I'm so happy with the responses I am getting! I love hearing from you guys, it makes my day! Here's a long chapter 10 for you! Enjoy and review! Let me know what you think of Annora and Rumple!

Chapter 10: Destiny

Annora absently stared ahead, down the dirt road that lead towards the castle. Snowflake walked leisurely and lazily, his slow gait gently swaying Annora in the saddle. The spring birds chirped in the background and Snowflake snorted, shaking his white head.

Annora's mind, however, wasn't on the scenery or the fact that if she didn't ride fast she'd have to ride in the dark to reach the castle. Instead, her mind was on Bae, who she was leaving behind yet again. Since the day she had met the boy, she had visited him twice every week. She was going on two months of visiting.

In that time, she had seen Rumpelstiltskin a number of five times. He wasn't often home when she visited, and Bae later told her that he was often away on business. He was working to increase his power, the boy had noted bitterly.

With a sigh, Annora rolled the split leather reins absently in her gloved hands.

Rumpelstiltskin was still a mystery to her. If she did happen to see him, he wasn't very friendly. He teased her and often threw quips at her, or said something about her past that sent chills down her spine. He always acted as if he knew more than he should. And yet, she still felt sparks of excitement and fear run down her spine each time she saw him. Or each time he looked at her, with his always intense amber eyes. She felt fear and nervous when she thought of what he was capable of. Yet she felt excitement at the idea of getting a glance of him or even running into him during one of her visits. She wasn't sure what it was that attracted her to him, but he gave her butterflies. And other times he irritated her to no end.

One particular run in stood out in Annora's mind.

She had just stepped off of Snowflake, her brown riding boots hitting the ground. Normally, she wore dark, neutral colors. But spring must have had her in good spirits. She did wear some light shades of brown. Her riding pants hugging her slender thighs and curved behind were a reddish brown, as were her riding boots. And she wore a long sleeved soft magenta blouse with a light green corset defining her waist and chest. Her long blonde hair was down, except for the top half was twisted on both sides to meet at a point at the the back of her head, where the remaining hair cascaded down her back in beautiful golden waves.

As Annora reached to bring the reins over her horse's neck, she stood on her toes. She was relatively short, and was not wearing daring heels. Distractedly, Annora walked towards the house, Snowflake following behind her with a swish of his tail.

In the trees, a pair of amber eyes watched her. Rumpelstiltskin frowned in contemplation as he watched the woman walk towards the front of his house. She was slight, and slender but curvaceous, as her fitted riding pants showed. She was beautiful and fair, graceful and elegant in her movements.

She was obviously brave, or stupid, to want to visit the Dark One's home as often as she did. But perhaps his son had that effect on her. He saw the way the queen interacted with his son, like a mother. Perhaps this was why he allowed her to visit. Bae loved her as a mother, that was obvious enough. And he needed that figure in his life.

So Rumpelstiltskin allowed the visits to occur. And sometimes he made an appearance. Perhaps he would today as well, Rumpelstiltskin thought to himself with a smirk. He then quietly made his way through the trees and towards his house.

Annora looked up at the small house, distractedly wrapping her leather reins around a post. Snowflake snorted and shook his mane as she ignored him.

Every time she visited, the house had been improved upon and it now looked very nice. She knew on the inside the walls were decorated with wall paper and the furniture inside was nicely crafted.

With furrowed brows, Annora studied the house and listened carefully. It didn't seem like anyone was home.

"Hello?" she called, walking towards the small porch. No one answered. "Bae?" she called, walking up to the door and knocking. Again, no answer from inside. No movement or sound. Not even a mouse. With a disappointed sigh, Annora crossed her arms.

"Back again, dearie?"

Annora jumped and whirled around, her green eyes wide.

Rumpelstiltskin smirked, walking towards her. Annora frowned.

"Rumpelstiltskin...Is Bae here, dearie?" she added with all the sarcasm, mockery, and spite she could muster. Rumpelstiltskin smiled dangerously at her, a spark in his eyes showing he was offended but also found amusement in her antic.

"No," he answered, taking the final steps to stand in front of her. She was close enough, Rumpelstiltskin could smell the soft fragrance of spring blossoms from her soft skin and beautiful hair.

Annora swallowed nervously, but thankfully she had been able to finally control her magic around him. She wasn't sure why her magic flared when she was around him. She suspected it was because he was so powerful.

"He is not," Rumpelstiltskin spoke in his accented voice. Annora glanced down at his chest and body as he took a half a step towards her. He was dressed in a finely made tunic, which enhanced his lean but strong build.

She knew the proximity he made between them was meant to intimidate her. And so, being the brave woman she prided herself in being, she stood her ground. Perhaps she had shown her fear and anxiety when she first met Rumpelstiltskin, but she would not show that now.

"Well, then," she spoke, trying to stand tall and be as imposing as she could be. This made Rumpelstiltskin smirk amusedly, which made Annora frustrated. She was the most imposing and intimidating figure in the court room or at balls, but she did not intimidate the Dark One. She supposed no one could with the power he possessed.

"I will be on my way then, if he is not returning soon," she continued, turning away from him and walking away. Rumpelstiltskin smirked at her retreating form.

"You didn't ask if he was returning soon," he noted, a smirk present even in his voice. Annora stopped and turned to look once again at the man. She felt better with some distance between them.

"Well, you did abruptly end your answer with 'he is not'," she retorted, her green eyes watching him intelligently.

"And you don't want to spend another second in my presence," Rumpelstiltskin added with a smirk, taking a step towards her. Annora frowned, but held her head high and regal.

"That is not a relevant reason," she spoke in her soft accent, shaking her head. "Because I do not fear you. If you were going to kill me, you'd have never let me leave the area the first time we met. You would have let me leave the house, but killed me in secret. So Bae wouldn't know."

Rumpelstiltskin let out a strange laugh, causing Annora to frown.

"And why couldn't I do it now, dearie?" he asked, approaching her slowly, like a predator on its prey. Annora felt nervous inside, but she forced herself to appear unnerved.

"Because Bae would still know. He's an intelligent boy," she answered easily. Rumpelstiltskin was within two feet of her at this point, and Annora felt her breathing quicken. He was watching her carefully.

"You know..." Rumpelstiltskin began with a laugh, raising his hands and punctuating his words by pointing at her. He slowly circled her. "There has been talk of you among the soldiers and men in the village."

Annora frowned, her perfect brows furrowed in confusion. What did this have to do with anything?

"The...drunkards particularly," he added, shaking his head and scrunching his nose in over exaggerated disgust. "Talk of doing very vile things to you one of these nights, when they capture you leaving from one of your visits with Bae."

Annora frowned in displeasure, her eyes beginning to smolder.

"That is just talk. As long as they don't act on their words, no one is harmed by it. And if there are any attempts, I am capable of dealing with these sort of things," she retorted, though she knew her voice held anger. Why couldn't men just leave her alone? They saw a beautiful woman and suddenly their minds left them.

Rumpelstiltskin smirked, stopping his circling to stand in front of her.

"Yes, you've proved that before..." he spoke with a smirk, his eyes mischievously watching her. Annora watched with slight shock and alarm, her lips frowning at him with worry. Was he referring to the king? How did he know?

"Now, you say you do not fear me," Rumpelstiltskin smirked, stepping closer. Annora swallowed back both anger and fear, but she felt her body vibrating with it. Rumpelstiltskin slowly raised his hand, fingering a strand of blonde hair that fell over her shoulder.

"I cannot help but wonder, could you overpower a man such as I in the same situation?" he asked, smiling impishly. Annora's eyes widened in surprise, but they were quickly filled with anger. She smacked his hand away from her.

"You disgusting impish—"

Rumpelstiltskin laughed, holding up his hands in defense.

"Now, now, my dear Annora," he stopped her. She froze at the sound of her name. He had never said her name before. "It is a legitimate question. Does the idea of my power make you nervous? Does it make you fear me, knowing what I could do?"

Annora frowned but remained as calm as she could. She had to pause to prepare to speak, otherwise she feared her voice would be weak.

"No. I do not fear you," she said again. Rumpelstiltskin smiled mischievously, nodding his head.

"Good, good..."

And with that he had walked away, leaving her to stare confusedly at his back.

Annora frowned in confusion as she remembered that meeting. Bae had actually been out picking berries to make jam with her, and he returned home just seconds after Rumpelstiltskin left her alone outside.

But the things he had said were so odd. And the way he acted. She had nearly driven herself mad trying to understand and analyze the conversation. And she came to the conclusion that that's what he intended.

He wanted to pull her chain, make her uncomfortable. He was amusing himself at her dispense.

With a frown, Annora shook her head clear of her thoughts.

He was succeeding.

He had gotten under her skin.

Annora looked ahead again, her eyes focusing on the dirt road and the forest lining the road.

She didn't recognize where in her journey she was, but she knew this was the King's Road. Annora knew she couldn't be very far in her travels, she had been going so slow. But still, she couldn't recognize the area she was in. Looking behind her, Annora squinted her eyes against the sun's rays. She could see the familiar mountains peaking from behind the tall forest trees.

"Annora..."

Annora's gaze snapped back in front of her, glancing around with wide eyes. Where had that voice come from?

"Annora..." it whispered again, like a breeze. Looking around, Annora found her eyes were drawn to the forest on her right. The breeze could be seen dancing through the leaves of the bushes and the spades of grass.

"Annora...Annora..." she heard the soft voice breath.

Annora narrowed her eyes as she searched the thick forest for a figure or creature. Gently, she nudged Snowflake towards the edge of the road for a better look.

"Annora..." the voice came, stronger but just as breathy. Snowflake moved nervously beneath her, and Annora held her reins firmly, trying to still him. The horse snorted and moved his ears back and forth, listening intently to the noises of the forest.

"Annora...this way..."

Annora sat straight in her saddle, her brows raised as she listened to the beckoning call. She felt herself being drawn to it.

Cautiously, Annora nudged Snowflake into the trees. The white horse nervously stepped sideways, trying to turn away from the trees.

Annora frowned and gave him a firmer command, and Snowflake finally complied, though he was still nervously tense beneath her.

"Annora..."

Annora followed the sound of her name through the forest, through brush and creeks. The sound of the voice wasn't dangerous, it was soft and welcoming. Annora didn't know how deep she had followed the voice, but she could still find the direction she had come. Barely. The trees were so thick here, she had resorted to leaving marks. And as she stopped and dismounted to make a mark on yet another tree with her sword, she wondered if perhaps she should turn around and go back. But just as the thought crossed her mind, the voice returned.

"Annora," it said, sounding so close to her that she spun toward it with her sword raised threateningly, expecting a figure to be watching her. As she spun, she felt Snowflake lunge away from her, yanking the reins from her hands. In panic, Annora turned to her skittish horse, but he was already high tailing it, his tail end disappearing into the trees.

"Snowflake!" she called worriedly. But then as the horse disappeared into the thick of the trees and brush, Annora grew angry.

"Snowflake!" she yelled at nothing. He was gone. "Damn horse!"

Annora let out a frustrated cry, swinging her sword at the bush beside her. With a scowl, Annora walked towards the last mark she had made. She grumbled angrily, swearing lightly. She was done following voices in the air. She was done riding through the forest.

As she approached the last tree she remembered marking, Annora frowned and her eyes widened as she saw the tree. There wasn't a mark on it.

"What the..." she breathed out, circling the tree and searching for her mark.

"What is going on?!" Annora let out angrily, circling the tree once more, very quickly and frustratedly.

"Oh! This is great!" she yelled into the forest, to no one at all. "I'm stuck out here. With the wolves! No food! No way back! I'll probably die out here! Out here, alone, in this damn forest!"

With her energy from her rampage depleted, Annora stomped to a log and collapsed onto it. She didn't know what she was going to do, but she needed to calm down. Looking down at her sword, Annora glanced at her reflection. Beauty can't save you now, she grumbled in her mind.

Putting her head in her hand, Annora closed her eyes. She needed to think things through. She couldn't just give up to be eaten by a pack of wolves.

Annora sighed to herself.

"How are you going to get out of this one?" she asked herself quietly. Suddenly a wind picked up, blowing Annora's hair falling loose from her braid around her face. Her dark cloak blew behind her, and she looked up at the sky. Clouds were gathering overhead. Annora glared at the sky, cursing it. Of course, she thought bitterly.

"Annora..."

Annora brought her gaze down from the sky and looked around again. Nothing. No one was there.

Angry, Annora stood up from the log, her sword hanging at her side. Brushing off her black riding pants, Annora glared into the trees.

"Annora..."

Suddenly something caught her eye. Looking on with interest and raised brows, Annora took a step towards the point she swore she had seen something. A light.

Sure enough, a soft white glow pulsated amidst the trees ahead.

With awe, Annora walked slowly towards the floating light. It hovered in the air, moving slightly with the wind, bobbing up and down.

Annora felt a smile appear on her face. Her mother had told her of these creatures. Wood spirits. Destiny Callers, her mother called them. They led a person towards their fate and destiny.

It was beautiful. Annora got closer to the small wood spirit, stopping just feet away from it. Slowly, she reached for it, her fingers barely touching the soft light from the creature's glow before it suddenly disappeared. Annora gasped, drawing her hand back. With a frown, she looked around.

A distance away, the light appeared again. Annora watched it with interest.

"Annora..." came the soft, breathy voice. Annora followed it, watching it carefully, expecting it to disappear again. This is what lead her into the forest, to her lonely death. With a frown, Annora remembered the anger she felt earlier. It didn't return as strongly, rather she felt sad and disappointed.

"Is this my fate?" she asked the white light, stopping just feet from it. "You lead me here to die. Now where are you taking me? To a wolf's den?"

The light disappeared, causing her to jump slightly. She looked ahead, expecting to see the glow appear further from where she now stood. As before, the glow reappeared. This time, however, there were many more that appeared with it, forming a line leading deeper into the forest.

Annora watched in awe, her heart softening towards the beautiful creatures. Silently, Annora followed the Destiny Callers, her sword still in her hand.

As Annora followed the long line of wood spirits, she suddenly heard the sound of rushing water, just over the sound of the strong wind. A river.

Finally, Annora broke through the tree line, stepping from the bushes onto a rocky shore. The river flowed swiftly in front of her. Looking up from the river in confusion, Annora found that the wood spirits had disappeared.

"Hello?" she asked, turning in a circle to search for any sign of the creatures.

"Annora..." came many soft voices. Annora frowned and furrowed her brows in frustration.

"Enough of this," she said in irritation. But the voices continued to whisper her name. Annora listened in confusion and curiosity as the number of voices seemed to increase. And suddenly there was another word being spoken, mingling with the sound of her name. But the wind and the conjoined words made it impossible to decipher.

The wind picked up along the river, blasting Annora with cold, and the sound of even more voices reached her ears.

Turning in circles, Annora began to grow concerned. Was she going crazy? Taking a step back from the force of the many voices, Annora turned away from the forest and faced the river.

Closing her eyes, Annora tried to ignore the voices and calm her panicking heart. The voices were not loud or harsh, yet they were overpowering and reached her core. She was sure she was going mad.

And then they stopped.

Annora's eyes flashed open, full of confusion. And then she heard a sound in the bushes. Feeling the hair on the back of her neck stand straight and her heart pounding in her chest, Annora took a shaky breath. Was it a wolf? Had the wood spirits really lead her to her death?

She could hear the rustling in the brush just barely over the sound of the rushing river and blowing wind.

Her grip on her sword tightened and she whirled around, feeling eyes on her.

To her surprise, there stood Rumpelstiltskin. Annora's mouth dropped open in shock and confusion.

"What...what are you doing here? I thought you were a wolf!" she exclaimed, lowering her threatening sword just slightly. Rumpelstiltskin smirked slightly, his own confusion briefly showing on his face.

"Did I forget to shave?" he asked, watching her carefully. The wind blew her hair wildly around her. Most of her braid had fallen out, having been tangled and grabbed by twigs and branches. And her green eyes were alive from the scare he had just given her. Her black cloak whipped away from her body, revealing the black pants and cream blouse she wore.

"What are you doing here?" Annora asked, her sword just raised barely. Rumpelstiltskin turned his eyes to glance at the sword and his smirk grew.

"I'm looking for something..." he answered amusedly. "What are you doing out here all alone, dearie?"

Annora frowned at the amused look in his eyes. How was finding her lost in the forest amusing in any way?

"I was looking for something as well...however, now all I care to find is my horse," she spoke grumpily. "And a way out of this damn forest."

Rumpelstiltskin smiled and let out a laugh.

"I could help you, Annora," he told her, smirking. "Get out of the forest, I mean. I suspect your horse is long gone. But I could help you get back to the castle. For a price, of course."

Annora smiled wryly.

"Of course," she repeated, her feigned smile dangerous and biting.

"You'll owe me a favor, dearie, but all you'd have to do is tell me where you wish to pop in," he said with a laugh and demonstrating a popping gesture with his right hand. Annora frowned.

"No," she spoke firmly. "No magic."

Rumpelstiltskin frowned and regarded her carefully, a look in his eyes that Annora couldn't quite place.

"Well, then, how do you propose you get home?" he asked, tilting his head sideways. Annora frowned at what she was about to say, but she took a deep breath and went for it.

"With you."

Rumpelstiltskin laughed and regarded her with amusement.

"I came here searching for something, dearie, and I don't intend on leaving until I've found it," he said, approaching her. "I have only one horse, and I need him to ride the expanse of the forest. It's much easier than walking," he added. Annora then noticed the dark brown horse hidden in the bushes.

With a frown, Annora considered her options.

She could stay with him and ride back once he found what he was looking for. How long would that take? And how uncomfortable and awkward that would be, riding so closely with Rumpelstiltskin.

Or she could allow him to magically transport her to the castle or somewhere near the castle, but what would that do to her magic? If her powers reacted to his, who knows who could get hurt.

Biting her lip, Annora knew which choice she had to choose.

"No magic," she repeated, looking up into Rumpelstiltskin's eyes. She saw a brief look of surprise in his amber eyes, but it was quickly masked. "I will ride with you, help you even...in your search."

"You will still owe me the favor, dearie," he warned her, pointing his finger at her. Annora frowned but nodded her head. Rumpelstiltskin rubbed his hands together as he smiled at her.

"Good. Let's get a move on, we're losing daylight," he said, turning and walking towards his horse. Slowly, Annora sheathed her sword and followed behind him.

Rumpelstiltskin brought his horse to a small clearing and he stopped, looking expectantly at Annora. Frowning, she stared right back at him.

"After you, dearie," he smirked, bowing slightly in a mocking manner. With a soft huff, Annora approached the horse, reaching for the saddle and putting her left foot in the stirrup. She had to stretch her legs far to reach the stirrup, luckily she was flexible. Bouncing lightly on one foot, Annora prepared to lift herself onto the horse. Just as she moved to lift herself up, she felt a large hand on her behind and the other on her hip, and as she turned to look incredulously at the man behind her, she was suddenly boosted onto the horse. With a gasp as she steadied herself atop the horse, Annora fought the urge to kick Rumpelstiltskin in the face for touching her the way he had. Glaring down at the man, Annora realized he wasn't even paying attention to her. With a huff of air, Annora shook her head in irritation and she calmed herself down.

Then she felt his hand near hers on the saddle as he prepared to mount the horse behind her. His fingers brushed her skin, causing sparks. But these sparks were not magic. They were an electric feeling, traveling from his touch throughout her body. Annora looked down in surprise.

And then she felt the saddle and horse sway as he swung behind her.

Annora gasped as she felt his body against her back, and she leaned forward slightly as he moved to get comfortable. Rumpelstiltskin felt the electric charge pass through him as he touched her, and then as his front was flush with her back...

He swallowed at the feeling her body created against him, but he felt her try to move away from him. He could smell her sweet fragrance of flower blossoms.

"I-I should sit behind you," she stammered, turning her head to look into his amber eyes. He was so close. Rumpelstiltskin saw the blush in her cheeks and her wide eyes and smirked, reaching around her to grip the leather reins.

"Nonsense, you will be able to see better in front of me..." he said with an amused smile, kicking his horse into a walk. Annora gasped lightly as the horse lurched into its walk, causing her to slide back into Rumpelstiltskin. He smirked. "I can see just fine with you in front of me..."

Annora turned her head to glare at him, knowing that was a quip at her height.

"You're not exactly reaching the top shelf yourself, dearie," she retorted, a sickly sweet smile appearing on her lips. Rumpelstiltskin smiled and let out a chuckle.

"Feisty..." he whispered, his lips twitching in amusement as he smirked at her, his eyes watching hers with clear amusement. Annora found her eyes drawn to his lips. Compared to the rest of his skin, they looked soft and warm. Breathing in a nervous breath, Annora could smell him. She had to admit he smelled nice. Like leather and pine. And his own manly musk.

With a frown, Annora turned away from him. This only served to make him chuckle. Again, he was finding amusement at her dispense.

"What are we looking for, anyway?" she asked with a frown, her body still tense against his.

"Anything out of the ordinary," he answered with a mischievous smile. Annora frowned, hesitantly turning once more to look at him.

"You don't know what you are looking for?" she asked, a brow raised. Rumpelstiltskin frowned and glared at her, hearing her accusation of incompetency.

"I know what I am looking for, but you do not need to know the specifics," he told her, his frown deepening as his attention turned to the forest around them. Annora frowned and narrowed her eyes at him.

"Do you even know where to look?" she asked, feeling difficult. Rumpelstiltskin sighed in irritation.

"Of course. Now quiet yourself, or I will," he threatened. Annora frowned and her green eyes glared at him. She then turned her head to face forward again. Rumpelstiltskin growled in irritation as her long blonde hair whipped his face.

Perhaps he should have left her alone in the forest.

Annora remained silent for hours, her mind drifting towards other thoughts and her eyes slipping closed. At one point, she was sure she fell asleep during the ride. She didn't remember getting off the horse or remember a fire being built, but her eyes fluttered open and she found herself lying against a log. Sitting up in alarm, Annora looked around frantically. She searched her waist for her sword. It was gone. Jumping to her feet, Annora looked around her, everywhere the fire's light stretched. Looking up at the sky, Annora saw the shade of night and the stars beginning to come out.

"Ah, you're awake," Rumpelstiltskin spoke, stepping out of the trees and into the small camp. He saw Annora whirl around to look at him.

"Stop doing that!" she ordered, her eyes full of surprise and anger at being surprised. Rumpelstiltskin merely smirked, walking towards her and the fire.

"I must say, dearie, you weren't much help in my search," he began, his smirk lit by the fire. "Not with your eyes closed and your pretty head on my shoulder."

Annora frowned at the tone of mockery in his voice.

"How long exactly do you think we will be out here?" she asked, irritated, and she sat down on the log she had been sleeping against. "I might be better off just walking in one direction, hoping to make it out." Rumpelstiltskin smirked and walked slowly up to her, sitting down as well and stretching his legs out towards the fire.

"By yourself?" he asked with a chuckle. Annora frowned.

"That's the way it's always been," she mumbled with a sigh, turning to look into the fire. She was tired and done with fighting. She might as well treat this man with some civility. Some. "But you know how that is, probably more so than I do."

Rumpelstiltskin frowned at her. He did know about loneliness. All he had was Bae. Perhaps that's why this felt so nice, being close to her and actually talking rather than insulting one another mercilessly. She filled some of that loneliness. And shed some light on his growing darkness.

"I do know how that is," he agreed quietly. Annora's eyes looked up in surprise at the slightest sound of vulnerability in the Dark One's voice. She found herself feeling sympathy for him though.

And as the silence dragged on, she felt the need to talk with Rumpelstiltskin. To open up.

"My mother died when I was young," Annora began, breaking the silence. Rumpelstiltskin looked up in interest. "She was killed by soldiers...and I was left to care for my brother and sister. We were saved from the war and taken to the castle. I was...to marry the king..." she trailed off, glancing up at him carefully. "But I feel that you know what happened..."

Rumpelstiltskin offered a smile. Annora was surprised to see the almost kind smile, instead of a smirk.

"That I do, dearie," Rumpelstiltskin answered. He had spent some time figuring her out, searching her history and finding her secrets. He had his ways. "I know what happened to the king...I also know that your sister died a year ago...and your brother is off helping with the border control. You don't even know your real father..."

Annora looked down at her hands, a dry smile forming on her lips.

"Of course you know that...My mother never came out and told me, but I know the man I called father was not really mine..." she sighed. "All of my family is gone. A grand life, isn't it?" she spoke softly, wincing as her voice cracked. Rumpelstiltskin remained silent, his eyes turning to watch the fire. Annora frowned and turned her body entirely to face him, her knees brushing his leg.

"You seem to know so much about me, but I barely know anything about you," she said with a frown. Rumpelstiltskin smirked, reminding her of what kind of man he was.

"That's how I prefer it, my dear," he answered, lifting a finger and laughing his odd laugh. Annora found her heart had softened, because suddenly a smile was appearing on her face at the sound of his laugh.

This threw Rumpelstiltskin off slightly. He saw the kind gentleness in her eyes. By how could she be looking at him like that?

"But that makes for a lonely life," she reminded him. "I found Bae and I've told him about me, that's how we've become so close."

Rumpelstiltskin turned his head and tilted it just slightly, watching her sideways and with a mischievous smile.

"Are you insinuating that you wish to become close to me?" he accused. Annora rolled her eyes and let out an impatient sigh, though Rumpelstiltskin could still see the soft look in her eyes. She had a good heart, he could see that. Despite the men she had killed. Despite their squabbles they'd had over the past months since she had come into his and Bae's lives, Rumpelstiltskin knew she was a kind, good person. Someone he knew could penetrate the wall he had put up. That's why he teased her so much, pushing her away by irritating and provoking her. That's why he allowed her around Bae. His son needed that figure in his life.

"Would that be so bad?" Annora asked him. "Letting someone be close to you?"

Rumpelstiltskin paused, watching her but not answering.

"I prefer to have the upper hand...the advantage," he said with an impish smile. Annora frowned, nodding as she gave up with a sigh.

"And you have it," she spoke, her voice retaining a slight bitterness she had towards him. But there was also disappointment in her eyes, almost a sadness. Rumpelstiltskin frowned in disappointment. It seemed they were returning to their old ways. But that is what he had wanted, wasn't it? To push her away.

"Yes. I do," he agreed. "I know more about you than you think. I know your fears and your background."

Annora glared lightly at him as he taunted her.

"I thought we were having a normal conversation," she said, her shoulders sagging in exasperation. With that, she stood up and walked closer to the fire. She paced slightly, back and forth. "Now we're back to the quips and insults and-and bating."

"Bating?" Rumpelstiltskin asked, his brows furrowed. Annora glanced over her shoulder at him.

"Yes, drawing me in, acting as though you have all the answers I need," she spoke, her accent coated with irritation and a small amount of bitterness.

Rumpelstiltskin laughed.

"I do have all the answers you need, dearie," he said. Annora sighed in exasperation.

"Then tell me. Quit playing games with me," she said, stopping her pacing and turning her body to fully face him. "Please," she added with a firm order in the word, and yet in the sound of her voice was also a gentle plea. Rumpelstiltskin smiled.

"But then our little interludes would not be nearly as fun."

With her lips pursed, Annora walked to the log he sat on. Silently, she sat on the ground and leaned back against the log.

"I'm done. I need rest to keep up with this tiring game you play," she admitted, her soft beautiful accented voice sounding tired. Annora pulled her cloak tighter around her form. "Goodnight."

With that, she scooted forward and laid on the ground in the light of the fire, turning away from him.

Rumpelstiltskin smiled proudly, satisfied. He still had the upper hand with her, and she acknowledged it.

With that thought in mind, Rumpelstiltskin scooted forward and laid on his back, his hands behind his head as he watched more and more stars appear until the night sky was full.

He then glanced over at the still form of the beautiful woman he had spent his time traveling with. With a frown, he thought about what she had said. Would it be so bad to let someone in? Someone other than Bae?

No. No one could love an ugly creature such as he, one growing more and more hungry for power.

With a quick shake of his head, he cleared his mind and closed his eyes. Peeking at the fire, he knew the fire would keep the wolves away. And he closed his eyes again with a sigh.

Sleep overcame both of them.

The sun slowly climbed over the horizon, its early rays landing on two figures. Two figures huddled closely together.

Anne felt the sun shining on her face, but she refused to open her eyes. She was comfortable and warm. She was laying on something soft and warm, her arm and leg draped over the object. A pillow perhaps.

Breathing in, Annora felt relaxed and happy. The scent of leather and pine filled her nose and clouded her mind. Happily, she buried her nose further into the pillow.

Then something suddenly moved against her. Still in the clutches of sleep, Annora furrowed her brows. Something was moving over her behind, and there was a weight laying over her waist.

A sudden sigh sounded from beneath her and a breath tickled her face.

Annora's eyes flashed open, and she looked up into the face of a sleeping green-gold skinned man. Her eyes wide in alarm, Annora shot upright, forgetting about the weight around her waist. His arm.

As she moved abruptly, Rumpelstiltskin's eyes shot open and he jumped, grabbing a dagger from his tunic and turning over onto Annora.

At the feeling of being attacked, Annora rolled away and wrapped her leg around his waist, bringing him with her. She rolled on top of him, holding his arms. But he was too strong, he easily pushed off with his legs and rolled her into her back.

Annora gasped as Rumpelstiltskin straddled her and placed his dagger's edge against her throat, his face close to hers as he leaned into her. One hand gripped her wrist tightly, while the other held his dagger against her soft skin.

As he looked down at her, Rumpelstiltskin's amber eyes softened and his grip loosened, allowing his dagger to fall away from her throat. Annora swallowed hard as she felt his eyes travel over her.

Rumpelstiltskin allowed his eyes to sweep over her body, her beautiful body beneath his. He heard her swallow nervously, and he felt her intense gaze on him. But he didn't look into her green eyes just yet. His gaze followed the curve of her hips, up to her slender waist and flat stomach, up to her ample breasts, just visible beneath the deep loose neckline of her cream blouse and grey corset. Her chest rose up and down with her breathing. Lingering, his eyes slowly moved upward, observing her soft plump lips. He felt something stir inside him and his eyes snapped to meet hers.

Annora felt herself blush as his eyes traveled praisingly over her body. And when his eyes met hers, her heart fluttered nervously at what she saw. Awe and desire.

And yet, even more surprising...

She felt the same things.

"W-What are you doing?" Annora finally breathed out, her breathing quick and her hair falling in her face. A look of realization and sudden alarm appeared in Rumpelstiltskin's eyes and he quickly stood up, looking down at her as she pushed herself into a sitting position.

He watched her enchanting green eyes, watching him. He noticed her irregular breathing and the pink in her cheeks. Without a word, Rumpelstiltskin turned and walked away, leaving Annora confused and alone.

"What...?" she whispered to herself, watching Rumpelstiltskin's retreating form. With a frown, she stood up, pushing off of the log. Staring at the trees he had gone through, she felt a surprisingly strong urge to follow him.

But she didn't.

Standing where he left her, Annora put her hands to her cheeks, feeling their warmth. She quickly folded her arms around herself.

Every man that looked at her the way he had, caused her to feel disgust and anger. And yet with him...

She felt genuinely appreciated and beautiful. She found herself wanting him to look at her that way again.

Annora breathed in a shaky breath, wrapping her arms more tightly around her.

What was happening? Annora forced her breathing to slow to a normal rate, and she closed her eyes. The feelings inside her would not subside. She had...been attracted to him. To Rumpelstiltskin.

Annora quickly turned around, turning her back to the direction Rumpelstiltskin had disappeared in. She stared at the barely smoking fire, trying to focus on something else.

But she couldn't stop thinking of him, above her. His eyes watching her, as they always were. But in that moment, there had been a stronger emotion in his amber gaze. A softness. Annora sighed, closing her eyes and swallowing. There was a strong feeling in the pit of her stomach, and her body tingled at the thought of him against her.

Annora sighed again, in defeat. Her eyes closed and she let the morning breeze surround her, flowing through her hair, now loose in waves.

"Annora..." came the now familiar whisper of the woods. Annora's green eyes flashed open, and she looked around. Nothing.

"Annora..." it came again. Annora turned, her brows raised as she looked for a sign of a glowing wood spirit. There, where Rumpelstiltskin had disappeared was a Destiny Caller.

Annie took a step towards it, and to her surprise it disappeared.

"Wait!" she called, running towards the place it had been. As she ran by the log, she bent over to pick up her sword that leaned against the wood. With the belt and weapon in her and, she ran into the trees.

Sticks and branches grabbed at her cloak and hair, but she continued on. She could hear the soft voices calling her.

Soon, Annora broke out of the trees, breathing heavily and looking around for any sign of Destiny Callers. She didn't notice any, but she did see that she was at the riverbank again, though in a different spot. With a frown, Annora watched the water confusedly. Why did the wood spirits keep leading her to the river?

"Annora..."

Suddenly a light appeared to her right and Annora turned towards it, her lips drawn in a confused frown and her brows furrowed.

More and more glowing creatures appeared, forming a trail along the rocky riverbank and into the trees. Annora cautiously took a step towards the trail, and the first Destiny Caller vanished. The second one called to her.

With a frown, Annora hesitated. Doubts began to fill her mind.

What if her destiny wasn't something she wanted? What if her fate was to die in these woods? Why didn't she just stay in the camp and wait for Rumpelstiltskin to return?

As these thoughts tormented her, a noise sounded in the trees. Looking up in alarm, Annora gripped her sword. She could see the branches trembling as something moved through them, towards her. But the wood spirits didn't seem alarmed. In a ready stance, Annora pulled her sword out of its sheath just enough for the blade to glint in the sun.

And then suddenly a cloaked, green-gold figure emerged from the bushes.

"Rumpelstiltskin?" she asked in disbelief, her brows furrowed. The man looked up at her in surprise. Then his amber eyes moved to the trail of wood spirits, his brows furrowing in confusion. Slowly, his eyes followed the trail. Further and further from him, until it ended...

At Annora.

Looking at her with surprise, Rumpelstiltskin took a short, slightly stumbling step towards her. The wood spirit closest to him disappeared.

At this point, Annora was watching with surprise as realization dawned on her.

The trail she had been following...lead to him. Both times she followed it, she found him.

"Y-you," she whispered, pointing weakly at him as he slowly drew near her. "They lead to you."

Annora took a couple steps toward him until they met in between, stopping just feet from each other.

"They lead to you," he repeated, tilting his head as confusion clouded his amber eyes. "But why?" he said more to himself. Annora shrugged, her lips moving but unable to form an answer.

Rumpelstiltskin glanced down at her pink lips, then returned his gaze to her eyes. She was watching him carefully. Her eyes were filled with confusion, and yet there was a kind gentleness in them.

Watching her with his intense gaze, Rumpelstiltskin felt the feelings he had felt earlier with her return. Slowly, he took a step towards her.

And she looked up at him as he moved towards her, her eyes watching him carefully. But she didn't seem alarmed. He saw her chest moving up and down quickly, and he heard her soft breaths, but her eyes were almost beckoning him. Asking him to come closer.

Forget what he had thought about loneliness...

Again, he took another step.

Annora didn't back away, she stood straight, her grip loosening on her weapon and her eyes watching him with growing anticipation and arousal. The way her body reacted to his proximity surprised Annora.

Rumpelstiltskin slowly reached for the wrist of her hand gripping her sword, and with fluid movements he extracted the weapon from her. He couldn't have her armed for what he was about to do.

Annora let the sword fall from her fingers, though her mind told her she shouldn't. Her instinct was taking over.

Gently, Rumpelstiltskin gripped her wrists and pulled her closer. Annora allowed herself to fall against his body, and her eyes looked up at him, wide and innocently afraid.

Why was she doing this? Why didn't she move away? Why didn't she attack him? Her body's feelings were too strong, she couldn't deny the attraction. But why the attraction in the first place? This man was dangerous.

Rumpelstiltskin looked into her eyes. He saw interest and even desire in the green pools. Slowly, he leaned in, his eyes watching hers carefully. He cleared his throat softly.

"I feel we've had a conversation relating to this...if a situation such as this ever occurred," he spoke, his voice huskier than usual. Annora's mind was sluggish in receiving his words. "If you could overpower a man like me, dearie."

"I believe this morning proved me incapable," she said softly, her eyes glancing at his lips. His breath caressed her cheeks and lips. Rumpelstiltskin offered a slight, brief smile.

"You were still asleep," he dismissed her statement with a short shake of his head. Annora's lips turned up at the corners just slightly, and she knew she was smiling at him. She couldn't help it, her heart was filled with happiness as his fingers softly caressed her wrists, in an almost loving manner.

"I'm fully awake, now," she whispered softly, looking up at him with watchful green eyes. Rumpelstiltskin smirked down at her as he felt her hands softly grip his tunic.

"Mm," Rumpelstiltskin hummed slightly as he chuckled. He felt his body reacting to her. He smirked. "But this behavior...?"

Annora felt herself grimace, averting her gaze momentarily.

"Is very unusual for me," she answered, her answer truthful. She looked up again. "And yet...I can't help myself with you. Why is that?"

"Our destiny's intertwine, Annora," he spoke, his hands slowly raising up her body, gripping her hips. "There must be another reason...other than attraction."

Annora studied his face, her arms hesitantly wrapping around him, bringing his body closer. Rumpelstiltskin smirked as he gently pulled her to him. Annora felt a wave of excitement course through her body.

"This isn't right," she whispered, her rationality trying to penetrate her mind. "This isn't how things work..."

Rumpelstiltskin smirked down at her, his hands slowly traveling her body.

"But according to the future-seeing creatures of this wood, this is exactly how things should happen...and will happen," he told her, leaning in. He issued his first kiss, his lips softly caressing the soft skin of her neck. Annora sighed and closed her eyes, feeling the sparks travel through her body. If it was magic, she didn't care. She was too distracted by his touch.

His lips traveled up her neck, kissing a path along her jaw.

Annora's head fell back in pleasure, and Rumpelstiltskin smirked into his kisses, his hand coming up to hold the back of her head.

"Rumple..." she softly sighed, her eyes closed. Rumpelstiltskin smiled and moaned into her soft skin at the sound of his name.

Taking her face in his hands, Rumpelstiltskin watched as her eyes opened to look at him.

With her green eyes searching his, Rumpelstiltskin leaned in and took her lips with his. He kissed her deeply but gently. A feeling of bliss overcame Annora, and she allowed herself to give in. Her eyes closed and a soft moan escaped her lips as they moved against his.

Pleasure. Excitement. Happiness. That's what she felt, being with him. And yet she also felt a bond, a strong emotion that connected her to him. Perhaps he didn't feel it...but she did.

She dared to call it love.

The beginning of love.