AN: Sorry its been a while guys, I've been super busy with work and life in general. I promise I will finish this installment but my updates may not be as frequent. Thank You to whoever is still reading and sorry again about the super late update..


Its been two days since the Snow Queens curse was broken and clean up of the town has surprisingly gone well. Many of the destroyed buildings have been patched up, and those injured during the curse have had the all clear from the hospital. Luckily only a few scrapes and broken bones were reported, but that's nothing compared to Morrigans broken heart.

Her daughter still refuses to talk to her, even acknowledge her presence at times and Regina has already tried pushing the former bandit for an explanation, but Morrigan had simply said she was handling it and would deflect the former Queens attempts at help.

Morrigan sighs weakly, a determined gleam in her eye, this needs to get sorted right now..No more tip toeing around my daughter..I'm the parent here and she will listen to what I have to say..

Morrigan heads up the grand staircase of the mayoral mansion and onto the landing. Its only herself and Elinor at the moment as Regina and the girls are still talking with the Charming's at the sheriffs station. Apparently they've found a way to get Elsa and Anna back to Arendale. She'll want to say goodbye to the Ice Queen but before then, she needs to try and piece together her family.

She heads along the hall, her hand resting on the brass knob of her daughters room before gently knocking.

"Ellie?...Ellie we need to talk."

When there's no answer, Morrigan gently pushes the door open and steps into the brightly colored room. She finds her daughter sat atop the baby blue sheets of her bed and Elinor's back is facing the door.

"Ellie.."

Morrigan frowns, rounding the bed and sitting next to her isolated daughter. She watches how Elinor scribbles on her sketch pad, a mass of blacks and blues highlighting Regina's former castle in the Enchanted Forest.

"Ellie we need to talk about what happened at school.."

"I don't wanna talk to you."

Morrigan bites her cheek.."Well that's too bad because this silent treatment needs to stop."

Elinor huffs, pouting as she crosses her arms.."You just lie to me so I don't wanna talk!"

Morrigan softens, shuffling towards her daughter.."I'm sorry Sunshine but I'm just trying to protect you."

Angry green eyes meet her mothers.."You always said lying is wrong! You said we shouldn't hurt people and just use our words, but you lied and hurt other mommy's and daddy's! You hurt Snow and David! They're heroes and your a villain!"

Morrigan deflates, all of her confidence shattering, what was I thinking trying to be a mother..I should have just let her be happy with Kelly..

There's a sudden squeak, the bedroom door opening but Morrigan is oblivious. Elinor glances over before scuttling across the bed and launches herself into Regina's legs. Both mother and daughter cry silently, Morrigan quickly wiping a stray tear from her cheek and refusing to look at the bodies behind.

Regina frowns weakly, running a hand through a mass of ebony hair and staring at Morrigans hunched shoulders, I heard enough and this has to stop..I know its difficult for Elinor to understand but her mother isn't a monster..

"Elinor your mother isn't a Villain, not anymore. Shes done nothing but try to make up for her past darkness and many have forgiven her for the things she did in the Enchanted Forest."

Sparking green eyes slide up, Regina holding her gaze firmly.

"She loves you more than anything in this world and did some bad things because she thought she lost you."

"Regina its okay.." Morrigan stands, wiping her face and approaches them stoically.."I know what I did and my past will always be there to remind me of who I am." She crouches down to her daughters eye level.."I don't like lying to you sunshine but I''m doing it to protect you. I promise when your older I will tell you everything but right now, I need you to trust me. I love you Ellie and I will do anything to protect you, even if that means being a Villain."

Elinor looks at her mother uncertain before glancing up at a doleful Regina. The girl seems uncertain, hovering in Regina's arms before the mayors gentle hand carefully pushes her towards her mother.

There's a pause before Elinor launches herself into her mothers arms and Morrigan holds on tight, I hope with time we can get passed this..I know it wont be easy but I have to try and be patient..I owe her that much..

"Why don't you go play in the garden before dinner."

"Or Serra and Maya are downstairs reading, perhaps Serra can read to you for a while." Regina adds with a small smile.

Elinor nods, wiping her eyes and pulling back from the hug.."Okay. Can I watch TV after dinner?"

"Yes but only if all of your homework is done. School will be reopening in the morning so it will be an early night tonight, no exceptions."

"Okay Gina."

Elinor quickly grabs her sketchpad and coloring pencils before slipping passed Regina and heading downstairs.

When Elinor's footsteps fade, Morrigan cant hold herself up any longer and collapses onto her knees, silent sobs muffled into her hands. Regina quickly wraps her love in her arms, pulling the other woman in close.

"Shes still so young Morrigan. Like Henry was at her age, she only sees heroes and Villains, she doesn't understand there's an in between. She loves you so don't let this get to you."

"She thinks I'm a monster Regina, she hates me."

"No she doesn't, shes confused, she thinks that just because you hurt someone, that makes you bad. Your not bad Morrigan and one day she'll truly understand what that word means. Now come on, why don't you have a shower and I'll make dinner."

Morrigan sniffles, Regina helping the woman to her feet and kissing her on the forehead.

"Come down when your ready okay?"

Morrigan nods weakly, Regina cupping her cheek and wiping away her tears.

"I love you and your family loves you, never forget that my love."

"I love you to."

Regina steals a small kiss, stroking Morrigans face before heading off downstairs to make dinner, I didn't expect to walk into this when I returned home, but I'm glad Morrigan didn't bottle up her emotions this time..Its just like with me with Henry before the curse was broken, he only saw good and Evil, never thought there was a space in between..Everything Morrigan has done has been for her daughter, and on the occasion, to benefit my revenge in some way..One day Elinor will learn the truth, but thankfully that will be a very long time from now..I hope..


"Morrigan?"

Morrigan startles, eyes quickly drawn to Regina as the woman stands at the backdoor to the garden. After a fairly quiet dinner, Elinor, Serra and Maya had gone with Henry to the park to try and take Ellie's mind of this mornings talk. Morrigan wasn't best pleased with letting the girls stray out on their own, but seeing as the Snow Queen is gone and everyone knows who the children belong to, they would be safe enough to go to a public place not far away from the mansion.

She had been moping when the children left, knowing full well its irritating Regina, but she cant help all the negative thoughts dancing around her thoughts. The fact that ever since they returned to Storybrooke, Elinor's becoming less and less happy makes her think its her fault. She constantly keeps throwing herself in harms way and telling herself its for her daughter. But Regina was right, she has a family now and they have to come first..But isn't that what shes doing?..

Regina heads over, two cups of hot coco in her hands and a blanket draped over her shoulder. She hands Morrigan a cup, sits down on the bench beside the younger woman and casts the blanket over their knees, shes been sulking all day, but this time I don't hold it against her..Its not easy hearing your own child say your a monster..

Morrigan grins.."Hot coco? Your drinking something full of sugar? Whats the occasion?"

Regina's raises an amused eyebrow.."No occasion, and mines made with low calorie milk."

Morrigan chuckles, taking a sip of her drink but her smile soon fades. Regina quickly takes note and places a gentle hand on the woman's thigh.

"I know this must be difficult Morrigan, but with time, everything will go back to how it was."

"I don't think its that simple. Shes only seen a glimpse of who I used to be and look how shes reacted. What happens when she finds out about how I became the dark knight? And what about Kelly? She still hasn't woken up yet and I still haven't told Ellie about her...I don't know what I'm doing."

Regina cuddles in closer to her downhearted love.."Parenting isn't easy but your a wonderful mother and you've raised an exceptional little girl. Elinor has your heart and your temper so she will get like this from time to time, but she will forgive you Morrigan because your her mother. When the curse was breaking, I felt exactly how your feeling. Henry wouldn't talk to me, he called me Evil and on the occasion, said I wasn't his real mother. It killed me every time he pushed me away, but over time he came to accept me for who I am and for what I did. Elinor will accept all of you some day, but you have to let her come to you sometimes, and don't push."

Morrigan lays her head on Regina's shoulder, the older woman's cheek resting against her crown.."Thanks for the speech."

Regina chuckles and places a kiss on raven hair.."Anytime dear. But there was actually something else I wanted to talk to you about."

"Oh?"

"Yes. It seems we've found a doorway to Elsa and Anna's realm. It appeared in the sorcerers mansion."

Morrigan frowns, lifting her head from Regina's shoulder.."Sorcerers mansion?"

"Its down by the lake and seems to have a secret room with dozens of books on magic. Gold also assures us inside it has a gateway to Arendale. They're leaving in a couple of hours and Elsa asked you be there to say their farewells."

"Yeah course.." Morrigan scrutinizes the hesitant look in whiskey eyes and frowns slightly.."But that's not all is it?"

Regina sighs weakly, fiddling with the handle on her mug.."While I was at the station, Elsa and her sister were there. They...They know where the girls came from."

Green eyes widen.."What? Where?"

"There are Islands in the southern region of Arendale where the suns constant and the land is lush. I mentioned the Island of waves to Elsa and she said it was the most Northern of the Islands. Seen as Elsa is returning back to Arendale, she offered to take the girls back home.."

Morrigans smile slips a fraction, they're going home?..

"I've already asked the girls what they want to do and they said they would think about it. But if they do want to leave.."

"Its okay, I promised a long time ago I'd get them home. I guess now they have the opportunity, I wont keep that from them because I doubt there will be another portal to Arendale anytime soon."

Regina smiles weakly, I know this will be hitting her hard..She cares for the girls more deeply than she likes to admit..Her sons voice suddenly echos from within the mayoral mansion.

"Mom we're home! But Elinor's all dirty cause she kept rolling down the hill when I told her not too!"

"Its only 'cause Henry dared me too!"

The women chuckle, the patter of frantic feet chasing each other disturbing their moment.

"You finish your coco, I'll get Elinor cleaned up."

Regina begins sliding out from under the blanket but Morrigan tries to follow.."Its okay I can.."

"No.." Regina pushes the woman back to the bench with a light thud.."Drink. I can take care of the children."

Morrigan smiles weakly, claiming a gentle kiss from red lips.."Thanks. I'll be in soon."

With a firm nod, Regina heads back inside and leaves Morrigan to her thoughts, I'm so happy that girls can finally go home but..A part of me doesn't want them to..I know that sounds selfish, their own families will probably be mourning their loss, but they're both part of my family now..Morrigan sighs weakly, looking into the chocolaty abyss of her drink, Looks like today is about to get even more difficult for me..


Green eyes sweep the area of musky old books and old weathered furniture before landing on the group ahead of her, Regina wasn't kidding, this mansion is huge!..There could be hundreds of secret rooms in here..She scrunches her nose, frowning a little, it smells of old laundry in here..

"So this is it.."

Elsa takes a step forward into the old mansions foyer, a large oak door with intricate carvings standing on its own in the middle of the room.

Emma smiles weakly.."It appears so."

Anna whirls, a little over excited.."Thank you for taking such good care of my sister."

"Its kinda what we do."

Mary Margret and David step forward smiling.."Its our pleasure."

Regina hangs back, watching how all attention settles on a gloomy Morrigan and a fidgeting Serra and Maya, I think I know what their answer is..I thought it wise Elinor and Henry said their goodbyes earlier just encase the girls wouldn't be coming back to the mansion..I just hope Morrigan can see the positive out of this..She's been incredible looking after them but I suspect she wont see that..From her daughter to the Snow Queen to this, I may need to be her crutch for a while..Shes always been there for me so its time I returned the favor..

Morrigan clears her throat, facing the two nervous girls.."So..Are you guys going with Elsa or are you coming back to Granny's for a grilled cheese?"

She chuckles weakly, her arms crossing as to shield herself from their answer.

Serra looks to her sister, Maya looking down solemn as the older of the two steps forward.

"We must return to Eiland Golwe Morrigan. Our tribe need us and I fear our absence may have sparked war between the clans."

Morrigan frowns weakly.."War?"

"Yes. I did not tell you because I thought it not matter at the time. We are chieftains daughters and are born to lead."

"You mean your princesses?"

Serra smiles weakly.."Of sorts yes.." She slowly raises her hand, cupping Morrigans cheek, "You have saved us and loved us like no other and we will never forget you Morrigan."

Glassy green eyes slip shut as Serra buries herself in Morrigans arms. After a beat, the young woman pulls back, a hand still laying atop Morrigans heart.

"Morrigan, Regina, Ellie..Family."

Morrigan nods weakly, a lone tear quickly wiped away before Maya steps froward a little nervously. The younger woman hugs her tight before pulling away and standing next to her sister.

"Oh, before you go.."

In a swirl of burgundy smoke, Sir Bearsly and Belle's language book appears in Morrigans hands. She passes them over and smiles weakly.

Regina steps forward, hugging the girls and flashing them a genuine smile.."Keep up your studies Serra. Your a very bright girl and Id hate to see your talent go to waste."

Serra smiles brightly.."Thank you Regina..For everything."

"Your welcome dear."

After a pause Mary Margret refocuses attention.."Now, don't you all have a kingdom to save?"

Anna smirks.."We sure do. I hope Hanz isn't too comfortable on that throne because I'm gonna knock him right off the minute we get back."

Kristoff steps forward.."And the second we get back, maybe we could get married?..Just a thought."

They chuckle, Elsa's crystal blue eyes finding Morrigan and she smiles, grabbing one of the woman's hands.."I cant thank you enough Morrigan."

Morrigan shrugs.."I didn't do anything. And I seem to recall threatening you on a number of occasions."

"That was your inner darkness threatening me so I know better. Take care of your family, and I'll make sure Serra and Maya get home safely."

"Thank you."

Elsa squeezes her hand before quickly pulling her into a hug. Surprised at the sudden move, Morrigan chuckles, patting the blond on the back.

"And Emma.." Elsa grabs Emma's hand.."You did so much and I can never repay you."

Both blonds hug as the door to Arendale is slowly opened.

"Its time. Please thank Hook and Mr Gold for us as well."

With one final smile at the faces around them, Elsa, Anna and Kristoff disappear through the door and through the portal.

Morrigan pauses, watching as Maya waves a little and walks through after the trio. Serra pauses, turning back at the threshold and smiles weakly as Morrigan stares crestfallen.

Serra places a hand over her heart, lowering her head weakly as Regina wraps an arm around Morrigans waist. Regina nods, mimicking the younger woman before Serra steps back and disappears into the portal.

The door slams shut on its own and slowly disappears into millions of sparkles, leaving the group to stare at the now empty foyer.

Morrigan releases a shaky breath, the arm around her squeezing lightly before she slips from Regina's hold and heads for the exit, I need to clear my head..today has been brutal and I cant cope with all this emotional shit..

"Morrigan?"

Emma tries to grab the woman's arm before she escapes but Regina stops her.

"Let her go Miss Swan. She'll be alright once shes had some time to think."

Mary Margret frowns.."Shouldn't she be with her family?"

"Considering shes just lost two people, I think a little space is what she needs right now. Besides, when she does come back, we'll be here waiting for her."

Regina watches her true love disappear from view, the door to the mansion closing and the end to a very trying day almost over, I'll be waiting for you my love..No matter how long it takes for you to realize your a good person with a family that loves you..Perhaps tonight I will show you just that..


Its pitch black by the time the mansions door is opened and locked behind a weary Morrigan. Shes been out into the woods again and had wandered to where her old grave used to be, Regina thankfully had that tombstone taken care of..I'm glad because it felt like a pre destiny thing..She sighs, kicking off her muddy boots at the door and hanging her coat on the rack, the girls will probably be asleep by now..She pauses remembering Serra and Maya's departure. Her shoulders sag and inch, her features slack, I hope they're okay..Elsa did promise to see them home safely..

Morrigan paces into the darkened kitchen and routes around in the fridge, I'm a bit peckish..She spots a generous piece of steak with garlic potatoes and broccoli on a plate, but her stomach protests, I love you Regina but I don't want anything big, even though I haven't eaten today..God she'll kill me when she sees I haven't eaten it..Instead she grabs a couple of strawberries and stuffs them into her mouth, need to be quiet, I don't want to wake anyone..

Morrigan paces up the staircase, looking in on a slumbering Henry before checking on her daughter. She gently pushes the door open, the unicorn nightlight lighting the room a subtle blue and white as she makes her way over to the small sleeping bundle in bed. Gently Morrigan slides onto the sheets, running her hand through her daughters ebony hair and smiles weakly when Elinor hums lightly, she and Regina are my everything..If I lost either one I don't think I could pull myself back together again..Today has been an emotional roller coaster but tomorrow will be better, it has to be..

Morrigan kisses Elinor softly on the forehead and subtly makes her way out of the room. Rubbing her aching neck and spotting a low light from under the door, Morrigan quietly heads into hers and Regina's bedroom but notes Regina's absence. She closes the door, hearing the toilet flush and sits on the bed. Green eyes spot the time on the alarm clock and she frowns a little, crap, its twenty passed twelve!..I didn't know it was so late..I'm actually surprised Regina's still up, shes got work tomorrow..I'm glad the town decided to give her back her old job as mayor..No offense to Mary Margret but Regina does it ten times better..She begins taking off her shirt as the door to the bathroom opens and the light is flicked off.

Regina leans against the doorway, staring at Morrigans back as she cocks a sculpted eyebrow, well shes massively late as usual but I'm still doing this..Regina quietly slunks over, Morrigan oblivious to what the former Queen is wearing. There's a dip on the bed, Regina sliding up behind Morrigans semi naked torso as she begins massaging the woman's shoulders.

"How are you feeling?"

"Still a little crappy but I'll get over it. At least the girls are safe, that's all that matters."

Regina hums, unclipping Morrigans bra and sliding it down the woman's shoulders.."Its going to take time Morrigan, don't just bottle everything up. You can always talk to me, I'll always be here."

"I know."

Regina gently pushes Morrigan to stand and pulls her around.

Morrigan mouth flops open, her eyes wide at the smirking Queen. She swallows harshly, her gaze falling from a crimson laced bra to matching panties. But its the black suspenders and classy heels that has her stomach whirling and heart pounding.

Regina lets the younger woman take her in, noting how green eyes linger on her suspenders and red lacy panties. Slowly Regina unbuttons Morrigans jeans and they're guided down toned legs. She guides Morrigan forward onto the bed and begins nipping at the space between pale breasts below.

Morrigan groans weakly, an arm gently wrapping around the slender Queens waist. Green eyes slip shut, the feel of Regina's tongue dancing around her skin has her worries drifting away.

Regina feels the tense body under her molding gradually into the bed and so, she prompts Morrigan to lay on her stomach. The younger woman does so without protest and moans when soft hands begin rubbing at her sore muscles.

She needs this as much as I do..With the Snow Queen gone we can finally get back to some form of normality..I have my job back, Morrigan has Ellie in preschool and Henry is still focused on Operation Mongoose..Which reminds me, I need to get an update from him..With the whole shattered sight and Snow Queen, we've not had much time to find the author..

"Regina?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you think Serra and Maya made it home?"

Regina pauses, her hands still pressed to the knotted muscle in Morrigans back. Slowly she leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss to the woman's shoulder.."I'm certain they did. Elsa would have kept her word and got them home safely."

Morrigan frowns, smirking slightly as she glances back at the woman on top of her.."Did you just finally call her Elsa?"

Regina's eyebrow cocks.."Maybe I did."

Morrigan chuckles, her head flopping back to the pillows.."Your damn pride is unbelievable woman."

"Hmm..Maybe so but I am a Queen, and I do need to keep up appearances in front of the lessers. I cant have them thinking I'm going soft now can I?"

Morrigan peers back finding a purple hint in mischievous whiskey eyes. Soon the familiar touch of magic pins her to the mattress and she grins.."Then why doesn't her majesty show me how tough she really is?"

Regina's eyes flare a vivid purple, a devilish sneer sliding onto flawless features.."Tough it is, my dear."