Labyrinth Pt. II

23. A Shared Memory

Plush pillows surround my head, as I lay on my back. As soon as I rested my head on the cloud-like cushions, my eyes closed and my heartbeat slowed down.
The room was silent, unlike my apartment. At home I could hear traffic and the neighbors surrounding me. It created a lullaby that, after the first month, helped me sleep.
The silence here was uncomfortable but I was too tired to be kept awake by it.
Once my mind fell further in to slumber, a landscape formed.
It was vibrant like the scenery I first saw when I came to this world. The pixies flew around the trees like they were playing tag with each other. The flowers were in every color and looked alien in their design. Despite their difference in appearance, they were beautiful.
My mind manifested my body so I could stand in the clearing by a stream.
I found a smooth rock that was perfect height for me to sit on. It was close to the stream. From my seat, I could see in to the water and looked at all the creatures swimming under the water's surface. A beautiful dragon creature with gills weaved its way through the water and evaded the other small aquatic critters. The creature had scales in hues of red and orange.
I brought my attention up from the water to examine the forest scenery. Large trees protected the small clearing I was in and at their bases were bushes. The flowers decorating the bushes in this area were purple and red. The sky was blue and held no clouds. Between the beautiful landscape, the relaxing sound of the stream, and the clear sky, I felt content.

"This was the place I often came to find reprieve from my daily tasks." A deep voice caused me to jump out of my skin.

Was that ever possible in a dream?
Now standing, I looked behind me to see the source of the voice was my travel partner. He was clothed in his leather trousers, a loose-sleeved linen shirt, that fit his torso quite nicely, and a purple, velvet vest. He looked like he ought. His goblin features were no longer hidden and his hue was its normal length.

"Pardon my startling you." He smiled. "Alas, if you forgive me for scaring you, I will forgive you for staring."

"As narcissistic as ever, even in a dream." I sigh.

"As fierce as ever, even in a dream." He retorts with a smirk. "Usually in my dreams, when you are starting in them, speaking is never the chosen activity."

I gasped at his implication. He chuckled at my deep blush and sat himself next to the rock I had been sitting on. I used my breathing to ease the redness on my cheeks and resumed occupying the rock chair.

"I will not be taking part in the activity you imply." I huff.

"Of course you won't. This isn't my dream alone, or entirely yours." He said disappointedly. "Our subconsciouses are connected currently."

"What? How?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but since I've been back I've felt different. The last thing I remember before falling asleep is thinking of you and how Worm told me you're safe."

"So Mr. Worm found you! Oh good. I was worried Nyx had you somewhere too dangerous for him to get to you." I place my hand over my chest in relief.

"Sarah, what were you thinking of before you fell asleep?" He asked, looking up at me from where he sat.

"I was thinking that you were in trouble." I replied and met his eyes. He smiled and his eyes twinkled.

"So you were thinking of me too. I'm flattered!" He takes my hand and holds it over his heart.

"So dramatic." I mumble and take back my hand. He laughs when he releases his hold. I guess that twinkle was one of mischief. "Maybe because of that, and all the magic here, we were connected."

"Possibly. Given this world's impish tendencies, I wouldn't rule it out." He laid himself flat on the grass and rested his head in his joint hands. His legs crossed at the ankles and his eyes closed.

"What are you doing?" I inquired.

"I'm relaxing. We are here and unless one of us awakes, I don't think we can leave. So I think we should rest, because who knows what that faery bastard has in store for us tomorrow." A smile ghosts his lips before he opened his eyes and met my stare. "Or we could find other ways to occupy our joint time."

"Resting is a good idea. I'll go rest in that area, over there, away from you." I replied and moved quickly to hide the growing blush.
Curse my reactive cheeks!

"Oh, I was simply jesting. I won't touch you while we are here, unless you ask me to." He closes his eyes at the end of his sentence. "I'm leaving that caveat for you do with what you please."

"You touch me, I will find a good rock that I can hurt you with." I grumble and lay on the opposite side of the rock chair. "Nothing will attack us, right?"

"We are safe for as long as we are here. This is a combined memory. The landscape is from my mind, the sky is from yours, and our bodies are from our respective minds. Unless one of us wants danger, it won't manifest." The goblin explains with his eyes closed.

"Have you had this happen before?" He seems to know a lot about this situation.

"Never before. It's quite unique to you, love."

"Then how do you know that we are safe?"

"Just a feeling and a strong suspicion." He opened his eyes and looks to me. His face grows serious. "Sarah, I won't let anything happen to you. I will protect you with everything I have."

I don't verbally respond, because I don't know what to say. I nod instead. Somehow I knew he wasn't just speaking about here in the dream world. He was referring to our predicament in the real world. I also know that he was being genuine.

"I will do what I can to help you, Jareth." I said after several moments passed. When I looked over to see what he was thinking, all he was doing was smiling with his eyes shut. He sighed in contentment and I returned to my prone position near him. We enjoyed the forest sounds in this peaceful area.

The world stilled and everything faded to black. My eyes opened and I immediately turned to look at where Jareth had once been laying. Blankets and a wall met my gaze. I was awake once more.

A knock at the door raised me from the bed.

"Who is it?" I call out.

"My lady, is near time for breakfast. His highness has requested you dine in your quarters for this meal, and he would fetch you after he sees to his morning routine. I will return in a few moments with you food." Before I could acknowledge her, I could hear her retreating footsteps.

Here's to trying to survive another day here in the palace.

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