Once Upon a Dream
Disclaimer: I own nothing
The Miller's Daughter
A father knocked on the bedroom door of his son.
"Son, it's time for bed. Are you ready?"
"Yes, Papa," came the reply.
The father smiled as he entered his son's room. His son was dressed in his pajamas and was tucked under the covers of his bed. The boy was smiling as he was eagerly anticipating the fantastical bedtime story his father would tell.
The father sat down beside his son, who immediately curled up into his father's side. The father wrapped an arm around his son and gently stroked the child's hair.
"So, what story would you like tonight?"
The boy didn't even have to think about that one. "The one about the great hero and the terrible villain."
"Again?" said the father, feigning surprise. His son asked for that story almost every night. "I would've thought you'd be tired of that story by now."
The boy quickly shook his head. How could he ever tire of his favorite tale? "Never! Please, tell it, Papa."
The father chuckled at his son's excitement. "All right, all right," he said. "Let us tell an old story anew and we will see how well you know…"
XXX
Let us tell an old story anew and we will see how well you know it.
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms that were the worst of neighbors. So vast was their discord between them, it was said that only a great hero or a terrible villain could unite them.
On one side lived the kingdom of Storybrooke where one would find ordinary, everyday human folk such as hardworking peasants of all professions: tailors, blacksmiths, warriors, gardeners and the like. Storybrooke was under the rule of King Xavier, a man not to be trifled with. Although Xavier had everything his heart desired: a wife which he loved most dear, a newborn son and heir who would inherit his throne, power and the loyalty of his subjects who had their needs met, the king was not fully satisfied. Indeed, both Xaiver and his subjects were forever discontent, for they both feared and envied the beautiful, magical and forbidden land that lay on the other side of the border.
On the other side of Storybrooke's border was the kingdom of the Moors, a beautiful and magical land where all manner of fantastic creatures and Fair Folk resided. Some were small and brightly colored and spent their days making the flora bloom and the waters of the rivers and waterfalls sparkle and shine. Some were short and loved to play in the mud or make hats out of giant mushroom caps. Others were quite tall and could either be terrifying or very kind, depending on the time of day. And the rest of the Fair Folk were the stuff of legend that one heard about in stories. While no two faerie was alike, there was peace amongst them and they needed neither king nor queen to govern them. Rather, they trusted in one another and relied on the strongest of faeries to protect them.
For more years than anyone, human or faerie could remember, the humans of the Storybrooke and the faeries of the Moors had fought one another for the treasures and beauty of the Moors. While the wars were not kind to either side, thankfully there were times when the two sides entered into a delicate truce. Divided and kept apart.
It was during such a truce that our story begins with a young faerie who would ultimately decide the fates of the two kingdoms…
XXX
It was a beautiful spring day in the Moors.
The sun was shining and warm, the skies were blue and clear, the trees were green with large leaves, the flowers were all in bloom and all the Fair Folk were out and going about their daily business.
High upon a clifftop where one could watch over the two kingdoms, there was a beautiful magical rowan tree with leaves the color of spun gold and in that tree resided a young soul. He was quite young, nine years old, and was the size of a young human boy in height. He had fair skin, dark blond hair, warm brown eyes, a kind smile and he wore simple peasant clothes. In fact, were it not for his pointed ears, the dark horns on his head and the giant, majestic dark gold wings on his back, one might've mistaken him for a human, but he was not. He was a faerie and his name was Rumpelstiltskin.
Rumpelstiltskin laid back in his rowan tree, soaking in the warmth of the sun's rays and smiling to himself as he made his little cornhusk dolls, whom he called Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, fly above him and have a pretend adventure involving pirates, an enchanted ship, a pretty girl and a special kiss. It was all quite good fun.
Suddenly, Rumpelstiltskin's "adventure" was interrupted when a young hatchling bird fell onto his chest, having slipped out of its nest while attempting to fly like the dolls.
Rumpelstiltskin laughed as he carefully scooped up the little bird, which was blue and white with a brown patch on its head.
"Careful, little Belle," said Rumpelstiltskin, as he carefully placed his feathered friend back in her nest. "I know you want to fly, but all in good time, okay, dearie?" Several months ago, a mother bird had taken up residence in Rumpelstiltskin's tree and Belle, as he called her, was Rumpelstiltskin's favorite of the mother bird's hatchlings as she was the kindest as well as the prettiest.
The little bird chirped in agreement. She longed to fly like Rumpelstiltskin did, but she still had some growing up to do first before that happened.
Rumpelstiltskin smiled and gently stroked Belle's soft, feathery head as she nuzzled his fingertip. The moment between the two friends, though it was sweet, was soon interrupted by the sound of another faerie calling out the little one's name.
"Rumpelstiltskin!"
Rumpelstiltskin sighed. Someone else in the forest needed him for one reason or another. It seemed like they always did. In fact, there was rarely a day when he wasn't asked for help, but Rumpelstiltskin didn't mind. It made him feel wanted and more importantly, it gave him more reason to visit with his friends and the opportunity to stretch his wings.
"I'll see you later, Belle," said Rumpelstiltskin.
Rumpelstiltskin stretched out his wings and then took flight. His great wings expanded and allowed him to glide on the wind as though he were light as a feather. Rumpelstiltskin could not keep himself from smiling as he flapped his wings and soared high above the great trees and boulders of the Moors that provided a canopy for the other Fair Folk who resided down below. He closed his eyes in delight for a moment, soaking in the warmth of the sun and enjoying how flying made him feel so strong and free before veering left towards his intended destination.
Rumpelstiltskin's heart leapt when the sweet fragrances of his favorite flower garden met his nose. Down below was the most beautiful meadow of flowers in the entire world. The flowers varied in sizes as well as every color one could imagine; some flowers were small as one's thumb and others were the size of an oak tree. Some of the flowers were simple everyday blooms but others were magical with their nectar and pollen, some even talked and others were created of the most stunning jewels. The flowers were always in bloom, even in the coldest of winter and the garden was tended to by special flower faeries.
"Morning, Auntie Rose! Auntie Lilac!" called Rumpelstiltskin, waving at them as he flew by. "The garden looks beautiful!"
Two flower fairy sisters, both wearing delicate dresses made of the blooms of their names, smiled and waved to "their" boy while chirping well-wishes in response. While many in the Moors had helped raise Rumpelstiltskin, it was Rose and Lilac that he loved most dearly and was closest to, and the child's feelings were reciprocated.
When the garden was no longer in Rumpelstiltskin's sights, Rumpelstiltskin flew over the waterfalls, whose powerful waters poured into the rivers and lakes down below, which shimmered and sparkled in the morning light as the beautiful water fairies gracefully danced on the surface.
"Lovely work, ladies!" said Rumpelstiltskin. "You look pretty today!"
The water fairies blushed under Rumpelstiltskin's compliments and wished him a good-morning as he continued flying past the majestic mountains.
The squawking of the wallerbogs who were throwing mud at each other, diverted Rumpelstiltskin's attention. One of them held a thick wad of mud in its hand and looked at Rumpelstiltskin with a mischievous look in its eye.
"No! No, don't do it!" said Rumpelstiltskin, warningly.
But the wallerbog didn't listen and tossed the mud in Rumpelstiltskin's direction, only to have the mud thrown back into its face by Rumpelstiltskin's magic.
"Ha! You missed me!" said Rumpelstiltskin, teasingly.
The wallerbog laughed but promised to get the young faerie next time.
Eventually, Rumpelstiltskin reached what was known as Pixie Hollow, a great oak tree that glowed brightly with pixie dust and was home to all the tiny pixies of the Moors. While all the pixies were beautiful, kind and their magic greatly benefited the Moors, there were those who stood out in the crowd, the Pixie Three as they were called.
The leader of the trio was Rheul Ghorm, often called Blue for her sky-blue dress and blue wings and the little blue flowers she wore in her dark brown hair. Blue was kind but strict and often quite bossy. She kept the other two pixies in line and she made it her job to try and look out for the other pixies in the Moors but for all the other Fair Folk as well.
The second of the pixies was Tinker Bell. She had blond hair which she kept up in a ponytail with green ribbons. She wore a sparkling green tunic that went down to her knees and had clear insect-like wings. Tinker Bell was the most creative out of the trio and she often butted heads with Blue on what was best to be done on matters both big and small.
The third and smallest of the pixies was Nova. She wore a pale pink dress with a tutu skirt and kept her dark hair in a curled bun. Nova was often clumsy, but she was the sweetest of the trio, always doing favors and acts of kindness for anyone who needed it and was considered the favorite of the trio.
Said trio was hovering outside Pixie Hollow, looking panicked and impatient as Rumpelstiltskin landed on the ground in front of them.
"What's wrong, girls?" asked Rumpelstiltskin.
"Rumpel, some of the border guards—" began Blue, but she was interrupted by Tinker Bell.
"Excuse me, but it's my turn to tell him, Miss Bossy!" said Tinker Bell, in irritation.
Blue rolled her eyes before giving Tinker Bell a condescending look. "Once again, Tinker Bell, you amaze me with your faulty memory," she said, rudely.
"Faulty?!" screeched Tinker Bell, as she turned bright red, signaling that a fight was underway.
The three pixies were good friends, but they sometimes squabbled like little children over the most petty of things. It took all of Rumpelstiltskin's willpower not to laugh at the pixies' bickering. Many Fair Folk found it quite amusing to watch, and Rumpelstiltskin was no exception.
"Yes, faulty!" snapped Blue. "Because clearly you don't remember the order of things. It was Nova's turn last time, then it's my turn and then it's your turn. Ergo, it is my turn this time!"
"Clearly you don't remember that you told the news last time when Zarina perfected her pixie dust alchemy trick!" retorted Tinker Bell. "So, therefore it is indeed my turn to tell him!"
Blue opened her mouth to argue but then fell silent as she considered Tinker Bell's words. Within moments, Blue grumpily admitted defeat and Tinker Bell looked very smug in her victory.
"Tell me what?" asked Rumpelstiltskin, trying not to sound impatient. As much as he enjoyed watching the pixies' antics, he was anxious to find out what the news was as it had sounded rather urgent. "What's all the fuss about?"
Tinker Bell opened her mouth to tell Rumpelstiltskin the news, only to be beaten to the punch.
"The border guards have found a human guard at the Pool of Jewels!" Nova blurted out. It was a second later that Nova realized what she'd done. She turned a dark shade of pink and looked apologetic as her friends glared at her. "Sorry."
Rumpelstiltskin was shocked. A human? In the Moors? This could not be good news. There hadn't been a human in the Moors for years, not since the last war. And if the intruder was at the Pool of Jewels, that could only mean theft of the Moors' treasures.
Quickly, Rumpelstiltskin took flight and in the process, accidentally knocked the pixies into their tree.
"He's always in such a hurry with those big wings of his!" said Blue, in irritation. Blue got along with everyone as a rule, and she held a degree of respect for Rumpelstiltskin but in Blue's heart, but sadly she'd never been quite as fond of Rumpelstiltskin as the other Fair Folk. This was partly because the force generated from Rumpelstiltskin's wings kept sending Blue flying all over creation whenever she happened to be in the vicinity, and partly because of who Rumpelstiltskin's mother had been.
"Humans. Here. I hope there's not another war," fretted Nova. She'd been quite young during the last war with the humans and did not recall a great deal, but what little Nova did remember scared her to death and gave her nightmares.
Tinker Bell gave Nova's hand a comforting squeeze. "It'll be all right, Nova. I promise. Rumpel will see to that." The golden-haired pixie had no doubt that whatever happened, Rumpelstiltskin would do his best to ensure the protection of the Moors and all its residents.
XXX
The Pool of Jewels was one of the most precious and beloved part of the Moors.
The pool's jewels were unlike any other as they were said to be formed from the sun, sea, stars and even the heart of nature itself. While none of the precious gems possessed a twin, they were all quite valuable and perfectly formed. It was rumored that some of the jewels possessed faerie magic and could be used to one's advantage. And it was often because of the great beauty and value of the jewels that humans and Fair Folk had been at odds.
When Rumpelstiltskin landed on a rock near the pool, he found two of the border guards—Nimueh and Jacquelyn, two giant dryads—holding their sharp spears at the wall of thick, leafy vines that concealed the mouth of a cavern at the Pool of Jewels.
Upon seeing Rumpelstiltskin, Nimueh gestured to the human intruder's hiding place with her spear and grunted in dryad tongue before resuming her defensive stance.
"I'm not afraid. I have no reason to be. I have you with me and besides, I've never seen a human up close before," said Rumpelstiltskin. The faerie child turned his head to human intruder's hiding place. "Come on out, so we can see you!" he commanded.
"No!" said a girl's voice. "Why would I come out when those hideous monsters mean to murder me?"
Nimueh and Jacquelyn let out indignant, furious grunts at the girl's uncouthness. Granted, they were quite large in size and dangerous but they were not hideous by any stretch of the imagination and nor did they intend to ever commit such a dishonorable act.
Rumpelstiltskin's anger flared. "How dare you be so rude?" He turned to the border guards, who looked ready to attack. "Don't listen to her, girls. You're classically beautiful creatures."
Nimueh and Jacquelyn's eyes gleamed under Rumpelstiltskin's praise but they remained in defensive stance, prepared to attack the unwanted intruder and retrieve what was stolen by force if necessary.
"Come on out!" ordered Rumpelstiltskin, impatiently. "You don't need to be scared. It's not right to trespass or steal, but we don't kill people for it."
"Do you promise no one will hurt me?" asked the girl, timidly.
Rumpelstiltskin nodded, though he was unsure if the human could actually see him doing it. "I promise. No harm will come to you if you cooperate. So, come out this instant!"
There was a moment's silence where nothing happened and then a young girl emerged from behind the wall of leafy vines and blinked in the bright sunshine. She didn't look to be much older Rumpelstiltskin and she wasn't much taller, either. She wore a shabby brown peasant's dress with a lighter brown apron and faded brown shoes which were covered with flour. Her skin was fair and her face rather lovely, and her long brown hair was in a messy, loose braid down her back.
Rumpelstiltskin tilted his head, puzzled by what he was looking at. She was quite small for a human. Defenseless. Vulnerable. She didn't seem to be a real threat. Was it possible this human wasn't one of the dangerous ones he'd been told about? "Pardon my asking, but are you fully grown?"
The girl raised her eyebrows in surprise before she shook her head. "No. I'm only nine."
She's just a child, just like me, Rumpelstiltskin realized. Aloud, he asked, "What're you called?"
The girl stuck out her chin with an arrogant defiance, as though she were trying to make herself out to be of high rank.
"My name is Cora," she said, with a hint of snobbery.
Rumpelstiltskin's brow wrinkled. "Cora?" he repeated. Though he was too polite to say so, Cora's name didn't sound like a very pretty one to Rumpelstiltskin. It sounded like something breaking. But then again, Rumpelstiltskin's own name probably sounded rather odd to humans, so who was he to judge? "Interesting name."
His tone was kind, but Cora seemed to know what Rumpelstiltskin truly meant and her face colored up brightly with anger.
"I know what you're thinking and you can keep your opinion to yourself. Even if you disapprove, I like my name. It suits me just fine," said Cora, stiffly. "And what about your name?What're you called?"
"Rumpelstiltskin," he said, proudly. Privately, Rumpelstiltskin was willing to admit that as far as strange names went, his was one of the strangest of them all. But even so, like Cora was content with hers, he was satisfied with his own name and that was all that really mattered.
Cora's face softened as she blinked in surprise. "I've never heard a name like that before."
"And I doubt you will again," said Rumpelstiltskin.
The conversation was interrupted by Nimueh in her dryad-tongue that Cora return what had been stolen at once or else there would be serious consequences.
"Oh, right. Sorry." Rumpelstiltskin turned back to Cora with a look of seriousness on his face. "You have to give it back."
Cora, who'd not understood the language spoken by the border guard, looked confused. "Give what back?"
Rumpelstiltskin gave Cora a look before holding out his hand. "The jewel you took. Hand it over and then I'll see you safely home."
Cora looked as though she wanted to protest, but the sight of the border guards and Rumpelstiltskin's sternness convinced her otherwise. Cora sighed and with reluctance, took the shimmering blue gemstone out of her apron pocket and handed it to the faerie.
Once the jewel was safe in Rumpelstiltskin's possession, he placed it back into the pool and then escorted Cora out of the Moors, both of out gentlemanly kindness and also to make sure she didn't sneak back in and further anger the border guards.
Cora was grateful for Rumpelstiltskin's chivalry and they had a pleasant conversation on the walk to the border, but she wasn't at all happy about the loss of the jewel and said so as they reached the end of their journey.
"If I'd known you were going to dump it, I would've kept it," she whined.
"I didn't dump it, I returned it home just like I'm doing with you," said Rumpelstiltskin. Did the girl not understand how nature work? Everything and everyone had their place and there was a place for everyone and everything. The jewel belonged in the pool just like Rumpelstiltskin and Cora belonged in their respective lands. It was the order of things.
They stopped when they came to the border of the Moors. There was a great field of grass and wildflowers before them and far beyond that in the distance were many human villages and work places, and in the center of it all stood the king's castle.
Cora looked at the castle with envy. "Someday, I'm going to live there, at the castle."
"Someday?" echoed Rumpelstiltskin, in puzzlement. "Where do you live now?"
Cora's face fell and she pointed to a flour mill in the distance. "I live there with my widowed father. I'm the miller's daughter."
Cora sounded quite sad and bitter as she spoke and Rumpelstiltskin felt a pang of sympathy for her.
"I'm sorry, but at least you still have your father to look after you. Both my parents are gone," he murmured, without thinking.
Cora looked at Rumpelstiltskin in surprise. "Both of them? What happened?"
Rumpelstiltskin's face colored with shame as he realized what he'd said and then he became sad as he looked down at his feet. "They abandoned me."
In spite of Rumpelstiltskin's youth, he had known terrible tragedy no one should've had to, especially not such a young child.
Rumpelstiltskin's mother had once been the most powerful being in the Moors known as the White Fairy. She'd been loved and devoted her life to protecting the faerie realm, she'd even found love and had had a child, Rumpelstiltskin. But all that ended when she'd discovered the source of dark fairy magic and it had corrupted her, transforming her into the evil Black Fairy and causing her to abandon her family and wreak havoc on the Moors until she'd finally been stripped of her powers and locked away in another realm where she could never return from and where her dark powers could do no harm. Rumpelstiltskin had been but three years old when he'd lost her.
It was also unfortunate that Rumpelstiltskin's father, Malcolm, had been no better than his wife. After the Black Fairy's defeat and exile, he'd been left with a broken heart and a child he had never truly cared for. Up until Rumpelstiltskin's fifth birthday, Malcolm worked day and night to restore his youth and temporarily open a portal into a forbidden realm that was exceedingly dangerous and where time stood still. Having finally achieved his heart's desire, Malcolm departed from the Moors and left behind his child without so much as a second thought.
As a result, Rumpelstiltskin had been raised by the other beings in the Moors. But even though Rumpelstiltskin loved his adopted family and friends, there were still occasions when he dreamed of what might've been and felt the loss very deeply. Sometimes late at night, when Rumpelstiltskin was alone, he feared that one day, he might relive the past over again and he prayed that such a fear would never occur.
Cora's face softened. "I'm so sorry, Rumpel. I can't imagine what that must feel like." She slipped her hand into Rumpelstiltskin's, giving it a comforting squeeze, only for Rumpelstiltskin to cry out in pain and pull his hand away.
"What is it? What's wrong?" asked Cora, startled.
Rumpelstiltskin bit his lower lip as the burning red mark on his hand slowly faded and the pain dulled. "Your ring. It's made of iron. Iron burns faeries." It was the one weakness all faeries shared. When touched by a faerie, the dreaded metal burned hot as the sun and if a faerie was exposed to it for too long, the faerie would be weakened and then die.
Cora looked horrified and quickly took off the evil ring. "I'm sorry. I had no idea. I'll get rid of it." And without a second thought, she tossed the iron ring far into the distance. "May I see your hand?"
Shocked by Cora's selfless actions, Rumpelstiltskin numbly nodded and held out his hand to her. He watched in amazement as Cora gently examined his burnt hand and when she was finished, she placed a soft kiss on it and then held his hand in her own. Cora had so little in the world, and yet she'd given up something precious to her just so that her hand might touch Rumpelstiltskin's. The act was small to some, but it was great in the young faerie's eyes and it caused his heart to flutter.
"Rumpel," began Cora, hesitantly, "would it be all right if I came back to visit?"
Rumpelstiltskin's heart leapt. "You really want to?"
Cora nodded. "I want to be friends. We can do that, can't we?"
Rumpelstiltskin eagerly nodded. "Of course, we can. But you would have to be careful. It's not safe for you to wander the Moors alone. Not all the Fair Folk trust humans."
Cora waved her hand dismissively. "They don't frighten me. Why would they? I'd be with you," she said. "But if I did decide it was the risk, would you be here?"
Rumpelstiltskin's cheeks turned pink and he felt his skin break out in goosebumps. "Come to the border, say my name three times and I'll be there. I promise."
Cora looked thrilled. "Then I shall. Good-bye, Rumpel!"
Rumpelstiltskin couldn't help but smile as he waved good-bye to his new friend as she skipped home. He longed to tell the other faeries back home of what had occurred but decided it was best kept a secret at least for the time being. Rumpelstiltskin knew the other Fair Folk might not take kindly to Rumpelstiltskin's newfound affection for Cora and part of him enjoyed having such a secret all to himself. But more than that, Rumpelstiltskin's heart was moved by the young human girl and he felt quite excited to continue their blossoming friendship. Perhaps one day, it would be something more and the two of them could foster a new era of peace and harmony between the Fair Folk and humans, one that would last forever.
But unbeknownst to Rumpelstiltskin, a second jewel, one that was the brightest red, lay safely hidden in Cora's dress pocket. And the miller's daughter who'd succeeded in stealing a jewel, also stole something far more precious.
XXX
A fortnight later, Rumpelstiltskin was on his morning flight when he heard his name being by a familiar voice. His heart leapt but he remained hesitant. Was he truly hearing Cora call to him or was it just his wistful imagination? Cautiously, Rumpelstiltskin hid himself in a tree overlooking the border and peered down below.
"Rumpelstiltskin?" called Cora, hopefully. "Rumpelstiltskin? Rumpelstiltskin!"
When Cora didn't see the winged faerie after a few moments, her shoulders slumped in disappointment and she started to walk away towards the human kingdom.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Rumpelstiltskin swooped down onto the ground, startling Cora.
"Well, look who decided to come back," said Rumpelstiltskin. "What made you return?"
Cora smiled. "I decided it was worth the risk. And I missed you."
Rumpelstiltskin blushed. He had several friends on the Moors but none of them had ever made his heart flutter before.
The snapping of a twig caused the children's heads to turn and at once, they saw a beautiful young deer step into the clearing.
Cora's stomach rumbled at that moment and she looked embarrassed. "Sorry. I haven't eaten yet today." She looked longingly at the deer and licked her lips. "If Father would give me his arrows, I'd make us both a fine meal."
Rumpelstiltskin looked horrified at the idea of eating meat before reminding himself that human ways were not faerie ways and he regained his composure.
"Let me show you something," said Rumpelstiltskin. He took a handful of dried berries and nuts from the pouch he kept tied to his wait and slowly approached the deer. When Rumpelstiltskin became close enough, he held out his hand to the deer and spoke softly to it. The deer gazed at Rumpelstiltskin for a moment before walking closer, whereupon the deer bent down its head and ate the berries and nuts from Rumpelstiltskin's hand and nuzzled his palm after its meal was consumed.
Cora watched in amazement. "How did you do that? Magic?"
Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "No. It's just kindness. Would you like to try?"
Cora eagerly nodded and Rumpelstiltskin handed her some of the food. But when Cora approached the deer, it took one look at her and quickly disappeared from whence it came.
Cora looked disappointed.
"Don't be discouraged," said Rumpelstiltskin, kindly. "He'll come to like you in time."
Cora's face softened and she nodded. "I'm sorry to ask, but do you mind if I eat these? I'm quite hungry."
"Go right ahead," said Rumpelstiltskin, as an idea came to him. He held out his hand. "But if you're really hungry, I know somewhere better we can eat. Come with me."
Cora eagerly took Rumpelstiltskin's hand as he led her to an orchard on the border where the juiciest and sweetest of apple, orange, apricot and pear trees grew. The fruit was ripe for the picking and it made quite a fine breakfast for the two children.
When they'd eaten their fill and lay on the grass so they could watch the clouds floating by, Cora turned to Rumpelstiltskin and asked, "So, what do you do for fun around here?"
Rumpelstiltskin thought for a moment. "Well, I like to fly."
Cora gazed wistfully at some birds who were flying above them. "I wish I had wings like yours. Then I could fly to wherever I wanted and I wouldn't be trapped at the mill." She made a face, as though she were disgusted with her humble circumstances. "Your wings are beautiful. Can I touch them?"
Rumpelstiltskin was surprised as no one had ever asked such a question, but nevertheless he nodded and lifted his right wing. When Cora reached out and gently brushed her fingers against the dark gold feathers, Rumpelstiltskin's skin broke out in goosebumps.
"What's it like to fly?" asked Cora.
Rumpelstiltskin's eyes glinted as an idea came to him. "Would you like to find out?"
Cora immediately sat up. "You mean that?"
Rumpelstiltskin nodded and hovered a few feet in the air. "Grab onto my ankle." He did not think he could lift her with his arms as he was not that strong yet and nor had he ever attempted such a thing with his magic but perhaps if she held onto him, he might take her a least a few feet into the air.
Without hesitation, Cora latched onto Rumpelstiltskin's ankle and then he took the air. Moments later, the two of them were laughing and squealing in delight as Rumpelstiltskin lifted Cora into the air. Cora's feet lightly kicked at the water in the stream, creating quite a mess until she could no longer hold on and then she fell.
Rumpelstiltskin could not help but laugh as Cora emerged from the stream, completely soaked while spluttering and shaking droplets of water from her hair.
"Oh, you think that's funny, do you? Well, let's see how you like it!" teased Cora. She scooped up some of the water and tossed at Rumpelstiltskin, causing a water fight.
By the time the sun set that day, the two children were soaked to the bone but warm in heart. They held onto each other's hands as Rumpelstiltskin saw Cora home. As a treat, Cora was carrying a basketful of the fruit from the orchard, courtesy of Rumpelstiltskin's kindness.
"It's funny," said Rumpelstiltskin. "All my life, I've heard how humans and faeries quarrel and shouldn't mix but look at us. We're different but we're getting along just fine. We're friends."
Cora nodded in agreement. She'd heard the same stories about the humans and faeries wars and the warnings forbidding contact between the two worlds. Like Rumpelstiltskin, she could not see any wisdom in them. What was the point in fighting over jewels and treasures when there was something far more precious in friendship?
"Maybe someday, we'll show them what they cannot see," said Cora, thoughtfully. "It'll take time, of course, the best things in life do. But it would be worth it."
"Then we'll do it. Together," said Rumpelstiltskin. Perhaps it was naïve to think that two beings alone could bring about peace and harmony between the two sides, but if it were possible for them to put away the animosity, then surely it had to be possible for others to do the same. "I'll see you again soon?"
Cora nodded and then waved good-bye before heading to the mill.
XXX
As one might've expected, Cora and Rumpelstiltskin continued to meet in secrets for many years.
It seemed, in them at least, the old hatred between humans and faeries had been forgotten completely. But for them to be more than secret friends, they had to work on bridging their two peoples. Every week, Rumpelstiltskin would speak with the Fair Folk and encourage compassion and friendship and harmony with the humans. Though he did not have much success as many still remembered the pains from the wars, Rumpelstiltskin did not give up and he believed that Cora did the same with humans.
Cora visited the border as often as possible and when she did, she would bring tales of hope from the human kingdom. She spun stories of humans who intended to end King Xavier's cruel reign when the time was right and foster a new era of peace and harmony, a time when Cora and Rumpelstiltskin would no longer need to hide in the shadows and instead step out into the sun. And with each of her visits, she also stirred deeper feelings in Rumpelstiltskin's heart that he never felt with anyone else.
When she was sixteen, Rumpelstiltskin gave Cora a magic pendant he'd created. When used, it that would summon him just once to wherever she wished, whenever she so desired. But it was not until the night prior to their shared twenty-eighth birthday that the pendant was used.
It was late one night and Rumpelstiltskin had been sitting in his tree, trying and failing to go to sleep. His twenty-eighth birthday was nearing. It was a very special day as it was when he came of age and he had no doubt that the Fair Folk would make it a memorable one. But while Rumpelstiltskin loved his Fair Folk friends and family, he secretly longed to share the occasion with Cora with their two worlds joined as one. But such a gift was not possible in such a short space of time. Perhaps, not ever.
Suddenly, Rumpelstiltskin felt a tugging in his heart and he knew at once that Cora needed him. He closed his eyes and though the magic of the spell he'd cast on the pendant, he saw her in a tower of King Xavier's castle, looking desperate.
Immediately, Rumpelstiltskin stood up and prepared to take flight but then he froze in hesitation. He'd never set foot beyond the border of the Moors. He could ignore the summoning spell as his magic was strong enough for it. But he worried. Did he dare venture into the human world, knowing what risks lie ahead even if he was acting on behalf of his friend?
You must, said a thought in his head. Cora had always risked everything for him. The time had come for Rumpelstiltskin to return the favor.
Rumpelstiltskin took a deep breath and took flight, allowing the magic of the spell to direct him to the tower. Soon enough, Rumpelstiltskin flew in through the window of the tower and landed on the floor. He stood up and gazed at the room. Much to his surprise, the room of the tower was filled to the ceiling with bales of straw and there was a spinning wheel in the middle of the room. Cora, who'd been sitting at the spinning wheel, stood up when she saw him.
"Rumpel! Oh, thank heaven!" said Cora, in relief as she embraced him. "You've no idea how glad I am to see you right now."
"I think I can hazard a guess." Rumpelstiltskin slowly pulled away and gazed at her. Cora was wearing a red and black ball gown, her lips had been colored bright red and her hair was in a bun with a single loose strand of hair trickling down the back of her neck. Rumpelstiltskin had never seen her in such fine clothes before but nevertheless, they suited her. "What's happened to you? Why're you locked up?"
Cora bit her lip and looked ashamed. "I've really done it this time, Rumpel. I bragged to the king that I could spin straw into gold."
Rumpelstiltskin stared at Cora, baffled. "What on earth did you do that for?"
While Rumpelstiltskin cared greatly for his friend, he couldn't believe how stupid she'd been. Turning straw into gold! Cora did not possess such a skill, at least to the extent of Rumpelstiltskin's knowledge, and if she did, she would've used it by now to get out of her life as the miller's daughter. At that moment, Rumpelstiltskin could not decide who was the bigger fool: Cora, for letting her mouth run away with her or King Xavier for believing such an obvious lie.
Cora folded her arms across her chest and looked down at her feet. "I know, I know. It was stupid. But you weren't there. You didn't see what happened!"
"And what did happen?"
Cora sighed. "There was a mishap last week with Prince Henry and some flour, and he invited me to the ball as an apology. We were dancing and enjoying ourselves tonight when the King cut in. He could tell that I'm not a high-born lady and he was rude and belittling. He said I had no place there as I was just a miller's daughter and would remain so forever."
"How dare he speak to you like that!" Rumpelstiltskin felt a wave of indignant anger on his friend's behalf. King Xavier's cold heart never ceased to surprise him. Insulting his friend in such a manner? There would be a price to pay for such disrespect.
Tears glittered in Cora's eyes. "It got worse. Finally, I became fed up with the insults and in my anger, I claimed that he was deluding himself about me, that I am worth so much more and that I could solve the kingdom's financial difficulties all on my own. When he asked how, I said I could spin straw into gold but I would not do it for him on account of his insults." She sniffled. "I didn't expect him to call my bluff, but he did. And now, unless I can get this entire roomful of straw spun into gold by morning, I will be put to death. Oh, Rumpel, I've made a complete fool of myself!"
Rumpelstiltskin took Cora into his arms and rubbed her back until she started to calm down. Then he cupped her face in his hands and gently wiped Cora's tears away with the pads of his thumbs.
"Cora, listen to me. That fool of a monarch is wrong about you. You may be a miller's daughter, but it does not define you," said Rumpelstiltskin, gently. "You are so much more than that. You always have been and always will be."
Cora blinked away her remaining tears. "You really believe that?"
Rumpelstiltskin nodded. In the faerie's eyes, rank and bloodline did not define a person's character or their worth in life. The only thing that mattered were the choices a person made, the goodness in their hearts. In the end, it was all that really counted.
Cora finally smiled. "Thank you. You can't know what that means to me." She gave him a quick hug and then held his hands in her own. "So, what do you say we give King Xavier the slip? With your wings, you got in and with them, we can both get out. Will you do it for me?"
Rumpelstiltskin paused in thought for a moment in thought and then shook his head. "No."
Cora gaped at him. "No?" she echoed, sounding both angry and confused. "What do you mean 'no'?"
"I mean, 'no,' as in, no I won't simply fly you out of here. You need to look at the bigger picture here, Cora. Escaping won't solve your problem," said Rumpelstiltskin. Unnoticed by Cora, he picked up a handful of straw and placed it where one would normally place wool to spin. "You'll be free, but for long? How long would it be before the king hunted you and your father down for failing to do as he asked? No. What must happen is what was commanded."
Cora shook her head at Rumpelstiltskin and gave him an exasperated look. "Your solution won't work! No one can spin straw into anything and no one can—"
"Well, well, would you look at that?" interrupted Rumpelstiltskin. He held out a long thread of gold he'd just spun from straw.
Cora's eyes widened in disbelief and then she looked hopeful. "How'd you do that?"
"Flying isn't my only talent, dearie. Magic is too," said Rumpelstiltskin. "So, here's what I propose. I'll help you get free by ensuring this entire room of straw is spun into gold before dawn's early light, and then you'll be free as you wish—"
"No," interrupted Cora.
Rumpelstiltskin stared at Cora, quite confused by her response. "What?" Didn't Cora want him to fix her problem? Wasn't that why she'd called to him in the first place?
"Teach me," said Cora. "Don't just do it. Teach me. As you've so clearly pointed out, I must look at the bigger picture. If the king asks for a demonstration, then I must be able to prove I can do what he asks, so therefore you must teach me. Can you teach me magic?"
A smile flickered across Rumpelstiltskin's face. Never before had anyone ever asked him to teach them magic, so naturally Rumpelstiltskin felt a wave of eagerness and excitement and he had no intention of refusing. "I can certainly try. If you have the talent, I'll help you master it. But if you don't, then I'll still come up with a long-term solution to your problem."
Cora was thrilled and eagerly dove into her lesson.
As it turned out, Cora did possess the talent necessary to perform magic, so from that moment until the dawn's early light, Rumpelstiltskin taught Cora how to perform basic spells and of course, how to spin the straw into gold. Under his tutelage, Cora's talent flourished and all the straw was spun into gold.
When King Xavier arrived the next day, he could not believe his eyes. Thinking it could be a trick, he demanded a demonstration, to which Cora happily complied. When Cora spun another baleful of straw in front of not only the King but several other witnesses, there was no denying it.
Proudly, Cora stood up and held out the spool of spun gold for the King to examine. "Here's your gold, Your Majesty. I trust it pleases you?"
King Xavier examined the gold with a special tool and was still baffled. "How…? Did you really do this?" When Cora nodded and pointed out that King Xavier had witnessed her performing the seemingly impossible feat, the King asked, "How did you do this? You're just a miller's daughter."
"I am so much more than that," said Cora, echoing Rumpelstiltskin's words. And one day, the world would come to see this as truth, she would see to it.
XXX
Before the sun set on Rumpelstiltskin's twenty-eighth birthday the very next day, he heard his name called by Cora.
"Rumpelstiltskin! Rumpelstiltskin! Rumpelstiltskin!" called Cora.
Cora nearly jumped out of her skin when Rumpelstiltskin startled her by jumping down from a tree, just as he did when they were younger.
"I take it, all went well?" asked Rumpelstiltskin, smiling.
"And more," said Cora. She was bursting with happiness. "You should've seen the looks on their faces as I performed the magic! Now, I can provide a better life for my father and I, and no one will ever look down on me ever again. And I owe it all to you, Rumpel. You saved my life, again. You are a miracle."
Rumpelstiltskin blushed under Cora's praise. "It was nothing. You would've done the same for me. I'm nothing special."
"But you are," insisted Cora. "And since it's your twenty-eighth birthday now, I have a gift for you." She gently cupped his face in her hands and then placed a kiss, Rumpelstiltskin's first, onto his lips. It was a kiss that took Rumpelstiltskin's breath away and when they broke apart, Cora was gazing at him with great affection. "That was True Love's Kiss."
Rumpelstiltskin felt tears come to his eyes. "You love me?" He knew he and Cora had a close relationship and he cared greatly for her, but he'd never dared to hope that Cora would actually love him.
"With all my heart," murmured Cora.
Rumpelstiltskin felt as though his heart would burst out of his chest with joy. "I love you too."
Without another word, Rumpelstiltskin swept Cora into his arms and they shared another kiss.
In that moment, it seemed as though it was like a storybook ending: sweet and perfect. Rumpelstiltskin had a wonderful life in the Moors and now he'd found his true love he would spend the rest of his life with. Soon, he would introduce Cora to his loved ones back in the Moors and after a little time, she would be welcomed and then the two of them could usher in a new era of peace between the two sides. It was simply perfect.
But it was not to be.