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Riddles and Resolutions
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There was a rustling sound in the trees.
Eriki swung through the trees and then winced a bit. He quickly jumped down onto the tower.
He bounded over to Trent, "Where is Jareth?"
"mmm..." Eriki said, winding his tail around Trent's wrist.
Trent rolled his eyes. "Pack it in."
Eriki popped up from the trees
"Oh, hello my friend."
Eriki bounced up, "Hello Trent! It's a nice day out isn't it?"
"It certainly is..."
Eriki nodded, bouncing a bit.
Trent grinned. "How are you today?"
"Good-good, it's hard to not be good on such a very nice day, don't you agree?"
"Yes, I do agree." Trent smiled.
Trent looked concerned. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," he answered, "I just remembered something that I forgot that I was supposed to remember."
"What's that?"
Eriki shifted his tail, which now sported a golden ring.
Trent's eyebrows shot up. "Why are you wearing that?" he asked, wondering why Tris had 'caged' her friend.
Eriki slipped the ring off, "So I wouldn't lose it."
"Oh, I - don't see..."
"I'm supposed to remember to deliver a message," he explained.
"Oh! I see... Right, okay..." Trent still looked a little blank.
"To your brother..."
"Oh?" Trent stiffened. Jareth didn't need that.
"Yupyup!" Eriki shifted the ring a bit in his hands and it separated into a small cylinder.
Trent tilted his head to one side, confused. "What's that for?"
Eriki gave the edges a quick twist and it opened, he pulled out a piece of parchment.
"Yeah...?"
"Inside somewhere..."
"oh, I see, well I'm supposed to give this to him..."
"Oh, okay then..."
Eriki nodded and waited expectantly.
"Do you want me to give it to him...?"
"Well... I'm supposed to give it to him, but I suppose that if I gave it to you and you gave it to him..."
"I will." Trent sighed.
"Promise?"
"Yes, I promise." 'I don't want to.' Trent thought, knowing it would hurt Jareth, but he also knew Tris would hurt *him* should he not do it.
"good," Eriki said pleased, "I don't know that Tris would like it very much if I gave it t someone else, but since it's you she won't mind." He bounded up to Trent.
"Thanks..." he didn't know whether that was a compliment or not.
Trent tilted his head sideways, wondering what on earth Eriki was doing.
Eriki smiled and brushed the tip of his tail across Trent's palm.
He smiled slightly.
Eriki pulled away and smiled, setting the scroll in Trent's hands.
"Thanks Eriki." Trent said, grinning at him, rather fond of him really.
Eriki smiled back and vaulted into the tree branches.
Trent sighed slightly and disappeared, reappearing in Jareth's room. "I have something for you brother..."
He frowned in puzzlement, and started to read...
Jareth looked up, "Oh?" his eyes twinkled, "What now?"
Trent sighed and held out the scroll, not looking at Jareth. "It's from Tris."
"What?"
"I don't know what it is, it's just from Tris."
"Oh," Jareth took the scroll and set it down, eyeing it warily.
Trent sighed inwardly, keeping his gaze firmly averted from his brother's. He loathed being the bearer of suspected bad tidings.
"Well then..." Jareth started moving over to open it.
Trent turned away and walked over to the window, looking out sightlessly over the Labyrinth.
Jareth broke the seal and studied the writing.
Trent sat down, resting his head on his hand.
"Trent..." Jareth said softly.
"Yes...?" he replied.
"Come see this," Jareth said with an odd expression.
"What?" Trent looked up, worried at the tone of Jareth's voice, and more worried by the expression he saw.
"Just come see this..."
Trent walked over to him and leaned over his shoulder. "What?" he repeated.
Jareth handed Trent the parchment with it's spidery red writing on it.
"Well... what do you think?" Jareth asked.
Jareth threw up his hands in defeat, "Everyone around here is so vague!"
"I think - that you're in for a rough ride brother... I have no idea..."
"yeah..." Jareth nodded.
Trent sighed.
"It's some sort of riddle I guess..." Jareth said.
"That as much, is obvious."
Jareth sighed, "Well if that's all the help that you are going to be..."
"Sorry..." Trent sighed again.
Jareth started to pace, "It doesn't seem to be much of a hint though, "the more I fight, the hotter it gets." I knew that already."
"Well..." Trent paused, and tried to think.
"I didn't hear her come..."
Trent wasn't listening.
"Trent? How come I didn't hear her come?"
"Huh?" Trent looked up, his mind elsewhere.
"I didn't hear her come," Jareth repeated.
"Hear who come?"
"Madame Fyreflyght."
"Tris?"
"Yes."
Trent shook his head slightly, drawing his psych back. "What was the question again?"
"Why didn't I hear her arrive?"
"Maybe she didn't."
"What?" Trent looked non-plussed.
"I give up. I'm going to go think."
"What?" Trent repeated almost plaintively. "What did I do?"
Jareth sighed, "I'm sorry, I'm trying to ask you something and you're far too out of it."
"Sorry..." Trent brushed his hair back and made his psych settle down. "Right, ask again, I'm back."
"I did not hear Madame Fyreflyght arrive to deliver the message."
"She didn't... A friend of hers did."
"oh?"
"Eriki came to deliver it."
"Oh, I see..." Jareth said thoughtfully. He sighed, "well...I suppose that it would have been too much to hope that she would have made this easy."
"Exactly."
Jareth sat down and made a bit of a face.
Trent sat on the window seat and rested his head on the palm of his hand, letting his psych wander free again.
Tori finally landed at the mouth of the cave
"Easy now," he said.
Janine growled a low growl under her breath, then turned on her heel and stalked (as best she could) past him to stare out of the mouth of the cave, still very annoyed with him.
Tris glided homewards, ~*Hi little one,*~ she greeted Janine.
Tris landed and folded her wings.
Tris shifted her wing, raising it over Janine.
~*Sorry...*~
~*Mom?*~
Jareth looked up, *yes?*
"Yes honey?"
Janine was lying on her back, staring up at the roof of the cave.
Tori slid in to the cave.
Janine looked up, then turned her head away.
"Oh. You're here."
"I happen to live here." Janine sniped waspishly.
"I realize that. I just thought you might be out."
"Why would I be out?"
He shrugged his wings, "Because it's a nice day."
"Yeah it was. I was enjoying it."
"Ah, well then. I'm glad of that."
"Hm." Janine had nothing else to say.
"Yes well." he hesitated.
"Yes well what?"
"I'm glad for you..."
"Well, thanks."
"I mean, for mother adopting you..."
"Yeah, right." Janine didn't bother to hide the disbelief in her voice.
He blinked, "Well all I know is that you've made her happy."
"Good."
"And that's a good thing..."
"Of course it is." Janine snorted derisively.
"She has told me in no uncertain terms several times that I am not to argue with what she does for enjoyment."
"And so she should."
He nodded, "And she does the same for me."
Janine shrugged. "It's not for me to question what you do. Unless of course, it involves my friends."
"I see," he said, "And I understand that."
"I hope you do." Janine snapped.
"Don't." Janine stood up, her eyes blazing. "Ever patronize me!"
He closed his eyes with an inward sigh, "As you wish."
"It is exactly what I wish." Janine snapped.
"I'm rather getting that impression."
"Then you shouldn't be so bloody patronizing then, should you?!"
"I will try not to be."
Janine scowled blackly at him.
"you must forgive me though, it is a bit difficult to get used to."
"What? Not being patronizing?"
He nodded.
"Yeah. Right." Janine growled.
"I am sorry, but I'm not used to this either."
"Get used to it."
"I told you already," he said patiently, "I am trying to."
"Good."
"Will you give me the chance to get used to it?"
"Yeah, whatever."
"I thank you."
He moved his tail out of the way to let her pass.
Janine pretended not to notice.
~*Hi Mom.*~
Tris landed ~*woah!*~
~*What?*~
~*What a powerful feeling in here!*~
Janine shrugged a little.
~*I mean really now, it's very strong*~
~*Oh.*~ What else was there to say? Janine knew that part of that was her.
~*And it's interesting...*~
~*Oh?*~ Interesting?
~*Yes. In a sad sort of way, it's from two people that I care a bout a great deal.*~
Janine felt guilty suddenly. She didn't mean to be jealous of Tori, but she wasn't used to having someone of her own, and she didn't particularly want to share Tris with anyone.
Janine looked at the floor.
~*It's heavy...*~
~*Sorry...*~
Tris dropped her tail and neck to the ground, as if she had suddenly gotten too heavy.
Janine giggled softly. ~*Mom!*~
~*it's very heavy...*~
~*Sorry...*~ Janine repeated with a little grin.
Tris closed her eyes, and then opened them and regarded her daughter.
Janine looked back at her.
~*So now what am I supposed to do?*~
~*I don't know Mom..*~
~*There are such strong feelings in here...*~
~*I know...*~
Janine looked up, not sure what was happening.
Tris drew Janine closer in with her wing.
She rested against her, shutting her eyes to try and block out her thoughts.
~*My little one, my daughter, I love you.*~
Janine tried not to cry.
~*So why are you upset?*`
~*I - I'm just - he's - it's just -*~ Janine didn't know how to explain her emotions.
Tris drew her closer.
Janine started to cry.
~*There now,*~ Tris soothed, nuzzling Janine.
Janine kept crying, not sure what to say or do.
Tris waited until Janine was finished.
~*Are you able to say why now?*~
~*I - I think so...*~
Tris waited.
~*I don't want him - taking you away from me...*~ Janine knew how childish she sounded, but she also knew she had to tell Tris.
~*Oh. I see*~
~*I'm sorry... I just - I'm scared that - he's your son and - and well - he's - well-*~
~*He is my son. and you are my daughter*~
~*I know - it's just-*~
~*He's not going to take me away from you.*~ Tris nuzzled Janine playfully, ~*You're stuck with me.*~
Janine giggled slightly, glad Tris wasn't mad at her or anything for being so stupid.
Tris tickled Janine gently.
Janine squealed softly and wriggled.
~*There now, feel better?*~
Janine nodded. ~*Sorry for being stupid Mom...*~
~*That's alright, it happens to everyone...*~
~*Even you...?*~ Janine teased gently.
~*well...I'm prefect dont'cha know? that's why I'm the mom...*~
Janine cackled. ~*Mom!*~
~*Exactly*~
She nestled up against Tris. ~*Cheeky...*~
Tris purred a bit.
~*Yes?*~
~*Is Jareth okay?*~
~*Yes he is...at least, I haven't heard otherwise.*~
~*Okay... Good... Is it okay if I talk to him?*~
Tris nodded, ~*Go right on ahead*~
~*Thanks Mom!*~ Janine snuggled Tris, then walked outside the cave and sat down, gazing up into the sky. ~*Jareth?*~
~*How's your arm?*~
*Much better now. Trent is a skilled healer*
~*I'm glad, I was worried...*~
*Are you busy?*
~*No, are you?*~
*Yes, but I could use a distraction*
Janine smiled, glad he wanted to see her. ~*I'll distract you if you like?*~ she offered.
*I would appreciate that*
She blushed. ~*Shall I ask Mom for a lift to the castle?*~
He hesitated, *if you would*
~*Okay! Won't be too long!*~ Janine didn't notice the hesitation and jumped up to go back inside. "Mom!"
"Can I have a lift to the castle, please?"
Tris smiled, "Now why would you want to go to the castle," she teased.
Janine went red. "Mom! Don't be mean!"
"I'm teasing, of course I'll take you."
"Thanks Mom!" Janine was practically bouncing on her heels at the prospect of seeing Jareth again.
Tris bent so Janine could climb on
She jumped, landing lightly and elegantly on Tris' back. "Ready!"
Tris took off.
Janine held on, thinking of Jareth.
Soon she arrived at the castle and circled over head.
"Hello," Jareth said to Janine with a smile.
~*Jareth?*~ Janine spoke as softly as she could so as not to hurt him. ~*We're here!*~ she couldn't (although she tried to) hide the excitement and happiness in her voice.
Jareth smiled and got up from his desk.
~*I've told him we're here Mom...*~
Tris nodded and helped Janine down onto the ground of the tower and Jareth appeared a second later.
Janine smiled at Tris. "Thanks Mom."
Jareth looked up at Tris uncertainly, "Thank you..." he said softly.
Janine waved to Jareth, then grinned a little shyly.
Tris nodded and dipped her wings before gliding off.
Janine smiled back. "Hi, your arm's better?"
He nodded, "Much better. and I am even better now that you are here."
She couldn't help a slight blush. "I'm glad it's okay, I was really worried, it looked nasty..."
"I've had worse..." he said softly.
"It doesn't matter..." Janine sighed. "It could have been worse..."
He quickly stepped over to her and hugged her.
Her face broke into a smile and she hugged him back. "Thanks..."
He nodded.
Tris glided around, riding the air currents.
Trent sensed her presence and stood up. ~Tris?~
Tris landed in response.
"As Jareth has already learned the more he fights against my barrier the harder it would become to escape."
Tris circled around back and regarded Trent.
"Now, about a thank-you for that extra hint..."
"Now then, Trent, I want to assure you that I'm not being horribly mean. If I was, I wouldn't even give Jareth the chance."
Trent was sat up on East Tower, puzzling over Tris' riddle to Jareth. He had seen how upset Jareth had been, and he wanted to be able to help him, somehow...
Tris continued her flight
~*Hello Trent*~
~May I speak with you?~
~*You are.*~ Tris teased.
~Tris!~ Trent protested.
~*So speak*~
~Can you land on East Tower? I have a headache..~
Trent stepped back and bowed out of courtesy. "Tris-"
"Yes?"
"It's about your riddle..."
"My riddle?"
"To Jareth, about your cage around his mind..."
"Oh. That riddle."
"Yes, that riddle."
"yes, what about it?"
"Can you please give me a less vague hint?"
"I'm sorry Trent, I thought that I was clear in my letter."
"It wasn't, I'm afraid..."
"I'm sorry, I'll try and clear it up then?"
"Yes, please." Trent looked a little pleading.
"Certainly Trent," Tris said, shifting.
He waited.
"Yes, I understand that..."
"And there is indeed a way for him to escape..."
"Yes..?" Trent prompted eagerly.
"Which he should be able to figure out from the hint I gave."
"Oh..."
Tris nodded.
Trent sighed. "I still do not understand..."
"Sorry darlin'..."
He sighed again. "Jareth is very upset about this..."
"I am aware of that."
"I wish I could help more..."
She took off, "Figure out my riddle."
"Thanks Tris..." Trent muttered. "Great help..."
He sighed. "Sorry..."
She blinked, "I'll tell you what..."
"What?"
"Since today is a nice day, and I like you, I'll give you one more hint."
Trent looked relieved. "Thanks...!"
"You are trying too hard."
"I - I am?"
"Yes. That is your hint."
"Oh man!" Trent put his hand to his forehead. This made no sense! "Alright, thanks..."
Uh oh.... "Y-yes?"
Tris landed, "I'd like something to eat..."
Trent breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll call to the kitchens, what would you like?"
Tris laughed, "My dear, Trent, what did you think I was going to ask for?"
Trent went red. "Don't worry..."
She smiled and told him what she wanted.
Trent sent the order down and smiled at Tris.
"Yes, I know..." Trent scuffed one foot slightly.
Tris closed her eyes slightly, and then opened them again, "Trent?"
"Yes?"
"Eriki said that you seemed puzzled when you saw his message ring..."
"I was worried you were giving Jareth back that- neck thing."
"Ah, that explains it then."
"Yeah..."
She regarded him again with her bright green eyes.
Trent sighed.
"One more thing," she said softly, "I appreciate the fact that you have made friends with Eriki."
"Huh?"
"I appreciate the fact that you have made friends with Eriki," Tris repeated amused.
"I - have?"
"He seems to think so."
"I guess I have..." Trent still looked a little blank.
"He trusts you."
"That's good."
Jareth, on top of one of the towers, held Janine in his arms.
He frowned a bit, whatever it was, it was gone now.
Suddenly Jareth's eyes widened.
Trent appeared beside him. "Yes?"
Jareth eyed the fire and then closed his eyes again and convinced his body to relax.
Jareth opened his eyes cautiously.
Tris's laugher rolled through the minds of all present.
"Ah well, I have a new spell to work out..."
Janine shut her eyes, savoring the sensation of being with him. She'd never been in love before, but it was wonderful!
He was feeling more relaxed then he had all day, for once not worrying about the mess that he was in.
She nuzzled her face into his chest and smiled happily.
Oddly enough, his headache was gone. He looked down at her and smiled.
She looked up, saw his smile and nuzzled her face back in his chest, smiling more to herself.
"I'm glad you're here..." he said.
"I'm glad I'm here too..." Janine replied. "I was a little lonely at home..."
Jareth nodded absently, there was something there. It was right in front of him, what was it?
She idly ran her fingers down his arm.
"Are you okay?"
"There's something that I'm trying to figure out," he admitted, "And every time I think I have an idea, it's just gone..."
Janine looked sympathetic. "I hate that, perhaps you should try and relax? That usually helps me feel better..."
He nodded, "That's why I'm glad that you're here..."
She smiled. "I'm glad I can help..."
"What?"
"But that can't be it," he said softly, "it's too simple..."
"What can't be it?"
He looked thoughtful, thinking it over, "If I struggle I fail..." he mumbled softly.
"Hmm?"
"That's the riddle I'm trying to figure out," he explained, "If I struggle I fail, so if I don't-"
"You don't fail?" Janine supplied.
Jareth leaned over and kissed her, "I love you," he said. *TRENT!*
Janine smiled. "I love you too..." she said softly.
~Hmm?~
*I think I figured it out!* He kissed Janine again, "You're wonderful. I'll be right back."
She blushed. "Okay..."
~You did?!~
He kissed her again and vanished, to appear in his room, *I think I have anyway. There's only one way to be sure.*
Jareth's eyes were wide, "Well...actually it was Janine that helped me figure it out."
"She did...?" Trent's voice was teasing.
Jareth nodded, clearing out his floor again.
Trent stood back, watching his brother.
Quickly Jareth had erected the bubble again.
'I hope this works...'
Jareth closed his eyes and breathed evenly, and soon the familiar dark red barrier was visible.
Trent kept his eyes on the bubble and it's contents.
'Please let this work....!;
Jareth was still as he emptied his mind and relaxed, not daring to look. The fire barrier suddenly seemed, less hot.
Trent bit his lip.
Jareth still didn't open his eyes, thinking about anything else but what he was doing. The flames receded slightly.
'C'mon Jareth...'
And further until there was only a whisp of smoke left.
It was working...! Trent nearly leaped for joy.
Jareth slitted his eyes open to see, and then promptly closed them, breathing deeply again. The smoke faded further until it was barely there.
Trent bounced silently on his heels.
And then it was gone.
Trent gave a whoop.
There was a huge grin plastered over his brother's face.
Jareth smiled and stood up slowly.
"You did it..." Trent's voice held barely contained joy.
He nodded slowly and grinned.
Trent waited until the bubble was removed.
"well then..." Jareth said.
Trent all but dived on Jareth and hugged him tightly, happy to see him happy.
Jareth yelped softly
Trent laughed.
"I left Janine up on the tower..."
"Want me to release you then?" he teased.
Jareth smiled, "I have to thank her again."
Trent laughed and let Jareth go. "Have fun brother." he chuckled, unable to not tease.
Jareth grinned and vanished.
Trent rolled his eyes. "Children..."
Trent jumped and went a little red, then appeared upon East Tower. ~Thanks Tris!~ he called.
She smiled, seeing Trent appear.
He grinned.
"Now see, that wasn't that hard..."
Trent folded his arms and half-pouted. "Yes well..."
"I told you you were trying too hard to think of something complicated..."
"It seemed too simple..."
She smiled again, "Like I said."
"It did!"
"I know," she said.
Trent sighed.
"You do?"
"Yes."
"Oh, I see." Trent suddenly grinned cheekily. "Behave yourself Madam Fyreflyght..." he teased.
She leapt into the air and vanished.
Trent's eyebrows shot up, then he rubbed his eyes, wondering if perhaps he hadn't had quite enough sleep.
Jareth appeared on the tower and promptly kissed Janine again.
Just then a familiar shadow passed over them and Jareth returned them both to earth.
~*Mom? What did you say to him?*~ Janine asked curiously.
Janine turned back to Jareth and smiled.
Janine giggled softly. "You're certainly happier now, what happened?"
"You are wonderful and brilliant."
She went crimson. "I'm not..."
"Yes you are."
"I'm not!" Janine laughed slightly. "What have you been taking?"
"Wonderful and brilliant and smart and lovely..."
"Jareth!"
He smiled and levitated her upwards gently, floating up to join her.
Janine giggled. "Jareth! You're mad!"
"No I'm not, I'm very very happy, and I have you to thank for it."
"What?" she looked puzzled. "I don't understand..."
"That riddle that I told you before? about how if I struggle I fail..."
"And if you don't you succeed? What about it?"
"I didn't struggle..."
"You mean it wasn't just a riddle...?"
"Well...it was a riddle, the clue to helping me break a spell..."
"And you broke it?"
He nodded.
Janine grinned. "Great!"
"You have no idea," he said with a smile.
~*Hey Mom.*~
~*hello there*~ Tris said.
Jareth looked up at her and bowed.
Janine grinned. ~*Okay?*~
Tris nodded. "Jareth, I must congratulate you."
He looked confused, "Really?"
She nodded.
Janine laughed. ~*Mom, are you teasing him again?*~
~*Yes, I am*~ Tris said seriously.
~*Okay!*~ Janine could tell Tris was joking.
Tris silently said something to Jareth and his eyes widened and then he nodded, "Thank you...Tris."
~*Nothing*~ Tris answered gliding away.
Janine pouted. "Mom..." she muttered.
~*Alright I'll tell you. I need his help to work out a spell for you.*~
~*Oh?*~ Janine was intrigued.
~*Yes, something that would allow you to transport back and forth*~
~*Oh cool!*~
~*Exactly*~
Janine grinned.
~*I will see you at home then*~
~*Okay, bye Mom!*~
~*Bye!*~ Tris glided away.
Much later that night Jareth transported Janine home and sorta wandered around aimlessly.
Trent was about to say something, then did a double-take.
~Jareth~ Trent asked, wondering where on earth his brother was.
*What?*
~Where are you?~
Jareth turned around and appeared in Trent's study, "Right here."
"Hmm." Trent looked at the clock. "It's late."
"I know. I just sent Janine home before Tris would start to worry."
"Hmm." Trent repeated. "Perhaps you two should not have been up so late...?"
He shrugged and smiled.
"And tomorrow Tris has asked me to help her create a spell to let Janine come whenever she likes."
He blinked and cocked his head to one side. "Tris...?" he repeated.
"Well that is her name..."
"Y-yes, I know that..."
Jareth nodded.
Trent rubbed his eyes. "I think I'm going to go to bed..." he said. "And don't you make me stay up worrying after you again." he said sternly.
"I'm going to bed as well..." Jareth said.
"I should think so too."
Jareth nodded and then paused in the doorway.
Trent looked up.
"Actually she told me that all is forgiven unless I do something really dumb, like bring someone else home."