Chapter 13, Farewell A Splendid Dream
UGGGHHHHH! Why? Stop bringing me here! Sarah's emotions were coming unhinged. She'd been roaming around the castle for what felt like hours, but no matter what turn she took it always led her back to the same place -Jareth's door. I don't want to be here! Please! I don't want to see him! She wanted to scream, but stomped her foot on the stone floor instead.
She turned in a huff, stomping all the way down the hall.
"You stupid castle, bring me to my fucking room already!" She hollered. She didn't know whether or not Jareth was still in his room, but at this point, she didn't care if he heard her or not.
With enough tension to split a mountain in two, she ventured down the dark corridor, yet again.
Jareth sat, hunched over in his throne. He'd made an effort to contemplate how fast everything had turned to utter shit, but resided in simply staring at the floor. He looked out a window, the sun was just starting to warm the land. It was just past noon. Without a sound, he turned his gaze back to the crack in the stone he'd been so thoroughly examining; it was going to be a long day.
"Thank the fucking lord." Sarah gave a sigh of relief. She'd finally made it back to her quarters, apparently cursing at the top of her lungs did the trick.
Once she entered the room, she leaned against the door with a thud. She looked out the window, and then at the clock. It's only 12:30? Ughh, this isn't going to be awkward or anything. She muttered.
She sank against the door, bringing her hands to her face, letting out a long sigh. God damn it Jareth... She shook her head, making her way towards the bathroom. Not knowing what else to do, she decided to take an extremely long and hopefully relaxing bath.
Jareth rolled a crystal along his finger tips, swaying it to the ticking of the clock. He paid no attention to the little Goblin that approached him. She's right, I'm being foolish. What do I want? What could I possibly expect of her? It's so easy for me...maybe I'm asking too much. But what am I asking of her? I never once asked if she would stay...
"...Sire?" Grahm said. The crystal froze in its place, but Jareth merely gave the creature a sideways glance.
"Make sure to bring lunch to the guest chambers, dinner will not be required." He said, very monotone at that.
Grahm gave his best attempt at a bow and went to scurry away.
"Wait." Jareth interjected, his eyes lost in the weightless crystal. "Give her this." He said, tossing the crystal to the little puff ball.
"What is it?" He asked. Jareth turned his head to look out the window, watching the sun rise higher in the sky.
"It's a present." He said. Grahm didn't question, and continued to exit the room.
Sarah dragged herself out of the bathroom, nervous as to what time it was. The sun was dimming, ever so slightly. She glanced over to the clock - 4:00 pm. Not too bad, I guess... She groaned. She saw something, all too familiar, sitting in the center of the room.
"Really? Well, at least he's still a gentleman." She said, pulling the food cart over to a chair.
The smile that had emerged at the prospect of a late lunch soon turned to a frown as she removed the lid. She forgot how lonely it was to have to eat by herself, she was missing the company. No, it's not him. Dining alone is dreary all on its own. Don't Sarah, you can't let yourself miss him already. She tried to rid her mind of any thoughts regarding what was to come, she needed to keep firm.
She paused, something caught her eye - a glimmer? Something within the centerpiece? After removing a few hindering flowers, she saw a crystal resting on little pillow. She gave it a confused and wary stare, not sure if she should touch it. Oh, what the hell. She shrugged, taking the orb in her hands. Nothing happened. She examined it as thoroughly as she knew how, peering into it, waiting for some kind of image to arise. Nothing happened. Thinking perhaps it was simply a crystal ball, she went back to her meal, in silence.
Tick, tock, tick, tock. The sound pounded in Jareth's head, oh how he wanted nothing more than to smash the blasted thing. He hadn't moved once that day, hadn't spoken a word. Even the Goblins remained quiet. The light from the window was gone - 9:30 pm. He thought about going to retrieve Sarah once or twice, but dismissed it at once. She knows when to come...She wants to go back, to have me sit idly by and accept it, then so be it. His stubbornness had kicked in full throttle.
Slowly, the door to the throne room creaked open, all but Jareth looked up. She felt nervous all of the sudden, everything was dark, the Goblins were at ease, and Jareth brooded like a statue. She ran a hand along her arm, making her way to him. He glanced up once she neared, and had to fight the huff that rose when he saw she was wearing the same outfit she had arrived in.
She stood before him, in much the same way as the night she was wished away, the night that now seemed so long ago. His eyes locked on hers. His, cool stone, and hers, full of anxiety.
"Leave us." Jareth said, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the shadows of the dimly lit room.
Without more than a low murmur, the Goblins made their exits. She felt the awkwardness rising, once they were alone.
"I take it you're ready then?" He asked, rising from the throne. She felt uneasy, he seemed different, dark -closed off. She couldn't blame him.
She didn't answer, but merely watched until he stood in front of her. He was closer than she expected. She tore her gaze away, and down to her pocket.
"What is this?" She asked, pulling the crystal from its confinement.
"It's whatever you want it to be." He said, moving to the side. She looked up, a little offended by his catty answer.
"Could you be a little more specific?" She asked. He stopped in front of the window, before turning around to face her once more.
"No." He said.
Standing in front of her once again, he looked down, brushing the hair away from her neck. She flinched slightly, and looked away, knowing her spirit would crumble if she were to stare in his eyes any longer. He pulled her in, and embraced her. She brought her arms to her chest, fighting both herself and him. His grip loosened, but he didn't let go.
"Will you not even give me the sanctity of a proper farewell?" He asked. She stood like a rock, knowing that if she showed the faintest crack, he'd blow her armor clean off. She fought, desperately, to keep the tears from her eyes.
Jareth felt the slight tremble of her body, and held her tighter.
"Good bye, Jareth." She stuttered, clenching the crystal in her hands.
He closed his eyes, and gave a lingering kiss upon her forehead, possessing more words than either of them had the will to say.
"Good bye, Sarah."
When he opened his eyes, he stood alone, clutching thin air, yet still felt the warmth of what had once been her. His arms drew in tighter, as if she might still be there, but she was gone.