Many years ago, in the Enchanted Forest's brick village district, Maddoxville...
A young woman walked along the docks, holding her toddler on her hip. Her long moss-green cloak dragged behind her. When she put her boy down, she removed her hood to reveal short sandy curls. She waved off her husband, as he got on-board the Burning Serpent ship.
"Liam, say goodbye to Daddy" she said softly, as the boy reached out toward his father.
"Papa! Papa?" he cried. The man didn't even turn back, which halted the boy's tears. The woman frowned, as she saw the sadness and confusion on her son's face. She picked him back up and used the sleeve of her blouse to wipe his face.
"Oh, my sweet boy. I promise it won't always be like this." As she walked along the cobbled streets and into their tavern, she pondered how lonely she felt. She used her foot to close the door, walked behind the bar and through an old cloth curtain, into their bedroom. She laid her boy on their bed and tucked him in, then went back to the bar to serve customers.
She waited tables, clearing old mugs and cleaning up spills. Most of the customers were already drunk and rowdy, several of them whistling at her or slapping her rear end. She was uncomfortable, but they were regulars and her husband was never around, so it was almost pleasant to get the attention. When she returned to the bar, a hooded stranger entered and sat in front of her. He was dressed in peasants' clothing, but there was an air about him that seemed almost regal.
"Good evening, Sir. What can I get ya?" she plastered a smile across her face, though it became genuine once the stranger looked up at her. He had kind eyes and seemed like a gentle soul, something she seldom encountered.
"Rum, please, M'Lady" he replied, placing some coins on the counter.
"Of course, Sir." She poured him some rum in a wooden cup. As she pushed it towards him and he reached to hold it, their hands touched. She smiled coyly, whilst he just gazed into her eyes. "I'm Alice" she said quietly.
"I'm Pri-" he stopped himself and his eyes widened. "I'm Henry" he said, relaxing again. Alice had a puzzled look on her face, but she didn't want to pry – not yet, anyway.
"Nice to meet you, Henry."