"What changes things?" Sarah asked, her nose wrinkling slightly. Jareth barely glanced at her, instead turning towards the door. She moved quickly, grabbing his arm before he could open the door. "Answer me. What changes things?"
Jareth looked at her, surprised that she would have the courage to stop him, especially after how afraid she'd looked just moments ago. Her grip on him loosened and he shook her hand free. "It's nothing to concern yourself with."
"What does that mean?!" She exclaimed, her eyes flashing. "It does concern me so I have the right to know - to understand!"
A small smile crept across his lips as he leaned closer to her, his lip curling up ever so slightly. "Can you understand? I mean, really Sarah, what have you understood so far? Have you found anything to help break this curse?"
She stepped back, his words stinging just as much as a slap in the face. "I'm trying. Which is more than I can say for you. You've chosen to just sit here, letting the curse run it's course!"
His eyes hardened, the smile leaving his lips. "I'm weary, Sarah. Everything I've done and I still can't live up to your expectations." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a crystal ball, setting it on a table near the door. "You're not to leave this room, I can't have you running off again."
Sarah turned away from him, the door slamming behind him. Waiting for a moment, she tried the door and found it was locked. He really does intend on keeping me locked up in here! She glared at the orb, briefly wondering what would happen if she smashed it.
Banging noises came from the closet and she spun around just as the door flew up. "Damn doors! I can never get the combination right!" Hoggle grumbled as he stepped inside, removing a scarf that had become tangled around his head.
"Hoggle!" Sarah cried, bending down to hug him tightly. "I didn't think I'd see you again!"
"Oh, yes.." He squirmed away from her. "Let's not get too carried away." He nodded towards the orb, a knowing look in his eyes.
Sarah stood, walking over to thoughtfully consider the orb. Her own image was reflected in it, distorted by the texture and form. "I don't think smashing it would work. I suppose I could try to throw it out the window..." She murmured.
A colorful flurry of fabric interrupted her and she blinked as Hoggle expertly wrapped the scarf around the orb. "There." He said, a satisfied look covering his face. "Now we has some privacy."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
That little scab! He's getting braver with her here. Jareth leaned back in his chair, mildly irritated at Hoggle's attempt to block him but at the same time feeling a sense of pride at Sarah's effect on the dwarf.
He closed his eyes, thinking about the dreams. Why now? And why bring up his father? Yes, he knew that they were his memories but still...why? A sudden thought popped into his mind and instantly he was at the shelves, scanning the books before him.
It took longer than he expected to find the spellbook he was searching for. He gingerly carried it to the desk, placing it down gently. He hesitated, those same feelings from his youth bubbling up inside. I have to do this. It might be the only way. Taking a deep breath, he opened it.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sarah sat in the middle of the bed, her arms wrapped tightly around her legs. Unsure of how much time had passed since Hoggle left, she glanced at the clock in the corner.
The hour hand hovered slightly before the 13. Any moment and I'll be back in my room. Her mind returned back to Hoggle's story...
"Hoggle, what can you tell me about Jareth before the curse?" Sarah has asked him once the orb was covered.
"Well, not much. I haven't been here as long as he has." Hoggle waddled over a low stool and sat down. "I'm afraid that all I know is it that his father was the one who helped him create the curse."
Sarah sat down on the edge of the bed. "His father? If he was the one who helped him, then maybe we should be asking him about the curse." She said thoughtfully.
"That won't be possible." Hoggle said quickly. "He's been dead for quite a long time."
Sarah slumped forward, disappointed. Why is it that every time something could be helpful, it turns out to be a dead end??
"Well, I'd better be getting on now, missy." Hoggle hopped up, heading toward the closet. "I don't want Jareth catching me in here." He shuddered as he spoke, memories of the Bog of Eternal Stench filling his mind.
Sarah let herself fall back on the soft blanket, staring at the ceiling as she thought. Maybe it's worth another look at those books. Slipping off the bed, she walked to the closet, carefully studying the door.
Now that she'd seen Hoggle use the door twice, she thought she might have an idea of how to make it work. She slowly placed her hands on the door frame, lightly tracing it with her fingers as she imagined herself opening the door to Jareth's study.
Here goes nothing. Sarah opened the door and stepped in. The room widened and she smiled triumphantly. I did it!
"Well, well, well - what have we here?" Jareth's velvety voice startled her and she jumped, turning to face him. He looked vaguely surprised but hide it rather quickly with a question. "How did you do that?"