The Dance of Life

The Dance of Life  

It was a most beautiful April morning; the sun was out, the sky was a canvas of pure blue with fluffy white clouds, and the birds were singing happily in the heights of the trees. All in all, it was a fantastic beginning to a fine spring day; though to one particular young woman the beauty went unnoticed.

Abby- the woman in question- had always been one for sleeping in, and today was no exception. True, it was almost 8:30 and the clock was continuously ticking. But since she had the day off from work, she hadn’t bothered to set an alarm.  And why would she, when her bed was soft enough to melt the hardest of joints, and her coverlet was able to keep her so nice and warm?

In that moment, if Abby had been conscious enough to debate the values of early rising, she would have fervently agreed that the early birds did catch their fair share of worms. But it was the late-risers that truly held the upper hand. Whereas the early ones would physically drag at lunchtime, the late bloomers would be alive and vibrant. Something that was well worth its weight in gold when you had a career like Abby did.

For about two years now, the young woman had been a professional Historical Re-enactment Performer, and took every other day off. Though it might have seemed all fun and games, the job itself was incredibly trying, and at the end of her performances Abby would come home beat. Not that she would have traded her career for anything in the world, but there were times when the weight of what she did left her a complete wreck.

But the woman was more than happy with it, and she was able to live quite comfortably with the paychecks that it garnered her. So there was no question about changing jobs. Besides, the young woman wouldn’t have known what to do without being able to live her dream.

From her place underneath her covers, the woman currently smiled in her sleep; her body relaxed to the max, as she subconsciously noted how comfortable she was. And she no doubt would have stayed this way for another hour yet, if something warm hadn’t pressed against her forehead at that exact moment. The initial contact wasn’t overwhelming, but it was enough to make the woman somewhat aware of her surroundings. And when the soft warmth moved slowly to her cheek, Abby’s brown eyes slid open.

Though she was still half asleep, she groaned as the warm touch was identified. And when her morning intruder spoke, the woman found herself fully awake.

“Good morning, dear one.”

With somewhat bleary eyes, Abby looked up at her fiancé and gave him a sleepy smile. “G’morning, Your Majesty.”

From his place sitting on the side of her bed, the one and only Goblin King returned the smile- his mismatched eyes shining with affection as he once more leaned down and placed a kiss to her forehead. The action was chaste, but it still effectively managed to make her stomach erupt in butterflies.

“Jareth, I thought we discussed you appearing unannounced in the morning.” Abby’s voice was deeper than usual due to having just woken up, but her accusing tone was ringing loud and clear. Though the young woman loved the Fae more than anything, she also had rules about propriety and modesty that she was unwilling to break.

“We did, but I was weary from having to wait for you to rise on your own.”

“I understand,” she said. “But my expectations remain the same.”

Jareth rolled his eyes, but nodded in submission. “Alright, precious. I shan’t come in unannounced again until you are my Queen.”

Abby gave him a half-nod as she snuggled deeper into her covers. “Thank you.”

The two were silent for a long moment, before Jareth spoke once again. “Are you planning on granting the world your presence anytime soon, love?”

“No,” she said closing her eyes again. “It’s my day off.”

Though she couldn’t see him, Abby knew without a doubt that he was frowning. It was a fact that Jareth was an avid morning person, and the two had often quarreled over early rising in the past.

“But why should you wish to sleep when the day is wasting away?” There was genuine curiosity in his voice, and Abby sighed as she once more opened her eyes to regard him.

“Because sleep is a girl’s best friend, sweetheart. And the bed is very, very comfortable.”

“But it’s spring, Abigail,” Jareth interjected with a loaded look, that made her heart flip. “How can we stay indoors when it’s so perfect out? The birds are singing, the temperature is an even 70, and my Goblins have yet to notice my absence.”

Abby bit her bottom lip as she took these facts into deliberation. It was incredible that the Goblins hadn’t noticed their King’s departure, or come to find him yet. And it did look like a beautiful day outside. . . .

“Jareth,” she began to protest.

“Precious,” he returned with a soft expression.

As soon as Jareth gave her the lovey-dovey eyes, Abby knew that it was a lost cause. Though she had never imagined she’d be one to fall for the kicked puppy dog act, the Goblin King had proven her wrong. She couldn’t say no to him when he donned that face, and he knew it.

“Fine, you manipulative thing,” she said with an easy laugh. “You leave, I’ll get up. Deal?”

Jareth flashed her a pleased smirk as he stood from the bed. “Your wish is my command, love.” Then as he reached her bedroom door he added, “Be sure you don’t take too long. Your breakfast will grow cold.”

Before Abby could say anything, Jareth had disappeared. Though as she stretched and gathered fresh clothes to take to the bathroom for after her shower- the young woman couldn’t help but feel a fluttering at his words. The Goblin King had made her breakfast! She was truly the luckiest woman in the world!

**

**

Abby sighed contentedly as she finished the rather large breakfast that Jareth had made for her, and smiled at him from where he currently sat across from her. Though he hadn’t joined her in eating (he had already been up for hours and had had his own meal) the two had been enjoying the time together. When Abby had come out from the bathroom dressed and showered to meet the day, she had found a plate full of biscuits and gravy, and a gorgeous Goblin King. He had known for quite some time that it was her favorite breakfast, but the woman had never thought in a million years that he’d actually make it for her.

As the woman downed her glass of milk, she looked at him curiously. “This was a wonderful surprise, Jareth.”

He smiled. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, Abigail.”

Though she had known Jareth for a handful of years, she still had a shiver run down her spine whenever he called her by her full name. Though no one else bothered to use it, Abby was glad that he did.

“But why go to the trouble of making me breakfast, sweetheart,” she wondered aloud, reaching across the tabletop to take his larger hand in her own. “Especially when you could have just poofed the biscuits right out of thin air?”

He lifted a defined brow. “How do you know I didn’t?”

“Magically crafted food doesn’t taste the same,” Abby said without hesitation, to which the GK smirked. “And they wouldn’t have been so warm if you had.”

Jareth was silent for a moment before he squeezed her hand and said, “Today is a special day, dear one. And I wished to start it out on a positive note.”

“Well,” Abby replied, glancing at her empty plate. “You did a great job.”

Jareth chuckled as he leaned over the table and placed a chaste kiss to her lips. “I do enjoy pleasing you, precious. I suppose I’ll have to make you meals more often.”

“Yes, you will,” she agreed, accepting the kiss before asking, “So what’s so special about today?”

He gave her a toothy grin. “It’s a Goblin Holiday, love. And you are the guest of honor.”

Abby’s eyes widened as her whole face lit up. Jareth knew that his beloved adored the Underground and his subjects, and more often than not begged to spend time in the Labyrinth and Goblin City.

“Today’s a holiday?” She asked and he nodded. “What holiday?”

“It’s National Ruckus Day,” he offered. “It’s a nonsensical day where the entire Underground gathers to celebrate the gift of noise and song.”

Abby knew that if she smiled any wider her face would break, but she couldn’t help it. It was just too wonderful!

“Wait a second. . . So you’re telling me that there’s actually a Goblin holiday where everyone just sings and makes noise all day?”

“That is correct.”

“And you’re letting me participate . . . as the guest of honor?”

Jareth’s mismatched eyes twinkled with amusement as he stared at her. “You will be my Queen next month, Abigail. My Goblin’s might as well get used to your authority sooner rather than later.”

Abby beamed as she wrapped her arms around him in a happy hug. “And when shall the future Queen and her King be leaving for National Ruckus Day?”

He pretended to ponder this for a moment, as he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. “I should think as soon as the future Queen is ready.”

“I think she’s ready now,” Abby said with a small laugh. “And she couldn’t be more excited.”

Jareth chuckled as he lifted his hand and summoned one of his crystals to teleport them. “Remember that optimism when my subjects start serenading you.”

“Jareth, it can’t be that bad.”

He gave her a pointed look. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, precious. . . ”

**

As the glitter and magical breeze faded from them and they landed gently in the Labyrinth, Abby opened her brown eyes and looked up at Jareth. She had teleported with the GK countless times, but if she looked around she ended up getting sick- and had long since learned her lesson.

And as she now gazed up at her fiancé, time itself seemed to stand still. He truly was a handsome Fae, with his strange eyes and angled features and punk rocker hair. She took in the familiar plains of his face lovingly and once more noted just how lucky she was. She was getting the happily ever after that most women dreamed about, and she hadn’t had to lose herself to do it. True, her relationship with Jareth hadn’t started out with sunshine and rainbows. (She had been wished away by her friend Lyn in a moment of giddy fangirling, and had been locked in the Castle Beyond the Goblin City while said friend had run the Labyrinth to get her back.) But after the initial saving by her wacky friend, Abby had realized that she actually liked Jareth, and had kept in touch with him even after she left the Underground.

Now years later, she was engaged to him and couldn’t have been happier with her future. She hadn’t wished to be the Goblin Queen- but Jareth had gradually helped her overcome her doubt. The Goblins were a race of carefree and slow creatures, who only lived for fun and laughter. And despite some basic duties as a mother of sorts, Abby’s job as Queen would be simple: like having an overly loud brood of children.

“Care to share what’s on your mind, love? You look very thoughtful.”

Abby blushed as Jareth brought her back to the present, and gave him a sheepish look. “I was just wondering what I’ll have to do as the guest of honor.”

Jareth smirked as he pulled away from their embrace. “It’s nothing you can’t handle, dear one.”

“What exactly does this evening entail, Your Highness?”

Jareth hummed in appreciation at the nickname, and gave her a wolfish grin. “You merely have to sing a song with me-”

“Oh, that’s not so bad-”

“- In front of my Goblins.”

Abby stopped as Jareth finished his sentence. “What?”

“Ruckus Day demands that the King, and his guest of choice, sing a duet from the balcony of the Palace for all the Goblins to see and hear. It’s tradition that I start off the festivities.”

“But I don’t know any Ruckus songs!” There was obvious panic in the woman’s voice, but her lover was quick to put her at ease.

“There is no preset song for Ruckus Day, dearest. Most of my subjects sing gibberish lyrics anyway.” When she looked at him questioningly, he gave her an encouraging smile. “And wasn’t there a particular song that you wished us to rehearse for our musical theater production anyway?”

Abby immediately found herself blushing again. Several months ago, the young woman had joined a local acting group due to her love of singing- and a certain Fae had been more than happy to tag along for the ride. And three weeks ago, the two had landed leading roles in the troupe’s newest production: Elisabeth the Musical. Abby and Jareth had been studying and learning their parts together since then, and opening night was fast approaching.

“Jareth, I don’t think that’s the best thing to perform in front of your subjects. . . ”

“I do,” he interjected with a smirk. “My Goblins are in need of culture, and we need an audience to test.”

Abby was about to protest some more when she felt the hints of a smile creep up to light the corner of her mouth. . . There was something irresistible about singing with Jareth, and the song they had been practicing was truly a beautiful one. . .

“Alright,” she said, caving. “But after that I get to sing One Direction songs, and teach your Goblins some Bowie jams.”

Jareth tipped his head back and laughed, as he and Abby began to walk through the familiar paths of the maze where they had spent so much time together. The two traveled with no hurry as they passed by the Wiseman and his talking Hat who were arguing. And as they took a shortcut around the Fiery Woods were limbs were being thrown high into the air by the fuzzy red monsters, Abby leaned into Jareth’s side comfortably as the Castle came into view.

“I’m glad Lyn wished me away, Jareth.”

“As am I, darling. As am I.”

**

The Goblin City was alive with merriment as the Goblins and other creatures of the Underground prepared for the National Holiday. Though the actual Ruckus had yet to start, the air was palpable with anticipation and excitement. Everywhere one looked there were decorations and happy faces, and it was absolutely catching.

In the Underground, Ruckus Day ranked in the highest tier for celebrations, and today was promising to be a day to remember.

As the sun drew ever higher in the sky, goblins began to form around the Castle Beyond the Goblin City. And soon every subject of the Underground had found a place to view the Royal Balcony, where the first song of the day would be sung. First, the King would sing a song of his choosing- and then the crowd would depart to go and celebrate in ways of their own designs, with countless songs uttered until the next morning.

Though today was different.

Because for the first time in years, Jareth had a guest to sing with him- and the Goblins were abuzz with apprehension. They knew that the guest of honor was the future Queen, but no one knew how she would sound, or what she would sing with their King.

After another half hour of waiting, the horns sounded the arrival of the King and the population gave out a great cheer that shook the very ground. And then, as the Fae and his guest came into view on the balcony, a great hush overtook the crowd.

Though the balcony was far and the distance great for those in the back- magic assisted all those who viewed the opening ceremony, so that it seemed to be right in front of them. All took in collective, anxious breaths.

The King looked his usual self, in stunning white garments and his hair streaked with black, but his guest matched him as she came to stand at his side in a beautiful gossamer red gown. And all those who watched had to concur, that the two were absolutely breathtaking as they took their positions and began to sing.

**

Abby took a calming breath as she felt the eyes of thousands upon her, but didn’t lose her nerve. She had promised Jareth that she would do this, so she would. And as she extended her hand out towards the mass of goblins, she began the actions she had rehearsed so many times.

“What a triumph~”

“My triumph~” Jareth sang back, with a deep growl at the end of his note, making Abby shiver despite herself.

“What a celebration~”

“My celebration~”

“I have overcome the enemy.”

“You’ve changed the course of the world to what I willed it to be. We are so closely connected~”

Abby who at this pointed wanted to smile at her fiancé, fought back the impulse and kept her face defiant as she continued.

“I don’t do it for the world~”

“Not for the world~”

“Only for me~”

“For me~”

“Now I’ve found my way~”

“They laughed at you, but you’ve risen up and defeated them~”

As Jareth held the note, he gazed at Abby steadily, his eyes intent as they watched her every move. And falling into the familiar routine, Abby played off the moment as she began to dance and sway.

“They tied me to strings with stress: forced as a puppet to dance their dance. But I will not be their marionette~!

If I want to dance, I’ll dance as I see fit. Only I will choose the hour, only I’ll pick the music.

If I want to dance, then I’ll dance my own way. At the edge of the abyss~ or only before your gaze~.”

Abby was very pleased with how strong her voice had come out, and was secretly pleased as she finished the chorus. Then with challenging eyes she turned to regard Jareth who had now moved closer and had his arm raised, hand reaching for her.

“Black bird, fly~” Jareth pulled his hand back, and Abby swayed in the direction he pulled- acting as if he was controlling her movement.

“I fly~”

“Alone~”

“All alone~”

“I shall guide you through the storm clouds~”

“I shall no longer be guided, not even by you. I will not be swayed~”

Abby moved as if to walk away from him and prepared herself. And sure enough, before she had taken more than two steps away, Jareth had come to stand behind her and hold her.

“You’re free only through me~”

“Only through me~”

“Just for me~”

“For me~!”

“And so you shall prepare my way, love~”

“I’m going my own way, I’ve broken from you. Leave me alone!~”

“You’re in love with me. Because without me freedom’s lost, and no one understands you as I do~”

As Jareth’s hands came to rest at Abby’s forearms she leant forward and let him hold her upright, swaying from side to side as if flying. Then they joined together at the chorus.

“If I want to dance, I’ll dance as I see fit. Only I will choose the hour, only I’ll pick the music.

If I want to dance, then I’ll dance my own way. At the edge of the abyss, or only before your gaze~”

Then Abby pulled away from him again, making her expression look troubled as he still held onto one of her hands.

“I am strong enough on my own~”

“You’re only strong as long as you think yourself weak~”

He moved away from her then, letting his steps match the music that surrounded them as they verbally countered each other.

“I don’t call to you~”

“You will call me~”

“Nor will I seek you~”

“You will seek me~!”

“I’m starting to love life!~”

“Soon you will dread it!~”

Then Jareth was back to her again, though this time as he took a step near her, she matched it backwards with one of her own: the two mirroring each other as they danced without touching.

“If I want to dance, I’ll dance as I shall see fit! I alone will choose the hour, only I’ll pick the music!

If I want to dance, then I’ll dance my own way! At the edge of the abyss, or only before your gaze~!

If I want to dance- who I ask to dance, is chosen by me alone~~!”

For several long moments the two held their final notes, letting the power of the duet soar through the Underground as the magic amplified their song to new heights of beauty. And as they finished together and let silence fill the air, they both smiled at each other. . . Then the crowd far below the balcony erupted into explosive cheers- drawing Abby out of the loving gaze Jareth was giving her. During the course of the song, the woman had forgotten that anyone was watching them- but as she let the applause of the goblins wash over her, she couldn’t help but let a happy and relieved laugh escape her mouth.

The song hadn’t been the most romantic duet, nor had it been extremely happy in composition- but for her and Jareth it had been perfect. In the beginning of their relationship, the Goblin King had been very controlling and had invaded her personal space. But as he had gotten to know and respect her for who she was, Abby had been able to spread her wings and have the freedom she deserved. They had figured out a dance of life that suited them both just fine. They loved each other, and there was no question as to whether or not they could be partners.

Abby waved to the Goblin masses with one hand, while she reached for Jareth’s with her other. And as he took her hand and pressed a kiss to it, she felt her heart once more flip gaily in her chest. This was what true happiness was.

“Beautifully done, Abigail,” he complimented as he too raised a hand to wave to his subjects. “They now love you, as I do.”

“And I love you, Goblin King,” Abby returned with a contented smile. “And your people as well.”