Genesis

From Ancient Greek γένεσις (creation) which comes from Ancient Greek γίγνεσθαι (to be born)

"How long have we been here?" Roland asked Little John one day during breakfast.

"You mean here, in the castle?"

"No, in this world."

"Ah. About three months," Little John replied and continued eating his porridge with a skeptical look on his face.

Roland counted with his fingers and frowned.

"Then why is it still winter?"

Little John explained that it could take a while for nature to do its job and that every place had its own rhythm. Apparently the seasons in the Enchanted Forest were different than the seasons in Storybrooke. Before Roland's papa had left he told him that it would be spring soon and they could play by the lake once he was back. But his papa was gone before they could enjoy the nice weather that hadn't made its appearance yet. Even though it was supposed to be spring, that part of the Enchanted Forest was gloomy and cold, colder than Sherwood Forest.

Lang, a young lad who had been wandering in the woods scared and alone before the Merry Men took him in a few weeks ago, was responsible for watching Roland that day while the adults discussed "some serious matters". Roland walked around in the secluded yard they had for playing. Lang was only a few steps away, sitting on the cold floor and eating a second breakfast. Roland scrunched his nose in distaste – why would someone need a second breakfast?

Roland stepped on the slippery stones, testing Lang. The older boy didn't even notice Roland doing something dangerous. Roland shrugged and looked at the other kids playing together not far from him. They were only a few – not many Merry Men had children – but each of them had already called Roland a different name that wasn't his name. "The short one", "the orphan", "the one who doesn't talk". So Roland avoided them. He had his older friends to talk with when they had time – Little John, Tuck, Much, Alan-a-Dale, even Lang when he wasn't eating.

Roland became tired of trying not to fall off the stones and started walking towards Lang to tell him he wanted to go inside. But something got his attention. Among the layer of snow that was half frozen, half jelly-like, there was a hint of green. Roland walked to that spot as fast as he could.

His jaw dropped open and his eyes widened in awe. A single flower protruded from the ground, its bud still fresh and green. It seemed to be out of place, but yet so fitting. Nature creates life and gives it to us, that's why we should always respect it, Roland's papa had once told him.

Roland examined the small flower with a smile. It was nature's creation and he wanted to protect it. He ran towards Lang, a new plan forming in his mind.