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In A Time Of Winter	By : Jetredgirl Category: G through L > Labyrinth Views: 5645 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from Labyrinth or it's characters in any way. The Original Characters ARE mine, but I don't profit from them either :)

Chapter List
- 3
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- 5
The Goblin Kingdom
Sarah loved working in her gardens. Yes, as queen she had people she could order to do all the work but she so enjoyed being out in the sunshine. Digging her fingers into the rich underground soil and working alongside Hoggle planting and weeding and trimming the flower bushes and hedges.
She could even do it magically if she really wanted to but tried not to use magic for most things.
At first almost everyone was shocked that she would prefer gardening to doing more "queenly" activities, whatever those were. Her mother in law snipped at her often at her "all too human" ways.
Jareth was not surprised at all. His Sarah was who she was and that is why he adored her. He would sometimes watch her through his window, smiling. He knew she was humming as she always did when gardening, and he watched as she would laugh and smile with her friend the dwarf as they worked. Sometimes she would call upon her other friends, the fox and the rock caller to help. They of course would drop everything to assist. They adored her too.
Sarah knew he watched sometimes. She would feel his attention turn to her and she would look up at the window and smile, sending a silent loving stroke through their bond. He would return it and they would turn back to their tasks going back to their respective days. This affirmation was a private way to always stay connected to know each to the other was there and well.
Sometimes Jareth's covetous nature did bother her. She knew he couldn't help it, but he had gotten much better about it over the years. One thing she knew about her husband, he was a possessive man, and the one thing he was most possessive about was his family, her and the children. She accepted that part of him even if it did occasionally get on her nerves. She was still independent and stubborn, that was part of the reason he loved her. She did understand in a way, he had waited a long time to find someone. He was not about to let anyone attempt to take her away from him again.
She had completed her initial warriors training around 5 years after her arrival. It would have taken a shorter amount of time, but she had bore 2 children in those first years, then the twins shortly afterward. She still trained 2-3 times a week to maintain her skills and was always working on her speed and dexterity. She felt she was more than able to defend herself and her kingdom if necessary.
Her two oldest daughters trained as well. She felt it was important they were able to fight and protect themselves as well as her boys. They would probably end up far surpassing her as they had been trained since their youth. The two youngest were still some years away from starting to train if they chose too.
Harmony took to it like a duck to water, especially the sword. She was becoming a true warrior woman in every sense.
Then there was Lily, Sarah's kind, soft hearted, ever smiling child. She was proficient and could protect herself easily, but had no real desire to fight. She was the diplomat, a mother hen following in her mother's footsteps. Sarah expected she would be the first to marry and would have a large brood much like herself if she was able. No one knew if the children of a former human of Sarah's considerable strength and an immortal would maintain the level of fertility as their human heritage.
Thinking about Jareth reacting to any of his daughters get involved with a man made Sarah grin and chuckle. She pitied who those men might be. She knew that was how it was here. The boys pushed to be independent and the girls growing up protected and then expected to marry well and add to the immortal population. However she thought deep down Jareth would prefer his girls stay under his roof forever, safe from harm.
She knew several formal inquiries had already been presented to Jareth for betrothal to either one of The Goblin King's eldest daughters. Sherryana, wife of Caolin, Jareth's assistant, right hand man, and best friend, had told her Caolin had seen them. He also had told her Jareth rejected every single one immediately. He had no intention of marrying his daughters off to anyone who was practically a stranger to himself or them. Himself and Sarah were 2 of the most magically powerful beings in the underground. To marry one of their children would give someone a great deal of power themselves, so such matters had to be dealt with a great deal of caution.
"Sarah..gotta watch that one there, gots some big thorns that one does." Hoggle said beside her.
She looked closer and say what he was talking about. The glorious turquoise flowers had developed large thorns recently.
"Well that explains my eldest daughter's behavior a bit doesn't it?" She smiled and looked over at Hoggle.
For each child that had been born, a new flower had appeared in her garden. The turquoise roses were Harmony's flower. Nearby, large purple lilies that marked Lily's arrival grew.
On the other side of the garden, beautiful flowers that look similar to chrysanthemums had appeared with the twin boys' births, a deep sapphire blue with streaks of red running through the petals. They always grew in twos of course.
Jariel's flower was bright yellow tulip like flower that grew low to the ground and filled in all the gaps. Then little Karelinda had brought beautiful tiny flowers in shades of green that grew on large bushes near the tea garden. Sarah figured it was The Labyrinth's way of welcoming each addition to the world.
Hoggle chuckled. "At that age I suppose. Fightin' to grow up, and wantin' to stay a young'un. Happens to all of us."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it. I cringe when I think of my teenage years. Compared to these kids though, they were a piece of cake. 5 or 6 years and done. Glad I got past it before I came here after all. At 15 I would have been an unholy terror as an immortal. This immortal teenage thing.. it's just so long!"
When immortal children hit puberty the began to age more slowly. Teenage years were decades here. She had lost count on how many years she had been here. She knew technically aboveground it had only been maybe 8 to 10 years. So if she were to return she could really just blend in. Not that she wanted to. She had been a few times, but she always found herself disappointed. After living underground so long above seemed wrong. So much pollution and noise. Too much iron and plastic. She couldn't imagine living there again for any reason.
Hoggle nodded, laughing. "Yeah I remember, girly. Stubborn as all get out. Guess that's what Jareth liked about ya. You sure got his attention." He finished what he had been working on.
"Mama Look!" came a nearby voice.
Karelinda, Sarah's youngest child, was "helping" her mother and Hoggle. Her help consisted mainly of picking flowers and chasing the large rainbow color butterflies that inhabited the garden. One of which was perched on her small hand.
Sarah got up, crossed the grass and kneeled back down next to her daughter. "Isn't she pretty?"
The girl's small head bobbed up and down, her auburn curls bouncing and catching the sunlight.
""Can I keep her Mama?" Karelinda asked.
Sarah smiled. Those big blue eyes looking up at her so earnestly made her heart melt every time.
"No, my sweet girl. She wouldn't be happy in the castle. She belongs out here with her friends and family. You can come and visit her any time you want. You know when I was your age. I called butterflies "flutter bys" because that is what they do. They flutter by!"
Karenlinda giggled and put her hand in the air. The small creature took off back to the flower bushes to do what butterflies do.
Sarah hugged her daughter tight and kissed her forehead. After a moment the girl squirmed out of her mother's arms and took off, chasing more of the fluttering creatures.
Hoggle smothered a smile at the sweet scene when Sarah turned and walked back to him.
"Well I'm done fer the day. Need to get somethin' to eat." He said in a gruff voice.
Sarah examined their work. "We did a good job." She helped pull Hoggle up then brushed the dirt off of her leggings. He wasn't quite so young anymore, though he would not admit it. Dwarves were long lived but not immortal.
They went to where the tables were set up in the tea garden. There a hearty lunch and a large cold pitcher of iced herbal tea waited for them. They sat and enjoyed their food and drink, chatting back and forth about what else needed to be done while Karelinda frolicked around them and munched on a sandwich and cookies.
Sarah enjoyed her time with Hoggle. She found she could tell him anything and he wouldn't judge her. It didn't matter if it was something considered "woman trouble" or about her kids. He had been around a long time and had proven to be wise in a very simple, plain way.
The only thing she didn't really talk to him about was Jareth. He wasn't comfortable with it and she didn't blame him. Between the two there still existed a bit animosity towards each other over her. Jareth's possessive nature came into play in Hoggle's case, too. It had started when she had come here the first time, and never went away.
Hoggle had no doubt his king loved Sarah, he had never seen the rat act the way he did since she had come into his life. He knew Jareth would give his life for her and his children. He could not help to feel that Jareth would prefer Hoggle not be so close to her though. It just bugged him.
"Mama!" A second young voice yelled, breaking the quiet mood of their lunch.
Sarah turned in her chair and watched as her youngest son came barrelling down the path.
"What is it Jariel?"
He stopped in front of her eyes wide. "Nanny told me to come get you. It's Jewel. She's having the baby and said to tell you to hurry."
"I'll clean up here Majesty, you go attend to 'er!' Hoggle said.
Sarah gave him a grateful look. She stood and called Karelinda's name until the girl appeared and came to her side, then holding her children's hands she disappeared from the gardens.
She first went to the nursery chambers and left the children there with Sherryana's daughter Bria who had taken an interest in Moirah's profession and had recently started working under her tutelage. She then appeared at the doors Toby and Jewel's chambers and reached out to Jareth to summon him to his sister's rooms.
She knocked and Moirah answered.
"Thank the Gods. She's been asking for you."
Sarah went into the bed chamber and saw the petite redhead laying on the bed in obvious pain, Toby by her side.
"Jewel?" She said as she sat on the other side and took the girl's hand.
Jewel's pained eyes opened and met hers. She was panting hard as the contraction continued.
"Oh fuck this hurts! How did you do this six times?"
Moirah at the foot of the bed, clucked her tongue. "Really Duchess, such language!"
Sarah had to smile. "I'm a bad influence."
The older woman sighed. "I know."
"Do you two mind!" Toby said, his eyes round and frantic.
Sarah reached over with her other hand and squeezed his. "It will be fine Toby. Women have been doing this since the beginning of time. Ask your brother in law. Of course, he would tell you he was calm cool and collected but trust me when I say he was in the same state as you every time. Relax."
The contraction ended and Jewel relaxed. There was a knock on the door.
"That must be Jareth." Sarah said, giving him a magical nudge to come in.
A few seconds later he appeared. "My mother and sisters should be here shortly. They were out taking a walk so I sent a goblin guard to fetch them. Father is outside. I will not stay either, but wanted to inquire how Jewel is faring." He did not feel it was his place but Toby's to be at her side. Jewel had insisted on Sarah's presence too.
Sarah saw the concern in his eyes. He truly loved his youngest sister deeply. "You know how it goes. She is doing as well as can be expected. We will keep you updated."
Jareth gave a nod and left the room. He closed the door to the sitting room and took a seat with his father. It was going to be a while.
"Sarah.." Jewel moaned. "I don't want anyone else here. This is enough. I know it's tradition and all, but my mother will just make this worse...please?"
"I'll take care of it." Sarah said and left to go wait for her mother in law to show up in the sitting room.
She had just closed the door when they appeared. "Everyone, Jewel has requested to be attended to by just myself, Moirah and Toby.
Illiana glared at her. "Your Majesty, that is my daughter in there. That is the way it is done!"
Sarah sighed. "I realize that. That is her wish though. She wants you all to stay out here."
Jastiel gestured to his wife. "Sit down Illiana. You know how stubborn that girl is. Let it be."
Sarah's mouth twitched and she locked eyes with her husband, both trying not to smile.
Illiana sat. "I'll tell you what it is. She has spent far to much time with certain people and has developed rather humanlike habits."
"Mother.." Jareth warned. He did not abide by disrespectful comments about his wife by anyone.
Sarah shook her head and went back into the bedchamber, letting them bicker.
Hours went by and the contractions got harder and closer together until finally Moirah announced it was time to push.
Jewel's petite body was having a hard time adjusting itself to give birth. Many times during her labor Sarah and Moirah had given each other knowing, worried looks. They did not want to alarm Toby who was already so panicked. With every contraction his face twisted in emotional pain at watching helplessly. Her labor was taking far longer than any of Sarah's.
After many attempts at pushing the baby was born. Jewel gasped as the baby left her body then collapsed back on the bed unconscious.
Moirah handed Sarah the baby wrapped in a soft cloth and was quickly working on Jewel.
Sarah was alarmed, but she gingerly cleaned the squalling baby boy as Moirah did her job. Thankfully he seemed to be fine.
"Too much blood." Moriah finally said. "She is hemorrhaging."
"What?!" Toby screamed.
Sarah called for Jareth with a thought and handed Toby his son.
Jareth rushed in.
"Jareth take Toby out of here please." Sarah said going to help Moirah. She had been given these gifts by The Labyrinth and she could think of no better way to use them.
"I'll send Merrick in." The healer had been standing by out in the sitting room just in case, but typically births were attended to by females unless absolutely necessary.
"What wait!" Toby said as Jareth paid a hand on his arm and they disappeared with the infant.
Merrick came in and with a wave of Sarah's hand the door was locked.
Sarah laid her hands on Jewel's abdomen and took a deep breath, magically slowing the flow of blood so that Moirah and Merrick had time to work their healing magic.
Toby cradled his son, stunned, as Jareth told the others what was happening. There were gasps and cries from everyone their hearts going to Toby, standing there with his newborn son in his arms looking completely lost.
He just stared at the crying baby as if he had just appeared out of the air. His heart felt if it was going to shatter into a million pieces. He could not lose her.
"Toby.." Jareth started.
"Don't..just don't. What if she...how am I supposed to do this by myself?" He said, holding the mewling baby to himself at a loss of what to say or do.
"They will stop at nothing to heal her. You should know never to underestimate your sister. She will not let her die." Jareth said quietly.
Justinia stood then and laid her hand on Toby's arm. "Merrick, too."
Toby sat down and turned the whimpering infant, cradling him to his chest and really looking at him for the first time. He had blue eyes of course and a tuft of light blond hair with hints of red in it. "She didn't even get to see him." Toby said, a small sob escaping. "James. She wanted to name him James. She heard me talking about my grandfather Jimmy, and wanted to name our son after him."
"A fine name." Jareth said. "James. I like it. So James it is."
The group went silent, waiting and worrying.
When Sarah came out a while later everyone stood, waiting.
"She will recover." Sarah walked to her brother and spoke into his eyes. "Jewel is okay, Tobes. She lost a lot of blood, but she will be okay. Immortals are very hearty, thank goodness. Her body just needed time to heal and regenerate and we held the blood flow at bay to give it time to do that."
He almost fainted from relief. He reached out and felt his wife's presence. He had been afraid to try until now. He was terrified all he would feel is a black void.
"Is she awake?" He asked.
"Yes, and she wants to see her son..so get your butt in there." Sarah grinned at him in reassurance.
Toby hurried in as Merrick and Moirah came out.
Sarah peeked back in to see Toby hand the baby to his tired but smiling wife on the bed and closed the door.
As she turned Jareth was there to take her in his arms. He felt her fear and worry, and had silently encouraged her to use whatever energy of his she might have needed. Fortunately she hadn't needed to. Jewel's condition was not as bad as it had first seemed. She had broken several blood vessels delivering the baby, but with magic and some time they were able to repair the damage.
Moirah cleared her throat to get everyone's attentions. "Everyone, Jewel needs rest tonight. It would be better if you gave her until tomorrow to receive visitors and then only one or two at a time. While she is healed, her body needs to generate blood to replace what she lost and that may take a day or two. She is relegated to bed rest for 3 days."
The group slowly dispersed, going back to their rooms or elsewhere in the castle. It was getting late and past the time they usually gathered in the dining hall for dinner but the servants would be waiting. They knew what was going on and had been through the routine before.
As they were leaving Harmony and Lily were coming in to see what was happening.
"Is the baby here? I can't wait to see him!" Lily said excitedly. Sarah put her arm around her daughter and spoke quietly. "Yes. He is a healthy boy but Jewel had some trouble and needs to rest. Where are the other children?"
"Sherryana and Bria are watching Jer and Kari." Harmony answered. "Perryn and Robbie are out with Van and Zane somewhere in the forest with Ludo exploring and Nalah tagging along...don't know why we all know the forest like the backs of our hands but they are always looking for some grand adventure."
"I will go find them." Jareth said, making his exit.
Lily linked arms with her mother and pulled Harmony in line with them as they walked down the hall.
"What did they name him?" Lily asked her mother.
"James. After mine and Toby's grandfather. Your great grandfather. He died when Toby was about 5 or 6. A good man he was. He worked for the railroad. That's a mode of transportation above."
"I know what a railroad is, Mother." Harmony answered. "Remember you brought back books from the above? Not like it matters as we aren't allowed to go there yet."
Lily nudged her sister. "We will someday."
"Yes. of course. I'll see you two at dinner? I'll go fetch the little ones and meet you all there." Sarah answered.
They nodded and continued on their way.
Sarah wished she knew why Harmony was so disagreeable with her at times. As she walked to the children's wing she pondered the problem with her oldest child.
When she was born she had been a very content quiet baby, happy, rarely crying in earnest. She had grown serious as she had gotten older. Incredibly clever, gifted at magic, more stubborn than either of her parents and that was saying something. Once she set a goal for herself she would stop at nothing to accomplish it.
Lately though, it was different. Until recently she had been her most even tempered one, not given to emotional outbursts. Sarah would really like to understand what was affecting her so deeply.
Maybe Jareth could get it out of her, Sarah thought. Tonight she would have to talk with her husband to encourage him to see if he could get her to reveal her trouble. If he can't, no one can.
When she opened the nursery door she was greeted with by Karelinda who wrapped her small chubby arms armd her mother's legs and smiled up at her.
"Mama!" The girl exclaimed, her lilting child's voice sweet music to Sarah's ears.
"Hello my baby, are you ready for dinner?" Sarah asked as she swung her up and settled her on a hip.
Sherryana and her daughter Bria were both there.
Bria was in between Harmony and Lily in age, with hair and eyes the color of chocolate like her father Caolin. As well as caring for the children she loved to entertain them with stories and had become very good and making up different voices. She was also a beautiful singer and loved music. Jareth and Caolin had been able to magically craft, well as closely as possible using underground materials, a guitar like instrument for her, and she would play and sing. She was fascinated with the aboveground music Sarah was able to conjure up and had even learned some of the songs by ear that she had heard.
"I'm hungry Mama!" Jariel said as he joined his sister and mother at the door.
Sarah ran a hand over his soft blonde hair and took his hand.
"Did they behave?" She asked Sherryana.
"Yes mostly." Sherryana answered as they all left the room to go to the dining hall. "How is Jewel? Caolin stopped by a few minutes ago and told us what happened. So frightening!"
"She will heal. Wait until you see the baby. He is adorable! Almost makes me want to have another. Almost." She gave her friend a smile and a wink.
The other woman smiled back. "It won't we so much longer until the next generation will be having children. I don't think we need to have anymore the way things have been going."
Immortals were not the most fertile of people. Yet since Sarah had come to The Labyrinth and had been connected to the power of the land itself The Goblin Kingdom had been gifted with many children within it's boundaries.
Jareth had tried to figure out what had occurred to make that happen but had been unsuccessful in finding any situation like it ever happening. All the Labyrinth would tell him that by it connecting to her they had both been forever changed, therefore the very land of their kingdom, the air, the water, every living thing within The Labyrinth and it's lands, was also changed.
Sarah nodded in agreement.
"Where do babies come from?" Jariel asked suddenly, startling the 2 women and teenager.
"Ummm." Sarah knew it was coming but her and Jareth had agreement. He told the boys, she dealt with the girls. "They come from a special place where they grow inside a mommy's body, you know that already. Then when they are ready they are born. You should ask your father, he can answer your question better than me."
Sherryana tried to hide her grin, unsuccessfully. Bria used no such pretense and waited to see what would happen.
"Oh. Okay." Jariel said, his little brow wrinkling.
They knew what would happen, he would ask Jareth and Jareth would clear his throat, act all "kingly" and go into some long drawn out explanation that would make no sense to the small child until Jariel got bored with it and left it alone. They had seen it before many times. It was something that caused unspoken mirth among the king's family and closest staff. They could never say it, but they all had to hide smiles when Jareth in a moment of discomfiture would go into his official acting Goblin King self especially with the children.
Then there were the times when he got to be just Jareth, husband and father and friend. Those all too rare occasions that allowed them all to do things like go to the lake shore not to far from The Goblin City and he would frolic, dance and sing much to the delight to his family.
He confided in Sarah that he would only do so in the company of the goblins before he had a family of his own. Being simple rather non judgemental creatures goblins adored it when he would do so. The immortal courts would be shocked.
When they got to the dining hall, everyone was already there waiting. The chatter was all about baby James and what had happened with Jewel.
Jareth stood and pulled out the chair next to him for Sarah, smiling at her as she sat. The two children took their seats next to her.
When the serving elves came to Sarah, she told them to make sure and take food to Toby and Jewel's chambers. Moirah had stayed behind to make sure everything was going well and had orders to call the queen immediately if anything should be amiss. She would also make sure the couple got dinner as well as herself.
Sarah would go back right after dining with her family to check on things.
Once everyone was served and eating Jariel piped up.
"Daddy, where do babies come from? Mama told me to ask you." He asked loudly enough for everyone to hear. They all turned to observe the child and then looked at Jareth waiting to see what he would say.
He looked at Sarah with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "Really love?"
Sarah grinned. "We had a deal."
Jareth cleared his throat "Well son.."
There was a rustle of activity as everyone tried to hide their smiles behind hands and napkins.
He paused and looked at everyone, giving them all a glare. Then turned back to the boy and continued.
"You see first two people, a male and female, must come to a mutual agree to enter into a marriage. They have a long courtship and their families meet and negotiate a proper marriage contract, which is then approved by the King and Queen of their kingdom. Once that is in place, the couple then has their union performed by an official of the courts or either of the monarchs...what are you smiling at?" He stopped and looked at his wife questioningly.
Sarah was trying not to laugh but turning red behind her napkin. She managed to get herself under control enough to speak. "Oh nothing, Your Majesty. Please continue."
Jariel who was already bored and drifting in and out of listening to his father added to her amusement. "Is that what you and Mama did?"
Jareth didn't answer for a minute, formulating his reply. "Well, no. However your mother and myself were a unique circumstance. Due to underground laws set forth millennia ago I had but one..."
He saw the boy was already turned from him and talking to his baby sister about butterflies. "Jariel do you not want me to answer your question?"
Jariel shook his head. "Never mind daddy..I guess babies come from somewhere boring." He went back to talking to his sister.
Jareth looked at Sarah with slightly widened eyes. "I do believe our children need better lessons in manners."
Sarah chuckled and squeezed her husband's hand. "Yeah that must be it. I'll have you know these children have excellent manners. However you might want to keep it simple for the little ones, my love. They have yet to get the lessons about contracts and negotiations and the like."
Jastiel from the other table nearby spoke then. "You were much worse, Jareth. Your children are tame compared the hellion you were at his age. By his age you had nearly burned the house down at least half a dozen times and were quite unwelcome at most of their neighboring houses due to your habit of turning yourself into an owl and scaring people by sneaking out and going to stare into their windows late at night. Keeping servants for more than a few weeks was nearly impossible due to the little tricks you used to love to play on them. I will also remind you not one, but at least four of your tutors left screaming in the middle of the night refusing to return."
Jareth turned a little red and looked sheepish. "Sarah do not believe my father. He exaggerates."
"Oh I'm sure. You were a perfect angel." Sarah answered back, openly giggling now.
Jareth stood and cleared his throat again. "As I am finished, I do believe I have some work to complete before retiring for the evening. Excuse me."
After he left everyone went back to finishing their dinner. Sarah excused herself to go back to check on Jewel. She also felt a little bad about teasing her husband.
Jewel was sleeping peacefully and Sarah checked her using magic to make sure she was making progress in her healing.
Toby had been dozing when Sarah slipped into the room, and woke up at his sister's arrival.
"Hey sis." He said yawning and stretching.
"Did you eat?" Sarah asked him.
He nodded. "Jewel had a little soup and bread too. She wasn't really hungry."
Sarah went to the cradle and saw the baby was awake, so she picked him up and cradled her nephew to herself. She looked him over making sure all was well then smiled and cooed rocking him back and forth.
"Oh Toby..he is so precious. I can't believe you're a dad. Our dad and your mom would be so proud of you." Tears came to her eyes and when she looked up she saw that Toby's eyes the same.
Toby stood and walked to his sister. She laid the baby in his arms and stepped back. "I know. I wish..." Then he stopped. The words didn't need to be said. They both wished it. Sarah knew that feeling. She had it every time one of her own was born.
She put an arm around her brother. "Me too Tobes. Me too."
"Do you think they would have came here with us? Could Jareth have done that?" He had to ask.
Sarah smiled sadly. "I don't know Toby it was never an option. I like to think they would have loved it here."
The two siblings stood in silence for a few minutes, thinking about their parents.
Finally Sarah spoke. "Well, brother dear, I better go to to my husband. I do believe he may need me." She could feel he was a little hurt by the scene in the dining hall. For all his bluster and ego, Jareth was pretty sensitive.
Toby nodded. "I may have to wake Jewel soon anyway. Jamey is getting hungry I think and I don't have the equipment to feed him." He joked, smiling.
Sarah laughed with him then bid him good bye with a kiss on the cheek, then kissed the baby's forehead. "Moirah's in the sitting room reading and staying nearby in case you need her. Make sure she doesn't sleep there all night. You know how she is."
She left and greeted the woman sitting in the next room near the fireplace reading as she went through the sitting room, reminding her to get some sleep.
She then went to Jareth's study and knocked on the door. The guards outside greeted her with a smile. She felt Jareth's magic touch her.
"Come" came the terse voice of her husband from inside. She went in and saw Jareth was not at his desk but sitting by the window looking out, drink in hand.
"Jareth, don't be mad. You take yourself too seriously sometimes." Sarah said softly as she crossed the room. She stood next to his chair until he smirked at her and adjusted his position to welcome her to sit on his lap. He put his arms around her and laid his chin on the top of her head.
After a few minutes he spoke softly. "I am not mad. Not really. I do believe there are times when I am still getting used to all the changes in my life. It used to be that no one would speak to me in such a casual manner. Even my father has changed so much since living here. I am not sure if you are a bad influence or a good one, my dear."
Sarah agreed. "I think change is good. Jareth, when we are alone and you let your guard down, when you are truly just yourself you are such a wonderful person. Loving, kind, gentle, funny. I wish others could see that in you."
Jareth went to speak and Sarah stopped him. "Before you say it I know. But, we are your family, Jareth. We will love you no matter what. Outside these walls and when we have official visitors, we all know you have to be The Goblin King. Here though..isn't it nice to just be Jareth?"
Jareth sighed. "Sometimes. We still need to instill better manners in the children though. Sarah. I am afraid if we ever have to attend a formal dinner elsewhere with the younger children we may cause quite a scandal. It is for their own good. We don't want them to be ostracized."
It was Sarah's turn to sigh. She knew it to be true. "I know. They need more training in courtly behavior. I keep forgetting that here kids can't just be kids after a certain point. Ugh. Alright. How about we bring in one of those instructors you have talked about before. Sherryana did well with Harmony and Lily, but she has had less time with the boys and younger ones, so we need to expand our staff again I suppose."
"I will send word to Talystra that The Goblin Kingdom needs a finishing instructor post haste." Jareth replied.
He had Sarah stand so he could. He drained his glass and offered her his arm "It is getting late. Shall we?"
Sarah took it and smiled. "Absolutely. Let's go check on the children and tuck them in and say goodnight, then go to bed ourselves. It's been a very long day."
He wiggled his brows at her. "I was thinking we might take a hot bath first."
Sarah got his meaning. "Oh..I think that sounds very nice, Your Majesty."
As they left the study, they were smiling together thinking of the rest of their evening.
Yay Toby is a daddy!
To alleviate a little confusion:
S&J's children: Harmony Age 20. Lily, Age 18. Perryn and Robert, Age 15. Jariel, Age 8. Karelinda, Age 4.
Notes: Bria and Zane are the children of Caolin and Sherryana. Ivan(Van) is the son of Jolena and Ivan, and Justinia and Merrik's daughter is Nalah.
I want to forewarn people, stuff is going to go down in this story. There are going to be casualties, loss, angst, so don't hate me for it please and be prepared. I'm letting myself have the first few chapters to craft characters and for some fun, family time, fluff and general smooshiness but.. NOT going to stay that way. Have 4 written and working on 5..after that...:shrug: who knows? I'm really trying to challenge myself to go down that angsty path.
Thank you for reading lovely people! You rock!!
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In A Time Of Winter