A/N: Hello all. Yes, it's been a while since I gave a new chapter, but I did warn y'all :3. This one is a little long so hopefully it'll tide you over. Thanks for reading and reviewing Lovelies!
~8~8~
Pink and lavender ribbons tinged the airy mountain peaks in a soft blush that grandly painted the grayish blue rim of sky in the Northland. The snow upon the jagged pinnacles seemed to soak in the light of dawn till the peaks were drenched in a crimson that was red as blood from a fresh kill. Truly the perilous mountain apexes looked as fangs rending into a bloody kill to devour its prey.
Today was the day, Rumpelstiltskin decided determinedly as he took in the majestic, bucolic scenery splayed out before him in all the savage glory of the morn. Standing in the spring warmed valley below the ever frost laden jagged mounts, the fiend nodded to himself with the thought. Wind tousled his straggly mane, fanning his dirty brown hair about his gray-gold visage. His eyes blurred with mist at the bite of the zephyrs.
Steam from the aromatic tea in his chipped blue and white cup swirled temptingly about him like hands caressing his gray-gold visage. The radiating heat from the brew warmed his scaled hands as he gazed into the brilliant distance and thought of what lay over its hazardous spine.
Spring was in full swing upon the realms and the people awakened from the winter hibernation. The desperate souls of the land surged with a forceful, simultaneous moaning in his mind that came like a roar of waves breaking over the shores. Their cries were as the dead specters left to wander the world, searching for peace that would never be theirs.
Yes, today was the day Belle would make her first deal with such desperate souls.
Belle. His face softened at the moniker that came so easily unbidden to his thoughts. Her very name set his ancient, tactile mind down a tumbling spire of thoughts he could not contain. There was a uniqueness to her that would have remained even if she was as magical as a rock.
"Dawn is always my favorite time of day." Belle commented quietly from behind.
Surprise jumped through his body in a sudden jolt. Though he was impressed at her silent approach and keeping her presence unknown to his rambling senses, he remained staring at the colorful tint of day.
She was getting better, his Belle, everyday her skills were increasing and truthfully, far more than he thought. Still, she was no where near his power though she was… formidable to any who was not the Dark One.
Politely masking a yawn behind her hand, the beauty stood beside him on the doorstep of his castle. Long gone was his concern that she would escape and dash down the narrow mountain path to freedom. She was committed now and to a degree he trusted her. His fear of her backstabbing him in vain attempts of his power was truly the least of his worries. She would be no runaway prisoner, even if she could have been, for where would she even have gone?
Though they were but master and slave, the pair shared the silent, tranquil moment together in the cool, sweet scented spring morning. How long had he wished for another to stand beside him to indulge in small, private moments?
Shaking the alluring, disturbing thought far away from his sharp mind, the fiend broke the spell of her company with a deep breath. "Today is very important for you." A mischievous grin donned the Dark One's lips as he precariously sipped his tea. The warmth of the brew took what little nip that tumbled down the mountain away.
Belle turned her gaze from the bucolic display over the jagged peaks and towards her teacher. Her brow perched with irresistible curiosity. "Oh? What is so new and novel shall I strive to learn today?" She asked in vexation, her tone teasing to the magical monster.
A half smile involuntarily twitched at his thin, gray lips. None would have dared tease him so lightly, he knew, none save his Belle. Oh but she was brave.
"You shall make a deal today, Belle. A deal with a desperate soul and you shall take the most precious thing they have in returns for what they desire." The magical fiend rocked back on his heels nonchalantly as though his words were everyday occurrences.
"No." Belle restored simply, her tone soft and assured.
The fiend scoffed icily incredulous like her words were nonsense. "No?" He echoed as though he hadn't heard her properly. Embers of anger glowed like coals in his black heart stoking the rage always lingering in his soul. "No is not an answer you have the privilege of giving me, Dearie. Do no make the mistake of forgetting what you are."
"There are better ways to use magic. You, we, do not have to deal with people for their most precious items." The beauty argued logically as she always did.
They had had the altercation more than once. She did not believe in his ways of coercing others for his own gains. Oft they found themselves screaming at one another over who was right till he sent her away.
Flourishing his wiry talons, the magical beast growled. "Everything comes at a cost, Belle-of-mine. Magic is not charity to bestow upon the helpless."
"Why not?" Belle parried simply.
He sighed in an all-suffering manner, his voice clipped with agitation. "Because all magic comes with a price."
"It doesn't have to be such a cost." She pressed, seeking to make him understand. "Why does it have to be their price? Why can I not choose to pay the price for them?"
"Because that does not make you powerful!" He snapped, suddenly fierce. Closing the distance betwixt them, the fiend pointed a black nailed finger at her heaving chest. His lips formed ever whispered word with delicate care and his tone was strangely soft and laced with danger. "When a man comes crawling to you, with the last of what he has, willing to toss his most coveted item at your feet that is power."
He had been like her once upon a time, thinking he would be different and his powers used for good. Better she learn that way was impossible. The allure was too strong to fight.
Staring back without a hint of fear, the beauty gazed icily upon her master. "I don't want power."
A rude scoff erupted from his mouth at her proclamation. Turning his back upon her, he giggled impishly, once more in control of his snapping wrath. "Everyone wants power, Dearie. The power to save, the power to destroy, the power to heal or the power to kill. Everyone wants power of some kind."
"You're right." Belle admitted suddenly. "I do want power." Before he could give a victorious reply she added. "The power to help."
"And you will." Replied the Dark One carelessly. "Just for gain."
Belle frowned thinly. "Then that's not true help."
"Details." He flourished his fingers through the air and muttered an impish chortled. Waving his hand, the precious chipped cup disappeared from his talons. Turning back to her, his ebon eyes scanned her body. One wiry talon tapped at his chin. "Now what to do with you."
Belle's brow beetled with confusion. "What does that mean?" She queried uncertainly.
"To be the Dark One's apprentice you must…." He paused and motioned his hand vaguely towards her. "Look the part."
Holding fistfuls of her comfortable blue dress in her grip, the beauty looked down upon her clothing. The raiment was soft and cool for the warmer days. He had kindly donated it to her when all she had were rags from racing through the forest. "What's wrong with what I have?"
"No one is going to take you seriously." Rumpel snorted uncouthly. "They expect one so named the Dark One to be a hideous monster or something that defies their tiny minds."
"They must be disappointed then when you arrive." Belle observed charmingly. Never had she seen what others feared of his skin.
The kind words struck him like a blow to the gut. There was no cruel mocking or hurt to her words, but truth, plain, honest truth. His heart lurched as though she had tugged an invisible cord attached to his aorta. How many people had sneered at his ugliness and balked at his strange skin? Did she truly think-
Banishing the thought from his mind he cleared his throat and continued. "Nevertheless, you can't go traipsing around looking like some…woman from a quiet village. You look more servant than powerful sorceress. It makes the job much easier when they know what they're dealing with."
"Fine." Belle sighed, unable to keep a grin from stealing upon her lips. She stared at him at a loss. "What exactly do you suggest, Dark One?"
Snapping his dexterous digits, the fiend beckoned magic upon his Belle. Purple smoke enshrouded her body and infused her dress as though a dye. Tendrils of magic curled over her limbs and sunk into her milky skin.
As the smoke cleared the dress was gone, leaving red leather in its place. Light russet hair was pinned up messily, the beauty looked a completely different beauty than the sweet, curious Belle he tutored in the confines of the Dark Castle. She looked akin to a sultry mercenary or highwaywoman than a book loving, quiet woman.
Onyx eyes pinioned upon her, the fiend found his fathomless orbs roving her body without his volition. The garnet hued leather displayed curves he hadn't known existed under the milk white chemise and the azure dress. There was a certain wildness about her, but nothing that could shadow her utter…Belleness.
His tongue felt thick in his mouth looking at her. Many a night rambling through the realms he had seen lascivious barmaids displaying the cleavage of ample bosoms or noble women trussed up like toy maker's dolls but none could compare to the simple red leather that spoke wonders for the woman beneath.
"I…" Belle stared at herself as though for the first time seeing her body. Holding her arms out she inspected the leather and the look he had offered with his magic. "I like it."
Had he the will too speak, the Dark One would have readily agreed.
Perching a brow she asked. "So now what?"
Forcing the boulder of awe from his throat, Rumpelstiltskin grinned. "Now, we find ourselves a desperate soul."
~8~8~
Clouds of lavender magic roiled in the midst of a forest awakened with the kiss of spring. Golden shafts of sunlight filtering in through the green canopy above dappled the dark purple magic in shadow and light.
Abruptly, the magic shredded away in a thin fog of lilac vapors that steamed upwards with the forest mists.
Belle stepped out of the remnants of the cloud with a steady, practiced ease. Once she had been bumbling and sick after a trip with magic and now she could venture with her power almost as far as him.
Hands on her hips she surveyed her surroundings with perceptive eyes. The thick copse of maples and elms and ash stirred the thoughts of running for her life through the woods of her home. Her blood chilled as she recalled the wild, whooping yells of bloodthirsty knights and the sting of the brambles over her body as she raced to outpace her murderers.
"A fine spot." The Dark One brushed his claws over his brown leather tunic as though particles of magic lingered on his garb. "Our targets lay just over the rise and in the clearing." His head jerked to the left to direct the way.
Nodding stoically the beauty followed her beastly teacher. "Any information on who I'm dealing with or am I to always walk in blind?"
"Fear not, Dearie. Soon you will learn to hear the pleas of the desperate. All sorcerers have the gift to hear those who need them. It's one downside to being a sorcerer but I'll teach you how to block them out in time and let you take your pick of who too approach and who too ignore." Rumpelstiltskin replied mildly as he threaded his way through the sunlit forest. His skin glittered in the intermittent rays floating down through break in the trees, making his skin seem more gold than cold gray.
Nimbly leaping over moss laden logs and lichen strewn stones he add. "And as for the target there are two of them. They're two young lads deep in the mire of penury. They support their ailing mother and work hard for the little they have. Both of the young lads wish for fame and gold to do as they please. They wish to go on adventures and write tales of the adventures they've already had."
Knocking away a low hanging branch, the apprentice stared at her master incredulously. "That's a pretty laden request. What am I too ask from two poor boys with little to give for such a boon?"
"That, Dearie, is for you to figure out. Worry not of the magic, their request compared to others is but a trifle. This is more an exercise for you. I want you to learn the art. If two fools grow rich off the lesson then so be it." He stopped at the edge of the forest border. The thick foliage blocked the fields that lay below the knoll.
Frowning she declared. "You know I won't do this the way you want. There is a better way, I know it. If this is my deal I shall try the way I think shall work."
"If you do…" Ice fanged is words in a sudden rumbling of danger from the infamous Dark One. "If you do, then the after affects will not be pleasant."
Abruptly, as though the threat had never been his tone once more transformed into the light uncaring Dark One. "Here we are, Dearie." The fiend waved his talons. The veil of leaves and limbs parted by an invisible hand. Proffering his hand out to the humble valley below them he finished with a trill. "The house of Grimm."
Sun drenched the small glade that housed the small hovel of the Grimm clan. The small yard shadowed by the hovel was dusty and barren and lifeless. A large blue tick hound lay on its side, dozing in the sunshine. Two thin chickens industriously pecked and scratched the dry earth as though some granule from their meager breakfast had been lost. A pathetic stick fence surrounded the small home and encircled a place for a few animals.
Two boys, both barely past their teen years, worked out in the golden rays. Their torsos were shirtless and laced slick with sweat from toiling under the spring sun. Sinewy muscles rippled under their bronzed flesh telling of years of hard work.
The tallest of the pair, a black haired lad, hefted an axe he wielded to cut logs. A neat stack already lay beside him to sell for a paltry sum at market.
His brother, a small, dusky blonde haired boy talked softly to an old ox that languidly plodded along in a barely tilled failed. The door to their simple hovel laid held open by a large rock.
Every so often the boy with the axe, closest to the ragged domicile, peeked inside to check upon his bedridden mother.
Staring down at the sight, some part of Belle knew the Dark One had chosen the destitute family for a reason, perhaps a personal one. Perhaps he felt the tug of sympathy in his heart as she did as well.
"Right behind you, Dearie." Rumpelstiltskin poked a finger into her back to prod her forward.
Taking a deep breath, the beauty gathered her courage and goaded magic to her blood. Crimson enshrouded them in a veil of magic. In the blink of an eye the pair stood in the midst of the small dusty yard of the hovel.
The hound lifted its droopy head and growled at the intruders as the chickens ran about in terror.
A cry of surprised wrenched from one of the brothers lips as the ruby cloud dissipated. The young man with the axe stared in awe of the two figures before him. His blue eyes were as wide as gold coins. The axe in his hand drooped slightly in the face of the lovely Belle, but his fingers held the handle tight as his eyes flickered to the gray-gold…thing behind her.
"Wilhelm." The brother murmured. "Wilhelm!" He cried louder, hailing the younger boy from the fields.
Dropping the fray lead of the old ox the younger boy raced over the field with the swiftness of a running hare. His eyes immediately stapled upon the two figure standing at ease. "Jacob!" He cried back, his voice filled with excitement and concern.
Who were the two strangers that had suddenly appeared? How had they come without even the chickens setting up a stir or their dog to bark in greeting?
Nimbly leaping over the stick fence the, the younger sibling stood by his brother. Breath wheezed out his lungs as he stared at them in awe. "Jacob, why didn't you tell me you saw visitors on the path?"
"They…they didn't come up the path." Jacob sounded confused and swiveled his head to the weed ridden path. He scratched a calloused hand to his thatch of black hair. "At least I don't think…."
Belle smiled amiably at the charming young lads. "You're correct. We didn't come up the path."
"Then who…how…?" Wilhelm breathed in astonishment. Though he was surprised, his eyes drifted warily to the beast standing behind the beautiful woman.
Arms crossed, Rumpelstiltskin did not speak but watched intently at the interaction. They were both wary of him, he knew imperatively, but their awe overshadowed their curiosity and fright.
Snapping her fingers, Belle forced the wood on the pile to split of its own accord. Timber cracked on its own accord and piled itself neatly in the cart of its own accord. "Magic." She replied mildly.
"Magic." The brothers whispered simultaneously in dumbstruck wonderment.
Wilhelm turned to her, fear and awe glittering in his azure eyes. "If you do magic then that must mean…."
"She's a sorceress, Wil." Jacob answered before the lovely woman could. "She's the answer to all the wishes on all the stars we've made."
Belle nodded succinctly. "That I am." She added softly. Offering a curt bow, her smile dazzled them. "My name is Belle." She proffered her hand behind her to the glowering fiend. "And this is Rumpelstiltskin. I am here to tend to your wishes…for a price."
Letting the axe in his grip slide numbly to the dirt Jacob blinked owlishly and tossed his head. "Then you must know our pleas. How long we've hoped and dreamed for this day. But you must also know we don't have much."
"I understand." Belle tented her fingers ponderously much like she had seen her master do. "But surely you must have something of worth I would take."
Wilhelm proffered his hand to the paltry surroundings. "Look around, milady. We've only a few chickens and our old ox. Besides for our axe and a few blankets and pans in the house we've nothing more."
"And besides." Jacob quietly added on for his brother. "We have a request to add to our plea." Twisting his hands with nervous energy he explained. "Our mother…when she was struck with fever we thought she'd get better. I and Wil often dreamed of the day we could have enough gold to spoil her, but no amount of gold will make her better. Not for what she has. We'd give anything to have our mother better, even to abandon our deepest wishes."
"I see." Belle tried to mask the sympathy she felt for the boys in her blue depths. If her mother had survived she would have given anything she could to save her as well. "I'm sure we can come to some accord."
A silently observing spectator, Rumpelstiltskin interjected in for the first time. Warning danced in his eyes as he leaned forward to the beauty. "That wasn't part of the deal." He hissed viciously in her ear. "Your skills are vast, but they can still not do so much."
Ignoring him, she smiled as a sudden idea entered her mind. "I know what I shall have from you both."
Anticipation danced in their eyes like sparks. Both looked as eager puppies ready to do her bidding and bequest.
"My deal is this. For what will be done to you, you both must give back in some way. Give to those who won't have a happy ending as you will. Do this and I shall grant your wish. My companion will handle the addendum of healing your mother." She stated softly.
The boys looked to one another in awe. "That's it?" They both asked as one, their tones laced with disbelief. Surely she had to be a cruel enchantress tricking them. Surely one could not ask for so little in return for so much.
"Absolutely not." Rumpelstiltskin growled dangerously. His eyes cooled into glassy shards as he glared at her from behind.
Turning back to him she smiled to assuage his growing temper. "I'm not finished. There is one more request for the cost of healing your mother."
The boys paled, but added bravely. "What will you ask, milady?"
"A kiss." She claimed coyly. "From both of you."
Both siblings looked to one another as though they had just come across a cave filled with treasure. Wide, grins splayed across their boyish faces at their good fortune. "That, lady." Wilhelm replied. "Is a payment neither of us will mind."
Jacob, the older and impetuous of the two moved forward first. Before he could take a step the Dark One intervened. With a wave of power, the fiend knocked the boy back from his Belle.
With a yelp, Jacob reeled backwards. His slender arms flailed as he landed on his bottom. The dog that remained asleep jumped up to defend its master.
With a growl of his own, the Dark One sent the dog running away with its reedy tail between its legs. Even he knew not to face such a man.
The wiry fiend was like an angry abomination betwixt the boy and his Belle. Despite himself being only an observer a strange possessiveness gripped him. The very thought of seeing them steal a kiss from his Belle sent his blood boiling like lava in his veins.
"We need to finish the deal Rum." The beauty stated, though she seemed not at all alarmed. No, she seemed as though she had been waiting upon his reaction.
He snarled barbarically, his ebony eyes dark, angry pools glaring at the boys who dared even come near his Belle. "No you don't." The fiends spat, his tone like acid.
"The deal was struck." She reminded him.
"I've healed the woman." Rumpelstiltskin growled lowly. "No need for this. By now she will be just rising from her sick bed and we, Dearie need to head back. The price for my healing the woman has been change. A price you will pay."
Wilhelm reached for the axe lying in the dust. Fury sparked in his narrowed eyes. "Does this creature threaten you, milady?"
"He is a grouch." Belle laughed lightly, forcing the dread she felt pool in her gut at his warning. She had taken on the price of healing their mother but knew her sacrifice only proved her point.
Snapping her fingers, she forced her crimson magic into the house. Large sacks of gold and jewels filled the rooms and the cellar. Their cupboards filled with hot, good food and their trunks sat packed with fine clothes fit for nobles and the most affluent of kings.
A weak cry of astonishment and joy echoed from the dark hovel. Both boys turned to the sound, their faces glowing with exuberant delight. Their wishes were answered, they had all they would ever want. "Thank you, thank you!" They cried as they rushed into their pathetic dwelling.
Dim cries of glee from a weak, but now well mother met them. All three voices collided at once in talk of the magic about them.
Before Bell could wish them well, the Dark One turned sharply to her. Fiery anger flared in his black eyes like an inferno aimed towards the cunning woman. "I warned you, Dearie." He snarled rabidly in a thunderous murmur. "You will pay."
Grabbing her firmly, but not roughly by the wrist the Dark One began back up the incline to the forests fringe. How dare she defy him, her master! And how dare she brazenly make him part of her ridiculous schemes!
"That's the point, Rumpelstiltskin." Belle replied somberly. No fear traced her voice as she made no attempts to escape him or his wave of anger. "Better someone pay the price for good. I helped them without having them take a burden on something they'll regret."
Forcing himself not to admit he fell for her cunning he growled. "You bargained poorly."
"My price was their word and the kiss." She replied. "One of which you denied to be paid."
"Though I said it did not matter that hardly covers the cost." He parried sourly, unwilling to admit she had proven her point.
A soft smile painted her lovely visage. "I know, but the rest of the price was me learning. You wanted me to learn and the price of my new found knowledge is their gain. And as for the rest…I knew my price to pay…."
Not trusting himself to speak, the Dark One snapped his fingers. Livid purple thunderheads ensconced them in a choking mist of magic. In moments they arrived in the Dark Castle.
As the mist thinned, her red leather dissipated in a haze. Her simple blue and white dress once more garbed her figure, turning her once more into regular Belle.
Letting her wrist free as they once more stood upon the plush carpet of the main hall, the Dark One padded angrily toward the dead fire place. Magic surged from his outstretched hand in a ball of fire towards the dry wood in the hearth.
Shards of wood leaped in the stone hearth from the impact. Flames burst upon the wood hungrily, sending warmth and light through the always dim and dreary main hall.
Placing his arms against the mantle, the fiend stared down ponderously in the dancing, coaxing flames. How did she do such things to him? How did the wily woman make him fall for her tricks when he could so clearly see everyone else? He had played into her hand like a fool and paid the price.
He should have punished her, he knew, but instead found himself feeling rather impressed at her daring. Not even Cora would have dared something to utterly brazen.
"So." Belle voice floated softly through the air. Wariness lay on the fringes of her voice as she took a fearless step towards him. "What are you going to do to me now?" From the moment she disobeyed she knew the price was facing his wrath. Though she was bold she did not dare try to outrun what she could never escape.
Angry words wished to spew from his mouth in a fount of fury. His lips twisted to speak but what was there to say? She had outmaneuvered him and had not even gloated of her success.
With an abnormally tired sigh he motioned his hand, his voice that should have been livid and snarling quelled and soft. " To the dungeons with you Belle." What else was there to say?
"You mean you're not…." She paused as he stiffened. Instinct screamed not to question his sudden clemency. Closing her mouth she nodded in thankful acquiesce. "Good night Rumpelstiltskin." She muttered as she quietly padded out leaving him with his troubled contemplations.
The icy coolness of the corridor leading to her room in the dungeons felt good against the beauty's skin as she entered. Darkness hid her face and the consternation laced upon her lovely visage. No punishment? That was not his way.
True, he never was a cruel master, but he had always been strict. He was hard but fair to her and that was as much as any in captivity could ask, she knew imperatively. If he had no punishment in store then what was he planning?
A sigh of grateful relief escaped her lips as she leaned against the cold stone wall. His lack of discipline was one worry eased, but of all the troubles in her mind, his punishment for her disobedience had been the least of them.
No, the greatest thought lingering like an odorous, black cloud in her mind caused her far more concern. Why had she felt such a thrill bargaining with the brothers Grimm? Why when she stood before them had there been a rush of power such as she had never known? Why had her thoughts gone to the scintillating highs of power, knowing their fates rested in her delicate hands? Why had she secretly reveled in their desperation and hollow eyes as they stood before her?
And why had she enjoyed it far more than she knew she should…?