Regina stood still by Rocinante, Rumpelstiltskin had just disappeared in a cloud of smoke. It reminded Regina of her mother, the fear that would strike her when that smoke would appear. He had given her the book, she looked at it, and it struck her with fear. She thought about the power she had felt when she pushed her mother through the mirror, the freedom.

She sighed, she had to push these thoughts aside. Rumpelstiltskin had said he could train her that she was powerful, but she did not want to believe him. He wanted her to stay with Leopold.

Regina could not stay there in that castle, she had failed to get away before she was forced to wed him, but now she was out of there she was never going back. Daniel had taught her how to look after herself. Daniel the thought of him made her blush, his pure eyes looking into hers, his kisses that lifted her heart. Then she saw his eyes as the faded from life, the last kiss she parted on his lifeless lips.

She knew she could not think of him, it would break her. She needed to get ready. All she needed to do was get some new clothes, ones that would help her blend in. Regina dropped the book in the bushes on the road, she did not want to call Rumpelstiltskin to come collect it. She could tell that he could get her to go back to Leopold, and she could not risk it. She had to get away.

She once again mounted Rocinante, and began to ride, towards the lush green forest. She slowed down after a few hours of riding as fast as she could. The green glow of the treetops made her face look even more beautiful than normal.

She noticed a small stream ahead, and jumping off the horse, she led her to some water. As the horse drank and recovered from the strenuous ride, Regina too knelt by the small flow of water, and drank greedily. Scooping up the cool water in her hands she splashed it across her face. She smiled slightly at how this simple action made her feel so much better.

She relaxed just listening to the sound of the forest, the birds, water and wind through the tress. She hadn't felt this calm in a long time, she knew the last time, when she had been in Daniel's arms. She let her mind drift to him, everything about him was perfect to her.

He was meant to be her saviour. His ring was now on her finger instead of the one Leopold had given to her. She would never take it off again she swore to herself.

Rocinante suddenly tensed. Regina noticed immediately, and scramble to her feet, glancing around the forest. Why didn't she grab something to protect herself, she cursed herself silently.

She grabbed the reins, preparing to make a getaway.

"You know if you want to not stick out you really should not look so fancy." A disembodied female voice called through the trees, "I mean even your hair would make you stick out."

"Who are you? What do you want?" Regina's voice trembled

"I could help you." The voice replied, and a girl about Regina's age appeared. She was bony with startling blue eyes, and beautiful auburn hair tied into two messy braids. She smiled at Regina as she looked her up and down.

"I live in a village not far from here, I could bring you plainer clothes, food, or you could even come back with me." The girl added in her singsong voice.

"Why would you help me?" Regina asked, watching her carefully, as she stroked Rocinante's neck. It was imbedded into her nature to naturally distrust, her mother had made sure her faith in humanity was destroyed. Daniel had helped but now he too was gone and she was alone. Feeling vulnerable as she had done for most of her life.

"You look like you need it. I take it you are running from some wealthy old husband?" the girl smiled sympathetically at her, "I understand, and I want to help. I'm Pippi."

"You'll really help me?" Regina smiled

"Of course," Pippi laughed at Regina's uncertainty, then her eyes filled with concern and compassion "God, someone really hurt you, didn't they?"

Regina looked down at the forest floor, unsure how to answer.

"You don't have to tell me your name, or what happened. Just know you can do anything a man can do. More in fact. I'll do whatever I can to help you." Pippi said confidently

Regina wiped the tear that fallen down her cheek away, and nodded.

"I'm Regina." She smiled,

"Well come on Regina, I'll get you sorted. Where you heading?" Pippi said, tilting her head in the direction of a small footpath.

The two of them moved off either side of Rocinante. Pippi passed an apple to Regina, the horse tried to grab it during the exchange. As Regina ate the apple ravenously as she had not eaten much recently. Having been too filled with worries and misery to want food.

Pippi watched her eat fascinated, "Well someone's hungry." She smiled, and pulled a worn cloak out of her bag. "Here put this one, we are nearing my village, and I know a few people who would willingly turn you in for a little money."

"What about your family?" Regina asked pulling on the cloak

"My mother is dead, father at sea." Pippi said coldly, "Ready?" she asked

Regina looked past her, and saw a clearing with a small village, surrounded by farm land. It was the kind of place she had always imagined running away to, with Daniel. She hoped that she would find a place like this further away from Leopold. She wondered how far she could get, she knew King George's kingdom was not an option.

"Regina?" Pippi's voice pulled her sharply back into reality

"Yeh, sorry. Let's go." Regina smiled at her, putting on her best face, she had to look confident.

Pippi smiled, and took her hand giving it a squeeze, realizing it, they left the forest.


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