Chapter 1

Everyone knows of the disturbing creature named Rumpelstiltskin, but I may be one of only few to give pause to the idea of why he is who he is. The story begins much like any other. Rumpelstiltskin was not always the dark and twisted little goblin, gnome, or imp (whichever version you choose to embrace). No once, he was a man, a good and fine looking man, named Reuben. He was a man people would come to when either desperately ill or in need of a cure for some milder particular ailment, an Apothecary. Preferring to remain in relative quiet and peace to do his work he choose to make his home in a little cottage in the woods. Daily Reuben would walk about the forest gathering his natural supplies.

On one such occasion he heard the most beautiful voice a man could hear. Curious of course, he followed the voice to a small creek. The owner of the voice took his breath away, for there was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen singing out for all to hear. She was a vision with long, flowing, medium brown hair, and a slender frame he could see from where he was a ways behind her. Unfortunately to his dismay he stepped on a stick snapping it in two and frightened the daylights out of her. The maiden stood an swung around so abruptly she nearly stumbled. With fear and shock on her face she managed to choke out a sentence, "Who…who are you…I..thought I was alone"? In a most gentle and soothing way Reuben explained, "I..am the apothecary that lives here in the forest, surely you have heard of me?"

An instant wave of relief passed over her expression and she took a deep breath and said, "Aye…yes I have heard of you. Oh dear heavens what a relief. My father would chastise me greatly if he knew I was out here wandering around. I'm sure you have heard of the recent years' attacks on women who happen to venture off on their own, especially in these woods." "Sadly, yes"…, he said, "I have actually had to help treat some of them on the brink of death, among other things." He then looked her in the eyes and said, "I am truly sorry for frightening you so, it is just that I was making my usual morning rounds about the forest gathering my herbs and such supplies when I heard your voice and could not help but follow to see who it belonged to. Much like a sailor of ancient Greece lured by a beautiful Siren."

The two were positively blushing as they basked in each others presence. He finally smiled wider and said, "My name is Reuben, may I ask the privilege to know yours?" Looking down at her feet and then back at him she half shyly said, "Amara…my father is the Miller in the village." Realizing who she was now he exclaimed, "That is why you are so familiar, I have been at the Mill once every month for as long as I can remember. You most certainly hide that wonderful talent very well, I don't think I have ever even heard you speak". "Well…I..I am very shy around everyone in town except my father of course. That is why I love to come here. I can just let go and be myself and not have to worry of whether or not others are judging me. In the village I feel so stifled most of the time. But when I walk through this natural beauty and kneel by this water it all fades away and I can breath. Maybe that is why I can come out here and freely sing", she said as a slight chuckle fell out and a soft smile graced her lips.

Reuben's chest was getting tight as his heart was racing and breathing was becoming difficult for him as he replied, "I did ever so enjoy it, can you continue?" Amara ducked her head once more and said, "That is very kind of you, thank you, but alas I really must get back to the village and finish my daily chores before I have to make our evening meal". Reuben piped up, "Well then is there any way I can escort you to the village to ensure your safety? She paused trying to judge the reason in allowing this almost stranger to escort her home. "Alright I suppose that would be a wise idea."

He lit up greatly and asked, "Would there perchance be a way I could persuade you to grace my ears with your beautiful voice as we walked?" She flushed rosy like as she replied, "Really?….I don't know…" Looking at the eager expression on him she decided to placate his request. "And what would you have me sing?" "Whatever comes to your mind that you would like milady. No matter what I know I shall enjoy it." She shyly smiled again as she gave him a sideways glance, cleared her throat and began singing an old folk song about a handmaiden. Reuben became lost in her dulcet tones and when they reached the village she had to gently pat his arm to bring him out of his trance.

"Reuben…sir, we have made it back to the village. Thank you so very much for all your kindness shown to a stranger" As he came back to reality he realized it was actually going to pain him to have to leave her side. "I thank you, my dear Amara for allowing me the time to be in your company. And I, as being a stranger to you, thank you so very much for your trust." Wanting to remain in her presence longer but knowing how a gentleman should act he lifted her hand to his lips and gently kissed her middle knuckle as he slightly bowed and bid her good health and goodbye.

The day happened to be one of those rare days when no one came in needing of his care. This of course could not have come on a worse day, because if he could have just stayed busy than the mornings happenings wouldn't be lingering on his mind this intensely. Reuben tried to tidy up to keep busy, but his cottage was already pretty clean. He tended to the animals and even attempted some gardening before finally giving up on avoiding the real issue. "Alright, fine", he said to himself. He usually didn't fill just one sack of grain bought from the Mill, but he decided to this time just so he had a legitimate reason to be there.

Never in his life had he felt such sudden inexplicable feelings like this, he needed to see her. So sack in hand he walked to the stable, prepared his horse Raven, and started the short ride to town. Half an hour later coming upon the outskirts he could see the Mill and as he did felt his heart fill with a mixture of joy and excitement. Shortly after Reuben thought, "I hope she does not think ill of me for showing up so soon after our first encounter".

He swiftly dismounted as he stopped outside the Mill and tied Raven's reins to the post provided for such, and took a deep breath to calm himself. He hoped to engage the Miller in conversation concerning Amara to learn all he could about her and her father's plans for her future. He knocked on the door and turned to look behind him while waiting and was surprised to find Amara open the door. She stood there looking as if she had had the wind knocked out of her.

Eventually managing to rein in her gaping jaw she stammered out, "You….." "Reuben spoke to ease her confusion, "I decided to come and get my empty sack filled while I was having a slow day" Still surprised she half turned and called to her father, "Father, someone to see you!" The Miller was hard working on the latest grain brought in. Stopping long enough for her to repeat herself, he then said "Alright, I am coming my dear. Goodness child, have I not raised you correctly? Invite our guest in." Coming out of her stupor she motioned for Reuben to come inside and have a seat on one of the meager furnishings.

"Hello Master Miller sir", Reuben said with a respectful grin. "I decided to come earlier than usual to buy my grain so just the one sack. It has been such a slow day at my shop I figured today was a good day to, I hope it is not too much trouble sir.?" "Trouble? No, not at all dear lad! Permit me but maybe 10 more minutes to finish grinding this batch and I'll get you filled up and on your way" the Miller said with a congenial smile. "Amara dear why don't you take our Apothecary and show him around our meager little farm while I finish?" "As you wish father" said Amara as she nodded.

Secretly she was grateful for the chance to spend more time with him, as he had stayed fresh in her mind the whole of the day. The memory of his perfectly soft lips upon her hand as he had bid her adieu earlier replaying over and again. She thought of herself very plain and even typical compared to some of the other young women in the village. Whether it was because of that or her shyness she had not before thought of herself as being desirable to any of the young men in the village or anywhere for that matter. Being treated in such a way as Reuben had her this morning it had awakened an almost giddy, soft side in her that had not been present since the death of her mother many years before.

She full well knew that her father was growing increasingly worried about her future seeing as Amara was already 18, and had asked around as to any offers for her hand in marriage. But, alas none had proved suitable. Love was a rare commodity in these times, but her hope stood strong that she would find it. Mother and Father had loved each other from the time they were children together, so she had plenty of evidence that it was possible.

As they strolled toward the stable she mustered up all her courage and was going to make sure to ask him as much as she possibly could in their little amount of time so as to determine if her feelings were well founded and he was as good of a man as he seemed. "So, dear Apothecary, how has your day been since our departure this morn?" Reuben stopped and looked at her with loving brown eyes and said, "Please dearest Amara, you permit me to call you by your name call me by my own." Ducking apologetically she whispered, "Sorry" then cleared her tightening throat and replying "Alright then,…Reuben." "Well milady, slow and boring mostly. I fear the only patient I had all day was…myself", he said with a chuckle. With a quizzical look Amara said, "Oh, how so?", hoping she already knew the answer. "After our meeting this morning I am afraid you have infected my mind in the most pleasant way. Forgive me dear, for I mean no disrespect but I have not been able to get you out of my head since."As she stood petting her father and hers' horse Netty, Reuben on the other side, she quietly admitted, "It must be contagious, because I too have had such symptoms since".

They both stood silent petting Netty for what seemed an eternity and then Reuben could not hold back any longer. He walked around to be directly in front of her and took both her hands in his saying, "Beautiful Amara, I have yet to meet anyone with your ability to stir such feelings in me. Do you think it possible your father could be persuaded to allow me to call upon you?" With so much excitement and joy building inside her she was almost reduced to tears of happiness with this question, but managed to retain her composure enough to reply, "Oh Reuben I think it would greatly please my father to allow such a thing!" In that moment all the world seemed to stop and they could not fight it any longer. Inappropriate or not it had to happen. All while staring deeply into each others eyes they moved closer and closer until their lips were touching, and just as they were about to give each other a most deep, loving kiss they heard her father calling out of the Mill letting them know he was finished.

So once more he dampened the back of her hand with a soft heartfelt kiss that sent shivers up her spine. He then bowed slightly and offered her his arm as they proceeded to make their way back. She was in absolute awe of him feeling as though they were both glowing they were so happy, hoping her father wouldn't think the wrong things as they neared him again. Taking the Apothecary's sack and filling it with fresh grain the Miller packed it on the man's horse for him and thanked him for his business as Reuben dolled out the right coinage. As the Miller proceeded to bid him farewell an turn to go inside Reuben said, "Um Master Miller sir?" "Yes lad is there something else I can help you with?" the Miller said as he turned back to face the young man. "Well sir, I would like to ask if it would please you if I were to call upon your beautiful daughter sometimes?", said Reuben hoping the answer would be yes.

"If you need some time to consider your decision I will understand. But know her beauty and gentleness have entranced me, and I would most hope you would agree to my suit. For as you know I am not rich, but neither is my life that of a beggar, my trade and skill serves me more than well. She would never want for anything as I would give her all she could ever ask of me no matter how difficult the task" The Miller was glad to know this fine young man was so genuinely interested in his daughter, for it would put his troubled mind to ease to know she was taken care of. "I say sir, your request brings a happiness to me that I had almost given up on, and from such a fine young lad. What say you to this though, you may call upon my daughter for the time being, and join us for supper tonight. I will judge how well of a match you both are throughout the course of the next month, and then you will have my decision on your full proposal." "Oh thank you sir", Reuben exclaimed with great fervor as he shook the Miller's hand.

Amara standing just behind her father displayed the most happy and relieved look upon her face. The Miller then turned to her saying, "Now, what shall we have for supper", as he chuckled delighted. As they all turned to go inside the Mill once again, Reuben looked at Amara and it was almost as if she could hear him saying, "Dearest Amara,….I love you".