Version Control
Jareth discovers a new Labyrinth book and is aggrieved. Written in response to a challenge based on the book "Labyrinth: The Photo Album", and the challenge proposer's skepticism about Jareth's tone in it.
Jareth's expression was darkly eloquent as he stared at the book.
Labyrinth: The Photo Album sat demurely on the table, open to one of the annotated pages.
"It's not that bad," I tried. "They used a very nice font for you."
I hadn't realized exactly how much scorn you could fit into a single eyebrow arch.
"The tone," he grit out, "is wrong. Utterly wrong at every turn."
I eyed the current line. I have woven the Labyrinth from strands of deceit and trickery. "Well," I hedged, "you are rather fond of deceit, trickery, and weaving."
He growled. " 'It is a perfect peach. You are very hungry.' As if I can't use a proper contraction. Who narrates like that?"
I flipped a few pages. "They did add in some contractions later."
His glower only increased.
I sighed. "What does it matter really? It's only one popular sketch of our story, now with some...additional embellishment. It doesn't really affect us, honey. Why not just Bog the book and be done with it?"
I got the full force of his crystalline eyes. "Sarah, this rendition of my character is an utter travesty. You know as well as I do the impact of the human imagination on us. This cannot stand."
I diplomatically neglected to mention his lack of using contractions right there. "Well, I suggest you get writing then."
"What?"
"You don't like what they've written for you? Then write something better. Get it picked up, get the Labyrinth fans to like your rendition better, and let the poor imitation in that book fade into obscurity."
He stared morosely at the book for a long moment, and then reached for his tablet, muttering, "I can damned well find a better font than that…"