Chapter 6 - In Which the Third Friend is Found and so is a Gift?
Sarah covered her nose, once again reminded why the Bog of Eternal Stench could inspire so much fear in the citizens of the Underground. "I guess it was to much to hope that the smell would have gotten better since I was here last." From beside her Hoggle snorted in amusement. "Let's find Didymus and then get out of here." Her two companions nodded in agreement.
The three friends continued on for a short way until they reached a small hut next to a steppingstone path of rocks. "Halt!" A small fox like creature bounded out of the hut and onto the path in front of them. "None my pass without... Sarah?" Sir Didymus froze with a look of aw on his face. "My Lady, is though truly returned to us?"
The human smiled at her noble friend. "Yes, I'm back Didymus." She knelt down to hug the small fox.
Said fox returned the hug warmly. "I thought the King joketh when he announced your imminent return. Now that it is true I shall fight to the death by your side." Didymus took a step away from his friend, who still knelt to be closer to his height. "I do not think that the King will mind if I leave my post to accompany you on your quest. Ambrosious, it's safe." The dog ran out from behind the tree, where he had hidden at the sound of approaching footsteps.
Sarah reached out and scratched the dog's head. Her tone was joking when she asked, "Do we have your permission to cross?"
Didymus swept his hat off his head and bowed so low that his nose touched the ground. "For you my Lady, always." The fox mounted his cowardly, but loyal steed. "Come my Lady, noble Hoggle, and my brother in arms, for we must reach the castle before night fall."
Sarah stood at her full height and moved toward the steppingstones. "These won't change position on us will they Ludo?" She looked over her shoulder at the furry beast.
Ludo shook his head. "No. Rocks friends."
The human woman trusted her friend and stepped out onto the first rock, then the next and the next, until she was across the Bog and safely on the other side. Ludo was next, he wanted to stay with Sarah as much as possible. Hoggle came third, praying that he would not lose his footing and crash into the Bog, though that would have made his King extremely happy. Sir Didymus and Ambrosious came last, after the dog was coaxed into crossing by his rider.
After the 'trauma' of getting across the Bog of Eternal Stench, the companions headed through the brush woods that walled off the Bog and the Junkyard. Sarah remembered trekking along this path on her first journey to the Underground and how hungry she and her current companions had become. That train of thought brought up other memories which she tried valiantly to suppress, lock away, and feed the key to one of the many dragon guards. Her efforts were rewarding, that is until the group rounded a corner and came face to face with the spot where Sarah had eaten The Peach.
Sarah froze. There, in the glade where she had taken her only bite of The Peach, was a beautiful fully grown peach tree with ripe fruit. Just the sight of the underground peaches brought back the host of memories that she had been trying to lock away.
Once again she found herself in the crystal ballroom, dancing in Jareth's arms. Sarah remembered the utter contentment she had felt in that moment, looking into the Goblin King's eyes and seeing love for her in them. Her eyes held the same love for him and in that moment everything was perfect, until she remembered her brother. Truly she wished that she could go back and spend just a few more moments in that perfect moment.
'I can grant that wish precious.' Jareth's voice crooned in her head.
Sarah thought back, hoping that his voice wasn't just her imagination. 'Would you want to though.'
Sorry, not really any Jareth action, trust me next chapter will have plenty. Until then remember, leave a contribution in the little box.