It was a sunny fall day in Storybrook. Despite the cold, the citizens of the town were enjoying the weather, all bundled up against the cold. Mr. Gold sat in his shop going over his financial books, waiting for 11:30 when his Belle would hand over the library to one of the volunteers and join him for lunch.
Although he hated not having her living with him anymore, he had to admit that his love was thriving in her new independence. She had a new confidence about her that made the blue in her eyes shine like the ocean, and they were starting to build a solid foundation for their relationship. Belle was happy and Mr. Gold could not find it in himself to be upset about that.
Looking at the clock he noticed that it was only 11:02. Reminding himself that the lease he got distracted the faster the books would get balanced, he shook his head and went back to work.
The sensation started small enough. So small in fact that he didn't really notice it. It has been so long since he had felt that particular sensation that even as it grew he still did not place it. But stronger and stronger it got until finally Rumpelstiltskin recognized it for what it was. He was being summoned. Someone wanted to make a deal.
Putting down his pen, Rumpelstiltskin concentrated on the sensation. Despite the many deals that he had brokered in his lifetime, the sensation was not a common occurrence for him. Oh many people had summoned him in the past. He would hear his name spoken into a distant mirror or receive a letter from some far off kingdom, but this was different. To be summoned like this; through the sheer will of an individual; that was unique. That took someone who was beyond desperate. That took someone who only had one last hope left. Him.
The call was strong; one of the strongest he has ever felt. And so with great regret, the imp called his Belle to cancel their lunch date and left to find this soul in need.
