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!"