Take Back the Kingdom

"Let's take back the kingdom"-with those five words, the new adventure begins. This is the story of how Snow and Charming along with a rag-tag group of dwarves, mermaids, wolves, humans, fairies, and soldiers come to defeat the Evil Queen. A sequel to "Mermaid's Tail".


The princess, the party, and the bounty hunter

Everything happened all at once.

The white wolf shoved the Big Bad Wolf away. Still upside down, Snow grabbed the dangling bow, barely managed to knock an arrow, and somehow sent it flying. She bent herself double as she drew her arm back, in too much of a hurry to aim very well. The arrow was angled hopeless against the shaft and in her panic, her legs loosened, and she was suddenly falling. While caught up in the vertigo, Snow failed to see the launched arrow shoot forward to bury itself into the left eye of the roaring beast. She was knocked sideways by a branch and then landed in a painful heap on the ground. Her right leg impacted with a stone, hard. The pain drove the breath out of her. Snow crumbled, injured in her leg, gasping.

She heard terrible screams around her and smelled the blood, muddy puddles, and wet fur. Panic and adrenaline grabbed at her so hard she forced herself to her feet, limping and staggering.

The monster wolf was roaring and thrashing about, trying in vain to extract the arrow lodged in its eye. Its body thrashed with each step, the arms flopping ineffectively. Its predatory gaze moved to Red, lying helpless on the ground. If only she could have counted on that arrow killing him before it reached Red. Rage was obviously driving the wounded monster onward relentlessly. Snow had no idea what a Big Bad Wolf was capable of, in ignoring its wounds, and seeking revenge. It had no concern for its well-being, and she knew that it was willing to suffer even more damages to accomplish its desire to kill them all.

Snow limped over to where Red lay huddled on the ground, a crumbled mass of black fur, and took a protective stance over her best friend. The bow was knocked with the last silver-tipped arrow.

The Big Bad Wolf lifted its head and then began advancing towards them, its intentions clear in the murderous expression. It never saw the girl, where she was or how she came at it. One moment the Big Bad Wolf was moving towards Snow and Red, and the next it was jerked backwards, a small arm wound around its neck, the breath going out of it at the sudden impact, choking. As it tried to shake Rain off, it's back spasmed painfully.

Rain ground her teeth as she tightened the hold of her arm. "You are not wolf!" she practically screamed, her eyes clenched tight. She looked to be on the very brink of madness.

The beast was still trying to get to Snow, but was not progressing very far. She saw the monster's eye start to glaze over as Rain continued to hold on, clutching onto its neck like a monkey. Panic redoubled its efforts; it began to twist and turn, yanking its back to shake its enemy off. Miraculously, the girl held on.

The monster wolf's legs suddenly folded underneath him and it toppled to the knees right in front of Snow. One forepaw caught on the ground. When it saw her, it growled again and frantically tried to reach for her throat.

It was too close for a shot. With one hand, Snow took a mighty swing and clubbed the beast hard on the snout with her strong yew bow.

It grimaced, showing its bloody teeth in snarl. When it opened its mouth to speak, blood came out but so did its wolf words. "A woman!?" Then the soul left its eyes.

Snow kept herself upright and met its eyes with a defiant gaze, breathing hard. She felt both a rush of heady relief that it was finally over and terror at the prospect of what had almost happened to all of them.

Rain stayed where she was until the big bad wolf's entire weight sagged to the ground, its eyes wide and staring, its facial expression still incredulous at the idea of a human woman besting him. Only when its head rolled to the side did Rain finally let go. She used the beast's bulk to level herself back to her feet. Blood leaked from her nose and a few of the bandages where Doc had stitched her first wounds up, just days before. Snow could see sweat trickling down her face and her hands were shaking. Rain had been as scared as she was, Snow realized.

"He was no wolf," the girl whispered, staring but not really seeing, Snow. Her golden eyes had lost their battle-hardened look and now she looked like nothing more than an exhausted, frightened little girl. Snow could tell that this had been hard on her.

Hands still shaking, Rain pushed her long hair back, making the blue and turquoise scales from Ariel's tail sparked on the tiny braids scattered in her matted dark hair. "I guess…I guess you can put that thing down now."

Snow was confused before she realized that she still had her weapon drawn. Her mind had not comprehended just yet that the danger had past, it had gone blank. She relaxed her sore muscles, but then her leg reminded her painfully of what else had happened. She could feel throbs pulsing from the ends of her toes to her kneecaps as her knees kept shaking. She didn't think she could run, let alone walk, out of here.

Both she and Rain knelt next to Red's still form. Rain brought her head close to the elongated canine skull and closed her eyes as she listened. "She's alright." Rain looked back into Snow's eyes, her face drawn and furrowed, as if she was worried to death about something, as if the fact that the monster was dead did not mean the danger had passed. Another concern had been put there. Snow felt herself go cold as if she, too, knew that they were all still in very real danger.

"We need to get her out of here," Snow said firmly. She had no idea how they were going to transport an unconscious wolf, the size of a small bear, but somehow it had to be done.

The iron determination returned to Rain's face. "Let's get her on some branches. We can pull her towards safety." She glanced around the deadened woods. "And hurry!"

As Snow tried to move a step, she nearly fell head-first into the ground. Her leg simply crumbled when she put weight on it.

Rain was beside her in a second. She put a steady arm out, holding the taller woman up in a gentle embrace. "What's wrong?"

"My leg," Snow answered. "I think it's broken."

"If it was broken you would not be able to stand on it. I think you have a bad sprain."

It took only a moment for the two of them to fashion a splint, find a long enough branch for Snow to use as a cane, before setting off to the task of building a makeshift sled. Snow glanced around as she hobbled along. The enemy was vanquished but somehow she got the feeling that the fight was not ended. Perhaps it was the look in Rain's eyes? She winced as she felt sticky blood going down her right leg. Her forest-green eyes shifted upwards. She could have sworn they had been fighting all night, but the sky had not yet lightened into day.

"Your first wolf kill?" Rain asked later as she bent and wove branches of birch together. They were long and sturdy; a necessity for dragging Red's unconscious form. Using her teeth instead of a knife, she had cut strips of leather from the bottom half of her tight vest and was using them to lash the limbs together.

Snow nodded. "And I do not care to do that ever again," she said. Her leg was cramping so badly she could barely stand upright. Funny, she thought, that she had not felt the pain while she was facing down the monster wolf during the battle.

"That's good," Rain said with a glint in her golden eyes. She scratched at one of her old wounds on her now-bare, toned navel. "Although Snow, you might set a new record for a bull's-eye with that weapon of yours. First in the Enchanted Forest to shoot a Big Bad Wolf in the eye, upside down, take my word."

Snow stopped tying branches together long enough to give Rain an incredulous look. She was making jokes now of all times?

Rain glanced around again, the teasing light in her eyes now gone. "We should hurry," she said. "I don't like the feel of these woods."

Afterward they dragged Red to the side of a stream and washed the blood off her fur and themselves in water as cold as melted ice. As she knelt next her friend, dabbing at the laceration on the furry shoulder, Snow was worried. Red was still a wolf. Somehow she had managed to force the change to her, despite it not being Wolfstime, at the whim of the battle, and was now stuck in this form. They had no idea where her red hood was. Would her friend be…different when she finally woke up? Would she know who Snow was? She remembered long ago the big wolf with black fur that had leaped at her with a snarl, how frightened she had been even with Granny and her silver-tipped arrows. But now, all she saw was her best friend. Lying there hurt.

"We should get out of here, at all haste. There was that hunting party before. I am sure they heard all the commotion we were making. If we get caught, they will kill us all," Snow said wearily.

Rain looked up from dragging Red's makeshift sled. Snow could see the anger in her face. "They would do that?"

Snow did not bother to answer, she was too tired. She settled for adjusting the leather straps that were lashed to the branches underneath Red. The heard the shouts of the men behind then before they had gone half a mile, and later on, Snow herself smelled the burning pitch torches. She felt her heart beat a staccato. Rain sped up their pace. "They're coming!" the wolf said, "DAMMIT!" She suddenly yanked the leather straps off of her and moved closer to Snow. Her eyes were more yellow than usual, and the tight straps had reddened the skin on her bare arms.

"Is there a plan?" Snow asked quickly.

"Yeah, try and stay alive."

"That's it? Is there a good plan?

Rain looked sheepish. "That's all I got, sorry." She squared her shoulders. "They're fast, but I'll lead them away. Get Red out of here. I won't let them hurt you."

Snow stepped back from Red's sled and grabbed Rain's arm. "Don't you dare do anything too foolish Rain!"

Rain glanced at the gloved hand on her arm then turned completely around to face Snow and smiled. "Go on. Find shelter and help Red. I'll catch up with you afterwards."

Snow wanted to argue, but Rain was right. Red needed to get brought to safety and she herself was not going to do any running on her bummed leg. Out of all of them, Rain was in the best condition for leading the hunting party away. Snow leaned forward, and enveloped the young one in hug. "Good luck!"

Rain returned the hug and kissed Snow's cheek. "And to you!"

There was a blur of warm light. The wolf wagged her tail once and then was gone.

There was nothing left to do but try and get out of there herself. Snow turned. She had to lock her knee to stay upright on her trembling legs, deliberately avoiding putting too much weight on the injured one. She tried to remember where they were and how she was going to save Red, but she couldn't seem to get her panicked mind to work very well.

"Where do I go Red?" she heard herself whisper.

If the black wolf answered, Snow did not hear it.

She hiked through the woods in silence. Snow tried to look for a place to stash Red, somewhere with sufficient cover. As she walked down a shallow grassy knoll, Snow fought to regain a sense of direction. If she could somehow find shelter, like Rain said, they might stand a chance. Most humans would not be able to reposition themselves after such a battle with the Big Bad Wolf, but not Snow White. She had spent more time in the Enchanted Forest, as a fugitive, as a runaway, as a bandit, as a rebel, than anyone else could have. Near the bottom of the hill, Snow paused and remembered something.

She changed directions. "Don't worry Red," she said to the unconscious wolf. "I'm going to get you out of here."

Snow focused into the black void of the forest towards the cave as she leaned forward in the leather straps, urging herself onward, faster and faster. The muscles in both her thighs were strained as she pushed herself to go on, frantically aware that if she was not fast enough, they would be caught. She became only distantly aware of the pain in her leg, an ever-present throb that reminded her she was not quite whole.

She gripped the leather straps with one hand. With the other one, she pushed her filthy raven locks off her sweaty forehead. Unexpectedly, the black outline of the cave came out of nowhere and she shuffled them both into the darkness. It was dark but dry; many of the bear-sized boulders were flocked with moss and sprinkled with white flowers. Once inside, she laid the reins down and retraced her steps. She would not be able to hide their tracks as well as she would have preferred, but it made no sense to leave behind such obvious traces.

Just as she was removing the last of the drag marks using the bough of a pine tree, she heard the mermaid's song.

It was glorious music to Snow's ears. She did not understand it, but her feet urged her to move towards it. Somehow she felt as if she would die if she did not get closer to the sound, as sweet as the gods' nectar. She was drunk on the song. She stood, half leaning on the entrance of the cave, full expecting her leg to move forward, and indeed, after a second it did.

Come to me, wandering hunters

Come and be content

Take me down

Don't look at the ground

Come to me, wandering ones

There was a pause, as if the singer was taking a breath, and right at that moment, Snow's fractured leg reminded her of reality. With a staggering shake of the head, she forced air into her lungs and remembered that Rain had the gift of a mermaid's voice. The wolf was likely leading the hunter's away by enticing them with a song of desire, a chant and melody all in one. Ariel had once warned her about this, this was how mermaids used their voices to lure sailors to there death. Her heart swirled at the memory of the song, but her head overcame the emotion quickly.

Stuffing her fingers in her ears, Snow limped back to the cave. The black wolf was awake and trying hard to leave the safety of the cave. Lucky thing, her injuries prevented Red from moving very well.

"No," Snow said urgently. "Red you can't leave. They will kill you."

The huge animal growled, right at her. Snow felt herself go stiff with fear at the sight of those huge canines, the glaring eyes, and the snarling mouth. She had no idea where her friend's red hood was.

"Red, Red listen to me." Snow spoke up over the growls. "It's me, Snow. Your friend." She blocked the cave's exit. Truthfully, her fractured leg and her weakened state made her a very ineffective barrier, the wolf could have knocked her aside with one sweep of a paw. But she was not moving. "I know you Red. You're my best friend."

The wolf snapped aggressively. Snow could still see no recognition in those dark hazel eyes, a color that was not found on any other wolf, a color that was as familiar to Snow as the back of her own hands.

She eased herself down on her left knee, trying to get the weight off her right. "I trust you, Red" Snow whispered to herself. Her whole leg throbbed with pain, but she was also fighting to stay conscious. She and Rain had been traveling hard, for two days, trying to catch up with Red. They had not stopped very long because Snow was afraid that Red may have done something desperate. Though it had been a long time since Anita's death, Snow knew that her best friend was still fighting her inner hatred, and that was what propelled her to try something as desperate as taking on a Big Bad Wolf all alone. The second she had heard about Red's venture, Snow had bundled up supplies and set out to rescue her friend, leaving Charming with Lancelot at the new camp. Nothing could have stopped her.

Snow felt something warm and wet on her cheek, forcing her back into the present. By lifting her head slightly, she was able to look into the dark, hazel eyes, peering down at her from a furry face with warmth and love. The black wolf had somehow settled down, approached slowly, and was now licking her face earnestly. Red really was a very big wolf. Snow felt her eyes start to droop but just before drifting off, she had to say one more thing. "Don't leave me, Red." She felt the darkness overcome her, she was not sure if she fell asleep or lost conscious. It didn't matter, the effect was the same.

Elsewhere, the hunting party had found and lost the third false trail.

"If that ain't all the bad luck," grumbled one of the hunters. "We lost 'em!"

"Come on, buck up me hearty," another said. He kicked at the freshly-killed corpse of the big bad wolf. The wolf's gray fur was matted with blood and now had a few new arrows and broken shafts sticking out of it. "This 'un was easy enough to claim. We'll make a fortune off of this carcass. Just lookit the size of it!"

Rain bit her lip and made her face look anxious. The crowd around her was not moving until they heard back from their other pack mates, so she was not moving either. Finally, she heard the boot steps and the disgruntled groans of the last group of men.

"Didju find 'em?" the first man asked.

He received a chorus of glares and snarls. "Well what do you think?" one of the new men stepped forward, throwing his unused scythe on the ground like it was worthless.

Rain's sigh of relief was so loud, the entire group of a dozen men looked towards her. She grinned at them. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt," she said good-naturedly. "Please continue."

One of the men brought up a knife, turning it this way and that so she could see its sharp edges. His eyes kept flicking from the weapon to Rain's face. His dark eyes and flabby face widened with deranged pleasure as he watched her golden eyes taking the sight in.

"Oh, you've got a smart mouth on you, she-wolf," the man said. "I'm going to have to shorten that tongue of yours before we carve you up."

Rain cocked her head and her eyes drifted away, as if suddenly remembering something. "Yeah…about that…I do not think I will be staying, gentlemen."

The men did not move to surround her, they did not take her words seriously; a few of them actually guffawed at her. The man with the knife sneered, showing off yellow teeth. "Big monstrous wolves like that thing you killed are one thing, but you against all of us is not good odds."

Rain shrugged and her eyes got wistful. "I know," she sighed, almost sadly. "It hardly seems fair."

The man with the knife went flying backwards, shrieking loud enough to raise the dead, when Rain whipped her head forward and contacted her forehead with his nose, very hard. An axe came swinging at her from the side, aimed at her head; she simply ducked herself underneath it then gave the welder a hard kick in the chest as she came up again. These men were obviously used to brawls, not battles. The light was not bright and Rain was only wearing a dark vest and men's pants; she was harder to see as she moved swiftly, cutting them all down with precise punches and kicks. Finally, the last man went down. Rain jumped lightly onto his chest, placed her booted toes at the crook of his arm, pushed herself more upwards still, and a second later was straddling his head between her thighs. One swift slice of the hand to the sensitive connection between the skull and the neck and he was out like a snuffed candle.

Rain turned and as she drew herself up to her full height, she looked about as pleased as a wolf licking its chops. "Just enough to make it fun," she said to herself. She clicked her tongue and started hiking away, swinging her short arms. "See ya suckers!" she called over her shoulder at the group of unconscious/groaning men.

Snow awoke in the cave to the sound of a wolf howl. Her first instinct was to sit up quickly, see what was going on. Before she even moved, a hand came down to restrain and comfort her. She lifted her head to see that Red was kneeling next to her, fully human, her red hood billowing around her tall frame, and looking very happy.

"It's alright, Snow," Red said quickly.

"What's going on Red?" Snow sat up, pushing herself past Red's restraint, and gripped her friends elbow. "What happened?" She swallowed and looked to the entrance of the cave. "Where is Rain? When I got you out of there…I forgot to check on her. I need—" She tried to stand up but failed.

"Snow, calm down." Red leaned forward and clapped a hand on her shoulder to keep her seated. "Rain is fine. I just sent a message to her."

Snow breathed a sigh of relief. "Good!"

Red smiled and fixed and accusing eye on her. "You know…I told her specifically not to tell you where I went. You could have been killed."

"Well I wasn't about to let my best friend go off without me."

The two of them shared a chuckle, a dry amusement of previous battles, past wars they had both fought together. Red's face became serious again. "You brought me back Snow. I heard your words and somehow…I was able to come back to myself. Even without this thing." She fingered the elaborate material of her red cloak, a little forlornly. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't...reminded me of who I am."

Snow laid a comforting hand on her friend's arm. "Red, you were always yourself. You don't need that cloak to be Red; you will always be my best friend, wolf or human."

Red sniffed. "You really mean that don't you?"

"Trust me…I do."

They stayed silent for a moment, each enjoying the company of the other and thinking deep thoughts about all they had been through. It was a story likely not to be believed by many, but the two legendary women of fairytale would always know. When they left the safety of the cave, it was late morning time. They started off by using the same route through the pass that Snow and Rain had originally used to enter the valley, just last night. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Of course, Snow could not recall the journey in being very pleasant; they had been running the whole way.

They came upon a shorter, easier trail back, one that Rain seemed to have blazed for them. Snow was grateful for the easier passage, even though it would take a little longer. Some of the older trail was narrow and difficult at times, her leg would have prevented her from moving down it very well. It was a relief to finally be heading back, with Red, and all of them safe and sound, the threat of the Big Bad Wolf behind them.

As Snow hopped along, leaning heavily on Red the whole way, she noticed her friend kept glancing sideways at her, the dark hazel eyes glittering in amusement. It was a conspirator-like expression, and Red looked very happy about something. Something that she was not yet sharing.

Snow smiled and tilted her head. "Alright Red, what's going on?"

Red's face was lit up in excitement. "Well," she said slowly. "While you were asleep, I sent a message ahead to Rain. But I added a little something to the wording."

"What are you talking about Red?" She looked from Red to the forest, and then back again. "What's going on? Why are you looking like your scheming something?"

"Well," Red drawled it out and sauntered forward. "Rain told me the news about what had happened at Charming's home. We decided a big event was needed, something to make everyone happy and joyful."

Snow's tilted her head and smiled. "What kind of big event?"

"A wedding party."

Snow's smile grew wider and she straightened up. She was overcome with a silly surprised feeling, radiantly grinning from ear to ear. "Really?" she asked.

"Yes, really Snow," Red answered. "It's about time we had a celebration!"

The celebration was two weeks later, not quite on schedule. It had taken so long because everyone: fairies, dwarves, the mermaid, and humans; kept coming up with fun things to do, making more decorations, and preparing lavishing foods. Even their soldiers got caught up in the glee and soon it became a much-anticipated, grand event, as lavished upon as a royal ball. Except here, in their army, everyone was invited, not just the grand gentry. With their mixed group of fairies, dwarves, wolves, and humans, Snow and Charming had suggested that there be a huge banquet and dancing all night long. The fairies in particular were thrilled at the prospect of dancing like normal human woman. They rarely spent much time in the human world, so the idea of attending a party and dancing for fun like normal human woman, well it pleased them to no end.

The day of the party dawned bright and cheery. They truly could not have asked for better weather. The center of camp was cleared out and a square had been set up for a dancing area. Long tables were set up for a buffet line, the dwarves had built a wooden platform for the band to play from, and fairies had enchanted some pinecones so that they would glow and provide light.

Snow wore her white battle-dress, the one with matching riding boots, and laid her bow aside. Charming had his maroon leather outfit, his black leather belt with a gold buckle, and gave his sword to Tin for safe keeping. Everyone cheered when the two of them exited their tent, beaming and joined in hands as they turned to their audience.

Snow waved her free hand high in the air. Everyone cheered, clapped, whistled, and even howled most enthusiastically. But she shushed them with a subtle wave of her hand, wanting to say something. "I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart," Snow said as she gazed at all of the familiar faces watching them, "not only for fighting with us but for reminding us just what we are all fighting for. I can think of no better way to remember the deep, powerful meaning of our cause of happiness and love than this celebration." She heard a sniffle and saw Dopey the dwarf being comforted by one of his brothers. "I know the struggles are hard, and I know many of us here have lost much, if not everything. But I also know that the forces of evil cannot stop us from living our lives. From being happy and having enjoyment; having enjoyment in life and…" –she paused in her speech and looked directly at Charming—"in love."

In that warm spring night, everyone watched as Snow and Charming leaned forward to meet each other in a kiss. When they parted, the crowd went wild with another round of applause.

"And now," David called out. "Who wants to dance?"

Another cheer rose up as the people began to clear the dance area. A quintet of musicians: a fairy, a few soldiers, and a dwarf, began to assemble on the platform that had been built. Strings were strummed, a few drums beat a smooth waltz, and some wind instruments were sounding soulful chords.

Snow could hardly believe how happy she was. She vowed to hold the spell of this joyful night inside of her for a very long time, to hold the good in her heart as a reminder that happiness and love would triumph everything. Good would always win. The music made Snow's skin tingle pleasantly with enchantment and suddenly, Charming was leading her lightly by the arm onto the dance floor. Everyone watched.

He took her in with soft blue eyes that seemed to look into her very soul. "Are you ready, princess?"

Snow lifted an eyebrow with teasing delight. "Whenever you are, shepherd."

She placed her right hand in his, and then set the other on his hard shoulder. His big left hand went to the side of her waist and then they both started twirling on the floor in a simple three-step waltz. Snow smiled and laughed so much as she enjoyed it.

"Snow, you are a wonderful dancer."

She could not resist a little tease. "How charming!"

Joy shone in his sky-blue eyes. Snow felt his body loosen up and flow more smoothly in tune with the music. She caught sight of others joining the two of them on the dance floor. Ariel and Eric were twirling and spinning, not far away, doing their best not to crash into people. The mermaid was not the most graceful mover on two legs, but the teenagers were clearly having a good time. Ariel's long red hair flowed out behind her. Lancelot was twirling a fairy around delicately, consciously avoiding touching her too much. Rain and a woodsman were tangoing enthusiastically, spinning and angling each other in a battle-like manner. Even the heavily pregnant Baila, a dancer in her own time, managed to sway back and forth while still in her husband's arms.

They danced and danced, laughing and smiling in each other's arms, until finally, Snow needed a break. As they walked off the floor, Snow held Charming close in her arms, resting her head against his shoulder. They stood at the edge of the circle and watched the other dancers for a while, with Grumpy the dwarf standing close by. People kept coming up to them and offering congratulations.

Unfortunately, Grumpy was not in a very celebratory mood. "Just cause it's your wedding party doesn't mean that there isn't work to be done. There is a war going on. The dwarves should be at the foundries or the forges." He scowled at the sight of his brothers, still standing at the edge of the dance floor, looking very awkward.

Charming clamped the dwarf warmly on the shoulder. "Everyone was invited Grumpy, so we could all take a break and celebrate. Dwarves included. "

Grumpy scowled again to reply. Snow held back a chuckle. She loved the dwarf, with all her heart, but sometimes he could be a real party-pooper. Not that she blamed him, the tragedy and pain of his lost love was what made him who he was. But still, what better way to bring a little joy in his life than this party? Just as Snow was trying to think of a way to get the dwarf to start dancing, a source of inspiration came fluttering over. The Pink Fairy, laughing and giggling, swinging her arms wildly, came up to them.

"This is amazing!" she said enthusiastically. "Have you ever seen anything like it?"

Snow smiled at her delight. "It is wonderful." She had always liked the happy, go-lucky fairy.

The Pink Fairy glanced awkwardly at Grumpy and then turned to watch the dancers, swaying in time to the music. Many fairies had already been asked to dance, but it appeared that this one had declined all of her offers. Although she clearly wanted to dance, there was one who she wanted to be with, more than anything.

And he would need a little prodding.

"Grumpy," Snow said suddenly. "Will you do me a favor? Will you dance with the Pink Fairy here? I want your brothers to see that it's alright to put the pick axes down every once in a while and enjoy themselves."

"What? Are you crazy—?"

"Please Grumpy?" Snow turned to the tall fairy. "I believe your non-given name is Nova?" Fairies were given the rank of their color when they received a promotion to fairy godmother.

"Um…why, yes it is."

"Well then…Nova, will you dance with Grumpy? Please, I have to insist. It's a party and I want everyone to enjoy themselves."

Grumpy's dark eyes shifted from Snow to the fairy. Somehow, his scowl had softened. "Well alright. I guess we can, just for a little while."

Snow grinned happily as she watched the new couple step onto the floor, Grumpy awkwardly shuffling along with the taller fairy. Other dwarves had begun to muster up their courage and pulled shyer fairies onto the floor, when her best friend Red showed up.

After giving Snow a hug, Red straightened and fiddled with the folds of her new bright red dress. "David and Snow, we've been through a lot together and I was wondering…may I dance with your handsome husband here?"

Snow laughed. "Of course."

Charming smiled and took Red's hand. "Red, it would be my honor."

Snow watched the two of them for a while. Charming moved smoothly with Red in his arms, and her best friend seemed to be very happy. And that made Snow, if it was even possible, happier. Many others danced across the floor, laughing merrily or giggling at the awkward steps of the dwarves. She stood, swaying to the music, nodding politely when people came up to congratulate her yet again, clamp her on the back, or shake her hand.

But when the teenager came up to her, Ariel threw her arms around Snow's neck in her usual enthusiastic show of affection. "Snow," she said brightly. "This is the best human ceremony ever!" She started hopping up and down in her excitement.

Snow hugged her quasi-little sister back. "Yes it is." She was distracted by Charming's laugh over the chorus of dance songs.

"And if you need some ideas for later, when you and Charming are alone in bed together, I know some great positions that are very comfortable to both the legs," Ariel was saying. "Or if you need to relax Charming, there is another position that does…"

"Ariel!" Snow was mortified. "Shush!" She deliberately lowered her voice so that others would not hear and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you a little young to know of such things?"

"Mating happens in the sea too, Snow. Mermaids, we cannot produce young, but we do understand those feelings and we act upon them." Ariel smiled sweetly. "You humans and your silly modesty. You cover up your bodies and conceal your mating habits as if its something to be hidden, it's almost cute. In the sea, we cannot ignore the need to mate, any more than we can ignore the need to breathe or eat."

Snow opened her mouth, but could not really think of an answer. Not a good one anyway.

"That is true mermaid. Personally, I do enjoy how humans seek privacy when they breed. " Rain had now joined them, slightly breathless from all the hard dancing she had just done. Snow thought she looked very nice with her dark matted hair pulled back and in a white dress. "Wolves we're…we're a little rougher and, at least I find, that a little roughness goes a long way. Human bodies do have some nice soft spots that do the cutest things when you nip…"

"My gods!" Snow said, becoming more and more unsettled at this conversation. "That's enough out of you two!"

The mermaid and the wolf laughed together, sharing the amusement of how uncomfortable they had just made the princess. "Come on mermaid," Rain said. "I have a request of you. It's time to liven this party up!"

The two of them bounded away, still chuckling. Snow only had a moment to compose herself and then Charming was at her side. "Everything alright Snow?" he asked, noticing her discomfort.

She tried to not blush at the sight of him and the memory of her conversation with the mermaid and the wolf. "Just great Charming," she answered brightly.

He smiled and kissed her lightly, as he always did. For a moment, they stole a quite few minutes to themselves, enjoying as the ephemeral dusk melted into the warm arms of the night. A few torches and candles went up and the buffet table was set with the most delicious array of roasting meats, plump fruit trays (none with apples in them!), and steaming loaves of bread. Snow wished they could simply appreciate the cacophony of music, drifting down from the platform in lively tunes, and then retire for the night to…somewhere private with Charming. Yes, Snow was really looking forward to when they were finally alone together, after so long, but they had to stay and enjoy the party for a little while longer. They were stepping out onto the dance floor once more when a voice boomed an announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, magical and non, humans and the rest of us…," a husky, strong voice sounded over the discord of the party. Snow and Charming turned toward the stage where an older, plumper woman in a simple dress had stepped in front of the quintet and had raised her voice. The crowd hushed as they listened to Granny. "By special request, our very own mermaid singer…Ariel!"

Snow saw that many more people began to assemble on the dance floor, grabbing partners and pairing up quickly in eager anticipation. Grumpy and Nova were standing awkwardly, trying hard not to look at each other. Snow knew what the commotion was about; she had heard Ariel sing just once in her life but it was an experience she was not about to forget. Nor would she likely forget this because as Granny stepped aside and Ariel walked slowly to the front of the stage, she smiled right at Snow and Charming.

"This is for you two," she said simply. And then she began to sing, in pure, intoxicating, soulful notes that reached into your very soul and touched you dearly. This was the voice that would led the wolf from its den, the eagle from its nest, and the sailor from his boat just to get closer to the sound, as sweet as honey and as mesmerizing as the sea:

Look how the light of the town
The lights of the town are shining now
Tonight I'll be dancing around
I'm off on the road to Galway now

One of their soldiers began fiddling out a lively tune on a strange string instrument. Rain joined Ariel in the second verse, adding her own magical voice to the revelry.

Look how she's off on the town

She's off on a search for sailors though

There's fine fellas here to be found

She's never been one to stay at home

"She has the most beautiful voice," Charming whispered, giving Snow a warm squeeze.

She was listening to Ariel's angelic voice, lively bouncing in time to the cheerful melody, enveloped in a snug hold with Charming. It was the happiest of moments. Others were holding hands, dancing fast in each other's arms, and sharing kisses at the prompting of the magical mermaid's voice as she finished the second part of the song and went to the end.

Off with a spring in my step
The sailors are searching Galway for
A young lady such as myself
For reels and jigs and maybe more

Rain stepped forward and lightly wagged a finger in Ariel's face, adding a bit of dramatic flair to her part in the song.

Stay here and never you mind
The lights of the town are blinding you
The sailors they come and they go
But listen to what's reminding you
Handsome men surrounding you
Dancing a reel around you

The mermaid simply smiled brighter and added her own little, made-up dance as she sang some more.

Téir abhaile riú, téir abhaile riú
Téir abhaile riú Mhearai
Téir abhail gus fan sa bhaile
Mar tá do mhargadh déanta

Then they sang together.

Stay a while and we'll dance together now
As the light is falling
We'll reel away till the break of day
And dance together till morning

When the last word had slipped out of her lips, Ariel smiled and nodded to Snow. She nodded right back, both acknowledging this gift of a mermaid's voice on this special special night. The entire camp ground burst into applause, with whoops and hollers and appreciative whistles, at the mermaid's voice. Ariel acknowledged all of it with a shy nod of the head, waved only once, and then quickly left the stage, no doubt looking for a certain black-haired youth for a very special ovation.

Snow gave Charming a big hug for good measure. "I love you Charming."

"Likewise, Snow," he said with a light chuckle as he tucked a strand of her jet-black hair back over her ear.

They stood there, gazing into each other's soul for a few more minutes, before becoming aware of another tune resounding over the dance floor. This one was much livelier, more of a party song really, with a very fast-pace violin and much stomping of boots. Rain was showing Ariel and Eric how to move their feet in a simple two-step jig. Snow caught sight of Grumpy and Nova smiling and laughing in each other's arms as they danced some more. Even Jiminy the cricket was flying around in circles, dancing in his own bug-like way. Grumpy's dwarf brothers each had a fairy in their arms, and were twirling and spinning in time to the lively tunes.

Snow threw a sidelong glance towards the path that led to the privacy of the small cabin she shared with Charming and sighed. "I know it's our party Charming, but would it be too rude if we stole a few moments…just for ourselves?" Snow felt his grip slacken as his baby blue eyes lit up in happy ecstasy. "Well…," she said smiling wryly. "You interested?"

Before he could say a word, Red sauntered towards them. "You both want to leave don't you?" she smiled, most-conspirator like. "Go on. Use those disappearing skills I taught you Snow." And before either one of them could say a word she had cried, "Oh look everyone, a dragon!" and pointed out towards the campground exit.

Charming beamed. "That's our cue Snow."

They left together, laughing and tugging at each other's arms the whole way. Into their homely cabin, with its warmed hearth, into its heavenly bed with comforters of soft cotton and furs, and soon after that, into each other's good company.

When David and Tin went out scouting two weeks later, they came across the carcass of the bear that had wanted to eat Ariel. They had used an easier route through the forest, Tin hobbling on his crutch. David had asked him to come, not only for his company, but also to hear his advice on certain things. New recruits were pouring in and although they were well-received, they needed some discipline before anyone thought to stand up to the full force of a regiment of King George. Or the magic of the Evil Queen for that matter.

As the two of them trudged along, not really scouting, just talking, David smelled the carcass. He let out a groan when he saw that the hide had been removed in such a crude manner.

"What did this?" Tin asked as he hobbled around the body.

"Looks like a hunter," David pointed to some new arrows lodged into the bear's snout. "A very cruel and effective hunter."

"I never thought any man could kill this brute," Tin said as he knelt and started fingering the hard steel bolts. "It seems almost a sad ending for such a formidable foe."

"Formidable indeed," David said, remembering the hulking furry figure that slammed him to the ground. Now, with the fur missing from its back and forepaws, the monster bear was no more. All the former-shepherd saw was a brutal killing and a wasted life.

"Your wife will not be too sad to hear of this."

David smiled, still loving to hear that new term. "Nor will yours. By the way, when is the baby coming?"

Tin looked up, the hardened look in his eyes going wistful at the thought of the soon-to-be new addition to his family. "The dwarf doctor said she is due within a few week. So many thing still to prepare for: I need to finish the basket, find a midwife, make sure we are somewhere private, and…"

"No need to worry Tin," David smiled. "Snow and I, we will help with all of that." He rose to his feet, brushing his hands on his pants as he looked down at the carcass one more time, still puzzled at what kind of a man could have killed this monster of a bear.

Tin suddenly flinched at something behind David and then froze.

David whipped around and found himself staring into a woman's icy blue eyes.

The woman stood, not ten meters away, in a pose of cool scrutiny and cold calculation. David was not sure why but his throat closed up as if his heart had taken a leap. The woman had appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and she was looking directly at him, with chilly intensity. Not at the both of them, but only at him.

The woman's long blonde hair cascaded over the shoulders of a huge fur mantle that she wore draped over her like a stole and a cape all in one. She was of such exquisite beauty that David found himself thrown completely off guard. Her tight black leather outfit highlighted long and lean legs, shapely hips, and a mess of knives strapped to leather cords straddling her curved breasts. Her face was an epitome of perfection, but with intense eyes that spoke of an evil, a terror within, a coldness that was terrible to behold.

Instantly, David knew that they were in trouble.

As the woman began to move forward, Tin had risen up and hobbled to stand next to David. "What do you want?" he said in his hard soldier's voice. He seemed to have the same worry as David.

Without speaking a word, the woman drew one of the many knives strapped to her body. As she shifted herself, the fur mantle came more into David's view. He saw what it was, and then his worry grew.

"No one has been able to kill that bear," he said to the woman.

She smiled, a formidable and frightening expression of contempt. "Oops, nobody told me that," she said, using the same tone a mother does when speaking condescendingly to a child. Then her voice became as cold as winter's ice. "I hate bears."

"I asked you a question!" Tin spoke up.

Her blue eyes slide to Tin's darker gaze, a look of utmost boredom suddenly on her face. "Look, solider," she purred, sauntering closer still. The dagger was still lowered. "You wouldn't hurt a woman, anymore than I would hurt a cripple."

Just then, she tossed the knife casually, knocking Tin's crutch to one side. He went down in a second. "Of course," she said easily. "Sometimes exceptions have to be made."

David drew his sword, was about to bring charge the attacker, but hesitate for one split second. He would not fight a woman. That one second of hesitation cost him dearly. The woman drew yet another knife, stroked the end of it as lovingly as a mother does her first-borne babe, and sent the article flying. Several sparks flew into the air as the handle of his sword was struck. His only weapon went flying backwards.

The woman stood proud and erect, in a posture that suggested she was the one in charge. Her attention had gone from the sword, back to David. He forced himself to be calm, to quell the raging anger in him at his friend being shoved to the ground and his weapon lost.

Her calm blue eyes glided down the length of his entire body before she smiled pleasantly at him. "Hey good-looking."

David knelt down, his hand on Tin's shoulder, not knowing this dangerous knife-throwing hunter's intent, and not really knowing if there was danger yet. "Who are you and what do you want?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"Why, isn't it obvious darlin'? I'm here to collect your miserable hide for a bounty," she spoke as flirtatiously as a barmaid entrancing a customer with a beer. He found it irritating, not only her tone, but her words.

"What else?" he demanded.

"What else?" The woman blinked, looking surprised. "Nothing else sweetie."

"I meant what do you intend to do with me?" David asked as he slowly wedged himself towards his fallen sword. "Who is it that you're working for?"

If anything, the blonde looked even more surprised. She blinked, those pale blue eyes, and moved forward again with the elegance of a cat. "No one of course, I only work for myself."

David glared. "Of course." He only needed a few more seconds.

"That being said, don't make this harder on you than it has to be sugar," she smiled smoothly, showing off perfect white teeth. "I intend you now harm, but then again, the king will most likely want to kill you after I deliver the goods."

He had heard enough. She was close enough now; a few mere meters separated them. David spun backwards, did a small roll, and rose with his sword in hand, facing his adversary. His muscles strained with the need to fight, to attack and defend. He was a coiled spring, driving upward and striking. He had not anticipated her being ready for his attack though. She easily pared his first upward thrust with a jab. He had not seen nor heard her draw the rapier she now held in her left-hand. The fact that the attacks came from a side he was not used to made his own attacks off-balance. Plus, despite what she had said and done, he still held himself back because she was a woman.

The sword fight lasted a mere minute. She whipped her rapier through an opening his heavier strikes had made, and pierced his right shoulder. She waited until he was off balance and then with a powerful thrust, caught his sword near the cross guard with her own blade. As the weapon flew from his hand, the blow catching him by surprise, she pierced him again, on the left side this time. Her aim was next to perfect, the wounds would not kill him, just incapacitate him so he could not fight her well enough.

As he went down on his knees, Tin stepped out beside him, the very image of a thundering fury. He had somehow managed to grab his crutch and hobble towards them. He raised his modified crossbow, aimed at the woman's head, but was not nearly fast enough. The blonde sliced her sword forward, slapping the weapon out of his hand, and then sliced forward again, severing the crutch Tin leaned on heavily. He went down, again, and his head contacted the hard ground.

"Sorry, darlin'," she looked almost apologetic as she slide her weapon into the scabbard strapped to her black leather. "Can't have you following us now."

Hands cocked on her hips, a smile on her cruel face, she stood over the both of them, looking as pleased as punch. David clutched his wounded arm, fighting the urge to be sick. The woman put a boot on his folded leg and an elbow on her knee as she leaned closer to him. With the left hand, she grabbed a fistful of his hair and yanked his head upward.

"Tsk, tsk," she clucked, like a disapproving teacher. "Don't you know better by now handsome? Never underestimate an enemy, especially not a woman."

David heard Tin groaning, off to their right, but he could not turn his head enough to see. She held it too tightly. They were so close together he could hear her breath, it was not very fast considering their short sword fight, and smelled the gamey scent of the bear skin she wore. That face with its widening smile, so striking, filled him with rage. "Whatever you're planning, I don't care," he spat at her. "Just get it over with."

She shrugged and let go of his head. "Sorry darlin', can't do that." She smirked. "Goldie's going to get a great big pay day as soon as you're delivered."

David had no trouble figuring out just what she meant, a big pay day from his enemy, King George. Before he knew what was happening, she had secured his arms and legs in tight knots, and pushed him to the ground, completely helpless. She moved so quickly, so cat-like, it was as if she were not human. At least she did not hurt Tin, David thought. But leaving him all alone, in the middle of nowhere, without a cane, was such a cruel fate.

"You're wondering how I could do all of this aren't you?" She gave him a slick smile and arched her pencil-thin eyebrows. "Curious? Well let me tell you…" her voice grew lighter. "It was not that hard. A baby bear is harder to track than you, Princie."

Something about her last statement made David think of a tale he had heard long ago, when he was a boy. Back on the farm his mother and father would tell him stories before bedtime, stories of far off places, dragons and beasts, and beautiful creatures of the forest. But there was one story that never made sense to him at all. A story involving three bears, some stolen porridge, and a little blonde girl.

"You!" he stammered. "You're the…the one from the story…" He searched his childhood memories, trying to find her name so that he at least had some sense about his abductor.

Her lips were wrinkled in a frown, but her eyes were curious. "You know me handsome? That's strange, I like it better when I can surprise my bounties."

It suddenly came to him. "You're Goldi…"

"That is not my name," she said with distaste. "I hate that name! And that stupid story! Do I look dumb enough to break into the cottage of three nasty bears, eat a bowl of porridge, fall asleep, and then get caught?! I have been fighting that reputation for so long, it's ridiculous!" She tossed her main of golden locks behind her, huffing like an offended cat.

"Well, what did happen to you?"

The woman gave him a sneer. "I'll tell you on the way darlin'. No matter, you're not going to live long enough to tell anyone what really happened. Once that horrible king gets his rich hands on you."

David held his head up and maintained eye contact with her until she shoved a burlap sack over his head. The world went dark.


"You wouldn't hit a woman..." was inspired my Selena Kyle (aka Catwoman) from The Dark Knight Rises. A woman after my own heart!

Goldilocks is all grown up now! But what will happen when she delivers the 'goods'? Wait and see!

The song that Ariel sings is Celtic Woman's "Teir abhaile riu", an amazing fast-paced song that I love so much!