A Moment in Reflection

The dark room would have been pitch black save for the light of a few candles. In the small circle of light they produced, a young woman sat amidst a sundry grouping of pictures, books, and clothes. A large trunk
stood lonely, half in shadow and light, with it's top open. Nothing had
been placed inside.

Picking up a photograph Cassandra bright sighed. Running a finger lightly across the surface of the picture she closed her eyes. It had been four days now since her return from the labyrinth. At first, she tried to think of a way to stay home. There had been numerous times when Cassandra found herself staring at the crystal, wondering what would happen if she shattered it. Her eyes traveled to the desk where the ball sat.

Things had changed quickly though. School has been a disaster, her aunt had a conniption fit every time she wanted to leave the house, and Cassandra hadn't met a single soul in the area she could relate to.

*Well are you all that suprised?* She asked herself. Cassandra shook her head sadly.* I can't believe I'm actually looking forward to this.* It was true though, she couldn't deny that faint feeling of desire to return to the labyrinth.

Cassandra sighed and placed a few items in the trunk. As she wrapped up a few candles in a square of silk her door suddenly opened.

"I ah, I mean, ah. I..." Cassandra looked around quickly, and realizing she couldn't hide anything, she smiled slightly. "Just about. Ruby isn't awake is she?"

"No, she went to sleep hours ago, quite like you should have. But it seems you have other plans." He walked over and sat down on the edge of Cassandra's bed, picking up a small stuffed bear and smiling at it. "You know your mother loved teddy bears?"

David looked down to the young girl sitting on the floor and smiled. "So, are you going to explain yourself or just disappear?"

For a moment her uncle sat silent, then turned his gaze on his niece. "You know that your mother was Wiccan too?"

David nodded. "I sensed something about you the past few days. I can't say though I was expecting to see you packing."

Cassandra placed the candle bundle inside the trunk and picked up another swatch of cloth. "I don't have much of a choice."

She couldn't help but grin. Leaning over she moved into the light of the candle. David noticed the extra light only enhanced the sad shadows on the young woman's face.

Cassandra laughed, then remembering her aunt Ruby, lowered her voice. "Oh sorry then. *Ahem.* Then I'll start this right."

"That's much better." The man settled back against the pillows and watched Cassandra.

Cassandra shook her head. "Okay, a *beautiful* young girl. Who lived in a *beautiful* house."

Cassandra flashed her eyes at David. "And she lived with her uncle the king, who was mute."

"So anyway, she lived with her uncle because years before, her own castle had been destroyed by raiders, and both her parents killed. So she lived with the new king, who was just and kind and true."

"Whatever. She was bored. Her uncle and his wife took good care of her, but they also smothered her, never allowing her to leave her chambers. So, one day, when she was tired from a day of sewing, and she hurt from the harsh words of her nurse."

"Oh yes, thank you. Okay, so one night when she could bear it no longer she wandered out of her chambers late at night, while the whole castle was asleep. She soon found herself walking up a set of creaky old stairs that led to a sort of attic."

Cassandra threw another bundle in the chest. "When she came to the top she opened a pale golden door. Opening it revealed a dusty attic room, trunks and furniture filled the cluttered space. She saw, in a dark corner, a large tan book. She walked over to it, noticing the cobwebs and dust that covered its surface."

Cassandra stood up and shook her head. "She opened the book to find it to be a journal, full of writings from a girl who spoke of different lands, of magical creatures. Of goblins and fairies both." She walked over towards the window, resting a hand on its sill.

"She read parts of the book out loud. Suddenly, after reading a particular passage, she felt dizzy. The next thing she knew she was in a totally different land. One of ruddy sunrises and crystal moons..."

David sat and listed to his niece talk about this land and its inhabitants. When she spoke about the king of the "labyrinth" David noticed a strange expression come over her face. It was, as far as he could tell, a mixture of anger, respect, and what else?

".. He told her that she had to return to his labyrinth for fifty years, where she would never age. Handing her a crystal sphere he told her that when she was ready, to picture something from his land, and he would come for her. Then he sent her home."

David turned his head to the side for a moment. "Hmm, peter pan meets beauty and the beast in fantasia."

He laughed. As Cassandra turned and gazed back out the window he sobered. "So where's the book?"

David crossed the room and picked up a small tan journal. He flipped through it silently as Cassandra began placing more things in the trunk. Finally he looked up. "So when are you leaving?"

He nodded, watching her, then turned to leave. "I'm going to go get something, don't leave." He held up the book and smiled. "If you do, I'll just have to come after you."

The throne room was filled with goblins, but thankfully, they were keeping things somewhat clean. Jareth, the Goblin King slumped on his throne. His birthday came in a manner of days. How many years had it been? Hundreds it seemed. That probably wasn't too far from the truth either.

He looked up suddenly, there. Was it? Yes. She was ready. Grabbing a goblin he frowned. "Go make sure the east wing is ready."

"Yes your majesty." It fell to the ground as he dropped it and scampered out the door.

Jareth turned and gazed out the window. The moon hung full in the dark blue sky. He would bring her here tonight, but for how long would she stay?

Stephan's kingdom was much more pristine, much more fitting for a young woman's fancy. Stephan himself already developed an attachment to the girl. Jareth knew it wouldn't be long before there was a new queen in the land of the Fey.

Cassandra placed the last sweater slowly in the trunk. Turning away she picked up the crystal ball and walked over to her window. She suddenly realized what a comfort this little window alcove had become.

Curling up on the window seat, Cassandra rolled the crystal between her palms and closed her eyes. She didn't even open them when the door opened once more. Instead she waited until the other person spoke.

Cassandra slowly opened her eyes to see David carrying a large cardboard box. She shook her head, confused, as he sat it down beside the trunk.

"These were things of your mother's that she would've wanted you to have. Don't open it now," he added as Cassandra walked towards the box. "Wait until you have nothing else to think about."

She nodded, then, impulsively jumped over and hugged her uncle. "I'm gonna miss you D."

Gazing across her shoulder, David caught a glimpse of the moon through the glass pane of the window. He noticed how the old glass gave it a crystalline look.

Jareth looked up to see his brother standing in the throne room's doorway. He raised an eyebrow. "Dressed for the occasion brother?"

The goblin king regarded his brother's outfit. Dark blue and covered in sequins, it had a long sweeping cape. The white shirt had perhaps one too many ruffles. His vest held the symbol of the Fey, three circles intertwined created from silver and gold with a crystal star in the middle.

Stephan smiled. Then his expression changed when he took in his brother's attire. "You *are* going to change out of that aren't you?"

He suddenly felt a strange tingling in his mind. Looking down at his clothes, then back at his brother he frowned. Well, if he was going to do something, it would have to be now. He shook his head.

Cassandra held up the crystal. *So all I have to do now is visualize something from the labyrinth* She gazed into it, and tried to picture the moon just as she saw it that night.

David stood beside his niece, then looked down at the book in his hands.
Quickly he walked over to the trunk and threw the little journal inside,
shutting it softly. He turned and walked back over to where Cassandra
stood.

She concentrated on the reflective surface of the crystal, first only
seeing a distorted view of the room around her. Soon though, she was able
to see the night sky of the labyrinth, and as she truly thought about it,
the deep midnight blue sky filled the ball. Cassandra, after a quick intake
of breath, concentrated harder, trying to picture the crystalline moon.

He watched her, then glanced once more out the window. To his suprise,
David noticed the sky was turning a deep blue and the wind has picked up
considerably.

Cassandra strained to create the moon, but for some reason all she could
bring up were the ice blue eyes of the goblin king.

Jareth sighed and gripped the stone of the balcony a bit tighter. He gazed
up at the moon and remembered the voice of the girl.

He remembered vividly the moment afterwards, when their eyes had connected.
He still remembered the question in her eyes, the unspoken anger and fear,
the pleading and demanding her gaze held. It was difficult to remember the
color of her eyes the feelings were so strong.

Suddenly he jerked back, she had done it, she had pictured something and
was ready. It was time.

A few moments past before he realized that it wasn't the moon she had
pictured, but his eyes.

Cassandra sighed and lowered the ball. "It's not working." She closed her
eyes briefly and saw once again a clear picture of the goblin king's eyes.
Shaking her head she looked up to her uncle.

David wasn't paying any attention to her though. Instead, he was staring
out the window with a suprised expression on his face. Cassandra turned and
followed his gaze. Her eyes widened at the scene before her.

The sky had darkened to a deep jewel blue, the wind was blowing furiously,
branches from a nearby tree swung close, just missing the window. Cassandra
took in a sharp breath, watching the window closely. She backed up,
standing closer to her uncle, who put a protective arm around her.

Suddenly, the window blasted inwards. Cassandra covered her head, feeling
the wind tug at her clothes. After a moment, she opened her eyes and looked
up. There, standing before her, dressed all in black was the goblin king.

And beside him was the other man she had met in the labyrinth. He was
dressed in sparkling blues and purples, swirling colors that made
Cassandra's mind swirl for a moment.

David stood up straight and regarded the two men warily. The one in the
blue looked harmless. The man dressed in black however... *my niece is
going away to _them_?* He shook his head and waited for them to speak.

"Well, my lady, are you completely finished with this horrible place?" He
made a gesture around the room disgustedly.

Cassandra couldn't help but smile. "Yes Stephan, I'm ready." She turned and
glanced at Jareth. "Unless of course, you'd rather not take me."

Stephan smiled. "Oh, how could we *not* want to save you from this life?
Right brother?"

Jareth frowned. "Even if I wished to release you from this I couldn't." He
walked across the room and looked down at the trunk. "Is this all?"

Jareth shook his head, and waved an arm. The box and trunk disappeared.
Then he turned to Cassandra.

Stephan nodded and the man fell to the ground unconscious. Cassandra cried
out and ran over to her uncle's side. She felt for his pulse, then
determining he was alive, she turned and flew at Stephan. "You monster!"

Jareth caught her before she got to his brother and turned her to face him.
"Cassandra please. Don't make this any harder for yourself." Gazing down
into her eyes he sighed. "I can do something, I can make them forget you
ever existed."

At first she shook her head, then slowly looked back up into his eyes. "It
would give them a happier life. All right, do it, make them all forget I
ever existed." She closed her eyes tightly and scolded herself. *Don't be
selfish Cass. You want them to be happy don't you?*

Stephan looked over to his brother. "Okay then, it's settled." He held out
his hand to Cassandra, who, trying to stay optimistic, took it with a small
smile.

Jareth looked and the two and frowned slightly. *Perhaps there will be a
new queen sooner than I thought.* He closed his eyes and the room around
them dissolved into oblivion.

Cassandra opened her eyes and gazed around. It was nighttime, the moon hung
high in the dark blue sky. She looked around herself quickly. Stephan had
disappeared, Jareth was standing with his gaze fixed solely on Cassandra.
She quickly spoke.

Jareth shrugged slightly and stepped away from the rock he was leaning on.
"He went back to the castle to make sure everything was in order for you."

He smiled. "We're in the labyrinth." Jareth pointed to a high boxwood wall.
"Probably one of the more aesthetically pleasing parts, but the labyrinth
nonetheless."

She walked around a corner and frowned. "Don't tell me I have to go through
this thing again."

The king laughed. "No. Don't worry." He turned and smiled down at
Cassandra. "Besides, you never really made it through the maze to begin
with. You found one hell of a shortcut."

Cassandra watched him closely and wondered to herself. *Even if you could
have, *would* you?*

The throne room was a flurry of activity. Goblins ran every which way
dusting here and polishing there.

"No you fool... not *that* statue." Stephan turned his head disgustedly as
the goblin carried away a twisted version of "Venus".

He smiled as he watched the goblins. What a bunch of merry little maids.
Laughing Stephan walked over to the throne. This place cleaned up rather
nicely. How long it would stay this way was a totally different matter.

Stephan turned quickly as a goblin just missed him with a chair. Perhaps
she would come to enjoy this land of shadows and reflections. But could she
ever love it? Stephan knew Jareth in his own strange way did.

He sighed and sat down on the throne. Things were certainly going to change
around here. Stephan just hoped it was for the better.

Cassandra turned another corner and shook her head. "It's a good thing I
didn't have to find my way through here. I really dislike mazes.

She shook her head and sat down on a small wooden bench. "I had some bad
experiences with them as a child."

He nodded slightly, then turned to his left. "Then I'll take you back to
the castle right now."

She looked up, then shook her head firmly. "No. I mean, it's not so
terrible right now. I mean, you're here."

For a moment he just regarded her with slightly downturned lips. Suddenly
though, he laughed and walked over to where she sat.

"No matter what my brother says." Jareth stood up quickly and turned to
face Cassandra.

"Actually, your brother never said anything terrible about you." She felt
strange here, in the moonlight with this man dressed all in black.

He turned his head to one side. "Really? Well, that's a suprise." Smiling
though he held out his hand to Cassandra. "Though I'm sure it won't be
the last."

She took his hand hesitantly and stood up, releasing her hand the moment
she was standing. Turning her head up she frowned questioningly at him. "So
why are we out here anyway?"

He nodded and pointed around another corner. "I wanted to show you
something that you might enjoy while you're here. I think it would suit
your fancy."

Cassandra shook her head. "Suit my fancy huh? Oh, I can't *wait* to see
this." Suddenly Jareth took off at a brisk pace around the corner.
Cassandra looked with wide eyes. "Hey! You can't leave me out here!"

Cassandra took off running after Jareth. Turing the corner she stopped.
This wasn't the boxwood maze. Turning again, she saw the entrance had
disappeared.

She stopped and looked closer at her surroundings. The maze now consisted
of twisted silver, glimmering yet lifeless somehow. The moon reflected off
of it in an odd way, sending shadows all around the area. There were two
turns in front of her. She sighed. *Well here we go again*.

Fuming she called out into the night. "Jareth, the next time I see you,
you're *dead*!"

Stephan laughed heartily. "Jareth you fox! Are you just going to leave her
there until she finds her way back?"

Jareth surveyed the room. "Not bad Stephan, you've gotten this place fixed
up quite nicely."

The dark haired man stared at his brother. "Thanks, but what are you going
to do about the girl?"

He walked over to a large staircase. "Ah yes the girl. I would like to
check out her chambers now."

He nearly shrieked from exasperation. "What are you doing leaving her out
there?"

Jareth looked at his brother and smiled. "I have no idea what you're
talking about. Now, if you would be so kind as to lead the way."

Stephan began walking up the stairs, wondering just what madness had taken
over his brother.

The winding staircase passed a large window on the way up. Stephan gazed
out it over the labyrinth. She wasn't safe down there. He stopped suddenly.

Jareth had to lean against the wall to keep from running into his brother.
"What?"

He began to say 'who' then but thought better at the look on his brother's
face. "Lighten up. She's safe, I made sure of that." He pushed past his
brother up the stairs. Reaching the top he turned back around. "Honestly
Stephan, do you think I'd bring her here without making sure you did a well
enough job on her rooms?"

Jareth walked across a grand hallway to another open window. Gazing out he
smiled. "Besides, once she gets a taste of what the labyrinth is like, I
simply bring her here."

Stephan shook his head. "Okay Jareth, what did she say to you to piss you
off this time?"

He laughed. So Jareth had his feelings hurt? Stephan walked over to his
brother and placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. "Thank you Jareth."

"How *dare* he! The nerve, he knew I hate mazes, what the hell was that...
that... *argh*..!" She slammed her palm on the silver wall. "Why why why
why?"

Cassandra jumped slightly and turned to the sound of the new voice.
Standing half in the dark shadows, and half in the light of the moon, was
what seemed to be a dwarf. She stared at it for a second, then made the
connection to the book left by Sarah.

The creature just stared at her for a second, then stomped it's foot. "No
I 'aint! I'm Hoggle! Hog-gle. And who," He pointed a knobby finger at
Cassandra "do you think *you* are?"

She thought for a second. "Here." She took off a small ring with a
turquoise on it. "How will this sweeten the deal?"

Hoggle stared at it for a moment, then snatched it. "Nice doin business
with you lady, now where'd you want to go?"

"Because I'm staying far enough away from *that* place." He limped slightly
and turned to face the opening to the nearest passage. "Besides, nothing
good has come from taking humans to that place."

"Well not exactly, but I know of her, and how you helped her through the
labyrinth."

He nodded. "Yes, I helped her allright." He stopped and stared at Cassandra
for a long moment. Finally he nodded. "Allright then, I'll show ye the way.
It's really simple actually. Follow me." He turned the corner.

Cassandra followed him closely. After a few moments in silence, the little
man turned to Cassandra.

She smiled. "Well, one day while looking around this attic I found this
book..."

Cassandra chuckled softly to herself. The dwarf beside her wasn't as
terrible as Sarah had first written about him. Sure, she thought, you need
to boost his ego a bit, but then he wasn't all that bad.

Cassandra followed the dwarf around another corner and stopped. The silver
branches had closed off the walkway. Hoggle took a few steps back.

"Hoggle!" She called out, but he didn't answer. Frowning she walked a
little closer to the net of silver.

"Stupid dwarf." She reached out a hand and touched the entwined branches.
They were cool to the touch. Stepping back she regarded it carefully. Well,
she might as well turn back now.

Jareth closed the two great doors and smiled. That would do nicely. Perhaps
the North wing would have been better, but he thought Cassandra might enjoy
the rising of the sun and moon more. Turning he addressed his brother.

"Well, again, I must say you've done a wonderful job. I just had to remove
one thing."

Stephan nonchalantly walked across the hall and sat on a window ledge. "And
what's that?"

Jareth smiled at his brother. "Oh, nothing much, just that *mirror* you
happened to have stuck in her bedchamber."

He couldn't help but laugh. "Why the one with the connection straight to
your room."

The king could only shake his head. This new guest of his was bound to
cause a great number of problems. The number one inconvenience is that his
brother would *never* leave now.

Jareth frowned and flipped his wrist. A beautiful crystal ball formed in
his hand. Gazing into it his face brightened. "She's at the gates of the
weavers."

Stephan smiled. "Oh, so *that's* where you sent her. Lemme watch." He
jumped off the ledge and made his way over to where Jareth stood.

Stephan ignored his brother's jibe and regarded the young woman in the
crystal closely.

Cassandra looked around herself. The silver was too high to climb. Suddenly
she heard a rustling quite akin to the tinkling of crystal.

A silvery voice whispered in the air. "We know who we are, but not who we
may be."

A second voice seemed to caress Cassandra's face. "We are the weavers. The
gatekeepers to what lies beyond."

"No my child, not death." A shadowy figure moved out of a corner of the
square. Cassandra drew in a sharp breath and stared.

It was beautiful. Tall, lithe, and almost human, save for it's feline
features. It wore a gown of flowing silver gossamer, and it's fur was a
silver-white.

"I am Kai. Welcome to our realm. Do you wish to pass through the gates and
win our loyalty?"

The new creature laughed. "I believe Kai that this one is wary of our
challenge."

"Yes Mirhys, I believe you are correct." The first weaver turned to
Cassandra and smiled. It's teeth were feline as well. "You need only prove
yourself to be courageous, and loyal."

Suddenly she felt strange, her body went numb and she could only see a
bright silver light. Just as soon as it began though, it was over.
Cassandra shook herself and stared at the two Weavers with wide eyes.

"Of courage hear this. The Lady Cassandra has shown in her soul that she
will fight for the truth, believes in facing danger, and will never give
up. The proof needed is shown as thus. Her trip into the labyrinth and
transversion of it proves she will stand up in light of her fears."

Mirhys floated over to her and Cassandra could swear the Weaver smiled. "Of
Loyalty hear this. The Lady Cassandra has shown in her soul that she will
keep any promise no matter what the cost. She honors her word and holds it
as precious as gold. The proof needed is shown as thus. Her return to this
labyrinth at the request of the king. She need not have honored this
promise, but did so, because she knew it to be right."

Cassandra began to think. *I didn't *have* to come here?* Her thoughts were
broken though when Kai spoke up once more.

"You have answered the first two challenges. Are you prepared to face the
rest?"

The first riddle is as follows:
"I am the part of the bird
that is not in the sky,
Who can drown in the ocean
and yet remain dry.
A last vestige of man
that refuses to die.
In mourning I am tossed
at your feet to lie;
I begin my job early,
devouring your ankles and thighs.
I work my way up,
eating your legs to your waist.
And though around midday away I am chased,
I return quickly,
To savor the arm of my taste.
As evening falls I enter your lungs,
Spiraling down
past your mouth and your tongue.
I feast on your body, your soul, and your mind,
but as darkness falls you shall find
That away I will go, a relief for some;
At least until tomorrow morning comes. "

Cassandra gulped and stared straight ahead. The only thought going through
her head was "what"?

Jareth cringed. "She's not going to get it is she?" Damn, she would love
that place."

Cassandra ran over the riddle in her head. It had to do with darkness and
light. What was it? *Damn, I used to be good at these.* She watched the
light reflect off of the silver, casting a long shadow behind her.

Mirhys nodded and moved closer to her. "Then your second riddle is as
follows:
It comes only before,
It comes only after,
Rises only in darkness,
But rises only in light.
It is always the same,
But is yet always different."

She thought about it, darkness. Every riddle had to do with dark and light.
Every riddle seemed to be a contrast of light. So what contrast to the dark
this time. She thought about the crystal Jareth had given her. That one had
no shadows, it simply reflected light. Much like the...

She looked up. They were nodding. She had gotten that one right as well.
Kai suddenly disappeared, then Mirhys after her. Cassandra swung around.
"What? Was I wrong?"

She swung around another ninety degrees to face the gate. They both stood
in front of it, eerily glowing with garments flowing out away from them.
Mirhys spoke.

"To enter the gate you must solve the last riddle, but if you do so
correctly, you will be left here, forever."

Cassandra thought about that. Here, within four walls, forever? How long
was forever? She shook her head. If she made it through, she'd find Jareth
and make *sure* he paid for what he did.

"Very well then, your final riddle is:
I cut through evil
like a double edged sword,
And chaos flees at my approach.
Balance I single-handedly upraise,
Through battles fought with heart and mind,
Instead of with my gaze."

Suddenly the Weavers glowed even brighter, and disappeared in a flash of
light. Cassandra sighed and shook her head. Then she stepped back as the
great silver gate opened. She walked forward and through the gate.

Cassandra slowly dragged her eyes across her surroundings. It was simply
beautiful. Her mouth drew into an "o" as she took in the sight before her.
The walls of silver were at times overcome by a deep green ivy. This was
some sort of garden.

The night flowers filled the air with a heady fragrance. Their white petals
seemed to be everywhere, the plants flowing over their beds into the
walkways that snaked around them. Cassandra caught the scent of jasmine on
a breeze that lightly caressed her face.

"Let you explain?" She laughed. "Explain what? Your reason why you brought
me to this damned place when *you never even had to*?" Cassandra stormed
over to where the king stood.

"Oh, and since when are *you* an expert on what I do and don't like?" Her
eyes flashed like fire.

Jareth sighed. "You can be as angry with me as you like, I might even
deserve it a little. But don't disturb the peace here." He waved an arm at
their surroundings.

Cassandra shook her head. "Oh come on Jareth, this place is just as fake as
you are. You're the king of this place. The minute you snap your fingers,
this garden could turn into a desert."

He smiled ruefully. "Cassandra, I brought you here because it is the *one*
place in my kingdom I have no power over. It's a place where you'll be safe
from everything."

She nearly stamped her foot. "How can I believe you? All you've ever done
is lie to me."

Jareth lowered his head for a moment, then returned his gaze to her eyes.
"Never Cassandra, I've never lied to you."

She took off running, rounded a garden wall away from him. Jareth began to
follow her, but the boxwood closed in front of him.

The king walked slowly over to the gate, which opened before him. He
reached over and picked a large white rose. As he brought it to him
however, a thorn cut his skin.

Cassandra ran around another corner and stopped. She knew she was lost.
Exhausted, she fell down on the ground by a small brook. Fighting back
tears of anger she sighed. Soon he would walk around that corner, and
*then* what would she do?

Mirhys laughed. "Yes sister, I believe she is." He turned and regarded her
solemnly. "Ask whatever you wish but," he held up a hand with long fingers.
"Be prepared for whatever answer we give."

She thought about that for a moment, then slowly nodded. "You told me that
I didn't *have* to return to the labyrinth. Is that true?"

Kai spoke up. "Only one other choice. The king could have forced you either
to return to the labyrinth for fifty years, or to give up your most
cherished memories of life."

"Which would mean you would forget your parents ever existed, and never
remember a day you shared with them."

"He couldn't do that to you. He knew that it would change you into a
totally different person." Kai stood up.

Cassandra took all this in with silence. She frowned, shaking her head.
Even if he *had* posed both possibilities to her, she would have chosen to
return to the labyrinth. But that wasn't the problem. He had kept in from
her. He hadn't told the truth.

"Jareth, do you honestly think after what you did she'd be back in a few
hours? She needs some time."

He picked up his wine and slowly sipped it. Thoughtfully, he set it down
and regarded his brother.

Stephan smiled. "Patience brother. Now we wait. I'm sure the Weavers will
show her the way back when it's time." He gazed into his own crystal goblet
and frowned slightly. "You know Jareth, I think they have taken quite an
affinity to her."

"More than any other I've seen enter the gardens." He shook his head. "At
least she has a safe haven to go to if she ever needs it."

Stephan nodded. "The world could go to hell and those gardens would stand
just as they are now."

Kai frowned. "A very few I'm afraid. For many years only Jareth was a
visitor here. Then his brother passed the tests."

Mirhys made a noise that sounded like a snort to Cassandra. "Yes, after a
century or so."

Cassandra started at that. *Centuries?* How long had they been here? Her
thoughts were interrupted however as Kai continued.

"there are only a handful of others. There is one that I particularly enjoy
the company of. Sir Didymus, quite the gentleman."

Mirhys nodded. "He is a wonderful poet. I enjoy the conversations I share
with him."

"I've heard about him. He seemed to be a noble knight." Cassandra thought
about the book she had read.

Shrugging, Cassandra walked around the hedge. Gasping, she found the gate
right in front of her, even though she knew she had run a far distance into
the gardens. She ran up to it laughing.

Taking one more look around the garden entrance she spied a rose lying on
the ground. Gingerly she picked it up.

The moment Cassandra touched the rose a strange sensation shot through her
body. She took a closer look at the flower. Something had stained the white
petals.

Cassandra threw the flower down and walked up to the gate. Just as it was
opening she turned back around. Kai and Mirhys stood silently, watching
her.

She nodded and walked out of the gates. As they shut slowly behind her she
looked around the silver walls. It somehow seemed so much colder outside
the gardens.

She set off walking, not sure where exactly she was heading. Turning a
corner she came face to face with the goblin king.

"Well," he straightened a glove. "I suppose now we go back to the castle
and you can get settled in."

Jareth suddenly recognized the tone of her voice. She was mocking him.
*This one needs to be taught a lesson.* He turned around and tossed a
crystal to her. "I'll see you there."

Jareth sat on his throne and smiled. Stephan tossed a crystal in the air
and shook his head.

"You know, *I'm* the one who is supposed to tease the poor girl, not you
Jareth."

Suddenly, the throne room doors were thrown open and Cassandra stormed into
the room, knocking two goblins off their feet. She made right for Jareth.

"My lady Cassandra," Stephan ran over to her and took her hands. "Welcome
home, my lady."

She turned on him. "Sure, as soon as I hear from you *why* you never told
me I had a choice."

"Don't start that again." She walked over to him. "Tell me Jareth, or I
promise you I will make these 50 years the worst of your unnatural life."

"Tell me." As he sat silently Cassandra continued. "Tell me why you made
the choice for me. Tell me Jareth, why you chose bringing me here instead
of just erasing my memories."

"How could I wish on you something as terrible as that? I know too well
Cassandra what that would do to you. I knew that you wouldn't be able to
handle that loss. It would have killed you."

A deep and pregnant silence filled that throneroom, and after a moment
Cassandra turned to Stephan. "So are you going to show me where I'm to be
locked up?"

Jareth impatiently spoke up. "You aren't a slave here Cassandra, you know
that."

She spun around. "Oh? What am I but a slave when you make all of my
decisions for me?" She began to walk out with Stephan but stopped.

Turning back around slowly she locked her gaze with that of the king's.
Dropping into a curtsy she spoke. "Goodnight your majesty." As she rose she
locked her gaze with his ice blue eyes. "And may the gods grant you an
interesting life."

With that she turned and walked out of the throneroom. Stephan gave his
brother a quizzical look, shrugged, and walked out after her.

Stephan led Cassandra down the hallway. Turning to her he frowned. "So,
what was that all about?"

She just closed her eyes. "It's nothing. I just... I don't know. I guess I
wish I knew why he did the things he did. I hate being lied to."

Stephan nodded thoughtfully. "I understand how you feel, but I can also
see why he chose for you."

Laughing Stephan stopped at a grand set of doors. "Oh I can assure you he
doesn't think *that* at all. Here are your rooms. We, well Jareth actually,
decided you would enjoy the east wing. You know how beautiful the sunrises
are." He smiled as two lanky guards opened the doors.

The two goblins bowed and opened the doors. Cassandra stepped inside and
shook her head. *This is amazing*

Candelabras lined the walls, their candles flickering from unseen drafts.
The stone floor was covered by a long plush rug.

She followed Stephan down the long hallway, only half listening to his
explanations of all that rested within the wing.

"The library is empty at the moment, but you can choose any book under the
sun to have included. .. .the music parlor only has a piano in it now, the
harp wasn't quite in tune..."

Cassandra glanced in the parlor and smiled. A baby grand. She would've
killed to have one of those. *Talk about giving you your dreams.*

Stephan stopped. "Your bed chamber milady." He opened the door and
Cassandra stepped in gingerly.

At the sight of the room she gasped. "Stephan it's... I mean, " she turned
to him bewildered. "I've dreamt of living in a room like this. Literally."

He smiled. "I had nothing to do with it really. Jareth picked out the
scheme, I just put the stuff where it needed to go."

Smiling she took his hand. "Stop giving all the credit to your brother.
Thank you. For everything you've done." She sighed. "I suppose I should
thank him too but first," she looked down at her clothes. "I need a bath
and a good night of sleep."

"Now *that* I can help with." At Cassandra's look he laughed. "No my lady,
not in those contexts. I've asked Crysabelle to assist you."

From a corner of the room a young woman emerged. Cassandra's eyes widened.
She had an elfin face, and wore a simple frown dress. Her black hair had
been caught up in a single twist, and her eyes, a fierce green, watched
Cassandra with a knowing look.

The girl laughed. "Of course. First though, a bath has been prepared for
you." She pointed to a room adjoining that one.

Cassandra thanked the girl and made her way into the bathroom, noticing a
huge verandah off of her room.

*Gods I feel just like princess.* She walked into the room and shut the
door behind herself.

Cassandra sighed gratefully as she sunk in the stub of steaming water. She hadn't quite realized how stiff her muscles had become until now. The warm water seemed to massage the aches of her body away.

Fifty years? Here, in this… this place? Cassandra couldn't believe it. How long is fifty years? The first eighteen of her life were long enough. But fifty? Comprehension eluded her. Instead she closed her eyes and inhaled the light sent of rose, made thick somehow by the steam. There wasn't any way out of it though, she had to stay, and that was the end of it.

Once she felt relaxed enough she stepped gingerly out of the tub. The coolness of the floor beneath her made her jump over to a large floor rug. Looking up Cassandra found a large fluffy white robe and smiled. Wrapping herself in it's luxurious folds she opened the door and walked back into her chambers.

Crysabelle stood silently at a grand window, and spun around as Cassandra entered. Wide eyed, the young maid rushed over to her side, a slight look of fear on her face.

Cassandra picked up on the expression almost immediately. "What's wrong Crysabelle?"

Concerned, she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "What it is? You can tell me."

"My lady, I.. I… I don't know the first thing about being a lady's maid. Stephan just brought me here, and I haven't a clue. But they can't send me back miss, they just *can't*. I don't know what I would do if his majesty Jareth…"

"Calm down." Cassandra smiled. "I can't say *I* know the first thing about a lady's maid's duties myself. I suppose we'll just have to stumble though it together won't we?" Cassandra fumed inwardly. What kind of a tyrant was this Jareth?

The girl nodded demurely and watched as Cassandra walked across the room to a great set of closets. Smiling Crysabelle walked over behind her.

"You see my lady, our first problem has arose. I'm afraid his majesty didn't leave you any clothes."

Stephan leaned back in his chair and stared into the fire. His brother stood at a large bookshelf and pondered over two large tomes.

"I'm just making sure everything goes smoothly." He finally decided on a book and walked over to a chair beside Stephan. "I mean for heaven's sake! She'll be here for a good fifty years, I don't want to make it any harder on any of us."

Stephan smiled. "Of course not. I'm sure she'll be perfectly happy here." At his brother's skeptical glance Stephan shrugged. "Over time at least."

Jareth flipped though the book he held. "Well with all the care I took with her wardrobe, perhaps that will soften her reserve a little. You would not *believe* how dreadful it is to design women's clothes. There are so many things to take into consideration."

Stephan nodded, barely concealing a smirk. "Oh I'm sure it will be quite a suprise for her."

Cassandra fumed. "No clothes? What the devil does he think I'm going to do, run around here naked?" Shaking her head and clenching her fists she tried to calm herself down. All she could do though was rattle off a few choice words to describe the king. "Pig headed, egotistical.. I'll bet he thinks I'll just stay in here now. Ha! If I have to I'll just live in this robe. Wait a second." She spun around to face Crysabelle. "Isn't my trunk here?" She sighed *I must have packed *something* in there.*

Crysabelle shrank back. Of course my lady, the trunk is over there. Pointing to a far corner of the room she watched Cassandra warily. "Although I was instructed to dispose of all the clothes inside."

Opening the trunk Cassandra saw two of her nightgowns. They were old, antiques even. Her grandmother had given them to her as a child. Long flowing cotton with full bell sleeves and ruffles at the neck. It had always been a wonder to Cassandra how they had survived that long. She used to fancy it was magic, but never truly believe magic such as that was possible. However now, after what she had seen, she wasn't quite sure of anything.

Crysabelle helped her into the nightgown then excused herself. Cassandra hoped she was going to tell her *master* just what an oversight he made. It just didn't make sense though. Why would he give her such luxury to live in, such beauty, such opulence, and turn around and not give her anything to wear? Only a sick mind would think of something like that.

She shook her head again. Didn't Crysabelle say there were clothes here before she took her bath? Was she such a terrible maid she didn't even think to check the closets before saying that? It didn't make sense.

But then again, wasn't she scared of Jareth, and perhaps even Stephan? Maybe she was afraid to tell her the truth in the presence of one of them.

Cassandra couldn't help but smile slightly. "Curriouser and curriouser."
* * * * *

Jareth looked up only slightly as Stephan left the room. Returning to his book he wondered how she would fare in his kingdom. Moreover, he wondered how long it would take before she decided to live with Stephan as queen of the fey. He found himself suddenly overcome with a compelling desire to make sure she stayed with *him*, in *his* land.

Why would that be such a terrible thing to do. He certainly didn't want her with Stephan. No, she'd be terribly unhappy once she got to know him. Being queen of the Fey isn't such a wonderful thing really. She had no idea what happened to the last Queen.

Wait. Why did he care what happened to the girl? She could make her own decisions, and she'd have to live with the one's she would make. Didn't they all?

Shaking his head he returned to reading. The old book had yellowed pages, but was still one of his favorites.

"They that have power to hurt, and will do none,
That do not do the thing they most do show,
Who, moving others, are themselves as stone,
Unmoved, cold, and to temptation slow;
They rightly do inherit heaven's graces,
And husband nature's riches from expense;
They are the lords and owners of their faces,
Others but stewards of their excellence.
The summer's flower is tot he summer sweet,
Though to itself it only live and die;
But if that flower with base infection meet,
The basest weed outbraves his dignity;
For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds:
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds."

Cassandra heard the faint knock on her door, but didn't respond, knowing in a moment Crysabelle would open the door on her own. She did, but Cassandra quickly realized she had company.

Cassandra stopped for a moment. Stephan was a king too? She had never thought of that.

"Come in Stephan. I would make myself much more decent but I'm afraid that's not possible at the time." She smiled slightly but pulled her robe a little bit tighter at his approving gaze.

Stephan bowed. "My lady, I cannot see how this could have happened, for I was *sure* Jareth had prepared your clothes for you. However, perhaps I may be of service."

"I just happened to have selected a wardrobe for you myself, one that I'm afraid my brother didn't find them , well, up to scratch so to say."

Cassandra thanked him and he turned to leave. She felt a strange sense of relief wash over herself.

She wasn't quite sure if it was from getting the clothes or from Stephan's eyes not being directed at her body anymore.

A few minutes later Khris and Handle walked in, each carrying armloads of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen in her life. They laid them down on the bed and walked back out, presumably to get more. Cassandra aided Crysabelle in hanging up the dresses as the two guards brought more clothes into the room. Dresses, skirts, riding pants, jackets, shoes. Cassandra wondered how anyone could have possibly known her shoe size. Or her dress size even.

Then again. They knew everything else about her, wouldn't they know something as simple as her measurements?

After a few more trips, the last of the clothes had been brought in. Cassandra felt like a child, caressing the fabrics, marveling at their beautiful colors. She truly did feel like a princess.

What if Stephan was looking for a Queen? Was this his equivalent of a bridal trousseau? Cassandra wouldn't believe it of the man, but one never knew. She decided to act much more formal with him from now on. Not to let him get the wrong idea.

A sudden thought made her laugh. At least she never had to worry about that sort of behavior from Jareth. He wouldn't even consider her ruling beside him. Her laugh startled Crysabelle, but she didn't feel the need to explain herself to the girl. Instead her mind was taking a track of its own.

She could almost picture him. *What, a *girl* ruling with me? A measly *girl*? Why would I ever want something like *that*, no better than my goblins… ruling MY kingdom?* Chuckling to herself Cassandra crawled under the covers. She could hear the kings drawling voice saying those very words, knocking a goblin or two out of the way as he did so.

Cassandra slept fitfully that night, plagued by images of the labyrinth and its inhabitants. She found herself running down an endless hallway, doors on every side, all locked. Each door she tried, yet every time it was locked. Finally she gave up and collapsed to the floor. Hearing footsteps nearing her she raised her head slightly. She was expecting to see Jareth standing there, his mocking grin tormenting her, but it wasn't Jareth who stood there.

Her hair was long and black, or perhaps a deep brown, Cassandra couldn't be certain. She was dressed in a pair of jeans and a poets blouse.

Sarah frowned. "This is the labyrinth Cassandra, nothing is what it seems here. You must learn to make the right decisions. There are oubliettes everywhere. Don't fall prey to them Cassandra, be careful where you step."

Cassandra nodded, "Okay, I'll try." She watched as the woman faded. "Wait, I want to ask you a few more questions."

Too late, Sarah disappeared. The whole room disappeared for that matter, leaving Cassandra in a dark room. It was an oubliette. But that wasn't right, she hadn't even taken a single step! Voices surrounded her. Dark voices, full of anguish and despair.

A cry was heard above the rest. Cassandra blanched as she realized the voice's identity. Her mother. She remembered that scream, from so long ago…

Cassandra shut her eyes tight and shook her head trying to clear it. No, she wouldn't remember, she couldn't. It was over, her mother was dead, there was nothing left to dwell on, no.

"Stop." She cried out, but the wailing grew louder, the tortured voices echoed through her mind.

Cassandra woke up with a start, her breathing heavy and labored. The dream, it had seemed so real. She could still hear the voices in her mind, hear her mother…

Cassandra jumped out of the bed and ran across the room to the box her uncle had given her. Opening it slowly she held her breath. The small amount of light from the dawning sun helped her see what lay inside.

She gasped. They were beautiful. The first thing she retrieved was a silver diadem, a interwoven circled of silver in a Celtic knot design, and in the center a small crescent moon. She cradled it gently in her hands, a single tear falling down her cheek. Placing the diadem in her lap she reached into the box once more.

She pulled out a smaller box holding two silver rings of a Celtic design, others in both silver and gold, a few bracelets, an anklet made all of tiny silver bells, and a box full of earrings.

The next box yielded numerous crystals, of many shapes and sizes, some on ropes, some polished, others rough and uncut. They all nearly sang with energy. There were tapestry squares, a beautiful set of Tarot cards, and a set of runes, all in amethyst.

The bottom of the box yielded the two most important items though. Cassandra gently took out a large rectangular object covered in black silk lined with silver. Unwrapping it she found it to be a large book. Opening it to the first page Cassandra found a few words written in Gaelic.

It was a book of shadows. Her mothers, for she had signed her name at the bottom. Cassandra ran a hand over the tome's leather cover. This was her mother's. A book of Shadows no less. Handed down from generation to generation of witches, and her mother had made her own. Cassandra wondered if her mother had ever planned on giving it to her.

There was something else written at the bottom of the page. It took Cassandra a few minutes to make the words out, and to translate them into English. Once she did however, her eyebrows nearly flew into her hair.

She looked down into the box once more and shook her head. There was something else in the box, wrapped in a deep scarlet silk. Gingerly she took it out, feeling the weight of the object. Unwrapping it Cassandra blinked in frustration. This couldn't be. That was just too strange.

Inside she found a crystal ball, clear quartz with a few thin veins of an ice blue color.

Crysabelle woke Cassandra up while throwing open the curtains to flood the room with afternoon sunlight. Slowly Cassandra sat up in bed, wondering at everything that had happened to her in the past two weeks. It seemed so much like a dream.

She shook her head forcefully. But it wasn't a dream, and she'd have to accept that. Instead of thinking on that however, Cassandra just watched as Crysabelle rummaged through her closet.

Pulling out a deep blue gown she tilted her head to the side. "What do you think my lady? It's an afternoon gown, but I'd say it could easily double as a dinner dress, considering how very late it is." She laid the dress on the bed and went into the closet once more, still talking to Cassandra, who had reached over onto her breakfast tray and grabbed an apple. "I can do you hair up in a way that should be suitable too, but, oh damn, where are those slippers?"

Cassandra smiled. The girl may be a bit odd, but she could definitely see a kindred spirit in Crysabelle. Crunching on the apple thoughtfully Cassandra took another gaze around the room. In daylight it seemed even larger. The ceilings were extremely high, the floor marble, but covered with plush rugs. It was truly a room for a princess.

Jareth watched his brother with narrowed eyes. That boy was up to something, he was sure of it. But what?

"Stephan, I was wondering. Do you think it was such a good idea to put Cassandra in the east wing?"

The young man smiled in amusement. "What dear brother, afraid dear old Lady Natalie would decide she wished to return to you?"

Jareth couldn't help but smile. "No fool, I meant the situation of the wing itself. I sensed power in her, and if she's sensitive to it. Oh nevermind."

"Yes, no talk of silly frivolent things like that, I doubt she has all that much *power* anyway. Now, I'm sending the invitations out today for your party. Anyone else you would like to add?"

"Very much so. And you can forget about inviting Sarah, she must be nearly thirty years old by now. She wouldn't want to come to a ball."

Jareth didn't like the smile spreading across his brother's face. "Convince her?"

"Yes, we'll abduct her brother, bring her here, and she can rescue him once again! It'll be just like old times."

"Stephan, to start with, her *baby* brother is most likely in college. Secondly, if I were her, I'd just *leave* him." Jareth thought of the child and remembered how much he hated screaming babies.

The voice came from the doorway to the throneroom. Both men turned around and froze in amazement.

Jareth stared at the woman before him. They *had* been referring to her as a child, but it seems that they were quite mistaken. This was no child.

She stood in the doorway, her blue skirts surrounding her. The bodice fit her perfectly, and proved Jareth's point once more that they weren't dealing with a child. Her hair had been pulled up into a cascade of curls, and on her brow sat some sort of silver crown. His mind conjured a word briefly. Diadem. In the old days they were worn by royalty, the crest or shield of the family in the middle. Cassandra's was a crescent moon. At her neck she still wore her, oh what was it, pentagram? No, it was a pentacle. She made a striking sight, and Jareth wondered if he possibly detected a hit of mischievousness in her eyes.

"As I was saying," she continued. "Were you two gentleman referring to me as a child?"

"Of course not dear lady. We were merely speaking of one of the servants. You see they had a child and now.. it's really no grand affair. Just something we were discussing." Stephan smiled.

"And not something I was expecting anyone to, shall I say, overhear?" Jareth smiled coolly at her.

She laughed at his chastising expression. "Your majesty, could you possibly be accusing me of spying on you?"

Jareth stared at her with unbelieving eyes. *She's _flirting_ with me. What the devil has gotten into the chit?* He was quite sure that were she in possession of a fan, she'd be waving it around in a coquettish manner. That girl was up to something, he was sure of it.

"Lady Cassandra. May I ask you for some advice?" Stephan stepped forward and offered her his arm. She accepted it gracefully and they walked across the grand room to a large window.

Jareth watched them with a frown. Not only did he have Stephan to worry about, now it seems his new guest had a few tricks up her own sleeve.

He sighed as he watched Cassandra. This was not the time to be unsure of things.

Back in her room Cassandra danced around laughing. It was working. They both had stared at her as if she were an alien. This was fun, she decided. And there was to be a ball soon! Perhaps by then they'd be so terribly annoyed with her they would *have* to send her home!

On a lighter foot, she set out to explore the rest of her rooms. The library was indeed empty, and she made a mental note to remedy that as soon as possible. The other rooms were filled with amazing things, and one small room, that overlooked gardens. *The castle has gardens? I never would have thought…* She gazed out the window, finding herself amazed at the changes that had occurred.

The labyrinth, it had changed somehow. No longer was it dry and barren, although some of it was. But now the majority of the land was covered in green. And the castle was no longer at the center of the labyrinth, but instead at one end. Cassandra couldn't possibly figure out how *that* had happened, but there it was. To her right she could see rolling green hills, quite like the moors of Scotland. And just beyond that, Cassandra could make out what seemed to be a great ocean.

Suddenly she remembered her dream, and the words of Sarah came rushing back to her.

Cassandra left the room quietly, shutting the door behind her. Was she now seeing the kingdom as it truly is, or just the way it is today? Confused and bewildered, she found her way further down the corridor, and at last came to the music room.

There were so many beautiful instruments there, but it was the piano that captured her attention. She made her way over to it quickly, settling down and running her hands lovingly across the ivory keys. Closing her eyes she began to play a haunting old melody that she was fairly sure was Irish. She allowed herself to become lost in the music and played on, each song carelessly blending into the other.
* * *

Jareth stopped in mid step and listened. There was music coming from Cassandra's wing. Against his better judgment he followed the sound, walking past her guards and stopped just before the music room. He didn't know he was being followed however, and nearly jumped as a hand was placed on his shoulder.

"It seems we have heard the same siren's song brother." Stephan smiled and leaned up against the wall. "She plays with quite a bit of passion, does she not?"

Stephan tried not to laugh. His brother looked so *serious*. As if he was very much interested in her music.

Cassandra continued playing, oblivious to the spies just outside her door. Instead she was beginning to hum along to the music. Struck by an idea, she began another song, an old one her grandmother used to sing to her when she visited.

She strained to remember the words, but once the first line came out of her mouth the rest of the song flowed. She closed her eyes as she sang, emotions welling up in her heart.

"Where Lagan stream sings lullaby, there blows a lily fair
The twilight gleam is in her eyes, the night is on her hair
And like a lovesick lenanshee, she hath my heart in thrall
Nor life I own, nor liberty for love is lord of all"

Jareth closed his eyes as he listened to her sing. Her voice had a clear tone to it, a haunting deepness that one would never find with some grand opera singer. No, her voice was not beautiful as theirs, but her pitch was exact, and her voice held a beauty in it that got the attention of the listener and held it captive, seducing the senses with a magic one rarely finds in music.

He wondered about this girl. She had quite a fire in her soul, as Stephan had pointed out a few weeks ago. Had it only been a few weeks? Impossible, it seemed so much longer that he had known this Cassandra with the stormy eyes. Jareth allowed a small smile to turn up his lips. He was right, there was no hope for rest with this tempest around.

But the odd thing for Jareth was his acceptance of it, and his anticipation for the next battle of wits he would share with the Lady Cassandra.

He planed to be quite ready for her the next time. He was King after all, was he not?

"And ohen when the beetle's horn hath lulled the eye to sleep
I steal unto her shielding lorn and thro' the dooring peep
There on the cricket's singing stone, she stirs the bogwood fire
And hums in sad, sweet undertone the song of heart's desire"

Stephan sighed contentedly. Yes, he decided, she would make a marvelous queen. Now the only question was how to convince her that *he* was the right King? He shot a quick glance in his brother's direction. Jareth's closed eyes weren't a good sign. Had he fallen in love with the chit? No, that was quite impossible. His brother wasn't capable of love. The only thing Stephan realized he had to worry about was Jareth deciding that Stephan wasn't suitable for her. Love or not, the king of the goblins could become quite a nuisance.

*Better write a few more invitations tonight, and make sure to send one of them in person.*

"Her welcome like her love for me is from the heart within
Her warm kiss is felicity, that knows no taint or sin
When she was only fairy small her gentle mother died
But true love keeps her memory warm, by Lagan's silver side."

Cassandra finished the song and opened her eyes, in the process of doing so blinking back tears. She smiled fondly at the memories it surfaced. She basked in the silence for a moment, remembering her grandmother, and her parents with a peaceful look in her eyes.

Her reverie was shattered however by the sounds of whispers in the corridor just outside the room.

"I told you the piano was a good idea."

"Her voice is more than halfway decent. I must say the music room was a good idea Stephan."

Cassandra fumed as she recognized the voice. Jareth. Of all the pompous, ridiculous things that man could do…halfway decent?

She suddenly smiled to herself ,banged with discord on the piano and sang out a tavern song she knew.

"McTavish is dead
an' his brother don't know it,
oh but his brother, he's dead
an' McTavish don't know it,
They both lie dead in the bonny same bed,
an' neither one knows that the other is dead!"

Laughing she stood up and listened as the brothers walked quickly back down the corridor.

So there was to be a ball, well, she would certainly look forward to that. After all, one certainly must make use of the time one has. She wondered if it would be a typical masquerade. She hoped so. Disguises were so much fun. And as for Jareth and his dear brother, well, would it hurt if she had a bit of fun with them too? The trickster in her was showing, but Cassandra wasn't about to push it back down. No, perhaps it was the coyote's turn to play. But what to do about the interloping intruders?