A/N: Woo! Emma has arrived. She will be a regular in the story from now on. Also school is starting to pick back up so I may not be able to update as often as I'd like. I will keep updating though. No worries :)
-Enchanted Forest, Two Months Later-
The first snow had fallen and winter now had the lands firmly in her grasp. Winter was never her favorite season, but now she had a new hatred for it. Night had fallen and Snow was becoming paranoid, she had grown up listening to Rune tell stories of the horrid creatures that dwelled in the forest. The woods started to thin out and she could see a cottage not too far ahead of her; loud growling somewhere within the woods grabbed her attention. It was far too close for her liking, she looked around before sprinting in the direction of the cabin, and she couldn't bring herself to look back over her shoulder even though the growling was getting louder. The cabin was still a ways away but she was quickly coming up on a different structure, not willing to risk being completely exposed any longer she quickly decides to enter what she finds out to be a chicken coop. Scared out of her mind and exhausted she collapsed into a fitful sleep.
Xxxxxx
"Come on, you have to be quicker than that Phillip!" Rune shouted as she watched him lumber about trying in vain to catch the blond blur off guard. Emma was doing exceedingly well; she was definitely one of the main candidates for her Captain. The other two had potential but Emma outshined them effortlessly. In less than a minute Phillip was sword less, on his back and had Emma's sword biting into the skin of his neck. Rune clapped, "Well done Emma, maybe one day these boys will be men and offer us a challenge." Emma chuckled, "Let's hope it's not before our hair grays." The men in question grumbled but laughed along with the women. They all knew how hard they worked; it showed in their training every day. The skill of her battalion impressed Rune every day; she had, had enough of the Royal Guard messing everything up so she picked certain guards with the potential to become her Elite, she then had to weed out the weakest out of them and now she was left with the most capable guards in the palace, for now. They only answered to her and, of course the Queen. Rune needed Regina to trust her Captain as much as she trusted Rune herself. 'Yet another reason Emma is the logical choice.' Regina hadn't taken a shine to the other two candidates which was vital. 'Not to mention interesting.' Willow added amusedly. Rune had to agree it was entertaining to see the two gravitate towards each other; she wasn't sure but she had her suspicions about them. Only time would yield the answers she wanted, in the meantime she would inform her men that they had a Captain. She smirked, Emma was going to freak.
Regina sighed, a village not too far from her childhood home was under attack by a fearsome wolf and had requested after their third hunting party was slaughtered. 'This should give Rune something to do.' She thought lightly as she stroked Ginovio's feathered head. Usually he would have accompanied Rune to the training grounds but he was still a little miffed about Rune managing to enchant a baby fruit bat. The thing was always hidden in the shade of Rune's hair; and while Anne had fallen in love with the little creature Ginovio despised it, which of course put him into hot water with Anne. To say the situation was amusing was a large understatement. Rune strolled into her study and was followed by the blonde who seemed to be occupying her mind endlessly as of late. After bowing Rune got straight to business, "Your Majesty I would like to introduce you to the new Captain of my Elite. She will act as your body guard in my stead when I am sent out on missions. She is worthy and has earned a name." Both women were shocked at the news that had just been given. Regina was able to gather her thoughts quicker, so she was able to speak first. "You truly believe that she has earned it?" Rune nodded. Her gaze drifted to Emma, "Did she know of her title before entering this room?" Rune glanced at her Captain and laughed. "I believe it is apparent that she is hearing this for the first time as well My Queen." Regina had to agree, there was no way to fake that level of surprise genuinely. "I think you stopped her brain Rune." Ginovio commented. Looking way too entertained at the younger girls shock. The sound of his voice however seemed to kick start Emma's brain she looked at him in awe, "You can speak?" Ginovio puffed out his chest "I can do more than that lass, just ask Rune." Regina realized they were veering off the topic so she intervened before Ginovio said something crass. "You will have to name her when you get back. There is a village that needs your assistance; a wolf has been terrorizing them for quite some time. I'd like you to investigate and solve the issue. Let's hope your Captain is ready, because you need to leave now. Wolf's time is already upon us." Rune nodded and turned to Emma who still seemed a little dazed by all the happenings. "Don't worry, you'll do fine. Just remember your training and trust your gut." After Rune had bid farewell and left the reality of the situation hit Emma, who just realized she'd have to be the shadow of the woman consuming her mind. 'Oh boy…'
Xxxxxx
Red hated unlocking the house after the night had been chased away by the sun. All she wanted was to sleep in for once, to stay in the realm of dreams for just a while longer. Art was there in her dreams; she hadn't abandoned her like she had in the harsh light of day. She wasn't a fool, she had noticed how dark her…friend? Yes, friend. Had become in recent years; but that didn't matter to her. 'How could she not have known that?' Her thoughts of Art were broken up by her grandmother's voice. "Red, go out and check on the chickens. Let's hope that wolf didn't get into the coop last night." Sighing Red stood from her bed and gathered her gloves and basket to collect the eggs. "Don't forget to wear your cloak!" Granny reminded. Red glared at the aforementioned item, she had grown into it over the years but her love for it died when Art had stopped coming around. She suspected that it was one of the abundant reasons Art had not returned. 'All she saw when she looked at me was the same child she had found in the woods. There was no reason for her to spend her time with a child.' Red internally moped as she tied the strings to her cloak around her neck. She left the cabin without a word and headed to the hen house. When she entered she began to collect the eggs that the hens had laid, relieved that they were alright. A board creaked to her right, she turned toward the noise "Who's there?" her heart was racing at the possibility of who could be in the hen house. She couldn't hide her disappointment as a stranger appeared from behind the rows of hens. 'What did you expect? That she would just show up after so long and sweep you into her arms?' Red thought angrily. "Why are you in here? Are you stealing our eggs?" she questioned. The shorter girl held up the eggs and Red gently placed them in the basket. "I'm sorry, I have never stolen before as to why I am in here I heard some growling while I was in the woods and hid in here." The other girl spoke softly. Red nodded, "Its fine. I'm Red by the way; well that's what everyone calls me." She smiled. "I'm Mary…no Margret!.. uhh" Red chuckled at the girls poor attempt at lying. "Don't worry about it; come on lets go inside, you must be hungry." Red turned and left the chicken coop only glancing behind her occasionally to see if her new companion was following.
Granny sighed; she hated seeing her granddaughter so love sick. It started when Rune hadn't shown up for her then monthly visit to their home. She had consoled the girl by suggesting that Rune may have been traveling and was too tried to make the journey. This was possible since the young woman seemed to have an air of wanderlust about her. But more months passed by without a visit or word from the tanned warrior, Granny and Red started to fear the worst. They dutifully attended King's funeral when they saw her; her entire demeanor had darkened but they could recognize her anywhere, not only was she part of the procession but she was also The Queen's Enforcer. The revelation shocked both of them, they had heard the rumors that surrounded The Queen's personal body guard; none of them seemed possible when they thought of the young woman that had wormed her way into their family but there she stood. Next to the sobbing Queen with a consoling hand on her shoulder; her own shoulders shaking lightly. When they returned home Red had ripped off her cloak and hidden in her room. Now she just spent her days with her head in the clouds. 'This is not how things were supposed to turn out.' Granny thought solemnly. Her musings were cut short by the sound of the door opening Red entered followed by a strange girl. "Can she stay for breakfast?" Red asked hopefully. Granny chuckled, "You're always bringing strange girls home Red." The girl blushed at her grandmother's implication. About halfway through their meal a knock sounded on the door. Granny sighed and got up, "You hunters better not be trying to get Red to join you…" Her sentence trailed off as she saw who was on the other side of the door.
Rune tried to calm her racing heart; it had been nearly five years since she last set foot on this property. Rune could feel Willow's apprehension as well. 'What am I expecting exactly? A tearful reunion? There is no way a reception like that is possible.' 'Maybe they have forgotten us. We have changed perhaps they will not recognize us if they haven't forgotten.' Both possibilities tore at Rune's heart. She didn't want to be forgotten, even if that was probably best for them nor did she want to be viewed in fear because they did not know her identity, but knew her title. Taking a deep breath she knocked on the door; she heard some mumbling as the door opened but it stopped as her eyes connected with shocked hazel ones. The sight of Red's grandmother warmed her heart; that warmth soon traveled to her cheek as the elderly woman's slap registered in her brain. "You've got some nerve showing up here after all this time," She was then pulled into a hug "But I'm glad you did. Red's been a mess without you." 'Well the good news is that she's just as confusing as ever.' Willow commented, relief clear in her voice. "Don't just stand there! Come in," pulling the woman into the house; glancing at the now empty table she looked back at Rune. "You stay here, I'll fetch Red." The excitement in Granny's voice was hard to miss. 'Yes, she is the most perplexing person we have ever met.' The sound of footsteps brought her back to reality. She looked up and her once calm heart started beating so hard he was sure that she would have a bruise later. Granny looked on in amusement as both women looked at each other in shock. "Art?" Red had broken the silence first. Rune could only nod dumbly before she was nearly tackled to the ground. Grunting upon impact Rune was quick to gather her balance so they wouldn't topple over. She looked down at watery hazel eyes and wiped away the tears that had already begun to fall. She felt a hand grip the back of her neck, and the whole world stopped as feather soft lips connected with her own.
Xxxxxx
Emma had a sinking feeling in her gut. It seemed like wherever the Queen went, they would run into the same guard. Normally this wouldn't be anything out of the ordinary but she didn't recognize him from any of her patrols or the mandatory guard meetings. Granted, only about half the guards showed up to them; but this guy was different. She could feel her stomach rolling anytime he was near the Queen. Regina had noticed some time ago that her guard seemed to be on edge; more so than at the start of the day. She had just held court, they peasants can say what they want about her personality but they couldn't deny that she took care of the people. Regina was feeling stressed so she decided to take a stroll through the garden to clear her head and hopefully get to discuss the young guard's distress. She made her way to the apple tree and turned to face the beautiful blonde approaching her only to have said blonde tackle her to the ground and hearing something hit the tree with a 'thunk'. She found herself staring dazedly into viridian eyes and hyperaware of the lean body that was currently pressed up against hers; but before she could utter a word the body above her was taking off in a sprint. An 'oof' was heard in the distance and Regina sat up in time to see Emma wrestling one of her guards to the ground. She watched as Emma beat the man into submission before deciding that she had better intervene before she killed the man. She slowly strode over "Emma, I believe that we need him alive if we wish to interrogate him." She stated. "Apologies My Queen; but with all due respect my roughness was well deserved, he just tried to kill you." Emma responded slightly breathless from exertion. "Yes and I have to say you did a marvelous job protecting me, Rune chose well. Now would you be a dear and roll him onto his back; he has something that belongs to me now." Regina stated eerily calm the entire time. When those words met the man's ears his struggles were born anew and he was once again thrashing around trying desperately to escape. Emma was able to pin his arms behind his back and keep him still long enough for Regina to shove her hand into his chest; Emma averted her eyes, of all the things the Queen did this was the only thing that gave her pause. With the man's still beating heart in her hand Regina instructed, "Take him down to the dungeons; when Rune returns she shall give you proper instruction on her…interrogation techniques." Glancing at her apple tree she pulls out a dagger which is most likely laced with poison. Sneering she pulls the weapon out and makes to leave the garden, "And when you have finished escorting the prisoner; join me in my study. We have much to discuss." Emma nods before hauling the prisoner to his feet. 'My first official day on the job and someone tries to kill The Queen. Just my luck.' Emma grumbles internally.
Regina was furiously pacing the length of her study racking her brain in search of likely suspects that would have planted an assassin within the ranks of the Royal Guard. She was feeling extremely thankful that Rune had made the decision to create her Elite. If her sister hadn't been so fed up with the guards constant failing Regina doubted that she would be alive right now. She owed Emma her life, and she couldn't help but constantly replay the rescue over in her mind. She had no idea what to make of her feelings, if you could call them that, for the blonde. Regina knew without a doubt that there was no way she would be able to get the young woman out of her head after today's events. Perhaps she would discuss this with Rune when she returned, her sister had always been insightful when it came to how she was feeling. She just hoped that her sister wouldn't do something reckless and return injured; though that was a major possibility. The door creaked open signaling Emma's arrival, Regina's heart gave a nervous jolt as she smoothed out her appearance but was completely clueless as to why she was reacting this way. As Emma walked in she could tell that the Queen was stressed, but she couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful she looked even in this state. She shook her head to clear it of the inappropriate thoughts that had begun to form. Emma was well aware of her attraction to The Queen and hoped it was just physical but something in the back of her mind told her that it was much more than that. Perhaps if she were to be knighted she could attempt to court the Queen, so far the only person that had been knighted was Rune but she still went by her title as Enforcer. Yes, she would become a knight; and then she would win The Queen's heart.
Xxxxxx
Red was worried; Art had left to go talk to the hunting party about the wolf. She had told her and Granny of the mission The Queen had sent her on, and Granny insisted that Art find a way to resolve the problem without using deadly force. Which looking back on it was strange, but Art had agreed to it anyway. She needed to talk to someone about her fears and looked to Mary, -or was it Margret now? - for advice while leaving out some details to protect Art's identity. She and the girl were quickly becoming friends and after Art had kissed her goodbye she felt like she was going to explode with all these thoughts and feelings whirling around inside her. So that is how she found herself sitting on her bed with night about to fall talking to Margret. "Do you think she's your True Love?" Mary whispered excitedly, even though she had yet to meet Art she was happy for her new friend. Red blushed but nodded minutely. "Then you have to save her! We both saw what the wolf did to the last hunting part; you need to bring her back here!" Red nodded and opened the window, "Don't worry about your grandmother. I'll distract her." Mary said while slipping on the cloak. Red flashed Margret a grateful smile and hopped out the window and took off towards the woods.
Rune was pissed those townspeople were complete idiots. Even though the wolf decimated their hunting parties they kept sending the same sized group along the same path, armed with the same weapons but expected different results each time! She found herself praying that none of them ever left the village and mated with someone else. 'That may cause an epidemic of stupidity; that's the last thing this kingdom needs.' 'Let's just hope survival of the fittest works quickly in these parts.' Rune outright laughed at her doppelgänger's response; night had fallen so she was hoping the noise would attract the beast. She had noticed a while ago that all sounds in the forest had ceased once the sun had fallen from the sky and the moon rose to take its place, and that was never a good sign. A twig snapped off to the left, she pretended not to notice and kept her leisurely pace through the trees. A low growl rumbled closely behind her 'Looks like we have company. Let's see if I can take this monster.' 'Remember, peaceful resolution first! We promised.' Rune reminded her as she slipped away. The transition was so much easier when she wasn't trying to fight it; Willow smirked and whipped around. Radiant gold eyes met glowing silver before Willow was tackled by a brown furred blur. The scene that Granny and Mary came upon was not one that either had expected; Red was currently on her back as Art was giving her belly rubs. Granny took advantage of Red's distracted state and laid the cloak over her. When Red had come to her senses Granny told her everything, Willow took this chance to look at the stranger that had arrived with Granny. All conversation stopped when Willow pinned Margret to the tree hands wrapped around the girl's throat. The sounds of angry villagers could be heard in the distance, still no one moved. Granny turned to Red "Run girl! It's you they're after." Willow narrowed her eyes and glanced back at Red before looking into Snow's frightened eyes. "You were not my mission. You have until I return to the castle and report to Her Majesty to get as much land as possible between you and me." "You, you would lie to The Queen for me?" Snow asked unbelieving. "Not for you," she gave a pointed look to Red. "For her; she will need someone to watch her back. If I find out you failed to do so however, there is nowhere I can't find you." Willow stepped back letting the girl drop to her feet. She crossed the distance between herself and Red "You must go; I will buy you time." With one last kiss Willow watched as the girls ran off into the distance.