen in Love. Valerian leaned against the writing desk in Jareth's private study. He wore a pair of breeches similar to Jareths with tall black boots, and a White poet's shirt that hung loose and free of his breeches, and he had most of his hair tied back with a blue satin piece of ribbon, while some hung by his face. Jareth couldn't help Notice the look on Valerians face as he entered the room.

"You still haven't told her have you."

Jareth sighed. He was sick of having to explain himself to his friend, but he knew Valerian wouldn't drop the subject so easily. Best to enl enlighten him.

"No, not exactly. I tried, but I don't think I was very clear. Somewhere between me confusing her about the consequences of her actions, and blurting out a marriage proposal, I think she may have missed it."

"You will have to be more direct with her then. Do you think she will accept?"

"I honestly don't know. I shudder to think of losing her, but it is a possibility. I only pray that her friends will help to sway her decision."

"What do you mean?"

"I have allowed her to visit with her friends here in the Underground. She has the impression that they are miserable. I never actually told her they were miserable, but she assumed because I told her where they currently are living."

"Which friends might these be?"

"Sir Didymus, Ludo the beast, and the little dwarf Hoggle."

"I see. So what do you think her friends will say to her?"

"I think she had the impression that I am a monster who sought rge oge on her friends for helping her, when in fact, that isn't the truth. I am hoping she will see that her friends are happy, and that I CAN be generous despite what she had previously believed. If she lets this image of me melt away, can she grow to Love me?"

"Ahh, Jareth, You still amaze me. You are manipulative to the last. I know your heart though, and I believe that be thi this is over, she should know it as well."

"Maybe so, but I will make my affections known in due time."

"Excuse me your majesty, but didn't you already display a little affection?" Valerian retorted with a smirk.

"A Mere taste of what is to come." Jareth grinned back in response.

"Well, I must be off, my kingdom awaits my return, Keep me informed of your 'Situation'".

"Good day Valarian, give me regards to your sovereign.

"Will do your majesty. My father will be delighted to hear of your well being."

Valarian snapped his fingers and was gone from the room leaving Jareth alone with his thoughts once again.

"He is right. I must tell her. To think of life without her is agony, I would welcome death if she chose to live a life without me in it. I must wait and see what her friends will tell her first before I place my heart where she can break it."

Jareth formed a crystal and gazed into it hoping to see what Sarah was up to and how she was getting along with her friends.
***
Sarah had asked a passing goblin where Didymus was living and quickly found his house. She was amazed at how quaint the little house looked. The cottages in the Goblin City looked a little bet more habitable from what she remembered. As she poised her hand at the small door to knock, she heard a commanding familiar voice.

"Hark, who goes there?"

"Didymus, it is me. I have come back."

"Fair maiden, do my eyes very eyes deceive me?"

"No, DidyDidymus, I am here. I have come back to see the damage I have caused to this place and attempt to make things right. Oh, Didymus, I have missed you so much, and I am so sorry I haven't called on you. I haven't forgotten you, It's just, well, it is a long story...I don't have a lot of time, but I wanted to see how you were doing. I am so sorry that you have to live in this place. I know how much you liked your post at the bog
\
"Nonsense, my lady, these goblins have sworn with their life's blood to assist me in protecting the castle. No one shall enter it without MY Permission!"

"So you are happy here then?"

"Of course! I have proved my worth to his majesty in my protection abilities when I helped see you safely to the castle!"

"He didn't do this to take revenge on you for helping me?"

"No, he rewarded me with a higher honor. He never wanted any harm to befall you, and I made cin oin of that."

"O Didymus, I am so relieved you are happy. I'm sure Hoggle and Ludo haven't fared as well as you have though. I know how much Hoggle hated the Bog!"

"I have not heard from Sir Hoggle in some time, so I cannot predict if he had misfortune. I hope he is well."

"I must go Didymus, but I will return soon. Please take care of yourself."

"Always my lady."

Sarah turned and headed out of the Goblin city towards the Bog of Eternal Stench. She was not in any hurry to go to that place, but she had little time, and she knew that Hoggle would want her to find him...wouldn't he??
***
Jareth smirked as he saw the exchange between Sarah and Didymus. Things couldn't have gone any better. He mused aloud, "One down, two to go."
***
As Sarah headed into the Bog, The horrible stench immediately assaulted her nostrils. She almost gagged.
"God, it smells like someone took a huge Shi..."

Just up ahead she spotted a small cottage nestled in the trees. It was surrounded by many types of wildflowers, and It had a roof made of Thatched straw. She saw that the small chimney that rose from the roof was made of small rocks that had beitteitted together carefully. A small billow of smoke rose from the chimney. She wasn't sure where Hoggle lived, but it looked as if someone was home in this small house that she could ask. Surely not too many people lived here, and someone MUST know where to find him. Sarah knocked firmly on the little wooden door and she heard a familiar voice yell out.

"Keep yer pants on, I'm commin', I'm cn'.n'."

The door flew open and there stood Hoggle. His mouth dropped open when he saw that it was Sarah.

"Oh Hoggle, You're all right, I was so worried about you."

"Oh, it's you. I didn't expect to see YOU again."

"Hoggle, I am so sorry I haven't called for you. I have been through a lot, but I wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten you and I need you. I always needed you. I am so sorry that you are living here in the Bog it is all my fault."

"What? What do ya mean? I loves the Bog!"

"Ho, wh, what do you mean you 'Love' the Bog, it smells so bad! You could barely breathe last time we were here."

" I know, but after you defeated him and went home with Toby, I thought we was done for. His majesty didn't punish us at all for helping you. The Labyrinth began to crumble in many places, destroying many of our homes. He found us all decent places ive.ive."

"But Hoggle, how could you think this is a decent place to live?? I don't understand?"

"Do you remember when we met Didymus here?"

"Yes, why?"

"When we all complained about the smell, what did he say?"

"He said, 'I smell nothing, the air is sweet and fragrant'."

"Right. Jareth had him on duty in the bog. Since no one could ever live here with the smell, his Majesty used a protection smell on him for the smell. Instead of smelling the Bog as well smelled it, he smelled lush forests."

So, Jh dih did that for you as well?"

"Yes, I don't smell the stench. It really isn't bad living here. Consider my position; I like living alone, and no one ever comes here; Just peace and quiet. I got promoted too ya know."

"You did?"

"Yeah, I'm the Prince of the land of Stench I am!"

Sarah couldn't suppress the laugh. She had remembered how Jareth had threatened this to Hoggle before if Sarah ever kissed him. Hoggle couldn't have thought of a worse fate...yet look at him now! He seemed genuinely content.

"Well, Hoggle I must go...I have little time. I shall return soon though to help Jareth rebuild the Labyrinth."

"So you're ah...really gonna marry him are ya..."

"How did you know?"

"Ya needs magic to fix this place, and that's the only way you'll get it. Be careful Sarah, I wouldn't let him do nothing to harm you."

"Don't worry Hoggle, I think Jareth and I are past that now. I must go."

Sarah gave her friend a quick hug and headed towards the Fiery Forest in search of Ludo.
***
Jareth sighed in relief as Hoggle, his toughest of her friends had even collaborated with his plan nicely. All that her friends were telling her only made him look to be a kind and Generous King...Not the Manipulative man she had known in the past.

"Two down, one to Go..."
***
As Sarah entered the Fiery Forest, she felt a little unrest settle into her stomach. Last time she had been here, she had a less than pleasant encounter with the Fireys. In the distance, she saw what appeared to be a bonfire.

"Great...Just take a deep breath, and wal walking. You can handle this."

As she walked closer and heard the jubilant singing of the Fierys, she was about to ask where Ludo was when she saw him dancing by the fire.

"What the...Ludo, what are you doing??"

"Sawah, Sawah Back!!!" Ludo seemed to get excited and start to take a few steps towards her.

"Ludo, calm down. Yes, I'm back, I don't have much time, but I needed to see you. Are you scared? I neede see see that you are all right. I just saw mus mus and Hoggle, and they are both well. I am so sorry I never called you...I missed you so much.

"Hey Lady!!! It's against the rules to talk if you don't dance!"

"I don't have time for games I need to speak with Ludo, maybe I will come dance with you later."

"Sawah, Me not scared, Fireys Friends!"

"You aren't afraid of living in the forest?"

"Uhh..No."

"Good" She breathed a sigh of relief as she hugged him tight. She felt the guilt lift off of her shoulders know that she had seen and talked with all of her friends. Not only were they NOT angry with her, they were doing ok.

"Ludo, listen to me. I just had to make sure you were all right. I have to go now, but I will be back. I am going to marry Jareth so that I can restore the Labyrinth."

"Sawah, Sawah Queen?"

"Yes Ludo, I have to go back, but I promise, I will come back and see you, ok?"

"Yeah, Bye bye Sawah."

"See you Ludo!"

Sarah turned and headed for a secluded place so that she could use the crystal Jareth gave to her to transport herself back to the castle. She found a quiet spot near a partially crumbled wall and dug through her pockets for the crystal.

"Ello."

Sarah looked around startled. She couldn't see any one there, but that voice sounded so familiar.

"Down 'ere."

Sarah looked behind her on the partially crumbled wall and saw the small worm that she had encountered when she had first entered the Labyrinth six years ago.

"Are...are you talking to me?"

"Yeah, s'right!"

"I can't seem to find the crystal that Jareth gave me to get back to the castle, and I don't have time to go all the way back the way I came. Do you know a shortcut?"

"Who me? Na, I'm just a worm."

"By the way, how is the missus?"

"She's inside, would you like a nice cup of tea?"

"No thanks, I have to get back. You don't know any shortcuts?"

"Sorry, no."

Oh, Here it is! Well, I must be off. I have decided to stay in the Labyrinth elp elp restore things. I must get back to the castle to let Jareth know I have decided to stay and Marry him. Wish me luck!"

With that last comment Sarah disappeared before the worm could say anything.

The worm shook his little poofy head and said, "I hope that girl knows what she is getting herself into, that Jareth will stop at nothing to get what he wants!"

***********************************************


Chapter 17

Sarah appeared back in the throne room of the castle after having used one of Jareth's transport crystals. Jareth sat before her in his throne and smiled as she looked a little discombobulated upon re-entry into the castle.ah tah took a deep breath and looked the Goblin King in the eye.

"Jareth, I think I pretty much know what my decision will be, but I want to hold to our bargain and give my answer tomorrow. I have a fhinghings I need to do and think about before I tell you what I have decided."

"Very well, I gave you my word, and I ALWAYS keep my promises."

"Can I go home now? There are a lot of things I wish to do, and the sooner I can get started the better. I just don't want to waste any more time here."

"Jareth stood from his throne with a cold and indignant look planted on his face and beckoned Sarah to follow him. "Where are we going?" Sarah asked with a twinge of ousnousness. He smelled so good and it made her tremble just standing this close to him.

"We are going to my bed chambers. There is a rather large mirror there that can take you to your bedroom."

"Oh, how convenient for you..."

"What was that?"

"Oh nothing, just a joke..."

Jareth stopped in his tracks. He had never really thought about the possibility that he COULD enter Sarah's bedroom anytime he wanted. Why hadn't he done it sooner? He saw her that night pleasuring herself, and the temptation to claim her was overwhelming. Why hadn't he done it? It was apparent that despite his hopes that she would become his queen, she had decided against it judging by her actions. It seemed using her friends to try and convince her he could be generous must've backfired. Maybe she saw that they were happy and decided that there was no need for her to bother assisting him to fix the Labyrinth. Maybe this was just her way of trying to rush out of here so she could get on with her life.

"Sarah, I..."

"What is it?"

Jareth sighed deeply. "Nothing."

Was that a tear glistening in his eyes? Sarah looked deep into his eyes and felt herself grow weak. The feelings that swirled around inside of her at a mere glance from him was enough to drive her mad. Could he be feeling the same for her? He seemed so hard on the outside, like he didn't want anyone to know what he was truly thinking and feeling. Could it be that he truly did love her just like she had imagined when she was fifteen? She always used to get butterflies when he would pop up somewhere unexpected in the Labyrinth to chastise her. She kind of had the feeling that even though she was supposed to be working against him, he was always flirting with her in some way. She had never dreamed that the childhood "crush" she had on him could erupt into the relentless passion she felt for him now. Her making love to him a few days earlier had only enhanced those feelings. She had to know.

"Jareth, I know you said my marriage to you is the only way we can restore the Labyrinth, but is that what YOU want?"

"What ever do you mean? I am part of the Labyrinth, it is my home. I would do anything to protect its integrity."

"Oh, I see."

Jareth turned sharply, almost in a desperate attempt to drop the subject and led her on to the doors of his bedchamber.

"Walk through these doors and over to the floor length mirror. Face the mirror and ask it to see your bedroom. You bedroom will appear, and you can pass right through into it. This is where I take my leave. Goodnight." Jareth turned sharply and began to walk away.

"Jareth..."

Jareth turned to face her and saw a single tear glide over her rosy cheek. He couldn't resist her, no matter how hard he tried.

"What is it Love?"

"Come with me?"

"I thought you wanted to waste no more time here."

"I didn't mean that this place is a waste of time, I just meant that I have a lot to think about tonight. But that is not why I want you to come with me."

"Why then?"

"Just indulge me, please?"

Jareth took her hand and led her to the mirror and waved his hand across it as her bedroom appeared. Jareth took Sarah's hand in his and stepped across the liquid glass into her world. Sarah turned to face him and put a single finger over her mouth as a gesture for them to be quiet. As he passed across her room, he looked at the small digital alarm clock on her bedside table and noted that it was about 7pm. Sarah pulled Jareth close to her and covered his mouth with hers. He could feel the tears almost free flowing down her cheeks as she held him. Her actions made him began to worry if she was doing this because she had already decided not to marry him and was having a hard time actually letting go.

She pulled him forcefully down on top of her on her bed before he could protest.

"Sarah, are mad?mad? Your parents are in this very house!"

"I don't care. I don't care at all anymore. Jareth please, just tell me you need me, even if it isn't true."

"Sarah I..." Sarah places a delicate finger over his mouth to silence him.

"Shhh...Show me instead."

Jareth covered Sarah's mouth with his. Sarah reached over to her bedside table and grabbed a small remote control and clicked on her radio. Her parents WERE in the next room and it would be totally unthinkable to have them barge in the room at this particular moment.

As the music from the radio filled the room, Jareth kissed Sarah and held her with every last shred of his being. The thought of her denying him the next morning was all he could bear. He truly did need Sarah in his life, he wouldn't be lying about that. He realized how much he really was in love with her despite all his plans and all his brooding. Sarah held the key to his heart and he knew it. He wanted to make her his wife not so he could rule her as he previously planned, but so that he could worship her. Jareth was feeling exposed and terribly vulnerable holding her, knowing he was desperately in love with her. The lyrics of the song playing softly in the background only seemed to amplify those feelings as he listened...


Baby, I get so scared inside and I don't really understand,
Is it love that's on my mind or is it fantasy?

Heaven is in the palm of my hand and it's waiting here for you,
What am I supposed to do with a childhood tragedy?

If I close my eyes forever, will it all remain unchanged?
If I close my eyes forever, will it all remain the same?

Sometimes it's hard to hold on so hard to hold on to my dreams,
It isn't always what it seems when you're face to face with me.

Like a dagger you stick me in the heart, and taste the blood from my blade,
And when we sleep would you shelter me in your warm and darkened grave?

If I close my eyes forever, will it all remain unchanged?
If I close my eyes forever, will it all remain the same?

Will you ever take me?

No, I just can't take the pain.

Would you ever trust me?

No, I'll never feel the same.

I know I've been so hard on you, I know I told you lies.
If I could have just one more wish, I'd wipe the cobwebs from my eyes.

If I close my eyes forever, will it all remain unchanged?
If I close my eyes forever, will it all remain the same?

Close your eyes, Close your eyes, you gotta close your eyes for me.


Jareth Ran his fingers through Sarah's silken hair. Her hair smelled so good he thought he could lose himself in her scent. Jareth realized that the way he felt at this moment was exactly what he had tried to avoid since she defeated him all those years ago. When she refused his offer and said the words that sealed his fate, He knew his world came crashing down. As time went on, he grew bitter and vowed to have revenge on her, to make her feel the pain she inflicted upon him. Now, there was no escaping the passion he felt for her; it was all-consuming emotion that he could feel himself drowning in. He new if he didn't get out of this situation right now, he would never be able to recover from the blow that was sure to come the next morning when she tells him she won't marry him.

Jareth stood uickuickly and began anxiously adjusting his black leather gloves on his hands.

"Sarah, I must leave you now. I have left much unattended, but I will return again in the morning to hear your decision."

"Jareth, what's wrong?"

"Goodnight Sarah." Jareth hurriedly turned and stepped back into the underground through her mirror leaving Sarah slightly confused on her bed.

"Jareth...Wait..." But it was too late. Her mirror had already erased the image of the underground and her own reflection was staring back at her. Why had he gotten up so suddenly, as if he left the oven on or something? He seemed nervous which was unlike him. Sarah was a little bewildered by his actions but she knew she didn't have a lot of time to do what she needed to do. Immediately, she walked over to her phone, picked it up and dialed Colvin.

"Hey Colvin? It's Sarah."

"Hey, whatcha doin?"

" Listen, I really need to talk right now, can you come over and spend the night?"

"Like when we were little? We can have girl talk..."

"Colvin, this is serious, I really need to talk to you."

"OK, ok, are you in some kind of trouble?"

"No, I just need your advice."

"Oh, in that case, I will be there ASAP."

"Hey Colvin?"

"Yeah?"

"If my parents say anything to you about California, just nod and agree, Ok?"

"OK, whatever you say, but you better fill me in when I get there."

"Ok, Bye."

"Bye"

Sarah hung up the phone and made her way downstairs. She had a knot in the pit of her stomach. How the hell was she going to pull this off? She only hoped her parents would be cool with what she was about to talk to them about.
***
Jareth transported himself directly to his private study where he made sure to be left alone. He drew his gloved hands up to his forehead as he looked down at his littered desk. He was so consumed with Sarah that he was beginning to neglect his duties as King. She was having the exact effect on him that he had so tried to avoid. A single tear slowly rolled down his pale cheek. How had it come to this? She drew him back in to her web just to reject him once more.

A noise broke Jareth from his thoughts as he turned to face Valerian.

"Still haven't told her I see. Do you not realize that she will make her decision tomorrow?? And you haven't even told her how you feel?"

"I know, I know...I tried, but I don't think it would have made any difference. The fact is, is that she is attracted to me physically and nothing more. How could I have expected her to fall madly in love with me in the span of a couple weeks?? It just doesn't happen. I'm pretty sure she has already made her decision."

"Has she told you how she feels?"

"Yes, actually she did, but I think it may have been in the heat of the moment."

"Why do you think that?"

"Because, she was emotional. She is the type of girl who wants her cake and wants to eat it too. I told her if she decides her answer is no, I must erase all memories of the underground from her life. She can never see her friends here again as well as myself. I think that it was all a little too hard to let go for her. She did seem upset, but I think it was just because she knew it would be her last moments with me. Well, I couldn't just let her have her with ith me and tell me to leave, could I? I broke our embrace and bid her goodnight despite how badly I wanted her to hold me."

"Jareth, if you care for her so much, you need to tell her. You will only end up pushing her away if she believes you do not care for her. Be careful, Jareth, They say what comes around goes around. As I see it, you would be getting a taste of your own medicine if she turns you down tomorrow. I know it sounds harsh, but you have to remember that you had control over this situation from the beginning and you let your pride get in the way...AGAIN."
"I know. I know. I just don't know how to control it sometimes. I feel like I am so expowhenwhen I am around her. I have never felt like that around anyone, let alone a mere mortal. How do I keep my pride from getting in the way?"

Valerian leaned down to look Jareth in the eye. "Swallow it."

"What do you mean?"

"Deal with it Jareth. If you love this woman, truly love her, you would walk through the fires of hell to be with her; no matter how "weak" you THINK you appear. People do fall in love, Jareth, It is all part of the divine plan. If you wish to have a happy life with Sarah, you know what you have to do."

"You're right old friend. I don't know how I will ever repay you for your invaluable advice. I am indebted to you Valerian."

"Nonsense Jareth, you are like a brother to me. I would give anything to see you happy for once. This dingy castle could wear on anybody after a time. Now please, think about what I have said."

"I will consider it."

Valeriaft Jft Jareth once again alone with his thoughts.

"I know that I have to tell her, but how to say it??"

"Sarah, I L...."

"Sarah Williams, I L..."

Jareth sighed. He has never said these words before to anyone; as far as he was concerned, these words were worse than Sarah's "Give me the child" speech.

"One more time...Sarah Williams, before you divulge you answer, make note that I, Jareth, King of the Goblins, Loves you."

"There, I said it...sounds a little like a contract, but at least I can say it. h well, it will have to suffice. Maybe I'll get better at it with practice...IF she says yes..."
***
Sarah walked into the living room to find Toby curled up sound asleep on the sofa. She picked him up effortlessly and carried him to his bedroom. She laid him just under the covers and tucked him in for the night. Toby was sound asleep, but Sarah couldn't resist talking to him anyway.

"Hey munchkin. I just wanted to tell you that I am going to be going away tomorrow. I will miss you so much. It will be kinda like when I moved to New York...you won't see me all the time, but I will come and visit you when I can. Please remember that I love you very much, and please don't forget me."

Toby shifted slightly in his sleep and whispered, "I love you sis."

Tears welled up in Sarah's eyes. She stood and turned to leave his bedroom before she started really crying. Sarah wiped her eyes gently and walked down the hall and back downstairs to go and talk to her parents in the den.

"Hey Dad, Hey Karen."

"We haven't seen much of you lately..." Her father teased her jokingly. He knew Sarah had been spending time out of the house, probably with Colvin.

"Dad, Karen, there is something I want to talk to you about."

"What is it Sarah?"

"Well, you know Colvin has been back for a bit from California, right?"

"Yeah, I saw her mother the other day at the grocery store."

"Well, I wanted to tell you, I hope you are not upset, but Colvin has asked me to move to California with her to be her roommate. She is taking some time off from school and needs to have a roommate to afford rent, so she has asked me. I know that I planned on staying with you guys this summer, but she already has the apartment and we need to head back there as soon as possible to get situated and find jobs. Well, she has to find a job, I will transfer to a school out there and do a co-op for money. What do you think?"

"Well, California sounds like an nturnture. I think it would be a great experience for you. When are the two of you planning on leaving?"

"Well, that's just it...we would have to leave tomorrow morning."

"W?!! ?!! But you just got here a couple weeks ago!"

"I know I did, but like I said, this wasn't exactly planned, and it's kind of a now or never situation. I really want to go dad. Please say it's alright?"

"Well, I suppose we can't be greedy, we have had you for a few weeks now and it really isn't that much different I suppose if you were to come here on a school break...You are an adult Sarah, if you feel this is something you need to do, then you have my blessing."

"Thank you so much Dad, I will visit whenever I can, I promise."

Sarah jumped up and gave her father and step=mother the biggest bear hugs. Sarah thought to herself, " Thas eas easier than I thought!"

Sarah hurried to the living room to wait for Colvin.

**************************************************

Chapter 18

Sarah looked out of the living room window and saw Colvin pull up in her Mitsubishi eclipse. Sarah hurried down the driveway to meet her.

"Ok, just come with me upstairs and I will fill you in on everything. I am going to need you to validate my story to my parents."

"Ok...and what exactly am I validating?"

"You and I are leaving for California tomorrow morning. I will be your new roommate." "You"You will??!!"

"No, it's just a cover, just please go along with it -I'll explain upstairs."

"Sure, whatever."

Sarah grabbed Colvin and pulled her up to the door. They walked in just to see Sarah's father walking into the living room.

"Ah, Colvin, so you were able to talk my daughter into moving to California with you eh? We sure are going to miss her. Would it be possible that you guys don't have to leave so soon?"

"I'm sorry Mr. Williams, it's just that we have to be moved into that apartment by a certain date. I just found out, so I couldn't give Sarah any notice. I had found the apartment before and gave a security deposit, but the Landlord called me today and said that he would only be able to hold it until the end of the week. I'm so glad Sarah is coming with me, there is so much more to do out in LA. It is so much better going to clubs with another..."

Sarah squeezed Colvin's arm.

"Well, I have to help Sarah pack, so wl lel let you two get to bed."

"Ok dear, come at least say goodbye to us in the morning before you leave."

"Of course I will Dad. I love you, goodnight."

Sarah pulled Colvin up the stairs to her bedroom and shut the door.

"This better be good, I just outright LIED to your Dad."

"Trust me Colvin, I know what I am doing."

"So, what's the deal?"

"Remember how I told you I would go back to see Jareth in three days?"

"Yes."

"Well, today was the third day. He came for me, and I was all set to start fixing the Labyrinth when I found out an important piece of info."

"What's that?"

"I need magic to fix it."

"So how can you pull it off then? You don't know how to do magic!"

"I knew there had to be a catch, so I asked Jareth the same question."

"And?"

"There is only ONE way for me to obtain magic ability."

"What is it?"

"I have to marry Jareth and become his queen."

"HOLY...SHIT."

"Yeah, so we agreed that I could have tonight to make my decision, but he will return in the morning for my decision."

"What will happen if you say no?"

"He will make me forget everything, even him. Colvin, I love him. I can't lose him again."

"So, you are going to marry him? Then what?"

"Well, he said I could come back and visit my family whenever I want, but he will have to accompany me. How can I tell my parents I GOT MARRIED??"

"Where does this moving to California thing fit in??" "Wel"Well, I am going to tell Jareth yes...I will marry him. He will take me to the underground right away. Naturally, I can't have my parents thinking I went missing, can I? The moving to California thing is just so they won't worry about me."

"Sarah, They will know it is a lie if they still see me around here though!"

"No they won't because YOU are coming with me!"

"EXCUSE ME!!!"

"You wanted proof, what better way to have it? I can talk Jareth into letting you come too. Oh come on Colvin, you yourself are the one who told me to try new things! It will be an adventure!"

"I don't know Sar..."

"Please Colvin, I really need you to say yes. I just don't know what I would do without another woman to talk to, and Colvin, no one understands me the way you do."

"Well, it would be kind of interesting..."

"So can you tell your parents you are leaving tomorrow too?"

"Fine, I will call them, but it won't be pretty. I really hope you are right about all this Sar, cuz if not, you are really starting to scare me."

"Please trust me, just go call them."

"Ok, ok, I am going I the other room just in case I have to yell."

Sarah laughed as her friend went to go call her parents. Colvin was such a good friend. She would drop everything to help Sarah out. She only hoped Colvin would come to love the Labyrinth as much as she had, and not feel like she is a third wheel stuck in some backwards world.

Sarah began packing her things. She wasn't going to California, but she would still need all her stuff right? Well, it wouldn't hurt to be prepared either way.

Sarah turned to see Colvin walk back into the room.

"How'd it go?"

"Actually not bad. I told my mom that you and I got talking and you decided that you wanted to come back with me to California."

"Yeah, but wasn't she pissed tha are are leaving tomorrow?"

, I , I told her there was this major summer festival going on right now in LA where all the celebrities come out. I told her it was only happening for a few more days, and that you had to see it. I mean, celebrities are usually why anyone goes to California, right?"

"So she is cool with it then?"

"Yeah, she knows what it is like to be young. And get this, she even told me to tell you to have a good time!"

"Awesome. Things are working out so far. Now I just have to convince Jareth to go along with it." "Do "Do you think he will? He could sabotage our whole big lie you know if he says I can't come with you."

"Don't worry about that. I know how to get you in if he doesn't readily agree."

"How?"

"I'll wish you away to the goblins!" Sarah laughed hysterically as she saw her friend's eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

"Well, don't worry, they are not all that bad. Kinda like Muppets actually."

"So Sar, does Jareth have any hot friends you could hook mewithwith?"

"I'm not sure, I imagine there are other guys there, but they are probably not human."

"What are they, aliens?"

"No, Fae Nobility I imagine."

"What the FUCK is a Fae Mobility?"

"No, no, FAE Meaning related to the fairy race as well as being immortal. And NOBILITY, not Mobility, meaning royalty."

"A prince? I could have a prince of my very own?"

"Possibly...If you play your cards right."

"Ok, Sar, I am SO there."

"I was thinking, since we may need to take stuff with us, also to keep our big lie in check, you may want to head back home and pack. Just make sure you are back here EARLY tomorrow morning."

"Like what time?"

"By 6:30 am at the latest. I want to make sure you are here before he comes. He isn't the sort of man that takes kindly to waiting."

"Okay, I will be over in the morning then."

Colvin strutted out of Sarah's room singing "A prince, a prince, I'm gonna get me a prince!"

Sarah Laughed and rolled her eyes at her friend. She finished packing and decided it was time to call it a night. She had a LONG day ahead of her.
***
Jareth summoned Helga the seamstress to his throne room. She should have the dress finished by now if she headed Jareth's warning. Goresh entered the throne room with a hobbling Helga behind him.

"Helga, The dress is finished I presume?"

"Yes your majesty, down to the very last bead.", She said as she bowed her head.

"Let's take a look at it then."

Goresh left the throne room and walked back in carefully with the lustrous ball gown. Jareth stood and carefully circled the finished product and inspected its quality.

"I must say Helga, you have more than upheld your end of the bargain. I have arranged payment that I hope you will find acceptable."

Helga bowed her head as Goresh handed her a good size sack of gold. Helga looked up at Jareth questioningly.

"I assure you, there is enough gold in that sack so that if you chose to never work again, your family would wont for nothing."

"Your majesty, I couldn't possibly accept all of this. It was just a dress!"

"Well, it isn't just a dress to me. I assure you this garment is worth everything in that sack."

"Thank you your majesty." Helga bowed her head again out of respect to her sovereign.

"You may go. Have a pleasant evening Helga."

Helga looked up at the Goblin King with a slight hint of confusion showing on her warty face. Was he actually being NICE to her?? Was the Goblin King really capable of being fair? Helga smiled as she tightened her grip on the sack of gold. She thought to herself, "Well, if he is capable of being pleasant then I hope he stays this way!"

Goresh led Helga back out of the throne room.

Jareth looked intently at the dress before him and closed his eyes as he envisioned Sarah wearing it as his new queen.

"Well, if it is meant to be, it will be."

"Goresh"

"Yes your majesty?" Goresh called as he stumbled back into the throne room.

"Prepare the guest quarters and place this dress in the armoire. By tomorrow evening, we may have company."

"Right away your majesty." Goresh carefully took the dress and headed to the guest quarters. Jareth took one last look around the throne room and decided sleep wouldn't come easy tonight, so he transformed into an owl and took off into the dark starry night.

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