Lukas Int'evien ruled the Underground, and had for as long as anyone could remember. Not because he was just, fair and wise, but because he was ruthless, self-centered and ruled with an iron fist and a steel blade. No one dared challenge Lukas outright, not anyone at least who had more sense than a mushroom. More than six invasions planned by skilled tacticians, and lead by brave, and meticulously trained men had been cut down quite literally by, "Int'evien the black" and his army. No one had ever seen a King ride into battle before, let alone LEAD it. Most of the seven kingdoms were too shocked to deal effectively with this threat to the peace, which indeed he was. It seemed nothing was enough for the goblin king. Land was consumed by the Underground's borders at a pace so rapid that the small territory of Ish'til was almost gone! Something had to be done, and everyone knew it. After much deliberation it was decided that if Lukas would not agree to step down, all the seven kingdoms would unite to crush his forces and possibly him in the process. Lukas was dangerous to be sure but not stupid. They knew the plan would leave him no choice and if by some happening he was killed, it was agreed that his wife, Tourmahline who was far more level headed and more suited to ruling than her husband, would take over.
So the day came when embassaies fromthe territories and kingdoms arrived at the castle of the goblin king with documents in one hand, swords in the other. Lukas burst into a rage at the suggestion, nearly killing the Sartote elder as a result. Throughout the entire ordeal, Tourmahline tried desperately to nudge the irate king into signing, but to no avail. The embassaies left and troops of every race imaginable swarmed the underground. Hundreds died, and the casualty count grew rapidly. Lukas, was losing, badly. At last, when the threat of total defeat hung heavy in the air Lukas pleaded to be allowed to sign. Having lost enough of their own troops as was, the council agreed.
Thankful, the elders gave him the contract, but he suddenly refused to sign. He argued tirelessly until he suggested this. He would step down when he had a flesh and blood heir that was of age. They mulled this over. It would be a full eighteen years if Lukas had his way, before his dethroning would occur. That was simply too long, unless other changes were made.
When all the kinks had been worked out the document stood to say that Lukas should rule until such time as his heir became eighteen mortal years of age, and this would only be valid if he produced an heir within two years time. During the alotted 18 years the Underground's borders would be frozen and any attack on another territory or kingdom would result in a nullification of the pact, and an immediate overthrow of his empire. With Tourmahline urging him on, he signed.
Later that year, a son was born to Lukas and Tourmahline. How Lukas bragged about his child, whom Tourmahline had named Jareth. Lukas gave his son his heartname, as was custom for Goblin Kin. And so Jareth Velvetsteel grew up, and more and more unlike his father. The once proud Lukas now scowled whenever his son was mentioned, and threw temper tantrums when anyone reminded him Jareth would take his place in a short time. Jareth on the other hand, loved his father dearly from the beginning. In his eyes, the tall, broad shouldered man who was never without guards, armour, and attendants, who always got what he wanted WHEN he wanted, was a hero. Lukas, was nothing short of disgusted with his offspring. Instead of the strapping, rough and tumble boy he'd expected and wanted, he got a lanky, delicately made creature who much preferred to sing with his mother, paint, or wander about the stables than spar and play sports. Instead of being enthralled with swords, bows and arrows and weapons, Jareth much prefered to study clothing.
Lukas came to a decision as Jareth reached his eighth birthday. The boy would be molded in his image, if he were not born that way. From here on in, Jareth's fondness for his father was eradicated entirely. Lukas took over Jareth's training himself, having barely spoken to the boy before hand. At first Jareth was thrilled, but before long the thrill was gone. Lukas drilled the boy for hours on hours, swordplay, archery, hand to hand...all concepts that seem to ellude the boy's grasp. It was often Jareth was up before the dawn, and not back until the sun had long since set, bruised both mentally and phsyically. Tourmahline was becoming increasingly agitated. She knew Lukas was far too hard on Jareth, but knew if he were not so to Jareth, he would be on her. The boy had become meek, taken to trembling in Lukas's presence. It was was obvious there was more going on than 'training'. Jareth refused to say a thing on the subject however, insisting through swollen lips, nothing was amiss. Lukas had seen to it Jareth would be far too ashamed too say a word of it to anyone. Lukas often used teasing as a rouse to vile malicious comments, intended to break Jareth's spirit. He often referred to Jareth as his 'daughter', and if Jareth ever spoke back, he received a sharp cuff or worse for it.
It wasn't until Jareth returned far after Lukas had with a badly broken arm that Tourmahline exploded. Take to quietness, Lukas was shocked when his wife picked up a sword and held its point to his throat and demanded he tell her what was going on. Tourmahline was quite serious when she threatened death, and Lukas knew it. He explained only after trying every other way out. He told her quite without qualms that Jareth was nothing but a weakling pansy, who would be better suited to being a girl than a boy. He explained quite graphically that he had indeed given Jareth the bruises, and that it was part of his 'toughening up'....that the pain would do him good. Frightened, and disgusted Tourmahline dropped the sword and threw together a few things determined to leave, with Jareth. That was not to be so. Before she could do such a thing Lukas had her formally banished, claiming SHE had been mistreating their son.
Jareth was left alone with his father to endure, with the added pressure Lukas put on him, claiming his mother had left because of HIM.
Little did he know Jareth had been practising and honing a strong talent for some time. One Lukas had forbade him to practise due to its 'girlish' implications, according to him. Magicks. Jareth was a born mage, and perhaps because he had nothing else to do that eased his mind and let him forget everything for at least a small amount of time, he poured his heart into it. As he continued, he became adept at working the vast and untapped leylines and nodes of the Underground, but he never dared tell his father.So some time passed, and Jareth grew. He taught himself ways to ensure he'd never let anyone else control him again, that he'd never lose the upper hand. He trusted no one but himself, and learned very quickly to swallow his temper, and lie with ease.
One day, while Lukas was 'teaching' a sixteen year old Jareth the broadsword which was completely incompatible with Jareth's stature anyway, a group of rogue orcs ambushed them. Arrows flew, but Jareth, having learned defensive magick well, created a shield about himself, and remained out of the way. Lukas was not so fortunate. An arrow found its mark, burying itself between his ribs. While the orcs filched whatever they wish from Lukas, a terrified Jareth kept silent. Surely Lukas had seen him use magick...there was no telling what he'd do as punishment. He didn't want to think about it. After the orcs had long gone, he emerged to inspect Lukas. The king lay unconscious, navy blue blood seeping quickly from his wound in vast quantities. And Jareth was afraid. The memories of Lukas' brutality flashed time after time in his mind, refusing to be shaken. Overcome by pain and a newfound rage he took one last look at his father, and walked back to the castle.
Thus Jareth was crowned king, and Lukas's death remained unquestioned.