Chapter 4: guns and horses
"Let's join forces I left my house
We've got our guns and horses
I know you've been burned
But every fire is a lesson learned
Left my clothes
Door wide open
Heaven knows
You're so worth it, you are"
-ellie goulding
To say Regina was worried was an understatement it had been two days , two very boring days since she had seen miss Dawson. The girl had left the hospitality of Mary Margret and miss swan to a hotel room at the B&B now that she had funds keeping the promise she had told Regina of not staying more than two days. Regina felt for some reason the girl was avoiding her before their talk she had thought things were going well they bounced off each other making her smirk more of a real smile than she was willing to admit. When the subject of Emma swan came up she couldn't help but feel the annoyance and rage that came with it she wanted to snap at the girl for even bringing that woman in to their conversation. Yet when she was about to act on that she found she couldn't something whether it was her conscience or some deeper instinct told her she would regret it. Regina Mills didn't feel regret unless it had to do with henry and apparently miss Dawson.
Regina rolled her eyes even in her mind saying the girls name like that sounded ridiculous she felt that they had no need for formalities. Sighing she put her book down on the bedside table she had been reading in bed but the worries she had about the girl were starting to get to her . Elijah, she thought to herself something felt right about the lack of formality it seemed right seeing as the girl was hardly ever serious. Regina smiled at that, she had heard of some of those jokes just the girls quick wit was good enough again she was actually complimenting someone what was wrong with her? Maybe she was going soft.
Shaking her head she pushed back the covers slipping under them she turned off her lamp drifting to sleep with hopes of being able to see the girl again soon maybe she could figure out what it was that was going on with her.
…..
Wiping her forehead of the sweat she went back to taking apart the car above her apparently the car had some dead animal stuck in the bottom of the engine they figure since she was the smallest she could get it out. Worst case ever. Ignoring the stench she kept working she had to remove some parts that were in her way using the little head band light she found it .shaking her head she pulled on her gloves grabbing the dead thing she pulled it out careful not to drop it she rolled out from under the car sparing the guys a look she saw them cringe at the sight of it. Rolling her eyes she waked to the dumpster in the back where they threw away all the boxes from the parts tossing it in she made her way back to the car she had to put everything back before they cleaned out the rest of the car the smell was unbearable she probably smelt just as bad now.
"this sucks "she muttered throwing away the gloves she washed her hands really well.
"thanks for getting that for me " said Billy
See turned to him shaking her head.
"you owe me scardy cat"
"fine sounds fair considering you smell like the back dumpster" chuckled Billy
"please the dumpster smells better " muttered Elijah rolling her eyes she made her back to the car laying on the dolly she rolled back under it was only an hour till they called it a day.
Piecing it back together she rolled her sleeves back wiping her forehead again she ignored the chuckling from Billy as she went back to work . she would get a second set of coveralls so that this pair could be washed it was easier than getting rid of the stench that clung to her at least. Once it was all put back together she rolled out dusting off her pants she stood popping the hood she looked it over everything was set now they just needed to clear out the pipes.
"alright Billy you can clean it out "
"good I cant stand near with that kind of smell"
"yeah and I'm the girl in the shop? Ha!"
"hey it was way worse before you started messing with it"
"of course it was look its closing time I'm gonna head out I have get this stuff off me before I kill some one with it" Elijah chuckled grabbing a spare pair of coveralls from the back giving him a wave she closed the door behind her she was quick to make her way back to the bed and breakfast . It had been an easy move she left Emma and Mary Margret's the day after she had this dream or that's what she thought her mind was telling her it wasn't a dream she was on the fence about it but she let it be right now she needed to make money to pay for the room.
Using the money gold had given her as well as her hidden cash she managed to pay for a week , it was nice to have a place where she could just figure out what this whole thing going on in her head meant she knew it had to do with Regina. From what she was getting from the dreams the girl she always saw had the same name so she put it together it was easy but she hadn't had any dreams since , she realized it must be since she hadn't seen the mayor. It would be a lie to say she wasn't curious but she couldn't help but be cautious everyone had thought that Regina had insulted her or made some kind of snide remark causing her to flee. when in truth such a thing had never occurred she had told Emma this but it was Mary Margret that had told her rather condescendingly that the mayor did that to everyone.
Elijah could put up with many things but being talked down to was definitely not one of them she had been talked down far too many times in her life. she was not someone to back down but she would never seek confrontation she waited till someone else made a move then she acted but this was a direct insult in her mind so she left once both woman were up stairs she grabbed her stuff and rode her bike to the B&B. since then she had avoided the school teacher and stuck to a simple routine of going to the dinner ,work, and back to the room it didn't help that she kept having these little hallucinations. She would be in the middle of repairing a car or washing her face and suddenly she would see every detail of the engine in front of her or hear the guys taking a smoke break by the dumpster out back. The worst was when she washed her face at the end of the day she would look up and she would be in some dark place where she couldn't tell but her eyes weren't her own and there was this woman she couldn't make out any details but she felt nothing but unadulterated fear.
There was only a handful of instances that she had ever felt such a thing and yet these hallucinations were bringing that number up a bit. Shaking her head she pulled out the key to her room stripping out of her dirty clothes she threw them in the hamper to be dealt with later taking a quick shower using every kind of body wash she had she let the days weariness wash away with the hot water. Changing in to her pj's she lay on the bed not caring that her pillow was getting wet she could always flip it over or toss it not that it really made a difference. Looking up at the ceiling she kept going over the dream she had had it was definitely a memory there couldn't have been any other answer.
A sharp knock at the door brought her from her thoughts walking slowly to the door she really wished it had a peep hole. Unlocking the chain she pulled it open surprised yet she kind of expected to see Regina. The woman was in slacks this time her sleek hand bag in one hand a to go bag from granny's in the other, raising a brow Elijah finally met the mayors gaze Regina had her mask on but her eyes shown a hint of worry and curiosity.
"can I help you madam mayor?" Elijah asked in her usual playful tone that made Regina smirk.
"why yes I wanted to make it up to you since you missed out on your diner the last time we spoke" Regina held out the to go bag Elijah eyed it smiling wider.
"if you wanted to see me all you had to do was say so" teased Elijah
"I don't know what you're talking about I just came to give you a peace offering yet your accusing me of things" Regina rolled her eyes.
"fine I'll let you think you've won this one but I won't let you get away with it next time" Elijah took the bag leaning against the door frame.
"aren't you going to check it ?"
"no you're an observant person so you probably got it better than I did"
"well I'm going to go so your welcome"
Regina started walking away Elijah couldn't help it she had to say something hanging on the door frame with one hand she leaned out into the hall way.
"why don't we finish our talk your majesty ?"
Regina froze Elijah couldn't help but smile she knew this could end one of two ways she hoped it would go like she wished but then fate loved to prove her wrong. Regina turned slowly her face was blank but her eyes gave away her shock raising a brow she spoke.
"what did you say?"
"well last we spoke I compared you to a queen and you agreed so I thought we would keep it up unless it makes you uncomfortable I can stop but I would like to continue our talk" Elijah explained her usually mischievous smile turned in to a soft one showing the full sincerity of her words. Regina seemed taken aback nodding slowly she rejoined Elijah at the door way of her room.
"good gimme a minute and we can go some place "
Leaving the to-go bag on the small table she dressed in fresh clothes leaving her boots she dug around her bag for her slide on skywalks they were cheap and comfortable. Pulling on her jacket she met Regina outside her room still nodding to the exit she lead the mayor down the street it was early evening now the sun was setting giving just enough light to guide them to the park. Taking a deep breath Elijah gestured to the bench Regina shook her head taking the seat any way Elijah sat on the arm of the bench leaving her feet on the bench while facing Regina.
"from what I remember you were accusing me of making you more civil "
"you were trying to anyway and tried to pass it off as making me stronger " Regina said dryly
"ah yes and no matter what you say I still think I succeeded " Elijah smiled playfulness coming back full swing.
"believe that all you want your wrong"
"oh I intend to but first things first why do you think I failed?"
"I don't think you failed I know you failed for one I still despise being in close proximity to miss swan and don't even get me started on Mary Margret" Regina spat the teachers name like curse Elijah nodded her own opinion of the teacher was not as harsh but she still felt dislike for the woman and with all these dreams she felt a new distaste for the woman.
"I agree though my "dislike" for her is nowhere near as strong as yours"
"that's a surprise do tell "
"I simply don't liked being talked down to I never have "shrugged elijah
Regina frowned.
"she talked down to you ? that's why you don't like her?"
"that and the subject we were discussing at the time she didn't have her facts straight when I tried to tell her otherwise she gave me that "your slow " pity smile and I don't take well to being called stupid when I'm not" Elijah brushed her hair out of her eyes she should cut it soon it was getting so long now.
"that does sound reasonable , what were you arguing about anyway?"
"you"
Regina was shocked at the girl-no Elijah's bluntness.
"you were arguing about me " Regina said slowly more to clarify for herself than anything.
"yes they thought you had some how insulted me when I told them other wise Emma tried to understand while Mary Margret thought I was just too embarrassed to admit it the fact is there is very few ways to insult me and yet the one trying to "comfort" me was the one who insulted me"
"they thought I insulted you? They always think the worst with me even henry till I told him I was actually worried and I.." Regina trailed off seeming to remember whose company she was in clearing her throat Elijah smiled .
"its okay Regina I would be worried too , I'm pretty sure everyone thought I was upset with how fast I up and left but I wasn't in fact I kind of needed to think about some things " Regina turned to her, worry mixed with confusion swirled in the mayor's brown eyes.
"but to leave so abruptly?"
"yeah not one of my best moves but when I set my mind to figuring something out I don't back down or back out unless there is no other option so I feel I should be the one apologizing for the misunderstanding"
"that's alright"
Regina's eyes grew wide the moment she realized what she had said shifting uncomfortably on her side of the bench she stared straight ahead.
"don't think about it too much "murmured Elijah
"what are you talking about?" Regina played it off again
Looking at the play structure in front of them it was a giant castle Elijah slid off the arm of the bench walking up to the structure she started climbing it easily grabbing the side swiftly making her way up the plastic structure. Once at the top tower of the castle she looked around it was different being so high up she had never had a fear of heights looking around she could see most of the town. But one building caught her attention a large mansion on the outskirts of town stood on a hill something shinny came from it. She was being watched something made her want to hiss upon realizing that she smiled knowing the observer would see it she would go see them soon something told her it was inevitable.
"you know its not safe to be up that high or to be sitting on top of that tower piece it isn't made to hold the weight of an adult" warned Regina
"eh if I fall, I fall not much can be done it would be my own fault any way so you would be fine plus you did warn me so " Elijah trailed off as Regina glared at her.
"I'm genuinely worried about you and your brushing it off " muttered Regina
"oh don't be like that it just shows you care and I will take your concern madam mayor but I am a person who loves a challenge so worry not your majesty " giving a nod of respect Elijah slid off the tower landing on her feet with a solid thud.
"thank you for your concern by the way"
"I don't know what your talking about"
Elijah smiled shaking her head she stopped in front of Regina looking at the woman it was more and more evident she wasn't comfortable with all this sudden emotion but Elijah was in the same boat. sitting on the ground across from the mayor Elijah rested her hands on her bent knees it was the only thing she felt would give the woman some comfort without pointing out the woman's discomfort. Regina saw Elijah do this to say she was surprised would not even begin to cover this, she knew from what she had observed that Elijah wasn't one to give up the power of the situation she liked being equals as she had shown Regina when they first met at the dinner. Feeling a bit more comfortable Regina uncrossed her arms letting them relax resting them in to her lap.
"you know , I don't have very many acquaintances many of them were other musicians like myself but we had no real connection besides that "
"why are you telling me this?" asked Regina
"because I have more of a friend like relationship with you , a woman I didn't meet until I came here when I have known people from similar backgrounds like myself for years yet I enjoy your company much more than theirs."
Regina couldn't help but thinking this girl would never fail to surprise her.
"that is an interesting observation"
"true but we all make them at one point or something like that" Elijah brushed off the seriousness of the situation she had already made Regina uncomfortable once she didn't want to do it again. Regina smiled a real smile for once thankful for the change , giving and appreciative nod.
"so how's henry?"
"good he has only gotten better when it comes to showing me more affection "
"always nice to know , I thought would have to give him another word of advice "
"he's with miss swan right now , we agreed he could stay with her in the evenings for now at least"
"happy to hear it " Elijah tilted her head in thought maybe she should talk to Emma next the back of her mind told her to wait nodding to herself she came back to the present , Regina had a concerned glint in her eye.
"what?"
"where do you go?"
"what ?"
"where do you go , when you get that deep in thought where do you go?"
Elijah didn't know how to explain that she talked to a separate part of her mind that would give her advice and telling her how to handle certain situations. Yeah that didn't sound crazy at all when she was younger that lead to some problems she didn't want think about right now.
"I go where I know I can think since there are so few places that its possible"
"is it really that hard?"
Regina's question should have been an insult but her voice was soft not menacing like it should have been with such a remark.
"sometimes as of late its only getting harder but I think it should all come to pass soon enough"
Elijah stood dusting off her jeans giving Regina her mischievous smile she gave a bow her eyes never leaving Regina's.
"till the next time madam mayor"
Elijah kept smiling till she reached her room, it would pass soon indeed.
….
On the average day Emma dealt with zero trouble unless it was henry with his fairytale theory or Regina blaming her for something. It was rare for anyone to come to her she usually jumped at the chance to leave the boring station. The paper work was dull and she hated writing the same thing over and over again nothing to report she would just sit there waiting for Leroy to start something or regina to come and yell at her about something even deal with gold a little here and there but no real trouble actually happened. So for the sound of footsteps echoing through her station that were not heels or had a third sound of a cane was definitely a surprise.
A knock made her blink she smiled , Elijah stood in the door way her recent attire of blue coveralls were not in sight instead she wore jeans her lace up leather boots , blue long sleeve and tan leather jacket. The guitar strapped to her back it was nice to see the girl again after she had looked absolutely pissed when Mary Margret had talked about Regina in such a way. It was strange to see someone ready to defend Regina instead of insult her yet Elijah had done that and more she had stormed out after her talk with Mary Margret when she didn't come back Emma had actually gone looking for her only to see her bike parked at granny's. She asked ruby the next day what had happened she was surprised to hear that Elijah had been completely fine when ruby talked to her about a room so to have seen such a sudden change was worrisome yet now that the girl was here Emma couldn't help but ignore it.
"hey sheriff" Elijah greeted playfully
"nice to see you too kid"
"I thought that was henrys nickname?"
"it is but I apply that to all small children"
"hey I am the same height as any other nineteen year old"
"yeah keep telling your self that"
"hey I came to see if you wanted to hang out and you insult me seriously Emma?" Elijah pressed her hand to her chest in mock pain wiping away an imaginary tear.
" fine I guess I can hang out for a little while but I can't leave the station in case something actually happens in this town" Emma muttered the last part.
"cool "
Pulling the only other chair in the room she stopped in front of Emma's desk Elijah took out her guitar playing a few random cords.
"so this suddenly turned in to a jam session ?"
"why not like you said it's not like anything happens and all the phones are in here "
"aright "
Emma put her feet on the corner of her desk leaning back in her chair Elijah continued playing random cords till a song hit her. Adjusting her fingers she started strumming tapping her foot she gave herself a beat closing her eyes she hummed it before strumming out guns and horses by ellie goulding. she started singing keeping her eyes closed she felt her fingers move to the melody she had heard over a hundred times from her iPod. When she played she played there was no simply strumming she put herself in to the song but when she sang she put her heart in to it many had said it was her gift not that she cared she had many gifts but this was one she loved. Music was her soul and she let her soul sing.
Strumming the final cords she let her hand drop the sound of emma's clapping broke her inner trance opening her eyes she smiled.
"that was good " emma complimented nodding enthusiastically
"hey when I play I don't do bad I only play at my best though I have to admit when I play electric I really let loose"
"I don't doubt it I have no idea how your fingers were moving so fast yet it wasn't rushed"
"it has to be practiced how else would I be so awesome" Elijah smiled her mischievous smile.
Emma rolled her eyes.
"someone's full of themselves"
"how else would I survive? I have to be if I want to keep people thinking I know everything duh" Elijah stuck her tongue out.
"and since you know everything would you mind telling me why miss swan isn't doing her job?"
Both snapped their heads to the door way a very pissed looking Regina stood tapping her foot with her arms crossed eyeing the pair. Emma looked ready to fight but Elijah couldn't have that it would only cause problems for all three of them.
"I wanted to show her that I can in fact play guitar and of course show off my awesome skills" said Elijah
"of really ?"
"yes " Elijah didn't miss a beat .
"well please don't interrupt miss swan again we only have one sheriff and she has things to do " said Regina keeping her glare on Emma if she looked at Elijah she knew she wouldn't be able to hold it and her features would soften. The girl had helped her in more ways than she was willing to admit.
"I guess that's my cue "putting her guitar back I the case she gave Emma a mock salute nodding to Regina she left the two women alone.
Once outside she leaned against the building waiting for Regina she knew the two would probably fight or hiss at each other than Regina would leave either smug or pissed and she would deal with the after math for the sake of the people of storybrooke. Besides she found that when the brunette was upset or sad she knew almost every way to calm her without over stepping her bounds. She didn't mind it and it kept the people from gossiping about the mayor too much, though now the rumor mill was filled with talk about her she didn't mind they had nothing on her.
It was about fifteen minutes later Regina came out pushing the door so hard it slammed into the building. Sighing Elijah followed catching up easily to the seething mayor.
"you know they have anger management classes at the community center right?"
Regina spun around ready to rip her apart but seeing the concerned eyes and soft smile she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Elijah waited quietly for the mayor to compose herself it took about a minute then Regina let out the breath she had been holding meeting Elijah's eyes.
"I know but I have a therapist so no need to worry Miss Dawson"
"Good can't have your towns fearless leader run herself into the ground now can we"
"No, now what can I do for you miss Dawson?" asked Regina a light smile on her lips.
"its not what you can do for me but what I can do for you "
"what?"
"you bought me dinner and I never forget a kindness so let me buy you lunch" Elijah explained smiling at Regina's confused expression as it changed to a tired smirk.
"you don't have to "
"yes I do, you have been more than kind to me and you offer stunning conversation that can keep us both interested"
"I would like to but I have henry to look after " said Regina running a hand through her hair.
Elijah blinked suddenly Regina had long thick brown hair that flowed down her shoulders a blue ridding coat and tan trousers replaced her grey pencil skirt and white blouse . Shaking her head Elijah found Regina back in her suite again swallowing she took a breath trying not to freak out these hallucinations were getting worse again.
"you could bring him if you want I don't have any other plans and I would be happy to see him again"
"really you wouldn't mind?"
"of course not well just be a couple of kids having lunch"
"your older than henry " Regina reminded her.
"who said I was talking about me and henry? Your allowed to be a kid for five minutes or so if you want " Elijah smiled her mischievous smile.
"as mayor I don't have time or the ability to do such " said Regina crossing her arms.
"that sucks but the bright side is your making a difference I still think you should have your own holiday " Elijah chuckled lightening the mood it must have worked because Regina grimaced giving her a mock glare.
"again no thank you miss Dawson that would be conceded and a terrible holiday"
"fine have it your way any way I guess I'll meet you at granny's? Unless you would prefer to dine elsewhere?"
"I'll meet you at grannies it's the only place with henrys favorite foods no matter the lack of nutritional value" Regina rolled her eyes playfully
"good I'll see you there"
Giving a bow Elijah left the stunned mayor not even looking back she knew Regina would be shocked just as she had been from when she had called her, her majesty. It had been a game but with the way her dreams had been getting she figured they were connected somehow and if she gave it enough poking and prodding the truth would come out or she was insane like most the doctors thought. Shaking her head she pushed away thoughts of the past heading straight for grannies the familiar ring of the dinner bell made her smile waving to ruby she took her usual booth.
"hey elijah what can I get you today?" ruby asked tapping her pen.
"nothing at the moment"
"you know where I'll be"
Ruby left to give refills of coffee to Mary Margret and a couple sitting at the other end of the dinner it was a blonde woman and a man. Watching them she played the game picking them apart the woman was reading a book while the man had a look of longing in his eyes following his line of sight she found Mary Margret sneaking lances at him. Well this was something looking back to the man she saw something shiny her eyes widened a ring. A wedding ring to be exact. Was the virgin school teacher seriously having relations with a married man?
Just then the bell rang again Regina and henry made their way inside henry had his backpack with him a as always Regina hurried him in eyeing the other occupants of the dinner before her hard eyes landed on Elijah they softened a little before they walked to the booth.
"hello miss Dawson"
"please call me Elijah, the formalities ended the moment you walked in the door"
"cool " henry smiled taking his seat across from her Regina glanced around one last time before joining him.
"so henry what mayhem have you been causing ?"
"none so far " henry sighed dramatically
"yes he's been too busy with his school work to cause mayhem " said Regina ruffling his hair.
"darn I thought I had a playmate to help me cause trouble with oh well at least tell me its interesting school work?"
"it is were learning about volcanos" henry smiled obviously excited.
"and if we get done with the chapter and do good on our tests then we get to make working volcanos!"
"Sounds awesome just try not to make too big a mess or your mom might have a fit " elijah whispered the last part winking to Regina who again rolled her eyes at the girls actions. It was nice to see the usually cold woman act so warm and playful.
"yeah but it's a volcano so it has to be messy " said henry
"true how about you set up tiny barriers around it so it won't get on the table and stuff?"
"yeah!"
"ok you two enough planning ruby's coming to take our orders" said Regina.
"alright" sighed elijah chuckling to herself.
"hello madam mayor, henry" ruby nodded to each of them " what can I get you guys? "
"my usual please" henry smiled at ruby
"mine as well miss lucas "
"I would like grilled cheese this time if you have it "Elijah wanted to change it up this time.
"sure thing coming right up "
They talked about henrys class a little longer before Elijah told them a few stories once she saw henry getting bored, keeping him interested. Regina gave her a grateful look when henry smiled brightly and laughed at the insanity of some of her past adventures. It wasn't till Regina's phone rang that she came to a stop sighing Regina glanced at the number glaring at her phone she turned to henry.
"I'll be right back I have to take this "
Leaving the two henry watched his mother go once she was outside she watched him pull off his back pack unzipping it he took out an old leather bound book the words once upon a time written in gold on the cover. eyeing the book Elijah raised a brow in question.
"that's quite a book you got there"
"look I know you'll think I'm crazy but you have to know everyone here is in this book" henry whispered
"how so?"
" my teacher ms Blanchard is snow white and the guy over there David is her prince charming " henry nodded to the man david, the married man she might add.
"how do you know?"
"he was in a coma till she kissed him he was never supposed to wake up then she kissed him and he did"
It made some sense at least to her any way most people would say he was going to wake up already or he had a miracle but if there was one thing Elijah believed then it was magic. Ever since she was little her parents had instilled in her the idea that magic did exist just not in this world and these dreams she was having were proving it.
"who else is in there henry?"
"my mom "
"who is she in the book?"
Henry opened the book flipping through the pages till he found the one he was looking for turning it around he pushed it to her. It was Regina she wore a crown and a deep purple gown fit for a queen her hair was longer than hallucination Regina's had been but it was in an up do. Looking to the bottom of the picture she narrowed her eyes the title of her character was the evil queen. They were wrong she wasn't evil far from it in fact whoever wrote this needs to get their shit straight.
"um Elijah?"
Looking up she found a frightened henry his eyes were wide with fear and concern blinking she closed the book.
"I'm sorry henry but they are wrong she isn't the evil queen "
"but she tries to ruin snow whites happy ending she put the curse on everyone" henry insisted
"did you ever think as to why she would do it? Never jump to conclusions when reading these stories think about every decision why would they do it unless they had what they think is a good reason" Elijah explained tracing the corner of the book before pushing it back to him. Henry sat for a moment before nodding putting the book away.
"Emma said something similar to that "
"then listen to her she knows what she's talking about most the time"
The sound of clicking heels silenced them Elijah didn't need to turn around to know it was Regina.
"sorry it took so long but some people cant seem to understand I have family to be with now where were we?" regina smiled taking her seat.
"I believe my ever zany tale about my time in new York"
"good lets here it"
"you see there was this guy named smith…"
They sat for nearly two hours till Regina said they should be going henry pouted but agreed giving goodbyes Elijah paid the bill and headed back to her room. After henry had showed her that picture she felt a painful head ache coming on, she wobbled a little as she walked to her room leaning on her door she put in the key stumbling inside. Leaning back against the door she took a deep breath and winced dropping her key on the floor along with her guitar she fell on the bed reaching underneath she dug around till she felt her pills. She didn't take them very often but she felt today would be one of those days popping off the cap she took two as prescribed dropping it back in her bag she fell back on the bed squeezing her eyes shut hoping the medicine would kick in.
…
It had been a close call but she had managed to get away Regina rode through the forest on the trail she usually rode with her father. He couldn't come with her because he had business to attend to with her mother giving her time to escape even if only for a while. Slowing to a trot she looked up waiting for the familiar sound of rustling leaves or-
"why hello down there"
Smiling Regina kept looking from tree to tree trying to find her one friend.
"I know you're up there somewhere why not come down?"
"and ruin the fun? Gina I told you many times this game will make you the best at finding the tiny miniscule details now where am I?"
"your no fun" called Regina smiling as she steered her horse in circles till she felt a familiar presence hands covered her eyes.
"now I know of only two people who don't scare my horse besides me one of them is Daniel that leaves only you luci"
"aww when did you get so good at this game?"
Removing her hands Regina turned as best she could on the saddle grinning at her dearest friend who was currently hanging upside down from a low branch. Letting go Luci spun midair landing on her feet the little girl that luci had once been was now a lanky ten year old her tattered dress was now trousers a peasants top, a leather vest, and boots. Regina slipped out of the saddle hugging her friend it had been a while and luci couldn't always sneak into the castle now that her mother was catching on.
"I have always been good at this game your just so impatient"
"hey when I haven't seen you and Daniel I get bored and you know nothing good happens when I'm boooreedd" Luci whined.
"and I'm sorry I can't entertain you all the time but mother has gotten rather testy as of late she almost didn't let me leave today luckily father distracted her with a meeting with some lord nearby"
Luci frowned this couldn't be good how could they keep meeting if Regina's mother was getting so suspicious not to mention she missed her talks with Daniel. It was obvious the boy liked Regina but they were both so young Regina was only fourteen it's not like they could make it very far without some help and Luci was only a child herself.
"that's no fun Gina , come on lets go before our time is over "
Pulling Gina through the trees they laughed and played in the large clearing that had become Regina's sanctuary. They played and danced till they were both panting Regina sat on a large rock at the base of the oak tree Luci lay on her back looking up at Regina. Luci's smile faded the more she stared at Regina the sadness in her friends eyes had become more and more of a common sight and she didn't like it not one bit.
"I miss this Gina, we never get to have fun anymore"
Regina met her friend's sad eyes the intense cat eye blue making the sadness seem even worse.
" I know but my mother… she's started preparing me to be presented to the courts she wants me married by my sixteenth birthday "
"she is so bossy Gina" muttered Luci wrinkling her nose at the thought of Gina being married to anyone other than Daniel.
"I know but she is my mother"
Luci didn't question it anymore knowing it would only upset her friend. Luci offered a bright smile.
"don't worry Gina we'll have as much fun as we can till all the fun is squeezed out of the air then and only then can you give in and go along with the charade"
Regina shook her head.
"sometimes you don't make an ounce of sense luci "
"well we all have to make nonsense at one point"
"I can't, I don't have the time and I know my mother will never let me I have to speak properly like a lady at all times " Regina sighed hanging her head.
Rolling on to her stomach Luci crawled to Regina's feet pulling on her sleeve till the older girl lifted her head.
""because you may never get the chance to make nonsense I'll make it for you"
The sincerity of her words made Regina tear up smiling softly Luci wiped away Regina's tears using the older girls handkerchief.
"I thought I told you princess's shouldn't cry"
"sometimes there is such a thing as good tears "
"it doesn't matter tears don't suite you Gina"
Regina smiled Luci smirked mischievously.
"but Daniel does"
Regina gasped raising her hand to swat the younger girl only to be met with air looking around Regina sighed trying to hide her blush.
"that wasn't nice Luci besides I don't like Daniel "
"oh really?" Called Luci
"yes really I find him infuriating "
The younger girl appeared out of a grey mist her mischievous smile only grew as she levitated into the air laying on her stomach in midair resting her head on her crossed arms.
"of course you do, when you have him telling you already know everything about horses just so you can stare at him for hours on end"
"no I do not!"
"Gina really when are you not in the stables watching him brush down the horses" luci smirked at the deep blush on Regina's cheeks the older girl crossed her arms.
"I don't know what you're talking about"
"Gina I'm with you most the time I know you like him"
"I do not!"
"sure"
Regina summoned an apple from her saddle bag throwing it at the girl only for her to dissolve into mist again appearing where the apple would have landed catching it in her hand. Regina huffed ignoring the amused smile on her friends face as she took a bite out of the apple. Luci rolled her eyes misting over to Regina offering the apple only for her to swat her on the head taking the apple back.
"ouch"
"that's what you get for teasing me" Regina gave a sharp nod taking a bite out of the other side of the apple. Luci floated in the air rubbing her head where Regina had smacked her mock glaring at the older girl crossing her arms she huffed.
" I gave you back that apple and what do I get? a smack in the head really Gina?"
"well you were making fun of me and you know I don't like being made fun of" muttered regina.
"Gina I never make fun of you other people like your mother, yes I could go on for hours making jokes and remarks about but not you, your my friend " Luci was on the ground now her hands hung limply at her sides a look far too serious on her face for someone so young.
There were times when Regina worried about her young friend and the whiplash that sometimes occurred with her sudden mood change. It was only fair to say they were both beyond their years in knowledge. Sometimes the mood swings were good and brought Regina out of her depression with how well Luci could adapt to her mood taking on a more positive one or offering comfort her own mother lacked.
"I know Luci I'm just tired is all"
Regina sighed leaning back against the tree playing with the apple.
"why don't I lift your spirits a bit?"
"I don't know how you would- whooooaaa"
Luci had grabbed her under her arms lifting her off the ground not far enough to scare her just enough that if she let her go the fall wouldn't hurt her. Looking up she saw the playful smile on Luci's lips return and up they went floating up to the tree tops till they reached a sturdy branch which Luci gently set her down on. Taking hold of the trees trunk Regina watched Luci sit down slowly joining her they could see her castle from there the sight made Regina frown if they were any closer her mother would probably see them.
"Gina "
"hmmm?"
"I wanted to show you something"
Turning to Luci Regina gasped at the sight of silver thread bracelet in a handkerchief in the younger girls hands it shined in the sun light a rainbow of colors surrounded it. Reaching out to touch it her hands glowed with purple energy as the bracelet shined brighter, Regina gasped pulling away.
"what is that?"
"it's a unicorn hair bracelet they're rare but I managed to get enough to make it "
"you made this?" Regina was shocked she had no idea her friend could acquire such things.
"yeah the unicorns are really skittish making it nearly impossible to get close to them luckily with my powers I can get close , take a few strands and get out before they get scared and run away "
"what does it do?"
"well since unicorns are creatures of pure or good magic they can protect you from dark magic if you make something out of their hair and with this bracelet I figure it could protect you from your mothers magic" Luci explained holding out the bracelet.
"Luci this is too much , what if she sees it and tries to take it ? You know she won't let me keep it "
"then hide it till you feel you might need it better to be safe than sorry "
Folding the handkerchief back up Luci put it in Regina's hand smiling softly. Regina nodded slipping the gift into her boot it would be safer in there than anywhere else where her mother might see. Glancing at the sun Regina sighed taking Luci's hand she nodded down pouting the girl flew out of the tree taking Regina with her gently lowering her to the ground.
"I will try my best to come out again but-"
"I know Gina your mother just look after yourself in there and Daniel too"
"I will I promise"
Giving a final wave Regina rode back to the castle her prison, her cage , her home leaving Luci and all the daydreams of escape behind her.