The mental exercises did not take her long to learn as she stood focusing on the task at hand. A task that she seemed to be having a bit of difficulty with. She could feel Jareth’s presence just behind her making her all the more nervous. She almost jumped out of her own skin as his voice pierced the silence.

His voice was not loud but spoken with such intensity that she inwardly flinched, “Sarah, you’re not concentrating.”

Turning away from what she was focussing on she glared to him feeling frustrated with her lack of progress, “Well, its kind of hard to concentrate when your standing right behind me!” she nearly growled.

Jareth met her gaze holding back the amused grin that was just itching to surface, “Use the mental exercises you learned only moments ago, you are capable.”

Sarah glared at him once more for good measure before returning her attention to the large black marble fountain before her. He wanted her to make the water flow backwards and upwards instead of flowing forwards and downwards. It felt as if she were trying the impossible. She had to basically unlearn all that she knew of to be possible and learn what she thought to be the impossible. Her, always believing in magic and actually having lived through the impossible, made it not as hard as one would imagine that it would be.

Her believing in doing what most considered the impossible was not her problem. The problem, which Jareth was totally aware of, was the fact that he was the source of her distraction from her needed concentration. She had to learn to block out distraction if she were to learn how to accurately use and control her power. The situation, in which she would be subjugated too, would be full of distractions. The most important thing that she needed to learn at this moment was to be able to concentrate past that obstacle.

Nervously she bit at the bottom of her lip as she tried to concentrate on the fountain before her, her mind constantly drifting to the man behind her. Oh, how she wanted to continue where they had left off before coming back to this garden, the touch of his lips against hers still humming invisibly on her lips. She almost reached up to touch them but stopped herself before doing so.

Closing her eyes she pushed away that desire as she thought about those that were depending on her. She could see the faces of all of her friends, old and new, reminding herself that they were counting on her. Opening her eyes once again she looked to the water that was flowing smoothly from the black marble fountain. Watched as the water flowed smoothly over the colorful pebbles, each stone in unique yet colorful earth tones. The sound of the water filling her ears as it flowed; it was so soothing and calming. She pictured the scene before her in her mind feeling the flow of water cascading downward. Breathing deeply inward she imagined the water flowing the opposite direction feeling its upward descent then willed it to be.

Jareth quietly watched as he sensed her concentration, he could feel the power within herself growing, the magic that surrounded them building around her and the fountain. He smiled knowingly as he watched the water shifting in its flow.

Sarah could feel the power coursing through her like water, reflecting the scene before her. The water now flowed in the direction in which she willed it to flow, the water slowly moving upward back to its source until the fountain became completely dry. Slowly letting her will fade from the waters’ flow it slowly returned to its original flow filling the fountain once again. She slumped back slightly as exhaustion suddenly hit her only to be drawn into the arms of the Goblin King.

Wrapping his arms about her he gently kissed the side of her neck whispering in her ear, “I think that’s enough for tonight. I’m very proud of you.”

Sarah smiled leaning back into his warm embrace eyes closing as sleepiness found its way to her eyes. She didn’t even try to argue as he lifted her from the ground carrying her in his arms. Her head leaning onto his shoulder, “Thanks, I’m so tired.”

Drawing his magic about them he transported them to his bedchambers as he whispered to her, his lips brushing against her brow, “Sleep, you’ve had a long day.”

She was in deep slumber as he lay her gently onto the bed her head sinking back into the soft silken pillows. Jareth laid beside her, watching her as she slept. Sarah turned to her side burying her head against his chest her hands tucked underneath the side of her face.

Smiling at the sight before him he gently pulled back her long brown hair allowing him to look fully upon her face. He could spend the rest of eternity just taking in the sight that lay snuggled up against him. Finally, after all the years that he had spent alone and unhappy, he had found the one and only thing that would bring him the happiness that he felt when he was with her. Laying his head over hers he kissed the top of her head as he whispered against her hair, “I’ll move the stars for you.”

Staring at the ceiling as she had just awakened, Willow stretched out feeling the soft white silken sheets rub against her waking form. A smile spread about her face as she remembered where exactly she was. She was in the Underground staying in the Goblin King’s castle. She could barely believe what she had done that night. It just came so naturally to her on what she had needed to do to help the Goblin King. The magic was so thick in the air here it was unlike anyplace she had ever experienced. Willow just wished that she could explore this new place but they were not here for sightseeing.

Door slowly creaking open, a small female goblin made her way into the room. She snickered to herself as she watched the red headed human girl staring away from her, she had obviously not heard her enter. This was indeed going to be fun. Carrying the tray of breakfast she made her way to the bed sitting the tray down on it as she cleared her throat.

Turning towards the strange sound coming from the other side of the bed Willow almost screamed, as she was startled out of her wits. Falling off of the bed she pulled herself up from the floor looking cautiously over the bed at the goblin woman.

Agnes snorted in distaste, “That’s a way to treat someone who’s just tryin to feed ya!”

Willow ran her fingers through her disheveled hair blushing crimson, “Uh, sorry! You just surprised me.” Willow eyed the goblin, taller than any that she had imagined a goblin would be she was dressed in what looked to be servants clothing.

Her squinty gray eyes regarded Willow hotly as she made her way past the bed and continued on into an adjoining room. She yelled back, “His majesty wishes that I sees to ya  and all. Don’t know why he’d care.” Poking her head out of the door of the adjoining room Agnes eyed the girl, “Don’t just sit there gawking, eats whiles I prepare your bath!”

Willow closed her opened mouth looking over at the food that had been brought. It looked like any normal breakfast with eggs, bacon, fruit, and some kind of red juice. She faintly heard the goblin yelling back to her from the other room.

“Mortals staying in the castle, next thing he’ll be doin is marrying one of ya’s.”

Taking a sip of the juice she smiled as the familiar taste of raspberry consumed her taste buds. Her stomach growled as the juice awakened its hunger. Eating the food without any hesitation she took a piece of bacon as she stood from the bed slowly walking around the room. The stone floor was cold to her feet but she didn’t mind, as her eyes were drawn to the elegant tapestries of knights and ladies, Unicorns and other magical creatures she could not identify. Finishing the piece of bacon she ran her fingers over the soft smooth material of the few sitting chairs that sat quaintly in front of a lit fireplace. ‘Funny, I don’t remember a fire going,’ she thought to herself.

Finish preparing the bath Agnes returned to the bedroom and approached the young red head, “The baths ready and waitin, If’s ya need anythin just ask for Agnes. I’ve gots to go tend to the others.”

Willow watched the goblin woman servant mumbling as she made her way to the door. “Thank you,” she called after Agnes but Agnes just continued her mumbling.

“Havin to tend to mortal’s, sheesh…”

Shrugging her shoulders, Willow made her way to the bathroom ready for a bath and a change of clothes.

Sarah stirred in her sleep as she fought the knowledge that she needed to get out of bed. It was just so comfortable underneath the sheets snuggling against…That woke her up quick.

Jareth smiled to a shocked Sarah, “Good morning, I see that you slept well.”

Sarah pulled the sheet up more securely under her chin glancing down to see that she was in a white nightgown. Her eyes widened, “Jareth, you didn’t?”

Jareth laughed at her inquiry as he gently touched the side of her cheek with the back of his hand, “Why Sarah, still so bashful?”

Pulling the sheets up over her head she felt herself flush with embarrassment, “You did!” She couldn’t believe that he had changed her cloths for her. How much did he see? She squealed as the sheets were pulled off of her.

Looking down to her with a mischievous spark in his eyes he leaned forward kissing the tip of her nose answering her mental query, “No, I did not see anything. I used my magic but…” he trailed off as he touched his lips to hers kissing her fully on the lips. He could feel her tense and then slowly melt at his touch. Making his way to her ear he nibbled at her earlobe, “I plan on seeing plenty in the near future.”

Sarah pushed away at his form, shocked and excited by his promise, “Oh, you are so bad!”

Jareth’s thin lips curved up into a seductive grin, “That’s the idea.” He leaned forward yet again kissing her once more.

Sarah giggled against his soft lips as she snaked her hands around his neck to bring him even closer. The fire inside intensifying as they continued kissing one another. Feeling his lips trailing from her lips downward she sighed just before whispering, “I think I like this side of you.” She pulled him up to her lips missing the feel of them there.

Jareth was all to willing to oblige, his fingers running through her soft brown hair as his other hand moved slowly over her lightly dressed form.

Sarah arched up as his hand swept up over her breast sending a wave of something she had felt only when with him. Shakily she broke away from his kiss looking into his mismatched eyes, “Jareth…”

He smiled knowingly leaning forward to kiss her once more, “There’s a hot bath waiting for you in the other room. I have to go and see about our other guest.”

As Jareth disappeared from the room Sarah lay back down touching her fingers to her lips with a smile. She wanted so much to be with him but she had sworn to herself a long time ago that she would wait until her wedding night. Though with how he’s been acting around her lately she wondered if she could make it that far. Shaking those thoughts aside she made her way to the other room where a hot bath wait for her.

Looking intently out of the window of her appointed room Willow wished that she could go out to explore its wonders. Looking down at her new apparel she was slightly disappointed that she could not wear any of the elegant dresses that hung in the closet of her room. They were so beautiful but they were going to be fighting some vampires and who knows what else so she decided on the most suitable outfit. A pair of fitting brown pants with a short sleeve dark green blouse that met the top of her pants. Her red hair fell about her face resting lightly just above her shoulders in its usual style.

Appearing behind the young red head, Jareth studied her small form as she was intently gazing out of the room’s window. She was indeed mortal but she held a power within, probably more than she was aware of. It was something rare for someone of her world but not totally unheard of. He noticed that she was wearing one of the most suitable cloths that he had provided for the young woman. “Lovely isn’t it”

Willow almost fell out of the window, as she was startled for the second time that morning. Turning she wasn’t totally surprised to see the Goblin King being the source of the striking voice. After what had happened that night it was a wonder that he had waited this long to confront her. He was mesmerizing his demeanor oozing magic and his eyes they were the most strange and intriguing aspects of his appearance. “Ye…yes.”

Jareth stepped forward causing her to step back her back hitting the windows edge, “What are you?”

A tinge of fear raced through her as she was cornered against the windowsill his face holding intensity that made her gulp in nervousness. She was a bit taken back by his inquiry, “What…what do you mean?” she asked in return.

“Not many mortals from your world have the abilities that you had shown last night. Now, what are you?” he did not like repeating himself.

“A witch,” she was starting to fear that he was going to push her over the edge he was so close. His eyes commanding and powerful, it was more power than she was use to witnessing.

Backing away from the red head his expression softened, “I see. What is your name young witch?”

“Willow,” she answered her fear starting to disappear.

“Well, Willow I am grateful for your assistance last night.” He had heard about witches within her world, they had been frowned upon and thought of as evil. It was obvious that the young witch before him held nothing close within herself that even hinted to such a description. Her very essence glowed with light and goodness that was rare for any being.

She wasn’t sure what exactly to say one moment he’s practically on top of her threateningly and the next he was being decent. Not that she was complaining, “It was nothing. Just wanted to help and all.”

Jareth looked to her quizzically before summoning one of his crystals, “Nothing, I would beg to differ. Here take this.”

Willow caught the crystal as it was tossed to her feeling its smooth surface within her hands. She smiled taken in by the simple yet mesmerizing object, “What is it?”

He looked down to her observing how she was holding the crystal, “A crystal nothing more but if you turn it a certain way it will show you your dreams.”

Her breath caught in her throat as it felt warm against her hands and she could see a small amount of light starting to glow from within. She smiled liking the idea of being able to see her dreams before she could try to look more closely to see just what those dreams were she stopped as Jareth drew her attention back to him.

“A gift for last night. When this is over not only will this crystal show you your dreams it will also allow you passage into my kingdom.”

Willow was about to thank him when he continued, “But it will work only for you, no one other than you must know about its power. I trust that you can keep this a secret between us?”

Blinking a few times she wasn’t sure if she could, she told Buffy everything and she disliked keeping secrets but the promise of what it would do for her was too enticing to pass up. Smiling she had made her decision, “Okay, I promise.”

Stepping back once more he faded from the room leaving her alone with her gift. Looking away from the crystal she looked around the room for something to place the present in but was jerked back from her search as she felt the object in her hand warming once more. The crystal started glowing once again; the walls of the crystal seemed to fade as it sank within her hand. Her hand tingled from the magic of the now absorbed crystal. Dropping her hands to the side she was a little disappointed. Pulling her hand up from her side she closely looked over her now empty palm. An idea came to mind and she concentrated on the shape of the missing crystal willing it to reappear. Her hand glowed, crystal reappearing in the palm of her hand, “Neat!” Willing the crystal to go away it did just that disappearing once again, “Oh, this is way cool!”