“The Tribulation of a King”

By Kathy Evans

DISCLAIMER: The Dark Crystal and all characters are the property of Brian Froud and the Jim Henson Company. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is being made by their use.

Jamina is the creation of Andreas Adamus. (But I changed her personality.)

CHAPTER 1 - Breakfast

Jen and Kira awoke one beautiful, sunny morning in their big bed in the royal suite of the castle. They found their arms wrapped around each other, a little leftover from last night…ahh, what a night.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Jen grinned at her, stroking the blonde hair out of her eyes.

“Good morning, Jen,” she smiled back at him.

“Care for some breakfast?”

“I’m starving.”

Jen got up, threw on some pants and headed out to the kitchen, where he began preparing her favorite vegetarian breakfast. She was, however, partial to eggs, so he made a nice veggie omelet for her, and one for himself, of course. He made her omelet a little bigger, because now she was eating for two - but not for much longer!

“Ro-ro-ro-ro-row!” barked an orange fuzzball from the floor.

“Oh, good morning Fizzgig! I suppose you’ll want me to fix you some breakfast next?”

“Rrrowf!”

All of a sudden, 10 gelfling children, varying in ages, came running into the kitchen as soon as they heard their father’s voice. “Papa! Papa! Good morning! We love you Papa!” and all the smaller ones rushed at him and embraced his legs. “Good morning, father,” said the older ones.

“Good morning, children! It warms my heart to get such a greeting from you first thing in the morning.” He started passing out hugs to everyone. “Come and sit down for breakfast.”

Soon, Kira entered the room, and the whole thing started all over again, only this time to “Mama! Mama!” She was dressed in her morning robe, her bulbous belly barely fitting underneath it. Then they all sat down to eat as a family.

“Well, what are our plans today?” asked Jen.

“Well, I was thinking that maybe before we sit in court today, perhaps you and I could take a nice walk. Without the children.”

“Awwww!” The little ones cried. “We like taking walks with you!”

“Just for today, sweetie,” replied Kira.

“I think I would like that very much,” said Jen. “I’ll see if your mother Ydra and some of the other Podlings would be willing to watch them. I know they can be a handful.”

“I’m sure they will. The Podlings are just as hyper as the kids. They’ll have fun together.”

After breakfast, Jen and Kira got dressed and said their goodbyes to the children. They kissed and hugged each one. “Be good,” said Jen. “Always remember we love you very much. You older ones, make sure you help watch after your brothers and sisters.”

“We will, Papa. Have a nice walk.”

Jen and Kira then strolled hand in hand down the castle corridors (with Fizzgig rolling closely behind) to the main exit, where, outside, a beautiful sunny day awaited them. The river flowed nearby, and the valley was lush with beautiful flowers of all kinds, and various plants and animals scurried about.

“I know a place in the forest where lots of kreck-berries grow. It’s just a few miles down the road.”

“Mmmm, kreck-berries! I love those…especially for breakfast. Lead the way.”