Reverse Visitation

by

IrishCreme, Dreamspinner, Mirya Rayn, Leila, and cHrYsTiE

IrishCreme writes:

Jareth lounged on his throne, quite annoyed at the undirected actions of
his minions. "You imbeciles," he yelled at the handful of goblins
parading about the throne room. "Would you get out of here and leave me
be!" They rushed out at their master's command, not the least bit
shaken by his threatening voice. They were used to it. Jareth tapped
the toe of his boot with his crystal-topped cane, sighing
discontentedly. "I wish I knew what to do."

Suddenly, a loud crashing noise came from outside the throne room, the
sound of clanging pots and pans. A belligerent, "OW!" followed, then a
rueful, "Why me?" came shortly after that. Jareth's eyes were
transfixed on the doorway the visitor would have to enter. His eyes
soon came to rest upon a nearly 6-foot beauty with long red hair and
hypnotizing aqua-blue eyes.

"IrishCreme, when did you begin a story?"

"I didn't," she replied, quite miffed at the situation. "Did you wish
me here?"

"Well, not you exactly. But I did make a wish."

"Why me? Why did I come?" IrishCreme was thoroughly upset. "I was
having a really good dream..."

"About me?" Jareth interrupted happily.

"No, about David Gahan."

"Of Depeche Mode? I am almost offended."

IrishCreme was quite astonished that Jareth knew who Depeche Mode was,
but was undaunted by his feigned hurt. "That man can do what ever he
wants to me, as long as he keeps singing..." her voice trailed off
dreamily.

"Enough!" Jareth silenced her daydream. "I wished to know what to do,
particularly with my goblins. That's why you're here. So, what do I do
with a bunch of half-witted, brown-nosing twits?"

"Quit calling them 'half-witted, brown-nosing twits' first off,"
IrishCreme answers quickly, always annoyed with the way the Goblin King
treated his subjects. "I'll need some help with this one, though. Any
suggestions on who could help, Jareth?"

****************

Dreamspinner weaves:

There was a slight disturbance in the air and Dreamspinner fell through
a mirror to land on her backside with a startled "Umph!" Both IrishCreme
and Jareth stared at her open-mouthed. Dreamspinner's hair was still
damp from her bath, and the delicate scent of lavender filled the
throneroom. Her embroidered long silk nightie clung to her still-damp
skin.
After assessing her surroundings while deftly pulling herself together,
she reached through the mirror and grabbed the robe lying on her vanity.
She glared at Jareth while pulling the diaphanous silk robe about
her,"This had better be good!" the irate flame-haired woman hissed from
her position on the floor. She leapt up and advanced on Jareth, who
shrank back into his throne. Dreamspinner leveled her gaze with his, her
large brilliant blue-green eyes demanded immediate answers. "Isn't this
against the rules?" she sweetly sang in his ear,"You know very well how
much I hate being disturbed during my night-time ritual!"
"Umm.. ahh, sorry...," Jareth said as he tried not to laugh,"A sweet
breeze is blowing through my throneroom!" he said gallantly."Ugh. I am
beginning to get ill," Dreamspinner spat out the sarcastic retort.
Jareth produced a soft towel out of midair, and wordlessly handed it to
her. She began to furiously dry her long auburn and strawberry-blond
tresses, sullenly pouting at him. IrishCreme came over and hugged her
friend,"So nice to see you again," she said sweetly. Dreamspinner
brightened immediately, a lovely smile on her lips,"Cara!" she giggled
happily as she returned the hug. Jareth looked at the two- they could
have been sisters. He shook his head in amazement.
"What's going on?" Dreamspinner asked.
"Apparently Jareth wants a goblin make-over..."
"What?!?" Dreamspinner caught IrishCreme's look of mute appeal and
sighed,"Oh, all right... I'll help."

*****************

IrishCreme writes:

"Well, be off with you," IrishCreme commanded Jareth, placing her hands
on her hips and exuding her best supervisory aura. "We can’t work with
you hovering over us. Hopefully more members will arrive to help."

"I should tell you that my sister Leila will be stopping by later. One
of her rather rare ‘planned’ visits," Jareth told IrishCreme and
Dreamspinner. "She should be more than willing to help."

"Oh, that will be lovely," Dreamspinner replied pleasantly. "At least
she doesn’t have to arrive the way I did."

IrishCreme and Dreamspinner giggled, finally able to find humor in their
situation. Jareth noted the two fae woman and swore they were sisters,
although he knew full well they were not. Both had flaming red hair
(and a lot of it) and aqua-blue eyes that sent chills down his spine.
Fair-skinned and lithely built, the duo was a beautiful pair. But they
also shared a stubborn, independent streak that could infuriate even the
most patient person. It was amazing that IrishCreme and Dreamspinner
were not siblings, not even related. No doubt they were good friends,
though.

"You turning to stone, Jareth?" IrishCreme asked, a little perturbed.
"Get out of here. Go…uh…oh, I don’t know. Go plant a peach tree or
something. Just go away!"

"All right…okay!" Jareth held up his hands in surrender, laughing as he
backed out the throne room. "I’ll leave, but some advice before I go.
You might want to change into something a little more befitting your
environment. The goblins will take you more seriously that way.
Dreamspinner can show you where to find some dresses. And if you need
me…"

"We know," Dreamspinner and IrishCreme said listlessly. "Make a wish."

And then they were alone. "Come on," Dreamspinner urged, pulling
IrishCreme by the hand. "Let’s go change." Dreamspinner led her
weave-mate through the solitary stone corridors of the castle until they
reached a large, arched wooden door. Dreamspinner pushed the heavy door
open with IrishCreme’s help, and the two red-haired fae found themselves
in a femininely decorated bed chamber. A large, four-poster canopy bed
draped with white sheer material sat against the far wall beside the
only window in the room. Opposite the bed was an extra-large armoire
situated near an intricately carved vanity. The room was completely
furnished with frilly things and plenty of beauty needs.

IrishCreme went to the vanity and picked up a bottle of perfumed cream,
laughing as she read the label, "Peach Nectar. Should have known. I
wonder how many women he’s had lodged in this room?"

"Too many to count on all the list members’ fingers and toes, I’d
wager," Dreamspinner returned, her nose turned up in feigned disgust.
Both women laughed, and Dreamspinner motioned for her friend to join her
at the armoire. "Come here, Eire. This is what we’re looking for."

Dreamspinner threw open the doors, and she and IrishCreme gasped at the
beauty and variety of gowns hanging within the cabinet. "Wow!"
IrishCreme exclaimed. "These are gorgeous."

"Yes. Jareth has good taste in women’s clothing."

IrishCreme couldn’t hold back the roll of laughter that burst from her.
Dreamspinner’s statement had brought forth visions of the Goblin King
prancing around his chambers in poofy dresses, trying to decide which
one complimented his coloring better. Dreamspinner read IrishCreme’s
thoughts and fell over in a fit of laughter as well.

"Good Heavens, Dreamspinner. Try not to say anything like that again,"
IrishCreme stated, finally subduing her giggles. "Jareth comes off as
silly rather than sexy."

"I’m sorry, Eire, but you’re the one who took it the wrong way. But
enough about that. What do you want to wear?"

"Oh, something regal," she answered, flipping through the dresses
hanging in the armoire. "And something outstanding."

"Ooh, this one!" Dreamspinner clapped her hands and pulled a gown out of
the closet. It was a crimson, crushed-velvet gown with a sweeping
sweetheart bodice, long, billowy sleeves and a v-shaped waistline.
"With several petticoats under the skirt, you’ll look like a queen."

IrishCreme took the gown from Dreamspinner. "Yes, this one will do just
fine. Now…what about you?"

"Oh, I don’t know, Eire. What do you think?"

IrishCreme searched through the dresses until her eyes caught one that
absolutely screamed, "Dreamspinner!" She pulled the simple gown from
the rack and displayed it to her friend. It was a shimmering periwinkle
with an empire waist, short sleeves and a long flowing skirt. The
waistline was studded with aquamarine gemstones, as was the hem of the
skirt and the collar. "What do you think, Dreamy?"

Dreamspinner’s eyes relished the dress. "Oh, it’s wonderful, Eire. I
love it!"

So the two women changed into their gowns quickly. Both found matching
slippers, and IrishCreme borrowed a ruby-and-diamond choker-necklace
with matching drop-earrings. Dreamspinner and IrishCreme studied
themselves in a full-length mirror.

"We are knock-outs!" IrishCreme exclaimed, voguing in front of the
reflective glass.

"Yeah. We look great," Dreamspinner concurred. "Do you think we should
pull our hair up?"

"What? And let the Underground miss the likes of these tresses?
Never!" IrishCreme giggled at her over-dramatic behavior. "Well,
Dreamy, my girl, let’s get to work!"

Dreamspinner nodded, and they both left the girlie-room. Meeting a
goblin guard along the way, Dreamspinner instructed him to gather all
the goblins in the large banquet hall of the castle immediately. He
nodded compliance and was off.

"Do you think others will show?" IrishCreme asked Dreamspinner and they
awaited the goblins in the banquet hall.

As if cued, a large crashing noise came from outside the banquet hall,
followed by angry and confused voices.

Dreamspinner smiled. "I guess your answer is waiting outside."

A small band of goblins led in a fairly tall, slender young woman. Her
deep jade-green eyes sparkled brightly as the torchlight caught the blue
and silver flecks in her irises. "Unhand me!" she commanded the
goblins, wrenching her arms free of their grasp. Her long, blood red
nails picked through her hair, which was the color of a dying autumn
sunset (red, burgundy, crimson and gold) with silver and blue randomly
streaked throughout. Her long, wavy tresses were intertwined with ruby
teardrops and black pearls and a small silver pocket watch set with
hematite and rubies hung within by a ruby-and-black-pearl fob chain. A
fresh white rose rested over her right ear, which sported a small silver
hoop adorned with a black pearl ball. The young lady gracefully walked
toward Dreamspinner and IrishCreme, a friendly smile playing on her
beautiful face. Her skin was a pale sea green with a glittery sheen,
revealing her identity as a water sprite. She smelled of jasmine and
radiated an air of confidence, strength and pride. A mother-of-pearl
necklace graced with a moonstone teardrop pendant bedecked her slim
neck, and she wore a thick, wide platinum band on her finger. A deep
red ruby ran the length of the grain sideways with a small ball of fiery
opal set in the center. She wore a royal purple velvet tunic with
matching tights and black ankle boots. A small, thin black iron dagger
with an opal stone ingrained in the hilt rested at her hip and a small
green leather bag hung at her waist. "I am—"

"Let me guess," IrishCreme interrupted. "Mirya Rayn…Keeper of the
Labyrinth, Goddess of Moonlight, Abbess of Roses, Protector of Peaches,
Lady of Glitter and Watcher of Crystals?"

"You memorized all that?" she asked in amazement.

"No, I have cue cards," IrishCreme returned, pulling a handful of index
cards from her sleeve. The trio of young women laughed, but Mirya was
still unsure as to why she had been summoned. "Mirya, I am IrishCreme
and this is Dreamspinner."

"I know you’re confused, dear," Dreamspinner said comfortingly, reading
the water sprite’s thoughts. "Jareth inadvertently made a wish, and
IrishCreme was brought down here to fulfill it. She requested other
list members help, and you have been selected."

"Oh. Well that’s good to know. So what is our mission, IrishCreme?"

"Oh, please, Mirya. Call me Eire. Less syllables…less wasted breath.
Jareth wishes us to do something about the goblins, so we are here to
give them a make-over."

A commotion outside the banquet hall broke off IrishCreme’s statement,
and a tremendous amount of goblins piled into the large room. The three
women went to the large table that sat against the far wall of the hall
and climbed upon it. "May I have your attention," IrishCreme shouted
over the ruckus below. The room fell silent, and all attendants locked
their gazes upon the trio of beauties standing before them. "My name is
IrishCreme. This is Mirya and Dreamspinner. At the request of your
lord and master, Jareth, we have been petitioned to recreate each and
every one of you…give you a new look and attitude. We will need your
complete cooperation. With your help and enthusiasm, this should be a
wonderful experience for all of us. Shall we begin?"

"I do hope you don’t intend to proceed without me," called a voice from
the back.

"Leila, I presume?" IrishCreme said, happy for more help, climbing down
from the table.

IrishCreme and Jareth’s sister were the same height, had the same lean,
curvy figure and fair, milky skin color. But that’s where there
similarities ended. Leila’s full lips were a rich red and her long,
dark eyelashes and thin, dark arched eyebrows framed golden green eyes.
She had waist-length straight golden-brown hair that set off her unique
coloring and chiseled cheekbones. Leila wore a dark brown fitted gown
with a flared skirt and sleeves. She had forgone the petticoats
IrishCreme had struggled to get into, and it suited her just fine.
Around her neck lay a short silver chain with a seashell and moonstone
and a longer cord holding a few golden rings. As Leila approached
IrishCreme, removing her black gloves, she smiled, revealing long,
straight white teeth, and her eyes flashed, making Leila appear quite
vampirish. IrishCreme returned the smile graciously, extending her
slender, elegant hand to Leila. "You do not recoil from me," she
stated, rather impressed, shaking IrishCreme’s hand. "Most people take
a step back, frightened by my appearance."

"Why, you don’t frighten me at all, Leila," IrishCreme returned,
noticing Leila’s body temperature was quite a few degrees below hers.
"How could anyone as lovely as you be frightening?"

Leila blushed quite uncontrollably. "Thank you. You are too kind. And
I would love to help reform my brother’s vagabond goblins. What would
you like me to do?"

"Educate them. I think a little learning might inspire them to read,
which might become a better pastime than lounging about the caste and
drinking one’s life away. You like reading, yes?" Leila nodded in
concurrence. "Yes, that would be wonderful if you could teach them."

IrishCreme approached the table. "Mirya," she called, motioning the
water sprite to join her on the floor. "I would like to work on the
hygiene department." Mirya curled up her nose and IrishCreme smiled.
"I know it sounds disgusting, but what’s a make-over without a new
hairdo, make-up, clothing and accessories? I think you’d be terrific in
that department." Mirya nodded happily, quite excited about her
assignment.

IrishCreme joined Dreamspinner on the table. "And you, mo cara, shall
teach these goblins to…forgive the blatant rip-off from ‘The
Never-Ending Story’…do as they dream. Give these little people
something to aspire to. Make them want to better themselves."

"And I," IrishCreme proclaimed rather over-dramatically, "shall teach
the goblins to sing and play instruments."

A wild rush of applause swept the banquet hall, as the goblins were very
excited to be the center of attention. IrishCreme held up her hands to
quiet all present. "We will break up into groups and rotate
periodically. By the end of the day, we shall have made great progress,
I bet."

The quartet of "consultants" sectioned off sets of goblins and led them
off into various parts of the castle. Jareth watched all the excitement
from a hidden corner in the banquet hall. He shook his head
disparagingly. "What have I wished myself into?"

****************

Dreamspinner weaves:

Dreamspinner glanced around at her "class". The goblins were fidgeting.
She knew that her magic was the only way to capture their wandering
attention, so she began weaving a tale for them.....Their eyes never
left her long-fingered alabaster hands as she drew the spider-silk dream
ribbons from the air.
"Listen well, all of you.....", her honeyed voice brought feelings long
dormant to surge forward in their tiny bodies."Mother...," one of the
new little ones whispered."If it so pleases you." she replied softly.
"Yes! that is my wish!" a small goblin flung himself forward to sprawl
at Dreamspinner's feet.
"So it begins..."
Jareth stormed from the shadows where he had been watching,"No!
Absolutely not! I forbid it!"
"You made the wish."
"But I didn't mean it!"
"Oh, really? I think I've heard this before..." Dreamspinner leveled her
gaze at him."You wanted them changed. You called us. You will now face
the consequences." Jareth looked at her with open shock. Dreamspinner
smiled kittenishly, glancing up at him through her thick lashes.
"Umm.. I don't mean to interrupt..."
Jareth spun around to see a petite vision of loveliness- the young woman
had beautiful deep blue questioning eyes, long black hair with two
streaks of Atlantic blue that cusp her square face. She entered the room
with unconscious grace... 'a dancer, surely' Jareth thought as he
watched her elegant poise and balance.
Dreamspinner walked up to the young woman, and took her hands into her
own,"cHrYsTiE... I'm so glad you've come!" she said gently.
cHrYsTiE smiled in return,"What am I doing here, Dreamspinner?"
"Jareth seems to have wished for help... ummm, for a goblin make-over of
sorts...,"Dreamspinner almost smirked, her eyes dancing with delight at
the discomfiture of the man standing beside her.
cHrYsTiE covered her delicate mouth with her hands, trying to contain
the laughter that bubbled up from within her. "Ooh, He didn't?" and she
looked at Jareth, who was trying to look innocent... and collapsed onto
the ground laughing hysterically. "Ahhhh! HaHaHa!!!!" tears of mirth ran
down her cheeks as she noticed Jareth's huffy stance.
"It's not all that funny!" Jareth snapped.
This set cHrYsTiE off again. Dreamspinner wordlessly handed her a hanky
to dry her eyes. cHrYsTiE was able to stand after another attack of the
giggles,"Okay...so what are we going to do?" she asked after regaining
her composure.
"Well, I'm supposed to teach them to do as they dream...,"
"Neverending Story!!!!"
"Yes, I know. Want to help? Some can reach the dream realms through
dance. Would you care to try to teach them?" Dreamspinner glanced at
cHrYsTiE, a hopeful expression on her lovely face.

**********************

Mirya Rayn writes:

Mirya surveyed the rabble before here. Grime and filth seemed to
overflow from this milling sea of goblins before her. Reaching in her
hair, she dislodged her watch and checked the time, 12:59. She sighed
and pushed her scarlet hair behind her ear; nearly upsetting the white
rose perched on it. When the watch face read 13:00, she placed the watch
back among the fiery tresses and clapped her hands once.
A shimmer-y sort of fog settled over the room. All the goblins stopped
the watch this strange steam. ‘pretty..’ one whispered, in an almost
child-like voice.
“This” Mirya began softly “Is the beginning of your training. When I am
done, all of you will be fine, upstanding and most importantly, clean,
citizens of the Labyrinth. Your life, I promise you, will never be the
same.”
The Goblins seemed to drink all of this in; their eyes filled with
wonder and magic. Mirya reached into her green pouch, slung over her
shoulder and withdrew a smidgen of sprite dust. With a flick of her
wrist, the dust covered the room, and the mist was gone.
The Goblins shook their heads, as if awaking from a trance. But their
eyes still held that magical quality. Mirya, again, reached into her
pouch and withdrew a small book. Leaning gently against her desk, she
cleared her throat and began to read in a strong, clear voice.
“Chapter 1. Taking a bath. Taking a bath is essential to any fine, and
educated Goblin....”

* * * * * * *

Mirya surveyed the room. It was sort of hard to see, with all the
steam. She smiled. The Goblins, after much sweet talk and patience, had
consented to.... “dum-dum-DUM”...take a bath. She had filled the small
indention in the throne room with hot water, and three by three, they
were taking baths.
“That’s it! Scrub those nasty arms! Wow, look at the dirt behind
those...um, ears. They are ears, aren’t they?! Anyway, your all doing
fine!”
It took about an hour for three goblins to bath, and the water had to
be replaced after every set had bathed. Mirya again looked at her watch.
3:00. Only 9 goblins had bathed....with only 91 left to go.
*This is gonna be a long day...* “Come-on’ Get your backs into it!
Seriously, clean those backs. Ugh!”

*******************

Leila writes:

"Now, do I teach you in an ethical way? Or do I opt for the expedient
method?" Leila asked softly as she watched Mirya’s efforts through an
enchanted shadow.
"I vote for expediency"
Leila smiled to her self, "Dear brother, was it not _you_ who wished for
help?"
"You wouldn’t last long trying to actually _teach_ them."
Leila, still smiling, watched as her half brother stormed out the door.
"He’s probably right too" she sighed. All right, where to start…

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Clean, dry and dressed goblins wandered in to the library, about three
every three hours. They would sit, facing each other on the floor,
waiting. Leila explained, " First you will learn. Then perhaps reading
and writing…"

Blank stares… Well what did she expect, miracles?
"Would have been nice"
Leila smiled.

The shadow in the middle of the goblins began to take on depth and form.
The goblins' attentions were easily captured, and they sat engrossed.
Leila wandered to check on the next group.

"What are you doing?"
"You can’t tell?" she arched an eyebrow at the visitor. "I’m showing
them their dreams. Surely you are familiar with the process?" Leila
indicated a group to the left, "They are watching their thoughts,
learning to shape them. And work together"
Jareth nodded, turning to watch. Both laughed quietly as the shadow
momentarily looked like a chicken. Leila made her way to the first
arrivals. They were learning to read. Slowly.

*****************

IrishCreme writes:

IrishCreme surveyed the assembly before her. Jareth, shaking his head
the entire way, had shown IrishCreme and her goblin class to the
theater, where she would have a piano and a few instruments to tinker
with. From the bench, IrishCreme clapped her hands in order to get her
students’ attention.

"Now, my friends, we are going to travel the world of music. This will
help immensely with your dance class with Chystie. But first, we shall
begin with the basics." She pushed the key corresponding to middle C.
Singing in key, her honey-sweet voice continued, "Sing this note—do."

The…uh…"sound" that reverberated from the goblins was so terrible that
IrishCreme had to plug her ears with her fingers to keep from crying.
"Stop, stop, stop!" she screamed, waving her arms wildly. "You sounded
so much better in the movie. What happened?"

"We weren’t in the movie," one goblin offered. "All those got really
big egos and left for some place called Hollyforest."

"Hollywood," IrishCreme corrected. "Oh, this is impossible."

"Yes, it is," said a smug voice from the corner. Jareth approached the
discouraged faerie and patted her shoulder. "Some things just cannot be
changed."

IrishCreme’s temper rose and she stomped her feet tantrum-like. "You’re
wrong, and I’m wrong, Jareth. I can teach these goblins to sing and
play music." Her aqua eyes challenged Jareth’s decisively.

"All right, suit yourself, dear," he returned, leaving her to her
devices. "But don’t complain to me when you have gray hairs after
this."

IrishCreme watched the Goblin King leave with disdain. She would prove
him wrong. "Okay," she began, turning back to face her eager goblins,
"I will get you singing and playing, every last one of you." She cupped
her hands and a fiery pink glow grew from her palm. IrishCreme smiled
whimsically. "No one said I couldn’t use magic to do it!"

******************

cHrYsTiE writes:

Chrystie gathered the goblins in the castles studio. She found it odd
that they even had one, but it was a goblin city so anything was
possible. Chrystie stood at the front of the class and clapped her
hands.
"Okay Pe-, uh, Goblins, lets get started."
The goblins ran about bumping into one another. Chrystie wanted
to slap her forehead at the disarray, still she remained calm and
patiently lined each and everyone one of them up.
"okay, just try to follow what i do, we will warm up, then do
our progressions across the floor, after that we will start learning the
base of our routine, and if we have time we'll begin our duets."
"Is this all right?" one of the Newbies asked. Chrystie had
convinced a few of the lab listians to take her Modern class.
Chrystie nodded continuing with the stretches. Sides, head,
neck, shoulders, ribs, hips, and finally abs and legs.
"these are called plies" Chrystie informed them. "okay, you
keep doing them, work that inner thigh...I'm going to walk around and
help you out."
But Chrystie wished she hadn't turned around. The studio was a
sight! She wasn't sure what to make of the little goblin heads bobbing
up and down and up and down. Plie' stretch! Plie' Stretch! Chrystie
had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. "good" she lied with a
giggle. Then went around correcting.
After the initial warm up, they started on the fun stuff. Now
this is the good part. Some of the other listians wondered what was
going on, they decided to check it out and peeped into the door.
Chrystie ushered them in just as the routine began.
"It's after midnight...and something evil's a-lurking in the
dark..." the voice sang lyrics from the cassette deck. The goblins
moved about the floor turning in abstract manners and jumping to the
Michael Jackson hit. The lab-listians had to laugh. It was straight
out of the music video. "Cause this is Thriller...Thriller night.."
The goblins moved to the music clapping and stomping. One slipped and
fell, but It seemed like a part of the routine. Another jumped and
kicked but his leg hit another goblin in the head...
Chrystie smiled sheepishly at her audience..."so we need a bit
more work"

****************

IrishCreme writes:

Jareth sat impatiently on his throne. He hadn’t been able to sleep with
all his wondering about what IrishCreme, Dreamspinner, Leila, Mirya and
Chrystie were doing to his goblins. "That’s the LAST time I ever make a
wish," he stated ruefully.

Just a few minutes ago, Leila had appeared in his chambers to let him
know the "make-over" was complete. "That was fast," he had told her, a
bit of surprise in his tone. Leila had just smiled connivingly and
returned, "We all have talents that we put to use."

So Jareth sat on his throne, tapping his cane on the toe of his boot.
There’s no telling what they’ve done with their magic…where are they? he
thought anxiously. As if summoned, IrishCreme, Dreamspinner, Leila,
Mirya and Chrystie, followed by the new-and-improved goblins, paraded
into the throne room. Jareth’s jaw surely dropped to the stone floor at
the spectacle. The goblins were…CLEAN! And well dressed too. Their
hair looked respectable, and they all seemed to be standing taller and
more confidently.

IrishCreme stepped forward. "As per your request, Lord Jareth, your
improved goblins."

The quintet of woman moved aside, and Dreamspinner signaled for the
presentation to begin. A third of the goblins took out instruments and
began tuning. Another third moved caddie-cornered to the band, while
the last third moved to the front and began stretching. After a few
minutes, one goblin cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention, and
then he counted off the band.

Music, and good music at that, actually emanated from the goblin band.
They were successfully playing Mozart’s "Cosi Fan Tutti." In front, the
troupe of dancers bounced about in delightful maneuvers and beautiful
formations, never losing a beat or falling out of rhythm.

"Thanks for your magical touch," Chrystie whispered to Dreamspinner,
smiling cunningly.

After the song had finished, the dancers quickly caught their breath and
joined the chorus. The band began playing Handel’s "The Messiah," and
the choir sang beautifully above the riveting accompaniment. The
Listians looked at the Goblin King and laughed. Jareth looked floored,
like he’d just been told he had no taste in clothes. After the musical
performance, small groups of goblins performed (from memory) excepts
from the works of William Shakespeare, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Sylvia
Plath, Arthur Miller and, just for kicks, Dr. Suess. Jareth was
astounded. His goblins were talented and educated. What had he done?

A tall goblin approached the Goblin King and bowed reverently. "You
highness." He spoke with a clear and refined accent. "I ask permission
to start a school for the children so that they can be educated as
well."

"Yes," interjected another goblin. She came forward to address her
king. "Let them become great and succeed at whatever they choose."

A small goblin child chimed in. "I want to build a flying machine!"

"And I want to write stories," added another.

All the goblins wanted to improve their ways of life. A flood of
desires bombarded Jareth’s ears, but only one really stuck out. "I want
to be king!"

"SILENCE!" Jareth commanded forcefully. The room fell deathly silent,
and he moved from his throne to the snickering group of woman in the
back. "You did this," he steamed, glaring at IrishCreme.

"But you called me. You made the wish, Jareth."

"But I didn’t mean it," he retorted.

"Oh, you didn’t?" Chrystie playfully quoted, renewing the fading
laughter.

"I beg of you, please return them to their former states."

Jareth’s eyes pleaded, but that wasn’t enough. IrishCreme grinned
mischievously. "What will you do?"

"Anything…everything!" His voice was beseeching and soft.

"Well…" IrishCreme rolled her aqua eyes and thought a moment. "On your
knees, Jareth."

"What?" A look of utter shock covered his face.

"You heard the faerie," Leila said amusingly. "Onto your knees,
brother."

"For what?" His anger was rising, but was in check because the women
still had the advantage.

"For groveling," Dreamspinner answered, her blue-green eyes dancing with
merriment.

"You must be joking—" Jareth didn’t finish his statement because the
look in their eyes said they weren’t. He grudgingly lowered to his
knees and clasped his hands in supplication.

"Dearest Chrystie, you are the greatest dancer to have graced your world
or mine, and I shall never underestimate your talents again.

Mirya, oh fairest of all water sprites, I ask your forgiveness for
having troubled you for a silly request. I shall never have your beauty
ornament my land again for such trivialness.

And my sister, Leila. I shall never hound you again about your
unannounced visits and will just be thankful that you’ve decided to
come. You are a great sorceress and I will not subjugate your magic to
mine.

Dreamspinner, oh great weaver, I will trouble your enchanting dreams no
more. I know it annoys you that I take joy in disturbing your work, so
I will keep my distance and let you weave at your loom in peace. And
I’ll also stop pestering Gwydion.

And you." Jareth smiled slyly at the instigator of all his woes. "My
lovely IrishCreme. It is my solemn and willing vow to NEVER bug you
into visiting my Labyrinth again. I fear what you may do next if your
stay is not compliant. I do hope, however, that your angelic voice
fills our air with melodious song again in the future.

My humblest apologies to you all for inconveniencing you."

IrishCreme began the wave of applause that even the goblins joined in
with. "What an eloquent oratory, Lord Jareth. It almost brought tears
to my eyes." She helped him off his knees. "Upon our safe return to
our world, your goblins will return to as they were before we arrived.
However, if you ever break any promise that you have made today, one by
one, your goblins will grow smarter and aspire to take your position!"
The fear in Jareth’s icy blue eyes tickled IrishCreme and the others.

"Upon leaving the city gates, you will be returned to your world at the
exact moment that you left it," Jareth said hurriedly, pushing the women
towards the castle entrance. "Thanks for coming. Don’t stay away too
long. Bu-bye!"

The five ladies stumbled out the front door, barely making it out before
it slammed behind them.

"See you girls later," Leila waved as she disappeared into falling
shadows. "I think I’ll stick around for a while. Thanks for the fun!"

Chrystie, Dreamspinner and IrishCreme slowly walked through the city to
the gates.

"What was that load of b.s. about the goblins getting smart again if
Jareth breaks a promise?" Chrystie asked, unable to hold back the
laughter any more.

"Yeah," Dreamspinner added. "That’s not going to happen."

IrishCreme smiled. "Yes, I know, but it’ll keep our favorite Goblin
King on his toes!"