A/N: Welcome to the first collaborative project of Reviewers of the Underground! Who are we? Why we're an offshoot of the successful Review's Lounge whose goal it is to ensure that everyone reviews, every story they read. Our forum can be found under Kore-of-Myth (our head administrator)'s profile, or this one 'Reviewers of the Underground'.
This 'round robin' will be a collection of stories based around the theme of 'return'. You may find stories in here also under the original author's profile.
If you're interested in joining, hop on over. We're a friendly bunch who are always eager to make friends and have someone to share our passion for good Labyrinth fics with!
Lost and Found
by damsel-in-stress
Clear, sharp moonlight illuminated the small path meandering towards the castle gate. The starry sky framed the silent portrait and Anya stored the peaceful picture away to take out and watch at her leisure when her mind was less preoccupied.
Right now in contrast to the peaceful night her mind was full of shooting thoughts and contradicting emotions.
Excitement verses trepidation, delight verses fear, love verses hate for the place she had called home for so long and the people she'd left there.
Keeping a tight reign on her racing pulse Anya strode down towards the gate ordering herself not to get emotional even though, walking through that door, she would be coming home.
A short scabby goblin stood at the gate picking his nose and ignoring her. Anya grinned and looked down at the grotty specimen almost fondly.
"Please inform your master of my arrival." She asked the goblin.
The goblin burped at her. "'Scuse me," He croaked.
"It's fine, take your time." Anya replied smiling.
"Thanks for bein' so understandin', miss -"
"Anya," She replied then grinned at the goblin and flicked her white-blond hair, "You may remember me."
The goblin squinted at her then yelped. "Sorry ya ladyshipness I didn't recognise ya. I'll go tell 'is 'ighness." He saluted clumsily then stumbled inside scratching his rear.
Anya watched the unpleasant goblin go, laughing out loud. It was good to be back, she thought.
Eventually the little goblin returned with a bemused look on his face.
"Um, the King's busy at the moment so he says could ya come back later?" The goblin mumbled.
Anya raised one eyebrow at the goblin and fixed him with an amused glare. "He's climbing out of the window isn't he," She said matter of factly.
"He is." The goblin confirmed.
Anya pushed past the goblin and ran towards Jareth's suite.
"Jareth!" She called throwing open his doors theatrically.
Jareth was caught in the act of stuffing clothes into a suitcase. When Anya breezed in he shoved the case behind his back.
"Anya sweetheart," Jareth replied, forcing a smile, "How nice to see you."
"Really brother mine," Anya said with a coy smile. "After all this time?"
"Of course," Jareth laughed his voice a little too strained.
Anya raised her eyebrows and smirked at him, "How guilty you look dear brother, is there something on your conscience?" Her voice had a slight edge.
Jareth winced. "I can explain," He gulped, "I never wanted to do it, I promise, the High Council voted against me and I never thought they'd exile you-"
Anya silenced him with a gesture. "It's ok," She said calmly, "I don't blame you."
"You don't?" Jareth looked stunned, "I gave the evidence that got you sent away-"
"Forgive and forget I always say." Anya replied airily making herself comfortable on a large settee.
"Forgive and-" Jareth snorted, "You?"
"Age has mellowed me." She replied motioning for Jareth to sit beside her. He did warily at first then with his normal assurance.
"So how's life little sis?" He asked lounging back beside her.
"Just dandy!" Anya snorted her anger flaring up unexpectedly, "You should try exile some time."
"Ouch!" Jareth winced, "That hurts."
Anya grinned, "Forget it. Now Jareth, how about a drink for your guest?" She had a frightening way of saying his name it brought back bad memories.
"A drink for my guest!" Jareth shouted and the sound of movement came from outside the door.
"So," Jareth drawled, "Guest how long are you planning on staying for."
Anya shrugged, "A year or so, not long," She assured him, "But I want my old room back."
"I like that room." Jareth complained.
"So do I!" Anya replied, "And I'm the guest."
Jareth sighed while Anya grinned broadly.
"What's for dinner?" She asked.
"Stew I think." Jareth replied.
"Make it spaghetti. I like spaghetti." Anya ordered.
Jareth started to object but Anya cut in, "You owe me a lot of favours Goblin King." She told him, "Start with the spaghetti."
"What ever you say Anya." Jareth replied putting his head in his hands.
Somehow he knew it was going to be a long year, probably the longest he'd ever experienced.
And it was only just beginning.
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