The events in this chapter coincide with the episode "Skin Deep" and during the episode "An Apple Red As Blood" and the "Pilot" episode, from ABC television show "Once Upon A Time".

Chapter Eight:

Valentine's Day

Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

On the day before Valentine's Day, Asher entered Granny's Diner. As he sat down at the long bar table, Asher noticed Mary Margaret exchanging conversation with David from across the way. He momentarily paid attention to Mary Margaret's conversation with Emma, Ashley Boyd – who had just walked in with her baby girl, and Ruby. His attention was brought back when Ruby approached him, getting his order. After Ruby left him alone, Asher heard the doorbell ring. Curtis sat down next to Asher, giving his order to Ruby.

"Are you doing anything special tomorrow?" asked Curtis, directly to Asher.

"No," said Asher.

"Come on, it's Valentine's Day," said Curtis.

"That's why I'm not bothering. It's just another excuse for commercialism," said Asher. "There's nothing special about Valentine's Day for me. I'll just be back at my apartment, taking Shiloh out for a walk."

Curtis told him, "Well, you let me know when you get tired of being a loner."

"I'm not tired of it. Besides, I have much better things to do with my life," said Asher.

"And that is what? Working custodial for the rest of your life? Asher, I'm only telling you because I'm your psychiatrist," said Curtis, concerned.

"And as a friend?" asked Asher, looking at him now.

"As a friend, I'm telling you the exact same thing. What do you love to do?" asked Curtis.

"As a hobby?" asked Asher. He thought momentarily, "I like taking photos."

"There you have it. Ask Mary Margaret. I'm sure the school wouldn't mind having pictures taken for Valentine's Day," said Curtis.

"Maybe," said Asher, solemn. Shortly after Emma left, Asher waited a few moments before he advanced towards Mary Margaret. He asked, hesitant, "Mary Margaret, I wonder if the school is in need of a photographer."

"Why are you asking?" asked Mary Margaret, curious and confused.

"I…" Asher was about to walk away, when Mary Margaret grabbed him.

"No. Asher… maybe you could ask the superintendent. I'm sure he would be fine giving you a position," said Mary Margaret.

"Are you sure? I heard the superintendent is strict," said Asher. "All right, I'll ask him. Thank you." He returned to his seat.

Fairy Tale Land – Flashback

At nightfall, Snow led the seven dwarfs, plus Gimli, Legolas, the four hobbits, Red Riding Hood, and Widow Lucas to the castle. It was there they attacked the guards and searched for the prince. The fairies gave their aid to Snow White and the group. Snow, instead of finding the prince, found herself in front of Queen Regina's mirror. Regina made a parlay with Snow. When Snow returned to her friends, they asked her what happened. Snow explained the situation, leading the group to a chamber where a round wooden table was kept.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" asked Frodo.

"I have to. It's a parlay, and it may be the only way I'll get Prince James back," said Snow, pulling out her weapons from their sheaths.

"But Snow…"

"Look, I'm sorry you came all this way, but this has to be done… alone," said Snow.

"You wanted my help, remember?" asked Frodo.

"And now you are. I'm sorry," said Snow.

"At least let us help you," said Merry.

"No, I'm going alone," said Snow. She thanked everyone that showed up and helped her, before leaving the castle alone.

Sam turned to Frodo. "You know something's not right."

"We just have to trust her," said Frodo.

"Are you sure? It could be a trap," said Sam.

"I know it is," said Frodo. He fell silent a moment later.

Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

Asher returned to the Schoolhouse later that day. Before everyone left the offices, Asher managed to get a walk-in appointment with the superintendent. Asher could see the secretary was still present.

"No, that's fine Roland. Thank you," said the superintendent.

"If you're sure there isn't anything else, Mister Irving," said the secretary named Roland.

"No, go on," said the superintendent.

Roland bowed, and then left the office.

The superintendent turned to Asher, telling him, "It's been another long day. What can I help you with?"

"You're not related to Phillip Irving, are you?" asked Asher.

"Phillip's my son," said the superintendent. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"I was hoping, if the school needed a photographer…"

"Someone already has that job," said the superintendent. "If you wish to be his assistant, I'm sure we can find a way to make it suitable."

"Who's the photographer?" asked Asher.

A knock was heard on the door. In walked the school's photographer, handing a photocopy to the superintendent. Asher recognized the photographer as a friend he'd long forgotten: Fred Dewey.

"You're working here?" asked Asher, getting Fred's attention.

Fred ignored him. He told the superintendent, "Here's the latest proof. Tell me what you think?"

The superintendent said, stunned, "These are very good." He remembered, "Oh, and Fred, Mister Beutel has been asking for a photography job. I told him he can work as an assistant photographer."

"Well, did you interview him yet?" asked Fred.

"Maybe I should just go," said Asher.

"Nonsense. Sit down," said the superintendent. "Let's set up an appointment, and we'll talk later."

"Sure," said Asher.

The superintendent wrote on a business card. He handed the card to Asher, shortly before Asher left. Asher noticed the superintendent continued to speak to Fred.

Fairy Tale Land – Flashback

When Red, Widow Lucas, the dwarfs, Legolas, and the hobbits found Snow White on the hill above the stables, they found she had no breath. Realizing Snow had sacrificed herself to save her friends and her kingdom, the dwarfs built a glass coffin in a log. The hobbits joined the seven dwarfs, after Legolas and Gimli left Fairy Tale Land to alert those in Middle-earth of the impending danger ahead. It wasn't long before the same prince Frodo had met in the forest with Snow arrived on horseback. The prince got off his horse and approached the log, where Snow White lay.

As the dwarfs told the prince Snow was gone, Frodo chimed in, "There isn't anything you can do."

"Mr. Frodo," whispered Sam, out of respect.

"Sam, what hope is there?" asked Frodo.

The prince only said these words to both the dwarfs and the hobbits, "At least let me say goodbye."

The dwarfs opened the glass coffin, moving the lid across the log. As the prince kissed Snow White, a rainbow stream rippled out over the land. The hobbits looked in awe as the rainbow stream passed. Snow was awakened moments later, relieved to see her prince again.

Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

As Asher took Shiloh out for their evening walk, he noticed a commotion occur at an abandoned log cabin. Asher quickly pulled out his cell phone, calling the Sheriff's station. He waited a few minutes before hearing the phone click on the other end.

"Sheriff Swan," said Emma.

Asher spoke into the receiver, "Emma, I think you come to the abandoned log cabin right away."

"What's wrong?" asked Emma, concerned.

"I think Mr. Gold is involved," said Asher.

"I'm on my way," said Emma.

Asher hung up his phone. He shushed Shiloh, who started barking. Minutes passed before Emma arrived, driving the Sheriff's car onto the dirt road. Emma followed Asher inside the abandoned log cabin, where they witnessed Mr. Gold beating his walking stick against Moe French. Emma stopped Mr. Gold before he could continue his beating.

When the ambulance arrived, Asher watched as Moe was brought to the back of the truck. He noticed Emma talking to Mr. Gold, before cuffing him. Mr. Gold glanced over at Asher, a stern look coming across his face.

Mr. Gold told Asher, aloud, "You may be off the hook this time, Asher Beutel, but if you expect me to help you out with a certain task, you had better try something more sophisticated. You know what I mean?"

"You were hurting that man, Mr. Gold. I couldn't stand by and watch you beat someone up. It was the right thing to do," said Asher.

"Oh, the right thing. We'll see about that, won't we?" asked Mr. Gold. "Enjoy the evening, while you can."

"What about that deal we made? You still owe me your help," said Asher.

"Only when the time comes. In the meantime, stay away from me," said Mr. Gold. He was helped by Emma inside the sheriff's car.

Emma asked Asher, "Hey, you okay?" She told him last, "Don't let Mr. Gold get to you."

"If only I had the courage to… forget it," said Asher.

"No. To do what, Asher?" asked Emma.

"Look, people have been telling me what to do for as long as I can remember. I'm getting tired of having to deal with that," said Asher. "You know what I mean?" He apologized a moment later, "I'm sorry. It's just how I feel."

"You're brave enough to say it. I wasn't trying to tell you what to do that day," said Emma.

"I know… it's just…"

"You hope other people would hear you out," said Emma, finishing his sentence.

Shiloh barked.

Asher said, "Looks like I'd better get home. Take care, Emma." He walked on through the woods, Shiloh in the lead.

Fairy Tale Land – Flashback

At the seven dwarfs' cottage, Frodo wrote on a piece of parchment paper. As he did, Sam entered the dining room.

"Who are you writing to?" asked Sam, curious.

"I'm writing a letter to Legolas, letting him know that Snow White is alive," said Frodo.

"Mr. Frodo, will we ever get home?" asked Sam.

Frodo sighed. "I don't know. Maybe once things are set right here, we can return home. Until then…"

"You'd rather stay and help Snow White. I understand. I just hope we don't stay too long," said Sam.

Frodo chuckled. "I know, Sam. You miss home. You miss the Shire. We'll see it again." Folding up the parchment, Frodo set it on a dove's leg. At a window, Frodo released the dove.

"Do you think that dove will find them?" asked Sam.

"I have high hopes it will," said Frodo. "I just do."

o-o-o

Middle-earth – Flashback

Leaving Helm's Deep, Legolas spotted a dove fly down to him. Allowing the dove to perch on his arm, Legolas took the parchment off of the dove's leg. The dove flew away moments later. Gimli watched as Legolas unfolded the parchment, reading the letter quietly to himself:

Legolas,

Snow White lives, much to our gratitude. She's planning on taking back her kingdom, with help from the prince who saved her. I'm planning on staying behind to help her, as I'm sure Sam, Merry, and Pippin will agree to. If you'd like to help, meet me at the dwarves' cottage. Bring Aragorn and Gandalf if you wish. Hope to hear from you soon.

Your dear friend,
Frodo

"Ah, looks like the lad has gotten himself into mischief once again," said Gimli, reading the letter over Legolas' shoulder. "Any ideas, my friend?"

"Well, we certainly cannot abandon them. Aragorn may not wish to come to the Enchanted Forest, if he has business in Gondor. Gandalf on the other hand…"

"Might lend aide," said Gimli.

"We'll speak to them when we reach them, at Edoras. I do hope Aragorn is still there," said Legolas. He rode on across the plains of Rohan.

Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

The next morning, Asher ate alone at Granny's Diner. As he ate his breakfast in silence, Asher noticed Donovan Masters enter the diner with Edric Tuck. The two shared a booth and spoke casually, but loudly. Asher also noticed Curtis enter the diner with Samantha. As the two found a place to sit at an empty table, they were greeted by Donovan.

Asher said quietly to himself, "Happy Valentine's Day. I'm alone again." He murmured, "Worst day of the year." He finished his meal in silence and left the diner, moments before anyone spotted him.

o-o-o

Later that day, Asher visited the bookstore. While browsing each section, Asher spotted a woman with locks of blondish-brown hair and wearing a blue dress. Quietly, Asher approached the woman, who looked stunned when he got her attention.

"So, you like books?" asked Asher.

"I'm just browsing," said the woman.

"I'm Asher, by the way," said Asher.

"Anabeth Tuck, but everyone calls me Annie," said Anabeth in introduction. She recognized him then and there, "You're Edwin's friend, aren't you? How is he?"

"Edwin's fine." He looked stunned, "Anabeth, now I remember you. You're Edwin's sister."

"I'm the eldest, yes," said Anabeth. "Edwin is quite the handful."

"I'm sure he's all right," said Asher.

Anabeth said last, "Well, I should get going. Good luck getting that photography job."

"Same to you," said Asher. He continued his browsing, and eventually found a book he was looking for. After paying the clerk, Asher left the bookstore.

Here are more characters and their Storybrooke counterparts:

Radagast the Brown – Roland Bateman

Thranduil – Thomas Irving

Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger – Fred Dewey

Pearl Took – Anabeth "Annie" Tuck