"I cannot believe you're doing this," Willow said as Elora finished packing. It was not the first time. It wasn't even the fifth time. "I cannot believe the guy who kidnapped you just waltzed back into your palace and you're just going to go traipsing to his nightmare kingdom just like that."
"I'll be fine," Elora insisted. "It's not like I just ran off in the middle of the night. It's a diplomatic opportunity. I'm only going for a week, and if I'm not back after that the army will move in and Jareth will be very sorry."
"If you're one second late I am going to storm the Labyrinth and smash it myself," Willow said.
"Don't worry. I won't keep you waiting," Elora said. She looked out the window. The sun was just beginning to set.
"It's almost time. Ready to see me off?" She asked Willow.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Willow said determinedly.
They walked onto the balcony and watched the skies. Right on time, a golden barn owl glided down and landed on the railing. One shower of glitter later, Jareth stood in front of them. Willow crossed his arms and glared at him sidelong.
Jareth looked at the bag Elora was holding.
"You're coming?" He asked with a smirk.
"I can give second chances. Just see that you don't need another," Elora replied archly.
"Of course. Are you ready?" Jareth asked.
Elora turned to Willow and kissed him on the cheek.
"Goodbye, Willow. I'll be back in a week," she said.
"I'm sure you will," Willow said pointedly, and resumed staring daggers at Jareth.
Jareth pretended not to notice him and offered Elora his hand. She hesitated.
"I can't bring you through if we're not together," Jareth said.
Elora very delicately laid her hand on Jareth's as loosely as she could. He curled his long fingers around it. Everything flashed white for an instant, and then they were in the Labyrinth. Elora was a little disoriented and gripped Jareth's hand for balance. She quickly steadied herself and stepped away from him resolutely.
More specifically, they were standing at the entrance to Jareth's castle. It seemed acceptable enough to Elora, though it wasn't as pretty as her castle- this castle was dull yellow, and it seemed more like a fortress than a palace. She swept her eyes over the scenery around her, trying to orient herself while at the same time giving Jareth no hint that she was impressed in the slightest. She would have been able to see a lot more if there hadn't been a labyrinth in the way, but it was a pretty spectacular labyrinth. It must have been a terror for poor Willow to get through.
She returned her attention to Jareth, who was looking expectantly at the closed front gate of the castle. It obediently opened, revealing a uniformed goblin holding the door.
"After you," Jareth said with a sweep of his arm.
Elora entered the castle, glancing down at the goblin doorkeeper. It- is that a boy or a girl? she thought- seemed healthy, not that she could really tell, and it didn't look miserable. She had dozens of questions for it, but she was a guest and she figured she should get settled first.
As she walked down a long hall she slowed her pace until she was a step behind Jareth, since she had no idea where they were going.
"I've prepared our finest room for you," Jareth said as they ascended a staircase. "Nothing less would do for such a distinguished guest."
He opened a door to reveal a spacious chamber with an elegant stone balcony flanked by floor-length windows. A luxurious bed with a glass four-poster frame sat against one wall, draped in purple satin sheets. A sparkling white chaise lounge sat across the room next to a glass coffee table. The center of the room was covered by an embroidered multicolored rug, and a full-length mirror on one wall next to a dresser doubled the room's size. Torches set into the wall softly lit the room.
Elora tried to remain aloof, but she couldn't help marveling at the beautiful room. Jareth might have an odd obsession with glass, but he did make it look good.
Jareth smiled sneakily as he watched her reaction.
"I'm sure you want to get settled in," he said. "Make yourself at home, and I would love your presence at sunset for dinner." He walked down the hall as Elora stepped into her room.
He does know how to make a first impression, Elora thought as she unpacked her bags.
Second impression, she reminded herself. And it doesn't matter how pretty a cage is. She laid her clothes in the dresser and ran her hand over the bed sheets. They were soft as fresh down.
There was a knock at the door. Elora opened it to see a stout little goblin about a head shorter than Willow. It had cobwebby white hair and round saucer eyes.
"Hello," Elora said. "What are you doing here?"
"Pleased to meet you, Your Highness," The goblin said in a decidedly feminine voice. It sounded pleasant and somewhat elderly, like an old maid. "I'm Hiffa, and I'll be your lady-in-waiting while you're here."
Lady-in-waiting? Elora thought. I don't even want anything. What am I going to do with a lady-in-waiting?
Wait… this is perfect.
"Come in, Hiffa. I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about."
