Drabble #157: Spark

[jalenstrix]

...we had a nice response to my last posted drabble prompt of Drabble 152, with entries by redwolf and me (one of your intrepid drabble proposers, jalenstrix), and commenting by us both as well as the totally fabulous tojojo. Huzzah!

And special labyfic love to redwolf and tojojo for adding entries and comments for several previous drabble prompts. You guys rock!





For this prompt, we continue with our one-word/phrase drabble roots:

Spark

A spark of what? What caused it? Where is it? Why is it happening? Who is it happening to (or between)? Tell us all about it. Labyfic-style, of course.




Given our entries from recent months, let's continue with the suggested limit for this month of 500 words. Though remember that shorter pieces are most definitely welcome!

Your entry should take the following format, posted as a comment on this entry:
Word count: # of words
$your_beautiful_drabble


I'll aim to get the next drabble challenge out on the first Monday of next month (Jun 3).

I'm also very happy to take suggestions if something in particular strikes your fancy -- comment on this post or PM me with your suggestions. You can see our current collected suggestions here.


Remember: Feedback is LOVE. So do reply to your fellow labyficcers' drabbles if so inclined. (Though be careful of concrit unless specifically okayed by the author beforehand. Authors generally write for love.)

Comments

Spark

[redwolf]

Word count: 500

Sarah had spent the morning working on her magic with Jareth. They were in a yard on the castle grounds that was often used when sparring. She was lethal when under duress, but she was still having issues manifesting the same power and control under more favourable conditions.

The day was looking to be a warm one and under normal circumstances she would have enjoyed the feeling of the sun on her face, but she was tired and drenched in sweat, which just added to her frustration at her lack of progress to make her more than a little cranky.

Sarah looked up from where she stood bent over with her hands on her knees and glared at Jareth, who looked completely unruffled on his side of the yard. Even the light breeze wasn’t enough to cool her down. With a sigh she stood and stretched her arms above her head, closing her eyes and hoping that thinking cool thoughts would help.

Sarah was unprepared when she felt an arm wrap around her waist when Jareth transported behind her. “What?” Her question died on her lips as she looked up to see what appeared to be an enormous white water balloon appear over the yard. She blinked in surprise and the apparition dropped to the ground with a muffled thud.

“What were you thinking just now?” Sarah frowned in confusion at Jareth’s amused expression.

Tilting her head to the side in thought, Sarah had been recalling the joy she’d had making snow angels when she was a child. “How much I’d rather be playing in the snow instead of making no progress while slowly melting.”

Jareth laughed in delight, lifting her chin with a finger and kissing her gently. “It seems that frustration serves to sharpen your skills as well as fear.”

“I did this?” Sarah’s mouth opened and closed as she tried to formulate a more coherent thought.

“You did, indeed, my lovely snow queen.” Jareth kissed her soundly, his voice laced with pride in her accomplishment.

The snow that blanketed the yard was deeper than she was tall and she wondered if the warming day would melt it or if they would need to intervene. She was about to ask Jareth when the sounds of over excited goblins distracted her.

The castle horde swarmed into the yard and threw themselves at the snow with wild abandon, burrowing into the huge mound as they frantically shovelled it into their mouths.

“They eat snow?”

“The first snow of the season is a delicacy, so I would assume this unseasonal bounty rates higher on their scale of delights.” Sarah raised an eyebrow and Jareth huffed in amusement. “That’s purely observational, of course. I’ve long given up pondering the logic of what and why goblins find things edible.”

Sarah grinned in response. “Smart as well as pretty, I am a lucky woman.” She gestured at her damp shirt in disgust. “One in dire need of a bath.”

“Your wish is my command.”

Re: Spark

[tojojo]

Another great work from you! I love reading about Sarah using magic~ (I am also quietly amazed at you always managing to write 500 words EXACTLY, haha).

Re: Spark

[redwolf]

Thanks! I like the challenge of making the word count 🦊🧡

Re: Spark

[jalenstrix]

Sensual and adorable. I love their interactions here. There's a casual grace to them that's just delightful to read.

Re: Spark

[redwolf]

Thank you! They do seem to be keeping each other amused and occasionally surprised 🦊🧡

[jalenstrix]

Word count: 412

Drabble:

The voice drifted through the prismatic layers of the Labyrinth’s presence, sparking against my mind. Well, well, what have we here?

I bolted upright in the darkness of my room, my heart thudding, the Faerie mantle of power swirling around me in structured, undulating shadows. I knew that voice, with its velvety tones of amusement.

It was Jareth’s voice. A Jareth I hadn’t heard in ever so long. It was probably my subconscious having a bit of fun, but I couldn’t stop myself from reaching back out in a focused beam of pure longing. Where are you, my love?

I’m closer than you think, Sarah love. However did you find yourself here, ruling my kingdom without me? This is quite the conundrum.

My eyes stung with tears. Oh, that was my Jareth, alright. Menace and seduction wrapped together in a pretty bow, with a side of fond amusement. Minus the iron poisoning.

I sobbed out loud, a shuddering exhalation of grief and giddy, insane hope. The chaotic shadows of the Faerie mantle surged up around my shoulders in a slithering mass that would have caused the insides of most mortals to curdle in paralyzing fear.

I reached a hand up to stroke them gently. They meant well. Thanks, guys. I think I’m ok. I just…need a moment.

The shadows began to have the distinct pressure of deft fingers, walking their way along the rigid muscles of my neck in a relaxing pattern that was oh-so-familiar. Jareth had always known just the right ways to touch me.

I nearly sobbed again. Please, my love, where are you? I need you. Please.

His voice lit along the inside of my ear, caressing. You need me, do you?

I grit my teeth. Damned right, I do. This is hell without you. I. Need. You.

Once more, dear heart. Just say it once more.

I closed my eyes, the tears streaming down my cheeks. I need you.

His presence exploded across my senses, the ice and fire of him moving through me, filling the places that had gone numb in mourning. Hold on, Sarah my love. I’m coming for you.

I breathed slowly, savoring the winter-forest scent of him that enveloped me. When?

As soon as I can. Believe me. But I have to go for the moment.

I felt his sudden withdrawal like a knife, a ripping fire of agony. My shoulders shook silently. When?

Soon. Hold on, Goblin Queen. I will come for you.

[redwolf]

I am really hoping for Sarah to get a speedy resolution to her ailing Goblin King 🦊🧡

[jalenstrix]

Me too! ;)