I apologize for the wait. This chapter was a struggle. I'm finding I know exactly where I want to go but struggle with the actual writing portion. I thank you all for your patience. Thank you to those that are still sticking with me during the waits.

Thank you for all the kind reviews/comments about the last chapter. Robin was quite glad to get that off his chest! Thank you also for the continued follows and favourites, I really appreciate it.

This is unbeta'ed...I am sorry for any major (or minor) mistakes. I didn't want to bother anyone to check it over...I may regret that in the morning when I re-read, lol!


Regina, Robin and Ellie all stood at different vantage points, immobilized, their eyes fixed on the giant creature that loomed ahead of them. If it hadn't been for the razor sharp claws, fang like teeth, and sinister, snake-like eyes, the creature would have looked like nothing more than the snow-topped mountains that surrounded them.

The beast drew his foot back along the ground, like a bull preparing to charge. Its eyes darkened and narrowed in on Ellie, Regina knew they had to intervene and she knew it needed to be done quickly.

She glanced over at Robin, his bow was drawn and his gaze was on Ellie. The frown he wore and the wrinkle in his brow expressed his worry. There was no time for them to discuss a game plan. Regina made a scooping motion with her hand and her reliable flame came to life in her palm. It shouldn't be too difficult to defeat this beast, fire always melted ice. She would just have to improvise a little if faced with anything problematic. She knew Robin would have her back no matter what befell them, he always did. She fanned her flame higher and caught Robin's eye, he nodded his head, ready for whatever hell she planned to unleash.

She took a deep breath, "Hey!" Her voice reverberated in the small valley where they stood. The creature turned sharply towards her, a loud grunt escaping past its grey, leathered lips. "Step away from the girl," she snarled, "or I will take immense pleasure in turning you into a massive puddle." She swung her hand in front of her, flaunting the fire that crackled in her palm.

The beast watched the flame, mesmerized by the glow, unaware of the great threat fire posed to his well being. The creature's distracted state allowed Robin the opportunity to make his move. He glided across the snow-covered ground, agile and making no sound. All Regina had to do was keep the beast focused on her.

"You like fire?" she growled, "That's right, keep your eyes on it," she walked slowly around, forcing the creature to turn with her, its back now facing Ellie. Robin was just a few feet away from the girl, soon she would be safe.

With the beast no longer watching her, Ellie stumbled back, the snow crunching under her feet, echoing in the stillness of the night. The beast's head snapped back to Ellie and its hand lunged for her, scooping her up with ease, a deafening roar passing his lips.

"No! Ellie!" Regina's heart raced as she watched the creature twirl Ellie in its hands, an inquisitive child observing his new toy.

Regina frantically searched for Robin, her eyes darting back and forth across the landscape. She caught sight of him climbing the side of the mountain closest to them; once he reached the top it would put him at the same height as the beast. Regina knew she could not risk throwing a fireball at the creature, not when it held Ellie in the palm of its hand. She would not put the girl's life in anymore jeopardy.

Regina moved closer to the beast. She could hear Ellie's soft cries, the sound only further fueling her own rage. Her eyes zeroed in on the creature, time for playing nice had ceased, action needed to be taken.

"This is my last warning!" Her shouts gained her a captive audience once more. "Put the girl down or I swear I will turn you from a mountain into a lake."

The creature growled, low and deep in its throat and his eyes focused in on her, a predator ready to pounce on its prey. Regina stood firm, her flame ignited, prepared to attack. The beast huffed, a billow of vapour escaping from his nostrils. It took a step forward but before it was able to move any further ahead, Robin launched himself onto the beast's back. The creature jolted, surprised by Robin's presence, it heaved back and forth, doing its best to shake Robin off, but he held firm. Holding onto the beast with one hand he pulled out one of his arrows and began to strike the creature's shoulder, chiseling away at the ice. The beast howled in pain and dropped Ellie from its grip. Regina gasped, her heart plummeting as she watched Ellie fall to the ground, landing with a resounding thud.

"Ellie!" Regina ran to her, fear consuming her, urging her to move more quickly. She fell to her knees beside the girl, her hand pushing the stray locks of hair out of Ellie's face. "Ellie," she repeated, her voice low and frantic.

Ellie groaned and Regina breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you alright?" she asked.

"My ankle - it hurts." Ellie bent to massage the area, wincing when her hand made contact.

Another roar resonated from the creature. Regina's head snapped up and she watched as the beast attempted to shake Robin off of its shoulder, his arm reaching behind him trying to grab Robin, but his efforts remained... unsuccessful.

She turned back to Ellie, her voice hushed, "I'll heal it once we have dealt with this thing. Are you able to make it to that rock over there?" she asked, pointing to the massive boulder that sat next to the mountain.

Ellie shook her head yes, tears in her eyes, "I am so sorry Regina."

"There is nothing to be sorry about," Regina reassured her, "Robin and I have fought creatures more intimidating than this before and we never lose."

She returned her attention back to the beast and groaned, it now had Robin in its hand, inspecting the archer, just as it had with Ellie earlier. It seemed that their fearsome foe was more curious than it was vicious, which was a relief. Fighting a creature out for blood, in unknown territory, was not something she had been particularly looking forward to doing . Still, the beast had hurt Ellie and she knew it was capable of causing some serious harm, even if its intent wasn't to kill them.

She drew closer. The beast spotted her and curiously observed her every move, Robin momentarily forgotten. Since it didn't look like it was going to have her for dinner, she decided to address Robin. "You just had to jump on it."

"It seemed like the heroic thing to do at the time. I now see that I was mistaken. What's the plan your majesty?"

Regina kept her eyes on the beast, ready to ignite her flame at any sudden movements it may decide to make, the creature continued to watch her as well. "Fortunately, it doesn't seem like it wants to hurt us."

"No. Still, I would feel a bit more comfortable with both feet on the ground and not in the grip of the friendly wild snow beast."

Regina brought her fireball to life once more, she had no other plan but to demand the beast put Robin down. "I've had quite enough of your games now," she said, "the deal is still the same as it was with the girl, put him down or melt."

The beast grunted and moved forward, its arm reaching out towards her, his intent obvious. She acted quickly, hurling her fireball at its stomach. The beast paused and watched as the glowing ember catapulted towards him, it let out a soft groan when the flame hit, but no damage was done otherwise, the fire had vanished at first contact. Regina's eyes widened, she hadn't really thought about her fireball not working. She couldn't use her magic to pick the beast up, throw it around a bit, without putting Robin at risk. Before she was able to put another plan into action, the beast's cold hand wrapped around her middle and lifted her, rendering her arms and most of her magical abilities useless. Great.

She kicked and squirmed, frustration seeping from every pore, "Put me down this instant," she snarled. Much to her dismay, her kicking and her threats did not seem to bother the beast at all.

"Ah wonderful," Robin said, once they were eye level, "we always find ourselves on quite the adventures, do we not?"

She let out a growl and kicked once more, like a petulant child, which caused Robin to chuckle.

"This is not funny."

"Oh, I am in complete agreement, I just think that kicking and yelling has not yet proven useful."

Before she had a chance to react to his statement or to even think about what their next move might be, the wind began to pick up and snow started to swirl around them in a frantic dance.

The change in weather seemed to agitate the beast, its head darted left and right and its chest heaved in an almost panicked state.

"What's happening?!" Robin yelled, the two of them no longer able to see one another, a wall of white between them in a matter of seconds.

Ellie. Regina could sense magic in the air, powerful and uncontrolled, the beast must have felt it as well and it frightened him.

A crack of thunder sounded above them causing the beast to jump and then Regina was dropping to the ground, her stomach launching to her throat. Her entire body tensed, anticipating hitting the ground.

Her bottom hit the snow first, immense pain shooting up her back, she rolled three times before ending up in a heap in front of Ellie.

The girl's entire body trembled, her hands were raised and her eyes rolled back. Regina dragged herself along the ground until she was right beside her.

"Ellie! We're OK, you can stop the storm now." Ellie was non-responsive. "Ellie!" Regina tried again, she reached out and touched her arm, "Stop the storm." Her touch seemed to have the desired effect, the wind slowly started to die down and the raging white turned back to a gentle, crisp snowfall.

Ellie gasped, falling back. "Is the creature – is the creature gone?"

"Yes, I believe so." Regina rubbed Ellie's arm, attempting to calm her. The beast seemed to have disappeared as if it hadn't existed at all.

"Robin?" the girl asked

"I am here," he knelt down beside them, his gaze scanning them both for injuries. "Are you well?" he asked, his tone concerned.

"I'm fine," Regina said, "Ellie's ankle was hurt." Her hand hovered over the girl's leg, her concentration focused on healing the injury. Once finished, she brushed a hand through Ellie's hair, "Let's get you home."

Regina used her magic to bring them to the dividing line, where summer and winter met and Robin carried Ellie the rest of the way.

Her home was a small shack at the edge of the woods. The moon was hidden behind the clouds, making the house difficult to see. Regina used her fireball as a lantern to light their way as they climbed the stairs of the front porch. She stumbled slightly on the middle step, her foot catching in a hole, she grabbed a hold of the railing to steady herself.

"You can put me down here," Ellie told Robin. "I can find my own way in."

"I will carry you to your room," Robin said, "Regina and I can explain to your grandmother what has happened."

"No." Ellie's gaze fell to the ground, "It's best if I go in alone. My grandmother is most likely asleep – I don't want to wake her. I'm fine."

The girl was acting as if she still harboured a secret, making Regina's suspicious nature flare to life, "Ellie, have you told your grandmother about Robin and I?"

The girl sighed, looking up at Regina, "No," she confessed, "I was afraid she wouldn't understand this desire I have to figure out my powers. It frightens her. I had planned to tell her everything once we had found the White Wizard - I had wanted to tell her that there was hope for Arendelle – hope for the return of magic." Her frown deepened, disappointment in her eyes, "I'll tell her tomorrow morning, I promise."

Regina sighed, "Alright." That would have to do for now.

"Are you sure you are fine to go in on your own," Robin asked, his brow wrinkled in concern.

"Yes," Ellie reassured, she opened the door a sliver, "I'll see you both tomorrow - before you go to have dinner with the king and queen. Ah - Goodnight." She wedged herself through the crack, shutting the door quickly behind her, leaving Robin and Regina alone on the porch looking at one another, Ellie's odd behaviour leaving them slightly bewildered.


Robin held the door for her, watching her carefully as she entered their room. She had dark circles under her eyes and her skin was missing its normal glow, yet somehow, she still managed to be the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. He worried about her, about the secret she kept from him. He knew it weighed on her greatly, had been awakened by her a few nights tossing and turning from the nightmares that plagued her. It all seemed to trace back to the night she had saved Roland. The darkest recesses of his mind would lead him down paths that he refused to name and so he didn't, he would push those disquieting thoughts away but it was becoming increasingly more difficult to repress his fearsome suspicions.

He closed the door and laid his jacket on the table, following her in. She stood at the side of the bed, her back to him and he could tell she was wringing her hands.

"I wish Ellie would have allowed us to see her inside," he said. He had not felt particularly at ease leaving her alone, especially since she had been injured, Regina had not been given much time to heal her ankle.

"Yes," Regina murmured, "me as well." She turned to face him, "We'll go early in the morning to check on her – insist upon meeting her grandmother."

Robin nodded his head, "I agree, I fear there is more to her story then what she has led us to believe."

"Right?" Regina's brow creased and she began to pace, "She is definitely still keeping something from us."

"Hey," he grabbed her arm and she turned to face him, an urgency and vulnerability in her eyes. "We'll talk to her tomorrow."

She let out a soft sigh and closed her eyes, massaging the bridge of her nose.

Robin let go of her reluctantly, "That was quite the day. One can never say our adventures are ever... dull."

Regina groaned, she opened her eyes and glanced at him before she sat on the edge of the bed. "I have never came across a creature quite like that one – it was a creature straight out of Star Wars," she muttered.

"Star Wars?"

"A movie – Henry enjoys it – it's – never mind," she sighed.

"You and I have fought against many a foe, side by side," he leaned back against the side table, his gaze on Regina.

"Too many," she drawled, she twirled a loose thread from the quilt around her finger, avoiding his look.

He knew they both needed rest, knew he should bid her goodnight, but after all they had been through that day he found himself desperate to talk to her. He missed their easy conversations, he missed her. "Do you remember those trolls we fought, at the Old King's Bridge?"

Regina rolled her eyes, "They were definitely not the brightest beasts we ever faced."

"As I recall, you offered me in exchange for the potion they held."

Her lips curved upwards, that hint of a smile thrilling Robin, it seemed to brighten the entire room. Her eyelashes fluttered for a moment before her gaze fell on him,"I needed that potion to help in our fight against Zelena, I figured a thief would be able to manage a few measly trolls. "

His breath caught in his throat at the playfulness in her tone. He had been worried that perhaps he had gone to too far with his confession earlier, was convinced that he had sent her running in the opposite direction, so the flirtatious glint in her eyes was a most welcome sight. "The ropes that held me, nearly chafed my arms raw – I thought surely she wouldn't leave me here to fend for myself," he smiled at the memory, "and then suddenly trolls were flying everywhere and there you were."

"I did think about leaving you there," she looked away from him, a small grin on her face.

"Oh – I believe it, a pea-brained fool, no?"

Her smile widened, "Yes," she answered on a breathy laugh. Slowly her smile faded and Robin felt the loss like a punch in the gut. Her jaw clenched and then unclenched, her knee bouncing, and the fear in her eyes made his stomach roll with unease. "I - I came back because – because I cared -"

Robin's eyebrows shot up and his heart fluttered, he had not been expecting the conversation to turn in this direction.

She tilted her head, her gaze finally finding his once more. She opened her mouth and then quickly snapped it shut again. He tried to reassure her with his eyes, let her know that she could tell him anything, afraid that if he spoke she would shut down.

She took a deep breath, a certain resolve entering her gaze, "I cared for you and that scared the hell out of me – it – it still does," her tone hushed at her last confession.

His heart dropped, "Scared of me?"

"Yes," she whispered, closing her eyes. Her hand tightened around the quilt that covered the bed.

Robin stood, going to her, no longer able to resist the desire to touch her. He knelt down in front of her, she gasped, tensing, as his hands fell to her knees. Her eyes widened, riveted to where his hands sat.

"I'm sorry Regina," he said, anguished. He hated that her fear had been warranted, that he had unwillingly caused her pain. "It was never my intention to hurt you – I would never purposely do anything to -"

Her hand caressed his cheek, startling him, "I know," she said, her voice barely audible.

He leaned slightly into her touch, his heart beating erratically. "I don't ever want to hurt you Regina, I love you."

Her hand jerked away from his cheek like it had been scalded, "Robin," she breathed, overwhelmed. She pushed away from him, standing and walking to the other side of the room.

He followed her, he couldn't let it end like this, "I know you need time to process this – and perhaps – perhaps you do not feel as I do, but know this Regina, no matter what you decide, Marian and I are over -" He reached for her, turning her towards him, her bottom lip quivered and her eyes were blinking rapidly attempting to halt her tears. His hand slid down her arm, hooking around her wrist, his thumb drawing patterns on her skin, "My heart is forever yours," he whispered.

Regina lost the battle with her tears, one lone drop escaping. He pulled her closer to him, "And whatever is wrong," he said, lifting a hand to cup her cheek, wiping away the tear that fell, "whatever it is that you are not telling me, we are going to figure it out – together. You are not alone."

He leaned towards her, intending to kiss her cheek, offer her some comfort, but she turned slightly and his lips grazed the corner of her mouth. Her lips were warm and soft, exactly as he remembered. The taste of her sent a shiver down his spine, it was what he had yearned for these last few weeks and he craved more, but he knew he must pull back, not take advantage of her in this state.

A cross between a whimper and a moan escaped passed Regina's lips, the sound igniting a flame of desire in the pit of his stomach. Her hands fisted his sweater, pulling him closer, her body flush against his and all ability for him to be rational, vanished.

He shifted, his lips moving to cover hers fully. She moaned again making his whole body hum, every nerve coming alive. His hand threaded through her hair, cupping the back of her head, needing her closer, wanting more of her. His tongue grazed her upper lip, seeking permission to enter, her mouth parted, allowing him access and their tongues met in frenzied desperation, it was clumsy and sloppy, but never had anything felt so good.

She whispered his name, a soft plea and he was pulled back to reality. He drew back, and she whimpered at the loss. He wanted her but not like this, wanted it to be her choice, wanted her to come to him with a clear mind and a clear heart. Her eyes fluttered open, glazed and laced with confusion.

"I apologize," he whispered, "I want you – desperately – but not like this. When we are together again – I don't – I don't want there to be any doubt in here," he placed his hand over her heart, "that I'm – that I'm in love with you." He folded his hands around hers that were still clutching his sweater, "We need to get some sleep, tomorrow is an important day. I will go downstairs - allow you privacy to – to ready yourself for bed." He brought her hands to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles, she watched him wide-eyed, her body trembling, "Goodnight Regina." He hurried passed her, needing to put distance between them, before he threw all honourable notions aside.


The town was buzzing with excitement, children running wild, laughter spilling out from ever corner of Arendelle. The princess's birthday was the one time of year the royal yards were open to all of the townsfolk. Banners were hung, lights were lit and flowers lined the streets.

Regina and Robin walked down the road, weaving in and out of the crowds that had formed for the celebrations. At some point they had joined hands so they wouldn't lose each other, Regina couldn't even remember taking his hand, it had happened so naturally.

She, however, was unaffected by the people's joy. Ellie's well being and the dinner they were to have that evening with the king and queen weighed heavily on her mind. Meeting Hans and Anna was not something she relished to do at all. She just wanted that damn scepter, wanted to put an end to the curse that invaded her, she longed to be at home with Henry, be able to live her life again, and maybe -

She glanced over at Robin and her heart increased in speed. He was looking at her, his gaze setting butterflies aflutter in her stomach. The corner of his mouth turned upwards, his dimple deepening, his hand squeezed hers in reassurance and then he turned his attention back to the road, guiding them through the horde of jubilant townsfolk.

She could still feel the ghost of his lips against hers. The kiss they had shared had pushed the desires she had worked hard to repress back to the forefront of her mind. He loved her. His confession was something she had no idea how to comprehend. She was sure he was having a momentary lapse of judgement, a brief fling of madness, and any second he would come to his senses, take back his profession of love. A man like Robin could never love someone like her, yet, when he had said the words she could see the truth of them reflected in his eyes, could feel it in her very soul.

She was jolted back into reality when she stumbled into Robin, who now stood in front of Ellie's house. Regina hadn't even realized they had made it to the woods, she had been so absorbed in her thoughts. She looked down at their hands that still remained intertwined and quickly pulled away from him.

Robin frowned and cleared his throat, "Here we are then."

"It looks quiet," she observed, climbing the stairs, avoiding the rotted pieces of wood.

"Indeed, it does."

Regina knocked on the door and waited. She knocked once more, louder, and again they waited.

"Perhaps no one is home," Robin remarked. "Ellie did say she would see us today, we may have missed her note."

She cupped her hand, attempting to peer through the small window on the door. Unable to see anything, she pulled back her arm, the sleeve of her dress catching on a jagged piece of glass and ripping. She sighed. "Something does not feel right," she muttered.

"I agree, we should check in the house." He turned to her, a small grin on his face, "Lucky for you, I am somewhat of an expert when it comes to breaking in." She watched as he began to work away at the covered window beside the door, almost cutting himself on a broken pane of glass.

She rolled her eyes, reaching for the doorknob and turning it. The door easily sprung open, she turned to Robin, arching an eyebrow, "Or we could just use the door like civilized people."

"Damn," Robin mumbled, disappointment evident in his tone.

The two walked in and a spider web immediately assaulted Regina. She cursed under her breath, wiping the silky strings off of her face.

"Regina -" Robin warned.

She looked up and saw...nothing. There was absolutely nothing in the house, empty except for cobwebs, rotting wood and the odd piece of broken furniture. No one lived here, hadn't lived here in years, which left her with one burning question, where in the hell was Ellie?


Thank you so much for reading!

So Robin's confession last chapter, a kiss this chapter, perhaps too much forward movement? You all seem to like the angst...

Also, Ellie? Where is she?

Hans (and I think Anna) are in the next chapter!

Tell me your thoughts, hopes, dreams...reviews are lovely!