In the 15 years since she had left, Sarah hadn't kept in contact with her friends. She was afraid that they wouldn't answer her call, afraid that they weren't real. To see Hoggle again was overwhelming and she couldn't wait to tell him all about her life and to hear what he had been up to. Jareth excused himself from the talkative duo to take care of his own business. She didn't mind, and knew that Hoggle enjoyed their privacy.
Sarah spoke to him in detail about her brother, and what happened after she had beaten the Labyrinth. Her family life had improved greatly, and it motivated her to work with children. Hoggle listened intently as she went on about her schooling and becoming a teacher. She stopped abruptly at the mentioning of Abigail, the corners of her mouth lowering.
"Did that girl have something to do with yous coming down here?" The dwarf asked, but he already knew the answer.
"Yes, but it wasn't her fault. She didn't know any better. It's just, I don't know what's going to happen now. What will my students think? What will my parents do? And Toby… I never got the chance to say goodbye." Her voice was monotone, the reality of everything sinking in.
This wasn't one of her dreams. This was real and she needed to figure out what her new reality would be. Hopefully, she would be able to say her goodbyes so that she could move on with her life. Sarah knew deep down that the chance of her returning home permanently was low. And she wasn't even sure she would want to go back.
Turning to Hoggle, she mustered up a small smile, "At least we can see each other again. It's been too long."
"So it has," he mumbled. Hoggle tilted his head towards her before reverting his gaze back to the ground. "You know, it isn't so bad here. Not everything is scary, even for a coward like me."
Sarah chuckled, "You aren't a coward, Hoggle. You're the bravest dwarf I know."
"I'm the only dwarf you know," he said while climbing off the bench. "But I'm still flattered either way. Hang in there, Sarah. Things will get better." Hoggle patted her knee and then picked up his spray bottle and returned to exterminating fairies in the garden.
Sarah looked up towards the castle walls and saw mismatched eyes looking down at her from one of the windows above.
Sitting in his private study, the Goblin King grimaced as he read over the freshly gathered report. All over his Labyrinth, citizens had been reporting that the walls were no longer moving. Somehow, the magic that consumed the maze had diminished. The creatures were in a panic, afraid of the unknown.
Jareth never thought he would ever have an issue with the Labyrinth maintaining its power. After all, it was its own entity, and he merely ruled the people which resided in its path. If others were to find out about the power shift, they might try to take the opportunity to invade. He had to make sure that didn't happen.
"Rory!" He yelled. Within seconds, the stocky goblin ran into the room. His long pointed ears hit the door frame, but his eyes remained focused on his king. "I need you to send a message to the people. Tell them that they are to act as if nothing is happening. They are not to tell anyone outside of our kingdom what is going on. Anyone that disobeys will be sent to the bog. Understood?"
The long-eared goblin nodded in agreement. "Yes, sir!" The echo of his feet scattering out of the room wept through the room. Jareth turned his attention to the window and looked down into the gardens. He saw his beloved Sarah conversing with the dwarf. Maybe she sensed his presence, but for a mere moment their eyes came in contact.
Sarah made her way back to the castle, hoping to talk to Jareth. So much was going through her head and she needed some answers to calm her anxiety. Yet, as she entered the throne room, she saw it to be empty. She blew a strand of her dark hair out of her eyes and went to turn around. As she did, she came face to face with the Goblin King.
"I hope I didn't frighten you, precious," he said while flashing her a snug smirk.
She held her head up just a tad higher and curved her lips into a smile. "Nope. But I do need to talk to you, if you don't mind."
In response, he took her right hand and brought her knuckles to his lips to lay down a gentle kiss. "I will always listen."
Flattery seemed to be his forte' and she found herself blushing before him. "Jareth, while I am content to spend the rest of my life here, I never got to say goodbye. I need the chance to tell my family that I'm alright. Is there a way I can see them again? Or perhaps, send a message?"
He knew that she would ask about her loved ones. It was a question he was not looking forward to answering. "My dear Sarah, you will never be able to set foot in the Aboveground again. You are bound to this realm and no magic can break that. Messages are hard to send and receive but I can create an enchantment for you, my love."
Sarah's eyes were vacant, a lump in her throat, at the thought of never going home. Reality had sunk in. However, she wasn't the type of person to sit back and just cry about it. Life wasn't fair. The Labyrinth had taught her that. And Jareth would be able to help her send a goodbye. She could only imagine what her parents were going through with her missing.
"I'm not going to lie. I wish I could give Toby one last hug, but I understand. Sometimes things don't work out the way they want them to. You taught me that."
He quipped back, "But sometimes the turns lead you into the right direction." He was glad she was there, with him. "Precious, I would be honored if you would dine with me on the balcony tonight. There is much more to life in the Underground than sorrow. I want to fill your life with joy. Give me the opportunity." One of his gloved hands lifted to her chin, bringing her head up. Slowly, the Goblin King lowered his head until their lips met. Sarah let herself fall into the kiss and their lips melted together.
In that moment, there was nothing but love. No sadness, no fear. Just peace.
Author's Note: I'm back! A huge thank-you to maddpappy for inspiring me to keep on going. This chapter is dedicated to you! My writing is a little rusty but I hope that it will improve as the story progresses. More chapters to come.
