How to Woo Properly: Epilogue
Author's Disclaimer: No, I do not own Labyrinth, or anything related to it. All rights go to their respective owners. I just enjoy making Sarah and Jareth end up together because they are my favorite pairing. Also, I do not own the words to traditional marriage vows (expect religious overtones). These belong to the Book of Common Prayer, as made popular to me through Regency-era stories (Jane Austen!), which makes this rather enjoyable for me to write. Seeing as I am a sucker for romantic thoughts on wedding days, I decided to add in Jareth's perspective, so if you see italics, those are Jareth's inner thoughts thrown in with Sarah's POV in the present. Surprise! Onwards to wedding fluff!
Epilogue: The Wedding Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~-SJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJ-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's the day!
I'm going to make her mine.
I can't believe this is finally happening! Not long ago, I was with all the girls, telling them about how Jareth and I got together. Now, I will finally be married to him in the wedding of my dreams. Jareth has indulged me a lot as I planned this wedding, but it will be worth it. Besides, it's pretty easy to "convince" Jareth when he is given the right incentive.
"Sarah? Are you ready?"
"Yes, Jessie. I was ready a week ago!"
"I know that! It won't be much longer now, so just hold tight."
"I'm trying."
"I know you are. You are doing a far better job of waiting than Jareth is, I give you that."
"I still pity Dave."
"Yes, but I am so glad that his friend Didymus came and is helping out. I don't know what we would do without his chivalrous presence."
"Believe me, you and me both."
And Jareth thought it unwise to let Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and Ludo attend the wedding as humans to be groomsmen. Ha! Thank you, good knight, for your services. Your future queen thanks you, as does everyone else in the wedding party.
"Didymus was here for only ten minutes before Dave was calling frantically for him to come back. I don't know why Jareth is so nervous now, but goodness me!"
Well, it probably doesn't help that I told the goblins that they could not entertain him. They have a very important job, to find as much rice as possible.
Where are those goblins? They are around every other time I don't want them, and when I actually do need them, they are gone! Who cares if I scuff my shoes? I can fix that easily. The things I do for Sarah…
"Jareth told me earlier that he has been impatient for this day. I can understand why."
"Fine, fine. He has been in love with you for a long time; you don't have to explain that again."
"Sarah, Jessie, all of the groomsmen are dressed and ready."
"Thank you, Hoggle. You have been so helpful the last couple days."
"You're welcome, Sarah. What are friends for? You know I'd do anything for you."
"Thanks, Hoggle."
"Aww, you two, come over here quickly! This is so precious!"
"What's happening, Jessie?"
"Your friend Ludo is helping Toby straighten his tie. I don't think he has any idea what he is doing, especially with those big hands of his, but he is sure is trying! And dear Toby, he is just loving the attention."
"I bet. Ludo, Tobes, come in here."
"You sure it's okay, Sarah?"
"Of course, Ludo. Here, let me help Tobes. You ready to be the ring-bearer, little brother?"
"Yep! All ready!"
"Good. Now you just hold still, and there! You are ready to go!"
"Yay! Where's Mom?"
"I'm right here, Toby. Go outside for a second while I say a few words to your sister."
"Okay!"
"We'll leave you two."
"Thanks, Jessie. Now, as for you, Sarah, you look beautiful! I can't imagine a better looking or more radiant bride than you! I was so worried for a time that you would not end up with Jareth, but I am glad that it all worked out."
"Me, too, Karen. I was a little blind, but now I see the light."
"You seem so happy with him, and he adores you. His sister has been warming to you as well."
"She has been curious about me for some time. She and I have had fun talking about Jareth."
Oh, the stories she knows about Young Jareth. I can't wait to see him blush. She seems just like her brother with her looks and mischievous ways, and I am glad I will be able to get to know her more.
"Did his parents also tell any embarrassing stories?"
"A couple. They have been more interested in asking me questions about myself, though."
They just want Jareth to be happy, and to make sure that he chose a good bride to be queen. I understand.
"Your father was the same way with Jareth. Speak of the devil."
"And he shall appear. All are in position, Sarah. Are you ready to get married?"
"You bet!"
Well then, I had better join Jessie in position. As matron and maid of honor, we are quite giddy to see you get married. You look great, Robert."
"Not as wonderful as you, my wife. Sarah, are you sure you are ready?"
"I have never felt more confident or sure about it."
"I hear the harp playing 'Canon in D'. Almost time for you. Let's go."
"Thanks, Dad. I love you."
"I love you, too, honey."
I've never seen the church look more beautiful. Jareth and I wanted to have a floral-themed wedding, and seeing the church decked out in so many flowers is breathtaking! The stained-glass windows let in so much light, doing wonders for the various flowers. It's a mixture of red and white today. Red roses and tulips, along with baby's breath and pear blossoms. I'm not sure if the florist was more confused by that or by having a bouquet of peach blossoms. Jareth insisted on those.
"It's time, Sarah. Don't trip."
"That's why I have you, Dad."
Must not trip…. Just keep focusing on everyone else. My friends all look so good in tuxes, and I can see Mom and Jeremy over there. They seem happy. Toby is doing so well! Oh, and there's Jareth's parents! They seem pleased, just like the priest. And then there's Jareth in his tux, smiling at me. He should not be allowed to wear that, as he looks just as gorgeous in black, even without the tight pants. Must. Not. Run. To. Him. Well, come on feet!
There she is, at last! Can the harpist play any slower? Sarah, I don't know where you found that dress, but you look absolutely enchanting in it. White lace in a Regency-style dress seems made for you. It helps that you are giving me your special smile right now, the one reserved for our moments alone. You are feeling more comfortable around me; our love continues to grow. Though you really should move faster….
"Jareth, take good care of her."
"Believe me, Sir. I will. Until my dying day."
Eek! I'm holding Jareth's hands, without gloves! They are so smooth. I hope I can focus on the priest. It's hard when Jareth looks at me like that. Focus, Sarah, focus!
"Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony..."
Nobody better object to this wedding, or so help me….
"Sarah, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage?"
Yes! Can I kiss him now?
"Will you love him-"
Always. I may not have at first, but now I do, fully.
"Comfort him-"
No matter what atrocities the goblins may do, or sing.
"Honor and keep him, in sickness and in health;"
I will gladly nurse him and stay by his side.
"And, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
"I will."
Sarah, you are lucky that I can't kiss you right now, as otherwise I would, wholeheartedly.
"Jareth, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage?"
Yes. A thousand times, yes.
"Will you love her-"
Always have, and always will.
"Comfort her-"
Should anyone ever try to hurt her again? Yes.
"Honor and keep her, in sickness and in health;"
I will never leave her side.
"And, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I will."
Almost there! Just have to get through the vows. I love you.
Jareth, you are distracting me by how much you are smiling at me right now. Stop it!
One more time, Sarah. Everything I've done, I've done for you. This heart belongs to you, just as your heart now belongs to me.
"I, Jareth King, take thee, Sarah Williams, to be my lawful wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, as long as we both shall live."
At last! Heart don't fail me now; courage don't desert me. I have to say this for him. Jareth, I mean every word of this!
"I Sarah Williams, take thee, Jareth King, to be my lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death do us part, as long as we both shall live."
We're so close!
Where's Jareth Junior? It's time to finish this.
"With this ring, thee wed, with my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Amen.
"Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder."
Amen to that!
"Congratulations. Let's give a hand for the new couple!"
This kiss will just have to do for now…. So worth it!
"Jareth, how many times did your reorder time just now?"
"Not that many."
"You are forgiven this once, as that kiss was still not long enough."
"Thank you, Sarah. Remember, we have all tonight to make up for it."
"I know, Jareth. I love you."
"I love you, too, Sarah. How does it feel to be bound to me forever?"
"I couldn't be happier."
"Good. I feel the same. What is this great music that is playing?"
"One of my favorite musicians. David Bowie."
"I look forward to hearing more tonight. However, right now I fear that the goblins are about to attack us. What did you ask them to do to keep them away from me?"
"I asked them to find rice to throw at us."
"Oh dear."
Oh dear, indeed. Those goblins must have taken all the rice that existed within fifty miles of here. It's a good thing Jareth is holding me close so none goes down the dress. That would be awkward. Well, at least everyone will get some rice as they congratulate us.
"Finally, the motorbike. Come on, Sarah. Let's get over to the reception hall. We have a good night ahead of us."
"I'm glad you are keeping this. I have grown quite fond of it."
"I noticed. Believe me, we will take rides often once we get back."
"I look forward to it, just as much as I look forward to dancing to our song together again. This time, it won't be just in a dream. Now, we will be living our dreams."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~-SJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJ-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Notes: See? Wasn't it beautiful? It gives me all kinds of warm fuzzies inside. No regrets. There are many things that I have always wanted to have happen in a wedding between Jareth and Sarah, so I indulged a little. Also, since in "Underground" Jareth talks about his sister, I assume that Jareth has a sister, who would naturally want to be involved in the wedding. Finally, yes, that was an Anastasia reference. This story is officially complete! Thanks to all who read and reviewed! :D Stay tuned for more stories on the way!
SVJohnson8721: Indeed! There are many sources of inspiration and hope for us out there, which is good to remember. We can all do our part, in small and big ways. Thanks again for reading and reviewing!