-- Draven's an interesting fellow, to say the very least. I hope y'all are enjoying the newest installments and that the past two years hasn't dulled any enthusiasm. If all goes well, y'all won't have to deal with any break of that length before this part of the story is finished again. --

Disclaimer: The original concept for Labyrinth was presented by Jim Henson. I am unworthy of licking his boots. The introduction of persons such as Chremslied and Draven come purely from yours truly. Enjoy.

Chapter the Twelfth

"I suppose I'm lucky," she ruminated aloud, trying to figure out what to do with the feather, "he could have expected me to become his constant companion like Chewbacca from Star Wars or something."

"Nope, that would just drive a Songbyrd nuts. They aren't exactly loners ... but they definitely enjoy their ability to experience solitude, and Draven especially so. I would also mind what he said and stay on the path," a voice said from behind her.

Turning around Sarah witnessed the spry bonsai creep down from the rock which she and Draven had been leaning against. Its evergreen leaves rustled softly as it moved. It crept down by lifting its roots and walking on the tips as though it were a ballot dancer. Although somewhat shaken by the sight of a moving tree, Sarah was not as spellbound by the sight as she would have been at the start of her journey.

"And, if I were you, I'd just stick that feather in your hair somewhere such as behind your hair or in that clip."

"Oh, thank-you," Sarah responded a little disconcertedly while taking the tree's advice. "Why should I follow his advice after what he just said about a gift given in friendship, and why should I believe you now?"

"I don't know, why shouldn't you? You have no reason to other than the fact that Draven did save your life. It's something that you have to determine on your own."

"How do I know that I'm making the right choice?"

"You don't," the tree replied in its clear, sonorous voice as it began walking down the path toward the Castle, "until after you witness the consequences of your choice."

Sarah followed, "So do I trust other or always expect a trick?"

"I don't know. That's your own choice. I certainly can't tell you how to live your life."

Sarah grinned. "I was mostly asking myself that. My name's Sarah by the way. How did you know that was Draven?" In fact, how can you even see and hear me at all for that matter? Not to mention talk.

"My name's Elfriede. Draven's come through here before. We've chatted about the Meaning of Life and other such things. He seems to enjoy wandering.

"I hope you don't mind, but I couldn't help over hearing your conversation with him (the two of you were sitting right under me after all) and I was wondering if maybe you wouldn't mind me accompanying you to the Castle? I've been wanting to go for some nearly fifty years now, but I never seemed to get around to it."

"Why do you want to go to the Castle?"

"Well, there is supposed to be a really good library in there somewhere. The natural science selection alone was at one time rumored to be the most extensive in the entire Underground. I've been hoping to get my branches on some of them," her voice grew softer and took on a conspiratorial quality, "you see, I've been working on a theory and I'm hoping to gather support for my thesis. If I can work out everything in time for the Sesquicentennial Father Oak Convention I may be able to make quite a stir. In fact, I could start a discussion that will be mulled over for centuries."

Elfriede fairly quivered with excitement. Her needles nearly stood straight out and the multiple blue berries decorating her branches turned a more brilliant and shinier shade of blue.

"Ah," Sarah said. She could tell that this as an important matter to Elfriede, but the subject went completely over her head. "I guess that's as good a reason as any to head to the Castle."

"Mmm-hmm. If nothing else I could just weave a tale about going to the City and maybe spark a renewed interest in travel other than the meandering through the Gardens. We would certainly be able to see and do more in the same amount of time."

"Why is that?"

"Well, the Gardens aren't exactly what they appear ... except for maybe the path. It's very unwise to stray from the path if you don't know where you're going. Places are sometimes farther than they seem, and the sizes of things change. Not to mention the fact that sometimes the landmarks get bored staying in the same place and move around."

Like you? Sarah couldn't help but think. "How big are the Gardens?"

"I'm not really sure. I think most of the kudzu know, but I never really had any interest in knowing."

Sarah looked up the path. The Castle loomed in the distance and didn't seem to be coming any closer. No matter how many small hills they passed or streams they crossed it always remained the same distance ahead: too far.

What do you talk to a tree about? Sarah thought after they had been walking in silence for a good while. For Sarah the silence wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but it wasn't easy either.

"Look! We're here," Elfriede said, breaking Sarah out of her reverie. "Oh my, I hadn't realized it would be so difficult."

Sarah only gaped.