1307 words, this chapter
Chapter Two, A Captain Cobra Swan Christmas Adventure
Oddly, Killian found himself leading the planning of a holiday he had never truly celebrated. "No matter, I do have excellent taste," he reminded himself. He also had many people willing to teach him about Christmas traditions.
Plus, this was going to be an Enchanted Forest version, with a dash of pirate flair.
The next morning, Snow's castle had lost some of the melancholy of the previous days. Everyone was excited. The whole kingdom seemed to have gathered in the ballroom to help with the festivity planning.
Killian stood at the front of the room, beside the Queen and King themselves. Emma was supportive but more low key. Actually, she was lounging in one of the royal chairs behind them.
Killian nodded to one of Snow's servants to call for order. His first thought was to fire his revolver, but he thought it was bad form. Also, Emma magically locked it in her room.
When there was quiet, he gave each person a responsibility.
"Locksley, you and the father of the wooden man child," said Killian, ignoring the glare from August, "are quite talented at woodcraft. You are the only suitable substitutes for the odd little men with a disturbing fascination for the whimsy of childhood."
"What is he saying?" asked Marco.
Emma chuckled. "He wants you to make toys."
"Indeed," said Killian. He eyed Locksley. "I take no responsibility for the ire of parents if you give their offspring tiny bows and arrows. I would ask their permission first."
Robin laughed. "Thanks for the parenting tip, Mate."
Killian then looked at David. He smirked so widely that David got a bad feeling. "Oh, Lord," he muttered.
Killian smiled. "King David," he said, as Snow and he had assumed the thrones of her kingdom and were now Queen and King. "Your natural, though less than royal talents, make you the perfect one to acquire reindeer."
"Excuse me?"
Emma chuckled.
"Taking into consideration your wife's wishes," Killian continued as David glared at Snow who shrugged, "you shall also gather the animals required for a live recreation of the natives' activity."
"What?" asked about twenty voices.
Emma chuckled, still lounging. "He means the nativity."
"Yes," Killian said, glancing back at her. "Nativity. Whatever the devil that is."
"I've told you five times," said the Queen.
"And I still do not comprehend it fully," replied the pirate. He turned his attention to Belle. "Now as for the baby Jessie."
"It's Jesus, KIllian," corrected Snow.
"What an odd name." He looked back at Belle, who shook her head, protectively hugging her infant daughter.
"No," she said firmly.
"I believe a child is central to the natives', uh.. nativity."
"No," she repeated.
He rolled his eyes. "Fine, I'll have Marco construct an infant. Happy?"
Belle laughed. "Thank you. I'll get to work finding some suitable stories to read to the children. I may even try to compose, 'Twas the night before Christmas' from memory."
She smiled and left with her baby for the Queen's massive library.
Emma moved to Killian's side. "She looks happy," she said softly. "It was hard for her at first, living without Gold."
Killian gave a satisfied chuckle. "Serves the crocodile right. The only good thing about us getting swept up in the backfired spell is that he is out of our lives, Belle's included."
"I know, but she loved him."
He sighed. "Yes, and he loved her in his own warped way. Still, he tried to kidnap her and the baby against her will and escape to a realm without anyone else she loved."
Emma nodded. "Yeah, kind of fitting that he's stuck in Storybrooke."
KIllian snickered. "Alone."
"Still, it's going to be hard for her."
Killian kissed her cheek. "She is not alone, Love."
Emma smiled, nodded and kissed him on his lips.
"Um...guys?" asked David. Around him were a bunch of impatient people.
"Sorry," said Emma.
Killian laughed. He returned to his duties, assigning celebration tasks.
"Granny will lead the kitchen staff in handling the food menu," he told her. "Try your best to recreate the Christmas delights. Perhaps Locksley can slay a turkey for you."
"I don't think we have many of those," said Snow.
"Pheasant, duck, chicken, just get a bird," said KIllian.
Emma laughed. "It would be nice if you could do a pumpkin pie. Henry especially would like one."
Granny smiled. "Consider it done," she said. "I'll manage cocoa with cinnamon somehow too." She winked at Emma.
"In addition," KIllian said, "Lady Lucas will also be in charge of knitting the ridiculous footwear."
"That's a lot of work, Killian," said Emma.
"Oh, don't worry," said Granny. "I like to knit. It's relaxing."
"Good woman," said Killian. "Now, as to others. Regina will coax nature into giving us a snowy Christmas, if it decides not to cooperate."
Regina groaned. "That's it? Oh, please that's child's play. I can do so much more. I know, I'll help Granny with apple pies and pastries." There were coughs, smirks, and a few scared looks. "Oh, get over it!" she yelled.
Emma laughed. "If Henry and I trust her apple treats, so should you guys."
"Thank you, I think," replied Regina.
Killian continued delegating chores.
"The dwarves will mine any gems or stone needed for other gifts, and perhaps coal for those of us who lean more to the naughty list," he said with a wink at Emma. "The fairies will make decorations. Her Majesty, Snow White is in charge of the music and entertainment for the celebration."
At last only Tiny, the former giant was left. "Ah, finally, we come to the last great element. You shall be the beloved if impractical gift-giving marvel known as Santa Claus."
Tiny smiled. "Thanks! I was hoping for that, ever since Henry explained the jolly old soul to me." He left, practicing his "ho, ho, ho."
Finally the ballroom was clear. "That seems to be everyone," Killian said.
Emma looked at him. "Ahem."
He stared blankly at her.
"Seriously, Killian? Where's my assignment?"
"You merely need to inspire me, Love." She glared at him and he laughed. "You are so untrusting Swan! Of course you have a responsibility."
"Good. What is it?"
He smirked. "Let us just say that it is fortunate that my esteemed ship was caught up in the magic that swept us all here."
"Your ship?" He nodded. "KIllian, I am not cleaning your ship!"
"Swabbing the deck,' is the proper terminology, Love, and of course not." She looked confused. "I will tell you, Love, once your lad returns."
"Where is he anyway?"
"With Smee."
She sighed. "Killian, I've told you, I'm not sure he's the best role model for Henry."
"And I am?"
She chuckled, giving him a loving smile. "Yeah, you are now."
He blushed. "You humble me Love. Fear not. Several of your parents' sailors, servants, and merchants accompanied them."
"Where?"
He just smiled and pulled her out of the ballroom, then the castle. As if planned, at that moment, Henry came running up the hill just outside the castle. He was out of breath.
"There you are," said his mother. "Where have you been all morning?"
He took deep breaths. "I was...over at the...docks."
"The boy was supervising the supplying of the Jolly Roger."
"You aren't leaving?" she asked Killian. Her voice was so full of concern, that it caused a pang in his heart.
"Alas, I'm afraid I must, and the lad is coming with me."
"Whoa! Hold on…."
Both Henry and Killian began to laugh. "Don't tease her," said the boy.
The captain smirked. "Alright." He took Emma's hand. "You must bless us with your company on our voyage. That is your responsibility, to aid Henry and myself on our most important mission."
"Voyage, huh?" she asked. "Where are we going?"
Killian smiled widely. "Christmas shopping."
End of Chapter Two