Dreams Forgotten

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The girl danced freely, her dark hair flowing wildly around her, a crown made from ivy adorned her head. The dress she wore was made entirely from tree blossoms intricately woven together to form a backless trumpet style gown. The dress must've had some magic to it as well. To allow her to move freely without falling apart. And the color of the blossoms were ever changing, each time it shifted. A light dusting of glitter speckled her body and hair. Creating the most wonderful effect in the light of the fire.

Her head was tilted upwards, her eyes closed, a look of pure bliss and peace on her face, as if she were basking in the moonlight. Something about her called the attention of the other magical beings who watched her in awe and some in curiosity.

"A mortal?" The dark haired fae raised his eyebrow to the older fae standing next to him.

"Ah, yes. But look closely. She has the mark of a Fae."

The first man looked at her again more closely this time. Now it was so clear to him he wasn't sure how he hadn't noticed it before. A beautiful glow emitted from her and if you focused enough it almost appeared as if it was coming from golden line across her forehead. Only, keen eyes would see the mark. But most everyone would be able to sense it.

When the song ended she opened her eyes, smiling widely as she made her way through the crowd. Pausing every now and then to speak to those around her. It was apparent that she was used to these types of celebrations and strange beings; that would scare any normal mortal. But then again any normal mortal would not be here in the Underground. She stopped when she reached a barrel full of ale.

"She certainly knows her way around. Who is she?"

The older fae smirked at his friend, "You don't know? I'm shocked. Usually, it is I who goes to you for information and gossip from around the Underground. Perhaps you're losing your edge?"

"Enough with your remarks brother. As you know I've had more pressing matters to attend to, than the gossip of the kingdom. Do you know who she is or not?" He was growing agitated with his friend.

"Relax, brother. I know nothing of the girl. Other than a few rumors of a mortal making her way through the Underground. From what I've heard she's made quite the impression on those she's met." Shaking his head he let out a laugh. "But, if i didn't know better I would think from that look in your eye you might be interested in bedding her."

"Nonsense, I'm merely curious as to how a mortal made her way to the Underground and who gave her the mark." He looked at the girl again. Certain to find out more about her. "Alas, brother it is getting late. Let us take our leave." With that they disappeared into thin air.

Someone handed her a tankard full of the sweet smelling ale.

"Goblin made?" She asked, trying to speak over the music and sounds merriment around her.

The being who handed her the drink responded with a swift nod of the head, while continuing to hand out more drinks.

The sweet taste of peaches filled her mouth as she took her first sip of the drink. Quickly, she finished and asked for a refill. Then another and another after that.

Goblin made ale had a way of sneaking up on people. People would drink cup after cup not realizing how quickly they were or the effects it was having on them. Suddenly, they'd be drunk as a skunk during happy hour.

After her fourth drink she began to feel dizzy and a drunken smile splayed across her face as she swayed gently with the breeze. She let out a sigh as a clock somewhere in the distance chimed 13 times. It was time for her to leave.

She felt the familiar pull in her stomach as she began to shift between realms. The feeling only lasted a few seconds, she opened her eyes expecting to be back in her room, but was instead greeted by a stone wall covered in mosses, lichen, and glitter. She was in the Labyrinth.

"Goblin King!" She felt his presence almost immediately. She turned around to greet him and was startled by how close he stood to her.

"Yes, Precious?" A mischievous grin playing at the edges of his lips.

"What is the meaning of the this?" She gestured to the walls around them.

"What ever do you mean, Precious?" He asked playfully and took a step closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"It's 13 o'clock, if I don't leave now I'll be forced to stay here forever." She looked worried and tried yet again to leave.

"Don't fret Precious. I have re-ordered time to allow us a few minutes together." She visibly relaxed at his words and laid her head against his chest. She inhaled deeply. He smelled of peaches.

"Where were you tonight? I saved you a dance but you never showed." She looked up at him, admiring his beauty. She knew no other could ever compare to him. For in her eyes he was perfect.

"I'm sorry to have missed the celebrations then. You look mesmerizing, I can only think you must've looked even more so tonight while you were dancing in the moonlight."

A blush colored her cheeks at his compliment. "Thank you." Holding each other tightly, they began to dance.

"I wanted to be there but there was an issue with the goblins. It couldn't be put off."

She giggled, "What trouble did your goblins get into this time? Try to steal your crown again?" She asked teasing.

"Careful there or I'll send you to the Bog of Eternal Stench," he said in what was supposed to be a threatening voice but was ruined by his smile. They continued to dance in awkward circles in between the walls on the labyrinth. Suddenly he stopped.

"Stay with me." His voice now serious. He stroked her hair and held her even closer to him.

After a moment of silence she spoke. "You know I can't." She pulled her body away from his. His arms dropped allowing her to back away completely.

A hurt look crossed his face. "You could." He paused, when he spoke again his voice sounded broken and pleading. "I'd give you your dreams."

"Jareth…" She tried finding the right words but nothing seemed fitting. His eyes searched hers, trying to find what she would say next. For a moment he thought she would agree, he could see in her eyes the longing, the want to stay. But in a flash that was replaced with a look of cool determination.

"I can't stay here. My life in the Aboveground, its too important. I have a duty to my family, you know that." She had to pause to take a deep breath and stop her voice from cracking. "It's not that I don't appreciate what you're offering me. Or what you've done for me. You've shown me a magic and granted me a power I would have never known. This whole world…" Her voice grew quiet as she was lost in her thoughts and emotions.

He stood motionless, his face took on a stony gaze. He knew that after she left tonight she wouldn't be returning. He could feel his heart breaking. She placed a chaste kiss on his cheek and stepped back, "Goodbye Goblin King," she said as she disappeared from this realm and returned to her own.

The Goblin King stood still in that spot, slowly he brought his gloved hand to the spot where she kissed him. "Goodbye Sarah O' mine."