Part eleven: Here We Are Again

AN: Sorry that this took so long to get out. I've been having some serious computer problems…among other things. After finishing with "Just In Time" I was able to get part 13 done so it is on its way. It did not turn out the way I thought it would, this story has gone back to writing me…but I still like the way it turned out. I know this part is short, but more will come soon. Enjoy and please R & R. ~Saphire

Part eleven: Here We Are Again

Dizziness spun the changing worlds around Sarah and she grasped onto Jareth's arm to steady herself. The sudden contact startled the king, but he made no move to take his arm back. After a few seconds of letting her get her bearings back, Jareth turned to face her, her hand still clutching his arm.

"Are you alright?" he ventured a concerned question, though his tone was flat.

Sarah shook her head to clear it, then realized her hand gripped the Goblin King. Slowly, she relaxed her grip, finally letting go when she knew she could stand.

"I'm fine," she finally answered softly. After a moment's hesitation, she continued, "What about you?"

Jareth jerked his wandering gaze back to Sarah. "What?" he asked, incredulously.

"Well, just…I - I remember the last time, in my room -"

"I'm fine," Jareth cut her off quickly.

He did not like having his weakness pointed out to him, especially by Sarah. For her part, Sarah could sense his rapidly darkening mood and began to wonder if this was such a good idea. It dawned on her for the first time that she was at the mercy of the Goblin King's hospitality…or lack thereof. She took a deep breath and gathered her fraying nerves, knowing she'd need them later on. After a strained moment, Jareth decided to speak. "Follow me. I'l show you what I was alluding to before." Without giving her a chance to possibly argue with him, Jareth turned and began walking at a brisque pace. He knew he'd have to rest soon and he wanted to do this before he became over-tired. Left with little choice, Sarah followed, staring daggers at the Goblin King's back.

The walk was relatively short and Jareth found himself breathing a sigh of relief that the spot still lived. Again, he could feel some energy return to him. He stopped walking when he heard Sarah gasp from behind him. He turned to watch her reaction, seeing the scene from her dream changed. For a while, she seemed to forget he was there as she wandered around gingerly, as if afraid to breaking an illusion. Sarah brushed he hand across some low-hanging leaves on the tree she had first seen Jareth reclining on in her dream. There were tiny beads of moisture as if it had recently rained. All around, there was the smell of a forest, the smell of life.

Suddenly, it dawned on Sarah, "The fireys used to live here."

Jareth nodded.

"What happened?"

Jareth shrugged and leaned against the tree, "I have a few theories."

"That have to do with me?"

"Yes."

"Like what?" Sarah asked incredulously as he gaze still wandered the area.

"We'll discuss that later. For now, we should head to the camp."

Sarah finally returned her eyes to Jareth, "Camp?"

Jareth simply nodded, then moved from his position against the tree. Once again left with no choice, Sarah followed in silence, her brain still trying to process what she saw.