Author's Note: This multi-chapter AU has been a long time in the making. I've had the concept running around in my head for almost a year now, but it took a while to decide exactly how I wanted to go about it. I won't reveal much except that this story will take a decidedly supernatural turn, and there will be other pairings included besides Rumpelstiltskin/Regina.

I dedicate this to my friend and fellow Golden Queen shipper VanillaSiren, who has been my cheerleader more times than necessary, but knows that the cheering is always appreciated ;)

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All That Is Thirst

Chapter One

A bolt of lightning arced across the sky, bright enough to startle the lone figure moving at a rapid pace along the forest path.

Regina glanced up, shivering when she heard the rumble of thunder that soon followed, and gathered her travelling cloak closer to her body to stave off the rain.

It was certainly not the ideal conditions for travel, but then, by all rights, the Queen knew she shouldn't be out in the open anyway.

She was a fugitive, and if anyone saw her it would mean the end of all she had worked for.

Unfortunately, and as much as she hated to admit it: the particular task she had in mind required help that could only come from one person.

Rumpelstiltskin was well versed in all types of magic, being a goblin and therefore born of it, so it came as no surprise to Regina when she discovered that he had concealed his castle from prying eyes.

Luckily, she was able to discern the entrance, and a short chant later she made her way inside the invisible shield that protected his home.

As she walked up to the front gate, it swung open as if in invitation, and she was unable to stop from smiling as she strode onto the grounds.

The flowers that made up the manor's large gardens were in full bloom thanks to the spring showers, and had her business not been so urgent she would have stopped to admire them, but she had a mission in mind.

Finally, the sorceress reached the front door, but just as she was about to open it, she heard a familiar giggle.

"I must say that I'm very impressed dearie…only my apprentice would know how to get past that cloak of invisibility without destroying it."

Regina turned around to find Rumpelstiltskin standing right behind her, grinning in a manner that made him seem more reptilian than normal.

She crossed her arms over her chest and arched an eyebrow. "Well it wouldn't do to reveal your hideaway to the world, now would it? Not when we're in the same boat…so to speak."

The goblin chuckled from low in his throat. "True enough…" he paused as he took a good look at her and then frowned. "You look awful by the way."

Regina glared at her mentor. "I've been on the run. It doesn't exactly leave much time for coordinating, and it's been murder on my shoes."

Rumpelstiltskin bit back a laugh, although his eyes were sparkling with mirth. He moved closer and (with surprising tenderness) pushed back the hood of his protégé's cape, his fingers brushing ever-so-lightly along her cheek. "You know as well as I do that you could wear nothing but rags and still be the fairest in all the land."

She flushed; her heart beginning to race a little faster due to his touch and the way he was looking at her. "First you insult me and then you flirt with me…seems that nothing's changed."

He smiled at her remark. "Well as much as I'd love to stand out here in the rain and chat, I imagine you'd appreciate being somewhere dry. And I doubt you travelled all this way to verbally spar, as fun as that is."

"I certainly wouldn't have risked being discovered if it wasn't of the utmost importance, Rumpel…I have a project of sorts to discuss with you."

"A project? How intriguing," the sorcerer wrapped an arm around Regina's waist and began to steer her towards his palace. "However, I'm sure you would appreciate a hot bath, some clean clothes, and a meal first, wouldn't you?"

She relaxed a bit, and even leaned instinctively into his side as they walked. "A bath does sound nice…"

Rumpelstiltskin grinned and tugged her closer. "I thought as much. Let's get you settled in then."

She blinked, surprised. "You make it sound as if I'm staying."

"That's because you are. My estate is shielded by magic and no-one can get in. We're perfectly safe here. Unless, of course, you prefer roughing it?" His expression was playful, but Regina could see the underlying protectiveness in his dark eyes.

Her heart fluttered and she shook her head. "If you're willing to have me, I'm more than happy to stay."

"Good answer," he smiled again, waved his hand so the front door opened to allow them entry, and then he escorted her inside.