Time and Again: Chapter the Third
Title: Time and Again
Rating: T (rating subject to change)
Fandom: Alice in Wonderland 2010, Jim Henson's Labyrinth
Pairings: Tarrant/Alice, Jareth/Sarah
Genre: Romance/Adventure
Summary: Alice has decided her time is up in the Overworld. She attends her sister's birthday party as a silent farewell to all she has known. However, while she talks to her bratty nephew, something happens she does not expect at all...
WARNINGS: fluff, introspection, overly-descriptiveness, personification of inanimate objects/concepts, pouty Goblin Kings. There may be additional future warnings, haven't decided yet.
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognizable trademarks displayed in this work of fiction. The ideas and writing are mine, however, so I would appreciate that my rights be observed in that respect.
...So, yeah. This is really late. Sorry about that. Life caught up with a vengeance. First it was the Fourth, and I had to get ready for our annual party, then attend the party, then the cats got sick and we were running around trying to get them healthy again, and I started my job and my dad's store. Then I had to go help out my best mate, whose granddad is dying.
Yeah, Life happened with a vengeance. Also, there was writer's block involved. It was Not Pretty. Anyway, here's the next chapter! Hope you like it!
Sarah was standing in front of the gate, trying to figure out how to open it without Hoggle there to help when she heard the gruff, tuneless singing behind her. A brilliant smile overtook her face. She’d know that voice anywhere, still talked to her friends in her mirrors sometimes. She’d never quite grown out of calling them, although as the years had progressed she’d not needed to call them as often. And they would always talk, though none would so much as breathe a barest hint of rumour on their King.
She’d also gained to ability from her Run to see round the edges of things, see where her world met the Other. She noticed that, while goblins were notoriously mischievous creatures, quite fond of jamming drawers with inexplicable items no one ever recalled buying and left socks, they seemed strangely respectful of her, and never touched her things except for a few times when she exhausted herself to the point of tears and throwing things and sleep. When she would wake up the next day, everything would always have been wholeheartedly cleaned up, as best a small, forgetful goblin knew how to clean.
“Well, bless me agin’ ‘eart. Been months since we heard from the likes of ye, Lady Sarah, can’t imagine why yer comin’ round to see a gard’ner like yer old Hoggle.” A croaky voice opined from behind her. Her face split into a beaming smile and she whirled around, dropping to her knees and engulfing the old dwarf in a hug full of ‘oh,I’mhomeagain!’ feelings. Strange how, now as she thought on it, the house and her childhood home had never truly felt like Home. That feeling had only been magnified when she’d returned from the Labyrinth the first time. But now, wrapped around a grumbly, grouchy old dwarf she felt so very much like this was her Home. (And that was a frightening feeling, because what if this was her homethenwasn’tJarethpartofherhome? And where did that leave her?) But now was not the time for those worries. Right now it was time to half-strangle an old dwarf for bringing back to her that sheer rightness of belonging.
“Oi, ease up! Ye’d think ye wanted me to die the way yer carryin' on!” Hoggle growled. She released him and stood up.
“I missed you,” Sarah said simply. And swore blind that the reason why Hoggle turned his face away was because he was hiding a blush. “‘Once more, unto the breach’ and all that? For old times’ sake?” She requested. Hoggle’s old face became set in an unhappy scowl.
“I’m ‘fraid this time we can’t, none a’us can. This time yer actin’ as Champion, no’as a regular Runner. I’d like ta, but all I kin do is open the gate fer ya.” He explained. Sarah felt her heart sink just a little bit, but smiled for him. For Hoggle, and for her friends. It wasn’t their fault, after all. She clapped her hands together and dusted off her knees.
“All right, then, time’s a’wasting! I’ve only got thirteen Hours, you know.” She said, and winked. “What say we get this gate open?” Hoggle grinned his twisty old grin, and the door swung noisily open.
“I wish yer luck, Lady Sarah. I know everyone’s bin missin’ ye, so be sure ter say hello.” He admonished. She bobbed an impish bow. “Na, scat. Afore you loose too much time.” She skipped off into the deeps of the Labyrinth, and the gate closed after her. Hoggle sighed, leaning on his can of pixie-spray. “I hope, this time round yer make th’right choice. Be it right for ye or he.” He mumbled into the wind before ambling off to go find more pixies. If his last count was right he was on forty-six for today.
-----
Alice looked into the crystal Jareth had conjured for her, after she had asked him, with her most genteel manners for a chance to view the progress of the Champion. She had retreated from the goblins’ party, with only Gruth accompanying her. He now laid curled-up in her lap, quite oblivious to the world. She sat in a window she’d found, overlooking the sunny landscape. She had just watched the Champion of the Labyrinth’s encounter with what must be one of her friends, for even though Alice was unable to hear what they were saying, it was a touching scene.
Although it appeared, if she had been reading the body-language of the pair correctly, that the Champion could not bring her old friends with her to Run the Labyrinth. She was now walking down a very long (endless?) corridor, one hand pressed to the place above her heart. Alice’s own hand migrated to that same place, the one that had felt rent in two when Hatter had given himself up for her sake. She’d crawled under his hat and quietly despaired - loneliness had plagued her since the time her father had vanished at sea. Her father had been the only one who had truly understood and accepted her particular brand of madness. When he’d died, she had had no one to share that with. When she’d gone to Underland suddenly she had a surplus of those who thought along the same lines as her, but only Hatter had really truly gotten her. But that was neither here nor there. If the Champion’s friends could not accompany her, then perhaps she knew one who could.
“Absolem, please, I need you again.” She said to the air softly, setting the crystal down next to Gruth and smoothing his frill of coarse fur-and-feathers. He snuffled in his slumber, and she smiled slightly. A breeze wafted the bright blue butterfly to her. “I’m sorry, Abby. I’m being awfully demanding lately, aren’t I?” She asked sympathetically. Absolem fluttered slightly, feelings ruffled.
“I have told you time and again not to address me by that infernally abysmal nickname,” he said, with a prim little sniff, “Yet you continue to do so. Why is that, stupid girl?” Her eyes glittered with mischief.
“Why, the same reasons you continue to call me ‘stupid girl’ when I have repeatedly reiterated that I am not.” She replied, and then chuckled. “Alliteration. I’m thinking of words that start with the letter ‘R’.” She sobered once more. “Absolem, I need you to tell my Ha- my friends in Underland that I’m going to be longer than I said I would. Will you do that for me?” She requested softly. Absolem fanned his wings.
“Yes, I’ll tell your Hatter,” he said derisively, having caught her slip. “And I’ll even tell the rest of that unruly lot.” Alice blushed, knowing better than to argue with the whims of the butterfly. “Is that all you called me for?” He asked, irritated. She bit her lip.
“Well, not exactly…” Alice murmured, fumbling for words that had, quite inconsiderately, flown all away. “If it wouldn’t be too much of a bother, I mean I have company and all what with the goblins and his Majesty, even though his Majesty is right now quite put out at the both of us, and really why is that? They should actually talk to each other, it’s really the only way to keep up a healthy relationship-” she babbled
“Alice!” Absolem broke in sharply.
“Oh! I’m fine, sorry, don’t know where that came from.” She said, blushing.
“I think I do, and when I say it’s not just Underland that lays Claim to your soul, I do mean it.” Absolem murmured under his breath.
“What was that, Abby?” She asked, caught up and still embarrassed. “Oh, never mind that, what I really wanted to ask you was if you would, perhaps, keep the Labyrinth’s Champion company on her journey, please. If it isn’t too much of a bother.” She said, biting her lip again.
“Oh, don’t keep doing that, stupid girl, you’ll end up with a bloody lip. In any case, it is a hassle, but I suppose I will. Since you asked.” He said in a very put-upon tone, rubbing his antennae. She smiled, and this, Absolem reflected, this was why he was so fond of the stupid girl. This smile that could light up entire rooms. “I’m off.” He said abruptly, launching himself from her hand and finding a nice updraft till he could go locate his door through the Veil.
“Thank you Absolem!” She called after him softly. “I am in your debt!” Absolem snorted mentally. No, he thought, I’m repaying my debt. The debt all Underland owes you.
-----
Sarah walked, one hand on the rather disgustingly slimy wall and the other fisted over her heart. She didn’t know it would be this hard to not have her dear companions along for the journey. It made the very core of her being hurt, a dull throb. Almost as if it wasn’t just her that hurt it was theentireUndergroundachingforherandherpain, it wasn’t meant to be like this. (achingandsoincomplete.) She stopped as her hand fell through the wall.
She paused.
“Don’t go that way, never go that way.”
Why had the Worm said that? Why shouldn’t she go the other way? She crouched down, looking carefully. There was a hole in the wall.
“Hello, is anyone home?” She called softly into it. No one answered. She bit her lip, standing again. Well, she more-or-less remembered how she’d gotten to the castle, so should she really risk it? She probably shouldn’t. Really, there was no telling where it might lead, and the Worm must have had some good reason to tell her to mot got that way.
Best not, then. She turned right and kept walking. Soon she was in the Labyrinth proper. She walked, always keeping an eye on the castle to orient herself.
“There you are, you insufferable idiot.” A cultured British voice made her jump and whirl around. There, floating about eye-level, was the ever-annoying blue butterfly who had talked her into this mess in the first place.
“I’m not an idiot,” she said sharply. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d gone to keep your Champion company.” The butterfly settled onto her shoulder.
“I had. She insisted that I come keep you company, stupid girl that she is.” He said, irritation seeping through. Her lips curved in a smile. She sounded nice, this Champion of Underland. The knot in her chest loosened, pain lessening, along with its strange echo.
“What’s her name?” She inquired, twisting her head to check the location of the castle. He fluttered, annoyed by he sway of her dark hair, and she pulled it up into a ponytail with a black scrunchie that she’d forgotten to take off her wrist when she’d left the studio. He settled, somewhat mollified.
“Her name is Alice, and she’s quite scatterbrained, the stupid girl. Almost as scatterbrained as you, my dear idiot.” He informed her. Sarah frowned slightly. Underland, Alice, this sounded familiar for some reason.
“Well, could you tell me about her, please?” She requested. “I’d like to know a bit about this girl I’m supposed to be saving.”
-----
Hoggle set down his can of pixie spray and sighed, relived, rubbing his chest. The pain in his chest had lessened. The Lady was feeling less betrayed and sad and lonely. He did wholeheartedly bless whatever or whoever had gotten her feeling better, as he was sure Ludo, Sir Didymus, Ambrosius and his Kingship did as well.
They were tied the closest to her, and felt echoes of her feelings when they were particularly strong. They all knew it would fade once she was installed properly and fully Bonded, but for now they had to endure. And they did.
‘Thank ye, whoever y’are. Now, if ye kin git her ter stay in th’ Labyrinth once it’s over, we’d be much obliged.’
-----
Alice set down the orb, breathing a satisfied sigh. Something in the air felt less tense, less utterly sad. It was funny, almost. The world here seemed to have actual feelings. She hadn’t felt a sensation like that since she’d been in Underland last. Perhaps it had something to do with the Fey Realms at large? She stroked Gruth’s frill again, smiling at the fact that even the little goblin seemed more relaxed. She wondered at the dark, coarse fur intermingled with brilliantly green-and-yellow feathers, quite liking the contrast.
Yoth and Hiccup had joined her a while ago, and were also asleep, Hiccup curled up next to Gruth and Yoth somewhere down at her feet. Their snores were far from musical, but she felt lulled into a doze even so.
There was just something utterly soporific about having a small, warm body curled up asleep on you, she’d discovered that when she was little and Dinah had still been alive. She felt a dull pang of loss. Dinah had been such a loyal cat, and it had about broken her heart when the old girl had finally given up. Her father had given her to Alice when she’d been a kitten, and they’d been partners in crime since then.
She woke with a hand resting on her shoulder and blinked up into a mismatched gaze. She blinked again, collecting her wits about her.
“Have you any tea?” She asked dozily. “I’m terribly late, you see. I keep doing that, and I’m quite afraid he may have given up on me.” She explained, only slightly more coherently. Jareth smirked at her, a sparkle of actual humour lurking in his eyes.
“Come down to the kitchens, and we’ll see if the cook can’t do you a cup of tea, little miss.” He informed her, shaking the two goblins in her lap awake. They tumbled to the ground and bounced up, ready to face anything (or so they proclaimed, in loud, sleepy voices). She smiled down at them and accepted Jareth’s proffered hand, as he led them down to the kitchens.
Once situated in a small parlour with a steaming cup of rich, smoky lapsang souchong she made a small, blissful noise. The king, she noted, favoured a delicate, almost-sweet Darjeeling white tea. She smirked into her cup. She’d become quite obsessed with teas, sampling every flavour from England to China. And what a wealth China was! She sighed blissfully again. Then she focused her attention better and realised the king actually wanted to say something to her. Only it looked like he didn’t quite know how to go about it. She smiled and lowered her cup after taking the first flavourful, bracing sip.
“Is there something you wanted to talk about, Majesty?” She prompted cautiously. He blinked, and absentmindedly took a sip of his tea.
“Hm, yes, there was something I wanted to ask you.” He said, almost-but-not-quite-fidgeting with his cup. She thought, very quietly, that he was far too refined to actually fidget with it. She smiled, encouraging. “Why did you leave?” He asked, quite seriously. Alice’s smile faded. “Why did you leave afterwards?” He pressed, almost urgent, almost loosing composure. “Even if you were going to come back, why did you leave?”
Rating: T (rating subject to change)
Fandom: Alice in Wonderland 2010, Jim Henson's Labyrinth
Pairings: Tarrant/Alice, Jareth/Sarah
Genre: Romance/Adventure
Summary: Alice has decided her time is up in the Overworld. She attends her sister's birthday party as a silent farewell to all she has known. However, while she talks to her bratty nephew, something happens she does not expect at all...
WARNINGS: fluff, introspection, overly-descriptiveness, personification of inanimate objects/concepts, pouty Goblin Kings. There may be additional future warnings, haven't decided yet.
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognizable trademarks displayed in this work of fiction. The ideas and writing are mine, however, so I would appreciate that my rights be observed in that respect.
...So, yeah. This is really late. Sorry about that. Life caught up with a vengeance. First it was the Fourth, and I had to get ready for our annual party, then attend the party, then the cats got sick and we were running around trying to get them healthy again, and I started my job and my dad's store. Then I had to go help out my best mate, whose granddad is dying.
Yeah, Life happened with a vengeance. Also, there was writer's block involved. It was Not Pretty. Anyway, here's the next chapter! Hope you like it!
Sarah was standing in front of the gate, trying to figure out how to open it without Hoggle there to help when she heard the gruff, tuneless singing behind her. A brilliant smile overtook her face. She’d know that voice anywhere, still talked to her friends in her mirrors sometimes. She’d never quite grown out of calling them, although as the years had progressed she’d not needed to call them as often. And they would always talk, though none would so much as breathe a barest hint of rumour on their King.
She’d also gained to ability from her Run to see round the edges of things, see where her world met the Other. She noticed that, while goblins were notoriously mischievous creatures, quite fond of jamming drawers with inexplicable items no one ever recalled buying and left socks, they seemed strangely respectful of her, and never touched her things except for a few times when she exhausted herself to the point of tears and throwing things and sleep. When she would wake up the next day, everything would always have been wholeheartedly cleaned up, as best a small, forgetful goblin knew how to clean.
“Well, bless me agin’ ‘eart. Been months since we heard from the likes of ye, Lady Sarah, can’t imagine why yer comin’ round to see a gard’ner like yer old Hoggle.” A croaky voice opined from behind her. Her face split into a beaming smile and she whirled around, dropping to her knees and engulfing the old dwarf in a hug full of ‘oh,I’mhomeagain!’ feelings. Strange how, now as she thought on it, the house and her childhood home had never truly felt like Home. That feeling had only been magnified when she’d returned from the Labyrinth the first time. But now, wrapped around a grumbly, grouchy old dwarf she felt so very much like this was her Home. (And that was a frightening feeling, because what if this was her homethenwasn’tJarethpartofherhome? And where did that leave her?) But now was not the time for those worries. Right now it was time to half-strangle an old dwarf for bringing back to her that sheer rightness of belonging.
“Oi, ease up! Ye’d think ye wanted me to die the way yer carryin' on!” Hoggle growled. She released him and stood up.
“I missed you,” Sarah said simply. And swore blind that the reason why Hoggle turned his face away was because he was hiding a blush. “‘Once more, unto the breach’ and all that? For old times’ sake?” She requested. Hoggle’s old face became set in an unhappy scowl.
“I’m ‘fraid this time we can’t, none a’us can. This time yer actin’ as Champion, no’as a regular Runner. I’d like ta, but all I kin do is open the gate fer ya.” He explained. Sarah felt her heart sink just a little bit, but smiled for him. For Hoggle, and for her friends. It wasn’t their fault, after all. She clapped her hands together and dusted off her knees.
“All right, then, time’s a’wasting! I’ve only got thirteen Hours, you know.” She said, and winked. “What say we get this gate open?” Hoggle grinned his twisty old grin, and the door swung noisily open.
“I wish yer luck, Lady Sarah. I know everyone’s bin missin’ ye, so be sure ter say hello.” He admonished. She bobbed an impish bow. “Na, scat. Afore you loose too much time.” She skipped off into the deeps of the Labyrinth, and the gate closed after her. Hoggle sighed, leaning on his can of pixie-spray. “I hope, this time round yer make th’right choice. Be it right for ye or he.” He mumbled into the wind before ambling off to go find more pixies. If his last count was right he was on forty-six for today.
-----
Alice looked into the crystal Jareth had conjured for her, after she had asked him, with her most genteel manners for a chance to view the progress of the Champion. She had retreated from the goblins’ party, with only Gruth accompanying her. He now laid curled-up in her lap, quite oblivious to the world. She sat in a window she’d found, overlooking the sunny landscape. She had just watched the Champion of the Labyrinth’s encounter with what must be one of her friends, for even though Alice was unable to hear what they were saying, it was a touching scene.
Although it appeared, if she had been reading the body-language of the pair correctly, that the Champion could not bring her old friends with her to Run the Labyrinth. She was now walking down a very long (endless?) corridor, one hand pressed to the place above her heart. Alice’s own hand migrated to that same place, the one that had felt rent in two when Hatter had given himself up for her sake. She’d crawled under his hat and quietly despaired - loneliness had plagued her since the time her father had vanished at sea. Her father had been the only one who had truly understood and accepted her particular brand of madness. When he’d died, she had had no one to share that with. When she’d gone to Underland suddenly she had a surplus of those who thought along the same lines as her, but only Hatter had really truly gotten her. But that was neither here nor there. If the Champion’s friends could not accompany her, then perhaps she knew one who could.
“Absolem, please, I need you again.” She said to the air softly, setting the crystal down next to Gruth and smoothing his frill of coarse fur-and-feathers. He snuffled in his slumber, and she smiled slightly. A breeze wafted the bright blue butterfly to her. “I’m sorry, Abby. I’m being awfully demanding lately, aren’t I?” She asked sympathetically. Absolem fluttered slightly, feelings ruffled.
“I have told you time and again not to address me by that infernally abysmal nickname,” he said, with a prim little sniff, “Yet you continue to do so. Why is that, stupid girl?” Her eyes glittered with mischief.
“Why, the same reasons you continue to call me ‘stupid girl’ when I have repeatedly reiterated that I am not.” She replied, and then chuckled. “Alliteration. I’m thinking of words that start with the letter ‘R’.” She sobered once more. “Absolem, I need you to tell my Ha- my friends in Underland that I’m going to be longer than I said I would. Will you do that for me?” She requested softly. Absolem fanned his wings.
“Yes, I’ll tell your Hatter,” he said derisively, having caught her slip. “And I’ll even tell the rest of that unruly lot.” Alice blushed, knowing better than to argue with the whims of the butterfly. “Is that all you called me for?” He asked, irritated. She bit her lip.
“Well, not exactly…” Alice murmured, fumbling for words that had, quite inconsiderately, flown all away. “If it wouldn’t be too much of a bother, I mean I have company and all what with the goblins and his Majesty, even though his Majesty is right now quite put out at the both of us, and really why is that? They should actually talk to each other, it’s really the only way to keep up a healthy relationship-” she babbled
“Alice!” Absolem broke in sharply.
“Oh! I’m fine, sorry, don’t know where that came from.” She said, blushing.
“I think I do, and when I say it’s not just Underland that lays Claim to your soul, I do mean it.” Absolem murmured under his breath.
“What was that, Abby?” She asked, caught up and still embarrassed. “Oh, never mind that, what I really wanted to ask you was if you would, perhaps, keep the Labyrinth’s Champion company on her journey, please. If it isn’t too much of a bother.” She said, biting her lip again.
“Oh, don’t keep doing that, stupid girl, you’ll end up with a bloody lip. In any case, it is a hassle, but I suppose I will. Since you asked.” He said in a very put-upon tone, rubbing his antennae. She smiled, and this, Absolem reflected, this was why he was so fond of the stupid girl. This smile that could light up entire rooms. “I’m off.” He said abruptly, launching himself from her hand and finding a nice updraft till he could go locate his door through the Veil.
“Thank you Absolem!” She called after him softly. “I am in your debt!” Absolem snorted mentally. No, he thought, I’m repaying my debt. The debt all Underland owes you.
-----
Sarah walked, one hand on the rather disgustingly slimy wall and the other fisted over her heart. She didn’t know it would be this hard to not have her dear companions along for the journey. It made the very core of her being hurt, a dull throb. Almost as if it wasn’t just her that hurt it was theentireUndergroundachingforherandherpain, it wasn’t meant to be like this. (achingandsoincomplete.) She stopped as her hand fell through the wall.
She paused.
“Don’t go that way, never go that way.”
Why had the Worm said that? Why shouldn’t she go the other way? She crouched down, looking carefully. There was a hole in the wall.
“Hello, is anyone home?” She called softly into it. No one answered. She bit her lip, standing again. Well, she more-or-less remembered how she’d gotten to the castle, so should she really risk it? She probably shouldn’t. Really, there was no telling where it might lead, and the Worm must have had some good reason to tell her to mot got that way.
Best not, then. She turned right and kept walking. Soon she was in the Labyrinth proper. She walked, always keeping an eye on the castle to orient herself.
“There you are, you insufferable idiot.” A cultured British voice made her jump and whirl around. There, floating about eye-level, was the ever-annoying blue butterfly who had talked her into this mess in the first place.
“I’m not an idiot,” she said sharply. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d gone to keep your Champion company.” The butterfly settled onto her shoulder.
“I had. She insisted that I come keep you company, stupid girl that she is.” He said, irritation seeping through. Her lips curved in a smile. She sounded nice, this Champion of Underland. The knot in her chest loosened, pain lessening, along with its strange echo.
“What’s her name?” She inquired, twisting her head to check the location of the castle. He fluttered, annoyed by he sway of her dark hair, and she pulled it up into a ponytail with a black scrunchie that she’d forgotten to take off her wrist when she’d left the studio. He settled, somewhat mollified.
“Her name is Alice, and she’s quite scatterbrained, the stupid girl. Almost as scatterbrained as you, my dear idiot.” He informed her. Sarah frowned slightly. Underland, Alice, this sounded familiar for some reason.
“Well, could you tell me about her, please?” She requested. “I’d like to know a bit about this girl I’m supposed to be saving.”
-----
Hoggle set down his can of pixie spray and sighed, relived, rubbing his chest. The pain in his chest had lessened. The Lady was feeling less betrayed and sad and lonely. He did wholeheartedly bless whatever or whoever had gotten her feeling better, as he was sure Ludo, Sir Didymus, Ambrosius and his Kingship did as well.
They were tied the closest to her, and felt echoes of her feelings when they were particularly strong. They all knew it would fade once she was installed properly and fully Bonded, but for now they had to endure. And they did.
‘Thank ye, whoever y’are. Now, if ye kin git her ter stay in th’ Labyrinth once it’s over, we’d be much obliged.’
-----
Alice set down the orb, breathing a satisfied sigh. Something in the air felt less tense, less utterly sad. It was funny, almost. The world here seemed to have actual feelings. She hadn’t felt a sensation like that since she’d been in Underland last. Perhaps it had something to do with the Fey Realms at large? She stroked Gruth’s frill again, smiling at the fact that even the little goblin seemed more relaxed. She wondered at the dark, coarse fur intermingled with brilliantly green-and-yellow feathers, quite liking the contrast.
Yoth and Hiccup had joined her a while ago, and were also asleep, Hiccup curled up next to Gruth and Yoth somewhere down at her feet. Their snores were far from musical, but she felt lulled into a doze even so.
There was just something utterly soporific about having a small, warm body curled up asleep on you, she’d discovered that when she was little and Dinah had still been alive. She felt a dull pang of loss. Dinah had been such a loyal cat, and it had about broken her heart when the old girl had finally given up. Her father had given her to Alice when she’d been a kitten, and they’d been partners in crime since then.
She woke with a hand resting on her shoulder and blinked up into a mismatched gaze. She blinked again, collecting her wits about her.
“Have you any tea?” She asked dozily. “I’m terribly late, you see. I keep doing that, and I’m quite afraid he may have given up on me.” She explained, only slightly more coherently. Jareth smirked at her, a sparkle of actual humour lurking in his eyes.
“Come down to the kitchens, and we’ll see if the cook can’t do you a cup of tea, little miss.” He informed her, shaking the two goblins in her lap awake. They tumbled to the ground and bounced up, ready to face anything (or so they proclaimed, in loud, sleepy voices). She smiled down at them and accepted Jareth’s proffered hand, as he led them down to the kitchens.
Once situated in a small parlour with a steaming cup of rich, smoky lapsang souchong she made a small, blissful noise. The king, she noted, favoured a delicate, almost-sweet Darjeeling white tea. She smirked into her cup. She’d become quite obsessed with teas, sampling every flavour from England to China. And what a wealth China was! She sighed blissfully again. Then she focused her attention better and realised the king actually wanted to say something to her. Only it looked like he didn’t quite know how to go about it. She smiled and lowered her cup after taking the first flavourful, bracing sip.
“Is there something you wanted to talk about, Majesty?” She prompted cautiously. He blinked, and absentmindedly took a sip of his tea.
“Hm, yes, there was something I wanted to ask you.” He said, almost-but-not-quite-fidgeting with his cup. She thought, very quietly, that he was far too refined to actually fidget with it. She smiled, encouraging. “Why did you leave?” He asked, quite seriously. Alice’s smile faded. “Why did you leave afterwards?” He pressed, almost urgent, almost loosing composure. “Even if you were going to come back, why did you leave?”