Blinking once, then twice, Sarah slowed her steps and realized she could trust her sights after all. He was standing there, under the bell tower. "Jareth?"
"A little beasty told told me that it was your birthday today." He responded swiftly. "And so, I had to say congratulations."
Sarah on the other hand did not exactly favor the look he was giving her. It nearly was mocking her. So carefully, lowly, she inquired, "On…what?"
"On having another birthday."
He strolled in closer.
Sarah glanced in both directions, though it wasn't clear what she searching for. "Most people just tell others to have a great day. Not what you said."
"Well you see, for Abovegrounders, birthdays are celebrated on the anniversary of your birth date because you finally physically entered into the world. Yes? Although...the way we immortals see it, you fragile mortals should in fact, celebrate how many years you have—survived—in your world. Therefore, Sarah, I am ever so pleased you have endured in your world for twenty-three long years."
His verbal pitch was now toying with her mind and his mouth twitched, holding an even wider grin at bay. This made her jaw clench tighter.
"Thank you, Your Royal Pain. That was perfectly and sincerely…graphic."
"It's the goblin in me." His lips finally parted into a full Cheshire smile that was nothing but irritating.
Thanks to all!
