Tiger Lily

My father is dying.

Soon I will be chief and I will have to lead my people.

The forest is my sanctuary –my home.

I look for the Lost Boys and Peter. They will want to pay their respects.

Once my father passes, we will send him off on a burning boat and I will be expected to lead. A hunt and a feast will be held in my honor and in memory of my father.

I am ready to lead; I know that. I am my father's daughter and he taught me well.

But he is my father and I do not wish to part with him.

I am on the border of my people's forest leading to the kingdom of the queen we do not trust when I see Him.

The Sly One. The Trickster. Rumpelstiltskin.

I know what he wants. This day has been coming and I know what my answer will be. He wants to make a deal.

"Well, well, well… Fancy meeting you here." He smiles his twisted smile.

I say nothing. I lift my chin in defiance –a challenge.

His smile widens. I can see his rotting teeth.

"My condolences about your father." He saunters to the border and teeters on the edge. I know he cannot cross –that was part of the treaty. "If only there was something that could be done."

"There is nothing that can be done."

"There's always something that can be done… if you're willing to make a deal. He's not dead –yet."

"You want the treaty lifted."

"Everyone else can pass through your forest. Why not me?"

He wants access to what he is denied. He wants more deals –and he wants them with my people and the people who seek our haven.

I am tempted. But my own happiness means nothing compared to the safety of my people.

"Never."

His smile melts away. I can see the anger building beneath the surface of his face.

"You're going to regret that. The day is coming when the Queen will make everyone suffer. You're going to wish you had your father."

"My father signed that treaty for a reason. I will see it through. And it was that queen that made you sign it."

Rumpelstiltskin cannot enter our part of the forest and we cannot harbor Snow White.

"There are always ways around treaties."

He knows.

We do not hide Snow White –but we help her when we can.

I taught her how to hunt with a spear.

"I will never make a deal with you. And you will never be allowed on my land."

"We shall see… Everyone wants something and I'm always willing to make a deal."

I want to tell him that he is wrong. I want to fight and deny his words.

Instead I simply walk away, knowing he cannot follow.

There are some deals even Rumpelstiltskin cannot make.