LOOK AT WHAT I REDISCOVERED!

Boy it's been a long time since I wrote any of this story…so I guess I'll take a vote on who wants more….

Here's a quick insert!

MayRaven

Sarah stood perfectly still. Her wasn't sure of what to do next. Was it proper to just blurt out a question to the Oracle without being asked? Jareth noticed her staring and nudged her side. Sarah took an involuntary step forward and almost fell into the gold-skinned man before them. Fortunately, she caught herself in time and smiled widely.

The Oracle smiled back and motioned for them to have to seat by the large fire place at the far end of the room. Jareth chose to sit in an elegant armchair, while Sarah relaxed on a large feather pillow by the hearth. The Oracle took his seat in what looked like a modest wooden thrown.

For some time there was nothing but silence between them. Sarah wanted to feel at ease but she couldn't help the hum of anxiety that ran through her when her eyes met those of the Oracle. He seemed kind and welcoming but things were not always as they appeared here in the Underground. Glancing over at Jareth she noticed he too was agitated with anticipation of something. It would be rude of him, she thought, to begin speaking before the Oracle had invited a conversation. At this Sarah smiled inwardly. Jareth was now getting a dose of his own regal medicine.

After what felt to be an eternity the Oracle stopped grinning with warm kindness and spoke. "Now that you both have had the chance to rest your weary bodies I will tell you this," he said rising from his thrown. Sarah remained seated by the fire while Jareth rose to meet the golden gaze of the Oracle. "You, Jareth, Former Goblin King, care a great deal too much what happens to a kingdom you never desired to rule. I advise you to turn back now before you realize the true consequences of this young woman's quest."

Jareth opened his mouth to response, but before any audible sound left his parted lips Sarah shot straight up off her cushion and shouted, "That's none of your concern if he helps me! I thought you were supposed to be on our side! We came to you for help, all this way, and that's all you have to say! Go back before it's too late? Where have I heard that before?"

Jareth rolled his eyes and held a gloved hand to his brow exasperated. "Sarah, the Oracle wasn't addressing you," he growled to the hot-tempered woman. "Now sit down and be still."

"Sarah," the Oracle said in a calm even tone, "My wisdom for you is to forget about Jareth. He is a broken thing who can no longer help you on your journey. I never said I was on anyone's side of things. In fact it would be quite unsuitable to be strictly on any one side of any matter. I would lose perspective of all matters of existence. Would you not agree?"

Sarah had no choice but to nod dumbly at this fact. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the golden figure gracefully cross the room.

"I can tell you where to find your bother, Sarah," he stated without feeling.

Her eyes widened in excitement. "Where? How can I get to him?" she cried.

"All in good time," the Oracle sighed. "For now rest more. I had rooms prepared in anticipation of your arrival. Please make use of them and we shall talk further in the morning." With that the Oracle departed and left the two travelers staring at each other.

Suddenly Sarah stormed away from Jareth. "Where are you going?" he inquired knowing fair well what her intensions were.

"I'm going after him. You know," she said facing Jareth, "you magic regal types are all the same. Everything has to be done your way or no way at all."

As she made for the exit again Jareth took hold of her arm. "You can't go after the Oracle, Sarah."

"Why not? You may be willing to sit here and let him demean you and order you around, but my brother needs me and I've wasted enough time already. Besides I couldn't sleep now."

"What that golden giant says is the truth as he sees it. And if you want to get anything further from him you'll do as he asks."

"Toby could be in danger. He could be lying half dead in a dungeon somewhere or hanging upside-down being poked at by wood sprites! I'm not waiting any longer!"

"Sarah. You are being irrational, as per usual. However I think in this case you should rethink your decisions before you make them."

"I've made up my mind," she pulled away from him with gritted teeth.

She ran off through the doors at the far end of the enormous hall. On the other side was a tiny, dimly lit corridor with only one other door way. That room too was very dark and Sarah had to fully enter through the doorway to see what was inside. It was a simple room with simple wood furniture; mainly a small wardrobe and a low bed. When she turned around to return to Jareth waiting in the grand hall the door had disappeared leaving a blank wall.

Sarah pounded furiously at the solid wall. Her panicking green eyes scanned the room in hopes of some other way out. When she realized she was trapped, she flung herself on the bed and burst into tears. Sarah's emotional collapse was both from frustration and exhaustion.

Her mind raced. How would she get to Toby now? Why did she trust Jareth to help her? What good had come out of it? None so far. She wished she'd left him in that goblin bar and stayed with Hoggle from the get go. Then in mid-sob Sarah heard a door creek open into the room. Raising her flushed wet face she saw Jareth enter.

"I can't believe you really went after him, though I knew you wouldn't find him," he was saying.

Before Sarah could scream "STOP!" the door flew shut and disappeared again.

"What?" he jumped, shocked by her outcry. He turned to see the blank wall and cursed inwardly at himself. "Should have known," he sighed.

Jareth sat down next to Sarah on the bed. With a moan of grief Sarah buried her head back into the pillow. The former King stroked her long dark locks and tried to comfort her. Forgetting for a moment who this man was and where they were, Sarah allowed herself to enjoy the soothing motions and relaxed ever so slightly. Feeling the tension leave the young woman's shoulders Jareth moved his rhythmic stroking down to rub her lower back. It was after only a few moments of this that Sarah lifted her head to regard Jareth.

"What are you doing?" she asked, nose wrinkled in slight disgust.

Jareth took pause and moved his hand away. "Nothing," he said innocently. "I thought you liked it."

"I did. I mean I do, but why are you doing that to me?"

"Should I not?" He looked at her in confusion as though their situation was natural.

"Jareth!" Sarah laughed awkwardly rolling onto her side. "You and I, we aren't exactly friends. We don't even like each other."

"Are you sure about that? You seemed to like me just fine when you kissed me the other morning under that fallen tree," he teased.

Sarah was shocked. She'd thought he was sleeping when she'd kissed him. "That was a mistake," she retorted. "I would never do that now."

"No?" he smirked. "I bet you would."

"No I wouldn't so don't you try anything."

"Me? Never," he winked.

Sarah blushed and pushed him off the bed. Luckily the frame was so low to the ground that Jareth barely fell at all. "We should get some sleep. You take the floor and I'll take the bed."

Jareth stood dusting himself off, suddenly taking a regal air. "I don't think so, Sarah. I do not sleep on floors," he stated sternly. "Either we share the bed or you take the floor."

Sarah could see he was serious; all humour had left the man's tone. Sarah huffed and grabbed the top blanket and a pillow. "Fine," she declared, " you take the bed Your Majesty. And I will humbly take the hard, cold floor."

"Come, come now, Sarah," he chided. "I promise I will be a perfect gentleman. There really is no need for you to be a martyr here."

Ignoring Jareth's request, Sarah settled herself on the old floor. "Good night, Jareth," she said flatly.

"You really are as stubborn as a mule," he grumbled blowing out the few candles that lit the small room. "What happened to the little minx?"

TBC…