Author's Note: It's been ages, yes? Sorry, but I kind of lost my motivation there for a while. But it appears to be back now!
For Sarah the afternoon passed in a whirl of laughter and memory. Elated at the chance to relive her adventure without a time-frame or the threat of losing her beloved brother to the Goblin King, she happily explored every inch of the labyrinth with Hoggle as her less-than-willing guide. For his part, the dwarf was still anxious and fearful of Jareth's wrath. He had easily sensed that there was something lurking just below the surface of the king's nonchalant facade, and he would be willing to bet a trip to the Bog that it was nothing good.
Somehow, Hoggle found that he was unable to express his doubts to his cheerful companion. The pair sat at the edge of the Firey's forest, gazing at the castle beyond the Goblin City which shone in the late afternoon sun. Sarah, perched upon a rock with her arms resting on her folded legs, gave a small sigh of contentment and smiled. Without taking her eyes away from the scenery, she turned to speak to her diminutive companion. "Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?"
Hoggle shook his head mutely. He had to admit it, it certainly was a sight. Although not afflicted with a poetic soul, even Hoggle could appreciate the beauty of an Underground sunset. "It certainly is, missy. And a sign, I think, that we oughta get going if we want ter reach the castle 'fore nightfall."
Unwillingly, Sarah nodded and rose, taking time to stretch her tired and aching muscles. "I suppose you're right, Hoggle. We still have a long way to go." Stifling a yawn, she seized her friend's hand and prepared to resume their journey. Sarah had barely taken a step when she stilled, sensing a presence behind her.
She was about to ask Hoggle if he had heard anything when a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"That won't be necessary," Jareth said softly. Sarah and Hoggle turned to find the Goblin King standing uncharacteristically tall and rigid. Sarah very nearly shivered when she noticed the frosty look in his eyes.
"What... won't be necessary?" Sarah stammered. For the first time since she had set foot in the labyrinth, Sarah was truly scared. No matter how difficult matters had become during her last visit, Sarah had always managed to cling to a single-minded conviction that she was the heroine of the piece; only she could solve the labyrinth and defeat its ruler. But now she wasn't so sure. Jareth was no longer her opponent, but he sure scared the hell out of her.
It was the cold and lifeless expression on his face which did it. Unnervingly quiet, Jareth appeared to watch her with a mixture of cold fury and bitterness. Something was dreadfully wrong, of that Sarah was sure.
"I said it won't be necessary for you to walk to the castle," Jareth said softly, interrupting her thoughts. "I will be happy to transport you and your...friend…to my castle." Jareth spat the word as though it were a swear. He watched passionlessly as Sarah struggled visibly with his offer. It was clear that she didn't trust him, but much preferred his magic to an hour's worth of walking.
"Alright," Sarah said, nodding slowly. "We'd appreciate that."
Oh, an effort at politeness. My, how we've grown. Jareth barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her attempt at civility. Instead, he extended a hand to the girl, wordlessly commanding her to take it. Taken aback by his harsh expression, Sarah nevertheless slipped her small hand into his gloved one and closed her eyes as the sensation of being whisked away overtook her.