Sarah wasn't lying in her message when she said she was alive and well.

Jareth had kept her locked away in his grand quarters for the past week or so, leaving her books, and crystals to keep her occupied between visits.

This particular evening, Sarah sat curled in one of the many couches that sat rounded before a raging fireplace.
She stared into the flames blankly in wonder.

Back.

Truly back in the Labrynith.

But Sarah was older now... it all looked so different. The perspective and meaning behind the wild, winding maze of emotion had changed almost completely.

The sensation of prickling hair on her neck warned her of the presence watching from the shadows.
"I finished the books." She called simply.

Heavy boots padded across the stone floor.
The Goblin King stepped slowly into the soft light of the fire, allowing his festers to come into view.

"My Sarah." He smiled, making his way around to the front of the seat she sat on.
"My precious... sneaky Sarah."
The wicked lick of sneaky as it bit from his teeth sent a shiver up her spine.
Never the less, it didn't stop her from raising a deifying chin up at his highness.

"Such flattery." She noted carelessly.

"Did you really think that little message of yours would go unnoticed?" He quizzed... the kindness gradually leaving his tone.

Sarah's stomach swarmed with nerves as she struggled to keep her calm face in place.
"Can you seriously blame me for trying?"

"No, no I would expect nothing less." He moved to crouch down in front of her.
"In fact I should be thanking you."

Sarah's brow quirked up in curiosity.
"For?"

"For giving be the pleasure of getting to know your lovely niece."

The mention of her niece was enough to knock a whole strait through her visaud.

"Allison?!" She exclaimed.

Jareth rose from his crouch to walk leisurely to the fireplace.

"Fistey one, isn't she?" He flashed her an excited smile.
"Though that attitude of hers nearly got her throat ripped out." He mused back to her outburst during their first meeting.

"Is she here? In the underground?" Sarah pressed urgently.

"Yes... she has been for the past four hours now." He informed, looking to the golden clock hanging on the far wall.

Sarah closed her eyes and suppressed the smile that threatened to break her features. All those years of stories... of training. Allison was running the Labrynith.

"She's a bit... mature... isn't she?"
Sarah knew he was referring to the very thing her niece struggled with most.
Anybody who had ever met Allison could tell she was 17 going on 25.
It was true her attitude could get away from her.
Her drive to be an adult to soon.
Sarah could only pray that these struggles would not be the case in this adventure.

Sarah looked away from the flames and that of the mismatched eyes of the Goblin King.

"Don't underestimate her Jareth."