I Move The Stars For No One

by CrypticMetaphor

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Romance, Comedy, Adventure, Crossover
Length: 10760

Celestia has never taken another for love but a stallion at a royal ball will change this.

Princess Celestia of Equestria has a kind nature and a good sense of humour, but she is never doubted for this in times of crisis. In truth she has felt rather lonely in her time of ruling her kingdom. Sure she has her sister and her other family members to stand by her but she wishes to find something she has been lacking, her special somepony. After seeing her Aunt depressed, Cadence plans with Luna to throw a royal ball and to invite various upper class ponies and royals from across the land. However a mysterious stallion royal from a kingdom far outside Equestria's borders arrives, He and Celestia are soon smitten.

Their relationship will have many obstacles and some ridiculous situations, but the Princess and the King will enjoy their time together.

(An MLP/Labyrinth crossover. The alternate universe tag is for the fact that the Kingdom of Labyrinth is a kingdom far outside of Equestria's borders and Jareth is still King of The Goblins and i lightened his personality slightly but maintained his wit.)

Jareth Outfits:

Costume worn during ball= Owl Suit
Costume when he met Twilight= Goblin King suit
Shirt and vest combo= Casual Suit
Costume worn during dinner= Red Suit

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-02 12:40:01 UTC

1- The Crystal Ball

Princess Celestia stood among the throng of many ponies that had congregated in the Canterlot ballroom.  She was dressed in, much to her slight chagrin, a white flowing ball gown.  Her mane had been styled in an elegant wave and she wore a crown that was more suited for a royal atop her head.  She glanced at Luna who wore a black variation of her current attire and sighed as she searched for her mother and father.  Her search caused many on lookers to separate to allow her room; her pinkish rose mane seemed to glow in the candle light as she continued to look for them.  She stopped when she realized something important; she was never IN Canterlot when she was younger and never once set a hoof into its halls due to the fact it had not yet been built in her youth.

When Celestia realized the gravity of the situation she sighed and reverted back to her regular form.  She glanced around at the now empty and dimly lit ballroom with slight annoyance and sadness.  When she arrived at a set of doors that would lead to the balcony she hesitated, her gaze traveled backward for a mere moment and saw a spectral version of what had been before.  The princess then shook her head and walked to the balcony and stared at the scene before her.  She was standing in the same hall her captain of the guard and her niece once stood upon during that unforgettable day.  The strange thing was that she stood there and saw guests in attendance and she was in the center aisle.  She looked down and saw herself in a white and gold wedding gown that complemented her perfectly, her mane and tail had been weaved with gold thread and styled into an elegant and proper manner that caused oo’s and ahh’s to emanate from the guests.

Celestia smiled as she walked in silence down the aisle and approached the podium.  When she arrived however she realized something else was amiss, the groom was nowhere to be found.  Upon realizing this, the entire world and her new appearance shattered like glass and the only thing that survived was a lone section of floor she now stood upon.  She looked into the darkness as it crept up on her; she summoned forth light from her horn and pushed it back with all her might and it worked.  The darkness however was only deterred and seeped forward once again as Celestia repeated her action and the same result happened.  Eventually she felt her strength waning as the darkness seeped up her legs and slithered along her body like that of serpents.  She soon felt coldness envelop her as the darkness seeped into her very being and froze her as still as a statue.  The Princess opened her mouth to yell, but she was abruptly silenced by the darkness as it consumed her.

*

Celestia then sat straight up in bed and gasped as she glanced around her dark room, her large bed was a mess from her most likely tossing and turning.  She looked to her clock and noticed the time was upon her to raise the sun.  The solar princess rose from her resting place and donned her usual adornments and proceeded to the balcony she and Luna used for the occasion.  When she arrived outside she found that Luna AND Cadence were waiting for her.  Word of Cadence coming for a weekly visit had reached Celestia a fort-night ago and she accepted.

Cadence noticed her Aunt was a little shaken for some reason, “Is something wrong?”

Celestia shook her head slowly, “Just had a bad nightmare.”

Luna was concerned, “This has been the fourth “Just a bad nightmare” this month. I am worried sister; this cannot be good for your health.”

Celestia gave a reassuring smile, “I assure you I’m fine.”

Celestia then pointed her horn to the horizon as it flashed gold; she then spread her wings and slowly tilted her head.  Cadence and Luna stared onward as the familiar orb of fire and light ascended to the sky with radiance and beauty that could only be reflected by the monarch that represented it with such grace.  Both alicorns glanced at Celestia as she turned to leave inside to eat her morning meal and noticed a tired look in her eye, one they had never seen before.  Soon after Celestia’s departure, Luna and Cadence followed her into the dining hall as all three sat and began to slowly eat their meal.  Celestia munched in silence as both niece and aunt exchanged glances in silence.

Luna finally broke the silence, “Sister, tell us of these nightmares you’ve been having.”

Celestia sighed, “It’s nothing to be concerned about.”

Cadence voiced her disagreement immediately, “That’s not the case. We all know when an alicorn has a recurring dream; it’s a vision that is trying to tell you something important.”

Celestia nodded slowly, “I have come to that conclusion as well, but the dream is always changing.”

Luna leaned forward slightly, “Well tell us then, has there been a recurring element to them?”

Celestia placed her utensil down, “Well there is one thing, I always arrive at the celebration hall and it’s made for a wedding…” she trailed off.

Cadence leaned forward, “And?”

Celestia shook her head, “There is always a bride and no groom.”

It pained the princess to lie to her own family, but she felt slight shame and loathing at the fact that it was always her who was left with nopony to call her own.

Cadence thought on this for a moment, “It might be that you feel slight regret over the fact that The Changeling Queen defeated you and you felt responsible for what might have transpired.”

Luna nodded with a smile, “And it’s probably telling you to let go of the past.”

Celestia nodded, “Of course.”

All three alicorns then sat in silence and continued their meal until their plates were clean.  Celestia casually mentioned she was going for a stroll in the statue garden and would return later, which was accepted by the other alicorns without suspicion.  Luna and Cadence ventured to the Canterlot library for some calm reading, soon both of them were in comfy spots in the reading area and were content with the literary works they had both chosen.

After an hour of reading, Cadence looked over at Luna, “Depressed.”

Luna looked up, “Hm?”

Cadence repeated herself, “Do you think she’s depressed?”

Luna gave a slight nod as she turned a page, “I have had my suspicions, why?”

Cadence stood up, “Well for one, she rarely talks the way she used to. She seems to be more aloof in some regards and she doesn’t seem to be getting much sleep lately.”

Luna slowly put her book down, “You have a point.”

Cadence tapped her chin in thought, “Maybe…”

Luna stood up, “What?”

A light bulb went off in Cadence’s head, “Maybe she needs a reminder that we’re here for her.”

Luna nodded slowly, “Intriguing, continue.”

Cadence slowly paced, “We should organize a party…No! A Ball!”

Luna smiled, “Well we’ve never really had an actual party here unless it was a traditional celebration. I like the sound of it.”

Cadence knocked her front hooves together, “Then it’s decided, I’ll start sending out invitations immediately.”

Luna turned to the door, “I’ll organize the event and placements.”

Cadence cocked an eyebrow, “By yourself?”

Luna grinned, “You say it as though I can’t handle it,” she then pointed out, “And who are you going to invite?”

Cadence smiled, “Other royals and guest of high ranking caliber.”

Luna tilted her head with a smug expression, “And who are those?”

Cadence got a little flustered, “I’m working on it!”

*

The days that followed were agonizingly slow leading up to the ball.  Invitations were sent all over the kingdom and beyond to the specific ponies specified or just in general.  Attendance was not necessarily mandatory, but it was appreciated.  Soon the clock tolled for the night of the celebration and soon all three alicorns were getting ready.  Celestia had been informed of the party a few days In advance much to her general surprise and over all annoyance at the fact it had popped in out of nowhere.  She never really wore that much in terms of dresses but she thought a nice change of pace would be nice.  She donned a white ball gown that sparkled silver when it hit the light a certain way, it was courtesy of the unicorn Rarity who was also attending the party.  She said the rest of her friends were busy and apologised on their behalf.  Celestia was disappointed her student Twilight would not be attending but readied herself none the less.  When she finished she wore her mane in a slightly curled cascade and managed to weave her tiara into it perfectly to hold mane from obscuring her face.  She had also managed to rid herself of the tired look that had plagued her that month and left for the dance.

Luna was wearing a black dress with azure highlights and Cadance wore a more down to earth version of her wedding dress that was a silvery white with gold highlights upon it.  Celestia walked out to join the party and at the insistence of her sister began to mingle.  She had chatted with other ponies before but tonight she didn’t feel up to it as much but yielded to her sisters insisting.  Soon Celestia saw Rarity conversing with some high society unicorns and approached her.

Rarity politely shooed the conversation goers away when the Princess approached, “Princess, you look great.”

Celestia smiled, “Thank you, I always admire the love and care you put into all your pieces.”

Rarity smiled as well, “Thank you, but this one was exceptionally hard for you see- Princess Celestia?”

Celestia had lost her attention with the unicorn when she spotted a most peculiar sight near the back of the ball room.  Standing there was an odd pony to say the least; he resembled a full grown alicorn like her down to the muzzle which was smoother looking and the fact he had no horn.  What set him apart was the fact that his wings were slightly larger and folded close to his body to the point that one would not be able to tell unless they looked closer.  His coat was snow white and his mane sat atop his head in an alluring and elegant manner.  It was blond and seemed to narrow at the back of his head into a bit of a strip which hung off to the side; it also had a dark indigo streak in it.  His tail was the same in colour and it seemed to be in a rough feather shape with the same streak.  His cutie mark was that of a gold disc shaped labyrinth that was surmounted by a crown.  What he wore was even stranger, it seemed to be a cape made of white fur of some kind with bone like plates on the shoulders with an elevated bone collar.  Underneath that he seemed to be wearing a grey robe like gentlecolt shirt that was open at the front revealing a golden medallion of some form, it also seemed to have a secondary cape made of the same grey cloth underneath the fur cape.

The stallion turned its head slightly to chat to another stallion and revealed from the angle that its eyes were bordered by pencil thin black lines that gave them a strong yet mysterious presence.  And it seemed one eye was light blue and the other was dark brown.  The stallion noticed the princess staring and glanced her way after he took a sip of red wine from a cup resting on one of his hooves.  Rarity followed the Princess’s stare and widened her eyes in wonderment.

Rarity looked at the Princess whose attention returned to the unicorn, “Who is that,” she bit her lower lip, “Tall pale stallion?”

Celestia was intrigued and confused as well, “I’m not sure, I’ve never seen him before.”

A cultured voice with the accent of those from places such as Trottingham interrupted them, “You wouldn’t by chance be speaking as though I wasn’t here would you?”

Both Rarity and Celestia looked to find The Stallion staring at them with an amused look, “I am truly sorry if I startled you my dears.”

Rarity shook her head blushing, “Not at all.”

Celestia nodded, “Indeed. I apologise for me staring.”

The Stallion half smiled, “You’re forgiven.”

Celestia smiled, “I am Princess Celestia of Equestria, and you are?”

The Stallion lifted her front hoof and pecked it, “I am Jareth, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Labyrinth.”

Rarity was amazed, “You’re a King?!”

Jareth chuckled, “You speak as though you don’t believe me.”

Rarity regained herself, “Well it’s just that…,” she eyed his clothes.

Jareth took notice, “Ah yes, these are of the finest make back in my home.  If I am not mistaken, you are Miss Rarity of Ponyville correct?”

Rarity blushed again, “You’ve heard of me?”

Jareth nodded, “Indeed, I hear you like jewels and gemstones.”

Rarity waved it off, “Oh no, I merely use them in my Boutique for special orders.”

Jareth pouted, “Such a shame,” he raised his right hoof and a crystal orb formed in his hoof much to the amazement of both magic users, “I was going to give you this as a token of civility.”

Rarity, other ponies and the three alicorns stared in amazement, “What is that?”

Jareth then began to contact juggle using his front hoof and leg, “It’s a crystal nothing more,” he then quickly switched it between his other hoof and back again in a fluid like motion, “But if you turn it this way and look into it, it will show you your dreams.”

He tossed it at Rarity and it spun on a perfect axis on the tip of her horn before plopping into her hoof, “That’s impossible…”

Jareth shook his head with the same grin, “You assume that if ponies have no horns that they can’t use magic? Well I assure you that is not the case here.”

Jareth glanced at the clock as a waltz began to play, “It seems my time here is almost over.  It’s nothing against you Princess, I merely popped in to enjoy the festivities but I am afraid I have an urgent political matter to attend to in my Kingdom.”

Celestia nodded, “I understand.”

Jareth winked at her as the music fully started and he extended a hoof, “I do however have enough time for one dance, may I have the pleasure?”

Celestia blushed a deep red but nodded as she and Jareth began to slowly dance to the music.  As she danced with the strange king, the world itself seemed to fall down around her and all she could hear was music.  Jareth’s eyes gazed into hers and seemingly beyond as they continued their silent dance.  Jareth was transfixed by the mare’s very presence, her eyes peaceful and her voice, exotic.  After what seemed like seconds the song ended and Jareth bid the Princess a farewell and departed.  Rarity however chased after him and wanted to ask what material his cape was made of only to come into an empty entrance hall that he JUST entered a second before her.  Rarity looked up at a noise and saw a barn owl perched on a window ledge; it then flew off into the night.

2- The Power Of Words

Rarity and the girls were all sitting in her boutique the day after the ball and she was a tizzy with news.  She retold the nights events up to the time the Princess arrived and then stopped.

Twilight raised an eyebrow, “That can’t be all of it.”

Pinkie Pie nodded, “Yeah don’t hold out on us Rarity.”

Rarity showed reluctance to continue, “I would tell you, but I am not entirely sure if you would believe me.”

Applejack huffed, “Rarity, ya haven’t lied to us yet. Why start now?”

Rarity nodded as she then continued to weave her tale of the ball’s events after the Princess struck up conversation.  When she began to speak of Jareth, all the ponies’ albeit from Rainbow Dash showed increased interest in the story.  She spoke in great detail of the pony’s casual yet sophisticated personality and odd attire.  When she got to the subject of his magic, Twilights interest and deductive nature peaked immediately.

Twilight was now pacing after the story finished, “A pony that can use magic but only has wings? This can’t be! None of my studies have ever shown such things before. Plus I’ve never heard of any kingdom called Labyrinth.”

Fluttershy looked into space, “This Jareth sounds like somepony from a fairy tale.”

Dash gagged, “Sounds like a freak to me.”

Applejack was taken aback by the comment, “Rainbow Dash, why would you say such things about a pony ya haven’t even met yet.”

Rainbow crossed her front legs, “I just have a feeling ya know.”

Rarity chuckled, “Well I could tell the Princess found him interesting.”

Everypony looked at her as she smiled, “The Princess and this Jareth fellow danced a waltz and she seemed quite…lost in him.”

Pinkie tilted her head confused but nodded in understanding, “Oh now I get it!”

Twilight stopped pacing, “If only I had a way to study this…situation.”

Rarity then realized something and trotted over to her trunk and began to rummage around inside it.  After a minute she laughed in triumph as she produced the crystal ball and placed it on the table her friends were currently situated around much to their shock and surprise.

Rainbow stared at the thing, “Holey moley!”

Twilight zoomed up to the table and examined the clear almost glass crystal sphere, “Amazing!”

Pinkie Pie stared at the thing and looked through it, “Wowie I can see your eye Twi!”

Applejack chuckled, “It’s only a crystal.”

Twilight looked at Rarity, “You wouldn’t mind if I borrowed this for a bit would you?”

Rarity shook her head, “Not at all Twilight, just try not to break it. I’ve only had that crystal for a day and I’ve gained SO much inspiration for a new line, it’s going to be divine and mysterious all in one!”

She could barely contain her excitement at all the possibilities that were running through her head.  Twilight congratulated her on her burst of inspiration and departed immediately afterwards.  When she arrived at the library she informed Spike to put the library on lockdown.  The baby dragon already knew what that meant, a hardcore research session that would have little to no breaks whatsoever.  When asked about the frequency of the session Twilight responded with the truth of the matter at hoof much to the disbelief of the dragon.  The research then began in a torrent of books that Twilight summoned to her all with the intention of looking for anything pertaining to the mysterious kingdom and its mysterious ruler.

*

Celestia sat in relative silence as she, Cadence, and Luna went over last night’s festivities.  Both Luna and Cadence were giggling and gossiping of their interactions during the party while the solar ruler only spoke to agree or to offer her input.  In truth her mind was else were and it lingered in that local, preferably on the memory and experience she had with the stallion known as Jareth.  The more she tried to understand him the more she was compelled to seek the answers rather than reflect upon them.  She then snapped back to reality at the voice of her younger sister.

Celestia stared at Luna, “Pardon?”

Luna shook her head, “I was merely saying to Cadence that the stallion you were dancing with seemed to be rather fetching.”

Celestia lightly laughed, “Really? I didn’t notice.”

Cadence took on a mischievous expression, “Really? Because the way you were staring at him was the way a school filly stares at their first crush.”

Celestia lightly blushed and waved a hoof as if to shoo the remark away, “Oh please I was merely being polite, after all its common courtesy to stare at your dance partner.”

Luna and Cadence began laughing at the way the elder ruler was acting much to the mare’s annoyance.  Celestia stood and grinned as she left to go for a stroll.  Both alicorns looked at each other as the door shut behind the sun princess.

Luna was a little confused, “Was it something we said?”

*

The early evening was upon Ponyville as Twilight continued her constant effort to locate any mention on Jareth, Labyrinth, and the how ponies could use magic without being of the right species.  In such a regard the search was fruitless and Twilight was running out of material to consult.  She sighed after closing the last book in the library and looked at the crystal as if it mocked her for not unlocking its secrets.  She groaned in frustration and proceeded to sulk on the desk amongst the several scattered tomes.  Spike however was searching amongst the shelves for something.

Twilight glanced over, “Spike, what in the world are you doing?”

Spike looked over his shoulder as he dropped to a shelf that was beside the staircase leading to Twilight’s lab, “Back during that mirror pool stuff i found a secret compartment behind the books on a shelf.  So I’m thinking maybe if there’s one, there has to be more.”

Twilight nodded with a smile, “That’s the spirit!”

Spike then whooped in triumph as he found another switch and clicked it.  Behind the small door in the compartment was a large book bound in old teal colored leather with silver corner caps on the front and back cover.  Twilight levitated it over and saw the book was exceptionally thick and seemed to be a map of the whole world and various other things.

Twilight was aglow with excitement, “Spike! Do you have any idea what you just found?!”

Spike scratched his head, “A book?”

Twilight shut the book for a moment, “Not just any book. You found an Equestrian Almanac!”

Spike was surprised at this, “But I thought the last of them vanished back during the early period of the first cycle.”

Twilight was all smiles, “Exactly! I wonder what other secrets this library holds.”

Twilight began to flip very fast through the pages until she came across something of great interest, “The Kingdom of Labyrinth, see…The Goblin King?”

Spike was greatly confused, “But isn’t that a very old pony fable?”

Twilight nodded, “Yeah, I even have a copy of it.”

At that mention she brought the book in question to her, it was a small thing no larger than a day planner bound in a soft red cover on front and back.  The title was written clearly on the cover in gold.

Twilight smiled at the small book, “I always loved it when my brother read this to me when I was younger.”

She opened it and flipped through until she found what she was looking for, “A city that rivaled Canterlot in size and majesty was bordered by a massive Labyrinth that acted as a gauntlet and moat to any and all trespassers.  But the mare would not be deterred, The Goblin King, the accursed Fae…”

Stopping at that line she wrenched the very same book that she used for the incident concerning the mirror pond and flipped through it, “Fae or the fair folk as some call them, are a supposedly rare race of ponies that are acute to and powerful in magic.  Many legends dictate the reasoning behind these ponies never coming to light is that none seek them out or they never wish to be found.”

Spike chuckled, “So were dealing with a legend?”

Twilight looked at her assistant with a serious expression, “We acted this way about Nightmare Moon and we almost paid the price, I’m not taking that chance again.”

Twilight placed the book down, “They say Fae can twist the words of many, but they can never lie.  Other legends say they are vulnerable to iron as if it were a hot coal,” her eyes then narrowed in focus as she skimmed through several articles until she read one last line, “One legend that shows in many myths is that if know the name of a particular fae it is possible to summon it to you.  It is also said some Fae respond to the wishes of ponies, many use a wish in conjunction with the Fae’s name to make either a request or to strengthen the summoning.”

Twilight turned to Spike who raised his claws, “I wouldn’t Twilight, this sounds like something we shouldn’t mess with.”

Twilight took on a determined look, “Spike, research is about discovery.  Plus we’ve dealt with worse.”

Twilight looked at the crystal and sighed as she recalled the name, “Jareth, I wish to speak with you.”

When that was said the candle flames in the library seemed to dim for a mere moment and the crystal began to lazily spin and glow a soft silvery white which died down.  Soon one of the windows of the library burst open effectively extinguishing all the candles.  Soon a barn owl flew past Twilight’s head and landed on the stairwell leading to her room.  What happened next surprised her; the owl’s form seemed to melt away and in its place was the stallion Rarity described except his attire was different.  He was wearing all black and what seemed to be an armour chest plate with a medallion fixed in the center.  Underneath that was a long sleeved shirt made of black leather and what seemed to be black dress pants.  He wore a black cape with a high collar that folded down in the back; the interior of it was a sparkling blue.  There also seemed to be a secondary cape made of a thin tattered greyish material which billowed behind him.

Twilight looked on in a mixture of fear and fascination, “You’re…The Goblin King?”

Jareth tilted his head slightly with a non-chalant smile, “That’s one of my titles.”

Twilight took a confident step forward, “Your real aren’t you?”

Jareth chuckled, “I believe we just established that.”

Twilight nervously chuckled, “Right…”

Jareth raised an eyebrow, “So why is it you called me here Twilight Sparkle?”

Twilight gasped, “How do you know my name?”

The crystal ball bounced of the tabled and rolled along the ground until it bounced into Jareth’s hoof, “Let’s just say a little birdie told me,” the ball then turned into a dove and flew out the open window.

Twilight was now very intrigued, “Your magic is quite impressive.”

Jareth smiled as he walked down the steps and slowly paced around the unicorn, “Your compliment is well noted.”

Twilight followed the odd stallion with her eyes, “Um…”

Jareth stopped, “Your magic potential is strong young one, but yet untapped.”

Twilight blushed in embarrassment, “That’s not true.”

Jareth was in front of her now, “Oh but it is,” he placed a hoof under her chin and tilted her head to look at his face, “I can see it.”

Spike growled at the intruder, “Hey back off bub.”

Jareth complied and smiled, “I was merely having some fun with her, nothing more.”

Twilight was flustered, “I-I called you here to ask you some questions.”

Jareth looked at a nearby chair which seemed to drag itself to him as he detached his capes in a fluid motion and draped them on the back of the chair in question and sat down on the floor with a content look, “Ask away.”

Twilight was surprised at the action but sat anyway and produced a quill and parchment, “Okay first question, how long have you lived here in Equestria?”

Jareth answered without hesitation, “As long as it has existed, so pretty much as long as your monarchs.”

Twilight wrote this down immediately, “Okay…why show up in Equestria now?”

Jareth shook his head, “I have always been around, and nopony been looking hard enough.”

Twilight looked at him straight on, “I meant why you suddenly showed up at the party and never to any of the royal tribunals.”

Jareth nodded, “Ah the answer is simple, I chose not to.”

Twilight was bemused to say the least, “Uh…”

Jareth raised an eyebrow once more, “If that’s all-“

Twilight raised a hoof, “Wait! One more question.”

Jareth pointed at her, “I’m holding you to that, one more question and only one.”

Twilight thought hard then came up with the perfect one, “You can’t lie, so I ask you this.  Do you have any intent to cause harm to Equestria and the princesses in any way, shape, or form?”

Jareth grinned, “How devious of you.  The answer is no, I live in this land too you know and I rather like it.”

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, “Well that’s a load off my mind.”

Jareth stood and donned his capes, “I must say this town is quite charming, perhaps I may come around here again on a non-official visit.”

Twilight chuckled but stopped for a moment, “From what I heard, you made quite the impression on the princess last night.”

Jareth smiled mischievously and tapped his chin, “I did, did I?”

Twilight gulped at her folly, “Wait you didn’t know?”

Jareth looked at her, “I had my suspicions, may haps I pay the solar princess a visit this night.”

Twilight looked at him with concern for her teacher, “You’re not seriously going to?”

Jareth turned and booped her on the nose with his hoof, “I’m sorry my dear, that was a question.”

His garments then seemed to melt and cascade down the stallion as he shifted once more into a barn owl and flew away into the night.  Twilight immediately got to work converting her findings into a letter.

*

Celestia sat on a bench overlooking Canterlot in silence as her mind wandered once more.  Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching hooves.

She turned her head and gasped, “You?”

Jareth bowed, “Me.”

Celestia stood and regarded his attire, “How many capes do you have?”

Jareth took on a serious expression, “More than you can shake a stick at.”

They were both silent then began to laugh.  Celestia regained herself slowly as Jareth conjured another ball and handed it to her.

Celestia took it, “Thank you, but why?”

Jareth mulled the question over for a brief moment, “Consider it a peace offering and an oath of my alliance to your kingdom since I have failed to appear at any of the tribunals.”

Celestia nodded, “Your declaration is accepted King Jareth.”

Jareth bowed once more as he turned to leave, “Thank you your majesty.”

Celestia blushed once more as a scroll suddenly appeared which Jareth took notice of, “That’s probably important, also I forgot to say,” he pointed one last time to the crystal, “consider it if you will a token of good health.  I mean no ill will but you simply must sleep more.”

Jareth then leaped into the air and spread his wings and took flight.  Celestia stared at the crystal then back at the vanishing silhouette of Jareth and smiled.

3- Piece of Cake

Two days went by after the fateful night that both parties remembered most vividly.  Twilight told her friends of her meeting with Jareth the previous night and was regarded with slight skepticism.  Celestia on the other hoof was lost in thought as she regarded the crystal on her desk for the fortieth time that day with a mystified expression.  For hours she was trying to crack the secret behind the object but so far her results were minor in abundance.  What perplexed her most about the whole situation was the frequency of the letter she received days ago from Twilight.  It claimed that Jareth was a Fae and that he was supposedly The Goblin King from a fable of old.  Celestia was abuzz with curiosity; this mysterious stallion that had appeared no sooner than a few days ago and he already was stirring up weirdness of the highest caliber.  She gave a groan of annoyance and turned away from the crystal and headed down to the dining hall for lunch.

Upon entering the hall her eyes widened.  Sitting at the table were Luna and Cadence, but sitting at the far end of the table was a smiling Jareth.  He was dressed in a white gentle colt shirt which was open at the front and had a black dress vest over the shirt.  His medallion hung around his neck and could be visibly seen from the open shirt.

Celestia stood mouth agape as Luna chuckled at the reaction, “Sister if you keep that up a bird will fly in there.”

Jareth gave a small smile as he gestured for her to sit in her usual spot, “Please do join us.  I must say that this meal is positively scrumptious.”

Celestia slowly sat down and addressed the elephant in the room, “What brings you here Jareth? Didn’t you say you had business to attend to back in your kingdom?”

Cadence smiled, “He did but he finished them with ease.”

Jareth’s cup raised itself as he nodded in agreement with a straight face, “And minimal effort.” He then sipped his tea.

Celestia was astounded at this, “But that still doesn’t answer my question.”

Jareth sighed, “I suppose your right,” he placed his cup down, “I was going to Ponyville to look around and mingle with the locals, so I thought I would pop by and say hello since I was about.”

Luna nodded, “Indeed he did.  But the cook informed us that he had made extra by mistake.”

Cadence smiled, “So we invited him to eat with us before he continues on his way.”

Jareth gave an innocent expression, “I was merely accepting an invitation, nothing more.”

Celestia rolled her eyes then sipped her tea, “Well I don’t mind, but it would be nice if you two tell me something like this is going to happen next time.”

Luna nodded, “Apologies dear sister.”

Jareth then finished off the last of his meal and stood, “Ah, truly a meal fit for royalty.”

Cadence looked to him, “Leaving so soon?”

Jareth half smiled in a mischievous way, “Is that pleading I hear?”

Cadence shook her head, “I’m afraid I am married.”

Jareth pouted, “Shame, he is a very lucky pony.”

Jareth then leapt out the window and flew off

Celestia stood up after she finished and entered her room once more and stared at the crystal.  She knew Jareth was in every aspect mysterious and sophisticated, but he also seemed to have a good sense of humour like she does.  What bugged her most was when her mind wandered why she could not stop seeing his face or hearing his voice.  Most of all, why just now when she saw him at her table did her heart suddenly flutter.

Celestia looked away from the crystal and at her full length mirror, “Why do I feel this way? Maybe those dreams are trying to tell me something and for once I don’t have the answer.”

*

Jareth landed outside of Ponyville and shifted into his barn owl form and then proceeded into town.  He perched on a sign post and glanced around the quaint little town with a mixture of interest and curiousness.  In truth, Jareth had not ventured far in his life as ruler.  There had been the occasional times he would depart to a city or town for business or to merely ease boredom but never had he ventured into Equestria and seen its sights.  One thing that he found quite interesting was the present royals.  Like him they were in good spirits and ruled their respective kingdoms well.  But what vexed him was the one known as Princess Celestia, it wasn’t her entirely.  It was the fact that he couldn’t think straight as of late because he kept seeing those…eyes of hers in his mind.

He shook his head when he noticed Twilight Sparkle walking with five other ponies which he knew were her friends, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie respectively.  What he never told either Rarity or Celestia was that his crystals could be used for more than just decoration.  He always used them as parts of his magic or to see things far away without leaving Labyrinth.  He fluttered down into a nearby alleyway and shifted back to normal and still wore his casual attire from the lunch he had, he didn’t always have to dress extravagantly.  Sometimes even the simplest of things can be beautiful.

Jareth calmly walked forward into the light surprising everypony but Rarity and Twilight, “Good afternoon.”

Fluttershy cowered behind Twilight who bowed, “Your highness.”

Rarity did the same as Jareth chuckled, “Now tell me I’m pretty.”

Twilight stood but now looked confused, “What brings you here.”

Jareth tilted his head, “Do you not recall me saying I may come for a non-business visit?”

Applejack stepped forward, “Yer the one called Jareth?”

Jareth nodded while glancing at the ponies he was meeting for the first time, “I think you know the answer to that.”

Fluttershy looked at Jareth who noticed her in turn, “Tis alright my dear, there is no need to fear me.”

Pinkie Pie bounced around him as she looked him up and down, “Wowie! You are a Fae!”

Jareth was surprised and impressed at the pony’s perceptiveness, “Indeed I am Miss Pie, and how do you know of the name?”

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes, “Duh, my Granny Pie told me about them when I was little itty bitty twinkie Pinkie.”

Jareth pursed his lips, “I see.”

Rainbow Dash zoomed up to him, “So what can you do?”

Jareth raised an eyebrow, “Pardon?”

Rainbow landed, “Twilight says that you can do magic, if all you can do is summon those crystals I’m not impressed.”

Jareth was slightly offended but smiled none the less as he raise an eyebrow, “Oh, I do not impress you Miss Dash? Well I apologise.”

Jareth turned his head to the Ponyville clock tower and pointed his hoof at the clock and spun it in mid-air.  What happened next surprised everypony, the clock hands began to spin in the direction he was rotating his hoof in and soon it was eight o-clock at night and the moon had risen.

Dash’s jaw was on the floor as Jareth flashed a snide grin, “How’s that for impressive?”

Twilight was in utter shock and awe, “How? What?”

Jareth waved his hoof casually as the clock spun back to its original position and night turned to day, “Re-ordering time is such a trivial matter I really think nothing of it.”

The six ponies followed him immediately as he inspected some vegetables much to the slight nervousness of the vendor at his mere presence.  Twilight and her friends insisted that if he was serious about visiting that they show him around since he couldn’t navigate the town.  As the day progressed, Jareth was indeed pleased with this new village and its inhabitant in terms of hospitality.  Jareth also seemed a natural with animals, when he encountered angel bunny they both merely regarded each other and Jareth gave him a carrot which he took and hopped off with.

Soon the grand tour ended at the school as the last bell rang to signify the end of the day.  All the students ran out but stopped when they noticed Jareth standing with the six not looking at the school in question.

Somepony tugged on his tail gently as he turned his head and noticed Rarity’s little sister known as Sweetie Belle, “Excuse me, are you related to the princesses?”

Jareth smiled kindly, “No, why would you say that young one?”

Sweetie Belle looked him up and down, “Well I mean you’re as tall as one of them.”

Jareth nodded, “True.”

A pony that could only be her teacher approached, “Sweetie Belle you know you shouldn’t…”

Jareth stopped her, “The filly was merely asking me a question which I corrected her upon, I must say your care for the student’s well-being is quite admirable.”

Cheerilee blushed at the compliment, “Oh, why thank you.”

Jareth nodded and offered his hoof, “I am Jareth and you are?”

The teacher shook his hoof, “Cheerilee.”

Jareth half grinned, “A pleasure Miss Cheerilee.”

Sweetie Belle perked up, “Wait you said your names Jareth?”

Jareth nodded, “Yes I believe I did.”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up, “Is it true you can do magic without a horn? My sis said you could.”

Jareth side glanced at the unicorn in question, “She did, did she?”

Rarity blushed in embarrassment at being ratted out, “I may have said a few things.”

Jareth shook his head, “No matter,” he leaned down to Sweetie’s eye level, “Do you want to see it for yourself?”

Sweetie Belle bounced in place, “Yes! Please!”

Jareth chuckled as he made a crystal and dropped it on the ground much to the surrounding pony’s amazement and disappointment, “Stop, wait.”

The crystal then began to bounce on its own as Jareth smiled in satisfaction.  Soon it merely levitated in mid-air and was slowly rotating.  Cheerilee poked it and it split into two separate crystal orbs which began to quickly multiply.  Soon there were ten in total which were suspended in the air, Jareth stuck his hoof out and a lone crystal landed upon it.  All the crystal’s then merged back together in the blink of an eye and he threw it into the air and it exploded into silver and white lights like a firework.

Jareth smiled as he placed both hooves together and produced another crystal when they were pulled apart.  He then tilted his hoof at an angle and the crystal transformed into a red silk scarf which he threw at Sweetie Belle.  She caught it and looked at it in wonderment.

Jareth gestured to the scarf, “It’s yours, enjoy it.”

Sweetie Belle thanked him and ran off to show everypony.  The six smiled at his kind action which he took no notice of as he continued down a path leading back to town.  The rest of the day went by until nightfall was upon the town.  Jareth had bid the ponies fair well and walked with Pinkie Pie to Sugarcube Corner for some of her famous Butter Tarts, she claimed they weren’t famous yet but she was working on it.  As Jareth sat stood behind a table and waited patiently he felt something on his tail and looked down, a small orange manned foal was sitting on it staring at him with wonder.  Jareth half smiled at the small pony when two full grown ponies ran over and lifted the foal from Jareth’s tail.

Pinkie Pie popped her head out of the kitchen, “Hiya Mr. and Mrs. Cake, this is Jareth.  He’s visiting Ponyville today and I thought I would treat him to some of my butter tarts.”

The one known as Mrs. Cake smiled apologetically at Jareth, “It so nice to meet you and I apologise if Pumpkin Cake bothered you.”

Jareth raised his hoof in an easing fashion, “It is no trouble, the little one was merely curious of me.”

Mr. Cake turned to Pinkie Pie, “Pinkie, I know this is last minute but we need to go to Canterlot to deliver a shipment of muffins so could you please watch the twins until tomorrow?”

Pinkie saluted, “Will do Mrs. Cake.”

*

Celestia was fuming while she paced her room; Luna and Cadence were staring at her with worry.

Celestia stopped, “How dare him!”

Luna raised an eyebrow, “How dare him what?”

Celestia looked at Luna, “Jareth interfered with the flow of time and changed it from night to day.”

Cadence was slightly nervous, “How do you know it was him?”

Celestia continued, “He’s the only one who could have done it!”

Luna stared at her sister with a calm expression, “Don’t you think you’re over reacting a little?”

Celestia shook her head, “He could have upset the natural order of things without thinking and you think I’m over reacting?”

Cadence reflected on this for a moment, “Well when you put it that way.”

Celestia narrowed her eyes and left the room, “Him and I are going to have a little chat.”

Luna looked at Cadence, “I don’t know what worries me more, the fact that he has that much power or the fact my sister is possibly hiding something.”

*

Pumpkin and Pound cake were laughing in happiness as they both floated around the air atop of couch cushions chasing Jareth’s crystals like a game of tag.  Jareth and Pinkie Pie watched on with smiles as Jareth took a bite of the butter tart he had been given.

Jareth looked at Pinkie, “You simply must give me the recipe for these.”

Pinkie wagged her hoof, “Nuh uh, it’s a secret.”

Jareth leaned forward, “You would be surprised at the lengths I go too to get what I want.”

Pinkie Pie smiled, “Many greater stallions then you have tried.”

Jareth was about to retort until the door opened to reveal an angered Celestia, “You. Outside.”

Jareth rose as he slowly let the foals down, “A moment Miss Pie.”

He walked outside as Celestia confronted him, “You have no right to meddle with the natural flow.”

Jareth stared straight into her eyes, “I will do as I wish, you have no power over me,” he made a crystal in his hoof.

Celestia gritted her teeth, “Don’t trifle with me Goblin King.”

Jareth took on a warning tone, “Celestia,” he made the crystal into a snake which coiled around his leg, “Do not defy ME.”

Both ponies stared at each other in livid fury at the other for potentially threating the other.  Jareth however broke his stare and leaned back as the snake disintegrated.

He smiled, “Did you know in this light you look rather divine.”

Celestia blushed at the compliment but regained herself, “Don’t think your compliments can divert the issue.”

Jareth grinned as he raised his eyebrow, “So you take it as a compliment?”

Celestia then got flustered, “I…Uh...”

Jareth walked around her, “Tell you what, as recompense for what I did this day and for the meal I was given.  I shall treat you to dinner at my kingdom tomorrow.”

Celestia didn’t know what to say but she found herself automatically respond, “Okay.”

Jareth smiled, “Good, I shall see you tomorrow.”

Jareth then walked back inside Sugarcube corner leaving a dumbfounded Celestia to leave in silence.

Side chapter- A Wish

(Before the events of the story

Jareth sat upon his throne garbed in his Goblin King suit and reflected upon the days recent events.  Some of the goblins requested taxes lowered.  He complied with utter annoyance but didn’t dwell on the fact until he deemed it entirely necessary.  A goblin then ran into his throne room and requested to speak to him.

Jareth waved his hoof, “Proceed.”

The goblin nodded, “There is an intruder within the labyrinth, one of our scouts reported it’s a unicorn.”

Jareth dismissed the goblin as he conjured his crystal, “Hmmm,” the unicorn was garbed in a hooded black cloak and had a silvery white mane and tail and a bluish cloak, “Why has the mouse ventured into the lion’s den?”

Jareth waved a hoof over the crystal as the labyrinth shifted subtly to make a clear path to the castle.  Inevitably another goblin ran into the throne room and informed him that the intruder requested an audience which he accepted with mirth.  Soon the unicorn ventured into the throne room and beheld it’s only occupant with determination and slight fear.

Jareth regarded the unicorn with interest, “Tell me pony, how is it you came upon this place.”

The unicorn removed her hood and revealed herself, “The Great and Powerful Trixie is no mere pony.  And as to how I came across this place cost me bit upon bit for the information.”

Jareth laughed, “You have spunk Trixie I must grant you that.  But now to the true business at hand, why have you intruded upon my kingdom without an invitation?”

Trixie smiled, “Well it’s quite simple, Trixie has come here to demand a wish-“

Jareth cut her off as he raised his voice, “YOU DEMAND NOTHING!”

Trixie trembled as Jareth approached her, “You intrude upon my kingdom and DEMAND me to grant you a wish? If I were in another mood I would hurl you into the Bog of Eternal stench so fast it would make your head spin!”

Trixie continued to tremble under the Goblin Kings stare, “P-please, Trixie only wishes for information on the whereabouts of t-the Alicorn Amulet.”

Jareth let out an angered breath, “Fine. So be it.”

Jareth conjured a crystal and handed it to her as it transformed into a diamond clasp for her cloak, “This will guide you to your accursed amulet, now begone lest I reconsider not letting you go for a swim.”

Trixie galloped out of the throne room and attached the clasp on her way out.  Jareth had a feeling he would see her again.

*

A day passed by and Jareth’s suspicions were confirmed as Trixie entered the throne room with him still garbed in his Goblin King suit.

Jareth then snidely remarked, “Back already? But where’s the amulet, don’t tell me you lost it.”

Trixie approached the Goblin King, “You lied to me!”

Jareth chuckled, “And how pray tell did I lie to you?”

Trixie was fuming, “You knew what the amulet would do to me if I wore it and you didn’t warn me.”

Jareth nodded, “Indeed I did, but it was your own foolishness that led you to wear it and not ask the question.”

Trixie harrumphed as she approached, “Listen you-“

The floor opened beneath her as she fell down into the trap door.  Jareth had forcibly ejected her from his kingdom and he would erase her mind of ever finding the kingdom next time she ate a meal.

Jareth repositioned himself atop his throne, “It’s good to be the king.”

Just a little fun thing i wrote.  The shop keeper did say something powerful guided her after all >:)

4- Through Dangers Untold

Princess Celestia stood in her room as the sun was high in the sky, and she was far from happy about the current circumstances.  It’s not that she was mad about what was going to happen, she was mad at herself for freezing up during the conversation.  She was going to give Jareth a piece of her mind and yet she was at a loss for words when he made his offer.  She cursed herself for letting down her guard so easily and the fact that her sister wouldn’t let it go.

Luna was standing beside her as she gazed out the window, “He’ll be here soon, are you sure you don’t want to dress for the occasion?”

Celestia nodded and answered flatly, “Yes…”

Soon several taps were heard upon her window which she reluctantly opened with her magic as a barn owl flew past her head and landed on the ground.  Soon it shifted into Jareth who was wearing his casual suit.  Luna and Celestia stared in amazement at the spectacle which gave Jareth a sense of mirth as he approached Celestia.

He gestured to the open window, “Shall we?”

Celestia chuckled, “We’re going to fly all the way there?”

Jareth laughed, “Of course not. Why should we when we are already here?”

Celestia blinked as she looked through her open window and instantaneously they were standing on a grassy hilltop surrounded by several leafless trees.

*

Luna blinked and looked around the empty room, “What in the?”

*

Celestia looked around, “How did we get here so fast? With a teleport spell there is always a moment of delay before arrival and departure at a location.”

Jareth chuckled as he walked to her, “Do not take me for a user of cheap tricks.”

Celestia frowned, “Conventional magic is not made of simple parlor tricks.”

Jareth waved his hoof, “Of course not, but to me it is.”

Celestia was about to retort until she saw what was below the hill they were upon.  A massive walled of labyrinth spanned several miles in all directions, it also seemed to be a mixture of conventional stone and grass with occasional open spots.  In the dead center was an immense castle that rivaled Canterlot in size and seemed to be more of the middle aged times of pony culture and made of darker stone.

Jareth pointed to the castle and swept his front leg in front of him, “All of this and what lies beyond to a certain distance is my domain.”

Celestia looked with puzzlement at the labyrinth, “What is the purpose of that?”

Jareth nodded as he began to lead her down the hill, “In truth it is both a gauntlet and a deterrent for invaders.”

Celestia and Jareth came to the outer most wall of the labyrinth, “Well it’s certainly imposing.”

Jareth waved a hoof causing a section of the wall to open as a pair of double doors as they stepped inside.  Celestia looked left and right and noticed that the labyrinth seemed to be endless in either direction.  Jareth then produced a red crystal orb that had labyrinth like lines adorning its surface.  Jareth scanned the surface as he rotated it in his hoof and nodded as he lead Celestia toward an adjacent wall and walked through it and into another passage that had a tiled floor with a hedge maze.

Celestia glanced at the crystal, “What’s that?”

Without looking up Jareth explained, “It’s a guide.”

Celestia was confused, “But didn’t you make this place?”

Jareth nodded, “I did, but in truth I have never walked through it.  I have only appeared in random sections to repair them or to add an addition.”

Celestia didn’t ask any more questions as they continued to walk through the hedge maze of the labyrinth.  As they walked Celestia couldn’t help but admire the time and work that Jareth had put into the structure.  The unique themes and objects even the occasional relic entranced her.  After a while Jareth stopped and they came to a large open garden like area.

Celestia stepped forward to speak to him, “Jareth...”

He turned and immediately yelled, “STOP DON’T!”

The floor opened beneath Celestia and she dropped like a stone.  Jareth jumped after her without hesitation and they both tumbled down a narrow cob web covered tunnel which prevented them from using their wings.  Jareth narrowed his eyes and braced himself when they hit the bottom, they both landed in a large pile of hay and dirt.

Jareth stuck his head out, “Well that could have gone worse.”

Celestia stuck her head out next and looked at him with annoyance, “I really don’t see how.”

Jareth hopped out and dusted himself off, “We could have fallen into the Bog of Eternal Stench.”

Celestia stepped out, “Sounds charming.”

Jareth chuckled, “Is that sarcasm I hear princess?”

Celestia didn’t respond to the question, “You still have the map?”

Jareth smiled, “Yes.”

The map then fell from the chute and missed the hay, it then shattered on impact.

Jareth still smiling said “No.”

Celestia rolled her eyes, “Great,” her horn began to light up but it then fizzled out, “WHAT!?”

Jareth looked away, “Anti-magic materials were used to build this place,” Celestia opened her mouth only to get cut off by Jareth’s swift response, “Flying is impossible.  Looks like were walking.”

Celestia huffed in anger as she followed behind him.  The place they were in was an immense cave network which seemed to have no end.  As Celestia weaved through the passages she began to see Jareth for the first time as an actual stallion not as a mysterious otherworldly force, the way he calculated routes and took charge suited him.  He stopped and pointed out a ladder leading upwards attached to a cave wall, with reluctance and slight fear both pony’s began their climb.

Celestia looked up, “So why did we not teleport to the castle?”

Jareth coughed as a cob web got in his face, “In truth I wanted to give you a small tour before dinner, to get acquainted with the place.”

Celestia was confused at this, “Why?”

Jareth saw the exit above, “You showed me yours and it’s only fair I show you mine.”

Celestia was taken slightly aback as Jareth spoke in a monotone voice, “I realized the way it sounded the minute I said it.”

Jareth opened the hatch to reveal they were in a long dimly lit hallway and were sticking horizontally out of the wall.  Celestia looked around as Jareth dismounted onto the adjacent wall.  Celestia then realized that she was on the roof and Jareth was on the floor.  The second this happened she fell out of the hole and on top of the Goblin King who stared at her with a surprised expression.  Celestia lingered atop him for a moment and stared into his mismatched eyes as Jareth stared into her exotic ones.  After a moment a click was heard and Jareth pulled her close as a pillar of stone shot out and smacked the other wall.  Another click was heard and Jareth rolled with Celestia to the right as a pillar from the roof and floor smashed into one into each other.

Both pony’s stood up and looked around as more clicks were herd and they bolted to the far side of the hallway as the pillars went off behind and on occasion in front of them.  Jareth almost got his head crushed if not for the timely intervention of the Princess who pulled him back immediately.

Celestia and Jareth then leapt through the last barrage of pillars and landed on the dusty floor before a large oak door that seemed to resemble a face because of rivet and grain arrangement.

Celestia’s coat was now coated in dirt stains and her mane and tail were dishevelled.  Both she and Jareth looked at each other and were silent for a moment, and then they started laughing.

Celestia smiled, “That was the most fun I’ve had in ages!”

Jareth returned the smile with his own, “Same here!”

The both sighed and stood to face the door which then spoke in a thundering voice, “NONE SHALL PASS LEST THEY OVERCOME THE TRIAL OF THE,” it then noticed who it was speaking to and spoke in a quiet voice unfitting of the door, “My king! I had no idea you were here!”

Jareth waved his hoof, “Yes, yes, could you open up I have dinner waiting for me and my guest.”

The door responded quickly, “Of course my liege!”

The door then swung open to reveal an immense and beautiful forest.  Celestia was taken by it immediately and looked around in wonderment.  Jareth smiled in pride as she walked around admiring the scenery.  Soon at Jareth’s beckoning they continued onward, Jareth summoned a crystal and began to look into it with relative annoyance.  Celestia looked over to the crystal and noticed the interior of a dining hall which was currently being prepared for a meal.  Jareth threw the crystal into a tree as the orb exploded into sparkles.  Celestia shook her head as they continued onward past several odd plants and animals she had never seen before.  One plant even looked like it was made of coloured glass, she approached it and sniffed.  It smelled of the sweetest scents known to pony kind, Jareth walked over and stomped it out.

Celestia looked shocked at him, “Why would you do that.”

Jareth pointed, “The flower is made to hinder, if you kept sniffing you would be rotted to this spot forever smelling it.”

Celestia was surprised at how he came to her rescue yet again.  They rounded the corner and saw a most peculiar site.  Standing beside a tree stump was a creature that was equal in height to the stump and had sickly green skin and pointed ears as long as a small bats wings.  It had yellowish eye and wore stitched together clothing that was the same color of and resembled a lawn gnome’s.  The hat however hung in the back instead of sticking up, the creature also seemed to have a hooked nose.  It was smoking an old fashioned pipe that had purple smoke curling up from it.

Jareth took notice of the creature and approached, “And WHAT exactly are you doing out here?”

The creature coughed as it stashed the pipe, “Nothing your highness.”

Jareth walked up to it, “Nothing?” the pipe levitated from behind the creature to Jareth’s front, “Nothing?”, his voiced raised a little as he emptied purple sand from the pipe onto the floor, “Nothing?! Tra la la!”

The creature got to its knees, “Please your highness, I was merely taking a short smoke break then I was going back to the palace.  Turnbuckle swears it so!”

Jareth nodded, “Alright then, your breaks over toad tuckle.”

Celestia corrected him, “Turnbuckle.”

Jareth rolled his eyes, “Whatever.  Take me and my guest to the castle with you.”

Turnbuckle nodded, “At once milord.”

Turnbuckle then tapped the stump as a trap door opened up on its top.  Turnbuckle jumped down it quickly followed by Celestia and Jareth.  Hey both then popped out of a potted plant in the center of a town with sand and dirt for roads.  He houses themselves were made of stone and wood and the highest was about three floors.  More of the creatures like Turnbuckle were meandering about, some big and some small.  Some were fat others were thin; some wore rag like clothing or armour.  Celestia glanced at the well maintained houses and its inhabitants.

Celestia gestured at the town as Turnbuckle rushed inside, “Are these?”

Jareth nodded, “Goblins? Yes.”

Celestia followed him, “So you really are the Goblin King.”

Jareth nodded, “Yes I am.  We better get cleaned up if we are to eat dinner.”

*

Celestia sat in the guest room as a stout female goblin with ragged hair combed her mane and another shined her shoes and crown.  Celestia insisted that it wasn’t necessary but the goblins wouldn’t hear of it.  She eventually caved and allowed them to do their work as she stared at herself in the mirror.  Images of her dreams came back to her as the goblins continued their work, when the image of the enveloping darkness appeared a door slamming open was heard which startled her.

She turned to see Turnbuckle, “Lord Jareth is expecting you in the dining hall.”

Celestia smiled, “Thank you croc knuckle.”

Turnbuckle sighed, “Turnbuckle.”

Celestia apologised as she stood and walked to where she was guided.  She walked into the dining hall and saw Jareth sitting in one of the many high backed chairs wearing a different outfit.  The shirt seemed to have an armored looking torso area with regular dark red sleeves and back.  He also seemed to wear black pants made of the same material as the shirts sleeves.  Attached to his back was a black cape with a high collar that bent in the back much like his Goblin King suit but the material was much smoother looking and the interior was the ruby red.  Jareth smiled at her as she sat across from him.

Celestia smiled as she levitated a glass to her lips, “You weren’t kidding that you have a lot of capes.”

Jareth sipped his drink as well, “I have a habit of not lying.”

Celestia and Jareth began to eat in silence only stealing glances at each other when the opportunity arose.  Celestia glanced at the Goblin King and the way he looked at that moment she saw him in a whole new light.  His wit aside, he was a gentle colt royal who saved her or attempted to saver during the incidents in the labyrinth and she was grateful for it.  Jareth was deep in thought as well, why did he act on impulse and save her without regard for his safety?  Why is it she invaded his mind whenever he lost himself in thought, it was almost maddening.

Celestia looked away when he looked up, “Jareth how is there a book of this place and yet I cannot find this place on any map.”

Jareth pursed his lips as he placed his utensil down, “Well to put it simply, a long time ago a mare ventured here and left.  She recorded her adventure thusly.”

Celestia nodded, “I see.”

Jareth looked up, “You are welcome to visit whenever you like you know.  After all we are both royals who might have to exchange diplomatic matters in person.”

Celestia nodded and blinked, “Right…of course.”

Jareth was about to continue to eat when Celestia looked up and asked, “Would you like to attend the Grand Galloping Gala?”

Jareth looked up surprised, “Excuse me?”

Celestia eased herself, “I was told you rarely ever venture from here and I thought since royals attend the Gala you could be among friends.”

Jareth thought for a moment, “I’ve never been to a Gala before…very well I accept your invitation, when is it?”

Celestia finished her meal and stood, “Four days from now.”

Jareth winked with a grin, “Then I shall see you there.”

Celestia smiled as she then teleported away.  Jareth slumped in his chair and reflected on the decision he just made and hoped it was the right one.