"Morning, sis."
"Hey Ro."
Roland walked up next to her, still about a foot taller. The two didn't resemble at all, they were only half-siblings after all. Roland's hair was lighter and his face was only slightly ragged like his father.
"Happy Birthday." he stated smiling.
"Thanks, are Henry, Wendy and Bae back yet?"
"Nope, but they should be here soon."
Daniella nodded quietly and walked to the apple tree. It was still fueled by her mother's magic, but now because it was light magic instead of dark it flourished to a huge size and bore twice as much fruit. Because it was Spring, the blooms were gigantic and frangrant. Daniella gently plucked one from the branch and placed it in her hair.
"Quiet today, is everything alright?" Roland asked.
"I guess..." Daniella sighed. "Do you ever feel like you could accomplish more at your age?"
"Well, yeah, I'm nineteen and haven't been on as many adventures as Henry and he's only seven years older than me, Neal ." Roland spoke. "But you couldn't be worried about that, you're only fourteen and a magic user to boot."
"I know, I know. But sometimes I feel like my cousins... 'Or uncles and aunts' are more sucessful than me."
Roland laughed a bit. "Hardly, and even if they have more experience than you in some things, that seems to make them pretty cocky."
"Are we talking about Neal or Oriane?"
"They're pretty interchangable huh?"
Daniella laughed with him and hit his shoulder.
"Ha ha ha, very funny."
Neal stood before them, a couple inches taller than Roland with his father's face and mother's hair. "A little pride never hurt anymore."
"Expect maybe some people's self-esteem." Daniella laughed.
"Like yours?"
Daniella narrowed her eyes and tossed a fireball at his feet, which caused him to jump.
"Shesh! It was a joke..." He examined his boots. "You've charred them..."
"Good." Roland smiled.
The siblings laughed as Neal glared at them. With a huff and swagger of chest her walked up.
"Definately Cora's granddaughter..."
Daniella's smile immediately faded as she stood and walked away.
"Dani!" He groaned as he turned his eyes to Neal. "You can be a real jerk."
From the upper balchony, Regina watched as her daughter walked back inside with her brother, frustrated. She frowned and fiddled with her hands as she watched them. She had dressed in a light purple ballgown decorated in silver studs and tied her hair up. Robin walked beisde her, dressed in an evergreen felt suit, then took her hand.
"She is growing up so fast..." Robin smiled.
"I know, but..." Regina paused and sighed softly. "Do you think I've been a good mother to her?"
Robin's eyes widened and his mouth stretched. "Of course you have! You raised her with love, taught her the difference between right and wrong-"
"That may be the issue..." Regina sat on the bed. "Do you think I gave her too many warnings about magic? About darkness? I know she's not confident and her magic feels... Frail." Regina looked down. "And because my actions haven't been the best, she has a bad stigma on people. People are afraid of her because of me." She then slowly made a fist. "Not to mention about how unfair it is for her love life."
"You did what you thought was best, no parent is perfect." Robin soothed softly as he took her hand. "And people will always think foolish things. The important thing is she's healthy and happy." He kissed Regina. "But, about the romance..." Robin cleared his throat. "Have you ever thought... Maybe she doesn't like boys?"
Regina paused, then nodded her head. "Well, even if she doesn't we'll still love her."
"Of course! The thought of not loving her will never come to mind!" he promised with a nod.
"Well, whoever she's with," Regina kissed him passionately. "I hope they are as wonderful as you."