Staring right at them with tongue out, was a snake, a Russell's viper.
The next thing they knew, it moved ready to strike. Astrid quickly raised her hand and stopped it in place. Jareth took the opportunity and rolled to the other side, stopping some distance away from the river.
He was now on top of Astrid with a hand underneath her head protecting her when they rolled and the other at her waist. His hair scattered and fell forward on his face with the earlier action.
As Astrid gazed up at him, she couldn't stop herself from admiring the young man on top of her and lightly bit down on her lower lip.
Jareth who was admiring her appearance, her hair which was a bit scattered, made her look like a relaxing beauty. He removed his hand on her waist and reached up to remove the strand of golden hair blocking his clear view of her.