The castle is dark in the most delectable manner. Every pore of the place breaths a sense of sin and debauchery. Tapestries, the hue of poison, drip from the walls as if they are decaying and yet display a decadence which mirrors that of the castles occupant. The walls and floors are of a remarkable black stone which refuses to gather dust despite the years which take their toll on all else within. While anywhere else a fire would brighten the atmosphere and take the chill off the air here it casts shadows which dance in the most disturbing fashion and its eerie green flames seem to lick at the fireplace with malicious intent.
"Maleficent, my dear, I love what you've done with the place." Regina drawled.
"I'm sure I'll take that as a compliment, Regina." Maleficent replied smirking over a large pewter goblet, sipping lightly. The two watched each other with barely guarded mistrust. "Am I to presume this is a social call?" Maleficent continued waving her hand lightly taking in the two of them sitting close enough together to speak without raising their voices, but not close enough to suggest any intimacy. It could be claimed that the two were friends but no semblance of affection existed between them, it was a friendship of convenience. "While I love your companionship Mal, I must admit I have a small business proposition." Regina spoke softly in reply, smiling slightly.
"Is that so? Well I'm rather sorry to have wasted you the journey."
"I'm sure you'll have changed you're tone once you hear what I am willing to put on the table." Regina leaned forward with intent, her eyes gleaming in the light from the enchanted fire and a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. "Excalibur for one of your sleeping potions." Maleficent turned from the other woman in disinterest. "What would I do with that sword? I want none of your pitiful bargains Regina, enjoy your drink with me or leave. It is as simple as that."
"It's always 'leave Regina' but you never try to make me, dear. Surely there's some bargain we can make something... I can give you?" leaning forward in a manner clearly meant to entice.
"I want nothing you can give, Regina."
"Well I'm sure I'm quite aware my dear. Speaking of things you want but can't have; how is your sleeping beauty?" Regina chuckled in reply though the hurt of rejection could be seen in her eyes.
"Not mine and no longer sleeping, as you well know."
"Oh, must have hurt. True loves kiss was it?" Regina spoke with a voice filled with sarcasm.
"Shut up and leave." Maleficent spat in reply.
"Here we go again, asking me to leave, far too pleasant. Why don't you make me, dear? Oh yes that's right because you have no one else!"
"AND NOR DO YOU!" Maleficent screamed suddenly.
Regina's face twisted in disgust and sudden insatiable anger "No I don't, but at least my true love loved me in the first place. You really are pathetic Maleficent." Before she could continue further Maleficent was on her feet, gathering magic and sending bolt after bolt of green fire at the woman sitting opposite. Regina deflected the fire with a calm countenance turned back upon its creator. "I'll find something, Mal. Something you want that only I can give."
"Keep looking, my dear, you'll never find it." Maleficent said in reply as her only friend disappeared in billowing clouds of purple smoke. Alone once again she succumbed to the unshakable grief at an unrequited love and a life of loneliness.