DISCLAIMER: Characters, scenes, ideas, settings, etc, from the movie Labyrinth are (c) Henson, Lucas, Froud, etc, and ARE NOT MINE. OCs are mine, except where traits are borrowed from various cultural & mythological traditions. (stay tuned for A/N at the end) May 16th tweak.
Walking. Striding through a familiar but still unidentified landscape. Moving purposefully, yet toward a destination still undetermined. Or at least not determined by him. It doesn't take Jareth long to realize that he is in a dream-state, nor that it is unusual, even considering past experience.
He will have to refrain from comparisons, as that is dangerous even during times of greatest alertness; the conscious mind, as well as all levels of the subconscious, is more vulnerable during these periods. Jarring himself awake could cause unforeseen repercussions, and not just for him. Given how linked the Goblin Kingdom is to its King, how intertwined the Labyrinth is within Jareth's dreams and magic, Jareth makes the swift and wise decision to wait out this dream.
Unless, of course, he sees that he will have to shatter this dream, find the weak spot in its crystalline structure.
Meanwhile, he is still walking.
Not pacing, as he continues in his original direction.
Nor quite striding as there is no need for great speed.
Certainly not marching; the Goblin King invariably moves with exquisite, masculine grace.
Up hill, down dale, skirting groves of trees as the landscape itself shifted, he gains the sense of being directed. Having his footsteps line up for a specific point of arrival. While he is uncomfortable with that thought, he knows that he is safe.
Falling asleep in an antechamber of the High Court, when there only as a prompt response to a Summons, is a guarantee of personal safety, Jareth thinks, wryly.
Time and distance, space and topography have no real meaning in this not-quite-a-place.
Walking. Through clouds and mist. Through desert-clear air and midnight skies. Past dreams and despair.
And suddenly not alone.
Nobody joins him. Rather, no body joins him, yet he is joined by a sense of Presence.
"At last we can speak in person, Most Honored Labyrinthine Alliance." Jareth's intonation is respectful, even if a bit florid.
He gains a sense of the LA smiling in return.
Tell us, Goblin King, how are you enjoying your search so far? Would you care to rest awhile and leave us to continue the pursuit?
A/N: It was either end this chapter here, and post it, or wait another week (or three). As always, please post review, help me spot typos, etc. So... how do you think this chat with the LA is going to go? What's coming next?
May 16th EDIT. See if you can spot what I've changed, and speculate as to why!