Drabble #78: Hopeful

[jalenstrix]

...we had a quieter response to the drabble prompt of Drabble 77, with an entry by me (your intrepid drabble proposer jalenstrix).



For this prompt, we continue with our one-word drabble roots, with a word evocative of many different scenarios:

Hopeful

Who's hopeful? About what? There are so many possibilities. Tell. Us. About it. Labyfic-style.



Given our entries from recent months, let's continue with the 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
Drabble: $your_beautiful_drabble



I'll aim to get the next drabble challenge out on the first Friday of next month (Apr 5).

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.)

Comments

Drabble #78

[3iggy]

Drabble 78
406 words

It was a clock and nothing more, Sarah told herself as she stood in the drafty old foyer of an ancient hotel. Nothing about the place distinguished it from any other old hotel, but the clock had wings, its face reminded her of an owl. Owls reminded her of goblins and magic...and other things better left unexplored.

A bone-chilling breeze swept through the hall causing her to shiver. February was recently deceased and March had no problems stepping over its grave. This was one of the last cold days, spring was coming. Sarah was hopeful—full of sun and dreams of blooming things. She waited and listened to the ticking of the clock.

She’d only been trying to convince herself that it was merely a clock, that she wasn’t drawn to it, that she was hopeful that a little magic might dwell within this place if she withstood the chill long enough.

“That’s something I’ve always loved about you,” Jareth said. The foyer had been empty one minute and filled with Goblin King the next. His majesty was leaning against a doorway framed in early morning sunlight, the kind that filled you with awe somedays and broke your heart on others .

“And what’s that?” Sarah asked as her eyes roved over his lithe form. Today he was dressed for spring in green and gold—his hair reminded her of dandelion fluff. Could dandelion fluff be sexy? She supposed it could.

“I love the way the worlds bend for you. If you need a clock to be a talisman—it will be. If you’re pining for a certain ruler of fairy realms, he appears. Such power you have Sarah,” his voice was like the breeze in the hall, it pulled and pushed her, sent a shiver up her spine.

“And, whyever would you think that I’d been pinning after you?” Sarah felt a smile tug the corners of her mouth. “I wouldn’t call it pinning. I just wanted to know if you’d like to grab a coffee for old time’s sake. How long has it been? Seven years?” Sarah knew exactly how long it’d been. It had taken her this long to be brave enough to face him. Old enough to know what to do with him when she did.

“Coffee would be lovely,” Jareth stretched out his gloved hand and waited. “Of course, I choose the place,” he replied with a sharp toothed grin.

“Of course, your majesty,”

Re: Drabble #78

[jalenstrix]

I *love* this. I love the idea of Sarah exerting special influence over reality for unknown $reasons. And her wanting to get a cup of coffee. And especially the line about February being deceased and March stepping over its grave. Zomg, that line was just glorious. 😆

Re: Drabble #78

[3iggy]

Thank you! I might stick with this and story for a few more drabbles.

Re: Drabble #78

[redwolf]

That's just lovely 🦊🧡