Really not much to say.
Would like to thank all that commented though, they do mean a lost. Also, when I said it was the last chapter, yeah its not.
But I'ml literally, really confident that the next one after this will be, it's a two parter and so very sure what I have to get down will be. But for now enjoy, happy reading, and I don't own OUAT.
:D
1 year, 1 week later
Coming back had been something she was looking forward to, not to say she didn't enjoy her time in the north – what wasn't to love? The people she met, the hunting of prey far more durable and bigger than the ones in the enchanted realm - getting drunk with said people she met and most importantly, the freedom to just be her.
On returning back to the mountain they was greeted not by a crowd like last time as this time it had been on the verges of twilight when they landed and people were in their homes. Instead when the servers had learned of their arrival come morning, a huge celebratory feast had been made as Ingrid welcomed them back with the usual happy tears and the reluctant hug for the blonde who glared menacingly at the smirking Regina who had escaped the older woman's clutches before chiding them both for not telling them.
Ingrid. The only woman in the four corners of the realm that could scald a mistress of all evil and get away with it.
After the monstrous breakfast both had decided that a rest was much needed. Having flown across stretches of water that last hours both were worn out and so as soon as they had caught up somewhat with all that had happened during their time away, both had retired to their rooms, which was why she was now travelling down into the forest a week later after they had returned.
She would have come to find Ruby and the wolves much sooner but she were tired. They had also taken part in the changing of the equinoxes whilst in the north – and as such had taken part in a celebration of their own and it was partly out of exhaustion that she had waited and also because she was thirty percent sure she was still drunk.
As she appeared within the clearing and started walking the familiar trail, she began to notice something wrong, not overly noticeable at first if you weren't paying attention but as she walked she noticed that there was hardly any noise. She lifted her eyes to the trees and to where the birds lived as they narrowed when she could hear very little of the annoying critters.
Nor did she see or smell any deer wandering. Suspicions' raising with every step it wasn't long before she took off at a run – normally she would have just enjoyed the walk but something other than the increasing apprehensiveness was making its way into her stomach and settling in her abdomen as she raced across the forest. Soon she came upon the small path that led to the wolves den and jumped the log that was used as a barricade before rushing up the steps.
Dread now took hold as the door to the den had been ripped from its hinges as she burst through. She came to a staggering halt and backed up; horror etched over her face as she took in the sight that lay ahead.
The once normally intact and warm burrow was in tatters. What furnishings they had, had been torn to pieces and scattered all over the floor, items they had own ripped, torn, burnt as she cast her gaze over what was something she used to know – now just a wreck. Fear reached up as she moved further into the hideaway, as questions muddled her head.
She looked around and blanched in horror once more as her eyes set upon a still body that was a few feet in front of her. People had died? Her breath labored as she moved quickly hoping against hope that it wasn't Ruby, or Granny or even Anita. The top half seemed to be covered by a scrap of loose material as she took a heavy gulp before ending and removing the article from her face.
She closed her eyes and relief flooded through her at the sight of the unknown woman looking lifelessly back at her, she was sorry that she had to die but was glad that it wasn't her friend or her family as she looked on to see a few more bodies strewn about the den.
What the hell had happened here? She took in the sight of red on the floor and the smell of rusted, dried blood, moss and dampness that had come from only a habitat that had been abandoned. This was a slaughter, and it scared her.
Not herself per say but for the people who lived here. Did they know what was going to happen? Did they run, had some stayed to fight or had they been trapped? Her first thought was that it might have been George, the man who they had ruined so badly, he might have wanted revenge and so had gone after the wolves as payback but shook her head at the thought.
The man was nothing anymore. They made sure of it, surely the once proud man – now naught but a shell couldn't have organized something like this, maybe an associate of his perhaps?
That too seemed unlikely. The man had no one on his side to begin with, he only had Midas part-time and that was through deals that fell through… No one was stupid enough to want anything to do with him for fear of the same retribution coming to them.
She crossed him off completely but question still remained. If it wasn't the shamed King, then who could have done such a thing? Leaving the questions till later, she knew they wouldn't be answered until she had found someone who had survived… Hopefully as she turned and made her way from the small sanctum
Slowing to another stop just outside the small corner, she thought about what to do next, what to start doing. She doubted they would still be lingering as she would have heard them. If they had run then chances are they would be deep in the forest. Failing that if they had been caught she didn't have a hope in trying to track them as the scent would have been either washed away or covered by others.
If she had any small hope at all, it lay onwards and so she set off. Away from the crime scene and further on the path hoping that whatever had happened, she wasn't too late to try to save her friend..
For hours she wandered. Going to places she had been and places that she hadn't, all in the vain efforts of locating Ruby or even finding someone who might know where she was. As she walked and searched she couldn't help but notice that the scenery had changed. Instead of the once peaceful and untouched greenery, now home to a path she was positive hadn't been there before, and a lot more scorch marks suggest fires had been lit and used to make way for more.
Something was definitely wrong, and it made her even more determined to find her friend as she came to Troll Bridge – something she rarely ever used having no need and so looked to the rushing river underneath before making her way over. All the while cautious as the sound of the fast flowing water made it slightly hard to hear anything else that might be around, hard as that may seem.
It was another half hour before finally – something made her pause. To another, more average human being they wouldn't have even heard it let alone stop but she was anything but average and so slowed as the trees around her became slightly more denser, perfect for hiding which was exactly what somebody was doing. She couldn't smell much, other than the potency of the forest.
The trees, bark, more dampness, flowers, the soil and gravel – all of it mixed together along with something, less easy to pick up but the scent was there nevertheless. It was musky – tinted with sweat and… dust, she focused her hearing driving out all others out it at last the faint breathing that was surprisingly calm – she noted it was a little high up and so whoever it was - was hiding in the upper branches.
Gentle rustling indicated they were shifting – whoever it was they were good, must have had practice and so knew to be careful in not giving away anything that told them she knew they were there. Still walking she decided to wait and get to the bottom that led to what she thinks is the dwarf mine's before calling him out as noise of snapping twigs and rustling fabrics tells her he's following.
Getting nearer to her destination she slows down once more and cranes her neck slightly – still there just now on the ground as he uses the bushes around them as cover, sighing she stops, time to see who her mystery tracker is – having come out in just the clothes on her body she has to conjure the small dagger as her hand lowers before twisting it as the cool, cold metal appears in her hand.
Counting from five she slowly lifts the blade so that it's on show and smiles a little when the instant sound of a creaking lets her know that he has both bow and arrow and is preparing to strike as she turns.
The whistling is instant but the hoped result is not as soon the shooting arrow is safely in her grip, plucked from the air as if nothing more than a falling feather as she looks at the offending weapon. It's finely made strong wood and smoothed down – no splinters, must be a professional as soon the nice carved wood is nothing but twigs as she crushes it.
A small gasp makes her smile again as she faces the way the arrow came and speaks. "No use hiding from me now."
She waits as soon the bushes shake before something bursts from the shrubs and over to her, smiling more she waits until on her path, intent on attacking before dodging the long sword that he had drawn.
"You might want to work on your tracking skills, your rather heavy footed." As he comes to a stop in the place she had just been allowing her to get a look at him. He was rather rugged looking, with tousled brown hair as he turned around. The blue eyes seemed dark under his long lashes as he gazed at her, she noted him of slim build but could tell he might have had some form of lean muscle under his clothes which was made up of fur and chain mail.
Odd combination for a man who seemed nomadic if the bush on his face was any indication – either that or he had dragged some with him when he shot out at her, the way he stood said he was ready for a fight and so she tensed a little preparing for when he would strike again.
"Who are you?"
"Well that's a question I think I should be asking you, don't you think? After all it was you who shot at me first, if anything that right goes to me."
He doesn't say anything but continues to stare at her intently making her a little wary. She is still confused about what has happened and seeing as he is the only person she has come across, goes to speak but is stopped when he gets there first.
"You look like her,"
Confusion shows on her face as she stares at him. She was starting to get the impression that he was crazy, and was cursing her luck for finding the nearest nut job within five miles as she has to ask.
"Who,"
"The queen"
Now she's lost. This wasn't the way she imagined the conversation to go, if anything she was going to trick him into revealing everything he might know given his lack of sanity but now she doesn't know if that would make this conversation better or worse as she has simply no clue as to which person he is on about and the only person who would even be a queen that she might know of is Snow, but Leopold was still alive as she goes to tell him so
"Again, who… The only one I know of is Snow and I doubt she is—"
She had to duck the swing he took at her on hearing her mention Snow. It was bad enough she looked like the bitch that took his heart but to gloat about the exiled but rightful queen in front of him.
"Did she send you, to spy on me?" Regina jumps back as the deadly blade misses her stomach and looks up at him in bewilderment. "Who the hell are you on about you deluded idiot."
Still not listening he goes to attack her again lost in his red haze as he simply just wants to get rid of the person who has terrorized them all, only to find his sword ripped from his hands.
After dodging his third attempt she had enough. It had surprised her she didn't snap on the first try but now she was pissed. He stopped - looking at the place his weapon would have been only to find himself being thrown backwards as a punch so hard landed in his gut it took literally every inch of breath he had as he collapsed to the floor unable to even wheeze.
She moved over to him angrily as he lay looking at the sky before yanking him up by his fur coat and holding him against the nearest tree. He had no energy to try to struggle so just dangled limply as he lifted his eyes to look at her face – she didn't outwardly show her anger but the hardness in her eyes and the flaring of her nose showed she was not happy.
"Now in spite your seemingly deranged tendencies, something I'm sure though has since passed, right?" Her question told him to answer fast and answer right as he nodded making her smile.
"Good, but as unhinged as your sound mind might be… I think there's more to it than your letting on – so we're going to have a little chat, you and I, we're going to talk about what all of this." She circles her finger between them.
"What this was about – then you're going to tell me what it is that had you so worked up when I mentioned the good princesses' name." His eyes widened as he struggled in her grip making her hold him tighter.
"Ah, ah, ah – what did I say?" He stopped squirming as he let go of where he held her wrists in an attempt to get free. Her smile was one a person might give a child when she saw him give up on trying to escape.
"Good boy… So tell me, what the hell has happened here?"
She was about to shake him a little – get his lips moving when the sound of someone shouting had her looking the way that led to mines.
"Huntsman!"
She kept her grip on him as she listened to the name being called and cast a side glance at him. "I'm just going to guess here, but I take it that's you?" The weak reply had her nodding her head a little as she cursed her bad luck again.
"Fantastic"
Whoever it was, shouted his name again this time accompanied by the sound of footsteps as she let go of his body he dropped back to the ground. It was bad enough he was a psycho that she had happened to come upon but he was also a bloody hunter? Taking a step away she ran a hand over her face before turning to look the other way as his company got closer.
She heard two sets of feet. This time as a man called to him just before spying his fallen form along with Regina who was still facing the other way. They took off at a run fearing he had been hurt as the sound of a sword being unsheathed had her snorting again just as they came to a stop by them.
"Are you ok?" She bent down to help him sit up as he gave her a nod and smile just as the man with her pointed the sword to the unknown woman. Still with one hand on her hip she ran a hand through her hair not at all concerned about the tip that was near her back.
"Someone tell him to put the toy down lest he hurts himself." She turned intending to bat the weapon away but stopped on seeing just who the woman knelt was, as the other woman stared at her with wide eyes.
"Regina?"
Letting the hand from her hair drop, she looked down at the royal who was slowly rising from her place by the Huntsman never taking her eyes from her, "Snow?"
"Is that really you," The raven haired woman crinkled her nose at the question. "Of course it's me who else would it bloody be? Who else could be me?"
The younger woman didn't need anything else said as she flung herself across the slight gap and barreled into her arms much to her astonishment as she took a few steps back at the sudden force.
"It's so good to see you." Still frozen at the interaction she looked down a little before her eyes watched the Huntsman as he clambered to his feet.
"Yes - because an arrow to the head just screams welcome home."
Hugging her tightly one last time the younger woman pulled away a little to see her face but never let the contact fall as she raked her gaze over the long missing woman.
"He didn't mean any harm" She scoffed and sent Snow an incredulous look. "Really… I beg to differ – just glad I didn't actually send word of my return. If you had organized a welcome back party I might have had to check for traps."
Snow turned to look at the now standing Huntsman who was standing by the other man now looking calmer and quieter than before. "He's just a little on edge. We all are"
"Couldn't he have gone fishing, running, anything other than launching himself at the first person he sees like the madman I now think him as?"
"Given the situation it's now more of shoot first ask later kind of thing." Regina turned to look at Snow. The younger woman looked… In her words, aged, she seemed tired and tense and just as on edge as she had said. She still seemed to have that same infectious smile that never failed to bug her but she looked different. It was only then did she see her wearing clothes that did not match her status.
"Hasn't it ever occurred to you how stupid that seems? I mean if you shoot first, asking questions might be rendered moot if they're dead or near to the point, don't you think dear?"
"Sometimes it's necessary given who it is after us," She looked around to see the Huntsman talking as she eyed him slowly before back to Snow who had been taking her in.
"Where did you go? At first when I heard nothing from no one I thought she might have caught you, but then Ruby found me. Or I found her, and she said you had left."
"Yeah I sent her a letter telling her I was going, I'm sorry – just who is it that's after you? I heard it from him and now you're saying it... I find the Wolves den destroyed; the whole forest doesn't feel the same. I might have been gone for a while but even I know when something's gone sour and quickly… Right now that's exactly all I'm getting, so Snow."
The younger woman turned to see her friend noting that the slight jesting glimmer in her eye now gone as they faced each other. "What the hell is going on?"
After following them back to the small encampment they had set up deep in the forest. Apparently the open space had too many ears, she found to her great relief that the wolves where there. She spied a few familiar faces wandering about or talking as they move to a white tent near the other side surrounded by a cluster of trees. The other man she finds out is a part of the wolves who was too young for her to remember last time but now it seemed was old enough to point a sword around as he followed on before cutting off and moving to another tent.
She shrugged as it wasn't the wolf she had wanted to see and so didn't speak merely kept on after the younger woman who was striding along the forest floor, her steps she saw was determined, more confident – more than anything what a princesses ever were even with years of lessons.
"We have to be careful, we don't know how long we can hide which is why we can never stay in one place to long," Snow looked back over her shoulder to see Regina nodding, she lifted the cover and moved back to the other woman could go in fist as Regina smiled and was about to but was knocked from her feet as something large and heavy hit her.
The force caused both to fall as her feet were swiped from under her and she went flying in the air before landing hard on her back. She groaned as Snow gasped before seeing who it was, Regina still had her eyes closed and sent her own angry curse up to whatever gave good luck as they seemed to have missed her before she slowly opened her eyes.
Nasty cussing and scathing insult at the ready she was about to snap at the person who saw fit to attack her again only to find two large brown eye staring happily at her from above as she frowned before tilting her head to see better as Ruby gazed down from her spot on top of her.
None of them spoke as they merely stared at the other before Ruby finally smiled - her smile as always rivaling the sun. "Your back"
Regina nodded returning the smile allowing the other girl to lie over her for a moment before she spoke. "And your heavy, has granny's cooking finally caught up with you?"
Ruby's grin faded but on seeing the mirth in her best friend's eyes, laughed loudly before scrambling up and almost yanking her arm out of her socket before ambushing her in an iron tight hug. Regina returned the hug just as strong as her arms wrapped around her back and she rested her head on the brunettes shoulder, inhaling the scent she had missed for so long.
"You have no idea just how much I missed you," Ruby muttered holding her tighter not that Regina complained.
"I went to the Den… I thought something terrible had happened."
"It has," Snow added as she came to stand next to them happy that her best friend had her best friend back but also feeling a little jealous at the hug they shared. Both pulled back and stared at the royal as she nodded again and followed her this time entering the small tent Ruby in tow and no more disruptions as Snow gave the outside another small look before shutting the make shift door.
Sitting down she waited until Regina was comfortable before delving into the story of what had taken place a week after her absence. How they had been busy building the Kingdom back up, getting everything back to how it was before Cora struck. Regina blinked at hearing the other woman's name mentioned yet again and not for the first time wondered who she was.
She went on to tell her about how they didn't have any clue about what was happening until it was too late. By that time the other royal had swept the castle knocking them for six and they had barely managed to hold her back long enough for Snow and a few others to run before she overpowered what little resistance they had put up, Regina had a few questions but she waited until the end allowing the younger woman to speak before she lost her nerve.
"She's claimed the castle as her own, she's taken prisoner all those who defied her or could have been a threat to her, she's killed those that helped me escape… And,"
She cut off as a slight tremble hit her voice. The raven haired woman watched through narrowed eyes alarmed at the wetness in her eyes as she looked away for a moment. Lifting her hand to her mouth Snow took a few steady breath's to calm herself before looking back to her.
"She killed my father, Regina. She killed him because he told me not to return."
Stunned the dragon girl didn't know what to say as Ruby soothed her tears. Leopold was dead. The King may have been somewhat of leach and she had imagined throttling him a good few times in the past – but he was a nice man, adored by his people and loved Snow like she was the last thing on earth… She felt sad for the deceased King who clearly was made an example of as a flash of hate for this Cora woman crept over her.
"It got worse from there." Snow said after wiping her tears, she sniffed and looked back to Regina. "After we escaped, she came after us… vowing whoever helped me would pay for their treachery against her… She destroyed so many towns and villages, burnt houses and killed hundreds, all in the name of hunting me down."
"Fuck."
Ruby silently nodded at the crass words as Regina's mouth dropped a little at the length this woman has gone to, hell she wasn't a saint – far from it even relishing the pain she inflicted on those that saw fit to try to hurt them. But this woman took it to a new level; it was like torture for the sake of a delusional goal. She watched as Ruby held onto the younger woman who looked so… downtrodden, depressed.
"Has no one tried to stop her?"
Snow laughed a little too sharp and bitter for someone so optimistic it unnerved her a little and wondered what else had changed as she shook her head. "At the start when she was establishing her takeover of our land. A few had tried to rally and fight her, but the woman has magic… Powerful, she used it on them as a showing to others making sure to let them know just what would happen should they plan the same thing,"
She breathed in again. The weight of all those who fought in her name must have sat heavily on her. "Since then no one has dared defy her, no one can and the more she spreads through the realm the more hopeless the situation becomes."
She stopped talking. Her emotions drained as she bit her lip and looked to the floor leaving the tent in silence. Regina cast a glance at Ruby who mirrored her concern as she held on to the upset Snow.
"What about the other royals? Surely they must know what she's like… Won't they do something so stop her?" Still with her eyes closed the younger woman shook her head.
"Magic remember, as long as she doesn't hurt anyone in their Kingdom they kind of look other way, they also leave her alone… tolerate her like they did George."
On hearing about the man who had managed to slip her mind like the passing days, she had to think on what he must be like now that his entire life crumbled around him. The small smirk earned a little cough and on turning, saw Ruby's pointed look, it was clear she too had heard all about the man's unlucky fate.
That had shocked the hell out of her when she heard that but was more shocked that Snow came stumbling into the woods near to where she lived – she was crying, her dress in tatters and was rambling so fast not even the wolf hearing could pick up what she was saying. In the end when she brought her back to the den ignoring the protests of her Mother, she finally got the truth.
It had knocked her sideways at hearing from point of the Whites army, how the Dragons came and laid ruin to Georges men. What had got her was the part when the huge black one… Obviously Regina had set alight the other army like they were nothing but firewood. It nearly had her throwing up if she was honest at what her friend had gone and done.
She had told her on capturing the Prince that they would only be ransoming him back. Clearly that was far from their minds if they went on to wreck his Kingdom and kill his men – in all fairness she should have expected it really, the blonde wasn't called the great beast for nothing and her tales of being nice were far more buried underground then her evilness.
But why had she lied to her? That hurt a little but by the time she was set to talk to her the letter had arrived telling her about her going away for a little while – that to must have been planned, as much as she was angry that she had left she did at least feel glad she told her beforehand. But all that fled her mind when Snow arrived the next day after having her home annexed by the witch queen.
After that the year was spent in making sure that her friend was safe as Regina took a backseat in her mind, she wasn't being mean she just knew that wherever she was, it was far safer then there and she could more than take care of herself.
On seeing the look she knew that they would be speaking about that little incident soon and gave her a small nod as they got back to the tale at hand. Snow carried on explaining just how she had managed to evade the other woman for so long, as well as they people who had helped her along the way that hadn't been caught in her grip, Regina was alarmed to hear on hearing more about the Huntsman that attacked her, was missing his heart.
She blinked a few times when she heard his vital organ was missing before asking her to repeat that as Snow grimaced and nodded. She never thought anything like that possible much to Regina's absolute silence, she told her how he had been sent to kill her on Cora's orders but had come to spare her for his empathy, he had risked her wrath everyday but when he could he did help until one day he was followed and a fight broke out.
In the end the result was him losing his heart somewhere in the forest as it fell from his grip when he had wrested it away only to have it lost to him in fully, it was why he was a little erratic but at least he was free from the witches servitude.
In her honest opinion that didn't make him any better than a rabid dog, only that he needed further more to be put down before he struck and at someone. But Snow wouldn't let him leave; she had insisted he stay just in case Cora decided to take her revenge. It wasn't only the heart she could mess with and so fearing his safety she implored that he stay.
The wolves – they actually weren't with her, Regina had actually found Snow on an in-between day, after having their Den ransacked they had to pack up and move and so until they found more suitable accommodations they had to camp in the open – the young royal was just actually resting before moving on, the only people who came with her was the Huntsman, Ruby when she knew that her family was safe and the Prince.
On hearing about a new person that she had yet to tell her about the Dragon woman asked who he was and witnessed what she called a complete one-eighty in the Princesses attitude. Eyes wide with alarm - Regina watched as her face melded into something only dozy people would sport as she sighed a little on thinking about her love.
Snow wasted no time once she had gotten over her little fantasy in telling her other friend all about the man who she had met – he was a prince but due to a few circumstances was away dealing with an intended marriage that he was trying to stop. It both confused Regina and upset Snow that he was away getting married but Snow did have hope that their love would overcome.
Still baffled as to why he was engaged to another if his love was here – Regina didn't think to ask what Kingdom he was from which later on, when she would meet the Prince personally – might have been higher up on her priorities, but as it was her brain was being turned to mush by the drivel Snow was spouting to her, she forgot to ask - their meeting was a bit unorthodox but how they managed to fall in love was cliche.
She nearly heaved when Snow happily quoted back his saying that he would find her – instead managing a pinched smile which Ruby saw and rolled her eyes at, soon the miserable mood turned slightly as she finished recounting how they met and all that had happened up until that point, soon after the tent door opened and the Huntsman stepped through.
All three turned to look at him as Snow lifted her head a little – Regina eyed him skeptically still wary about the man before catching sight of Ruby and her brow arched at the slight redness that had tinged her cheeks.
Interesting, she filed that away for further heckling purposes as Snow stood. With the little catch up over Regina decided to go see the only person that might have been around who she liked as much as red and that was Granny, so following the brunette out they left the young royal and the man to talk as they wandered the camp.
Now that they were alone they could speak more unrestricted as Ruby turned to look at her, a mixture of emotions all running through her body and her mind but the one that came to the forefront was that she was back and so threw herself back onto the other woman for another bear like hug,
"I'm glad to be back to Rube's" She muttered near her ear saying what the brunette was implying as the arms around her neck held on tight. Pulling away slightly they faced each other as Regina's mouth soon turned up a little as she spoke.
"Not a moment too soon by the looks of it, what - I go away and the whole Kingdom turns to hell… Can you not live without me for even a week?"
The other woman let out a barking sob of laughter as she wiped her eyes and nodded. "You have no idea just how much of a year it's been… I love Snow I do, but the amount of times we have nearly been caught… Or one of the wolves - Granny and Mom nearly ended up getting trapped the other week I didn't know what to do, if the Huntsman hadn't been there to help…"
She trailed off more tears wetting her face as Regina brought her back into another hug, trying to soothe the tears. "I'm here now… You know I would let nothing happen to Granny, or your mom… ever."
Ruby nodded knowing it was true as a grateful smile spread across her lips, she wouldn't tell her but she had hoped for months that Regina would return and help; she was the only one with enough power to actually make a difference and was probably the only person she trusted above all to help keep their family safe.
"I know - thank you,"
The raven haired woman smiled silently and looked around. "So, what's Granny cooking?"
Ruby cocked her head a little as her thoughts of sadness turned into confusion. "How do you know she's cooking anything at all?" Regina gave her a smirk.
"It's Granny – when is she ever not cooking… plus I can smell her and carrots."
Ruby looked at her bewildered before letting out another sharp laugh and shook her head before taking hold of her hand and pulling her in the direction off the small family corner. Upon nearing the tiny patch where a few children and some adults were congregated, she laughed at seeing the old woman standing at what was a small make shift cooking pit.
She looked frazzled and rightly so with the small people rushing about and her having to shoo them away as she tried to cook. Ruby let her go as she moved to talk to the mom who saw the newcomer and gave her a small look of surprise before she tilted her head in greeting just as she faced the younger woman. That left her to go greet Granny who was feverishly chopping vegetables as she moved so she stood behind the smaller woman.
Peering over her shoulder she inhaled the scent of stew making her stomach take note before she smiled and spoke. "Hoped you've got enough there"
What happened next had to have been up in Ruby's top five moments as no sooner as she spoke. Granny let out a small shriek before spinning around, and with more grace and agile than what an old woman should have hit the offending person right behind her in the stomach with her fist.
"Thomas! I told you if you did that one more—" She cut off when she glanced around to see no one in front of her before hearing the piteous moan that had her looking downwards as her brows shot up on seeing the raven haired girl keeled in front of her clutching her stomach.
"Who the— who is that?" Bending a little her brows nearly shot from her face when the black curtain of hair moved slightly to show the face of Ruby's long since absent friend and the only other she thought as a second granddaughter, currently wheezing as she tried to process what just happened.
"Regina?"
The younger woman lifted her finger and nodded still trying to breathe as she eventually looked up to the older woman's face. "Always… a… a pleasure… to… see you… again… oh god, I think you punched my liver,"
A small crowd had gathered on hearing the matriarch screech right as she punched the person behind her. "Good lord girl! Why do you go do a thing like that? What you sitting down there for anyway?"
Having got some small respite in which she could breathe. Regina got to one knee before muttering. "Not getting an apology anytime soon that's what." As a hand curled under her arm and helped yank her to her feet as she looked at the older woman who was gifting her with a stern glare.
"I heard that young lady, now – let's just." She began patting her down as if to brush any dirt off her shirt before looking at her once more. "When did you get back?"
Now able to breath fully Regina replied still rubbing her tender abdomen. "A week ago,"
That had Ruby frowning. She had been back a whole seven days and she didn't think to look for her sooner as Agnes nodded humming a little before speaking. "I take it you've heard about that bitch of a woman whose been hunting that poor girl down."
She nodded dutifully again. "You've been caught up with everything that's happened?" Another nod
"Good."
With a small thought she turned and picked up another knife as she handed it to the befuddled woman who took it not knowing what the purpose was before her other hand was occupied by the potato she had thrust at her.
"What err… what the hell?"
"Language and what does it look like? You can't just go around frightening people and get away with it – seeing as you had time to near give me a heart attack, you have time to peel."
Regina's jaw dropped just as Ruby started cackling at the side of her, she stared at the older wolf woman who was looking at her like one would a recalcitrant child. Regina didn't want to peel stupid potatoes, it was boring and she was still without an apology but on seeing the brow arch once more she deflated and nodded.
"Fine"
Ambling, she moodily shuffled next to the small bench and began peeling; her face scrunched a little as she stared at the innocent little spud like it had been the one to punch her just as Agnes rounded on her still laughing granddaughter.
"Don't know why you're laughing missy, you're helping me with these carrots." That shut her up as all too soon the cackling stopped and replaced by a look of incredulous protest which was soon cut off before too long she ended up standing next to the still grouchy Regina having her own pile of carrots to peel. Anita looked on with amusement as the older woman nodded contented before getting back to her task.
Soon the small crowd dispersed as the activity died down leaving them to their duty of making supper as Regina dumped her pile of potato skins over onto Ruby's side. That caused the other girl to fling the carrot scrapings at her person which then led to retaliation in the form of a small food fight.
"HEY!"
Both stopped and tuned to see Agnes peering at them her stern look back on her face as she looked at them. "What's happening over there?"
"She started it." Ruby was quick to point out earning a scowl from Regina. "Well don't make me finish it – won't be good for either of you, so pack it in and get on with it."
Unhappily they both turned and got back on with their assigned tasks as soon a medium-sized skinned pile of each had been finished and ready to cook as she had them chopping them next much to their displeasure but didn't argue. Finally they could leave as Agnes came to inspect the work they had done and was satisfied that the amount before taking the knives from their hands and shooing them away.
"And yes Regina dear, I will save you some… Just don't go around creeping up on people like that" The raven haired woman turned to look at her as her stomach throbbed a little as if to give warning before nodding and quickly with Ruby the two took off into the woods leaving the older wolves to chuckle.
Once they were a little away from the noise and others. Regina gave a look back before turning to face Ruby. "Still as cuddly and empathetic as always I see"
The other woman snorted before shaking her head. "She did miss you, we all missed you… but your back now and that's all that matters."
They settled down near the small stream mindful of a few others who were also nearby washing their clothes or the small children as they sat at the top of a small bank. Regina had to look around at the completely different change as they had upturned and moved to an entirely new part of the forest.
"Good spots around here?"
Ruby cast a glance around knowing what she was on about before thinking it over. "Part's but if you want the best game you have to travel just a little west of here. Field as long as the trail back near the den… open space and so many deer."
She nodded mulling on the information as they fell silent for a few minutes. Eventually Ruby spoke again. "So you were back a week?"
Regina turned to look at her, catching sight of the quizzical look as well as the hint of hurt in her eyes and pursed her lips, "You heard that … Yeah, it wasn't like I was deliberately not coming to visit – we had a celebration up in the north – to mark the turning of the seasons and the equinox, not only did we get back a little later than planned but we was tired and just kind of slept… for a few days,"
She shuffled so she was facing the brunette. "I was thinking about coming to see you on like the third day, but got caught up with things… I did miss you, really, you had no idea just how terrified I was when I felt something was wrong, I almost cried when I saw the bodies back in the den."
Hearing about the dead brought a frown to Rubies face; she looked down and closed her eyes remembering the night that the queen's guards came. Those that fought had done so in order to give the rest a change to flee and had paid for it… She felt terrible but she had to make sure that her Gran and mother were safe.
"I know I shouldn't but I felt relief in knowing that it wasn't you back there… I just," She had to stop as Ruby shuffled closer, the amount of emotions she had felt in the space of the last few hours had been enough to drain her for a month. She wasn't expecting anything like this to happen much less find herself already being pulled into it so soon after having gotten back.
But she would do it for her family and… Snow who dare she say it? Was a permanent friend to her now as the other woman held her hand, "So… This Cora, just how many has she killed?"
Ruby face was grim but she spoke as they had guessed with how far they had run and the villages they had passed, not counting the ones they had secretly made it out of without casualty, the numbers must have reached near close to a thousand.
"All for the sake of capturing one girl" She nodded grimly again. It was staggering the vileness of this woman who would kill so many for simply showing a small act of kindness, it was bitches like her what was ruining this realm.
"And just how powerful is she?" The other woman turned to look at her, "You know, not politically?"
She had to be careful of the others who were still around s she looked at Ruby pointedly, she knew that without another magical person to help them it seemed impossible to win against her, so knew that if they planned to take further action when they could – it was down to her to provide the extra firepower so to speak as Ruby mused on it thoughtfully before speaking.
"I can't say for certain as I have only ever seen her in fleeting. But she was strong enough to freeze an entire town as she made her guards search for Snow."
Regina nodded at the news and sighed. "Great"
"You would be able to beat her… Wouldn't you?" The question was a good one, whilst she was confident in her abilities and magical prowess, she wasn't fully sure if it was as straight forward as the others she had taken on before. Without knowing first hand who it was she was going up against it was difficult to say.
"Without some additional searching into who she actually is it might be tricky" She turned to see the slightly put out expression. "I said tricky, not unlikely – come on, if I can hold my own against the root of all evil then I most certainly will be ok with Cora."
Ruby's face creased a little as she tried to work out who the 'root' person was until she remembered Maleficent's title. "Don't you mean Mistress?"
Regina tore her gaze from the river to look at her, "Huh? – Oh, right… Yeah – well if you want to get technical but I prefer my version."
Ruby smiled and chuckled as they moved on from the topic of Cora and on to other topics as they had their own little catch up about the past year, which led to some heckling on Ruby's part about the Huntsmen which then led to a punch, which cut the subject off as Regina rubbed her aching arm.
They wandered back when supper was ready as Ruby made sure to save Regina a seat as Snow smiled when she joined them and sat on Regina's right the mood brightened more as they chatted and tried hard to forget the queen sized problem for the time being.
It was a day later when Snow decided to leave. Regina had stayed the night within the clearing, as the blonde was so fond of saying she wasn't her Mother and so her structured routine of parental discipline was none existent giving the younger woman a greater freedom than most had growing up, it was something she had – at first - envied the brunette about.
Ruby had a loving Mother and Granny both whom would kill and die to protect her, whilst she knew the blonde would most likely do the same for her as she would the older woman. It was the closeness they had that made her slightly jealous but over time she had become integrated within the small knit group and as Granny had all but called her the second granddaughter, she knew she had her family right there.
So what if the faerie was less maternal and more like a cool aunt. In time she had all she needed and being allowed to do what she wanted made the wolf woman envious of her which cancelled out her moment of longing in favor of teasing.
She and the other woman helped Snow pack up what meager belongings she had as the Huntsman went ahead on the path to make sure that it was safe to proceed as the young royal thanked the older wolves for letting her stay and rest. They waited until he came back giving the all clear before they set off – Ruby had to catch up as she was busy promising both older women she would be safe before hurrying after them.
"So where's your next stop?"
Snow breathed heavily before replying. "I guess just keep moving closer until Charming can meet with us."
"Wait" She had to stop walking as they turned to look at her. "His name's Charming?" She saw Snow nod as if nothing was wrong with it before smiling. "Why."
Regina nodded before resuming her pace as they set off once more. "No reason… Just an interesting name is all."
Snow nodded happy and faced the path onward smiling as her thought's turned to her beloved. Regina looked at her back before glancing as Ruby who was hiding a knowing smirk as their eyes met she mouthed silently to her as the brunette just nodded. The raven haired woman let out a low whistle causing the Huntsman to look around as they kept up their walk.
Stopping by the stream which had been a constant travelling guide on their way Snow and the hunter used the water to wash their necks whilst Regina made her way to Ruby who had stood by the tree so they could mock to themselves the stupidity of the princes name before they carried on as the sun overhead slowly made its way across the sky.
For ages only the sound of their boots crunching the gravel underneath could be heard furthering her descent into boredom until finally the Huntsman spoke up.
"I think it's time we made camp," He was looking to the sun which was making its way behind the large hill as dusk started to settle in bringing with it the chill that accompanied the night air. Snow nodded, shivering a little as she pulled her cloak a bit tighter to her body before she accepted the hand that led from the track and back into the forest.
They needed to set up quickly as the light was fading and they all split up – Ruby to collect the wood needed for the fire – Snow to set out the tent – the Huntsman going with his bow to gather the night's food and Regina to go and find something to light the fire with…
She pretended to look around only doing so once before settling on a downed log, sometimes she felt like one of those accessory tools that people use for all purposes as she sighed and lay back looking at the merging colours in the sky waiting for Ruby to come back. The crunching of twigs and sounding steps saw two brown eyes peering down at her.
"Got the wood." She replied cheerfully holding up the bundle in her arms. Regina smiled and nodded once before swinging her feet around so she was sitting up,
"And I have the flint." Holding out her hand as a small piece of flint appeared in her palm. Ruby looked on at the newly acquired stone – she had become so used to Regina's magic by now that seeing her use it was almost like a natural part of the day as they set off back towards the now set up camp as they went about preparing the fire which grew hotter and lasted longer with a sneaky little flick of her wrist when the princess wasn't looking as the hunter came back with his catch.
It wasn't the amount she was used to as they sat around the fire but she didn't say anything. If she was hungry later she could always sneak off to get something else, as they talked a little more before retiring for the night with the hunter standing first guard which was agreed before Ruby would take the second watch then Regina.
As Ruby woke her to take over. She crawled out of the warmth and the admittedly nice hug that Snow had trapped her in during her sleep, something which the wolf woman gladly slipped into as she snuggled down in the spot Regina had slept in and sighed at the pre warmed spot before closing her eyes, she huffed stepping out into the cold air as her breath went up in front of her.
Grumbling at being forced to stand guard she made sure no one was around. The hunter never went to sleep as much as she knew and so went off somewhere – either way he was gone so conjured a blanket to wrap around her as she settled against a large tree.
She watched and waited until the first light crept up over the trees, all was clear much to her complete boredom and so stood, stretching her cramped muscles and muttering under her breath just as the tent cover opened and Ruby popped her head out. She looked around until she spotted the other woman near the tree and smiled in greeting before wiggling her way out.
"Good night?"
"What do you think?"
Ruby blinked at the harsh reply as Regina shook her head. "Sorry, never liked mornings and it was damn near icy out here… You know I don't like the cold." The brunette nodded sympathetically, she never did like the bitter chill either and noted the blanket that Regina wore – something she didn't take with her,
"Well I don't think we're lingering here – Snow said she wants to get to the nearest village so she can get a few things for a longer trip, if we keep off the track then we can near the Kingdom Charming's in."
She nodded absently not really caring as sounds had them looking to see the Huntsman returning, he spotted them and gave them both curt smiles to which they returned. Regina narrowed her eyes at the man who had been gone practically all night as he bent low near his bag which he had left by the tree as Snow made her appearance.
After a small breakfast of fish caught by Regina who had volunteered for the duty as a means of working out the kinks in her back as she set off for the stream. They packed up the tent and were off again. Not stopping until they reached the edge of the forest and took the left which led to a small market village in which they spilt off going to where they needed.
Snow keeping her hood up turned to look at the others. "I don't wish to stay to long just in case… you know." They all nodded as she told them where it was she was going before turning and moving on – the hunter following to act as help should she need it as the other two watched them disappear into the crowd.
"Don't know about you, but last night's meal did absolutely nothing for me." Ruby chuckled and nodded. She swore she had heard the other woman arguing with her stomach in the night as she turned to her,
"Find the nearest inn and get more food" That she could agree with and so with the plan in mid they both set off, moving through the throngs of people mulling about until they passed a notice board, something pinned up making the stop.
They turned to see a picture as bold as the writing, Snow's face staring back at them with the words wanted criminal above. Ruby scoffed in disgust as they read the description detailing the so called lawbreakers' crimes and how much offered for her capture.
Regina read to the end and the signature at the bottom belonging to that of Queen Cora before reaching up ripping the paper from the board. The loud tearing of paper had some staring to see her scrunching it into a ball just as Ruby pulled her away, she allowed herself to be dragged from the large notice but not before throwing the ball to the floor.
"Just ignore it, it's not like she's going to find her here is she?" The raven haired woman nodded and moved on until soon the sign for the inn appeared and with one last look around, Ruby pushed on the door with Regina following after her.
They moved around until Ruby spotted an empty table at the back before they maneuvered their way through the surprisingly full building before taking the seats as a few minutes after they came in a waitress made her way over offering a cheery smile – something Regina found far to nauseating for the morning but kept quiet as she spoke.
She greeted them with a warm welcome as Ruby began speaking. Soon she took out a small strip to write what they wanted as Ruby went for a few rashers of bacon and potatoes with some tea before she turned to Regina who went with the eggs and bacon side plate asking for tea as well as she smiled before moving off to go give their orders to the cook.
"Beat's having to hunt for it I guess, though I suppose there isn't a lot of excitement to be had when your food is literally served in front of you," Ruby chuckled as she looked around the other patrons who were busy eating and talking.
"Must be a popular place." She eyed the room as Regina hummed her agreement. They did a spot more people watching before the waitress returned with their food, she went back for the tea and wished them a happy breakfast before moving on she had always found that sentiment odd, why would anyone wish for a happy breakfast? If anything they should be wishing for in these type of towns is not food poisoning, but shrugged as she picked up her fork.
"Won't Mal worry about you being gone for so long?" She paused mid bite and looked to see Ruby staring at her and laughed at the question before shaking her head.
"Please - if anything she's most likely sizing up my room for her next torture chamber or potions room or something secret whatever it is she does that I'm not allowed to go near, either that or taking advantage of the fact she has a castle back to herself. The amount of comments I've had to put up with about her suffering for the past twenty years, I think the peace will do us both good."
The wolf woman arched a brow amused but didn't say anything as they carried on eating. Sometime later as they are finishing their teas, Ruby was making a comment on the surprisingly nice drink in which she had to agree with when loud noises from outside had them turning to the window at the side of them to see some sort of altercation that was taking place in the square.
"Pheasants and their bloody fights," Regina mumbled as they focused their gaze on the group of people outside. "Don't they have anything better to do" She was about get back to her tea when she caught the pointed look the other woman was giving her.
"What? I only fight when necessary" The pointed look, sharpened. "Seriously, when was the last time you saw me fight for the hell of it?"
She had her there as Ruby went to reply only to find she couldn't as Regina sneered lightly, "Well you might… I don't know what you get up to when you go away do I?"
Regina was about to respond with the answer of drinking until she couldn't feel both her anatomy or inner feelings when Ruby looked out the window once more and frowned.
"…Think we might have a problem."
Turning back again they both look once more only this time as the crowd jostled they saw the people in the middle fighting, one was the Huntsman who had grabbed hold of the man trying to apprehend him and punch him in his face sending him flying before turning and reaching to take hold of the man holding onto a struggling Snow.
Turning, Regina then spied another holding something and waving an arm about. She cringed on seeing it was the balled up paper she had ripped from the board, as the heaviness her stomach grew.
"Bugger"
Ruby followed her line of sight as her eyes bugged a little on seeing him hold the paper. "We might have to cut this short."
Regina sighed, nothing new there then as soon the door opened before someone started talking, Ruby looked to see whoever it was scan the place before settling on them and pointing as her face paled a little.
"Err… Regina?"
The other woman looked behind her to see a few people moving towards them as the waitress and others, by now spotting the commotion began turning their way. The dragon woman made a noise that sounded like angry hissing before looking back to the other woman.
"Happy breakfast indeed."
Flicking her wrist, a few coins scattered on the table as she threw up her hand – they didn't have time to make a run for the door seeing as it was still blocked so she used her magic as the purple smoke enveloped them causing some to scream and bolt from near where they sat as soon the smoke took them from the inn, leaving the seats empty as they appeared around the back.
Without waiting Ruby grabbed her sleeve and pulled her as they took off running around the side to where the Hunter was surrounded by some of the locals who by now must have realized who it was that had come to their town and the bounty on her head, the two pushed their way through the crowd before barreling into one of the men who was closing in.
He stumbled due to the shove and was sent sprawling just as Snow looked up to see Ruby standing over his fallen frame. "Where the hell did you two get to?"
She asked angrily still in the grips of two men who had held her but not for long as the distraction was enough for the Huntsman to move quickly and punch the captor sending him flying to the floor, Ruby moved to help with the others as Regina made to remove the man left holding the royal.
"Don't start; I didn't even get to finish my tea!" She spat back reaching them as he looked on a little curiously but it turned into fright as she grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed, forcing his grip to lessen allowing her to yank him away as Snow was left standing as she watched, stunned as Regina hauled him backwards and let go, sending him reeling as he tipped over a small table top and onto the other side.
She watched amazed as he fell until Regina grabbed her sleeve. "Observe later, Princess – we need to leave now."
She spun her around and pushed her on as by now a small path had cleared allowing them to make a run for it, Ruby finished with the last of the would be captors and turned to see the two making a break for it back to the forest as she turned to see the Hunter still fighting and launched herself at him.
She grabbed his collar and tugged forcing him to step back as she nodded to the others who had taken off – he looked at them before nodding and with one last punch, pushed him away before he turned and followed the wolf woman who had waited for him as they barged their way through the shocked onlookers and after the pair already fled into the brush of the trees.