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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Well what do you know...A new chapter! Finally! I apologize for the long wait!
Forewarning: not a happy chapter. This is where things start taking a downturn.
The Goblin Castle
Merkle, with permission from the Queen to enter the castle proper, was relieved no one batted an eyelash when he went back into the castle after dinner with Hoggle. He feigned interest in a book Hoggle had told him about in the library that included some of the history of their dwarf bloodline.
The immortal woman who had been in the library earlier had retired for the evening so the two dwarves had the place to themselves. Hoggle got the book from the shelf and sat at a table with his brother, explaining what the two were reading.
Merkle sighed. He had no interest in the history of his family line. Frankly, he didn't care for his fellow dwarves much more than any other species, but he pretended to listen to his brother all the while trying not to fidget.
"Hoggle, would ya mind if I looked about a little? Never seen so many books." He asked finally.
Hoggle's gray eyebrows rose. "We ain't supposed to wander around willy nilly, Merkle. The King don't like it."
"Aw Hoggle, we already got the okay to be here. What's the harm in lookin' around a bit." He urged.
"Well.." Hoggle backed down. "I suppose we are already here. but don't touch nothin'. I'll read some more and let you know what I find out."
Merkle vacated the chair excitedly, walking as quick as his legs could carry him to the area he saw the crystal. He had his small treasure bag hanging over his shoulder, and had emptied it earlier into the sack the trolls had given him. It took a few minutes to find the niche in the wall again.
When he did, he could not believe the immortals would leave such a treasure unprotected. Then again, what danger would it be in The Goblin Castle?
He had to stand on a chair to reach it, the noise drawing the attention of Hoggle at the other side ofthe room.
"What are ya doin'? Merkle?" Hoggle's voice called.
Merkle was standing on the chair about to reach into the niche and paused, his thoughts racing. "Errr..I see a book I want ta look at, be there in a minute."
He snatched the crystal. It warmed to his touch then cooled, making his skin tingle. He found the sensation uncomfortable so he stuck in his bag and tied the thing shut. He then hopped of the chair and grabbed the first book he saw, then moved the chair back to it's place.
Hoggle shuffled around the corner. "What are you into?" He asked suspiciously.
Merkle shrugged. "Nothin'. Thought I saw somethin' but it wasn't what I thought. Listen..I'm gettin' awful tired. Maybe we should come back some other time."
Hoggle noticed his fidgety demeanor. After a minute he shrugged it off since he noticed the other dwarf had been nervous since he had arrived.
"Alright. Let's go to my cottage. Got a sweetberry pie waitin'."
He led the way while Merkle follow closed behind, his eyes shifting back and forth watching for any immortals who would impede their path.

_
Sarah put the two youngest children to bed after their bath and retreated to the chambers she shared with Jareth.
She took a long leisurely bath herself and put on her nightgown and robe. She had called for tea to be delivered while she was bathing, as it was chilly and she had no Jareth there to warm her that evening.
She retrieved a book from the nightstand she had been reading and curled up on the overstuffed sofa next to the fire..waving her hand to get it at the perfect level to keep the room warm but not stuffy. Her luggage for the next day's journey was waiting inside the door to be taken down in the morning.
She had not said anything, but for days she had felt something wasn't right. Just around the edges of her consciousness there was a feeling of dread growing. Barely there, but enough to give her a bit of uneasiness in her quiet moments which were few and far between this busy day. The book slipped onto the sofa as she gazed into the fire.
The feeling of uneasiness increased suddenly, making her come to attention. It pulled her to her feet and made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end, her heart beat faster and her breathing became rapid and shallow as if she were experiencing an anxiety attack. She used to have them when she was human and recognized the feeling.
"What the hell?" She said out loud, trying to calm her breathing. She reached out with her magic and searched for the cause of the feeling..but sensed nothing amiss.
She stood and walked to the balcony doors, pushing them open and pulling her robe tight against her body as the cool air hit her. Standing by the ledge she saw nothing but the lights of the fairies as they flew about the great maze, and the hearth fires in the city beyond the castle.
"Weird." She shook her head. Looking down she saw to small figures just leaving the castle.
Hoggle and his brother. She smiled.
"Hoggle!" She said loud enough for him to hear. Voices tended to carry among the stone walls.
He looked up and saw her, waving. "Good night Lady Sarah, We are jus' headin' home. Thanks for lettin' us come in and lettin' me show Merkle around." He bellowed back.
"Have a good night Hoggle and Merkle. I'll be leaving at dawn so enjoy your visit!" She waved again and grinned back at them before turning to go inside.
The too dwarves waved once more then turned. Hoggle lingered to watch his friend as she went inside, while Merkle nervously tugged at him. "Come on, brother Hoggle. We need to go."
They walked to Hoggle's cottage in silence, both deep in thought.

_
Talystra
Dignitaries from all over the underground were arriving. When Sarah finally arrived, having had a long wait in the line of carriages going back and forth from the main gates of the city, the servants were in a rush of activity getting everyone escorted to their rooms with baggage in tow.
Jareth had not been happy when he had received the message from Goblin City but his message back imploring Sarah to not attend had gone unanswered. Sending a clear message she will do what she felt was right no matter what he wanted. Again.
He stood just inside the doors to the living quarters watching as people arrived. He had tried to stand on the steps outside but had found it was nearly impossible to do so with so many people coming and going.
Finally Sarah stepped through the doors, immediately Jareth was beside her. "My Queen." He said as approached.
She turned as he offered his arm, giving him a wry smile. She knew he was less than thrilled she came, but would not be anything but civil in public.
"Your Majesty." She answered bowing slightly. Together they followed two goblin guards through the building and up the stairs to their rooms, being followed by more guards and two servants carrying her trunks. Sarah kept clothing at court as did all of them but she had to bring a certain dress that was specific to such a somber occasion, and she had brought one for her daughter as well.
A guard opened the door to their rooms and ushered them inside, the servant taking the trunk into closet where a female servant was waiting to hang the dresses neatly. Both then bowing to both Sarah and Jareth before retreating out into the hallway and closing the door behind him.
Jareth said nothing but met his wife's eyes and waited.
Finally Sarah sighed and asked. "Where is Harmony? I need to show her her dress."
"That is all you have to say?" Jareth answered.
"I'm not in the mood to argue Jareth. We have been doing to much of that lately since the thing with Elsian came up. I know you don't like him but he can't hurt me. Even if he tried to I could blast him where he stands. He has no magic remember?"
"We have a bigger issue with Elsian. Harmony has taken a liking to him I believe. THAT I will not stand for." Jareth answered as he crossed the room and made himself a drink.
Sarah could not help the little smile that started to show, but she quickly covered it up and cleared her throat hoping Jareth did not see it. Really? Harmony took a liking to a male? Not that she thought it was a good idea for it to be Elsian, but this was a big development for her daughter to show interest in any case.
"How did that happen? How did they even meet?" She asked.
Jareth explained to her what had occurred two days before and retrieved a glass of his wife's favorite juice and handed to her as he described the incident. Of course this was from a very protective father's point of view so the description was laced with a few underground expletives that were colorful indeed.
They sat and Sarah sipped her juice, listening.
Once he had finished he leaned back, a disgusted look on his face.
"Alright. I think I need to to let Harmony tell me her take on things before I make any judgements." Sarah replied, sitting her empty glass on the table.
"Please do not tell me you think this is appropriate, wife. He is a criminal." Jareth answered frowning at her.
"I didn't say it was okay, Jareth. She is young and we have sheltered her. Probably too much if we were telling the truth here. You do know she could blast him into oblivion if she thought she was in any danger. We did teach her to protect herself. She not only is powerful magically but a whiz with a sword and can punch his lights out."
Jareth sighed and sank back into the chair. "I know. She is my child. My first born daughter. If anything were to happen to her I..." He was unable to even finish the thought.
Sarah got up and crossed the floor, standing behind her husband. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. " I feel the same my love. She is going to be fine no matter what happens. All of them will be. They take after us. Strong and stubborn as much we both hate it. They are no longer little children, but young adults that will be making their own decisions and mistakes. All we can do is be here for them."
"I will kill him if he touches a hair on her head." Jareth said stubbornly.
"I know you will. You are a good father. You have always been. A good husband too. And King." Sarah answered.
Jareth was a confident man, but even he had moments of doubt. Sarah was one of the very few people who knew this.
They stayed that way fora few minutes until the slam of a door behind them made them both rise and turn.
"Father I..oh. Sorry. Hello Mother. I didn't realize you had arrived yet." Harmony blushed a little thinking she had interrupted a private moment between her parents.
"Nothing to be sorry about sweetie." Sarah smiled brightly at the girl. "Just spending a few minutes talking. I have your dress for the ceremony tomorrow. It's very dull and proper like mine.. You want to see it?" She said with a chuckle and exaggerated excitement.
"Oh boy do I!' Harmony grinned back, noting her mother's sarcasm and responding in kind.
The two linked arms and went to the dressing room, while Jareth watched them go, shaking his head with a smirk, thinking how alike his wife and daughter were in so many ways they themselves didn't realize.

_
Goblin Kingdom.
The next morning was uneventful for Hoggle. He got up and cooked some breakfast for himself and his brother, who he assumed was still asleep.
As he was spooning the food on the plates however MErkle came slinking in the door.
"Oh..hi brother Hoggle. I was just lookin' around. Didn't think you'd be awake." Merkle said nervously. "I'm thinkin' I will will be headin' home today sometime."
While it was nice to see his brother Hoggle was also relieved. Something had been nagging at him about this visit. It would be a load of his mind to get back to his duties without have to worried what Merkle was doing.
"Alright. Well sit down and eat yer food while it's hot. Then we can talk about that." Hoggle gestured to the table.
Merkle was anxious to leave but no sense passing up a good meal. Hoggle was a pretty good cook and food in the Goblin Kingdom was quality. Even royal lackies and pets ate well.
After breakfast Merkle gathered his things and shrugged his pack onto his back.
Hoggle opened the door. "Here now, at least let me walk yas part way."
Merkle scooted out the door and started walking. "Not necessary brother. we can say our goodbyes here."
Hoggle followed him. "Now..I insist. He sped up a little to walk beside him. Truth was he wanted to make sure he left. "Let me carry one of those." He said as he gestured to the other dwarf's bundles.
Merkle sighed. There wasn't much he could do about it. He handed Hoggle a small bundle, the one with the food Hoggle had packed and they were off.
The two walked the trek to border. Hoggle knew all the shortcuts so he was able to cut what was at least a daylong walk to only several hours. Beyond the doors to the great maze was the path that led to the edge of The Goblin kingdom. Which was heavily guarded by magic and the tall goblins.
Markle thought to himself it was probably a good thing to have Hoggle with him after all.
"My brother here is leavin' the kingdom today. I'll be coming back this way in sometime later." Hoggle told the guards.
In between kingdom there were narrow tracts of paths that travelers were free to walk with small areas of forests and deserts. It was not really safe for sentient species of the underground to live there but there were non magical creatures like birds and small animal species that had managed to cross into the underground from above over the years. As there was little magic to be found in these areas, Immortals tended to shy away from traveling these paths. However they had become a safe haven for outcasts void of magic looking for easy targets.
Dwarves were not usually the kind of creature these outcasts looked for. They rarely had anything of real value as most of their treasures consisted of glittery junk, and they certainly weren't worth a ransom to anyone.
Merkle got more and more nervous as they approached the hiding place for his hidden traveling crystal from the trolls. He had hidden it not that far from The Goblin Kingdom so his goal now was the get Hoggle to go back to the goblin Kingdom so Merkle could get back home quickly.
"Well..uh. I'll leave ya hear Hoggle. No need to go further. I'm used to travellin' the in betweens. Ain't no bother."
Hoggle shrugged. He really didn't want to go any further anyway. "If ya say so. It was good seein' ya Merkle. Come again sometimes."
The brothers shook hands and Hoggle turned and walked away.
Merkle watched until his brother had rounded a corner then dashed into the bushy area where the crystal was hidden. He dug around for a few minutes before finally locating it.
Brushing it off he barely got out the words the trolls had taught him to say when he heard a noise behind him.
"Hey Merkle, forgot to give you this..what are ya doin there..and speakin' troll?" Hoggle said from a few feet away. He was holding out the bundle he had been carrying.
Merkle's eyes got wide as two night trolls appeared behind Hoggle. "Hoggle.." He started.
Hoggle turned and saw the trolls standing behind him. "What the..?" He gasped out, fear freezing him in place.
The last thing he heard was Merkle yelling "No!" before there was a sharp pain on the side of his head, then nothing.

_
Talystra
Harmony frowned at the dress she was holding up in front of her. "Mother..this is hideous."
Sarah standing nearby holding her own dress agreed. "Yes, they are." She answered, as she watched her daughter.
Sarah marveled how beautiful her daughter had come to be. However, these dresses flattered no one.
As a royal memorial, this was the most solemn of occasions. Therefore the mourning dresses required were equally dismal. A dark gray with black trim, showing little to no skin. Hair was to be up, and no jewelry besides Sarah's small crown and necklace that marked her as Goblin Queen. They would all be provided with a sash that depicted the Elf Kingdom colors and crest in honor of The Elf Queen. Harmony would be required to wear her small circlet as Goblin High Princess.
Jareth's clothing was equally plain. Black coat, gray leggings, black boots, gray shirt. Necklace signifying his office, and crown. Sarah smiled to herself remembering how her husband detested his crown. He worked to maintain is "messy on purpose" look and wearing the crown meant he had to tame his hair somewhat.
It also made her smile to watch Harmony develop some of the same traits as Jareth. She even stood in a similar way when she was trying to be stern. Hands on hips, head tilted slightly, eyebrow raised.
Speaking of, Sarah thought. I better get this over with.
""So.." she started, trying to sound casual. "Your father tells me you had a run in with Elsian."
Harmony stopped examining herself in the mirror and went to hang the dress back in it's spot.
"Oh..the blonde guy." She said trying to be nonchalant. "Yeah I met him. I didn't know who he was I swear just seemed lost and I.." She blushed, unable to think of what to say after that. Well she could but she didn't want her mother to think she was siding with the man.
Sarah took her daughters' arms in her hands so she would face her. "It's okay. You wouldn't know. How would you? It's okay to think he is good looking Harmony. He is. I'll let you in on a little secret. I forgave him long ago. Your father is another matter. He holds grudges better than anyone I know. He still brings it up that I refused him when I was 15 for goodness' sake."
Harmony nodded then spoke. "I know. It doesn't matter anyway. Obviously he is a horrid person after what he did. Just for a moment I..well, he seemed so sad and tired I couldn't help but say something. Then it turned out he was THAT guy. I don't know. I'm confused."
"And men say women are confusing." Sarah replied. She hugged her eldest tight. "I can't believe you are taller than me now. Is your dress long enough?" She decided to change the subject.
"I think so...Mom..." She said but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Is everyone decent?" They heard Jareth ask from the other side.
Sarah snorted and laughed. "Everyone but you."
He opened the door and came in smiling. "We will revisit that later. Lady Graciela from the council is requesting tea with The Goblin Queen. Will you accept?"
"Absolutely!" Sarah answered.
Lady Graciela, or Gracie as she liked to be called, was Sarah's closest friend at The Council Hall. She was an older woman who had been very helpful to Sarah over the years. She had approached her soon after Harmony's birth to welcome her and offer her friendship. She had become her first friend outside The Goblin Kingdom.
"I thought you would. She also invited the princess." Jareth said. "Of course, the king is NOT invited, albeit she couldn't say it explicitly."
"No you aren't. We girls like to get together and talk. How can we talk about you men if you are there hovering?" Sarah grinned.
Harmony snickered at her parents. "You two. I swear sometimes I wonder how you stay together."
"Who else would have him?" Sarah said.
"Woman.." Jareth said, hands on hips.
Sarah wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him. "Like I would trade you for anything, Your Majesty."
Jareth resisted but he could help it. He kissed her then stepped back. "If I were to be honest, you are probably right. My long suffering wife."
He walked to the door and opened it, but turned before leaving. "Tea is at 3pm in the Lady's quarters.. I will leave you to your girl talk, as it were. Behave yourselves." He shook his finger then left, chuckling.

_
The Troll Lands
Hoggle woke in a cavern. He had no idea where he was or what happened to him. All he knew was his head hurt badly.
He tried to sit up and his vision swam. He forced the nausea down and opened his eyes fully, taking in his surroundings.
It was dark but there was a little light filtering in. There were pools of some sort of greasy liquid on the ground that he didn't even want to speculate about. Where was his brother?
A shuffling sound nearby made him turn hi s head. "You're awake, dwarf. Finally." A gravelly voice said.
Hoggle squinted to see. There seemed to be some sort of creature sitting on a stone stool.
"Wha...what happened? Where is Merkle? Where in the seven kingdoms am I?"
The troll stood and limped towards him. "You're not in any of the kingdoms. You're in the black mountains. You're brother is fine, though I wouldn't worry about him. As he betrayed you and your leaders. He will be safe..you however are in deep trouble."
The creature lit a match and Hoggle could see his face. He was definitely a troll. An old one. He saw he was in some sort of workshop. Magical tools strewn about.
"I am Xechem The Ancient. I am not your enemy and will do you no harm. But I'm the only one who won't here."
The door banged open then, and a huge troll wearing skins of goodness knows what strolled in and stood over the bewildered Hoggle. Merkle was behind him, his head hung low.
"So the Goblin Queens pet is awake is he? Well then, let's get down to business. I wanted him to be conscious for what is to come." The creature grinned at Hoggle..yellow teeth shining in the flickering flame of the lantern.
Hoggle pressed himself against the wall, trembling with fear.

_
Tea was a lively affair for Sarah and her daughter. Lady Graciela was always armed with the latest gossip and goings on at the council hall, and as Sarah did not spend much time there compared to to hers, most she had not heard.
She was just grateful Harmony was being open to her for the time being. She surmised it must be because her and Jareth had been disagreeing over Elsian. She hated that they weren't speaking like they usually did, but she had to admit to herself it was nice. She was even calling her "mom" instead of her usually formal "mother."
That night there was a formal dinner for all the attendees of the next day's memorial. Harmony noted that Elsian was absent. She was curious but thought if she asked it would start a rumor she did not need circulating about herself. If her father heard Elsian might be in danger.
The dinner was a terribly long affair, and she was glad when it ended. She did really not enjoy such stuffy events.
They all went back to their rooms and Harmony changed for bed. As she snuggled in she sensed her mother's presence.
"Are you asleep yet?" Came Sarah's soft voice.
Harmony turned and sat up. "Not yet."
Sarah came and sat on the side ofthe bed. "You need to talk to your father tomorrow. Harmony, I know he can be, as they say above, a hard ass, but he loves you more than you could possibly imagine. Since the day we found out I was pregnant with you, he has loved you unconditionally. You made us a family. He is so proud of person you have become. Don't shut him down because he wants to protect you. He would give is life for you, for any of us. so would I."
She opened her arms and Harmony nodded and sniffled, then laid her head on her mother's chest. "I know mom, I know. I will go to him after the service."
Mother and daughter hugged for a few more minutes then Sarah sat up straight and gestured for Harmony to lie down. She stood and lean over, kissing the girl on her forehead.
"Now get some rest. I have to go deal with my other baby. Good night." She winked before she turned and left.
Harmony snuggled into her pillow and fell asleep smiling.

_
The next morning dawned bright and clear. At 10am Family, friends and dignitaries gathered to honor The Queen Eliana of The Elf Kingdom.
Her body had been ritually cleaned and rubbed with herbs, the spells to guide her to the Summerlands said. She was placed in a glass coffin and lay in state. After the service she would be moved to The Elf Kingdom where she would receive the traditional rituals of that society, then her remains burned on a pyre. Then her ashes would be placed in a stone Urn in the funerary gardens with all the other Elf monarchs.
The crowd made a semi circle around the sacred space. In the center close to the coffin stood Eriol, and behind, Elsian and other Elf kingdom dignitaries. At the end of the semicircle stood The King and Queen of The Goblin Kingdom, with Harmony slightly behind and to the side of her father.
Harmony fidgeted a bit in her stiff dress. She tried as hard as she could to be still, but it wasn't in her nature. She wasn't used to such solemn occasions. She felt sad but wondered if she should feel worse. This kind of death was new to her. She had lost non immortal friends among the creatures of her kingdom and she had mourned their loss, but she had never seen the death of one of her own species before. It was very rare for an immortal to simply die. They had to be killed or, eventually make the choice to cross over as most eventually did. When the choice was made, she was told, it was a celebrated occasion, not a sad one. They had been called to move on and heeded the call. It was considered an honor to go and dwell among the Gods.
Her eyes could not help but slide to her left and under her lashes, she observed Elsian. There were dark circles under his eyes and they were bloodshot. He had been crying though now he stared straight ahead saying nothing. She stamped down the urge to go and lay ah and on his arm, giving him comfort.
Why? Why would she think that? This man was evil. He tried to kill her mother. Kill her. What was wrong with her? Was she a masochist? Why was her heart pounding? She took in a deep breath and held it, trying to slow her pulse. She looked up at her father's face. Strong and sure. He even looked a little sad. He had told her of his respect and regard for the woman being honored. Maybe he was sad. He was not one to show emotions easily.
Her mother was altogether different. Tears sparkled in in her eyes and a couple even escaped down her cheeks.
She saw her father's head tilt towards her mother, and he discreetly squeezed her hand and murmured something only she could hear. Her mother nodded and looked up at her husband with a grateful look on her face.
Then he turned to look at Harmony and sent her a smile only she could see. He reached over and grasped her hand too. He could tell she was uncomfortable. "It will be over soon, child." He whispered to her.
Harmony nodded once.
Each monarch or set thereof was bid forward. The Goblin King led his wife and then got down on one knee and bowed while Sarah curtseyed low. They stayed in that position for their allotted time the Jareth stood and guided them both backward.
Once each monarch or set of monarchs took thier turn. The Elf King, and Elsian behind him walked the semi circle and thanked each party for attending. The Goblin King and Queen were last.
"I thank you for coming today dear friends." King Eriol said stiffly.
"Eriol. Our condolences on the loss of your Queen." Jareth replied, equally as uncomfortable. Elsian said nothing, keeping his expression blank.
King Eriol went to the center of the circle, his son grudgingly still trailing him.
"Dear People, I am grateful and honored for your presence here. My family and I are deeply touched by the outpouring of emotion and dear Ellian now resides with the gods and lives in eternal health and peace. We will miss her but I know she is free and happy now. May you all live in peace and prosperity. May your lands be fertile and your people be happy. Blessings to all."
He bowed in each direction and urged Elsain to do so as well. Once that was done they were led out in an orderly fashion.
After everyone else had left the area, the doors were closed to give Eriol and his son a few moments alone with Eliana's body. The final ritual was between the 3 of them and the clergywoman who stayed with them.
Once the doors closed the murmuring started. "Wasn't it a lovely service?" "I can't believe they let the prince stay!" "Did you see what The Queen of the Sprites was wearing?"
Harmony drifted away from the crowd. She did not want to hear the gossiping.
The look on Elsian's face when he stood in front of her had affected her deeply. His eyes were empty and sad. Resigned to something she could not even fathom.
As they had stood there a few feet apart, while King Eriol had bowed and thanked her parents, they stared at each other. In her sympathy, she could not help and give him a look that she hoped said she was sorry. He had blinked and seemed startled, but covered it up and went back to the blank stare. It was unsettling.
How cruel had all the others been? Even in such a circumstance? How could you be anything but empathetic?
Then she had felt her father's eyes on her. So she looked down and stared at her shoes until it was over.
She drifted towards a window and looked out onto the city. She would be glad to get home in the morning. Surely nothing so sad could touch her there. Nothing so evil as death would come and rip the fabric of her happy home.
Yes, Home. The Goblin Kingdom. She would be safe there and everything would be as it was. The feelings that Elsian stirred would fade away and she would never see him again.

_
Elsian felt numb. He went through the last 2 days in a haze. A this mother's memorial service he suffered through the barely veiled hostility of most of the attendees.
The only respite had been her.
The dark haired girl had been watching him throughout the service, those she thought he hadn't noticed. Even without magic he had felt her eyes on him. Those turquoise eyes that so drew him in. Then when he had stood in front of her parents, with Jareth glaring at him and his wife trying to be kind but the apprehension in her face obvious, he had wanted to melt into the floor and disappear.
Then her eyes had met and held his. What he saw there was not fear or hated but wonder and sympathy.
"I'm sorry." Her expression had said. He had heard it as clearly as if she had spoken the words. It had surprised him and he was a second from saying something, but then Jareth had noticed so he forced himself to return to his blank look.
His father told him her name was Harmony. A word that meant unity, peace, balance. He supposed she was named such because she was, to her parents the perfect combination of both of them.
One day she may be Goblin Queen. She was out of reach for him for many reasons. Before...he might have been a potential mate for her. Now, she would be nudged into marriage to some foolish sycophant with kissed the feet of The Goblin King. One who could never appreciate the fire he saw burning in her eyes.
She was also very young. On the cusp of adulthood but not quite there. Her innocence was like a fine coat of sparkle all over her. Shiny and new. Usually girls her age would have been courted, and most likely not innocent. Such things were not considered such a prize here. Experience was encouraged before marriage because once a couple was married they stayedthat way until someone died. Few couples were completely monogamous even within the bonds of marriage.
He had listened to the gossip simply to gather any information.
The rumor was, she was on top of everything else incredibly powerful. She might be the most powerful immortal there ever was. More so even that her father, who although not well like in many circles for his frankness and his arrogance, was a force to be reckoned with and no one spoke against him out loud. He had rightfully earned his crown, but it was more than that. He had been able to do things no one else had even done. Until now.
There were those who feared her power. That is she became a Queen, she would wage war to take over the entirety of the underground.
Looking at her, it was hard to imagine this ethereal dark haired girl as a tyrant, but he knew what evil could lurk within the heart of a woman. His own sister had been very beautiful and coveted by many, not knowing how dark her heart was. He had known but he had worshipped her. She had been so strong, and had always protected him.
He now realized she had thought of him as her property, to keep, to kill, to love, and to hurt. And she had.
He knew she loved him in her own way, but she had also had no qualm putting glass spiders in his bed so he got bit and was horribly ill for a week or two if she thought he wasn't doing what she wanted.
Several servant elves had had "accidents" when working in their rooms. More than once he saw her torturing the garden fairies and butterflies.
There were other things, darker things, he didn't want to think about or remember. Then in the end, she had paid with her life and spoken for his to be saved.
That had come as a shock.
He hated that he missed her companionship. As vicious as she had been, she had been the one constant force in his life.
Now as he stood while the clergywoman spoke the magic words that would help his mother leave this earth, he felt truly alone. Except Drell.
Then there was the girl. He needed to stop thinking of her. He was being foolish because she had been kind to him in the library.
Once the words were spoken the incense burned. His father first, then he bowed low. The guards waiting by the door came forward to escort them through the crowds.
It was as much for his own protection even though technically they were supposed to be protecting them from him. The Evil Prince.
Sometimes he wished he could live up to their expectations.
They were guided through the gathered dignitaries and up to their rooms. He had been granted permission to go to the Elf Kingdom's royal suites instead of his little hole of a room, but he was still constantly watched.
Once they entered the rooms his father commanded that everyone leave them alone. Even the guards were told to stand outside.
Elsian, exhausted, took the oportunity to sit and let his body relax. If just for a moment.
He watched his father cross the room and pour himself a glass of wine, drink it down, and pour another one.
"Father.." He began.
"Be Quiet. Elsian." He father ground out. "I No longer have to show pretense of caring what happens to you. I loved you as a son and gave you a future at your mother's wishes, and you and your witch of a sister threw it away. Do not call me Father again. We are done with this. As you know Faile is with child. A son. My son by blood. You are to be removed from the family line and never spoken of again as a prince in my house."
He took a long draught of wine before continuing. "I cannot do his anymore. protect you. Shield you. Eliana was found to be unable to carry a child to term, so when her sister turned up pregnant and dying she insisted we adopt you both and raise you as our own. After everything she did not deserve what you both did to her. I'll tell you something else, Elsian..."
He leaned in, making Elsian look up to see him speak. "Your father was human. I found this information out after your birth mother died. She had went above on some sort of half cracked idea of having an adventure and ended up pregnant with a filthy human's offspring. At least she had sense enough to come home so you would be born immortal. Ironic your sister died because of her hatred of the mortal born queen, yet she herself had a mortal father."
Eriol stood straight and walked back to retrieve more wine. "Technically I cannot crown Faile for 1 year. However since she is pregnant, I have been granted permission to wed her in 1 months time so that the child will be born legitimate. After the mourning year, she will be the new Queen. She is a good woman, and thankfully fertile. Do not fear your mother would be upset about Faile. She encouraged the union and approved her as the next queen."
Elsain had taken all this in silent. swallowing occasionally as his father..no..Eriol revealed all this to him. He had heard Faile was pregnant of course, but the rest.
"Where will I go then...if you do not let me back into the kingdom, My life will be forfeit." He asked quietly.
"Eroil smirked. "You can stay in your little shack for the remainder of your sentence. Drell can stay with you or come back to work for the royal family, that is his choice. You will be nothing and NEVER refer to yourself as belonging to my family again, or I will gladly end you. After that, I want you out of my kingdom and I don't care where you go or what happened to you. "
He gave Elsian a sarcastic grin. "Maybe you should ask The Goblin King for refuge, I'm sure he will be thrilled to have you within his sights. Guards!"
The two guards stepped back into the room. If they had heard anything their faces did not reveal it. "Take him to his room. We will be leaving for The Elf Kingdom in the morning."
Elsian was practically dragged to his feet and escorted out of the rooms. Once he was in his own, he collapsed on the bed and curled into a ball, defeated.
Not even Drell could rouse him from his thoughts, so the elf quietly sat and watched over his friend, alarmed at Elsian's reaction to the days events. He knew the boy would be upset but this was more.
He didn't know what to do for Elsian, so he waited and hoped his friend would open up and tell him what had happened.

_
Hoggle felt awful. He had been beaten and tortured, spit on and kicked. Knowing the reputation of the night trolls, he should feel lucky he was breathing, though every breath made his small chest ache.
Hearing a noise he turned his head, pain shooting through his neck and shoulders. It was Merkle.
"How could ya do this, Merkle?" He gasped out through dry lips that felt like rubber.
Merkle sat in front of him and held a cup to his mouth. Helping Hoggle take a few sips then wiping the excess water of his chin.
"I didn't want ta. Ya just had to follow me. Ya couldn't have jus' stayed behind with yer immortal masters." The dwarf replied.
Hoggle shoved his brother away. "Not my masters. Sarah is my friend. She has always been good ta me."
"You don't even know yer bein' used." Merkle shook his head. "They want ta take over everything. Hoggle. Ya can't trust immortals."
Hoggle gave him an incredulous look. "Sarah wasn't always an immortal Merkle. Ya forget that. She was human. Now maybe ya can't trust immortals, mostly. But Sarah has a human heart. She's a good queen. Kind, loving. A good mother. By the Gods, she even gentled Jareth down some. Made him a better king, though he was always a good one, as kings go. Even if he scared me an' still does. Ya got no right to judge her. She was nice to you, too."
Merkle stood. "Yer foolin' yerself, Hoggle. He said shaking his head. When she made the choice, she became one of them. She might be nicer than the rest but that ain't sayin' much."
Hoggle sighed. "What are ya going to do. And them?' He gestured with his head.
"I don't know...Hoggle..I really don't..." He began.
Loud footsteps approached, several set of them. The two dwarves turned their heads to watch Garak and a couple of guards approached, leering grins on their faces.
"Merkle. You are being released. Take your gold and go. You are no longer needed here." The Troll King said, gesturing towards the door.
Merkle stood on shaking legs. "What about my brother? Can't I take him with me?"
Garak smiled. "Unfortunately we have use for him. He will be taking a message back to The Goblin King of their impending doom."
"Yer gonna let me go home. Set me free?" Hoggle asked.
Garak walked closer and crouched down. "In a way I suppose. I am sorry but the kind of message I need to send requires a sacrifice. "
Realization dawned in Hoggle's mind. He swallowed hard and moaned. "Thanks for bein' my friend, Sarah." It came out as a whisper as the guards stepped forward.

_
Talystra.
Moonlight illuminated the bedchamber where The Goblin King and Queen slept. It had been a long day and they were glad to going home the next morning.
Sarah lay sleeping on her side. Jareth was also on his side, an arm thrown over his wife's body. They always slept close together.
This night Sarah's sleep was restless once again. Something was still making her uneasy and starting to affect her sleep. The feeling of dread she had felt 2 nights before returning in full force. She had sat out on the balcony again for a while before bed trying to discern it's origins, but that part of it seemed blocked, somehow. Far off, growing closer, bolder. Blackness growing.
"Thanks for bein' my friend Sarah.."
"Hoggle?" Wha...?"
She sat up and screamed as the sensation of her heart being ripped out her chest overwhelmed her.
Jareth was awake instantly, holding her tight against himself, he body rigid against his as he reached out to sense the unknown enemy and a crystal formed in his hand to lob at the unseen force.
He sensed nothing in the room but his wife and the crystal disappeared. Then he waved his hand and the lanterns flared, lighting up the room. He got a good look at Sarah and concern washed over him.
Sarah was staring straight ahead seeing nothing. Panting and whimpering, grasping her chest as the pain subsided. Her eyes wide with pain and fright.
Jareth straddled her body and gripped her arms trying to get her to see him. "Sarah! Sarah! What is it?! What happened?!"
Her body started to relax and she fell into him. His arms automatically engulfed her as she began sobbing.
His voice softened. "Sarah? Please..answer me? Are you alright?" He asked as he stroked her hair.
After a minute, she pushed herself back and look up. Seeing his concerned face she struggled to speak.
"I..I.. something happened. It was a dream but more than a dream. I don't know. I'm fine I think but.." She couldn't go on.
Just then Harmony knocked. "Mother? Did I hear you scream? Father?"
"Come in." Jareth answered.
She opened the door and peeked around it. "What happened?"
"I'm sorry Mony.. I had a nightmare. I mean I think I did. I'm not sure." Sarah answered.
Jareth stood and changed his clothes with a thought.. "Harmony stay with your mother, I'm getting the healer."
"I'm okay, Jareth." Sarah said quickly.
He turned before reaching the door. "That was not normal, Sarah. Don't argue. I will be back in a few minutes."
She reluctantly nodded and Harmony sat next to her mother on the bed.
"What kind of dream mom? I've never heard you scream like that." She asked.
Sarah let her body relax completely. "I have no idea. I swear I heard someone say something. I am afraid something terrible has happened. Or is going to happen."
Harmony put an arm around her mother's shoulders as they waited for the healer and Jareth to return.
"It will be fine Mother. Tomorrow we go home and away from this place." Harmony said trying to comfort her mother. Which in and over itself was a very unsettling turn of events.
To herself she was thinking about her own nightmares and feeling of doom. What in the underground was going on?
The healer came back with Jareth, and he found nothing amiss with Sarah after a thorough magical examination.
"She had a nightmare, Your Majesty. That is all I can say. there is nothing physically wrong at all. She is very healthy." The healer, Bennis, told Jareth.
"See I told you." Sarah interjected.
"I will give Her Majesty a draught to help her sleep if you like." Bennis said to them both.
"That would be acceptable." Jareth answered. "I will have the Goblin Royal healer also examine her when we return home."
"Father if the Healer said.." Harmony began.
Sarah shook her head silently at her. She knew her husband. No use arguing.
Harmony's mouth snapped shut.
Jareth rubbed his face with his hands, tired and frustrated. "Enough. Just give my wife the draught. We all need to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day and we can discuss it then. Go to bed child."
The healer was dismissed after Sarah had drank the foul tasting herbs.
Harmony kissed her mother on the cheek. "Goodnight then." she said and left the room.
After she left the room Sarah turned to her husband. "There isn't anything wrong. I'm fine, Jareth. Really. Please get back in bed and go to sleep. You look exhausted."
"I am unwilling to take any chances with your health. I see Eriol and I think.." He said after he had changed into his sleep pants and crawled into bed, Sarah laying her head on his chest.
"Shhh.."Sarah whispered. "Nothing is going to happen to me. now rest. I'm too getting sleepy to..." A large yawn interrupted her words, the herbs taking effect. "I love you Jareth..." she said as she drifted into sleep.
"I love you, precious." Jareth listened as her breathing evened out and her heart beat steadily against his chest in time with his own. He pulled her closer and breathed in her familiar scent. Vanilla and peaches. It made him smile and he joined her in sleep.
Both dreaming about the other, dancing together inside a crystal ballroom.
Don't kill me. I love Hoggle too. Part of the reason I may have had a hard time with this chapter is I knew what I was planning, and it was hard to write. Very bad things will happen in this story but I swear eventually it will all be resolved. hoping I am over the hump here.
I had to do something to change the level of security of these characters that had been living very peacefully for a long time. To make them realize they are vulnerable to tragedy even in their own home. That safety is an illusion.
Elsian of course, has no feeling of security, but I needed to take him to the lowest level of despair to do what I need to do to advance the character appropriately. For him though, this is a story of redemption, so stay tuned.
Harmony is very much an "ingenue" right now. That too will change.
Does anyone else think Merkle's retrieving of the crystal way too easy? I know I do. For whatever reason my mind could not conjure up another way to do it. I know that is one thing that is going to bug me about this story. Ah well, maybe I will come up with something else later and tweak it up a bit.
Thank you a million times over for all the support and patience! You guys are awesome! I sincerely hope the real world will continue to let me focus on this story a while longer.
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In A Time Of Winter