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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
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When Lily rose out of bed early the next morning, she saw that Harmony had already dressed and was gone. She had done that a lot recently.
Harmony didn't know her sister was well aware of her recent restlessness. Every time she had woken; panicked, breathing hard, gasping for air Lily had woken up and waited silently for her sister to reach out to her, hoping she would. Harmony being herself she never did.
For weeks she wanted to go to her mother and tell what had been going on but ultimately she felt it wasn't her place. Until this morning.
It didn't stop her from worrying though. She couldn't help it.
She wasn't nearly as gifted in the magic department as anyone else in her family. Only time would tell if her two youngest siblings would also surpass her.
What magic she possessed was a bit different than the others. It was the magic of mages and healers, earthy and grounded. The magic to weave great works would always be beyond her but she had decided by watching the burden Harmony carried that she really didn't want that kind of power.
All she really wanted was her family and loved ones healthy, happy, and safe.
She dressed quickly in what had become standard dress while at home for all the royal females. Leggings, boots and a long tunic with a leather belt. Visitors to The Goblin Kingdom were always quite shocked at the fashion The Goblin Queen and her daughters wore.
All the children of the Goblin King and Queen also wore a pendant made featuring a stone Ludo had provided for each of them. Cast in fine silver in the shape of the downturned horns that was the emblem of the kingdom, the stone was inlaid in the center then carved into it was a fearsome goblin face. Lily's was a warm amber stone.
Unlike dinner, breakfast had stopped being a family affair years before. Most of the adults had duties that meant they had to be up early, the children had lessons to attend to, so over time it became dinner that was the family meal. Lily when to the hall and grabbed a quick meal of hot porridge and fruit before reluctantly going to speak with her mother. She had thought most of the night and decided to go to her with her suspicions about her sister. She just hoped Harmony wouldn't be too mad.
She knocked on the door to Sarah's study and was immediately ushered inside.
Her mother had been working at her desk, Sherryana loyally helping her go through her daily routine.
When Lily came in she stopped and smiled at her daughter but the smile faded a little at the worried look on Lily's face. "What is it Lily? Is something wrong, you look a bit upset."
"Sarah, I'll take take this approved list of acquisitions to the king if you like, then he can have them sent out." Sherryana said, sensing she should give the mother and daughter some privacy.
Sarah nodded. "Yes please. Tell him I've marked what is needed as soon as possible and what needs his approval. You know some of these people still won't do business directly with me after all these years." She said wryly.
Sherryana bowed and left.
"What would happen if something happened to Father?" Lily asked her. She knew her mother, although popular and revered by many, was still looked down upon in certain circles. There were those who hated the idea of a mortal born queen on any throne much less The Goblin Throne.
Sarah rolled her eyes and laughed. "Who knows. Guess they would just have to deal then. But nothing will ever happen to your father, don't worry. He isn't allowed to leave me here alone. He promised me in the first days I was here he wouldn't ever leave me and he damn well better keep that promise."
Lilly nodded and looked down at her hands.
Sarah got up and came around the desk, sitting on the edge and taking Lily's hands in her own.
"What is going on?"
Her daughter sighed. "I need to tell you something. But I'm afraid if I do it will cause trouble. Promise me you won't go off and make a big deal mom. I'm just so worried..I don't know what to do."
Sarah let one of her daughter's hands go and smoothed Lily's her unruly hair. So much like Jareth's she thought. A little more curly, but still.
"You can tell me anything, child. I promise." She assured the girl.
"Well..it's Mony..I think I might know what's going on with her. I mean maybe not exactly, and not everything, but maybe what part of it is." She began to ramble to delay what she didn't want to say.
Sarah's eyes gaze sharpened a bit. This was unusual. Lily would never tattle on her sister. It must be serious.
"Alright. I swear I won't say anything to Harmony unless it needs to be addressed. Does that help?"
Sarah replied.
"She.." Lily started. "She has been having nightmares almost every night. She thinks I haven't noticed but I have."
Sarah squeezed her daughter's hand. "She hasn't told you what kind of nightmares at all?"
Lily shook her head.
"Does your father know?" Sarah asked, remembering the night before.
"I don't think so. Harmony is really trying to keep it to herself." Lily answered.
Sarah dropped her hands and went back and sat down. "It could be something cyclical. When I was a teenager, during certain times..I would have very vivid nightmares too. Maybe that is hereditary. Damn. Okay, Lily..thank you. I'm glad you told me. I will keep my promise at least for now. I wish she would come to me. Are you having them too?"
"No. I wake up because she wakes up. I don't say anything though. Maybe I should but you know how she is." Lily said as she stood and walked to the door.
Sarah stopped her with her words. "By the way, Lily, we will be having a finishing instructor coming soon."
Lily gave her a sour look.
"I know I know. Your father insists. He has a point. Soon you all will be entering society proper. We have put if off far longer than most other people do with their children. You eventually will start spending more time away from home. We want to make sure you all know everything you need to know about conducting yourselves. Not because of your father and myself, but there could be serious consequences to you all personally if you don't do things a certain way. You know we love you all the way you are." She gave her a silly grin.
Lily sighed deeply and shook her head as she went out the door. While she was annoyed, she would do as her parents asked. Harmony however was another matter. Contrary as she was she was not going to like it one bit.

_
Jareth was working when there was a sudden rush of activity and pounding in his study door.
"Come!" he commanded, alarms beginning to sound throughout the castle. His guards rushed in.
"Sire, there is an alert that an intruder has crossed into The Goblin Kingdom near The Labyrinth."
Jareth had been on edge recently as he had to deal with the Elsian situation in a couple of days. His nervous energy set his teeth on edge.
"Well? Who is it?"
"We are waiting word. Shall we have them brought to the castle?" Teegan asked.
Jareth thought a moment. "No. Bring the intruder to the courtyard. I will deal with whomever it is there. I would prefer no one I do not know allowed to enter the castle at this time. I must ensure the safety of my family. Caolin please go with them to bring them back immediately."
Caolin and the tall goblin guard nodded together once then left to carry out his king's orders.
Teegan and the Royal Goblin Guard were all of the rarest of the goblin species, taller and more humanoid than the rest. They were fierce warriors and loyal to a fault. Their shorter, simpler brethren in truth had little in common with them. Since Sarah and the children had come along, the most of the goblins not on staff in the castle were relegated to The Goblin City.
Jareth stood and disappeared from his study appearing at the top of the stairs to the courtyard in full armor. A minute later the group appeared at the foot of the stairs escorting a dwarf.
"He says he is the gardener's brother, Your Majesty." Caolin announced. "Here for a short visit."
Jareth strode down the stairs and glared down at the dwarf. He did look rather like Hoggle he thought. Then again dwarves all tended to have similar features didn't they?
"Your name?" Jareth commanded.
The dwarf glared back but took off his hat an bowed slowly. "Name's Merkle, Yer Majesty. Just 'ere to see me brother Hoggle."
"I see." He turned to Caolin. "Have Hoggle report here immediately." Caolin bowed and left to fetch him.
Jareth made no move to be welcoming. "What is the purpose of this visit?"
The little man's lower lips trembled a little. "Ju..just to see 'im. I swear it. Been a long time since I seen any family."
Caolin appeared with a flustered Hoggle. He hated to teleport. "What's this now?" Hoggle said in a surly tone. Then he noticed the other dwarf standing there. "Well I'll be..Merkle?"
Merkle gave him a wan smile. "Hello brother Hoggle."
Jareth addressed Hoggle then. "So this one is your brother then, Hoghead?"
Hoggle gave Jareth a dirty look and nodded. Did he have to do that in front of everyone? "Yep. My younger brother. Heard tell you settled in the troll lands. What are ya doin' 'ere?"
Jareth narrowed his eyes. "Troll lands?"
Merkle didn't know who to answer first so his words came out in a rush. "It's quiet there. Don't like a lot of company. Just got a hankering to see ya though Hoggle. Yer the closest livin' relative around."
The guards had searched his belongs and found nothing suspicious. "All clear, Mainly food and clothing. The bag is rather odd though." Teegan said.
Jareth took the bag the guard was holding out. Once he touched it he hissed and threw down. "Disgusting. You know this is troll skin? Where did you get that?"
Merkle's eyes widened. He had not known that. "Well I..I traded some trolls that came by a while back. They wanted some grunkfish and I had some fresh. They gives me the bag in trade. didn't know what it was made out of."
Jareth nudged it back to the dwarf with his boot. "Yes. Well...you may stay with Hoggle for a few days at his cottage. Do not wander far, dwarf. Hoggle is in charge of making sure you behave yourself. Hoggle your brother here had better not cause any trouble or you will pay along with him. I have an appointment in two days and will be gone for another 2 days, during that time the Queen will be in charge. I am very busy and have no desire to be chasing errant creatures around my kingdom. Neither does my wife."
He turned and went up the stairs followed by the guards. Turning back he gave final instructions. "Caolin please deposit them at Hoggle's cottage and report back to me. One last thing,.." He looked at Merkle. "Conduct yourself with the utmost care. I don't like strangers in my kingdom. I don't trust you just because you are Hoggle's brother so do not think to try anything untoward. You will find the consequences unpleasant." He smirked at the two and with a flap of his cloak was gone back into the castle proper.
Caolin disappeared with the two dwarves in tow. The visitor visibly shaken.

_
Two days later Harmony accompanied her father to Talystra. She was excited and a bit scared.
Usually she preferred to stay home but this seemed like it would be an interesting adventure. Plus she got to go with her father.
"Now, Harmony, I expect you to do as I say while we're here. I am not certain what will occur and you promised me you would remain safely out of harm's way. Did you bring your sword?" Jareth instructed her as they rode by carriage to The Council Hall and the quarters kept there.
"Yes father. I have everything. I'll stay out of trouble. You know me." She smiled at Jareth trying to sooth his worries.
"The Prince will be here at noon today, and will be escorted home at noon tomorrow. Take care." Jareth went on. He trusted his daughter. It was everyone else he didn't trust.
He also was not in the best mood. He had fought with Sarah the few days because of course she wanted to come. He insisted she stay home. Eventually she agreed, as long as Harmony went along. She told him about her conversation with Lily the week before and hoped this would give him a chance to talk with Harmony about her nightmares.
The carriage arrived at the hall and they were escorted to The Goblin Kingdom's quarters. It had used to be their kingdom wasn't allotted permanently assigned rooms, but Sarah had finally convinced the council they would need them as their family expanded.
The were served a light brunch and a few minutes before noon, Jareth left to wait at the entrance for the group from The Elf Kingdom to arrive. He instructed Harmony to repair to the large library as she always enjoyed it there.
At approximately midday Jareth stood ramrod straight, a glare affixed to his face as he was informed the carriage was on it's way to the hall. He could not help but have a tight grip on his sword as he stood with his guards at the ready.
He saw the carriage come into view and he narrowed his eyes. He noticed also waiting for the carriage was King Eriol.
When it stopped there was a long moment when nothing happened. There were plenty of spectators on hand to see what happened.
After a few minutes to door was opened and the passengers were gestured out.
Jareth growled low in his throat and waited.

_
Prince Elsian was fraught with anxiety as the carriage pulled up to the hall. He had not seen the city since his exile. It looked much the same. Then again. Not much ever changed at least aesthetically about the capitol city.
He saw the large crowd of people waiting for his arrival. He wondered what they were going to do. Lynch him, chase him, throw things at him, or simply stare and whisper? Most likely the latter.
Drell sat across from him. "Remain calm, Sire. No one will be allowed to harm you. This is after all their idea, not yours."
The carriage stopped and Elsian was reluctant to get out. He waited for his pounding heart to slow a little. He could see near the entrance the blazing eyes of The Goblin King staring at the carriage. Elsian swallowed hard and waited.
A Council guard opened the door and gestured. Drell gave him an encouraging look and exited first. Elsian closed his eyes and plunged ahead, practically jumping from the carriage in his anxious state.
There were gasps and whispers all around him. His father approached him. "My son. It is good to see you looking well." He bowed respectfully and took his place beside him.
Elsian was not allowed to be armed. Bare handed and apprehensive he said nothing as himself and his father flanked by guards came up to The Goblin King and his group.
Jareth watched the men approach slowly. He smirked as he could see and sense Elsian's fear. Good he thought. If he is afraid of me then he will behave himself. He knows his life is in *my* hands here, and any small infraction would give me a reason to take it.
The Elf King Eriol bowed his head to Jareth. "Lord Jareth."
Jareth gave him the same cursory bow of the head. "Lord Eriol." He did not take his eyes of the man next to him however.
Eriol nudged his son.
As protocol, Elsian kneeled and bowed low. His mouth tight. He waited for The Goblin King to do what he would. He was required to show his remorse of his actions by giving Jareth the opening to take his life if he so chose to do so. So kneeling and bowing in such a way exposed his neck and made him vulnerable to a killing blow.
The crowd was silent.
Jareth gripped his sword so tightly his knuckles were white. His muscles twitched with desire to swing it.
He closed his eyes and sighed deep, letting his hand relax. He had promised Sarah.
"Rise, Prince Elsian."
Elsian stood and eyed The Goblin King, warily watching him as Jareth spoke.
"You realize you owe my Queen your life? That if it were up to me, you would have died with your sister for your crimes against my wife, and my kingdom?"
Elsian nodded. "I do. Your Majesty Lord Jareth." He bowed his head and stared at the ground.
"Good. Keep that in mind. I'm sure your father informed you she alone supported his petition for you to come here. You have much to be grateful for. Not the least of which my wife is an incredibly kind and forgiving woman. I am not so forgiving."
Elsian swallowed hard again and said nothing. He knew all of these things but The Goblin King had the right to speak his peace.
Everyone close enough to hear the confrontation watched with rapt attention. The gossip mongers would surely have plenty to speak about.
Jareth gestured to his guards who turned to allow Jareth ahead of them to stay between the two men. This is how they walked towards the stairs to the 3rd floor where Elsian would be taken to a room to await his visit with his mother.
"Lord Jareth!" A loud voice sounded. He turned and saw a courier from the council running towards him.
Jareth pinched the bridge of his nose and gave the courier an impatient look. "What is it? I am rather busy."
The courier bowed deeply. "I apologize, Lord Jareth. Lord Larknel requests you come see him immediately. Some sort of paperwork that must be completed having to do with lodging your guards here."
"Now?" Jareth demanded. The council was not fond of having the goblins at the hall. It was always a hassle even though the kingdom now held permanent rooms. "Very well." He turned towards the group. "Stay in this general area until I return. It should not be too long."
The group bowed to him as he took his leave, his two guards trailing behind him.
Eriol spoke then. "I will go and make sure your mother is awake and ready for you, Elsian." He took off up the stairs leaving his son standing there with the guards.
Elsian stood there a couple of minutes wondering what to do. They were standing in the middle of walkway by the main staircase essentially blocking foot traffic.
He turned to his father's guards. "The library is right there. Would it be alright if we went in out of the way of these people?"
He was getting some very nasty looks. His anxiety and paranoia wondered if someone would take a swing at him to curry favor with The Goblin King. The library was quiet.
The guards discussed it for a moment and decided as long as the doors were left open so he could be watched it would be fine. His magic was bound and there was no other way out, so he would be essentially trapped in the room.
Elsian was relieved when he crossed the threshold and was out of the main hall. He went further into the room and took a seat, almost collapsing into it.
He didn't notice he wasn't alone.

_
Harmony was bored. She loved to read but there were no books at the hall library that they didn't have in the library at home. She wandered among the rows of books until she found one that was mildly interesting. It was an ancient volume on magic that she had read many times but she could always use a brush up. She sat down to read near the window.
She heard voices and people coming closer, then a man came in and plopped into a chair not ten feet away from her.
He was taller than her, she could tell. He was lean with broad shoulders and long silvery blond hair tied back into a ponytail. His leather clothes were formal, but plain and unadorned. Black leggings and tan jacket, with a white shirt underneath. He seemed very bothered by something. She could see by his profile he had a strong jaw but retained the high cheekbones that most of their people had.
He bore no sword or weapon of any sort. That was unusual.
Usually she would not talk to people she did not know. This was drummed into her. Something compelled her.
"Is something wrong?" She asked him. He jumped and turned staring at her with bright lavender eyes that held surprise as well as weariness in them. He wore none of the painted or magicked on facial markings worn by men of royalty.
"No..yes...I am sorry Miss, I did not know there was anyone in here." He sighed and sat back into the chair.
Harmony stood and walked over to him. "It's alright. I don't own the place or anything. Just passing the time."
Then she smiled at him.
Elsian had been surprised at the voice coming from behind him. When he turned he did not expect what he saw. There was a stunning young woman watching him with sparkling turquoise eyes, peaches and cream skin, full red lips and a mane of dark shiny hair. Who was she? He had never seen her in all his days in the courts. She must have matured while he was in exile.
She came closer to stand right next to him. She was uncommonly tall. He could see she was lithe and graceful but in a different way than he had ever seen. She carried herself with an amazing amount of self assuredness and power. Her expression was open and curious, nothing coy or catty like so many of the women her age looking for a mate. She looked a little familiar but he could not place her at all.
He stood and faced her, surprised to find she only two or three inches shorter than he was. Somehow he forgot where he was or why he was there.
"I uh..that's fine. I just wanted to sit a moment. It has been a long day and promises to be even longer. I should go. "
She touched his arm. "You don't have to really. Stay if you would like."
Elsian's eyes widened at her fingers laying softly on his arm. Most of his fellow immortals turned away from him if they saw him. It was all part of the politics of being exiled. He was not supposed to exist in anyone's eyes anymore.
He backed away and gave her a sad smile. This was the kind of woman he would never have. At most he would most likely marry a woman from one of the poorer villages, too remote to care much of what was going on at the council hall. In some ways he knew he might be happier that way. That wouldn't happen for a long time, if ever.
"No, I need to go. Thank you though, for saying that." He turned and left the library closing the door behind him.
The guards were standing nearby waiting. "Feel better, Lord Elsian?"
He looked at them grimly. "I am no lord. Not anymore. Where is Drell?"
"He was sent ahead to the room you were given. He is waiting there." A guard answered.
Just then The Goblin King rounded the corner and approached them. "Where is Lord Eriol?" He said to the group.
Elsian could tell he was frustrated. "He went to make sure my mother was awake and ready." he replied.
Jareth glared at him. Elsian thought to himself that seemed to be the only facial expression he had at the moment. "Fine. Let us go. After you, Elsian." He drawled. He knew having The Goblin King walking behind him would make the exiled man uncomfortable.
He smiled wickedly at the thought. As it should.
They started up the stairs when they all heard a woman behind them which caused them all to turn back partway up the first flight.
"Father, wait up I don't want to wait in the library anymore I.." She stopped when she saw Elsian was among the men her father was with.
The Goblin King took a few steps down to meet the girl.
"Harmony you should not be here. Go back to the library. I told you you were not to participate in this. That was the deal of you coming with me." He told her sternly.
She looked up at him with those big innocent eyes. "But Father.." Her eyes slid to Elsian, smiling.
"Hello again." She said sweetly.
Jareth turned to Elsian, full rage upon his face. "What does she mean, hello again? When did you come anywhere near my daughter?"
He stomped up the stairs separating them and grabbed Elsian by his collar, pulling him close. "Do not lie to me. I will kill you gladly."
Elsain felt the king's grip tightening. "I did nothing. I just went to the library to sit for a moment and.."
"Father what is going on? We just spoke briefly in the library." Harmony ran up the stairs behind him and grabbed hold of The Goblin King's other arm.
Jareth turned to his daughter. His wide eyed sheltered daughter who knew nothing of real evil and cruelty. "Child, do you not realize who this is?!" He said, his voice rising. "This is Prince Elsian." He spit the words out like the tasted particularly bad. "This is the man that nearly cost not only your mother her life but yours as well!"
Elsian saw the girl's eyes look up into his. First disbelief, then what looked to be disappointment flitted through them. After a few seconds she dropped her gaze and turned away.
He never felt more ashamed. The Goblin King's daughter. Of course. The resemblance to her parents was obvious now.
Jareth shoved him hard up the stairs and let go of him. "Guards, make sure he is deposited into his room. I will escort my daughter to ours and return shortly."
He took Harmony's arm and sped them away up the stairs and in the other direction as quickly as he could, his two goblin guards rushing to keep up. Before they were out of sight the girl looked back at him, anger and shock evident on her face.
The guards shoved him ahead in the other direction. He just looked down at his boots and let them lead him wherever they were taking him, a painful ache settling into his chest.
Sorry this took so long. I have not forgotten and am working on it. My muse put this *new* idea in my head and have been splitting my time. The new story will be short, maybe 5 chapters, rather dark, for me, and pretty intense. I am almost 100% sure the title will be "Something Precious." It may be a bit longer for the AFF version I haven't decided as there are elements I am not comfortable posting elsewhere but I haven't decided if I will leave them out completely or not. I am committing to get it out soon.
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In A Time Of Winter