Dawn smiled as she took his hand, looking up to him as she spoke teasingly, "I only pray you do not step on my feet and lead me in the right direction."

Aliye smiled as she watched her elder brother and sister walk towards the ballroom floor to begin the dance.

"Shall we join them when it is time?" Twidlerie whispered in Aliye's ear as he looped his arm around her waist.

Nodding, Aliye leaned into Twidlerie's side and scanned the crowd, noticing many former suitors familiar faces gazing up at her.

Jareth smirked down at her as he lead her to the dance floor. Placing a hand on her waist and taking her hand up in his, he began to dance with her smoothly, but with a touch of briskness.

Step, step, step, twirl. Step and step and step and turn. Then step, step, step, swing...

It was a traditional Fae dance that he was well-versed in, and he had had a hand in teaching Dawn the steps. The steps were beneficial to emphasizing the dancers' lightness of foot, while the wide turns served to present their faces to all who were watching.

Partway through the dance, Titania and Oberon descended the stairs of the balcony and joined their son and soon-to-be-daughter-in-law on the dance floor. At this point, the steps of the dance changed slightly, with the dance becoming not just between Jareth and Dawn. They were now dancing not only with each other, but with the High Rulers.

Step and step and turn and nod. Step, step, step, swing. Step, step, turn, step...

During this part of the dance, each pair of dancers was meant to flow gracefully and smoothly around the other, purposefully taking the position of the other pair into account. Both the music and dancing sped up slightly, causing the sweeping movements of the dance to be emphasized.

Soon enough, Emilie turned to Hathion after a particular trill in a singer's voice. "That's your cue to escort me out there," she murmured to him, smiling as she took his arm. "And then Twidlerie and Aliye... and soon after more will join in the dancing. I just hope I remember all the steps," she laughed softly.

Hathion smiled as he placed a light kiss upon the inside of Emilie's wrist, "Have you fear, my love, you dance beautifully." Upon stepping onto the dance floor, and after watching the counts, Hathion lead Emilie into the dance easily.

Dawn blushed as she looked into Jareth's beautifully mismatched eyes, a gentle smile adorning her lips. It was clear to all who looked upon her that she was euphoric in the arms of her beloved, and that she loved him with every inch of her heart and soul.

Smiling at the sight of the couple, Hathion looked upon his wife as he spoke, "Do you think Dawn will make it this evening without any mishaps? She has been working so hard.. But I fear there may be a few tricks tonight if we are not careful and watchful. 'Tis a shame we cannot warn them nor help them tonight.. Alas, I believe Jareth will be able to keep most of the mishaps away, if he does not leave her side for too long. What think you, my Queen?"

When the time was right, Twidlerie lead Aliye onto the dance floor and began leading her in the dance, much to the dismay of many a Fae who had hoped to be the partners of the sought after twins.

Emilie shook her head slightly, smiling up at him as they swung around the High Rulers in sync. "I'm afraid that there is nothing that we can do but watch and wish, my love. As for Dawn... we know her, do we not? She will try her best, she will put her whole heart into this night, into proving her love. Because her heart is as true as mine for you."

Soon after the two sought-after twins joined in the dance, more noble Fae took the hands and arms of partners and walked onto the dance floor, as well. The dance between two, then four, then six and eight, became a gorgeous swirling mosaic of color from the dancers' garbs and of flowing music from the orchestra.

It would have brought tears to Emilie's eyes, if she had not been so worried. Despite what she had said to her husband, despite her faith in Dawn, she could not help but worry for her friend and the man she loved as an uncle.

Swing around, step and sway. Swing back, step back, touch hands and turn...

The dance continued until one last, wistful flourish from the orchestra drew it to a close. Emilie stepped back from her husband to clap politely along with the rest of the Fae, then turned to take his arm. "And so it begins," she murmured so that only he could hear.

Almost as if on cue, a young noblewoman Fae with brilliant sapphire hair stepped up to Jareth and Dawn. "Your Maj-I mean, Lord Jareth," she spoke in a sweet voice. "And of course your lovely fiancee Dawn Murloh. I couldn't help but notice your dancing... Lady Dawn, in particular. So light on her feet, she'd rival my sister, Philoma."

"Ah, Lady Yesbeth," Jareth bowed slightly, smiling in greeting. "A pleasure to see you again. It has been too long, and yet," he added, his smile warming as he glanced down at Dawn, "not long at all."

"So it does," Hathion whispered lightly before patting her hand gently, trying to console her. In moments, they too were surrounded by guests, all asking this or that about Dawn and Jareth, as well as to how he himself became the ruler of the Labyrinth.

"'Tis a pleasures to meet you, Lady Yesbeth," Dawn said with a small curtsy, "Thank you for your compliments, I had a wonderful instructor," Dawn added with a warm smile up at Jareth before turning back to Lady Yesbeth. "How do you know my fiancee, if you don't mind my asking?" Dawn inquired softly with a smile, genuinely curious as to how Jareth knew all of these Fae so well, and as to how they met.

"I've known Jareth for three hundred years now," Lady Yesbeth chuckled. "Why, it seems like only yesterday that we met at High Court. He had his eye on my sister then--"

Jareth coughed slightly.

"--Oh, don't be shy, Lord Jareth," Yesbeth smiled, a corner of her mouth crooking higher than the other. "Though in retrospect perhaps it was not my place to say such a thing in front of Lady Dawn? Do forgive me, my Lady," she added with a slight curtsy to the young woman in question. "Lord Jareth will be the first to tell you that I oftentimes speak before I think. It's a regrettable trait of mine, though I have been working to rid myself of it."

"It shows just slightly," Jareth grinned back, shaking his head a little.

Yesbeth laughed, flicking open her small lavender fan and holding it up to her face. "It's been a pleasure meeting you at last, Lady Dawn. I hope to speak with you later on in the evening. For now, however, I see Lord Jareth's wonderful siblings. I must go greet them, as well."

With a last small curtsy, she turned about gracefully and went to join the small throng that had already gathered about Twidlerie and Aliye.

Dawn couldn't help but laugh softly. "She seems wonderful," Dawn said with a genuine smile, looking up at her fiancee as she spoke, "Though I must agree, she does say odd things in front of people. However, I do see the point that was made," Dawn added in a whisper as a small blush graced her cheeks.

"Ah, Lady Yesbeth! 'Tis a pleasure to see you again. How is your sister?" Aliye asked with a smile and a small curtsy, Twidlerie offering a small bow in unison.

"Yesbeth is a good woman, yes," Jareth responded. "You get used to her quirks in time. And... point, precious? What point was that?"

"My sister is sickly tonight, I am afraid. She has been bedridden for the past week... I wanted to stay and look after her, but Philoma would not hear of it and told me to come have a good time. You know how stubborn she is."

Though Yesbeth's tone remained light with its undercurrent of mirth, her worry was briefly betrayed on her face.

"My father has the best healers available tending to her, however," she continued. "I'm sure that she will be fine soon."

"About her sister," Dawn explained with a small smile, "and yourself. Had I not wished for Lewton to be whisked away by your Goblins, I would not have disrupted your life so. That was the point being made, my love."

"Oh dear, I am very sorry to hear that Yesbeth my dear. I do hope she recovers quickly. If she needs anything, please feel free to call upon us," Aliye said with a warm smile as she placed a reassuring hand upon Lady Yesbeth's.

"And how is your Father? Is he well? I have not seen him in what feels like ages," added Twidlerie with a laugh, "I miss our Hallow's Eve excursions."

"Things happen for a reason, precious, and they have turned out to be all I could have hoped for," Jareth told her with one of his warm smiles. "Are you hungry? Shall we get some refreshments for ourselves?" He gestured to one of the lavishly garnished tables to the side of the ballroom.

"Thank you so much, my Lady," Yesbeth smiled widely, squeezing the princess' hand in thanks. "It will cheer Philoma to hear that.

"Oh, and my father? Besides worry over his daughter's health, he is doing quite well. Yes, he often speaks of those, of the past. You know how he is," she shook her head with a laugh. "Speaking of Hallow's Eve excursions, are you not set to embark on one soon? It is only a week until the date, after all."

"No, no, I could not possibly eat a thing right now. Perhaps later. Though I could do with something to drink to steady my nerves and calm my throat," Dawn added with warm smile. "What would you suggest I try?"

"Yes, but I will be making a small detour to visiting my brother and Dawn's family and home in the Human world during my excursion. I leave my party the day before we are set to return," Twidlerie explained before taking a sip from his goblet. Red wine, his favorite.

Jareth took Dawn's hand and began to weave his way through the many Fae nobles who filled the ballroom, making his way towards the nearest refreshments table. "Let's see if I can remember the drinks menu that Emilie and Hathion prepared... I do believe that there was Nectar of Moonbeam on there, as well as Dewberry Cordial. Those are both rather cooling, though the Cordial has an aftertaste that I have never been fond of. Others swear by it, though, so I suppose it would be up to you to decide."

Reaching the table, he turned to her, acting as if none of the Fae nobility were glancing over at them curiously. "Ah, I see one. How about you try--"

"--Yamini's Tear?" Came another male voice, stronger and deeper than Jareth's. Turning, the Goblin King Emeritus' expression did not change, nor did his voice lose its light tone.

"Roeg," he said, extending his free hand to clasp the noble Fae's. "Glad you could make it, though I find it strange you would propose a mourning drink to quench my lady's thirst. After all, this is--"

"--of course nothing but a celebration of your soon-to-be wedding." Roeg was as large as his voice, and Jareth had to tilt his head slightly to look up into his face, which sported a carefully groomed chestnut goatee. "Be warned," he continued, lowering his tone, "though I do not wish your lady ill, there are others in the crowd who are not as open to humans marrying Fae. Especially not one of once-such stature as yourself, Lord Jareth."

"Thank you, Roeg, for telling me what I already know," Jareth replied, a slight weary note leaking into his voice. The large Fae meant well, but there were times when Jareth thought that he did not think before he spoke.

"Forgive me, Lord Jareth." Roeg seemed to realize his own mistake, glancing over at Dawn. "And forgive me, my Lady, for not introducing myself properly." Bowing, he told her his name and title as Grand Duke of Relemie.

"It would seem that my warning was ill-timed. Please pardon my rash tongue, Lady Dawn. As I told Lord Jareth, I mean no harm."

"A compatriot of mine in Court," Jareth added to Dawn. He squeezed her hand slightly, in a manner meant to be comforting.

"Ah, yes. The wedding of Lord Jareth and Lady Dawn is coming up soon, is it not?" Yesbeth smiled warmly. "And where is it to take place, do you know, the mortal or the Fae realm?"

"The Nectar sounds lovely, I would very much like to try that if I may," Dawn said with a warm smile at Jareth before turning her attention to Lord Roeg. Offering a small curtsy, Dawn smiled as she looked up at the large man before her, "'Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lord Roeg, and I thank you for your warning. I am afraid it is a tad bit late, but I already knew of the consequences of marrying Jareth. I have been under a great many tests to prove my worth, it is only natural or the Fae to do the same with me. I do not think ill will towards them for it, but I welcome their conversation, whatever the manner may be. I just pray my tongue does not get the better of me should they be cross with my marrying Jareth," Dawn said with a laugh.

"However, I am sure everything will be just fine in the end. After all, I am terribly in love with my fiancee, and I do not plan to let a few ill hearts destroy that. I am ready for the challenge, and I can only hope that I am able to show everyone that my love is pure and true," Dawn said with a warm smile, giving her fiancee's hand a gentle squeeze.

-

"I do not know if they are to have one in the Fae realm," Twidlerie said after a sip from his goblet, "But they will be having a mortal wedding to legalize it in their world, as well as to keep suspicions of Jareth not being from that realm to minimum. After all, if he were to take Dawn away and marry her without her family present, it would not only look suspicious, but it would also look quite poorly upon my elder brother."

Roeg smiled then, a real smile that seemed to light up his face. Bowing once more to Dawn, he said to Jareth, "Don't let go of her, Jareth. She is a jewel amongst many. Count me now as one who supports your engagement."

The man grinned back. "You think I don't know that? Thank you, Roeg, I--"

Roeg stiffened, then dove to pin Dawn to the floor, just as a beam of dark light materialized from nowhere and struck the spot where she had been standing, causing the floor to smolder and crack.

Jareth immediately fell to his knees beside them, his face dangerously set. "Roeg, Dawn. Are you injured?" He did not seem to be shocked.

Yesbeth smiled. "I'm sure it will be lovely wherever they happen to--" She broke off as she heard cries of shock. Turning this way and that, she could not see above the heads of those around her. "What has happened?" She demanded of the nearest screaming Fae, who was, by her coloring, of Irbana, the land of fire.

The Irbanese's usually bright face was pale as ash. "The Lady Dawn... someone just tried to kill her."

Just then, Oberon rose up above the assembly, supported by nothing but air and flanked on either side by a guard. "The Castle and ballroom are being locked down. All who try to run will be apprehended. No one may leave until this attack is figured out." His face was calm, his voice thundering. There was no ear that did not hear him.

"Dawn!" Emilie shoved through the crowd, heedless of who she might be pushing aside. Guards appeared as if by magic--and perhaps it was--behind her, quickly following her every move. "Dawn, are you all right?!"

"Th-Th-Thank you, Lord Ro-Roeg," Dawn managed to whisper with a small bow of her head before burying her face into Jareth's chest. Trying to get composure, determined not to cry and be afraid. She knew the Fae would try and frighten her into leaving Jareth's side, but to try and kill her? Were they that set against her marriage to Jareth? Taking deep breaths, clinging to Jareth's jacket as if the mere fabric beneath her fingers would calm her nerves. After a new moments, Dawn nodded her head calmly, full of certainty. "I am alright. I was just a bit shaken, is all," Dawn said with a small, reassuring smile as she looked from Emilie to Jareth. "Please, do not worry so, everything is fine," Dawn said with a warm smile as she caressed Emilie's cheek to comfort her, "I promise."

Turning to Lord Roeg, Dawn smiled a warm, grateful smile as she looked up at him, "Thank you, for saving my life. I do not know how you knew what was to happen, but I am grateful for your quick movement. I am in your debt."

"I saved you because I knew that magic," Roeg said, climbing off of Dawn and reaching down to help her to her feet, as well. His face was sorrowful, but there was a dangerous undertone to his voice that suggested trouble for whoever had tried to harm Jareth's fiancee. "It was my kind of magic. The Night magic, Shadow magic. The one who tried to harm you was one of my own people."

Jareth stood close to Dawn, obviously ready and willing to protect her in whatever manner possible should another attack commence. "Cowardly," he remarked, as if commenting on the weather. "They that despise you will not even show their face."

"Dawn, please," Emilie begged, not half as composed as Jareth. "We must get you to safety. We must--"

"And where will safety be?" Jareth asked her, not unkindly. "The ballroom is being locked down, Emilie. Dawn must remain here along with everyone else."

"Then... then we must.... we should...!"

"Calm yourself, my dear." It was Titania, herself flanked on either side by a Fae guard. "You are the new Goblin Queen. Your distress does not become your position."

It was a gentle reminder and a scolding all at once. Emilie turned red, then visibly straightened. Turning, she began to call out orders to the guards that were not already busy locking down the ballroom and detaining those who tried to leave.

"You there, stay with the Lady Dawn. Grand Duke Roeg may himself be a target now that he has shown allegiance to her; stay by his side, as well. Lord Jareth requires a guard, too... You, by the wine, remain with him."

"That's enough!" Hathion bellowed as he glared at those trying to leave the Ballroom. "This chaos is unbecoming of Fae Court, this running is unbecoming of Fae Court, and this conduct is unbecoming of Fae Court. Now, if you will all remain calm, do as your superiors order you, everything will be alright and we may return to our festivities."

"The attempt on Lady Dawn's life will not be taken lightly. Each of you will be questioned by The Royal Family personally, is that understood." Hathion stated, rather than questioned as his eyes glanced around the room, taking on a bit of Jareth's harshness after watching him rule for so many years.

"Lord Jareth, Lady Dawn, Lord Roeg, I would like the three of you to remain on the dais with us and be apart of the questioning. Guards! Circle the Dais and block all exits. I want this place locked down tighter than the portals leading to the human world, is that understood? Now, we will begin questioning by Kingdom, and then by last name, all in alphabetical order. We will go down the list until everyone has been thoroughly questioned and we have gotten to the bottom of this."

"Is this agreeable with you, your Majesties?" Hathion inquired with a genteel bow to the High Royals of the Court.

"Most agreeable," Oberon declared grimly, only his eyes showing any sign of his fury at the attempt on his soon-to-be-daughter-in-law's life.

Titania bowed slightly, sweeping her skirts around to sit majestically on the throne on the dais reserved for her. Her back was straight, her face a blank slate. She was obviously ready and willing to begin the interrogating--for that was what the night would be.

The merriment of the ball was officially over.

"What do you mean, you will not let me see her?"

"I mean what I say, fairy man." The guard at the West door to the ballroom stood his ground, glaring down at the 'nuisance' before him. "Nobody is allowed to enter--or leave--the ballroom from this point onward. Don't you know what has happened?"

"I know, I know! That is why I must see Dawn! I must be sure that she is all right, that she is safe!" A pause, a rustling of fabric and parchment.

"Here, here is my invitation, signed by the Lady Dawn herself. I'm late, that is all, nothing more! Now, let me see her!"

The guard made an impatient gesture, as if swatting at an annoying fly. "I told you already, fairy, my orders are to let nobody past this point. I would advise that you leave now. If you truly know the Lady Dawn, I'm sure she'll find a way to contact you later."

"That is unacceptable! Dawn... DAWN! Jareth, Emilie? Can you hear me in there? It is Raman!"

"Jareth, do you hear that?" Dawn asked softly to her beloved as she looked up at him curiously.

"Dawn, you and Jareth shall be seated here, beside us," called Hathion distractedly as he looked over the parchments his attendants had drawn up for him so that he could begin calling in guests to be questioned.

"Of course," Dawn said with a warm smile and a gentle curtsy. Looking towards the west, Dawn stared at it intently, a small ringing in her ears that she was sure was something she had heard before. She couldn't make out any words above the noise of the ballroom, but she was sure that someone was calling out to her.

"Jareth, someone is at that door and is calling for me..." Dawn said absently as she unconsciously started slowly moving towards the door, her brow furrowed with confusion and curiosity.

"I will..." Jareth sighed and laughed slightly. "I forget I am no longer in tune with the Labyrinth."

Emilie laid a hand on his arm. "Don't worry, Jareth, I can check for you..." She let out a gasp. "Oh, it is Raman! I will--"

"Hold, Goblin Queen," Oberon spoke up. "Remember your order about letting no one enter or leave."

"But it is Raman! We all trust him with our lives... Don't we, Jareth?"

Jareth nodded. "That is true, Father, Mother. However, I know that I am not the one at liberty to make decisions here." He looked pointedly at Emilie, then Hathion.

"What will you do, Rulers of the Goblin Kingdom?"

Hathion sighed as he looked at Dawn, who had turned to look at Hathion pleadingly. "I'm sorry Dawn, but I gave my orders. He will have to wait until after the task at hand. Mili, tell the guard outside the Western door to provide Raman with something to eat and a comfortable lodging. We will speak with him afterward to see why he was late and what he could have seen. However, we must get the questioning here done first. Tell the guard to stay with him and keep an eye out. I'm afraid everyone is a suspect tonight. The attempt at murder could have been for either Dawn or Jareth, we must be on our guard completely."

Dawn felt her heart drop as she whispered, "But Hathion.. He would never wish to kill us."

"He is in love with you, is he not?" Hathion reminded softly as he sat upon his throne, "Emilie, come. We must begin our questioning."

Dawn felt a tear slip down her cheek as she curtsied, admitting defeat as she rested her forehead upon Jareth's shoulder. "I will not believe he is a traitor. But there is nothing we can do for now, is there?" Dawn murmured softly.

"Lord and Lady Despia of Authorne, please step forward and our guards will escort you to the platform," Hathion called off from the list before setting it aside and awaiting the couple.

By the time the last ball attendee had been questioned, Emilie was exhausted, try as she might not to show it. She was envious of Jareth's ability to remain looking cool and composed through almost any situation... She was unaware of the weariness that he himself felt. Though the questioning was not a physical strain, it was certainly a mental and emotional one.

Some guests seemed to be more than willing to give any information they could, while others grew downright antagonistic at the very idea that they would harm the Lady Dawn. Others were excellent at creating of themselves a blank slate, or drawing the interrogators around in loops for minutes on end until finally a loophole was found in their games.

"Fetch us a drink," Queen Emilie told the nearest page, trying her best to remain regal. "And you, have it tested for poisons," she added to the guard she had assigned to herself.

Reaching over to grasp Dawn's hand, she asked of her husband, "Hathion, the questioning is now over. To my mind, we have uncovered nothing of any use. What do you think of all the answers we have received? Perhaps you are more perceptive than I."

"Emilie, not here," Hathion warned cautiously as he looked at Jareth with a knowing eye, having come to a few conclusions of his own due to his previous position here at the castle. Knowing what he did about each Kingdom, and knowing the benefits and risks of each alliance, he could guess as to which Kingdoms it may have come from, if not the precise Kingdom itself. "Come, bring in Raman and let him be questioned as well."

In moments, a guard had moved from the barrier position to retrieve the said fairy from his nearby lodgings in the castle.

"Hation, you do not really think he is to blame, do you?" Dawn asked softly as she looked up at Hathion.

"No, I do not believe he does, but we cannot be too sure. He still must be questioned. After all, the fairies and goblins have been long time enemies, rare to friend. He is the Fairy Queen's closest guard, he could very well be a suspect, or at least may know something that we do not due to his late arrival. However, you must admit, it is very suspicious for him to arrive late, seemingly just after the attempt on your life," Hathion added quietly.

Dawn nodded solemnly, "I understand.. It does look very suspicious.. But.. He tried to save my life in the Labyrinth, and he tried his best to bring me back to the Labyrinth and to Jareth. I cannot believe that he has anything to do with this."

Within seconds Raman had sped up to the throne, followed quickly by the guard who had been sent to fetch him.

"Dawn! Lady Dawn," he rectified his words, remembering the place and what had just occurred. "Jareth, Your Majesties," he added, bowing to Emilie, Hathion, and the High Rulers.

"Dawn, are you all righ--" The fairy was stopped from approaching the young woman by Jareth's own hand. "Jareth, what--"

"Raman, this is not the place for familiarities," Jareth told him solemnly, a hint of regret tinging his voice. "I'm sorry, but you also are to be questioned."

He glanced over at Emilie, who nodded and spoke up. "I'm sorry as well, Raman, that our next meeting had to be like this... Please, why were you late to the ball?"

Bitterness entered Raman's voice as he answered. "I tried not to be late, Em-Your Highness, and I would have been on time were it not for the goblins of the city heckling and pestering me and chasing me with those air-shooters. Even when I showed them my invitation, they would not desist, and even tried taking it from me to rip it to shreds. I only got away by hiding for a while in a crack in the wall near the castle until they gave up."

Emilie glanced at the scribe who was recording Raman's reply. She then looked over at her husband for him to ask the next question.

"Raman, when you entered the castle, did you notice anything strange, or odd going on? Anyone acting suspicious?" Hathion inquired as he looked at Raman. It pained him to interrogate a dear friend such as him, but in their current predicament it could not be helped.

Dawn sighed as she tried to keep her composure. Fiddling with her hands upon her lap, Dawn looked at Raman with remorse and pity. Although it pained the others to see him subjected to such, it pained her even more because he was her first true friend, and her savior in this Labyrinth. He was her guide, her friend, her protector. She loved him dearly and it hurt her deeply to be forced to distrust him and question him so.

"As you know, there was a bright light that was aimed for me," Dawn spoke up softly. "You are a fairy, you are small and could easily be unnoticed by the culprit. If you saw anything on your travels through the castle, before or after the incident, we would appreciate you telling us. Whether it seems critical or important or not, it may shed some light upon this situation and link clues together. If there is anything, Raman, please let us know."