I remember it as if it was only yesterday, the first time I saw him. Saw who?, you may ask. I saw the goblin king. Now at the time, I hadn't the slightest idea that it was him. I thought it was just an owl, in need of help. I guess I should tell the tale before I give it all away right here.

It was a normal day, not unlike any other. Or at least it was. I had been driving along, not thinking about much. The music in my car was jamming, and I was singing along.

It was then that I noticed a shape on the side of the road. Sad to say, I thought it was dead. But, I decided to get out and check anyway. What I saw brought tears to my eyes. It was an owl, in all of its glory. The poor thing was lying in a senseless heap. It's feathers, still shining, had the most beautiful pattern. By looking closer, I saw that this wasn't just an accident. Someone deliberately did this to the owl. I felt pity stab my heart. Who would be so heartless as to murder a defenseless creature such as this? Why would someone do such a horrible thing?! I smoothed the feathers around its face and to my surprise, it let out a small sigh! It was still alive! Thinking quickly, I tugged off my sweatshirt, wrapping it around the little animal. Returning to my car, I gently lay the bundled owl in my passenger seat. If at all possible, I was goin to save this owl!

Rushing home I reali that I had next to no idea how to save him. I just knew that I had to try. Running into the house, I cradled my patient. I didn't know why, but I felt drawn to him. I carried him into my room and settled him on my bed. I brought a light over so I could see him better.Upon examining his injuries closer, I discovered that he had a broken wing. The thing that puzzled me was the strange long, marks on his skin. I didn't recognize these marks t be anything I had seen before. the best I could do was put his wing in a splint and hope for the best. To tel the truth, I didn't know if he would last the night. I found a fleece blanket and lay it down inside a small, metal, cage. I cradled the owl in my arms, silently praying that it would survive the night. I left a small kiss on its feathered head and lay him in the cage.

"Goodnight little one," I whispered quietly, "and good luck."

I closed the door, sighing sadly. I had no idea if this would help the poor creature. Glanci at the clock, I realized that it was already 9:30. I changed into my pajamas and flopped into bed.

I woke at 2am to the loud sound of banging. I shot up. The owl! tugging on my slippers I ran over to the cage. The door was open and the owl was gone! In its place, there was a man, dressed in a sparkling cape, kneeling on the floor.

"What happened to the owl?" I asked worriedly.

"the owl?" the sparkly man said.

"Yes! The owl that was in this cage! The owl I rescued!"

"Wasit a minute. You rescued me?"

"No! I rescued the owl...." I trailed off, putting two and two together, "You're the owl?"

He nodded, wincing, at the pain of moving.

I ran to his side, my protective instinct kicking in.

"Are you alright?"

The strange person looked, at me growling, "Ime fine! I don't need help from a mortal!"

"Well this mortal just saved your life!" I snapped. Then I said more gently, "Besides, i am going to help you whether you accept it or not."

He gave me a sad look, accepting defeat.

"Oh please don't look at me like that!" I begged, "who even are you?!"

"My name is Jareth, the goblin king."

My eyes grew wide at this. I was talking to a goblin king! I was unsure of what to say. I finally settled on telling him my own name. "Im Crystal, the...um, yeah I got nothing." This earned a slight snort from him.

I then noticed that he still had the long marks on his skin. "What happened to you?" I asked him.

"Iron. Ime a Fae, we get burned by iron."

My heart was moved with pity. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I sincerly doubt it."

"oh," was all that escaped my lips.

He sent me an icy glare. His eyes were intriguing. Both was a bright ice blue but one of them was permanently dilated. I guess I was staring at him for longer than I thought because, he gave me a look and said, "see something you like?"

I held back a sharp retort. How dare he?! I had saved his life and this is how he repaid me!