III.
Sarah followed the goblin through the castle, trying to memorize the path to her room as they winded through hallways and up staircases. After walking for a while they stopped at an arched doorway the goblin beckoned for Sarah to go into the room, and as Sarah turned around the goblin and the doorway were gone. She peered around the room, it was brilliantly lit with beautiful chandeliers and a long dining table going almost the whole length of the room. The table was a beautiful cherry wood with long backed chairs on both sides. The walls were tall and solid with one great window at the head of the table, from where Sarah was standing she could see a balcony and as she crossed the room to look out the window she marveled at the intricate designs on the backs of the chairs, golden flowers with long, dainty vines covered the whole back. She traced her fingers along the designs, and the gold flowers seemed to dance and glitter at her touch.
Entering onto the balcony, Sarah gaped at the sight below her, so familiar and yet so foreign, there stood the Labyrinth, the walls of the intricate maze just barely visible. She felt a pang, remembering her dear friends whom she hadn't seen in a long time, wondering what they were up to she tried searching for any sign of life within the Labyrinth, but found only the warm breeze drifting up to her, smelling of earth and cloves. From this point, the Labyrinth seemed harmless, peaceful even, but Sarah knew better. She felt anger coil deep in her belly, she was an adult damn it! This was supposed to be a fairy tale, something she had moved on from, and here she was again, back under the Goblin King's thumb.
Jareth:
For some time, he watched the dark-haired girl as she peered over his lands. He knew without seeing her face that she was deep in thought, and he enjoyed seeing her brooding expression, the darkening of her jade eyes. Jareth could feel the anger rolling off her and he cleared his throat, deciding to make his presence known. As the girl quickly turned to face him, Jareth smiled, let the games begin.
Sarah:
She felt his presence before she heard him, it was like an electricity in the air whenever he was near. When he made a sound, she flipped towards him, anger flashing in her eyes. "You," she spat, looking at his sardonic grin, "take me home. Now." Jareth's grin got impossibly wider as he responded calmly, "But Precious, you've only just arrived, and besides, I couldn't even if I wanted to." Sarah glared at him, "I don't want any of your lies Jareth, I want to go home." His eyes flickered with something unrecognizable, "My dear, I cannot lie. You and I have made a deal, it has been sealed with a kiss. I could not return you to your sad little apartment even if I desired to. These things have rules you know," he casually brushed a piece of nonexistent lint off his shirt and Sarah found herself distracted by his hands, his long fingers were long and slender, much like the rest of him. She snapped back to attention, "Rules?" she asked.
Jareth's eyes lit up with amusement "Yes, Precious, rules. Now if you would kindly stop glaring at me, we can discuss those rules over dinner, as civilized people." He gestured towards the grand table, now lined with exquisite foods. Sarah eyed him warily, but followed him into the room. Okay, she thought, if this is how he wants to play it, game on. Jareth pulled out a chair for her and she sat down, he, of course, went to sit at the head of the table, caddy corner to her. She appraised the spread in front of her, her mouth watering at the buttered rolls and grilled chicken and various steamed vegetables she had never seen before. She looked pointedly at Jareth, "Can I eat this?" she asked. "Of course, Sarah, you are already in the Underground, nothing here will affect you anymore. Essentially you are part fae now." Sarah's eyes widened, and although she had many questions to ask, her stomach growled and, remembering what he said before about not being able to lie, she decided to give in to her hunger, pulling one of the steaming rolls off the pile she bit into it, savoring the sweet honey butter that oozed from it.
Author's Note_
Hi all! I know this chapter is VERY short, I wanted to get something posted and hear some reviews/ suggestions. I am trying to decide if I should continue this story or not so please let me know!
As always; I own nothing of Jim Henson's work.
I look forward to hearing from you :)
