He couldn't believe he was chasing after a swan, not Emma, but an actual white feathered , web-footed swan. The swan turned to him, tugging at the seams of his coat, urging him faster. After a seeming thirty minute trek through the dense woods he could finally see a clearing ahead. As they exited the thicket of trees the swan scurried ahead, stopping to mark an X on the ground and motion for him to stand there. Once in place, he noticed that the moonlight shimmered across the central lake illuminating the clearing, highlighting the growth of snow-white lilies that surrounded the late. The swan looked up at him once more before beginning a slow march toward the water's edge. She stepped slowly into the lake carefully lowering herself to glide along the surface. Her path led directly to where the moon's reflection in the water. He stood patiently but his chest began to feel heavy with anticipation. He knew there was something different about this bird. Oddly enough, he felt almost connected to her, as if he had known her for years. He watched her intently as she finally made her way to the moon's reflection. After a moment a white glittery haze enveloped her, blocking Killian's line of sight. It took only a moment for the haze to fade, and when it did, his heart leaped with joy. Standing exactly where the swan just sat, was a petite girl with a sea of obsidian hair, piercing blue eyes, and the exact smile that had been missing from his life for the past year.
"Elizabeth," it was nearly a whisper, but enough to cause her smile erupt into the status of beaming. As fast as her legs would carry her, she ran, and he as well. When they met in the freezing shin deep water they immediately shared a hug of relief. Elizabeth leaned back so to look her father in the eyes.
"Father, I've missed you so," she breathed, her face splitting around her unbridled smile. Her heart racing and chest heaving.
"And I you," was his reply. He gently tugged her elbow in an attempt to return through the forest.
"No, I- I can't." stammered Elizabeth. "Rothbart will return shortly, he always come to check on me when I'm able to change." Her smile faded as her gaze dropped to the ground. She heaved a great sigh making her way back towards the lake. "He wants to make sure I don't escape, so he keeps rather close watch on these nights. So far I've yet to find a way to escape, at least while this curse remains unbroken." A thought then struck Killian.
"Let me guess, only true loves kiss?" He quizzed. Her reply consisted of only a nod. "No matter, I will bring Derek to you and you will be free." She chuckled.
"If only it were that easy, do you really think that anyone will believe you?" She challenged.
"I won't lose you again," he began to close the distance between them.
"You must go before you're caught, father." She raced to his side, collecting a farewell embrace. Before letting go, Killian tilted Elizabeth's head towards him, planting a chaste kiss on her hairline.