Chapter 10

Old times sake.

Morgana sat in a booth, alone inside Grannie's. she was waiting for someone. Someone she felt sure Rumple would not approve of- but she knew he was the only one who could advise her on the matter that was playing on her mind.

The door opened and in walked her visitor, rescued by Morgana from the asylum a few days after her arrival. The figure was wrapped in a thick black cloak and he slipped into the seat opposite her.

"My lady." The figures voice was thick, deep and mystical. A man, short in stature and wiry in build was hidden amongst the mass of the heavy cloak.

"Hello, Blair." Morgana replied and leant forward across the table to her guest and he leant forward so he could hear her better. "I have a job for you my loyal companion."

"Name it, my lady."

"I need your advice on a matter most pressing."

"Yes, my lady. What troubles you?"

"My daughter is missing, Blair. My mother has taken her. I want you to help locate her. My daughter, not my mother. If she is keeping her at the ice palace we may be too late already." Morgana said quickly, conscious of others listening.

"I will search for her, my lady. Until my heart stops beating." Blair replied and threw back his hood. Revealing an ageing man with greying hair and a once handsome face.

"I know. I promised I would restore something to you once I found it. I have it here." Morgana lifted a box from beside her seat and handed it to Blair who opened it to reveal a beating heart.

"My heart. Thank you , my lady." Blair sighed.

"Queen Regina had it. Now you have it back, my dear Blair. Place it back within your chest and become the man you once were." Morgana encouraged and Blair did as he was asked.. Once his heart was back, his features became youthful once more. His hair darkened and his build filled out until he looked not a day over thirty once more.

"Thank you, my lady." His voice was still deep but it was lighter and less thick in tone now, the voice of a younger man.

"No, thank you Blair. For being my most loyal friend and companion. Please find my daughter." Morgana took hold of his talon like hand and he squeezed hers tenderly.

"My pleasure, Morgana. Caw!" He whispered and let out a strangled noise which a crow would make and. He stared at her with wide eyes. Morgana fell about laughing.

"Welcome back, Blair. You daft old bird."

Blair smiled, a wide grin, and laughed.

Later, the pair left together, arm in arm, a way a master does with a servant who has also been a friend for so many years and made their way towards Rumple's shop in search of Blair's metamorphosis talisman so he could turn from a human to a crow with ease once more.

The bell tinkled above the door in Rumple's shop. Belle looked up as Morgana entered.

"Hello, Morgana. Rumple's not here if you're looking for him." Belle said kindly. Then her gaze fell onto the cloaked figure of Blair, who was staring into a cabinet of curios.

"Hello, Belle. This is Blair. Blair my sister in law, Belle Gold. We're looking for a necklace, a large disk with engraving and an onyx nestled in its centre. Do you know where Rumple may have kept it?"

"Maybe, give me a second." Belle said and disappeared into the back room and reemerged moments later with a box labeled- "Old times sake". On top was a letter addressed to Morgana. "Try this."

Morgana took up the letter and read the few lines rumple had scrawled across the top.

"Sister, I know you will call on your old friend B. he will need this, as we both know, danger lies ahead. Keep strong, stay safe and do NOT plan anything without telling me first. I will help you. Always, yours, R."

She opened the box. Inside was Blair's pendant and something of hers. A ring. She slipped it on her finger and Blair bowed.

"My lady. You're power returns to you." He said.

"Indeed, Blair. Take your chain and set out on your quest. Be strong and be safe. Loyal friend." Morgana kissed his cheek as Blair bowed to Belle and her, grabbed his chain, slipped it round his neck and vanished. In his place, now sat on the counter was a large black crow. It cawed, inclined its head and flew out of the open window behind Belle's head.

"Old times sake, hay, Rum?" Morgana laughed. "I'm forgiven then. That's nice."

Belle was confused but she didn't ask, that was between Rumple and Morgana.

Outside there was an almighty clatter and Morgana stood guard in front of Belle as a reindeer fell through the door.