Chapter Seven
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Cashel paced in his chambers. Gethin had just informed him of Fiana's request and while Cashel allowed his trusted retainer to proceed with her plot, he worried that it would interfere with his own plans. Fiana's endless charm had a way of ensnaring those around her, wary or not, Gethin no exception. Cashel hated what they had become, hated what he'd become, hated Jareth for interfering in his life so many centuries ago.
Mounting anger radiating to his fists; his struck the nearest wall, the decorative paper shredding under his knuckles while those same knuckles shredded from the stone base. His cry ricocheted within the private walls. It was supposed to be so simple, so easy. They were supposed to be happy and yet they subsisted on this emotional shell, neither satisfied, both tortured. And Jareth reaped the power of The Labyrinth and now won his Love as well. Cashel knew he would find no rest until his revenge was absolute, until Jareth understood went it meant to be powerless as one's fate spiraled outside of one's control.
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Less than 48 hours and Sarah missed Lizzie terribly. Jareth found Sarah lying in Lizzie's bed, moping and staring at the ceiling, her expression torn between sadness and laughter.
"What's wrong?" He asked entering Lizzie's room. Sarah pointed to the ceiling.
"She changed the mural. I wonder when she did that." She said aloud still not looking at him. He studied the seascape mural and snorted at the harsh neon colors.
'Lizzie, you silly child.' He thought and wondered what else they would find over the next few months that she'd altered. He joined Sarah on the bed, comfortably lying next to her.
"What if she never wants to return, Jareth?"
He clasped her hand and brought it to his chest covering it with both of his. "Don't consider that yet. It's early. I sent Alia Aboveground with an invisibility spell to watch over her, just in case." Sarah turned her head towards him.
"Thank you." She smiled.
"You're welcome, Precious. The pixie knows to inform us of anything unusual." Jareth rotated onto his side so that could face her. "Sarah, the Summer Solstice Celebration is in a few days and I would like us to attend."
"Oh...I don't know..." She vacillated continuing to stare at the surreal mural.
"Sarah, you've avoided this Celebration the entire time you've lived here," Sarah opened her mouth to protest but Jareth spoke over her, "
and your excuse was always Lizzie's presence which is now moot."
"True." She conceded staring into his eyes which held just the tiniest bit of pleading.
"The Summer Solstice is important both Above and Below and, my Dear, as I've explained before..."His voice dropped to a low, seductive murmur. "You've yet to truly experience physical love as a Fae and I'm eager to introduce you to the practice." He leaned into her brushing his lips against hers, his tongue lightly tasting the edge of her mouth. "It's unforgettable and addictive and I've been extraordinarily patient."
"You've done this before?" She questioned returning his kiss.
Jareth hesitated for a few seconds. "Yes...But never with someone who holds my Heart Song." He admitted and Sarah saw something deep within his eyes.
"I've heard that mentioned before; Fena and Didymus also said something about balancing your heart. What does that mean?" She rolled on her side completely intent on him.
Jareth caressed her fingers still held between his hands and held them to his chest. He was reluctant to discuss this topic as it exposed aspects of his uncomfortable past but aware that the time was long overdue.
"Every natural born and transformed Fae possess a Heart Song.; a unique Song which their Heart knows beyond any doubt. Fae may fall in love many times, but once a Fae chooses a mate, they exchange their Songs to one another and become Bonded for life in everlasting love. The Song can only be Sung once and after given cannot be broken or given back. It is a Bond for life; which is why Fae are generally quite cautious regarding whom they chose." His voice grew wary and touch wistful as he explained the magic of the Heart Song to her, curious what she might ask.
"Do I have a Heart Song? Because I don't...feel any Song...is that wrong?" Sarah's voice sounded a bit fearful; perhaps she wasn't truly Fae after all. Jareth released her hands and placed his on either side of her face.
"You are Fae, Sarah. You're just not the typical transformed Fae and we've already exchanged Songs...after a fashion." He rather mumbled the last few words vainly hoping she might allow those to pass but he knew his Sarah was too quick and ready to question.
"What? We have? When...Jareth?" With furrowed brows she stared at him and he knew he had to admit all.
"I Sang to you many years ago...during your Ballroom Dream." He heard her gulp and watched as her throat worked and her lips twitched.
"Oh...wow...that...that was almost thirty years ago. You knew then, you risked Bonding with me when I was fifteen? I didn't see you until seven years ago so what about all those years?" Sarah watched his eyes mist and could feel his anxiety through their Bond. "Jareth, tell me." She insisted her voice firming.
"You must understand how different things are now. That is the past and I don't want you concerned for things better left there."
"Just tell me...what happened?" Sarah insisted sitting up to impress upon him her seriousness. Jareth mimicked her actions.
"Sarah, once a Fae Sings if their Song is unrequited by their chosen Love they languish in emotional agony for the rest of their life, an emptiness where their Heart once existed. Unable to ever fall in love again." Jareth's eyes were downcast as he continued to clasp her hand to him. Using her other hand she cupped his face, her thumb sweeping over his eyelids.
"Oh, Jareth, I'm so sorry; you suffered for twenty years because of me." She bent forward kissing his forehead, then his closed eyes before trailing down to his lips.
"Trust me; I deserved no less than your refusal of my Song." He opened his eyes meeting hers, one of his hands reaching up to grip her hand caressing his face.
"Don't say that."
"It's true but your generosity saved me in the end, my Love. You've saved me more times, in more ways than I can count. When I came Aboveground seeking you to save my Kingdom, I had little hope to ever gain your love. I was resigned to my agony, knowing I deserved every twinge of anguish. I had hoped to never inflict this terrible knowledge upon you." Tears formed in her eyes as he shared a secret as old as their relationship. "But when you shared yourself with me, when you returned my love and told me you loved me I felt the emptiness fill. At the time, as a Mortal you possessed no Heart Song but your true love fulfilled the requirements of the magic. Perhaps, as I was Mortal at the time it helped, I know not, I only know my Song was requited as long last and for the first time in two decades my agony disappeared and I was content." Jareth placed his forehead against Sarah's, every word of his imbued with sincerity and depth so that she felt it vibrate through their Bond.
"Jareth...Oh my God, I had no idea." Then a horrible thought occurred to her and she pulled away. "What about Lizzie? We haven't talked to her about her Heart Song?" Agitated, Sarah gripped his arm fearful for her daughter but Jareth smiled calmly and reassured her.
"I honestly doubt Lizzie even senses her Heart Song yet. Fae don't usually feel their Song until they're at least 100 years old."
"But..."
"Sarah, be calm, Lizzie is in no danger," He held her face, "But when we see her next I'll be sure to explain it to her so that she may take proper precautions."
Sarah released a deep breath, "Good, thank you...I just don't want anything to happen to her."
"Of course, you're absolutely correct. Now, shall we begin planning for the Solstice?" He grinned and it was infectious causing Sarah to giggle as he kissed her.
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The vast open meadow Jareth escorted her to in the late evening a few days later blazed aglow with golden pinks and blues from the Underground's setting sun. Hundreds of other couples and small groups of varying species; Elves, Dwarves, Gryphons, and Pixies being a few, gathered in the early summer grass and wild flowers. The tall and ancient forest surrounding them at a distance a solemn reminder of less abundant times creating a juxtaposition to the bright flora and tiny evening lightening fairies flitting about like Above insects. Jareth and Sarah wore both wore simple clothing of loose linen pants and flowing tunics without any outward symbol of their station, their hair simple and loose and no shoes. This night was not for rank or privilege, all were equal when seeking and gifting renewal with the Land.
Jareth walked them towards the center of the large field where the majority of the people gathered and turned until he faced Sarah, taking both of her hands in his. His face expressed a mixture of contentment and exhilaration, the picture of it taking Sarah's breath as she raised her face to his. His love radiated through their Bond and his excitement regarding this night's activities began to take hold of her, chills running over her skin.
"Nervous?" He asked as he squeezed her hands in reassurance.
"A little...I didn't realize so many people were going to be here." She certainly was no prude but he did say this ceremony involved physical love; visions of orgies traipsed through her imagination. Jareth laughed softly leaning down to kiss her.
"Worry not, Love. I have no intention of sharing you, now or ever." He told her firmly and the 21st century aspect of her mind protested at the razor edge of possessiveness in his voice but was quickly squashed by the rest as she could feel the sincerity of his emotions and knew he would never truly seek to own her. Sarah returned a shy smile, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by his emotions and the night's mysterious potential. He felt her reticence and squeezed her hands again.
"All will be well...I swear it. This is night for rebirth and regeneration." Jareth's rich, baritone mesmerized her as she listened to his explanation for the evening. His face highly expressive as he gazed about the expanse and Sarah felt the hum of power already beginning to emanate through the soles of her bare feet. "We are of the Land as much as the Land is of us and every Solstice, twice a year, as many who are able gather at the abundant Nexuses of Power throughout the Underground to share themselves with the magic of the Land. The ritual and celebration is as old as the Land and as hallowed. All who attend understand the significance and hold it in much reverence; we will not be disturbed unless we wish it."
She nodded her understanding, "I can feel it." And he heard awe in her voice which pleased him. Sarah was extraordinarily powerful and her sensitivity to the Land's magic guaranteed their experience tonight would be memorable, but he hadn't ever doubted that which was why he'd been so eager to bring her. A small, simple wood cup appeared between them causing Sarah to squeak a bit in surprise. Jareth released one of her hands and grasped the cup floating in mid air just below his face.
"It's part of the ritual that the Land provides, see..." With his hand grasping the cup he indicted the rest of the clearing and Sarah looking about in the rapidly darkening area to see numerous floating cups. Jareth drank the entire contents in one gulp then handed the cup to Sarah. She looked inside to find the cup refilled with what appeared to be water, she sniffed the liquid and it smelled like water then she sipped a bit and it tasted of the purest, coldest spring water she ever tasted.
"It's just water?" She asked bemused.
"Enchanted water, it'll help connect you to the Land. Drink it all, Sarah." She complied, the cool water flowing down her throat but the bracing sensation didn't cease at her stomach. Sarah felt it pass into her extremities as a tingling which swiftly became warmth which developed into something strange and wonderful. "I feel...weird."
Jareth grinned and clasped her face in his hands, "Yes, that's the point, don't fight it." He watched as the magic took hold of his Love, seizing her every cell, pushing through the Veil of this Realm and into the next where the true magic of the Underground existed as a framework to all Realms. Sarah's emerald eye's blazed with a severity he'd never witnessed and he was certain she saw a similar arctic fire within his own eyes as his physical form combined with the parallel Realm. Their Bond ignited as the water's spell possessed them and their passion surged, over taking them as a wildfire would consume a dry field.
As one and unspoken they wrapped themselves together, Jareth's mouth owning Sarah's with rapid, open kisses which she reciprocated without reservation. Her hands clutched and harshly yanked at his hair, Jareth growled and bit her shoulder enough to draw blood, making her hiss and throw her head backwards with pleasure as the shock of pain radiated from her ultrasensitive skin. Coherent thought grew nebulous for them both as their world narrowed to their physical bodies and their immediate surroundings. Sarah even forgot others participated feet from their position as Jareth's rigid manhood prodded her hip through their thin clothing.
The magic of the Land combined with the Labyrinth Bond and drew them together to a level of emotional intimacy never before experienced by either. Each knew the other's thoughts and feelings before the other could barely acknowledge the existence of them, so closely were they linked. Sarah could even sense the Labyrinth's thoughts, although presently it was physically a great distance from them. Normally in order to hear The Labyrinth's thoughts without deliberately calling it to her she had to be at the castle. The Labyrinth could hear her as well and was shocked to be listening in on magics more ancient than itself apparently. In a sudden fit of strange generosity, Sarah's fragment of rational mind decided to allow The Labyrinth access to her thoughts and feelings for the duration of the night; perhaps this could help them both understand one another at a new level as she'd been trying to do for years.
Jareth felt Sarah open herself to The Labyrinth and its presence flooded his senses along with hers. Their skin glistened with the rising power, the whitish golden glow gradually increasing until it required them to shut their eyes against the brilliance. Sarah could feel the unearthly luminosity shared by them spread to the ground; it rippled, pouring like mercury from their bodies, splashed upon the flora and soaked in the ground. At some point their linen clothing dissipated within the quicksilver leaving them naked and devouring each other's perfect figures. Hands roamed; grasping, caressing, and scratching following by lips, tongues, teeth upon taut nipples and pale flesh. Pain and pleasure were one and the same as they lost themselves in the non-corporal Realm of pure magic; the thinning of the Veil allowing their souls and bodies to exist in both Realms at once while their passion acted as siphon of pure magic for the Land.
Jareth slid his hand over his Love's stunningly luminescent body, he watched her through slitted lids, until he brushed the curly apex of her pubic region where he curled his fingers between and into her folds. Hearing Sarah moan fueled a fire he thought already raging as his fingers reached her saturated core. He was painfully hard, harder than he'd ever been in his long life. He'd known the Solstice with Sarah would be beyond belief, already it was inexpressible and they had yet to consummate.
The combination of Jareth's fingers stimulating her and the increasing connection with the Land brought Sarah to a sudden and unexpected climax; she screamed as every nerve caught fire, her walls convulsing around his fingers. Jareth pulled her close as her body spasmed and she bit his shoulder as well, hard enough to leave bloody teeth marks and Jareth felt himself reach a surprising climax with her as the pain and her pleasure through the Bond crashed over him.
As soon as he spilled his seed he expected to become flaccid as was usual at any Solstice; however he remained rigid and felt his ardor quickly redouble as Sarah rubbed herself bodily against him. What was this new dimension? Normally, once both partners climaxed the magic began dispersing but this was new and unusual, but there'd be no complaints issuing from him on the matter. Jareth happily resumed his attentions upon his Love, helping her lift her leg around his hip so that he may have unrestricted access to her. He grasped her buttocks and lifted her in once smooth motion; Sarah wrapped both legs around his waist feeling his incredibly hard shaft rub her slick womanhood.
She peeked down at her King and saw that they both were still light up like high intensity halogens; she could just make out a Jareth outline in the molten, shifting illumination. Sarah pinched her eyes shut again before her retinas fried and helped him maneuver her onto his manhood which slid perfectly inside her in one swift motion to his hilt. A sound between a moan and a sob tickled her throat as he stretched her further than ever before, he was so hard!
How he was able to hold Sarah and stand without support he didn't understand but he wasted little time on the thought as he slowly thrust within her burning center, Sarah lifting herself and settling to assist. Every movement brought an animalistic sound from both of them. Jareth felt the soil become insubstantial, if he'd been more rational he might have panicked at magics outside of his control; as it was he spared barely a thought to the odd feeling of losing touch with the ground and continued thrusting while Sarah kept pace with him. Eventually all physical contact with anything other than each other disappeared and they were drifting in a saturnine void, the only light originating from their bodies.
Even without any material resistance they sustained their forceful, driving thrusts. As their pace progressively increased their mystical illumination sizzled and flashed sending dozens of whirling, fiery streamers into the shadowy void where they eventually fizzled like cooling embers from a campfire. Sarah's second climax built slower than the first but with greater intensity. With her eyes still closed, she found Jareth's mouth with her own and weaved her fingers in his wild mane to hold him firmly to her. He opened his mouth fully to her, sharing every bit of himself as possible. The combination of the perfect circle of physical, emotional, psychological, and magical union cycling between them and the Land spiraled out of control and their second climaxes drew closer.
His thrusting became frenzied as he pummeled his manhood inside of Sarah; she arched her back and screamed again until the sound turned into a long, keening cry. With a final, hard thrust Jareth pursued her with his own climax and a lasting, ragged wail, so unlike him, ripped from his throat. The light from their bodies pulsed and flared together before expanding into a sphere which encompassed them utterly. In an instantaneous flash the sphere exploded and a shock wave charged through the void leaving a wake of sparking whorls and a Sarah and Jareth no longer illuminated, but still clinging together as if in repose floating in the void.
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Sarah first woke to the sounds of what she thought were dragonflies until she opened her eyes to see hundreds of tiny fairies of rainbow iridescence zipping above and around her. The bright morning sun shined just over the forest tree tops causing her to squint as her eyes adjusted. The early summer grass tickled her skin making her conscious of the fact that she was naked and lying on her back in the same field they began their Solstice celebration...how many hours ago? Turning her head she noticed Jareth lying face down next to her, a look of utter contentment painted over his face. Watching him sleep stirred something within her and she felt a strange urge to sing a song without words, to hum a simple tune that haunted her and gave her heart a fluttering sensation. Was this her Heart Song? Did the ritual last night grant her a bit of magic she'd been lacking after The Labyrinth transformed her years ago? If so she'd Sing to him as soon as he woke and see what happened.
Sarah waved her hand returning the simple linen clothing to them both before sitting up and craned her upper body around to see hundreds of persons scattered about the field looking much the same as her and Jareth. Was it always this intense and mystical? Her mind and body still hummed from the magical and sexual overload. She'd have to ask many questions of Jareth when he woke regarding this marvelous ritual. Then she remembered someone or something she could ask.
'Labyrinth,' she asked in her mind not wishing to wake Jareth just yet.
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I'm here, my Queen.' Sarah heard an unusual note of awe in The Labyrinth's voice, something she'd never heard in seven years of discussions with the recalcitrant being.
'Did you experience everything with us last night? Do you remember everything?'
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Yes,' it said hesitantly. "It was...an experience previously unknown to me. I am an ancient being and yet this...magic is more ancient than even myself.' 'It was humbling and awe inspiring to be so uttering connected to the Land, to feel its every...breath, for it is alive even as we are alive.'
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Indeed, the connection was humbling. I have never known magic larger than myself and yet to feel this through you...my Queen, I have no words. Do you feel this emotion every time you and my former King copulate?' It asked with such a simple, profound curiosity, like that of a child that Sarah found it very difficult not to laugh. But she restrained herself as this was the first easy and open conversation she'd ever managed with The Labyrinth and didn't want to risk offending it.
'Oh, no, while we enjoy each time immensely this time was special. I think it would kill us to have it this intense every time.' She answered and then she did laugh as she felt so lighthearted and refreshed and knew the ritual brought strong magics to the Land and themselves until the next celebration. She hoped this new openness and humility of The Labyrinth might continue and bring improvements in their tentative alliance.
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Jareth woke to emerald eyes gazing at him with pure, unadulterated wonder. Blinking several times to clear his morning vision, he pushed his body up from the grassy base supporting him noticing his simple linen clothes returned and sat next to Sarah as she continued to watch him earnestly. Contentment infused his entire being both physical and emotional; never before had a Solstice Celebration taken him to such heights of exhilaration or satisfaction and by the expression on Sarah's face she felt the same.
"Sarah..." He said in a low, guttural voice not completely caused by the night's abuse and reached for her but before he could say another word she opened her mouth and the most beautiful non-lyrical Song emitted from her vocal cords. The Song carried by her resonating, feminine voice washed over his ears and settled deep within his heart. Sarah moved forward on her knees until she could place her hands upon his chest, her Song still clear and pure, her eyes bright with love which she bestowed upon him.
Jareth heaved a breath he didn't realized he held as her surprisingly short Song ended, tears pricking his eyes. He clasped her hands tight to his chest as he passionately kissed her, their long hair of dark and light tangling in the rising morning breeze. Whatever magic occurred last night connecting them to the Land granted Sarah her true Fae Heart Song and she wasted not a second in gifting it to Jareth. The satiation of his heart beyond what he thought already content brought forth his own Song which he Sang once again to Sarah between their fervent kisses. Their Valentine evening followed by a morning of gold, his sad love banished forever by the pale jewel of her heart until the world falls down.
A/N: Thanks Moria! Things are heating up in many ways and to your question regarding Lizzie...be patient :o)
