A/N: I do apologize for the errors, I do intend to go back and fix those. Thanks for the follows, I was slightly nervous about that. Lol.
-Enchanted Forest, Five months later-
Soon after the pair introduced themselves they had to part ways. But when they look back on that day, they knew that they had a failed hunt to thank for their companionship. As the months passed, Regina's visits to what was now known as "their grove" became more and more frequent. It appeared that her mother's ruthlessness was only increasing. On more than one occasion Rune entered the grove and was greeted by her friend's smiling face, but the soft sound of her cries. Another such greeting is what she heard today
Xxxxxx
She hated crying! It showed weakness, that she was weak, but most importantly she believed that every time she cried her mother gained a little more of her soul. She didn't jump when she felt arms encircle her and pull her close to a familiar body. She turned and buried her face in the older woman's chest taking in her calming scent. 'She must be so sick of me. In the forest one must be strong to survive, and here I am crying like a helpless babe.' She thought sourly. With new determination, she forced herself to slow her breathing and stop the tears. A soothing hand was placed on her back and started to slowly run up and down. "Take your time Gina, when you're ready you can tell me." After hearing her friend's advice the let herself relax against Rune.
A few minutes of silence allowed Regina to collect her thoughts, which before were buzzing around her brain like bees. She takes a few more deep breaths to try to calm her still frayed emotions before starting.
~Flashback~
"REGINA!" The girl in question tried not to cringe at the tone in her mother's voice. 'This is not going to end well.' She thought, as she considered herself to be something of an "expert" when it came to one her mother's moods. Although that notion never failed to put a slight frown on her face. Unfortunately she did not have the chance to get rid of it before her mother swept into her room, much like a hurricane. Before Regina could even properly register what happened, she found herself facing the left and had an intense burning on the right side of her face. Tears edged her vision, but she valiantly fought them back. "What have I told you about frowning so much?! You will mar that face with wrinkles, then how will you ever get anywhere in this life you foolish child? Tell me, how will your damaged appearance give you the momentum you need to move up in this life?!"
Regina fought to not reply with a with a sarcastic remark as she bowed her head down. "I am sorry mother, I should have listened to you." Her mother sniffed at her comment, before glaring at her, "See that you remember that, you and I know that I am not a fan of repeating lessons." With that she turned and stalked out of Regina's room. After she was sure her mother was gone she released a shaky breath and grabbed her cloak. It wasn't the worst her mother had done but she was not going to stay and risk another encounter with her. On her way out of the house she noticed her father sitting in the drawing room reading. Sensing her presence he looked up from the tome and smiled fondly at her, his smile faltered slightly when he saw her red cheek. He stood up swiftly and strode across the room and gently cupped her face, she saw the sorrow and regret in his eyes. "I am so sorry Regina, she wasn't always this way." he says softly. She breaks eye contact and mumbles a response about going to the garden before rushing out of the house. Even though she feels guilty about leaving him like that, she can't bear to see him look at her like that.
~End Flashback~
After successfully recounting the events that took place Regina feels slightly better. She relaxes even further and waits for her companion's response.
Xxxxxx
She can hardly believe it, the Elders had agreed that she should be able to see the world and all it had to offer before she came of age! She could now freely visit Regina anytime she wished and stay as long as she pleased. Endless possibilities ran rampant through her brain at the moment. She could probably even reveal he true nature to Regina if she wanted. Not that the Elders actually said that, it was more of a matter of perspective she supposed. Her race was extremely enigmatic, for good reason but it did not sit well with her to hide something so important from someone who was becoming just as important, if not more so. She was aware that Regina was by no means a dull stone, she had caught her friend examining her many times when she thought she wasn't looking. Regina may have figured out what she was if given enough time, but why waste time when the answer could be give freely? With all if this in mind she set off to the grove in hopes of beating her friend there so she could properly gather her thoughts for the information she was about to give Regina. As she walked down the familiar path to the grove she tried to quell the feeling of nervousness, but as soon as she broke through the tree line all thoughts of the grand news vanished.
After pinpointing the origin of Regina's soft cries in the grove, she makes her way to her best friend. 'She's hurting, even though I would like to take care of the problem permanently..it is not an option at the moment. She needs me here.' It wasn't the first time thoughts of this nature had crossed her mind, 'Nor will it be the last...' shaking her head as if to clear her mind of the dark thoughts she sits down next to the weeping girl and takes her into her arms. She had noticed a few months ago that her presence had an almost immediate calming effect on the younger girl. Fortunately the observation held true today as well, holding in a sigh she starts to rub Regina's back in calming manner hoping to help set her mind at ease. She looks down to see the girls brow furrowed and has a feeling she knows where Regina's mind has taken her. A strong wave of protectiveness washes over her, and she brings the girl in closer. 'I need to know what has happened, but I must be cautious about how I go about it. I do not want her to shut me out.' After formulating a plan of approach, Rune makes the decision to suggest the younger girl should tell her in her own time. A decision that, not only paid off but also succeeded in pissing her off. She took her time to compose herself and reel in her anger. 'What kind of mother would do that to their child!?'"Regina, you..you don't blame yourself for what happened to you?" The girl's silence says it all, "Don't blame yourself. She's your mother she isn't supp-" "I'M WEAK!" after that outburst Rune's response died on her tongue.
Xxxxxx
She couldn't take it! Her father's look of guilt and pity along with Rune's rationalization were too much for her to handle. While shouting out her insecurities was not how she planned going about things, it seemed o have the desired effect on Rune. She stood up and stepped back effectively breaking physical contact, she looked into Rune's stormy grey eyes and took a moment to calm her racing heart. "I am weak, but I intend to change that. Can I trust you to help me?"
She inquired, sounding vastly more confident than she was feeling at the moment. She watched as her friend got up slowly, brushing off some of the dirt on her trousers before stepping forward and placing a hand on her shoulder. "I will always choose to stand by you Regina." And in that moment the two friends knew that, no matter what those words would remain true.