Jefferson left her to herself after showing her a rather cozy room with a roaring fire and warm furnishings. Belle dropped her heavy bag that she had carried since the beginning down on the large bed. Her arms ached with the struggle of hauling her pack up the stairs.
She was pleasantly surprised to find a very well stocked washroom in her assigned quarters and it wasn't long after she freshened up a bit that there was a small knock at the door from Jefferson who had brung up a tray laden with tea and bread and a little soft cheese. Belle couldn't help but notice that it was made for two in mind. She smiled sweetly, pleased to have a little company after so long on her own. His own smile was charming he layed the tray down on the table before speaking.
"I hope this is good enough for you Miss Belle. I'm afraid we don't entertain much, which I'm sure you've already guessed, what with Rumpel's sunny disposition and all." Belle couldn't help but giggle as she watched Jefferson offer her a cup of tea.
"But apart from his charming manners, he can be quite a handy room-mate to have around." Belle quietly sipped the hot drink, grateful for it as she took a seat, gesturing to the hatter to do the same. "I have to admit I was a little taken back, he's quite...I don't know the right word." Belle wondered what the word could be used for describing Rumpelstiltskin. He was definitely different that was for sure, but Jefferson beat her to it. "Scary beyond all reason?" Belle almost choked on her drink, "That's it." They both got a good chuckle at Rumpel's expense.
After tea and a few bits of bread Belle yawned while Jefferson tirelessly yacked on and on, untill he noticed Belle's droopy-eyed expression. "I'm sorry Miss Belle I'm keeping you up and you must be exhausted aren't you? Poor little lamb." Jefferson had not broached the subject of how Rumpel could possibly know of her or why she had not spoke truthfully about her homeland, but perhaps over breakfast she could enlighten them. Jefferson hoped she liked porridge. he wasn't much of a cook and Rumpel refused to do any sort of cooking, which often led to poor options.
Jefferson stood and after taking a blushing Belle's hand and placing a tender kiss to it, he excused himself , telling her that breakfast would be served up to her room if she would prefer not to come down to the main hall, especially if Rum frightened her as he tended to do to everyone except the hatter it seemed. He seemed to be treating her as some sort of invited guest instead of a wayward, lost traveler that procured a room for the night from him. He even promised to show her a few of his hats the next day if she cared to stick around a few more hours before leaving to whatever adventure she had been on, before he found her on the road going the wrong way.
After he left for the night Belle undid the tie on the satchel she carried taking out the few possessions she had. She pulled out several books that brought on most of the weight, but she couldn't bear to leave them behind. She sat them on the bed and reached in, pulling out a simple night dress, one she hadn't had the opportunity to wear very often. It got chilly at night out in the woods or wherever she might have the chance to lay her head.
She shrugged off her traveling clothes with distaste. she had worn them for a good while and they were in desperate need of a wash. She briefly wondered if they would care if she used a few slivers of their lye if they had any or at least rinse them with a little well water to clean them up a bit before she left on her way. In truth she really didn't know where she was going. She just hoped to find a small obscure village where she might blend in with the locals untill she was forgotten by her father. Deep down she knew that it would be next to impossible, her father could be relentless.
His tenaciousness is what had driven her to leave in the first place. He was insisting that she marry a man she most certainly didn't love. How could he expect her to do that, he reasoned that it was to unite the Kingdoms, unfortunately for Belle's father she disagreed. She snuck away the night before her wedding and had been running ever since.
Giving up her title and lands was a small price to pay , if it kept her from marrying the cruel Prince who sought to win her by his displays of brutality against everyone else. His servant trembled in fear of his beatings and she had on one occasion caught him beating his horse, it just made her sick to think he would be her husband, she would have never chose a cruel man such as him. Her father on the other hand, thought that he was a perfect choice. Belle reasoned if he treated everything he owned that way then she would be treated no different. She had no choice, she made her escape and never looked back, but how did the sorcerer know her so easily and from where she came too, she would have to find out. Perhaps he knew all and saw all, perhaps he had caught a glimpse of a wanted poster or perhaps gossip from some place he had visited. She would inquire of him to revel how the next time she did get the chance to talk to him.
After weeks of sleeping in the dark woods Belle sunk happily into the large cozy bed, pulling the covers close, some of those nights had been cold and Belle was thankful to have warm blankets gathered around her. Maybe she could bargain for a few supplies, a blanket would be nice to have, just something small that she could stuff into her ever-growing bag.
She picked up a book and read for a while before finally snuggling down and succumbing to her heavy lids.
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
Jefferson usually slept on the couch in the main hall next to the large stone fireplace. He could think down there. Sometimes he would wake to hear Rumpelstiltskin working away on his spinning wheel that sat in the furthest corner of the large room. He never talked while he was working, tirelessly, forever turning straw into gold, looking as if he were miles away. Jefferson had attempted conversation with him but he would never respond and the hatter learned quickly that he never would .
He layed disheveled with his hat pulled down to cover his eyes and most of his face as he slumbered, snoring quietly not moving when Belle came down the next morning looking for breakfast. She smiled when she saw him, and trying to be as quiet as possible she crept passed him on her way to find any semblance of a kitchen.
She was pleasantly surprised to find a large room filled with pans and pots hanging from the ceiling around a large table. A fireplace sat unused and it wasn't long before Belle had a small fire with a pot of water to boil for a little tea she had found, snooping around. After mixing up a little flour and egg she had run across, she prepared a meal large enough for her and the two gentlemen, plus another three if need be. She carried the laden tray up to the dinning hall and set the table, wishing to surprise them with a hot breakfast.
Jefferson's nose awoke first, as something warm and rich wafted up under it, making his belly lurch in protest of being kept from something so wonderful smelling. He pulled his hat up on his head and attempted to sit up, turning his head toward the delicious odor coming from the table.
He smiled sweetly as he saw Belle sitting the table with food Jefferson hadn't smelled in well just about forever. He got up and after straightening himself up, he sauntered over to inspect what the girl was doing that smelled so wonderful.
"I thought I was supposed to prepare breakfast for you? You must think me a terrible host, but by the gods that must be the best smell I have ever had the pleasure of running into," Belle blushed lightly before finishing setting up her thank-you meal to thank them for their hospitality.
"I hope you don't mind that I took liberties with your kitchen, I must say it's better stocked for two men alone in a huge castle. Do you like cakes with syrup and butter?" Jefferson's stomach growled at the mention of his favorite breakfast, and one he had not had in a long time."You read my mind, my dear, it's perfect." Belle sat down across from the hatter before turning her attention to the large doors, "When does your friend usually awake?" Jefferson waved her off, "Who Rumpel? Oh he hardly ever comes down except for tea but if he smelled this he would be here in a second."
Belle took one more glance at the doors before turning her attention back to the man before her, as she fixed him a hearty plate.
After they finished Jefferson began to gather the dishes. Belle helped him and together they made their way down to the kitchen, talking and laughing as if they had been friends forever. Belle didn't have to do much talking because the eccentric haberdasher talked enough for both, promising to give her a tour of the castle. Belle filled the sink with soapy water, as she washed he dried and while they worked together Jefferson decided to riddle her with questions, "So why aren't you still a princess in your kingdom Miss Belle?" Belle bit her lip, why did the sorcerer have to say that and open her up to questions? Most men wouldn't look favorably upon a woman running from her betrothed, it just wasn't done. a woman was supposed to be eternally grateful for the groom her parents picked out and strive to be a dutiful wife , giving her husband lots of sons and her unwavering devotion, well forget that.
"Well, I wanted to see the world and being a Princess isn't quite the glamorous job it sounds like." Jefferson nodded as if he agreed wholeheartedly. "I see, sounds taxing, I'm not sure that being a Princess would be the life for me as well." Belle giggled at his joke and Jefferson was pleased to see that breath-taking smile all for him. He felt like with little or no persuasion he could in fact be quite smitten with their new little house guest. He hoped she didn't want to immediately depart, perhaps she would be interested in sticking around for a few more meals, he had never tasted such delicious food, he wondered if given the chance what she might prepare for supper. If Rumpel was too snooty to come down and eat, then the hatter vowed to eat his share as well, anything to get Belle to stay right here.
As he daydreamed about supper he didn't pay any attention that Belle was fixing another plate and pot of tea, stacking a plate and cup on a tray before turning to him."I thought I would take Rumpelstiltskin a plate up to wherever he dwells, could you be so kind as to show me which way I should go?"
Jefferson's smile faded from his face, a slight frown replacing it before speaking, "He's in his lair at the top of the tallest tower, but he doesn't like visitors up there, he can be rather grumpy, perhaps we should just set it aside.." Belle shook her head before picking up the tray, "No, I think I will take my chances, he must be hungry and I'd like to thank him for his hospitality."
He nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders as if he didn't care."Well, suit yourself but don't say I didn't warn you." Jefferson showed her how to get to the tower and watched her slowly climb the stairs with tray in hand. He had volunteered to carry it for her but Belle had declined, wanting to thank Rumpel by herself, thinking that perhaps he will talk a little more without the distraction of the hatter.
Belle could feel the air get chiller as she climbed the tall tower carrying the tray of food. She knocked lightly on the door but no one answered. Out of sheer curiosity Belle lightly pushed on the door and was surprised when it gave way and opened for her. She timidly walked in suddenly feeling like an intruder, Rumpel was no where to be seen but the room was not like what she was expecting . The room was circular with large windows on one high stone wall. Colored glass sent shards of color in the morning light all through the room. Books and viles of various kinds lay scattered across every surface of the large table in the center of the room and along shelves in a large cabinet in the corner. Belle's eyes scanned the room as if she half expected Rumpel to come climbing down the walls after her any second but that still didn't move her feet to set the tray down and leave the place that she had not been invited into. Her eyes went to a small room no bigger than a large closet. Belle took a few steps toward it to peer inside. A small cot sat in there with a thin itchy looking blanket thrown across it. but what was so extraordinary was the sketches all along the walls around the bed as if Rumpel had spent hours upon hours drawing on the walls, pictures of a young boy, each one different, although all of them were of the same boy, they were quite good, Belle thought, lots of detail, large eyes and unruly hair,each picture had a sad smile. Belle wondered who it was, HIM? or perhaps a son? She took a few steps closer to one as she ran her fingernail along one of the lines, they appeared to be scratched into the wall with something sharp. it obviously had taken a lot of time and talent.
Belle was so caught up in the drawings that the click of the door being shut made her jump. Spinning around she saw Rumpel leaning against the door, blocking her escape with a very cantankerous look on his face. Belle backed out of the small room as she suddenly was feeling very claustrophobic with her exit cut off and the dark one blocking her path. She gulped loudly before putting on a smile while she walked over to set the tray down on the table. "I thought you might be hungry, and I wanted to thank you."
"I thought you'd be on your way by now, but oh no, here you are sneaking around in my tower uninvited."
Belle felt all the hairs on her neck stand up at attention, he was right, she was invading his domain without his permission, perhaps she had been a little hasty in her decision to venture up here on her own. Well she didn't have anyone to blame but herself if he decided to turn her into a cat for being curious. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to ask you a few questions before I'm on my way." Rumple face seemed to bear a strong resemblance to someone sucking on lemons, "well, what is it you would like to say Princess, far be it from me to hinder your way."
Belle turned back to the tray and began fixing Rumpel a cup of tea and handing it too him she noticed the shocked look on his face before he hesitantly took the cup in her hands. Rumpel stared at the it as if she had just handed him a cup of poison. "Do you take sugar or lemon?" He looked up at her staring at him expecting an answer, "I don't need you to fix my tea, I'm perfectly capable of doing it myself. It will do you no good to try to make yourself inexpendable around here Princess, I'm not running an inn and I already have one room-mate I cant seem to be rid of."
"I'm not trying to convince you of anything Rumpelstiltskin, I simply wished to thank you for your hospitality and ask you something." Rumpel leaned in just a little closer expectantly. "How did you know me and where I came from?"
A slick grin turned his mouth up at the corners, "Well Princess, it's simple really, I payed a visit to your father per his request after you vanished in the night." A small gasp escaped Belle's lips and her look of surprise was not lost on the sorcerer. "My father called for your services? I didn't even know he knew of you, I've never heard of him speak of you."
Rumpel chuckled lowly, "I'm quite sure there is a lot that you are not privy too Princess." Belle's eyes narrowed at his comment, was he always so..so..rude? "What did he ask of you, was it to help him find me?" her curiosity peaked at his retort, what exactly did her father want of the dark one. "Indeed it was, but I declined."
"Why? Is that not in your realm of magic?" Rumpel seemed to go instantly from amused to morose, "EVERYTHING is in my realm your highness." Belle turned red, she realized she had over stepped her bounds with him, "Forgive me, that was rude of me, perhaps you would like some breakfast, I made some cakes, I could make you a..." her voice was suddenly overpowered by his " As I said I am perfectly capable of doing it myself" but even as he grumped his eyes moved over the tray hungrily. Belle smiled, the way to melt his scaly exterior was the same as any other man, through his stomach. Belle wondered how long it had been since Jefferson and Rumpel had eaten a hot cooked meal that consisted of more than gruel or porridge.
Belle tried to suppress a smile when he stuck his clawed finger down in one of the bowls with the thick syrup , tasting it. "Does it suffice?" A grunt of approval sounded from him as he plucked a cake from the tray and rolled it up, sticking it down in the syrup before consuming the whole thing greedily. "I could fix you an even better supper if you would allow me to stay a little longer." He gave no indication that he had heard her comment so Belle turned to leave but as she turned the handle of the door , a low voice, barely loud enough for her ears to pick up spoke, "What would you cook, if I allowed you to stay another night?" Belle turned back with a smile, she had him. she knew it, apparently all men could be bought with a little good cooking.
"Would Lamb stew suffice?" Rumpelstiltskin's mouth watered at the thought of stew."With carrots and onions?" Her mention of carrots and onions had Rumpelstiltskin hook, line and sinker. "I'll see to it that all you need will be in the kitchens. Belle curtsied before speaking, "Thank you, for allowing me another night. I promise to be on my way in the morning."
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
this may not have been the best chapter you have ever read. I've had a one year old for the last two days and it's quite hard to concentrate on anything else I'm afraid. Hope you enjoy it. Please read and review as you know I'm a review hoarder!