Tolerance 2/2
The stranger was amused at her discovery, as they continued to dance. Sarah wanted to flee, to be far away as possible, just as she did the last time, but her curiosity in the purpose of his presence held her there. She knitted her brow and stared at him inquisitively, mustering what was left of her courage. Sensing her fear, Jareth was surprised that she still held her ground.
"What is this? Not running away, my dear Sarah?", he mocked.
"What would be the point? Surely, His Majesty, will not make a scene in front of many," her words, brimming with sarcasm. Their masks hid well their discomfort and any obvious expressions they had. It was hard to guess the other's true feelings.
"You are wise to act with civility."
"Why have you come?", she demanded.
"Do I really need a reason to be here? You, yourself, crossover to the Underground quite freely with your friends. Should I be hindered in crossing over to yours? That doesn't seem right at all."
Sarah was shocked. The Goblin King had known all along of her journeys to his kingdom. He had watched them all this time. Her friends... What had become of them?
"What have you done with my friends!?", trying hard to keep it down so as not to draw attention.
"Do not worry yourself over nothing. No harm has befallen them," he guaranteed her.
"I do not trust you," she hissed.
"If ever I wanted to punish your friends for their disloyalty, I assure you, I would have done so a long time ago."
They stared at each other in defiance and dislike. Both, too angered by the other to speak. He was as arrogant as she was stubborn. Very ironic that they still danced in each other's arms. Sarah wondered if all he said was true. The last time she saw them was two weeks ago when they watched the fairies' dance. Hoggle, Ludo and Sir Didymus didn't look like they were harmed then or even right after her adventure in the Labyrinth. Jareth was irritated at her accusations. It had crossed his mind to make her friends suffer, but thought against it. To harm her friends, he knew, was not how to gain her confidence. He had heard her wish to fall in love. This was the perfect opportunity he had waited for. He felt something for her, yes, but he didn't know if she was the one for him. He had to know, he must. He thought of how cruel fate had been to have her wish her brother away and go through the Labyrinth. That had cast him as the villain. Obviously, force and manipulation didn't not work for her, nor did total honesty. He had to find another way. For now, he was playing it by ear.
"Sarah, the past is the past. Why do you still condemn me for that? You have won, defeated me. Isn't that enough?", he asked solemnly.
Her eyes looked at him skeptically. "You have never given me any reason to trust you. Not once." she whispered.
Her words had inflicted pain, more than necessary. The thought that he had hurt her before, tore his heart apart. He resolved he wouldn't be the cause of any more of her suffering. Slowly, he led her off the dance floor. Sarah felt uncomfortable with the silence. She felt some indifference from him. What was he going to do next? She began to worry.
"Come, Sarah." His tone was more of pleading, rather than imposing. He gripped her hand and led her out of the multi-purpose hall and into the campus grounds. They were leaving the safety of a crowd, but somehow, she wasn't afraid. Hopefully, she could handle anything he threw at her. Their pace slowed outdoors; they walked arm in arm. They headed towards the lagoon at the center of the park. The air was cool. The crescent moon shone brightly, surrounded with twinkling stars. It was truly a night made for lovers. She felt a pang of regret, that they weren't really a couple. They sat at one of the stone benches near the lagoon, eyes towards the moonlit scene around them. Both of them, gathering their thoughts. Jareth took off his mask and it disappeared into thin air. Sarah did the same and laid it beside her. She dared not to look at him, afraid of what she might see.
"Sarah....Do you hate me?", he asked softly.
A million thoughts went through her mind, but one emotion stood out: confusion. Why was he asking this question? Why only now he asks? Does it truly matter? Did she really hate him? Maybe before, but now... He was right. What's done is done. He was the villain before, she had defeated him, just as the heroine should. But now, he was just the Goblin King, a character from a fairy tale. She admitted to having felt something before, a crush maybe. If she ever thought of him as a person now, she, personally, would be attracted to him, but that was besides the point.
"Maybe before, I did. There was a time in the Labyrinth, that I did like you, even for just a little while..." They both recalled the Dream Ball. Jareth smiled slightly at the memory.
"At first, I was as very frightened of you, as Hoggle was. But I couldn't live with the regret, if something ever happened to Toby. That kept me going. Then, I made friends. They helped me a lot and I couldn't have done it without them. When you offered me your heart, your love, I was suspicious and more scared than I've ever been. You were beautiful and graceful. You were everything any girl could ever want. I wanted to believe you. I almost did. No one really loved me before. No one even liked me. I wasn't anybody special. I was plain, old Sarah. Then, it came down between you and Toby. My choice was clear. I couldn't sacrifice Toby for my dreams, no matter how much I wanted them." She sighed. She never thought she'd have the chance to tell him everything she had felt in the Labyrinth. "But of all the creatures and everything else in the Labyrinth, you were the one that intrigued and fascinated me the most."
Maybe it wasn't too late, he thought.
"But now, I neither care for you nor hate you, Goblin King. You're just a person from the past. Nothing more." His name was something she couldn't use. It would mean that he still was part of her life.
He almost winced at the pain of her words. It was too much for him, but he had to seem unaffected for the moment. There would be time to be melancholy later. What could he possibly say after that revelation? Sarah wondered if her own words were true. Did he really mean nothing to her at all? She should have been grateful for the lessons she had learned in the Labyrinth, meeting her friends, and showing her the infinite possibilities of having dreams. She should have appreciated that he had not harmed her friends after their treachery. She should have been thankful for not punishing her for trespassing in his kingdom. Was she really that indifferent to him?
"I see...Very well, since I obviously mean nothing in your life, I now offer you a choice." He paused. "You and I start over again. A clean slate, leaving the past once and for all. We start, perhaps as friends." His voice was objective, not betraying any emotion. "Or, I will never again enter your life. I'll let you be, whether in the Underground or Above. I shall be another nameless face in existence to you."
Sarah was surprised at the need for a decision at this matter. Why was he doing this? She did not see any reason for the proposal he has presented. "Why do you ask me this? I do not understand."
"I simply would like to know which role would you have me play in your life," he said nonchalantly.
"Why would you have me choose? You are king. You impose, not compromise. Surely, what I want means nothing to you."
"It is as it was before. I do what is expected of me," he grinned. "So, what will it be, Sarah?"
She thought for a while, choosing her words carefully. She didn't want to regret whatever decision she had to make. Did she really want the Goblin King out of her life forever? At least, she wouldn't have to worry about encountering him anytime. Her family and friends would be safe. Wouldn't that make them both almost strangers? One would think they were enemies. The idea bothered her. Friends with the Goblin King. She wondered if that was possible. She had not known anyone to be friends with him. He was usually so disagreeable and arrogant, it would surprise her if they weren't at each other's throats within a day. Her friends rarely talked of him. If they did, it was because of some mischievous or cruel deed he had done. Doubt began to cloud her thoughts. He seemed to be pleasant enough when he wanted to be a gentleman, like tonight, but she couldn't be fooled by appearances. She knew, all too well, he wouldn't always be this civil. She considered her options.
"It is certainly confusing. Your choices seem to be whether to be indifferent towards you or tolerate you." She started to feel weak with indecision, like her whole future depended on it.
"And what would you rather do then, be indifferent or tolerate me?", he curiously said. He was at the edge of his seat.
"Both options are difficult. I guess it would be easier to hate you. You're always so smug and infuriating. Your highness, indeed!" She stole a glance at him to gauge his reaction. He gave her an icy stare, angered at her disrespect. He started to reprimand her, but thought against it. When she saw his rage, her eyes turned away, so that she would have the courage to continue. "Its difficult enough to tolerate you, let alone, be in the same room as you. I highly doubt we'll be able to stand each other if we decided to be friends. But... I've learned in the Labyrinth that others are more important than myself. That when I showed kindness, it is returned, sometimes even more. When I hurt someone, I was hurt too. It was difficult, but I had forgiven you a long time ago. I am not that cruel as to hate you any longer than I should." Her voice softened. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, being friends is not such a bad idea."
She turned to face him, wanting to know his response. The Goblin King gave her a sincere smile. A smile that said 'Thank you' and 'I'd like that', at the same time. His new friend couldn't help but smile too, the one that spoke of happiness and a newly found camaraderie. Then, her smile turned into a hearty laugh. Jareth's smile was replaced with a half- amused, half-confused look. "Pray tell, what's so funny?"
"You are. You look so..goofy, The goofy Goblin King." she teased, still laughing. Doubt and regret were the farthest thing from her mind. There was no longer any tension in the air. The awkwardness had melted away, and was replaced by a casual atmosphere. It comforted her that he accepted the transition from enemy to friend readily. The Goblin King, her friend. The idea greatly appealed to her. It wasn't every day that one befriends a king from the world of fantasy, especially a very handsome one.
Maybe someday, they would become more than friends. Maybe. She smiled at the thought.
"Perhaps a dip in the Bog would change your mind," he quipped. Then again, maybe not.
"You have to catch me first." With that challenge, she dashed from him, then turned back to taunt the Goblin King with a grin.
He still sat in a very relaxed way, undaunted by her. "You'd better run, my dear. The Bog will be the least of your worries when I've caught up with you." He was pleased at how she quickly adapted to the change. He was beginning to like being her friend. The Goblin King began to see why his subjects were ready to risk their lives in the name of friendship. Her complete trust and confidence, without any expectations was worth more than their own personal gratification. Now, he realized it didn't matter if they were lovers or friends. Her happiness was his joy as well. That was all that mattered. He felt ten times better that they were friends, but he was sure, it must be a thousand times more wonderful if they ended up together. Then, with a sly smile, he broke into a run towards her.
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Thank you very much for reading. I really appreciate it. What did you think of the story? Would you like a sequel? Comments, please.....
The stranger was amused at her discovery, as they continued to dance. Sarah wanted to flee, to be far away as possible, just as she did the last time, but her curiosity in the purpose of his presence held her there. She knitted her brow and stared at him inquisitively, mustering what was left of her courage. Sensing her fear, Jareth was surprised that she still held her ground.
"What is this? Not running away, my dear Sarah?", he mocked.
"What would be the point? Surely, His Majesty, will not make a scene in front of many," her words, brimming with sarcasm. Their masks hid well their discomfort and any obvious expressions they had. It was hard to guess the other's true feelings.
"You are wise to act with civility."
"Why have you come?", she demanded.
"Do I really need a reason to be here? You, yourself, crossover to the Underground quite freely with your friends. Should I be hindered in crossing over to yours? That doesn't seem right at all."
Sarah was shocked. The Goblin King had known all along of her journeys to his kingdom. He had watched them all this time. Her friends... What had become of them?
"What have you done with my friends!?", trying hard to keep it down so as not to draw attention.
"Do not worry yourself over nothing. No harm has befallen them," he guaranteed her.
"I do not trust you," she hissed.
"If ever I wanted to punish your friends for their disloyalty, I assure you, I would have done so a long time ago."
They stared at each other in defiance and dislike. Both, too angered by the other to speak. He was as arrogant as she was stubborn. Very ironic that they still danced in each other's arms. Sarah wondered if all he said was true. The last time she saw them was two weeks ago when they watched the fairies' dance. Hoggle, Ludo and Sir Didymus didn't look like they were harmed then or even right after her adventure in the Labyrinth. Jareth was irritated at her accusations. It had crossed his mind to make her friends suffer, but thought against it. To harm her friends, he knew, was not how to gain her confidence. He had heard her wish to fall in love. This was the perfect opportunity he had waited for. He felt something for her, yes, but he didn't know if she was the one for him. He had to know, he must. He thought of how cruel fate had been to have her wish her brother away and go through the Labyrinth. That had cast him as the villain. Obviously, force and manipulation didn't not work for her, nor did total honesty. He had to find another way. For now, he was playing it by ear.
"Sarah, the past is the past. Why do you still condemn me for that? You have won, defeated me. Isn't that enough?", he asked solemnly.
Her eyes looked at him skeptically. "You have never given me any reason to trust you. Not once." she whispered.
Her words had inflicted pain, more than necessary. The thought that he had hurt her before, tore his heart apart. He resolved he wouldn't be the cause of any more of her suffering. Slowly, he led her off the dance floor. Sarah felt uncomfortable with the silence. She felt some indifference from him. What was he going to do next? She began to worry.
"Come, Sarah." His tone was more of pleading, rather than imposing. He gripped her hand and led her out of the multi-purpose hall and into the campus grounds. They were leaving the safety of a crowd, but somehow, she wasn't afraid. Hopefully, she could handle anything he threw at her. Their pace slowed outdoors; they walked arm in arm. They headed towards the lagoon at the center of the park. The air was cool. The crescent moon shone brightly, surrounded with twinkling stars. It was truly a night made for lovers. She felt a pang of regret, that they weren't really a couple. They sat at one of the stone benches near the lagoon, eyes towards the moonlit scene around them. Both of them, gathering their thoughts. Jareth took off his mask and it disappeared into thin air. Sarah did the same and laid it beside her. She dared not to look at him, afraid of what she might see.
"Sarah....Do you hate me?", he asked softly.
A million thoughts went through her mind, but one emotion stood out: confusion. Why was he asking this question? Why only now he asks? Does it truly matter? Did she really hate him? Maybe before, but now... He was right. What's done is done. He was the villain before, she had defeated him, just as the heroine should. But now, he was just the Goblin King, a character from a fairy tale. She admitted to having felt something before, a crush maybe. If she ever thought of him as a person now, she, personally, would be attracted to him, but that was besides the point.
"Maybe before, I did. There was a time in the Labyrinth, that I did like you, even for just a little while..." They both recalled the Dream Ball. Jareth smiled slightly at the memory.
"At first, I was as very frightened of you, as Hoggle was. But I couldn't live with the regret, if something ever happened to Toby. That kept me going. Then, I made friends. They helped me a lot and I couldn't have done it without them. When you offered me your heart, your love, I was suspicious and more scared than I've ever been. You were beautiful and graceful. You were everything any girl could ever want. I wanted to believe you. I almost did. No one really loved me before. No one even liked me. I wasn't anybody special. I was plain, old Sarah. Then, it came down between you and Toby. My choice was clear. I couldn't sacrifice Toby for my dreams, no matter how much I wanted them." She sighed. She never thought she'd have the chance to tell him everything she had felt in the Labyrinth. "But of all the creatures and everything else in the Labyrinth, you were the one that intrigued and fascinated me the most."
Maybe it wasn't too late, he thought.
"But now, I neither care for you nor hate you, Goblin King. You're just a person from the past. Nothing more." His name was something she couldn't use. It would mean that he still was part of her life.
He almost winced at the pain of her words. It was too much for him, but he had to seem unaffected for the moment. There would be time to be melancholy later. What could he possibly say after that revelation? Sarah wondered if her own words were true. Did he really mean nothing to her at all? She should have been grateful for the lessons she had learned in the Labyrinth, meeting her friends, and showing her the infinite possibilities of having dreams. She should have appreciated that he had not harmed her friends after their treachery. She should have been thankful for not punishing her for trespassing in his kingdom. Was she really that indifferent to him?
"I see...Very well, since I obviously mean nothing in your life, I now offer you a choice." He paused. "You and I start over again. A clean slate, leaving the past once and for all. We start, perhaps as friends." His voice was objective, not betraying any emotion. "Or, I will never again enter your life. I'll let you be, whether in the Underground or Above. I shall be another nameless face in existence to you."
Sarah was surprised at the need for a decision at this matter. Why was he doing this? She did not see any reason for the proposal he has presented. "Why do you ask me this? I do not understand."
"I simply would like to know which role would you have me play in your life," he said nonchalantly.
"Why would you have me choose? You are king. You impose, not compromise. Surely, what I want means nothing to you."
"It is as it was before. I do what is expected of me," he grinned. "So, what will it be, Sarah?"
She thought for a while, choosing her words carefully. She didn't want to regret whatever decision she had to make. Did she really want the Goblin King out of her life forever? At least, she wouldn't have to worry about encountering him anytime. Her family and friends would be safe. Wouldn't that make them both almost strangers? One would think they were enemies. The idea bothered her. Friends with the Goblin King. She wondered if that was possible. She had not known anyone to be friends with him. He was usually so disagreeable and arrogant, it would surprise her if they weren't at each other's throats within a day. Her friends rarely talked of him. If they did, it was because of some mischievous or cruel deed he had done. Doubt began to cloud her thoughts. He seemed to be pleasant enough when he wanted to be a gentleman, like tonight, but she couldn't be fooled by appearances. She knew, all too well, he wouldn't always be this civil. She considered her options.
"It is certainly confusing. Your choices seem to be whether to be indifferent towards you or tolerate you." She started to feel weak with indecision, like her whole future depended on it.
"And what would you rather do then, be indifferent or tolerate me?", he curiously said. He was at the edge of his seat.
"Both options are difficult. I guess it would be easier to hate you. You're always so smug and infuriating. Your highness, indeed!" She stole a glance at him to gauge his reaction. He gave her an icy stare, angered at her disrespect. He started to reprimand her, but thought against it. When she saw his rage, her eyes turned away, so that she would have the courage to continue. "Its difficult enough to tolerate you, let alone, be in the same room as you. I highly doubt we'll be able to stand each other if we decided to be friends. But... I've learned in the Labyrinth that others are more important than myself. That when I showed kindness, it is returned, sometimes even more. When I hurt someone, I was hurt too. It was difficult, but I had forgiven you a long time ago. I am not that cruel as to hate you any longer than I should." Her voice softened. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, being friends is not such a bad idea."
She turned to face him, wanting to know his response. The Goblin King gave her a sincere smile. A smile that said 'Thank you' and 'I'd like that', at the same time. His new friend couldn't help but smile too, the one that spoke of happiness and a newly found camaraderie. Then, her smile turned into a hearty laugh. Jareth's smile was replaced with a half- amused, half-confused look. "Pray tell, what's so funny?"
"You are. You look so..goofy, The goofy Goblin King." she teased, still laughing. Doubt and regret were the farthest thing from her mind. There was no longer any tension in the air. The awkwardness had melted away, and was replaced by a casual atmosphere. It comforted her that he accepted the transition from enemy to friend readily. The Goblin King, her friend. The idea greatly appealed to her. It wasn't every day that one befriends a king from the world of fantasy, especially a very handsome one.
Maybe someday, they would become more than friends. Maybe. She smiled at the thought.
"Perhaps a dip in the Bog would change your mind," he quipped. Then again, maybe not.
"You have to catch me first." With that challenge, she dashed from him, then turned back to taunt the Goblin King with a grin.
He still sat in a very relaxed way, undaunted by her. "You'd better run, my dear. The Bog will be the least of your worries when I've caught up with you." He was pleased at how she quickly adapted to the change. He was beginning to like being her friend. The Goblin King began to see why his subjects were ready to risk their lives in the name of friendship. Her complete trust and confidence, without any expectations was worth more than their own personal gratification. Now, he realized it didn't matter if they were lovers or friends. Her happiness was his joy as well. That was all that mattered. He felt ten times better that they were friends, but he was sure, it must be a thousand times more wonderful if they ended up together. Then, with a sly smile, he broke into a run towards her.
===================================================================
Thank you very much for reading. I really appreciate it. What did you think of the story? Would you like a sequel? Comments, please.....