Entering the Labyrinth

The Fifth Hour

The walk along the river becomes very agonizing. Everything inside Alexis is wound tight like a spring, and everything feels like nails on a chalkboard to her. Her mother may have warned her about river ghouls that would drown them, but she was never warned about the goblin who would not stop telling stories for a single second. It is in her upbringing and culture to respect her elders and listen to their words. But inside, she is so overstimulated and spread thin that every word feels like nails on a chalkboard. Keep deep breathing; keep focusing on the water and trees and grass around you to ground yourself. But it doesn't help her to feel better, only helping enough to keep her from snapping.

"...and that, little Griffling, is how I bested my old friend Ludo in the stone-stacking competition! And that was no small feat since he is the lord of the rocks!" Cleo responded in high-pitched chirps and clicks, showing their enthusiasm. "You know, young grifflinette, you are very attentive and a wonderful listener. And I appreciate you and the other lady Alexis' company very much," he exclaims with an affectionate hand on the griffin and another extended to the human. 

Alexis barely hears any of the details of what he is saying as she is walking ahead of the Underground companions. She also does not have the patience right now to walk at their pace, feeling each ticking second in her heartbeats. She begins to chastise herself for taking things so nonchalantly up to this point, wasting all this time in this corner and that corner of the realm. She has to keep pushing herself, pushing harder, to make it to Kit and get them home. And if there is remaining time left on the clock, Alexis has an idea of where she can have the Goblin King shove it. 

Master Bhia's call cuts off her fantasy. "Alexis! Why don't we stop soon for a break? I can make us some nice tea. I collected some great-looking mushrooms from the forest!" Alexis screams internally; the last thing she wants to hear right now is about wasting more time. And, she also knows she cannot deny the request of an elder. She shoves her frustration into a mental container and shoves it into a far corner of her mind before turning back to her companions to politely address them.

"Yes, that's alright, Master Bhia. But how much time do you think you will need to stop for? We really should get going as soon as we can," Alexis tries to gently press, hoping she won't anger the old man with being so demanding.

"Oh, come now, Alexis. Master Bhia does make delicious tea," a voice sing-songs out and Alexis snaps around like a sling-shot to see the Goblin King where he was not a few seconds ago. Alexis has not seen him since he first brought her here, and now looking at him is like looking at someone completely different. He looked the same- just different, lighter clothing in deep chocolate and maroons- but Alexis could not deny the rising heat in her at the sight and sound of him. "You can take all the time you want; no rush," he says with a smirk. 

Cleo seems to have shrunk into herself, crouching low in defense and fear with ears back. Bhia seems unfazed by the King's presence, even offering a greeting and pleasantries. "Ah, young King Eric, what a delightful chance meeting. What brings you down here?"

Eric gives a slight bow to the elder but does not take his eyes away from Alexis as he comes closer to the group. "I happened to notice our young challenger walking along the river. Is the Labyrinth really that boring, aren't you interested in seeing more of the special sights we have to offer here? You'll never experience anything quite like it anywhere else, after all, so you wouldn't want to miss out."

Alexis has personally never "seen red" before, but it is like being consumed and having your body taken over. Her feet are marching over to the King before she can even think about her options, and she gets in his face enough that she can see his seafoam eyes go wide in surprise.

"Don't you dare patronize me, Goblin King! I have been drugged and thrown off a cliff and put through mind game after mind game here! This is just your sick, twisted way of getting your jollies off, just watching me struggle time and time again, and I am fed up with it! I am getting Kit back, and you can go to hell!"