"There was once a time when the mortal world and the world of the Fae could mix in harmony. But that was long ago. That time is long over. There was but one night when the pathway closed, leaving the Fae in the mortal world trapped there, and the humans in the Fae world trapped there. The next day, thankfully, they could return to their rightful world. But should one race stay in the opposite world for too long, they were trapped there.
"The one night when the pathway closed was Imbolc. Perhaps you have heard of this day? It's also known as Gwyl Ffraed. No? I see that this shall take more explaining than I thought… but no matter. I shall teach you of Imbolc. Let's just say it was a precursor to you Americans' Groundhog Day. It is very different, despite the fact that it leads up to your so-called 'holiday.' Fire is a prominent element in it, to symbolize the power of the Sun over the coming months. It is the day that the goddess Cailleach gathers her firewood. The reason that pathway closed was because Cailleach does not take kindly to crossers that do not know the day coming upon her and taking pity. She can call upon her Storm Hags to destroy the traveler. Therefore, the guardians of the worlds decided that it was best that the pathway stay closed on that day. The worlds were at peace with each other for centuries.
"However, one year, there was an accident on Imbolc. Cailleach went on a rampage, destroying nearly everything in her path. She spared none who she came across. In her rage, she destroyed the pathway. Yes, there was a physical path that connected the worlds. She destroyed it, with such magical force that it was impossible to rebuild it. As you can guess, whatever world you were in on that day, you were trapped in. Hush, hush, everything I'm telling you has to do with my story.
"That year, things went into complete chaos. The mortal world went into the Dark Ages; the Fae world went into complete anarchy. All of the goblins you see here? They were once humans. Any human trapped at that time became a liability, and was therefore turned to another creature. It really depended on their character and physical appearance. The larger humans became trolls, the smaller, goblins. It does seem like this doesn't really matter, but the history of this world is my history. I have been shaped by the events of this world. If not for the pathway closing, I would not exist. Yes, it sounds boringly cliché," he chuckled. "However, it was vital to what happened to this world. It was torn by war from that point on over claims to land, now that we had nothing to distract us from our own land.
"As common to war, it was followed by the victorious pillaging the defeated. This often involved methods such as theft and rape. There was nothing anyone could do to stop it; it all seemed like a natural thing. But that was how nearly all the current leaders were born; through rape of a woman of the defeated tribe by the victorious king. But nearly every time, the king took the woman with him. They weren't all heartless murderers. Most kings did not have a son to carry on the line; they needed one. The woman usually became a cherished part of the king's life. That's how my parents were. The previous king took a woman in victory, and she became my mother," Jareth said, seemingly about to cry. The memory must be painful, Sarah realized, and at that moment, his face hardened and all trace of the vulnerability he had shown faded. "But they are both long dead. She was a good mother, for all I remember. I was only one of three children.
" My sisters have realms of their own. I was lucky; as a male, I choose my own mate, and my own realm. I chose the goblins, as they're easy enough to control. My older sister, Sarina, was given the realm of the faeries. I pity her. Faeries are little nuisances. She was given Nadire, a Fae of little importance himself, but from an influential family. Similar circumstances with my younger sister, Amille. Her realm is actually an underwater world. It was very odd when it was made known that she would rule the merpeople. Surprisingly, despite the arrogant nature of the people there, they took to her very well. I suppose it was because of her…" he paused to chuckle. "Amiable nature. But she was lucky enough to choose her mate from the merpeople.
"But none of this has to do with my story anymore. Do you understand the Fae any better now? Perhaps why I'm so hostile?" Jareth asked, resting his head on one hand.
"Not really, but it does close some gaps. Thank you for explaining to me," Sarah said, taking hold of one of the Goblin King's hands. She smiled and stood. "If you don't mind, I'm going to go back to my room and think. What I'm thinking about will affect you, I promise." Jareth immediately knew what she was speaking of. He nodded for her to leave. As she walked away, his eyes followed her body. It would ultimately be her decision whether or not she loved him, but if he had the ability Amille had to make people fall in love with her, things would be much simpler for him.
Sarah made her way back to her room, all the while her mind working furiously. Did she really love him? It flooded her with guilt to know that she had so much power over the emotions of someone who was obviously unbalanced. She sighed, sitting down on her bed. Suddenly, she was hit with an idea of how to figure out whether or not she loved him.
"Goblin King, I need you!" she cried, and no sooner were the words out of her mouth than he stood before her. He looked down imperiously at her, and her resolve faltered. "Jareth, I think I figured out how to really test what I feel for you. I don't want to hurt you, if I don't, though…" she said, biting her lip. Jareth raised an eyebrow. "I think maybe I should try… Never mind explanations. They're too complicated. Let me show you." Her voice had dropped to a whisper, and her hands shook a little as she stood up, slipping a hand onto the back of the Goblin King's neck. Sarah pulled him down to her height, and let her lips meet his.
The moment their lips had any contact, Sarah completely forgot everything else. For all she knew, it could have been hours before she felt any response from Jareth. His hands gripped her waist, holding on in a grip that warned that he would never let go. He was like a desperate puppy, always needing attention and love. Sarah felt his tongue on her lower lip, completely begging her for entry. She complied, and she knew now that she was in love with him. She broke away for one second. Sarah looked into his mismatched eyes and opened her mouth to speak.
"King Jareth! Your presence is commanded at the court of His Highness King Aodh!" A commanding voice came from outside the door. Jareth heard the name and nearly fell over in shock. "No," he whispered, his eyes wide. Sarah looked at him in utter confusion.
"What does that mean?" she asked, suddenly concerned.
Jareth took a deep breath before he could speak. "It means we are either in very deep trouble, or going to be rewarded. But knowing Aodh, we are in grave trouble. You'd best be prepared to not return from this trip." Sarah gasped.
"You mean he might kill us?" she asked, shocked. Jareth shook his head. He was incredibly pale and shaking.
"I mean he almost definitely will kill us."