Drabble #246: Steel

[jalenstrix]

...we had a nice response to my last posted drabble prompt of Drabble 241, with delightful entries by redwolf and me (jalenstrix), one your intrepid drabbler proposers, as well as commenting by us both. Huzzah!

As always (always!!), special labyfic love to redwolf for adding entries and comments for several previous drabble prompts. Onward, laby drabblers, onwards -- may our fabulous redwolf continue to lead us forth!





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

Steel

Is this steel physical, emotional, psychological, metaphysical, all of the above, or something else entirely? Who's involved? What exactly is all the steel about anyway? 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 my next drabble challenge out on the last Monday of next month (Feb 23).

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

[jalenstrix]

Word count: 350

Jareth leaned against the balustrade of the bridge like he’d personally invented metal, moonlight, and mocking mirth. His gaze skimmed me—boots, knife at my belt, the steel buckle I’d fixed with my own hands after it snapped on the run. “I see you’ve brought… hardware.”

The edges of my lips quirked up in that particular way I’d begun to mimic from him. “I brought a spine,” I said. “The rest is decorative, but handy.”

He laughed—soft, delighted. “Sarah. Always so practical. Tell me, why did you come all this way?”

“I came to parlay.”

He took a slow step closer. The air seemed to tighten, like invisible wire. “You wore steel for this.”

My smile sharpened. “I wore steel because your labyrinth has an unhealthy relationship with falling rocks,” I said. “Also, you have an unhealthy relationship with boundaries.”

Jareth’s gloved fingers tapped the bridge railing in a patient, predatory rhythm. “Boundaries are simply doors that haven’t learned to open.”

“My boundaries are doors with deadbolts,” I said. “And I have the key.”

He looked positively approving. “I do so enjoy a challenge.”

I snorted softly. “Don’t I know it.”

His laughter slid across my skin again like chainmail made sound. “Perhaps I enjoy watching you refuse me.”

“Strange hobby, but who am I to judge?”

“Is it so strange?” He leaned in, close enough that I could smell leather and winter and something bright as struck flint. “You come back, Sarah. Tell me that isn’t a kind of magnetism.”

“It’s a kind of stubbornness,” I said.

His smile turned dangerous. “Stubbornness is simply desire wearing armor.”

I inclined my head. “Maybe it is.”

For a beat, the Labyrinth itself seemed to listen. Then the metal beneath our feet sang—metal remembering it was once liquid and fire and possibility. The bridge shimmered, not changing shape but admitting it had always been changeable.

Jareth arched an eyebrow in approval. “Well played.”

“Aiming to learn from the best.”

“Careful, Sarah. Steel can cut both ways.”

I held his gaze. “That’s why I want to learn how to hold it properly. Teach me?”

[redwolf]

Sarah certainly means business and came prepared. This is delightful! 🦊🧡

[jalenstrix]

Thank you!!