Chapter One
"Here's your drink Robyn, on the house.", remarked Ruby, sliding my drink across the counter top towards me, with a smile on her face.
I nodded, "Thanks Red. So what are you up to today, anything interesting?", I asked as I sipped my hot chocolate.
"Work, and then a girl's night with the 'Princess Brigade'. You should come with me. Emma and Belle haven't met you yet, and I'm sure Snow would love to see you again.", she suggested tentatively.
I let out a sigh, "I'm sorry, but I can't, and I hardly believe I'd fit in amongst all of them. I'm only in town for a few days to resupply before I head back into the forest."
The werewolf pouted, "Please? It's to celebrate Snow and Charming renewing their vows, she would want you to come. You'd get along great with Emma; you're practically two peas in a pod."
"I can't because I have to guide someone to the troll's den tonight. Not everyone has such an easy job and I have to prepare."
Red shuddered, "Who on Earth would want to go there? Trolls are horrible and as vicious as Chimaera."
"No one that you want involved in your business any more than he already is, leave it at that.", I answered abruptly.
The bell on the door rang, signalling a new arrival to the diner, but I didn't look up, choosing to sip at my drink instead.
"Morning Stranger, will it be your usual today?", Ruby asked the newcomer.
"Aye, lass. Get something for yourself too. You look positively peckish and I don't fancy you taking a bite out of my hide.", answered a male voice in a teasing tone, before I felt a presence sit down next to me.
A gust of wind blew through the diner as another customer entered, causing the hood of my sweater to fall from my head, only to reveal my long brown hair and my face. The good looking pirate, who occupied the seat next to me, had a surprised look on his face.
"Why, you're a lass, and a pretty one at that. Where have you been hiding for the past few months, Love?", he asked incredulously directing his question at me.
I rolled my eyes, "Yes I'm female, but that doesn't give you the right to pester me.", I said sharply.
He held up his hand and hook in surrender, "I didn't mean any offence, sweetheart. It's just you're beautiful and I could never forget such a face, so it makes me wonder why I haven't seen you around town before. You hide yourself well."
"Here's your coffee, Hook, and breakfast is only a few minutes away. Can I get you anything else?", asked Red as she returned from the kitchen.
"Nothing else but the name of the beautiful woman sitting next to me.", he stated seriously
Red looked at me for confirmation, but I shook my head, "Sorry, looks like you're going empty handed today. I've known her for longer and she can shoot a bow better than anyone else in town. Who do you think taught Snow White all those years ago?"
I huffed and finished off the last of my hot chocolate, "Bye Red, I'll stop by again before I leave. Thanks for the drink.", I fare-welled and grabbed my hunting jacket from the seat beside me, before departing Granny's Diner.
I took the side alley, hoping I could slip away without anyone following me. I needed some sleep and the only place I felt comfortable to relax and to do so, was the forest. It was his footsteps walking in time with my own that alerted me to his presence. I knew how not to make a single sound, but obviously my pursuer didn't know of my skill set. I whirled around and pinned him to the brick wall of the side alley, by his throat.
"What do you want badly enough, to follow the best marksman in Storybrooke, around? Obviously an early grave if you think you can sneak up on me,", I snarled viciously and pulled my dagger from my belt, "Speak up pirate."
He struggled against my grip to no avail, like Red I was a Child of the Moon, and so he wouldn't be able to escape, "I don't want anything except your name and maybe a 'date', as they call it here. Honest.", he replied in a rough voice.
I could hear the truth in his heartbeat so I released him, "Leave me alone, Pirate. I'm in no mood to play with you and I quickly grow tired of games. It is wiser to leave me to my solitude unless you wish to buy my services as a woods guide."
He dusted off his jacket, "Who said I was playing games Moon Child? If I were playing games, you would be the first to know. Now before you dismiss me completely, will you let me buy you dinner tomorrow night? Take a chance on me, love."
I looked him over with a critical eye. The pirate was handsome and the stories Red told about him would make even a prostitute blush, but I could see that he was haunted by a past of his own. That almost made him a kindred spirit in some aspects. I'd barely entered the town since the curse had broken, because I didn't know who I was to everyone any more. To some I was a friend, a saviour, and then to others I was a crazy girl who lived high in the mountains.
"My name is Marian, anything else and you'll just have to ask some other woman. I'm not a plaything,", I stated and re-sheathed my dagger, "Goodbye Hook."
He bowed low and took my hand to a kiss to the back of it, "Killian Jones at your service fair maiden. I know that you are no one's plaything, which is why I sought you out. I vow before the sea gods, to one day make you mine."
I snarled and yanked my hand from his grasp, "Be careful what you say Hook, the last man to vow such a thing was killed for it in front of my eyes.", I said sadly and took off running in the direction of the forest.
I didn't stop my dash to freedom until I was a few miles away from where I knew Storybrooke to be. Hook reminded me so much of my lost love, and he was also very different. Will had never pushed me further than I needed to be, but he had been very reluctant to do so, let alone admit that he wanted me as a man did a woman. My escapades as Robyn Hood had made it nearly impossible for us to be together. The day he finally asked for my hand, was the day the Queen of Hearts, tore his heart from his chest. She needed my services and love always made a woman weak, she'd claimed. My heart had remained lifeless ever since, but it seems that it had stirred just for the pirate captain.
I slept in a hollow log for only a few hours, using a sturdy patch of moss as my pillow. I cut a small figure, so I could easily hide in the forest with my knowledge of its innermost workings. It wouldn't be the first time I'd slept in a log and nor would it be the last. During the day while it was warm could be quite relaxing. Once I'd finished sleeping I made my way to Granny's Bed and Breakfast, I usually stayed there whenever I left the forest long enough to resupply. Granny knew who I was and what I'd for both her granddaughter and Snow when they'd needed it, so I often got a reduced rate when I stayed there.
"Good evening Robyn, Red's just getting ready for her girl's night with the others. Do you want to see her or are you just after a room?", asked Granny.
I nodded, "The room please. I'll take my regular one if it's available."
She smiled, "Of course. Do you want to deal with your mail now or later? I can bring it up to you if you like. There's quite a bit of it and someone left a letter on the porch for you a few hours ago."
"I'd better read that one first, it could be important,", I replied, "it's better just to get it over and done with."
"Very well, I hope there's nothing but good news for you. You're due for some good 'karma' as Ruby puts it.", she said handing me my latest stack of mail, before writing my name in her ledger. As usual I was put in the 'Hunter' suite.
"Robyn! What are you doing here, did you change your mind about tonight and need help getting ready?", asked Red as she made her way inside from the back door.
"Not yet, I'm just here for a room while I'm in town again.", I answered distractedly as I opened the letter on top of the pile. The stationery was of prime stock and I could smell the heady scent of Rumplestiltskin's cologne clinging to the paper.
Miss Hood,
At this current time your services are no longer necessary as
a guide, to transport me to the troll's den. I expect you to keep
your usual retainer fee as a sign of our mutual respect.
Yours Sincerely,
R.
P.S. I'll feel better knowing you are there if Belle is going to be
'going out with the girls', as she terms it. Have fun.
I stared at the letter in shock. The infamous Dark One, had turned down my services and let me keep the money, so I could go have fun while keeping an eye on his…girlfriend. It was still odd, despite our history.
"What's the matter, did you receive some bad news?", asked Ruby worriedly, catching sight of my strange expression.
I shook my head, "No, just surprising. My client cancelled, so I guess I'm all yours for this girl's night thing."
The only reply I received from my sister werewolf was a deafening squeal of excitement.
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"Are you sure this is alright Red? It seems a little short.", I asked nervously as I tugging at the hem of my dress. The top half was a complicated brown leather corset with a sweetheart neckline, and the skirt was a deep forest green the flowed loosely to just above my knees. I still felt overly exposed despite the fact I wore a pair of black tights underneath. According to Ruby the whole outfit was a belated birthday present. My hair had been taken out of its familiar braid, so instead it fell down to my waist in mahogany coloured waves. She'd also done my make-up in what she'd called a smoky eyed look. In a pair of borrowed ankle boots, standing next to each other, Red and I could practically be sisters. Granny had even declared so, as we'd descended the stairs from the guest floor on our way out.
"You look great Robyn, I'm sure every man in the bar will be drooling over us tonight.", she said excitedly and tugged across the sidewalk where the others were waiting for us.
"Oh my God, Robyn is that you? I haven't seen you since the curse broke!", exclaimed Snow and ran over to hug me.
"I think you can let go of her now, Snow. I invited her along for some fun when I saw she was back in town again.", explained Red.
"Mom, who is this?", asked the blonde haired Sheriff of Storybrooke in a curious tone.
"Emma, this is one of my oldest friends, Marian Locksley. Marian, this is my daughter: Emma Swan.", introduced Snow in a proud tone of voice.
"I'm pleased to meet you. What fairy tale belongs to you in the Enchanted Forest?", asked Emma critically.
I grinned, "I'm the one who taught your mother to shoot a bow and take down a man three times her size. You probably know me a little better by my outlaw name, Robyn of the Hood at your service."
She blinked, "Robin Hood was a girl? Sure didn't see that one coming."
"Girl yes, among other things. Red and I are sisters in a way, both being Children of the Moon, but as far as the rest you'll just have to ask your boy about his book.", I answered amusedly.
"How long are you back for? We need to celebrate and catch up now the curse is broken. I've missed you and your company.", added Snow as the group led me into Storybrooke's best bar, known as: The Rabbit Hole.
Luckily a couple of tables had been reserved for our use, because the bar was packed with people needing a drink on Friday night. I recognised one of the patrons sitting at the bar as another of my oldest friends, so I told the other girls I just needed a minute to say hello to someone.
I tapped him on the shoulder and he spun around in surprise, taking only a second to recognise me before I was pulled into a strong bear hug, by Jefferson Hatter.
"Robyn, I haven't seen you in an age! I still get your little care packages, but I never see you anymore. Why don't you ever come have tea with me?", he said excitedly after he'd set me down on the stool next to him.
I shrugged, "I've been busy Hatter, much like yourself with Grace. Perhaps I might stop by next week when I leave your usual brace of coneys. I'll leave you to your drink now, because I'm supposed to be participating in this girl's night escapade."
Jefferson nodded and doffed his non-existent and non-present hat, "Enjoy your night then Robyn, you need to have fun every now and again."
"How do you know Jefferson?", asked Emma curiously as I re-joined the group of women at our tables.
"We grew up together and I introduced him to Grace's mother, he's one of my closest friends. During the curse I couldn't enter his house and he couldn't leave it, so I would leave care packages on the porch for him. We even had tea sitting in the doorway once.", I said affectionately, remembering the days we used to roam the Enchanted Forest as children.
"Wow, that's a long time. Was he always so…", she trailed off struggling to find an appropriate word.
"Eccentric?", I offered at which she nodded, "Losing Grace hit him the hardest, and being driven mad by Cora didn't help matters. Regina only made it worse by taunting him with the effects of her magic screw up. Any other man would have tried to end it, but he kept going for his daughter. Now that she's back with him, Grace keeps him sane, except for the odd behavioural quirk."
Emma left it at that, preferring to sip her bright blue cocktail in silence, obviously considering what I'd said. I hazarded a guess that she'd had some sort of run in with the more desperate side of Jefferson's personality.
As Red and I made out way back to the bar to pick put our drinks, I could feel the eyes of the men in the establishment boring into us. For some reason I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rising in a sense of hyper-awareness. I turned to look in the direction I'd felt the most intense stare, only to find myself locking gazes with a steely-eyed pirate captain. He raised his glass to me in a silent greeting, then went back to reading something on the table in front of him. Hook was sitting only a table or two behind ours, so he could probably hear every word we said. I just rolled my eyes and turned back to the good looking bar tender preparing Red's drinks as she flirted with him.
"What's your poison tonight, Hood?", asked the elder of the Tweedle twins
I grinned, "I'll have a Cheshire Cat, six shots of tequila and for you to keep Belle's drinks a little more on the virgin side tonight. Guaranteed large tip if you convince your brother to do the same. She's not used to the alcohol.", I answered in a flirty tone.
Dee grabbed one of my hands from where it had been resting on the bar top and pressed a light kiss to the back of it, "Anything for you my dear 'Alice'. The usual payment for our tea delivery was paid yesterday, but this fortnight we'd like to double our order if that's alright with you? We don't mind paying extra for the inconvenience."
I tutted sympathetically, "Is the old Knight having trouble with his arthritis again?"
He nodded, "Yes, the cold of winter setting in, seems to be causing him a little more pain than usual."
"There's no need to pay for the extra, it's on me this time. Your Grandfather helped me a lot all those years ago. Tell him that I send my best wishes will you?"
"Definitely. Here are your drinks. All you girls drink half price tonight, so order anything you like.", Dee said passing me the tray.
I leant over the bar to place a kiss on his forehead, "That's for your family Tweedle.", I said fondly and departed with the tray of drinks.
A few hours later Emma, Red and Ella were a little more drunk than tipsy, while Belle, Snow and I were sipping at some water I'd procured for the group to help us sober up a little. It wasn't long after that we decided to part ways and sleep in our own beds. Snow would see Emma back the family's apartment, Ella's husband Thomas would come get her, and that left Red, Belle and I to walk back through town together. The other werewolf of our party may have been slightly drunk, but the princess and I were sober enough to get the three of us home safely. At the last minute Belle decided to stay at Rumplestiltskin's for the night, so it was down to just the werewolves of Storybrooke.
"Can I assist you ladies back to Granny's? I'm headed that way myself and I could no longer call myself a gentleman if I let two lovely ladies such as yourself walk home both inebriated and unescorted.", offered a contrite sounding Killian Jones from the doorway behind us.
"Let him walk ush Robyn, he's pretty.", slurred a sleepy looking Ruby.
I looked over at the pirate then up at the sky. It was be full moon in only a couple of days and because of my sensitivity I was already beginning to feel restless. I bit my lip as I deliberated what to do.
"Go lass, I know that look. You can trust me to look after the she-wolf. You'll have to trust people sometime, so give me the chance to prove you can. Please love?", he said solemnly, "No harm will come to her, Pirate's honour."
I snorted disbelievingly, "Pirates have no honour"
He smirked, "Then you've been hanging around all the wrong sorts of pirates, sweetheart. What's the worst that can come of it?"
I raised an eyebrow, "Are you serious? My best friend could end up dead in a ditch somewhere, or worse, your bed. Better the devil I know, than the one I don't. I think I'll just take her back myself, before I go for my run."
Killian frowned, "You don't have a very good opinion of me do you? Why so?"
"I know what your reputation is like Hook, in both of our worlds. I never trust anyone I haven't tried to kill at least once or twice. My men learned that the hard way. Just go back into the bar, I'm perfectly capable of taking Ruby home.", I replied in a factual tone.
I froze and turned towards the forest as I heard a familiar howl resounding through the forest in the distance. My brother was calling to me, impatient for our pre-full moon games to begin. I let out an answering call, letting him know I would be late. From the corner of my eye I saw him shudder full bodily at my howl. I knew it sounded inhuman to his ears, like something unnatural and predatory, but it was as natural as breathing to me.
"Go, we both know you want to. Even now your body is leaning in that direction, ready to run at a moment's notice. I know the restlessness of being cooped up for too long. Do as you need to, I'll make sure Red finds her way back to her own bed, without any unwanted company. Trust me this once and you won't regret it."
My hands shook with a sudden surge of pent up energy needing to be released, "If anything happens to her I'll tear you to shreds myself. It won't be gentle and you'll be running for your life as it happens.", I warned darkly and dug around in my bag for the pen and notepad I never left home without. I wrote a quick message in the code that Granny, Red and I had created to communicate secretly.
I gave him the piece of paper, which he slipped into the pocket of his coat. Once Red was situated in his arms I shed my jacket and the red leather cuffs I used to keep my wolf side in check. I looked back to the pirate once more, who had a determined expression on his face, he nodded towards the forest.
"Go on. I dare you to trust me she-wolf. I dare you to let go and enjoy yourself for once.", he goaded with a knowing smile playing across his features.
I nodded, "Thank you.", I said in grateful tone, then took off running in the direction of the forest. My wolf form came over me with the caress of a familiar lover. I howled as I ran, enjoying the freedom to be able to change at will now the curse was broken. Over the past few months my missing pieces had come back to me and I now no longer felt as if I was incomplete. I was whole.