The New Village
A short walk from the new inn's entrance, stood two large oak-beamed buildings, one-day-old like nearly everything else in the brand new village. A small group stood watching, as Robin, Rumpelstiltskin, Tinker Bell & Merlin stood at each of the corners of the largest building, Robin & Rumple within sight of Merlin, arms wide, as he shouted instructions to all three.
"Okay! As per the spell, and on my mark! Three, two, one, proceed!" he yelled.
Within moments, a bright golden octarine glow appeared, emanating from all eight hands, linking to the person at the opposite corner left and right, forming a ring of light around the building's perimeter. "And up slowly, please?" the Sorcerer called. As the four raised their arms up, the piercing light ring moved up the side of the building, to the roof and above it, before creeping together in a mass and meeting above the roof, before the circle grew smaller and smaller above it, before, with a final bright flash, it disappeared. As he stood back to survey his work, Merlin bellowed to someone inside the building.
"Jefferson? We're done! All okay in there?"
A voice from within shouted back. "Yup, all done! Any second now!" Moments later, an octarine light flew out of all the building's windows and doors, rising up to form a second seal within the round dome, its light mixing with earlier magic. "That should do it! Who's going to be the guinea pig?" he called, as he appeared at a front door.
Hearing all the shouting, Emma and the others walked from the pub, wondering what going on, to see her wife standing close to Robin's side, when she saw an old friend. "Jefferson? What are you doing here?"
The Hatter smiled, surprised to see her. "Oh, hi Emma!" he said, walking to join her and giving her a brief hug. "What do you think?"
"About what? I saw the light. What did you just do in there?"
Merlin appeared beside her. "It's a sanctuary, Emma. A place safe from magic. These two buildings are going to be a hospital and a safe meeting place for all."
"Safe from magic? How?" asked Regina, joining her wife.
"By using old and combined magic. Rumple assisted me on the dark magic side, Robin for the light, and Tinker Bell for the fairy magic. I supplied the ancient and Mr. Hatter here provided the rather clever means of collecting magic in one of his devices. I merely brought everything together. Rather than explaining, why don't you come inside? Jeff, I'll be your 'guinea pig', as you so delicately put it." He raised his arm, indicating his wish for the former mayor to join him. As Regina stepped forward, she felt a hand close around hers. "If you're going in, so am I." whispered Emma.
"Everyone's perfectly safe, I assure you!" said the Sorcerer, leading the gathering group inside. As they entered, most gasped when they saw the wide dome, huge vaulted ceilings and staircase inside, completely out of all proportion with the large, but not enormous, building outside.
"How the hell is this possible?" said Emma, looking up, astonished at the sheer scale. If this is the reception, how big is the rest of the place?
Merlin laughed. "I learned a few things from a fellow time traveller, as it happens. Very interesting chap from another realm. Had an odd device he used to travel in. An old British police box on the outside but quite a large flying craft on the inside!"
"The TARDIS? Doctor Who! You know Doctor Who?" shouted Roland, appearing from nowhere. "He's real? What's his name?"
"Real enough, young Locksley," he resting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Though he was just known as The Doctor when I met him. He never actually told me his name."
As the boy gazed at Merlin in awe, Rumplestiltskin stepped to Regina's side. "Now then, dearie, try performing a simple spell. A fireball, perhaps? Perhaps your irritating wife wants to try?"
Regina bristled, trying to ignore the barb, stretching out her hand to create a fireball. Nothing. Not a flicker. Not a hint of magic. Emma focused too, trying to lift a vase of flowers on the reception desk. Nothing. "Ok, very impressive, she said, "Now give me back my magic!"
"It hasn't been taken away," said Jefferson. 'It's been neutralised. Magic in here has been completely cancelled, the same as outside the town line. When you walk out, everything will go back to normal."
"It's brilliant," said Roland. "Everyone becomes equal! People with magic can't control people without it in here." He tried to avoid Emma and Regina's questioning gaze as another large hand rested on his other shoulder. "You're right, my boy. And as well as being a hospital and clinic, it's where everyone can head to in times of emergency," said Robin, pulling the boys head to his chest. "Merlin tells me that if anyone were to enter here with a cloaking spell," he looked at Regina who knew he was referring to her sister, "it would show up immediately and they wouldn't detect anything as they entered."
Emma looked wistful. "Brilliant. If we had this six few years ago, we could have stopped Zelena before…" she stopped, looking at Rumple, who answered for her. "Before she went on to murder my son?"
Robin saw where the conversation was heading so decided to cut things short. "Well then, ladies and gentlemen, we've built the building and the means to protect it. Now I have no idea how we equip and stock, let alone run a hospital, so we need help!" He looked at Merlin's daughter as she sported a smug grin.
"Already ahead of you, Robin. Dad and I have a lorry load of gear and reinforcements coming later today!" she smirked at her father.
Merlin smiled back. "Oh, she's coming herself then?" Anna nodded.
Half an hour later, Robin stood next to his soulmate as they surveyed the new hospital. Regina, still annoyed at Emma, had sent her off to wake Honour and Alex and make sure they got breakfast. Roland was a short distance away, organising a small group of forest children in some sort of game involving hoops and a football. She couldn't contain a smile as she saw how easily he led them, with no effort, just natural charm. Several younger girls, none older than eight, stayed close, looking at him as though he hung the moon. "So like his father." The words came out accidentally and she blushed, realising she'd said it out loud. This was the first time the two had been alone since they talked last night, after which they'd enjoyed the most amazing sex, with Emma, only hours ago.
Robin forced a smile. "Thanks, though I think he's more like Marian. She always had such a wonderful way with everyone. She had fire, but rarely used it unless she really needed to. I don't remember her having an enemy anywhere. I see so much of her in him now…" He looked wistfully at the curly haired young man. "I've missed so much, Gina. Five years! My boy, my girls…"
Now Regina realised why he looked so glum, seeing his reddening eyes. The loss of what might have been; losing his children's early years. "That's my fault, Robin. Mine, and Zelena's. I'm so sorry."
He turned slowly to stare into those expressive brown eyes. The eyes that had so captivated him. His hands rose to lay on her shoulders. "Don't compare yourself to that…woman. I pushed myself in front of you to protect you, and I'd have no hesitation in doing it again. I did it because I loved you. I still do..." the last words barely a whisper.
Regina could no longer look him in the face, staring at the floor, feeling shame. "I love you too, Robin. I won't deny it. Emma's right. You sacrificed too much for me. I never deserved that."
"Nonsense! You've always deserved more, and now you have her. She's a good person, and you deserve each other; even though it's hard for me to see you together. I just want you to be happy."
She buried her head in his chest, not caring who saw. "I'm not sure I can ever be truly happy again, without you in my life," she whispered, pulling herself against him. "I love her, I really do. And I so don't want to hurt her. But this…" she snuggled in. "I've missed you so very much!"
"As have I, my love. Last night was just a reminder of what we had. Though it was…different!"
"It was wonderful, but I'm sorry Emma ruined it…after. I'm sorry for how she treated you. I should have said something."
"Water under the bridge, my love! Don't blame her, she's just feeling defensive, and who can blame her? Last night was wonderful, but I'm sure she doesn't want it leading to something more permanent. She's your wife, Gina; Henry's mother, and a very good one at that! She's feeling insecure, and even though she's sort of allowed me back into your life, this must be incredibly hard for her. She's also had to face Killian as well."
She sighed deeply. "True. But me being here…with you…has only made it worse."
"It's strange. She talked about sharing you with me. I heard the words, but I sensed her pain! Using these weird powers Zeus gave me, I accidently read her thoughts. Merlin showed me how to block them, and I've apologised, but I hate the thought she feels violated. I need to talk to her again, perhaps alone. Leaving aside what's happened, I'd like to get to know her properly. I know David fairly well, and Henry I regard as one of my own. But Emma…"
"I agree. I think you should ask her out."
Robin smirked. "Are you ssuggesting I ask your wife out on a date?"
"Why not? Robin, the three of us slept together last night! We shared each other. Intimately. I could hardly object to my two loves wanting to get to know each other a little better now, could I?"
"I'm not sure Emma sees it that way! Or if she is willing to even see me…"
"She will. I love her with my whole heart. It hurts me that I'm the cause of the friction. I would love nothing more than you to become friends. To see you both get along."
Emma had made her way back into the pub, climbing the staircase towards Honour's room. As she reached the landing and turned a corner, she spotted a tall, dark, familiar figure stepping out from one of the bedrooms, talking to someone, a woman, laughing. What the hell's he still doing here? Was he staying over? She stepped quickly back around the corner, so not to be seen.What the hell am I hiding from? We're not together! Hearing him laugh too, she couldn't help herself, peeking around the corner to see just who he was talking to! A tall brunette stepped into his arms, and they embraced briefly. But her jaw dropped when he tilted his head, to give the woman an, albeit quick, kiss on the lips. Then he drew back to reveal the woman's face, Dorothy!
What the hell? She's just got engaged last night! In front of him? What about Ruby? How could she do this to her? How could he? After all he said last night. What a fucking hypocrite!
She was just about to walk over and give them a piece of her mind, when a third figure came out onto the landing. Ruby. The statuesque woman seemed oblivious to their hug. Instead, the wolf brought her hands up either side of the pirate's cheek, before placing her own kiss on his lips, just as Dorothy had done, whispering something only heard by the three of them, and all chuckling.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Emma stepped back around the corner, in full view, walking across to the trio. "Hi," she muttered self-consciously, stumbling in to their private conversation. "Killian. I thought you'd left?"
"You thought wrong," he replied, stepping back from Dorothy and Ruby.
"What are you even doing here?" The question came out harsher than intended.
"What business is it of yours, Swan?" he challenged, his voice noticeably cooler.
"Er…none, I guess. Sorry. I just…"
"Killian came up to give us some help with something," Dorothy intoned breezily.
"Aye, well it was a pleasure. Ladies, if you'll excuse me…" he winked, raising their hands. "I'll make the arrangements." And with that he kissed each of the engaged couple's left hands, both now adorned with his mother's gifted rings. "Friday morning it is! See you on the Jolly at ten." He turned, brushing past Emma, without a word.
Dorothy and Ruby saw her crestfallen face, as the man walked away without turning back. Dorothy tried to distract her from the snub. "Killian's arranging the wedding for us, on the Jolly on Friday morning! As a former Royal Naval Captain, he's allowed to officiate. So, we're going to do it before he leaves on Saturday. Emma…would you be my Matron of Honour?"
"Your what? Um…yes, of course," The blonde responded, honoured but still reeling from the snub. "Rubes, look, I'm sorry I upset you earlier. You know, about Whale and Robin's cousin? I don't know why I said it. My mouth just seems to run away from me these days."
"It's okay, Emma, it's forgotten. Just know that Victor's very different to how your family think. He's been a good friend to Dot and me, and he's helped a lot of people here. Just cut him some slack, cause you won't make any friends in the forest by slagging him off."
"And Carrie's been keen on him for a little while now," added Dorothy, "He's smitten too, but around her he's too damned shy to do something about it."
Emma listened with a half-hearted smile, her mind still on Killian's coldness towards her. She couldn't blame him. For him, three weeks ago they were in the Underworld declaring their eternal love.Except it wasn't three weeks to her, it was five years. Five years in which she'd battled depression, lost her mind, her self-respect as a saviour, her job and the respect of all those around her. Five years in which she was no longer the saviour but needed to be saved. By Henry, by her mother and father, by Archie and finally by the last person she imagined. Regina. She'd moved on. But he hadn't. Or had he?
Seeing the look on Emma's face, Dorothy couldn't help herself. Thinking of what had happened this morning in her bedroom with the former pirate, she had to know the answer. "Emma, I'm sorry to ask but, do you still have feelings for Killian?"
"What? Why? Do you…? No, of course not! It's just a little difficult, seeing him back again…"
"Okay," said Ruby, not altogether convinced. "Anyway…about the wedding. I'm asking Snow to be my Matron of Honour. You think Regina will mind if I asked Roland and Honour to be our page and bridesmaid?"
"No, she'll be delighted. Honnie loves dressing up."
"Well that's sorted," said Dorothy, cheeks a little flushed. "Thanks. We'd better be off too." Emma's super sense could tell she was definitely covering upsomething. The way the two of them had been fawning over Killian moments earlier had been odd. "Okay, I'll see you around. I need to get Honnie up…" she walked away, anxious not to talk further.
SHE knocked softly on a bedroom door, and within seconds, Ashley opened it. "Morning, Emma! Honnie's up already, and Alex is with her in the bathroom," she said before turning to the inner door. "Girls, are you nearly finished in there? Emma's here for you, Honnie!"
A minute later, Honour appeared, scrubbed and ready. "Emmie! Can we go see papa now?"
Emma hid her frustration. She had been living with Regina for over two years, married for one, yet Honour and Roland continued to call her by her first name, even though Regina kept referring to her as Mummy in front of them. Yet within a day of Robin returning, she called him papa or daddy and clearly adored him. She understood why. He was the father she never knew, until now. The hero she'd heard Henry tell stories about. And, yes, even though she found it hard to admit, he was basically a very nice, decent guy. A nice guy who her wife's in love with and fucks like a racehorse!
"Well, we'll see. Let's take you down to see mum first. I don't know what we have planned-" she was interrupted by the apparent low rumbling sound of a large engine outside. Going to the window to look out, she was astonished to see an enormous military-looking articulated truck pull up outside the pub forecourt, its loud air brakes hissing as it stopped. "What the fuck?" she cursed herself for cursing, as the two girls and the other mother joined her at the window to see the commotion. "How the hell did something that big get into the forest?" gasped Ella.
"I have absolutely no idea," muttered Emma. She spotted Regina standing on the lawn, her arm linked in Hood's, as they made their way over the front of the truck. "Though we're going down to find out," her old police instincts kicked in. "Come on, Honnie, let's see what's going on?"
Outside, as people started gathering around it, the passenger door of the huge vehicle opened, and a recognisable figure stepped down from the cab, her face a beaming smile. "Blue? What on earth do you think you're doing?" called Regina, glaring at the fairy. Robin merely smiled up at her, happy to see the arrival.
The head of the fairies ignored her tone. She had never been a fan. "Helping Rosalind get here, of course. Someone had to get her over the border and show her the way!" she bit back.
"Rosalind? Rosalind who?" she growled back. "Don't you know how dangerous it is to let just anybody into Storybrooke? You could've put people in danger!" She stopped as the driver door opened, and another figure stepped down from the cab.
Looking up, Regina first saw the long bare legs, and dark brown hair, of a tall figure stepping down. As her feet touched the ground, the stranger turned to face them, turning to offer a hand to Robin. "Hello handsome! I'm Rosalind Sage, but you can call me Rosie. I've brought you a hospital!" the woman's crisp English accent was instantly noticeable. Robin stepped forward, taking her hand and, instead of shaking it, turned it to place a small kiss, a peck, on the back of it in a show of respect. "Hello Rosie, I'm delighted to meet you. Robin Hood, at your service!"
Rosie giggled at the peck. "Ooh, handsome AND a gentlemen? Well, that makes a nice change…wait…what? Hold on…" she paused, realising what he'd said. "THE Robin Hood? Like, bows and arrows? Stealing from the rich? Merry Men? Sherwood? Maid Marion? You've gotta be kidding me? Reul?" she said, turning to Blue,looking like a star struck teenager.
It was Blue's turn to chuckle. "Yes, Rosie, this is the real Robin Hood. Robin of Locksley, to be precise."
"Well, I'll be buggered!" she said, in mild shock.
"I hope not, milady, it would rather ruin your visit!" he countered. "Merlin's family will always be welcome here." Feeling a squeeze on his arm, he turned to see Regina looking oddly at the woman.
She studied her. She was truly stunning, with a face and figure Hollywood casting agents would die for, and she could now see the resemblance to her blonde sister. It was in the eyes and the smile. Regina herself was widely regarded by all as beautiful, but this young woman seemed, to Regina, to be in a different league entirely. She could see the resemblance to her father, but her mother must have been breath-taking to sire such beautiful daughters.
Robin sensed her sudden nerves. "Rosie, may I introduce my…my close friend Regina Swan-Mills, the former Mayor, and creator of Storybrooke."
Just as Rosie had so easily flirted with Robin, now she turned her attention to the brunette woman on his arm. "Hello Miss Swan-Mills. It's lovely to meet you too," she said, shaking the offered hand. "Sorry, but I've been driving in the cab for the last six hours, so I'm a bit hot and smelly. Frankly, I feel a little intimidated standing near someone as lovely as you!"
Regina reddened slightly at the compliment. 'Nonsense. I was thinking the same thing about you!" she admitted, her mouth slightly running away with her as she shook hands with the woman. "I see the family resemblance. Your father's handsome, but your mother must be something else." As she did, she saw to her side, Emma joining the little group, Honour to her left and clearly having heard them. Robin intervened. "And this lady here…" he pointing to the Saviour, "Is Mrs. Emma Swan-Mills, Regina's wife."
"Oh…OH!" said Rosie, clearly having assumed Regina was with Robin. "I just thought…"
"Daddy?" yelled Honour. "Who's the lady?" the little girl interrupted.
"This, my darling," Robin said, picking her up, "is Rosie, Annabelle's sister. She's driven all the way from New York to bring us things for our hospital. Rosie, this is Honour, our little girl." He said, looking at Regina with a smile. That brought a confused look from Rosie, which he tried to ignore. She'd already noticed Emma's defensive posture, moving closer to Regina.
"Anna's sissie?" Honour said excitedly. Merlin's daughter had been playing with her yesterday.
"Oh, you're gorgeous! Yes, my lovely, Anna's my baby sister. Is she here by any chance?" she tickled her under the chin.
The little blonde nodded, smiling broadly. "She's inna pub!" she shouted, pointed at the inn.
"Hmm – in the pub? No change there then!" she replied, to which everyone laughed.
Emma had noticed the flirtatious look the stunning brunette had given Regina, and didn't like it. "So, what's in the truck, to bring you all the way from New York, then?" she asked, a little more forcefully then intended.
"Medical supplies for our new clinic, Emma," said Robin, answering for her. "Beds, furniture, machines, lots of medicines and all sorts of medical equipment I know nothing about. Merlin organised it, Rosie drove it here, and her family are going to help us install it!" He sounded delighted. "Rosie, how can I thank you?"
Looking up at the sign in front of the building. "Well, Mister 'Prince of Thieves', you could buy me a drink for a start! It's a bit early for booze so perhaps a decent coffee? Nice looking pub, by the way. In the middle of the forest too! A walker's paradise! Let me go in first, to give my sister a little wake-up call! You're going to lead the way, Honour?"" And with that, she lifted the girl from her father, took her hand in her own and strode to the door, marching inside.
Robin watched them, chuckling to himself. "I think I'm going to like her!" he said, earning a glare from Regina, which surprised him. Was that a hint of jealousy? Emma stepped close, threading her arm through her wife's to follow them.
As they walked in, they saw Rosie, at the bar already, talking to Will Scarlet.
"So, who do I have to sleep with, to get a drink around here?" she called, grinning, to no-one in particular.
"Well, I'd love to answer that question in a way it deserves, lass!" said Will, tidying up, "though I think my girl here," he said looking over at Alice, "would not appreciate i! However, luckily for you, our newly magical Lord Locksley is picking up the tab until he discovers how much we've spent! What can I get ya?"
Before she could answer, she heard a yell from the other side of the room.
"BITCH COW! You didn't break the truck then?" came a familiar voice from the kitchen door.
"Big tits! You doing the cooking here? No wonder they need a hospital!"
The two girls ran to each other, falling into a sisterly hug, before separating. "Ooh, you stink! You need a bath, girl!" said Anna, looking at her tired older sister.
"That's what real manual work does, Anna! You should try it sometime!" The friendly banter continued, each sibling gently insulting the other as though it was a daily occurrence, completely ignorant of their audience, who were all chuckling at their sparring and jibes.
"You've put on weight! Look at those hips? A few less pies for you, my girl!" she said to the slim blonde who definitely didn't need to lose weight. Anna wasn't insulted, though women gathered nearby were shocked by the barbs, before Anna countered.
"Rosie, you know why I'm so fat? Cos every time I fuck your boyfriend, he gives me a biscuit!"
The audience, Robin included, fell about laughing, realising this was clearly a game the sisters played. So did Rosie, who continued the barrage.
"Ex-boyfriend actually! And I don't think he'd go near you, sis. He hates bouncy castles!"
"Ooh, bitch! Your arse could do with a-" to continued laughter, she was interrupted by a deep, male voice from the doorway.
"GIRLS, BEHAVE!" yelled Merlin, rolling his eyes at the publicly traded insults. "And watch your language! Children present!"
Rosie turned. "DADDY!" she yelled, running across to him, and jumping in to his arms. The cocky, self-assured woman had instantly turned into a needy young daughter at the site of her father. "I've missed you!"
Merlin laughed, taking his daughter into his arms in a warm hug. "And I you, my darling! Thanks for coming. I haven't seen you in months. How was England? And your brother and sister?"
"Charlie's flying in tomorrow and Celia said she'll join him. It's been a while since she's been anywhere with magic, so it'll do her good!"
"They're coming here too? How wonderful! We haven't all been together for ages. It'll be just like old times…" Merlin seemed genuinely delighted.
"Charles, Rosalind, Celia and Annabelle? What lovely names…" said Regina, watching them. "Were you and your wife fond of Shakespeare, Merlin?"
"Well my wife's favourite play was As You Like It! Though we named our youngest after her grandmother. One of the bravest and fairest women I ever knew. Just like my Anna."
She blushed, turning back to her sister. "Ok, fish face, let's get you hosed down! The guy's will unload the truck, so I'll show you the delights of the village before we head to Storybrooke. I've discovered a nightclub near here, and some smoking hot single guys…"
"Good. You know what they say? The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else!"
Everyone, even including Emma, laughed at that one. Everyone except Merlin. "Aargh! La la la la! Dad present! Not listening! Don't want to hear this!" he theatrically sticking his fingers in his ears. He hated hearing about his daughters' love lives. They may be adults, but he was still their father!
Robin placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. "I guess I have all this to come, my friend?"
"Sooner than you can imagine! Over the past two millennia, I've now got close to a hundred daughters, and yet they're all unique, and bloody hard work! But I feel blessed to have each and every one of them. Now, let's unload that lorry and build you a clinic."