Bonds of Blood
Bonds of Blood
By
Lady MoonHawke
This piece is a bit of a departure for me. Although I have always wanted to tell more of Aurora’s story from the twelfth century, I never intended to borrow a story-line from another fan-fic author, especially one I have never contacted. However, when I decided that Jareth was Starlight’s insufferable older brother, I had to know what others had done with him and his true soul mate, Sarah. I thank Jim Henson for the characters from Labyrinth. It inspired me in part to write in the first place, and I thank Anakerie, author of the Labyrinth fan-fic “Baby Mine”. I hope you don’t mind my borrowing some bits of your storyline as background for this. “Baby Mine“ is spectacular, and I wouldn’t want to dishonor it for all the world. I would also like to thank Disney and Greg Weismann for their incarnation of Oberon and his Children. He is quite an obnoxious character to add to the family tree, and I love him dearly. Thanks also to C.S. Lewis for Aslan, who is also included. I hope no one I have borrowed from is offended. I have only the purest of motives in creating this work of pure fiction.
Starlight leaned over the back of the chair, watching contentedly as his wife cuddled their daughter to her breast, nursing her. He stroked the tiny pink cheek, and could tell from the way Aurora tensed that Adryanna sucked harder. He withdrew the finger, and Aurora’s posture returned to normal. “Sorry,” he whispered, stroking his wife’s cheek this time.
“Don’t be,” Aurora answered. “It just shows how healthy and strong she is. I’ll trade a few pinches for that knowledge any day, and twice on Sunday.” She smiled at her infant daughter, and pulled Starlight’s hand down, letting Adryanna wrap her fist around his finger. She squeezed in rhythm to her sucking, and Starlight was amazed.
“Is that what it feels like?’ he asked, hardly daring to breath.
“Pretty close,” she answered, leaning her head back into the chair’s cushion. “I don’t think I’ve ever been quite this content,” she said, closing her eyes.
“Just content?” he asked, teasing her slightly. “This doesn’t even rate happy?”
“Happy is too easy. I can be happy finding something I thought was lost or reading a book that’s like an old friend. Content takes effort. It’s something that has to be worked at, built up. It’s more solid and dependable than some will-‘o-the-wisp happiness. This,” she said, waving her free hand to encompass the room, the castle, their life together, “this makes me content.”
“So things could remain as they are, and you would be satisfied with them?”
She considered a moment, chewing briefly on her lower lip. “Almost,” she replied. “Hand me that diaper, would you? She needs to burp.” She accepted the plain cotton cloth from Starlight, and arranged the baby over her shoulder, rubbing her back gently. Adryanna brought up wind easily, and her whole meal with only a little more effort.
“So what would make you perfectly content?” her husband asked.
“Well, I think I’ll make you guess, but I’ll give you a hint. I’m going to mass tonight before supper,” she said, arranging Adryanna in her other arm.
“Mass, huh? You know I don’t keep very careful track of those ceremonies. I know they matter to you, but for members of the Third Race, they’re somewhat...ephemeral. Gods come and go, religions rise and fall, and we watch it all from the outside. But, being uninterested as I am in being burned at the stake, I will make all the necessary courtesies to the current beliefs. So, what exactly are you planning, my darling and only love?”
“You know, you insist on belittling what I believe, then come back some remark like that. No wonder I love you. I never know which way is up.” She smiled at him. “Traditionally, after a woman has a child, she waits for an appropriate amount of time, then goes to the church and makes an offering of thanksgiving for her life and the child’s, if she’s fortunate, then receives a blessing.” She smiled at him, a sickly-sweet smile that said she knew more, but he would have to ask her for it.
“Drop the other shoe already,” he said. The details that she knew and he didn’t always provided her with some kind of perverse pleasure.
“After the blessing, I will be considered ritually clean again,” she replied with the same pert smile.
He stared her blankly, and she couldn’t stand to torture him anymore.
“We can make love again, you silly. I’m completely healed, inside and out.”
Starlight grinned foolishly. Suddenly, her strange belief structure appealed to him. “Then we have a date for tonight, I hope?”
“I’ll be here,” she replied, a more meaningful smile playing about her lips.
Starlight bent down to kiss those lips when a knock at the door interrupted him. He straightened up. “Enter,” he called, turning to conceal what little could be seen of the chair’s occupant from the door.
Aurora’s maid Frida came in. She was the only servant permitted above stairs without summoning while Aurora fed the baby. Aurora had saved her life more than a year ago, and Frida was devoted to her and the baby. Lord Starlight still intimidated her, but she was becoming more comfortable with him, especially when he doted on his tiny daughter. It constantly amazed Frida that Lord Starlight had not even one word of regret of reproach when his eldest child was a daughter. “A message from the gatehouse, sir. A minstrel and his family wishing to trade skill for a night’s shelter,” she reported.
“What do you think, my dear?” he asked Aurora.
“I don’t mind. He may have some piece of news we have yet to hear, and it’s been awfully quiet here for so long. Some excitement in definitely in order.” She held the baby to her shoulder, and was satisfied when Adryanna let out a small bubble.
Starlight looked back at Frida. “You have it from my Lady. The minstrel and his family are welcome here tonight. The evening meal will be served as soon as Lady Aurora returns from chapel, so advise him to be ready then.” He took the baby automatically as Aurora held her up, and wiped a thin line of milk from her chin. “Lady Adryanna is ready for a dry bottom and her cradle, unless I miss my guess.” Frida reached for her, but Starlight waved her off. “See to the minstrel. I can manage my little angel.” Frida curtsied and left as Starlight crossed the room, planting a kiss on Aurora’s sleek black hair as she finished fastening her gown. From the nursery beyond their bedchamber, he called to Aurora. “Why bother lacing yourself back up?” he asked. “Aren’t you going to change for Mass anyway?”
Aurora looked down at her bodice, which she had just gotten refastened around her now very generous figure. “You know, I was big enough before, but this is a little grotesque,” she commented clinically, pulling her basque free.
Starlight leaned back to look, admiring her figure through the linen shift. “I don’t know,” he replied. “I like it. There is nothing more attractive to a man than a breeding woman, unless it is one with a babe nursing at her breast. It proves you are capable of a woman’s ultimate purpose, and that is very attractive.”
“And here I thought you liked my sparkling personality and stunning wit,” she griped.
“I do. I enjoy your body almost as much as your mind. Together, they are an irresistible combination, and I would be lost without them.” His head disappeared from view as he pulled a fresh gown over his daughter’s dark downy head. She opened her sapphire blue eyes and cooed at him in pleasure. Adryanna never cried when her father attended her, unless she was in pain or hungry. She would even forgo the pleasure of a dry diaper in favor of the pleasure of his embrace. Starlight had learned early not to wait for her cries to indicate that she needed attention in that department, at the expense of several favored doublets that were now rags or worse. He carried his daughter to her ornate cradle and rocked it gently until she drifted off to sleep, the returned to the bedchamber.
Aurora had pulled on a dark tunic over a clean shift, and she turned as Starlight came in. “Lace me up, would you? I don’t want to keep Father Peter waiting. He knows I’m coming tonight, and he’ll hold Mass until I arrive, but it throws everyone else off so badly when service runs over.” She held her breath as he pulled the lacing tight and tied them, then examined her figure in the mirror. “I’m still bulgy,” she complained.
“It’s been only three months,” Starlight said. “You have all the time in the world to become a lean, mean muscle machine if that’s what you want.” He looked out the window at the sun sinking into the line of sharp-peaked mountains near by. “Sun’s almost down. I’ll see you at the table.” They kissed for a moment, then Aurora left, calling for Frida to bring her cloak as she moved through the antechamber to the solar.
The tables in the Great Hall groaned under that weight of the food that rested upon them, from the Lord’s Table, covered in snowy linen and set with gold and silver and exquisite crystal, all the way down to the servant’s tables, each place set with a thick trencher of bread to hold rich, meaty stew and greens swimming in butter and sauces. Starlight waited at the far end by the hearth for Aurora to return from chapel, listening with half an ear to the talk among the men-at-arms and servants. The minstrel had apparently made himself popular, singing a few light tunes in the courtyard before the meal had been called. It pleased Starlight in some strange way that someone sought more than just his approval. Brown-nosing was quite popular here, for some odd reason, for it rarely gained the practitioner more than a week of vile duties in the stables or jakes. He heard a babbling by the door, and arrived in time to escort his lady across the threshold. They paused long enough for Frida to remove Aurora’s cloak and disappear with it. He escorted her to the high table and helped her to sit, then sat himself in the ornate chair of state. The other members of the household arranged and seated themselves, and servants moved quickly among them, serving at the high table as bowls moved along the lower tables. Starlight quickly dismissed the servants to their own meals, and filled Aurora’s plate, then his own. He took a ceremonial bite to get the others started, then looked meaningfully at Aurora, and out to one of the far tables, where an unfamiliar couple sat with a young boy. Aurora caught the glance and nodded. She set her eating knife down and cleared her throat. “My Lord,” she began, her voice clear over the quiet conversation from the other tables. “I understand there is among us a minstrel this evening. Perhaps we could invite him to play for us to aid the digestion?”
Starlight smiled. Not only had she done as he’d hoped, but had even artfully arranged for the man to be able to take a bite with his family. “You are indeed correct, My Lady. There is a minstrel in attendance tonight, and we will be right glad to hear from him between courses.” Again, he spoke loud enough for all to hear. The minstrel, obviously waiting for this cue, stood and bowed, then resumed his seat with his family. The meal proceeded quietly as the castlefolk ate and shared the day’s news.
The people finished quickly, looking forward to the treat of professional music. As the servants began to clear away, Starlight motioned to the minstrel. “A weaver of song and delight, my good people. Enjoy.”
The minstrel stood and moved quickly to the center of the hall. Aurora studied him carefully, automatically wary of strangers after her abduction the previous year. Even though Starlight always felt his castle completely safe and was almost never on guard here, he had not lived through the nightmare from her perspective. The minstrel was taller than most of the peasant stock from which his kind came, and there was something in his posture and expression that tugged at her memory. His voice as well was familiar as he sang.
“Alas, my love, you do me wrong, to cast me off so discourteously;
When I have loved you so long, delighting in thy comp’ny.
Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was all my joy.
Grensleeves was my heart of gold, and who but my Lady Greensleeves?”
Aurora leaned over to whisper something in his ear, and Starlight shook his head violently. She whispered again, and he cast her a look of long-suffering patience, then beckoned the minstrel forward. They saw him hesitate an instant, then approach the head table. He removed his floppy hat, and Starlight saw that his wife was right. “I’ll never question your perceptions again,” he whispered to her. “I have to deal with this because I did not see.” He rested his hands on the table and leaned forward. “Well, brother? What on Earth are you up to now?”
Jareth looked up at him, his eyes full of pain. “Please, my Lord. Do not seek to humiliate me any further than I have been.”
Starlight straightened, and addressed the crowd. “My people, as you all know, my wife has been blessed by the priest just this eve, and I wish to waste no time in enjoying the comforts of her bed, so, if you will excuse us, we will away for a quiet interlude with some music.” With that he took Aurora’s hand, and headed for the stairs, gesturing for Jareth to follow. The company applauded, thinking nothing more than Starlight wanted them to think, that he intended to enjoy his wife’s company for the remainder of the evening.
At the top of the stairs, Aurora pulled her arm from her husband’s grasp and wheeled on him. “That was totally uncalled for. The whole castle is probably piling out into the bailey on the hopes of hearing me scream your name in passion. Did you have to make a laughing-stock of me?”
“Pax, Angel. I had to have a reason to bring Jareth to your solar without questions.” He turned. “Well, brother. I hope you have good reason to make me engender my wife’s displeasure. I may not get my marital rights back tonight after all.”
“Since when have I ever allowed us to go to bed angry?” Aurora butted in. “Neither of us is going to bed until this is sorted out,” she wheeled around, “so start talking, brother mine.” She examined him closely. “And why are you wearing that get-up?” she asked, referring to the coarse linen shirt, and wool tunic and leggings.
Jareth gestured to the door. “I would much prefer to discuss this with Starlight in private, if you will allow.” His diffidence surprised both Aurora and Starlight.
He gestured to the door, as well. “After you.” As Jareth passed from the room, Starlight looked at Aurora. “Will you...?” He didn’t know how to bring it up.
“I’ll see that they get up here. Don’t worry. I’m somewhat concerned about him, too.” Starlight passed through the door, and it shut behind him.
Aurora returned to the stairs and was about to call for Frida when the girl appeared. She bobbed in a brief curtsy, then approached her mistress. “Lady Aurora, the minstrel’s wife wishes to know where they may bed down for the night, and when... when she may expect her husband.”
“Bring her up. I’ll see about her arrangements personally.” _And pick her brain about Jareth,_ she thought. Frida bobbed again and left, then returned a moment later with a dark haired woman and child. Then she curtsied again and left at a gesture. Aurora gestured for the woman and child to sit. “I am Aurora, the wife of Lord Starlight, holder of this keep,” she said, seating herself, and looking expectantly at the woman.
“My name is Sarah Wil- Sarah, and this is my husband’s adopted son, Toby. We were hoping-”
Aurora cut her off. “How well do you know your husband, Mistress Sarah? I know this seems a bit rude, but I believe it is of vital importance.” She saw a look fly between Sarah and Toby, and congratulated herself on her perception. The story she was missing in the other room might just unfold out here as well.
Sarah looked carefully at Aurora. Here might be an ally on her cause. Jareth was not entirely happy in this life, she knew. He had accepted censure for his misdeeds, but it hung on him badly at times, and if his brother’s wife could help, Sarah was all for it. “Jareth keeps no secrets from me,” she said steadily.
“Not even the goblins?” Aurora asked pointedly.
“The goblins, the children, everything. He is what he is, and I make no apology for it. I love him, and I would walk into hell for him,” she said, head lifted proudly.
Aurora smiled. “You’d have company, because I’d do the same for Starlight. So now that we have discovered our mutual devotion to a pair of rouges, why don’t you tell me what’s going on?”
Sarah looked skeptical. “It’s a long story, and all I can tell you is my part in it. It’s up to Jareth to give you the details from his part.”
Aurora nodded solemnly. “I can live with that,” she said.
Sarah inhaled deeply, and closed her eyes to gather her thoughts. “It began more than three years ago...” she started.
* * * * *
Starlight shook his head. “I knew Josam was a bastard, but I never had any idea...”
Jareth smiled wryly. “And Sarah has been a godsend. She was the one I could tell it all to, and she never turned away. Forgive me for teasing you about loving a mortal. They are more loyal than any of our kind could ever imagine being. Why is that, do you think?”
Starlight shook his head. “It must be the mortality itself. The knowledge that you have only so long to live and love, a century at the outside. They consider a single relationship during half that time to be long-lasting. If anything, they should be more fickle than us. Maybe we just got lucky and picked the ones that cleave like iron.”
“Don’t mention iron,” Jareth said with a grimace.
“Still bothers you?” Starlight asked.
“Not really. Not since the encounter with Aslan. Just a memory of the pain, I guess.” There was a knock at the door, and they both looked up. Before either could say anything, it opened, and Aurora and Sarah came in.
“We’re just passing through,” Aurora said, waving an airy hand. “Don’t disturb yourselves. I just wanted to show Sarah her niece, and it’s getting near feeding time.”
Starlight found himself glancing at the candles, and was surprised to find them guttering. “Have we been in here that long?” he asked.
Aurora looked at Sarah. “Now there’s the problem with immortals. Absolutely no sense of time whatsoever. He’d stare at the fire for hours if I didn’t roust him out every so often.” She turned back to face the men. “We will be in the other room if you need anything, or you can feel free to come in and visit. I must go play milkmaid though, so if you will excuse us.” She took Sarah’s hand, and the continued through to the bedchamber.
Jareth stared after Sarah and his sister-in-law. “Why do I have the feeling that I’ve been insulted?”
“You have, brother mine, and on several levels. Take it as a compliment. She likes you.”
“Really? I rather didn’t get that impression,” Jareth murmured.
“You were invited to watch her feed the baby. It’s a compliment,” said Starlight, rising.
“If you insist, brother,” he said, following.
Jareth leaned against one stone wall, watching his brother dote over a black-haired bundle that squalled until placed comfortably under a discreet blanket and given its meal. He knew that feeling well, from the day a newly-born Sarah and grasped his finger and heart in her tiny fist. He glanced at her, and she met his eyes with a smile, and he returned it, not just with upturned lips, but his whole expression. “She is charming, Starlight,” he remarked without a trace of rancor or condescension. “And that is quite a feat for someone with no conversational skills. How will you keep the fortune hunters away?”
“She probably won’t be quite so charming to them,” replied Aurora from her chair. “I intend to raise her to speak her mind and trust her heart, no matter what she faces.”
“Two qualities that I have only recently come to appreciate in a woman’s character,” Jareth said, smiling again at Sarah.
“Really?” Aurora said, black brows arched over brown eyes. “The last time we met, you didn’t seem to care for either.”
“I’m sure you’ll forgive me now for not permitting you to kill yourself and the child, and I have been considerably affected in the interim,” he said, crossing to Sarah’s chair and kissing the back of her hand. She brought their clasped hands back to her face and pressed the back of his to her cheek.
Starlight was truly amazed. His brother had always been so cynical, so eager to deflate anyone who was enjoying life, and now he seemed to walk on a cloud, thanks to a mortal girl who looked little more than a teen-ager. He looked speculatively at Sarah. “So, Sarah, how did you meet my brother?” he asked.
Aurora interrupted. “Honey, they’ve had a long day, and Sarah’s story is likely almost as long as Jareth’s was. Why don’t we let them turn in, and we’ll sort everything else out in the morning.” She burped Adryanna gently, and held her out to Starlight, effectively cutting off all argument. He accepted the baby gravely and began to ready her for bed.
“That brings up an excellent question,” said Jareth. “Where are we sleeping tonight?”
Aurora finished fastening enough of her gown for the sake of modesty. “There’s another suite identical to this across the solar, and Frida will get anything you need.” She escorted them quickly through the outer room, and was touched when she saw how tenderly Jareth lifted Toby from the chaise where he had fallen asleep during his sister’s tale. She showed them the door, and quickly instructed Frida to give them anything the requested, then said good-night. Back in Ardyanna’s nursery, she arrived before the baby was asleep, and kissed her black hair softly. “Good dreams, baby, and happy mornings” she whispered, then slipped out as Starlight sang her to sleep. It was a special time just for them, and Aurora’s singing voice left too much to be desired. She was already in bed when Starlight crept out, leaving the door a tiny bit ajar to hear the baby in the night, then shed his clothes quickly and piled quickly into the bed where the woman he loved would once again be truly and completely his wife.
* * * * *
Aurora awoke in the morning in an empty bed sometime after sunrise, fairly certain that Starlight had gone as usual to watch the sun rise over the battlements, then begin his morning inspection of the keep. She rolled out of bed and struggled into her heavy robe, then moved quietly through the rooms to the door of the other bedchamber. She listened carefully for a moment, not wanting to interrupt an intimate moment, but she could hear nothing. She tapped on the door, then called “Sarah, are you awake?” The door was opened almost immediately, and Aurora could see that she was not the only not long out of bed. Sarah’s nearly black hair was tousled about her shoulders, and her blue-gray eyes were bleary. She started to curtsey, but Aurora stopped her. “Oh, for Heaven’s sake, don’t do that. You’re family, and I can’t handle deference this early.”
“I’m sorry I can’t receive you dressed any better, but our clothes must be in the laundry-” Sarah began.
“Knowing my husband, he had them removed. Let’s go back to my rooms, and we’ll find you something to wear. Is Toby awake yet?” Aurora asked.
“No. The excitement last night must have worn him out,” she replied glancing over her shoulder toward the opposite door.
“Okay. I’ll ask Frida to stay up here and bring him to us when he wakes up,” said Aurora. “Let’s get ourselves put together, then we can figure out what you guys want to do.” On the way back through the solar, she tugged a bell-pull to summon Frida, then continued into her own rooms. There, she threw open armoires and chests filled with clothes of every color of the rainbow. As she was sorting through garments, Frida came in. “Wonderful. Frida, help Lady Sarah find something she likes and dress, then go and wait for Lord Toby to wake up. He may be frightened in a strange place, so bring him here to his sister right away. Then you can help me dress after I feed Lady Adryanna. Do you have all that?” Frida nodded quietly. “Excellent. And send for someone to bring up breakfast for us.” She looked over at Sarah. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.” Sarah smiled faintly and shook her head, her face pale. _Poor child,_ thought Aurora. _Reality must be spinning around her. Oh, well. She’ll get used to it. It isn’t everyday you go from a servant to practically Lady of the Castle._ Aurora smile back at her, and went into the nursery to fetch her daughter.
Just as bedtime was Starlight’s special time with Adryanna, morning was Aurora’s. She woke the baby gently, and smiled as she yawned and stretched, smacking her tiny lips and waving miniature fists in the air. Aurora let her wrap one hand around her finger, and was a little surprised by the strength with which Adry pulled it to her mouth and started gumming it. A displeased expression crossed the baby’s face, and she pushed the finger out with her tongue. Aurora laughed at this. “Well, honey, I never told you that everything is good to put in your mouth.” Adry screwed up her face even more, and Aurora saw a crying fit coming on. She quickly scooped the baby from the cradle and returned to the bedchamber, in time to see Sarah kneeling on the floor, arms wrapped around her stomach and face in the chamber pot. Aurora wasted no time in handing Adry to Frida, who dropped various garments to receive her. Aurora knelt next to Sarah, who was slowly straightening up, eyes closed and face white as a sheet. She wiped Sarah’s face with a burp rag she’d brought for the baby, and helped her to her feet. “All over?” she asked.
Sarah waited a moment, then nodded slowly and opened her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I thought it was over for this morning.”
“Come and sit down,” Aurora said, leading her to a chair. She looked over at Frida. “Have it removed,” she said softly, settling herself in the other chair. Frida nodded and handed Adryanna over, then retreated from the room, taking the noisome pot with her. “Have some water,” Aurora suggested as she arranged Adryanna.
Sarah gratefully accepted her offer, swallowing two large goblets of clear liquid. She avoided Aurora’s eyes, ashamed of having been seen in such a situation.
Aurora smiled gently. “How far along are you?” she asked.
“Two or three months, I guess. It’s kind of hard to tell here. No pee-on-a-stick test around,” she said.
Aurora laughed. “And no doctor’s office with an ultra-sound, I know. Well, the only good news I can give you is that it shouldn’t last a lot longer, although it will seem like forever. Mine stopped almost as soon as I as sure. Must be some kind of early-warning system. ‘Hey, wake up, pay attention! Something’s happening here!’” She sobered a moment. “Does Jareth know?” she asked.
“No. He usual misses the morning performance. He likes to get up early-”
“And watch the sunrise,” Aurora chimed in. “Starlight is the same way. Beats me how he can be so busy all night, then jump out of bed while it’s still dark to stand on a cold battlement to watch something that happens every day.” Sarah snickered, some color coming back to her face. “Uh-huh, see, I’m not alone, getting chased around the bed all night, and all I want to do is sleep, and he jumps up to see the dawn.”
Sarah grinned. “I won’t admit to always being the chasee, but we seem to be in pretty much the same boat.”
Starlight and Jareth finished their walk around the castle at the kitchens, where head cook was more than happy to ply them with food at the rough wooden cook table. There they saw trays of delicacies being prepared, and managed to learn that both ladies were up, as well as His Lordship’s nephew. A look passed between them, and they finished their own food quickly, and then divested the servants or their trays, opting instead to offer personal service to the brightest stars in their firmaments.
On the way across the hall, Frida spied them and nearly burst out laughing. His Lordship hadn’t carried a tray for the Lady since she was breeding and demanding all manner of strange foods. Then His Lordship had scoured his holdings from one end to the other to produce whatever she wished. Judging from the conversation she had overheard this morning, Lord Jareth was in for the same treatment. He seemed the type well able to handle it, though. Frida’s confidence had grown in the past year, and she didn’t fear now to tease His Lordship gently.
“Have you been demoted to the scullery, Sire?” she asked pertly.
Starlight smiled. The girl was a flower blooming in Aurora’s radiant light. “Yep. There are so many folk here to serve now days that ever the Lord of the manor and his brother must do their parts, contenting the women folk. Go up before us to open the door, and mind you don’t give away the surprise. I want to enjoy her Ladyship’s face when she sees this.” He smirked at Jareth. “I’d really love to see Sarah’s face. I don’t imagine personal service was ever high on your list of entertainments.”
Frida looked back over her shoulder at them from the landing. “Lady Sarah was visiting with Lady Aurora when I left. They seemed to have much of a common, My Lords.”
It was Jareth’s turn to smirk. “It seems you get your wish, brother, but in exchange, I get to not tell you just what services I enjoy providing for Sarah. Remember, be careful what you wish for...”
“Don’t I know it,” replied Starlight. “I got it. Open mouth, insert foot. I must get the booby prize today.”
“Don’t worry,” mocked Jareth. “We’ll think of something.”
They entered the solar to a stunning sight. Both Aurora and Sarah were stripped to linen shifts and surrounded by a mountain of other fabrics. They turned as one and pulled the fabrics they were holding to their necks. Both men smiled, and moved quickly through the door to allow Frida to close it. They set their loaded trays on the table and went to greet their wives.
“So what have you two been up to this morning,” Starlight asked, helping Aurora into her cotte.
“Just talking, really. Comparing notes. discovering what you, uh, we have in common,” she replied.
“What we have in common, eh? I don’t suppose I really want to know, do I?”
“Well,” Sarah said from Jareth’s embrace, “we were noticing that you both like to watch the sun rise from someplace other than bed. And you both stubborn, determined and fiercely defensive of your families. We thought it was rather charming.” She smiled and held her arms out for Jareth to lace her.
“Have I been demoted again?” he asked, nimble fingers quickly passing the laces from hole to hole.
“I could have Frida do it, but then I’d probably ask her to undo it tonight,” Sarah replied smartly.
Jareth shot a glance at Starlight. “You see how it is. I have to wrap my presents so I can unwrap them later.” He finished quickly with the laces. “You’re done,” he murmured in Sarah’s ear, “and breakfast is served.” He removed the tray lids with a flourish.
Sarah blanched at the tray of meats and cheeses, but the fruit caught her attention. She looked up at Jareth with a light in her eyes. “I want a peach,” she stated.
Jareth raised one eyebrow. “Planning on going to another dance and forgetting everything again?” he asked.
“No,” she replied. “I just had this sudden overwhelming desire to eat a peach.” A look shot between her and Aurora, and Aurora caught the hint.
“Come on, Honey,” she said, grabbing Starlight’s arm. “We can go find Sarah some peaches.” She hauled him forcibly from the room, and shut the door firmly, then lead Starlight away quickly.
Jareth regarded Sarah through narrowed eyes. “What are you playing at, Sarah? I know this isn’t normal for you, and I think I’m due an explanation. Wouldn’t you agree?”
She sat on the edge of a chair overflowing with fabrics. “I know,” she said softly. “I wasn’t really sure until this morning, but Aurora guessed, and it seems like she would know...”
“Know what? Do I have to risk death at my brother’s hands to drag this secret of yours out of his wife. I’d grown used to the idea of a shortened life-span, but that is a little shorter than even I thought.”
“You better not be planning to die any time soon. I need you here with me,” she snapped.
“I begin to wonder,” he snapped back. “Aurora seems well able to provide anything you need, with the good auspices of my baby brother.”
“I doubt she will make a suitable father for my baby,” she sniped back, “and your brother is busy enough being a father. I wouldn’t think to ask him of taking this on.”
Now the color drained from Jareth’s face as the meaning of Sarah’s words struck him. “Your baby?” he repeated. “Our baby?”
“I hardly see how it could be accomplished any other way,” she sniffed, wiping her eye with the back of one hand.
He pulled her from the chair and gathered her close. “Oh, Sarah, I had no idea. I’m sorry I upset you. Will you forgive a stupid fool who just didn’t see?”
She nodded and clung tightly to him, not trusting her voice as emotion seemed to pour through her like water from a faucet, running first hot then cold.
Jareth accepted her silent forgiveness, and longed to reach in with his mind and feel the tiny spark of life that rested deep within his wife. For the first time, he really regretted the loss of his powers. Always before, he could content himself with looking at his little family, secure in the knowledge that they had also sacrificed for him. But now a new question rose in his mind. “Sarah,” he asked. “Have you been feeling anything...strange?” he finished, for lack of a better word.
“Aside from sick in the morning and wanting to smack people one minute, then kiss then the next, no. Nothing out of the ordinary. I don’t feel like anything’s wrong,” she concluded. “Why?”
“Well,” he replied, “there is a good chance that the baby may have some of my old abilities. If that’s the case, I may have to make certain arrangements.”
“What arrangements?” Sarah asked, her eyes going wide. “No one is taking this baby from me. Not even you. I’ll gladly share, but I won’t let you take him, or her.”
“Who said anything about taking the baby?” he answered, stung. “Do you see Starlight taking Adryanna from Aurora? This child will be in exactly the same position. I merely have to make some family members aware of it’s intended arrival, and the fact that you will care for it. It really very simple, and you shouldn’t lose even a minute’s sleep over it. I just need to know first if it will be mortal or of the Third Race.”
Sarah relaxed, somewhat mollified. “Well, if you’re sure none of your family is going to make another May-game of me...”
“They’ll have to come through me first,” he assured her ominously.
“Well, Aurora?” Starlight asked on the landing. He had stubbornly refused to move from the spot after she had dragged him out of the solar.
“She has something private to tell him,” she replied. “We can return in a bit, having ordered the peaches, and then you’ll have the rest of the info.”
“You know something I don’t.” It was a statement rather than a question.
“Yes, and I shouldn’t have been the first to know, so I have to make up for it by letting Sarah or Jareth tell you. It’s really their business more than ours. We’re only peripherally involved if anything,” she said.
“You know, it makes it worse for me the more you talk about it. Can’t you give me a hint so I have something to work with?”
She considered a moment. “Okay, but you have to act surprised if you guess before they tell you. There is something important in your life that you have experienced, but, I would guess, your brother has not. However, he will experience it soon.”
“He’s going to experience something important in my life? I don’t know that I like the sound of that,” he said.
“No, silly. Something in his life. And then you’ll have something else in common.”
“So we don't have it in common now. Well, I’m not quite as devious as he is, but then, he seems less devious now, so that doesn’t seem to be it, and it has nothing to do with Sarah, really.” He thought a moment. “Are they getting married?” he asked.
“Too late,” she replied. “Sarah said they were married shortly after the Elvan War. Nothing big or exciting, but married just the same.”
“But I’ll lay gold they weren’t bound in the tradition of the Third Race. Jareth would have mentioned it last night.” He rubbed his fingers unconsciously across the scar on the heel of his thumb, one that he never permitted to heal and fade, a constant reminder of his own bond with Aurora.
She caught his gesture and glanced briefly at her own hand, the scar still a vibrant pink. She hadn’t known when she agreed to marry him that this was his people’s way, to cut your hand and mingle your blood with that of your spouse. It certainly was permanent, she gave them that much. Even if they never wanted to see each other again, you couldn’t forget with a reminder like that etched in your skin. “No, they weren’t. I’ve been with her all morning. I would have seen.” A horrible thought struck her. “Oh, Starlight, what if he plans to leave her because the marriage doesn’t mean anything to him? She’d be crushed.”
Starlight shook his head. “He won’t leave her, ever. It may be that he omitted it so she would feel free to go her own way if thing got too bad. A traveling minstrel doesn’t have the most steady life, after all.”
It was Aurora’s turn to shake her head. “She’s bound by the oaths she gave in church, and by her heart. She’ll never give up on him. But I’m glad he won’t leave. She’s going to need him.”
“So it’s really her we’re discussing, not Jareth,” Starlight crowed. He loved playing these mind games with Aurora. It satisfied a part of his soul even her touch like fire didn’t reach. “Sarah is the real issue of concern, and she’s going to need my brother. Is she ill?”
Aurora contorted her face into various expressions, dragging out the torment. He was very close now, and she didn’t want the game to end just yet. “No,” she answered finally. “I’m going after those peaches,” she said, heading down the stairs.
“So she’s not ill,” he said, following her. “Is she suffering from a really bad case of culture shock?”
“Not really. Even though she’s from about the same time as Krys, she’s been living with Jareth for the past three years, so she’s adjusted to things that still seem a little out of whack to me.”
“What seems out of whack to you?” he asked, dragged off the subject by his concern for Aurora’s happiness. “I said I’d change anything I could to make you more comfortable here.”
“It’s just general opinions about women and their place in this society. I was trained very carefully to fight, and I don’t get the chance anymore,” she confessed, a little crocodile tear in the corner of one eye.
“But if something happened to you, who would care for Adry?” he asked, puzzled.
“That’s exactly my point. Naturally, I wouldn’t place myself in any danger while she’s still so dependent on me, but after a while, she won’t need me in such a basic way, and I can think about what I’d like to be doing,” she replied.
“Then you have only to name it, and I will smooth the way,” he said, gallantly kissing the back of her hand. “I am always willing to accommodate your every desire.”
“I’ll hold you to it, you know,” she informed him, a bit skeptical about his promise. He had never lied to her or denied her anything, but what she intended to ask was way outside of the norm.
“I know. I’d hold myself to it, even if you didn’t. You better not ask me to kill you though, because then I’d have to kill myself, and that might prove quite a trick.”
“No,” she replied with a smile. “No suicide or anything like that. I’m too pleased with life as it is to go ending it now.” She crossed the bailey to the kitchens, and waved off the bows, setting people back to work. “I need bowls of fresh peaches sent up for Lady Sarah,” she instructed the head cook.
“For how long, My Lady?” She had seen her dreams of promotion vanish when the Lady was returned to the castle, and was now careful to get specific instructions and follow them to the letter.
Aurora thought a moment. “One bowl everyday until Lady Sarah or I give a different order. Frida may bring the orders if we are busy, and she should be given the same attention you give to me.” Starlight had told her how the cook tried to dispossess Frida of the little self-respect she had gained, and it galled Aurora to have to begin fresh teaching the girl her own worth. She was making tremendous progress, though. Soon, she would catch the eye of some young man, and if he caught her eye as well, Aurora would be pleased to let her go with a plentiful dowry and her blessings for a good life. Aurora collected the bowl cook prepared before it could be handed to a servant. She nodded to the cook, and left the kitchen with Starlight in tow.
As they returned to the solar, Jareth popped his head out the door. “Ah, there you are, I’d begun to wonder. Did you happen to find-” he spied the bowl in Aurora’s hands and relieved her of it. “Perfect. You’re a wonder, little sister. An absolute wonder.” He kissed her quickly on the cheek and retreated into the room.
Aurora’s eyes went very wide, but to her credit, her jaw didn’t drop. “Well,” she said, trying to gather her composure, “that was certainly a new experience.” She entered her solar and saw that Sarah was seated in a comfortable chair with her feet up on an ottoman, and Jareth was laying a blanket across her lap. She already had a bite out of one of the peaches, and looked to be quite happy with it. Aurora observed Jareth’s frantic arranging and sighed inwardly. _Oh, Lord, please. Not another one of those._ Starlight had been the same way, settling her in bed with enough blankets piled on to roast an ox, and enough kinds of apples, Aurora’s particular craving, to feed every horse in the Crusade. It had lasted until she had produced Will Hart’s list of recommendations. Exercise had been number one, underlined and written in capital letters.
Starlight observed the controlled chaos in his home for a moment, then draped himself crosswise into a chair. “So, brother. You seem to be a man with something to tell people, yes?”
Jareth beamed. “I do indeed. Sarah has just informed me that I am to be a father,” he looked over at Toby with a smile, “again. Isn’t it marvelous?”
Starlight smiled. “It is indeed marvelous, and I speak from experience. Do you know if...” He raised an inscrutable eyebrow.
Jareth’s smile dimmed a bit. “No idea. I can’t tell anymore. I wondered if you would be so kind as to...”
“With the lady’s permission, of course,” he replied, and looked at Sarah.
She in turn looked at Jareth. “Is this the part you were talking about earlier?” she asked.
“It is,” replied Jareth. “My brother will simply probe a bit and see if the baby reaches back. Better decide now if you want to know what we’re getting,” he advised.
“Can we put it back if he’s wrong?” she asked archly.
“You won’t want to,” put in Aurora. “You’ll be glad to have it out and over with, trust me.”
“Don’t scare her,” said Jareth. “I’m looking forward to many more sons and plenty of daughters for Toby to play with. Isn’t that right, Toby?” he purred, looking with pride at his adopted son.
At five, most of the adult’s conversation was over Toby’s head, but Sarah had explained that the other lady and the man who looked like Daddy were family, and he was safe with them. Strangers now made Toby nervous, but he was becoming comfortable here. He slid off the sofa and wrapped his arms around Jareth’s leg. “We stay here, Dad?” he asked, looking up to his father.
Jareth shot a glance at Starlight, then looked down at Toby. “We’ll talk about it later,” he said softly. “Why don’t you go help Frida watch the baby. Get in some practice. You’ll have your own to play with soon.”
Toby grinned broadly and wandered into the other room.
Jareth looked at Sarah, and could read what she wanted in her eyes. No surprise, that. Most women wanted somewhere to roost, especially when expecting. He looked over at Starlight. “I suppose we ought to be clear on that issue before anything else.” He swallowed. “I would like to ask you for sanctuary for Sarah and Toby. It’s not safe on the road for her now, and I would be at ease knowing she was being cared for.”
Before Starlight could respond, Sarah jumped out of her chair. “Oh, no you don’t. We are not going to be left behind because things are tough. We’re not your family at your convenience, you know!”
“Sarah, I don’t want to have this fight with you again. It’s not safe for you out there, and I need to know that you are safe.”
“So stay with us. I don’t want to be away from you. I’m miserable when you’re gone, and I’ll have no idea where you are or when you’re coming back. I need you here!”
“I’m sure it wasn’t part of Aslan’s deal that I take refuge with my brother’s family. I’m supposed to be making my own way in the world.”
“Wait a minute,” cut in Starlight. “You didn’t mention Aslan last night. You just said one of the Ruling Ones stripped you of your powers. Aslan doesn’t have any control over you.”
“Son of Adam, brother. My mother was as mortal as yours,” Jareth replied.
“So what? The blood of the Third Race is the stronger nine times out of ten. Oberon has the say over you, not Aslan. All we have to do is ask him to undo whatever Aslan did.”
“We shall see. But for now, we should find out if we even need to go to Avalon.” Jareth looked at Sarah. “Are you ready?”
“Wait. Who is Oberon? Have you been able to undo this for the past year and haven’t done anything about it?” she asked.
“I have no idea if Oberon, who is our eldest brother, can or will help me. We haven’t always been on the best of terms. He may find this amusing and choose to do nothing,” answered Jareth.
“He will help you, especially if I put it to him. Now can we get on with things? I do have a castle to run, although it breaks my heart to leave such a charming lady,” he smiled, kissing Sarah’s hand. She smiled and giggled, turning away a little. “Oh, she’s a giggler, too. How marvelous!”
Aurora smirked from another chair. Starlight was a champion manipulator, and he was maneuvering Sarah into unwinding a bit. He led her to her chair and helped her to sit again, then looked her straight in the face. “This won’t hurt a bit, but you may feel strange after, so ask for anything you need. Don’t start wandering around by yourself.” He looked back over at Aurora. “Can you stay with her today?” he asked. She nodded, knowing how she felt after going through the same thing. It left one feeling like they could do anything. “So,” Starlight said, returning his gaze to Sarah, “you’re going to relax and look right into my eyes.” He looked into her eyes, mentally reaching deep into her mind and body. He moved carefully from place to place, finding Jareth’s presence almost everywhere. “You have a strong bond with my brother,” he said, almost unaware he was speaking.
“Yes,” she replied, her voice unearthly. “He’s everything to me.”
Starlight probed further, and found the presence he was looking for. He nudged it’s mind gently, then waited for a response. After an agonizing moment, he felt a tiny brush against his own mind. He smiled and began to break the connection, then felt something else. He pushed again, and was rewarded almost immediately with a push back. A very strong push. He retreated hastily and stood, his head spinning just a little. He leaned one hand on the back of the chair and shook his head to clear the vertigo.
“Oh, no,” whispered Jareth, who mistook the movement.
“No, it’s not that,” said Starlight, still trying to orient himself. “It’s there, all right, with a vengeance. I’ve just never dealt with two at once. They’re pretty powerful together like that-”
“Two?” Sarah and Jareth said in unison.
“Two,” said Starlight. “Two very strong, healthy babies. I was so busy looking at minds that I forgot to check the outsides, but there are no glaring omissions. I’d say you got the booby prize, Jare. I only had one, and she was a handful. Two with our talents should be quite an interesting challenge.”
“I’m sure it will be interesting,” replied Jareth. “So, Avalon, then. When do you want to go?”
“Well there’s a matter of timing,” Starlight reminded him. “It will seem much longer to the girls that it will to us.” He looked over at Aurora. “Can you manage for a couple of weeks without me?”
“Why can’t I come, too?” she countered.
He looked stunned. “I didn’t think you cared to visit with my family. You certainly made your opinion of Jareth clear after I got you back here safe. I thought you didn’t like them. Hades, I don’t like most of them myself. Oberon is stuffy as all get out, Lyscius is an out-and-out bastard, and Jareth...” he faltered, not quite knowing what to say.
“Jareth has improved considerably, and I find that he is quite charming now,” Aurora said, casting a sweet smile his way.
Jareth bowed to her with flourish. “And you, little sister, are the soul of courtesy and gentility, and my baby brother is favored above the stars to have you.” He traded places with Starlight, and sat on the arm of her chair, toying with her hand. “What about you, my pet? Would you care to take a little trip as well?”
“Will it be safe?” she asked, pressing her free and to her abdomen. “I don’t want to risk anything happening.”
“Frankly, I think you’ll be safer with us than here, and certainly more entertained. Avalon can be quite...amusing at times,” Starlight said. “But I don’t think it will be more than a couple of days that we’ll be there, so I hope you won’t be too disappointed.”
“Oh, God!” Aurora gasped. “I just thought of it. Will they try to keep Adryanna? She’s one of Oberon’s children, too. What if he says she has to stay?”
Starlight wrapped a reassuring arm around her. “She won’t be kept, Angel, I promise. I’m her guardian, and I have the say over where and when she goes as far as they are concerned. No one will ever keep her from you.”
She leaned against him, trying to force down the panic. “Thanks,” she said softly. “That helps. Really. I’ll be okay.” She sank into another chair and glanced at the table, still piled with food. “I’m hungry,” she announced suddenly, popping back up. She went over to the table and started selection tidbits. She looked over at Sarah. “Do you want some of this now?” she asked.
Sarah shook her head. “But I will have another peach,” she said, looking up at Jareth.
“Now I’m the table servant,” he mock-grumbled, rising from his perch. He sauntered over to the bowl and took his time, carefully perusing each piece of fruit in turn. He finally picked up one, inhaled its scent deeply, then, eyes locked with Sarah, he took a large bite, chewed, and swallowed.
She frowned charmingly. “I wasn’t thinking of a used one,” she pouted.
He smiled devilishly. “It has to be ripe,” he said. He sauntered over and leaned down. kissing her lingeringly. “Is it ripe enough?” he whispered in her ear.
Her tongue stole out and slowly licked the peach juice from her lips. “Perfect,” she replied, and snapped the peach from his hand then took a large bite.
Starlight laughed uproariously. “Forget it, Jare. When a pregnant woman wants food, there’s nothing you can do but get out of the way. When she wants you for something, you’ll know, I guarantee it.” He smacked his brother on the back. “Come on. I have some plans to set for this little excursion, and you can keep me company.” He turned away as Jareth bent to kiss Sarah good-bye. They were obviously infatuated with each other, and it was still a bit strange to see him displaying this much emotion. He still remembered being held out a window, Lyscius gripping his ankles, and Jareth, upside-down, sneering at him.
“Time to fly, little brother, if you’ve got it in you. Of, course, if you don’t, well, that will be too bad, won’t it?” Then Lyscius let go, and he was falling, Falling past stone and windows, the courtyard coming up quickly. His hands reached out, and he turned his head away.
“NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo!” he shouted, then stopped abruptly. He cracked his eyes open, and realized that he was not lying fractured on the pavement. He was hovering some five inches above it, bobbing gently up and down.
There was a touch on his arm, and the recollection disintegrated around him.
“Are you okay?” Aurora asked, concern in her eyes.
He smiled. “Just fine, now,” he replied, hugging her. “Court dress for you two, okay? Oberon likes formality above all things, at least for show.” He grabbed Jareth’s elbow, dragging him away from Sarah. “Come on, Jare. I’m doing this for your sake, so you can help.” They left debating some esoteric subject Aurora didn’t really understand.
“So what do we do now?” Sarah asked, dropping her peach pit on a plate and wiping her hands.
“Pack, I suppose,” Aurora replied.
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
They stood around pond in a quiet forest. There didn’t seem to be any birds or animals here, and no wind blew to stir the leaves or ripple that water of any of the little ponds scattered about. Aurora wanted to ask about it; to ask where they were, why it was so quiet, how they had gotten here, but there was a strange compulsion to be silent resting on her mind like a wet blanket. There was something she could hear, however.
“Was the compulsion really necessary?” Jareth asked. He was examining Sarah and Toby with concern.
“Yes,” answered Starlight. “They are both intelligent women, and intelligent women do not just accept this kind of thing without asking a million questions that I don’t want to answer right now.” He looked them in the eye. “Everything will be explained when we get there. For now, just go with it.” He saw a familiar glint in Aurora’s eyes. “I know.” he sighed. “I will have a lot of explaining to do.” He looked at Jareth. “Are you ready?”
“As if there was anything I could do,” he snorted.
“You’re tied closer to Avalon than I am. Just think about it, and I’ll do the rest.” Starlight gathered Aurora and Sarah’s hands in his. “Okay, all together now.” As one, they stepped through the still pool.
They emerged in a marble-clad hall filled with the laughter and conversations of a hundred obviously magical beings. Aurora and Sarah exchanged glances and moved together as Jareth and Starlight released them and moved toward the thrones set on the dais. A pale-blue figure with white hair rose from one seat and stepped forward.
“Who dares disturb Oberon’s sacred Gathering?” he boomed.
Jareth and Starlight both pushed back the hoods of their cloaks. “Greetings, Brother Oberon,” Starlight said genially.
Oberon’s stern gaze softened. “Baby brother. I’m glad to see you have finally come to assume your rightful place. And Jareth. What drags you from the Labyrinth? Surely we are not more entertaining than your vaunted goblins?”
Starlight moved further up the steps. “Do we really need to do family laundry in front of the children?” he suggested, eyebrows raised.
Oberon waved in a grand gesture. “The Gathering continues.” He looked at his brothers. “After you,” he said, motioning toward a side door.
They hesitated a moment. “Sarah,” murmured Jareth, looking back over his shoulder.
“Titania shall bid them welcome,” Oberon declared, then conversed softly with his ethereal wife. Her smile was radiant as she rose gracefully and moved toward the main floor. “Now, brothers, if you are quite ready?” They moved towards the side chamber.
Aurora was in awe as the most attractive woman she had ever seen approached them. She was tempted to curtsy, but restrained herself, trying to impress with her poise. _Yeah, sure,_ she thought. _I’m just a tomboy from the armpit of Montana who happens to be kin to the Queen of the Fey. This is real normal._ She kept her chin up as the mint-skinned, pink-haired queen approached.
Sarah was equally still, but from shock rather than pride. Life in the Labyrinth had been different than she was used to, but, goblins aside, fairly high class medieval. This was pure fantasy. Beings of every shape and type were gathering around, drawn by the presence of an amazingly regal...woman, she guessed. At least, she looked like a woman, aside from the mystical color of her hair and skin.
Titania smiled gently, impressed by the spirit in these girls that prevented them from bending to her. She reached out to stroke Aurora’s face. “You are my brother’s wife,” she stated in a sweet voice. She lifted Aurora’s right hand gently. “He has sealed you to us in the manner we consider binding beyond time. Do you understand what this means?”
Aurora nodded, then swallowed. “I know. He will have no other wife, and I no other husband. I agreed to this,” she almost whispered.
Titania turned her attention to Sarah. “And Jareth has chosen you, though you are not bound.” She looked confused. “Do you refuse immortal love?”
Sarah shook her head. “Jareth is mortal now. Aslan took his power as penalty for a useless war. Jareth agreed to this,” she dropped her head, “for love of me.”
Titania smiled again. “Silly child. Your love’s power cannot be taken. It is a part of him, and none save Oberon can curb him. Likely Aslan played some trick of word or meaning on you, and Jareth believed because you believed.” She put a soft hand to Sarah’s cheek. “I will see you handfast to him before all is settled. Your children deserve an honest birthing. Come,” she said to both of them. “I will show you to chambers where you may make such alteration as will make you more comfortable.” She led them away, signaling for a faerie servant to attend the baggage.
“He did WHAT?!” stormed Oberon.
“He stripped me of my powers for beginning a useless war with innocent children as pawns, and he was right to do it,” Jareth explained wearily. It was the third time through, and he was getting a bit tired of saying it. He swung one leg over the arm of the chair and settled more comfortably.
“He had no RIGHT!” shouted Oberon. “You are MY subject, regardless of your mother’s birth. I have the right to give or deny you anything, NOT Aslan.”
There was a rush of wind in the room, and the smell of fresh grass and blooming flowers filled air. And suddenly, the Lion Who Was Not A Lion stood before them, golden and shaggy.
“The Daughter of Eve begged my intervention, as did the Daughter of Shaika. They were wronged in the loss of their beloved ones, and I sought to address those wrongs, not worry over the Goblin King’s status as mortal or Fey.”
“Be that as it may, Revered One,” Oberon demurred, “the Goblin King is MY brother, and my concern, and so should be his lessoning, if lessoning he needs.”
“What is it you seek, King of the Fey?” Aslan asked.
“Restore my brother to his place and the time where he was punished. You had no jurisdiction over him,” Oberon stated flatly.
“This is not possible,” Aslan replied. “Other lives than his are involved now. This brother of yours has given him succor, a thing others of your kind would have denied him. Your brother’s wife as well offered aid to the other Daughter of Eve in comely sisterhood. I would not punish them by taking the pleasure they have gained in this. And She who was to be the Goblin Queen is with child, and those lives are paramount to me as well. I will not relent the punishment to that extent.”
Starlight stepped forward. “Perhaps, My Lord, there is a middle way. My brother is much like myself. Magic is a part of his blood and bone. It cannot be removed, but the knowledge of its use, or even its existence, can be affected. Is this, by chance, what has happened?”
Aslan appraised him carefully. “Beware this one, King of the Fey. He, apart from your other siblings, can see around a problem. You are correct, Son of Adam and brother of Oberon. The knowledge of how to use magic has been affected. It cannot be restored in an instant, but...”
“I think I see,” said Oberon thoughtfully. “The Underground and Labyrinth are still a part of my kingdom, are they not?”
“They are,” breathed Aslan.
“Then you will not object to my having them ruled as I see fit, within reason, of course?”
“I will have no objection if I am not summoned again. Hopefully, we will not require another meeting like this in the future.” Aslan shook his heavy mane, then was gone.
“Well, that was reasonably settled,” concluded Oberon.
“Will someone tell me what happens to me?” Jareth asked plaintively.
Oberon studied him a moment. “You go back to school, little brother. Let us hope you learn something from the lesson.”
"So what's going to happen now?" Aurora asked as Starlight joined her. She had changed into court dress and returned to the Main Hall, and tried to stay out of the way as Faerie Courtiers swirled in giddy excitement around her. Sarah had come down shortly after her, and they stood together watching the pageantry around them until Sarah was called away by one of Oberon’s servants. Then Aurora simply tried to keep a low profile until Starlight returned for her.
“Oberon will probably announce it in a bit, but Jareth will be staying here,” he murmured. If word got out to the population in general before he was able to announce it, Oberon would have a fit.
“What about Sarah? How much sympathy will your brother have for her?”
“Darling, everything will be worked out to their satisfaction. Jareth wouldn’t dream of staying without Sarah, so a way will be found for her to remain as well.” He wrapped an arm around her. “Little mother, you worry too much about everyone but yourself. How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine,” she said a bit defensively. “My life hasn’t been turned upside down today, and it’s beginning to look like hers is about to be.”
“Aurora,” he said, becoming stern, “no one will force Sarah into anything. But you said she is dedicated to Jareth, and he is equally dedicated to her.”
“Is he?” she asked pointedly. “They’re not bound. Not like we are.”
Starlight rolled his eyes. “You’re going to ruin the surprise this evening if you keep asking these kinds of questions. Just relax and enjoy the show for a while. Then, I promise, everything will be revealed.” He kissed the top of her head and led her into the sets forming to dance.
Oberon looked from Jareth to Sarah. “Is this agreeable to you both?”
Sarah wrapped her hand around Jareth’s. “Anything that allows us to stay together is fine with me.” She was reassured as he squeezed her hand in silent agreement.
“You know my feelings, Oberon. I will take whatever you see fit to provide me with, and gladly at that.” Jareth loosed Sarah’s hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Heaven knows Sarah deserves better than I have been able to give her this past year.”
Titania had joined them, and now she smiled gently. “You have given unselfishly of your love, brother. That is worth more than any materiel objects you could have offered her through your powers. Now she has something of greater value to hold in her heart, and she will never forget you devotion.” She turned to Oberon. “And now, My lord, with your permission, we should rejoin our guests. Many have come to the Gathering and wait to present themselves to you.”
Oberon took her hand and kissed it. “I do not know how I would manage without you, my lady wife.” He led her out into the Hall and into the dance.
At the end of the set, Oberon and Titania returned to the dais but did not resume their seats. The music wound down, and conversations died as the fae drew near.
“Hear me, Children of Oberon,” he began grandly. “Know that this night, we celebrate not only the Gathering, but the Joining as well. We celebrate the union of my brother Starlight and Lady Aurora, and we witness the union of Jareth, King of the Goblins, and his mortal bride, Lady Sarah. Bring the happy couples forward!”
Conversation rose again as the four were brought up to the dais. While they waited, Titania turned and whispered something to Oberon. His eyes went wide and he smiled.
“Gentle Titania reminds me that tonight we also celebrate the Welcoming of the child of Lord Starlight and Lady Aurora. Let her be brought forward, that she may be counted and numbered as one of Oberon’s Children.”
Sarah leaned toward Aurora. “I thought you’d been through all this already.”
Aurora shook her head quickly. “He just informed them of everything. This is like a delayed reception after an informal wedding.” She accepted Adryanna from a fairy servant placidly. “This might be the one place where we’re completely safe. Just relax and go with it.” She took Starlight’s proffered hand and ascended the platform with him to stand before Oberon. He took their joined hands in his and spoke.
“Avalon, bless these children in their commitment to one another. Guide them in their lives and return them here when Time presses close upon them. Grant them happiness unending, for they are the future of us all.” Then he released them and rested a hand on Adryanna’s head.
“Avalon, we welcome this girl, youngest Child of Oberon. She is given sanctuary here and free passage to the mortal realms and back. If you are welcome no where else, Avalon will always be your home.” He lifted his hand and gestured for them to step back. Then he motioned for Jareth and Sarah to take their places. From somewhere unseen he produced a small silver knife, and used it to engrave small scratches on their right hands. Then he pressed their hands together and wrapped his own over them.
“With this bond of blood be sealed to us, Sarah of the mortal world, and to King Jareth of the Underground. Accept from him love beyond space and time, and remain true to him now and forever.
“Jareth, be sealed to Sarah. Accept from her love beyond space and time, and remain true to her now and forever.” Then he repeated over then the blessing he had said for Starlight and Aurora. Finally, he looked out at the crowd. “Celebrate, my children, and welcome your brothers and sisters.”
Jareth stole a glance at Sarah, and saw her smiling, the weariness she had carried for a year gone. Her eyes flashed with light and her lips curved up in a smile.
“Let the bonded couples lead the first set,” he called, excitement overshadowing his usual laconic personality. Sarah’s grinned widened, and Oberon cracked a rare smile, taking Titania’s hand to lead her down. Starlight grimaced and sighed, exchanging looks with Aurora. She only shrugged and handed the baby back to a servant.
Aurora hugged Sarah one last time. “You’ll let us know when the babies come?” she asked yet again.
“Of course. You’d better get over there,” she said, smiling through her tears. “They’re starting to look at us again.”
“Okay,” said Aurora, sniffling. “I’ll miss you. It was nice having someone to talk to, even if it was only for a few days.”
“I know. I’ll miss you, too. Take care of my niece. I’ll miss seeing her grow.”
“You’ll be busy with your kids. And I’ll try to keep you up to date.” They hugged again, then Aurora went to join Starlight.
“I’m ready to go,” she said simply, collecting the baby from him.
“Good luck, brother, ”Starlight said, clasping forearms with Jareth.
“The same to you, brother,” Jareth replied. “Keep in touch.”
“I will that,” Starlight replied. He took Aurora’s hand and they stepped through the looking-glass to return home.
Sarah moved closer to Jareth and leaned against him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I hope we’re that lucky,” she said.
“I hope so, too, my love. I hope so, too.”
*THE END*
SilverHawks, Narnia characters, Labyrinth characters, Beauty and the Beast characters and Gargoyles characters are the properties of their respective owners, and are used without permission. These stories are not for sale, and no money is being made from them. Original stories are the property of Lady Moonhawke, as are any original characters. Krysten Barter (AKA Krysten Merino / Skyedansuer) is the property of Lady Razorsharp, and is used with permission.
Send comments to: Lady MoonHawke
Back to the Shadowspace
Back to the Silverhawks Fanfiction
Back to Aurora and Starlight