Storybrooke
Sunday afternoon had passed peacefully enough. Robin, Merlin and the Merry Men had continued through the day, building and adding to their new small hamlet in the forest. Someone had nicknamed it Sherwood; the name stuck and now everyone in Storybrooke was talking about the new village and especially the pub in the middle of the forest, its homes, clinic and hospital.
Roland had returned to the mansion late, having spent as much time with his father as he could, though he did have school the next morning, so reluctantly came back. Honour never stopped talking about her new forest friends. About Anna, Rosie and most importantly, her daddy. While Regina had been pleased to see her little girl so happy, she couldn't help feel that, even with her wife and smaller children now all together, without Henry, it still felt like something was missing, as her eldest continued to spend his college break living with his paternal grandfather.
The following morning, Regina drove Roland to school, Emma having dropped Honour at her playgroup a little earlier. He was nearly eleven now, so didn't tend to cuddle her quite as much. Nonetheless, she smiled as he placed his usual kiss on her cheek before darting inside the main entrance. As he slipped out of sight, a figure walking out to greet her.
"Morning, Regina," The annoyingly happy and bright Snow White shouted as Roland raced past her. "How's Emma? I haven't heard from her for a while. I left her a couple of messages, but she hasn't called me back."
"She's fine. Was there anything you specifically wanted to talk to her about?"
"Not particularly, I just miss her! She's still my little girl, and David told me she's been stressed over the last few days, what with Killian and Robin returning and, well, it's bound to have been a bit of a shock for you both. I can't imagine it's been easy…"
Regina bristled at the mention of the pirate, but she knew she was being petty. She'd focused so much on Robin's return, that she hadn't really taken into consideration Emma's feelings for Hook. She would remedy that, she told herself.
"Are you coming to the EGM at the town hall tonight?" Snow asked.
"An extraordinary general meeting? Tonight? I didn't even know there was one!"
"Mayor Spencer called it. Monday nights he's usually out training that weird little army of his! But he's insisted all committee members are required to attend. I spoke to Gold, and even he's coming this time. He also suggested as many members of the public should come."
"I don't see why I should. Neither Emma nor I have a vote anymore, and would just have to watch from the gallery. Not my idea of fun! I'll probably have my feet up with a book and a glass of wine instead."
"Well Gold didn't give me any details, but he thinks it's about the new village, Robin and the Merry Men. Mayor Spencer's forcing a vote on something tonight and needs us all there."
"A meeting about Robin?" Regina was suspicious. "What's that got to do with them?"
"Well, I heard he threatened the Spencer and Sheriff Nottingham yesterday? I wasn't there, but gather it turned nasty."
"Well I was there," she growled. "Nottingham grabbed Roland, and threatened to hit him. Under the circumstances Robin was quite restrained! He shook him up, but he didn't actually harm him. If it had been me..."
"Mmm. But that's the problem with magic, isn't it? It lets you dominate and control everyone around you! Perhaps Robin needs restraining? That could be what the meeting's about."
The older woman seethed. Granted, magic had previously turned her to the darkness. And Rumplestiltskin. But Robin? "He does not need restraining! He's being coached by the greatest sorcerer that ever lived. Robin's magic is white, like your own daughter's. And your own son's, for that matter. Careful what you say about him, Snow!" She glared, harshly.
But the younger woman's expression didn't change, despite Regina's irritated response. "You see, Regina, that's the problem, right there! When anyone with magic ever gets challenged, refused, or hear something they don't like, instead of discussing it like a rational human being, they threaten!"
"I did NOT threaten you!"
"No, but you were getting close! I'd know that anger in you anywhere! Can you even hear yourself? You see Regina, that's the problem! It's too easy to choke someone, throw a fireball or make them just disappear. Most of us have to just seethe, or get angry. But after that, we just grow up and get on with it! But magic makes people do really stupid things. And Blue tells me Robin now has even greater powers than any of you, possibly even Gold! What happens if he changes? When Merlin leaves, what happens if he wants this new village of his to grow bigger? What would that mean for Storybrooke? And how could anyone stop him?"
"You know NOTHING about Robin! He isn't like that. He doesn't crave power like Spencer. Or Gold. He's always been honourable. He's…"
"The man you're still in love with..."
She said it as a matter of fact, not a question. The topic change threw her completely, not sure how to answer.
"Where the hell did that come from?"
"I know you think David and I are idiots, Regina, but we're really not! We notice, and we're worried. Worried for Emma, worried for Henry and worried for you, too! You're still so completely blindsided by Robin's return, that you can't see the bigger picture. Anyway, I'm not going to discuss this with you now, outside the school gates, but we really need to talk soon. In the meantime, come to the town hall tonight? Hoipefully, I'll see you later."
And with that, the short schoolteacher abruptly turned, heading back into the school entrance, leaving Regina mystified.
That did it! She was definitely going to the Town Hall tonight!
Monday Evening – Storybrooke Town Hall
The Public Gallery started to fill a good half hour before the 7.30 scheduled start to the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Council, requested by Mayor Spencer, the former King George.
On most occasions, the main table of eight voting councillors would be overlooked by perhaps two or three of the elder population at best, as most citizens didn't care too much for the arcane processes and procedures of running a modern town like Storybrooke. However, today was to be different. Close to one hundred and fifty members of the public showed up, squeezing into a large gallery overlooking the main chamber, and additional seating at the side, provided at very short notice, to cope with the unforeseen audience.
Regina had turned up a good hour before, having been tipped off by David that there was likely to be a crowd, so she decided to get a seat, nearer the front, early. He'd held one free chair next to him, for which she was grateful. As she sat next to him, David gave his daughter-in-law a light peck on the cheek, whispered "Evening!" and sat back to watch. He winked at his wife sitting down at the main table. Since she'd married Emma, Regina had become much closer to David, and he'd proved himself to be a loyal and supportive friend, despite her strained relationship with his wife. The former mayor was no stranger to public events, but rarely attended since she had lost the mayorship. She hated being a bystander and unable to take control of things!
At the main table sat three of Storybrooke's eight councillors. Snow, as the local headmistress, represented the education services. To her right sat Dr. Archibald Hopper, the town's psychiatrist and conscience of all. To Archie's right sat Dr. Victor Whale, the Chief Physician. Moments before the meeting was due to start, a door silently opened, and a familiar clacking noise was heard as Mr. Gold, Storybrooke's primary landowner and landlord, appeared, walking stiffly across to his seat. Finally, Philip Briar, representing the militia, appeared through the main doors, sitting down next to Gold.
Mayor Spencer, the former King George, appeared from a side entrance, flanked by the Sheriff and the Town Clerk, who acted as the Chairman, moments before the formal meeting was due to start. Looking irritable, Spencer was clearly annoyed that his impromptu meeting with the town's councillors now had a much bigger audience than anticipated. Oh well, he was a leader and used to commanding crowds, by force if necessary! He strode, self-importantly, towards the table, half expecting the audience to stand for him. I'm a king, for god's sake! he thought. Nobody stood, which just increased his irritation.
"Councillors, thank you for attending this evening at such short notice! I've called this meeting, at short notice, to agree how we deal with a problem which requires our urgent attention. Namely, the unlicensed and illegal building of a small settlement within our borders! A settlement built, by a bunch of outlaws and thieves, which we currently estimate houses around two hundred forest dwellers and vagrants!"
The throwaway insult made Victor's blood boil as he heard grumbles around him. How dare he? Vagrants? The poor people in that little settlement are worth so much more than the puffed up, self-righteous little shit! But he stayed silent, as did the others. He had his own news to deliver and he would do so in due course. However, before Spencer could continue, Rumple intervened.
"Point of Order, Mr. Chairman!"
That woke old Colin, the Town Clerk. "Erm…yes, Mr. Gold?"
"To which 'border' is the Mayor referring?"
"What?" cut in Spencer, "The border separating us from Westbrooke, the lake edge on the plan!" he said, nudging Nottingham to distribute hastily printed copies of a map. "Robin Hood has built on a patch of our forest, at the edge of the lake!"
"Mr. Chairman," Rumple spoke calmly, "as I have tried to explain to the Mayor yesterday, in slow careful sentences that even he would understand…" the audience started laughing, "…that the area of land shown here, is not, and never has been, a part of Storybrooke! It fell outside the boundary completely. It was in fact owned by myself until yesterday, and I have sold some two hundred acres of land to the Earl of Locksley. Or as you know him, Robin Hood." A few gasps were heard among the audience, most of whom knew nothing of Robin's lineage.
"He's no Earl!" growled Nottingham. "That family was stripped of the title!"
"Only by King John, who was himself an illegal usurper, until his brother King Richard returned from the campaigns. Not only does the Locksley title remain in force, but so do our borders. This land here," he stabbed at the photocopy, "…is no concern of yours! As most of you are aware, I'm also a lawyer and contracts are my speciality. This committee should also know that Lord Locksley's counsel in this matter is Professor Sir Merlin Sage, better known to most of you as The Sorcerer. His daughter, Celia Sage, is acting as Locksley's lawyer in this matter, and will be arriving in the settlement should you wish to discuss the sale."
With that, Rumple sat back, watching light slowly dawn on Spencer's face.
The man's fucked and he knows it!
"Well what about the crime issues, then? We can't have a bunch of thieves living on our doorstep! There'll be anarchy!" yelled Keith. "There's crime and basic sanitation. They live in the forest, they're bloody filthy, they're scavengers!"
Regina had heard enough. "Watch your tongue, Nottingham! I know those people and there's nothing 'filthy' about them. They're as clean as any of you - they're just poor and have to survive! A lot of them are there because of the things your idiot boss, my mother and myself have done to them in the past!"
"Point of order, Mr. Chairman!" shouted Spencer at the Clerk next to him, trying to be heard above the noise from the public gallery. "Only committee members are allowed to speak at this session! We'll have no barracking from members of the public!"
"I must agree," said the Clerk. "Mrs. Swan-Mills, members of the public, I must insist you remain silent during this session, otherwise it will closed, and continued in camera. Please be silent!"
Philip Briar, the former Prince Philip and last member of the committee, spoke for the first time. "May I speak, Mr. Chairman?"
The clerk nodded. "You have the floor, Mr. Briar. We're listening."
"Thank you. As some of you are aware, I've been in command of our military forces for the last five years. And I'm delighted to report that, apart from occasional skirmishes, we have yet to require their use, relying instead on the sheriff's department for internal matters. Nonetheless, our militia is on permanent standby, trained and ready for deployment if required."
"Yes, yes!" Interrupted Spencer, wanting to wind thing up as he was getting nowhere with his plans for the eviction of the forest dwellers. He wanted to make his second point, but this man was slowing things up. "What's that got to do with anything?"
"Mr. Chairman!" roared the young man, annoyed at the interruption. "I have waited silently and patiently, listening to this man's nonsense! Now, would you kindly invite him to shut his ignorant fucking mouth, and listen for a change, without interrupting me while I make my statement?"
The audience hushed. Nobody had ever heard the former prince, one of the calmest people in the town, shout before, and they could all see a man about to lose his shit! Regina loved it. Loved the tension and saw Aurora's husband, and soon Mulan's, in a new light. "He's got balls. I'm glad I came!" she whispered to David, who whispered back.
"He's been using them too, judging my Mulan's condition!"
Regina cracked up, lightly slapping his arm as she fell about laughing, with David cackling beside her. He looked up to see Snow glaring silently at the pair of them. Now is not the time David!
"Mr. Mayor," the Chairman intervened. "You can't ask for silence from members of the public, and not show the same courtesy to Mr. Briar! Now, please be silent until he has finished speaking. Now then, Mr. Briar, please continue…" The mayor's face was purple with rage, furious at being spoken down to not just by this young whippersnapper but by the Chairman too. I'll get you back in time, Briar. You better believe it!
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The point I was getting to, is that close to a half of all our young men and women volunteers have come from among the forest dwellers. Even several of the Merry Men regularly assist with their combat, survival and medical training. Even my wonderful fiancée, Fa Mulan, is actively engaged in their fighting skills training." He glanced over to the warrior, blushing slightly as she sat beside her other fiancée. "I never cease to be amazed by her techniques."
"Mmm, I bet. He must be exhausted!" breathed David, the latter burying her head into his shoulder to hide her giggles, earning another furious look from his wife.
"My point being," continued Philip, "that we have come to rely heavily on the people of the forest and the Merry Men for our added security. They're volunteers, not paid for, like the Sheriff and his men. I have gotten to know them these last few years and I have found them to be sincere, honest and good people. The very same people our current Mayor decided to deny a vote to these last few years! Far from trying to deny them their homes, we should be encouraging them to join in activities with us, share our facilities as they share theirs."
"I will not share my town with those bastards! Robin Hood remains a thief and a scoundrel!"
Spencer earned an angry glare from the Chairman. "I will not tell you again, Mr. Mayor!"
"I'm glad you mentioned Robin Hood, Mr. Mayor." Philip continued, "I have seen and worked with Robin and his men up close. May I remind you, that their thieving days were caused by the ridiculous taxes imposed on the poor, by those who should have known better, stripping them of their homes and dignity. They stole not for their own benefit, but in an attempt to buy food for the poorest of the Enchanted Forest. Those who had nothing…" He paused for breath as Mayor Spencer jumped up.
"I'm not listening to any more of this rubbish! Meeting adjourned!"
But as he turned to walk away, Spencer felt his entire body freeze. An invisible force turned him around, lifting him forcibly back into the chair he had just vacated. Several members of the audience gasped at the display. Rumplestiltskin smiled, standing to address the room. "Sorry about that, ladies and gentlemen! I assure you the mayor will not be harmed, though I believe he needs to sit and listen! Mr Briar has not finished speaking, and I believe there are several other councillors wishing to speak. As the Mayor insisted on dragging us all t o this meeting, he WILL show us all the courtesy of listening to other councillors' comments. So, Mr. Briar, please continue…"
"This is great, Regina! I wish these meetings were this good when you were Mayor!" whispered David. "We've got to come again. You bring the wine and I'll bring the popcorn!"
Regina kept her face down, to hide her tears of laughter. "Charming, you may be my father-in-law, but I swear to god…"
"Thank you, Mr. Gold!" Philip continued. "Now, where was I? Oh yes. After the imposition of ridiculous taxes by him and his ludicrous gopher…" he pointed dismissively at Spencer and Keith "…most of the poor fled their homes after his soldiers ransacked the villages. The only place they could go was the forest. The Merry Men fed and sheltered them. A number of years later, the Red Queen…" Regina bristled at the mention of Regina's mother, "…sought to destroy many who defied her. She attacked the community of Phalia, slaughtering most of the men and women who stood in her path. Well over a hundred were brutally murdered. So, what about the children who were left wandering in a village of dead corpses? Who helped them? Certainly no fucking Royal, that's for sure!"
Philip was fired up now, no holding back. Regina's tears of laughter had been replaced with shock at the vivid reminder of the horrible act perpetrated by her mother. Philip carried on, now turning to address the villagers, his back to the table of councillors. "You know who helped them? Again, the people of the forest, this time led by Friar Tuck! They scouted for, and took in, all the children they could find. Many of the most injured died. Though a good fifty or so live close to the Merry Men's encampment even today. So after that vile, psychotic woman destroyed so many families, at least a few were saved."
David, chastened at their impromptu history lesson, looked up at the gallery, seeing faces in shock, many nodding, some showing signs of anger at the injustice. He saw one young man, his head in his hands. David assumed that particular lesson must have been one he had personal experience of!
"Some years later, the Red Queen's daughter, the Evil Queen, carried out her own barbaric act of butchery on the village of Swaledale. Their crime? They'd sheltered Snow White, protecting her from being murdered. The villagers tried to fight back, but again the Black Knights showed no mercy, hanging their leaders and even raping their womenfolk where they stood. The Evil Queen crowed over her triumph, and even removed the heart of the village seer, a man of eighty. Older than her own father, crushing it in front of his family!"
Regina felt sick. Reminded so brutally of her past was overwhelming, and she became dizzy. David brought an arm around her in an attempt to comfort. Then he heard a recognizable voice come to her defence.
"She's no longer that woman, Philip! She's a hero now! We can't keep bringing this up! We all know about her past. She's saved so many lives since, and we have to move on. I've forgiven her!"
"Well that's good to know! YOU may have forgiven her, Snow White, but I'm telling you, most of your former 'subjects' have not! You make the mistake of thinking everything you say is taken as true by adoring subjects. But you are so wrong! She sits in a warm mansion today, and you a comfortable home, yet there are hundreds in the forest still suffering from King George, her mother and yes, even your own family's past crimes! Your own fights amongst your families have caused more harm than you can ever imagine! These are the people the Merry Men deal with every single day! Snow, you may be a symbol of goodness and light, but you truly have no comprehension of the pain and suffering your families have all caused." He paused for breath.
"I mentioned Swaledale. Well, one brave young woman smuggled two young children from under the guards' noses after their mother had been murdered in the massacre. That remarkable young woman protected them through the mountains for two whole weeks, leading them to safety. She even fought off three of the queen's knights single handed, when they tried to capture them! She eventually got them to the Merry Men for protection, and though older, the young boy and girl now live there today. That woman was captured shortly afterwards. Would you like to know her name? Marian Locksley! A true hero to the poor, just like her husband!"
The gallery was silent. A few quiet sobs were heard amongst them as memories were rekindled.
"Now I say all this, because I want you all to realise that we need the forest people a lot more than they need us! After getting to properly know them, as Doctor Whale has, I can testify that they, Robin of Locksley, and his men are the most noble, brave and honourable people I have ever had the good fortune to know. And if this committee intends to take ANY form of action against them, I will cease my duties in this town forthwith, and stand with the people of the new Sherwood. I will not allow any action to be taken against them, and will fight alongside them, if necessary!"
"As will I!" said Mulan, standing up and looking at her fiancée with love in her eyes.
"As will I!" said Aurora, standing and beaming with pride at her husband.
"As will I!" said David, standing and ignoring the annoyed glare given by his wife from below.
"As will I!" said Regina, earning a gasp from some in the gallery.
A rumble was heard from the floor and gallery, as numerous men and women now stood and pledged their allegiance to the forest dwellers. Rumple watched the wave increase with a smirk as the noise changed to a thunderous round of applause for Philip's speech. After a while it subsided, Rumple slowly standing to address the committee.
"AS WILL I!" said the Dark One, earning the loudest gasp from the room. Everyone, especially Spencer, knew what that meant! Any action now taken against the forest dwellers would be dealt with in a very different way! So, it was decided.
The Chairman quietly gulped, looking down at his papers. "Well then, ladies and gentlemen, as that matter seems to be closed, I believe Doctor Whale wishes to make a statement?" he said looking across at Victor.
"Indeed, Mister Chairman. I need to inform the committee that I will be resigning my office as Chief Surgeon at the end of the month."
"Whaat?" someone yelled from the gallery. "He's the only doctor we've got!"
"That is indeed unfortunate, Doctor Whale. May I ask where you will be going?"
"I intend to take charge of the new hospital and clinic in Sherwood." Nottingham's breath hitched at the memory of his arch enemy's old home town. "However, I will be joining Professor Sage's faculty in New York to undergo further specialist training. I will return in six months, though will be based in the forest thereafter."
"But…what'll we do without you? Is there anyone you could recommend as your replacement?" asked Colin.
"Well yes. Doctor Annabelle Sage has offered to provide her services for the next six months. Her father, a renowned surgeon, will also be available to assist for at least three of those, while on his 'sabbatical'. During that time we can also look for additional resources."
"Then, reluctantly, I wish you the very best, Victor! I'm genuinely sorry to see you go. Now does anyone have any other statements before we bring this, frankly unwarranted, meeting to a close?"
Rumple called. "Actually yes, Mr. Chairman. I wish to make a formal statement and request."
"Very well, Mr. Gold. You have the floor."
"Thank you," The Dark One rose slowly, in his old theatrical manner, with a rather devilish look in his eye. He was enjoying this - Just like old times! "Ladies and gentlemen. We've been brought her today for some rather curious reasons. It seems the Mayor here, has asked us to agree to actions against a settlement of the poor and the worthy, close to the town border. They have been soundly rejected. The Mayor, the former King George, has over the last two years acquainted himself with the trappings of office unworthy of a small town such as Storybrooke. Following his election, he appointed his own former sheriff, Keith Nottingham, to his current post and has gone on to appoint a further six deputy sheriffs, all at the expense of the taxpayer. Now, as we all know, before David Nolan's long deserved retirement three years ago, we had two deputies on the payroll plus himself. That was sufficient and had been since the time of Sheriff Swan and Sheriff Humbert. Sheriff Nottingham has instead increased his staff threefold, to no noticeable benefit. They have provided themselves with additional vehicles and even horses, again all at our expense."
Mayor Spencer was now purple with rage. If he could, he would have climbed out of the chair in which he was being held, and wring the bloody imp's neck! He couldn't even shout back, his voice being withheld. Rumple saw his discomfort. "Don't worry Mr. Mayor, you will be released shortly. I'm almost finished." Then he turned to address the gallery. "It is my belief that the last election was held under very…dubious…circumstances, Mayor Mills and Sheriff Swan at that time being, temporarily, mentally unfit for their offices at that time for personal reasons. The former King George took advantage, called an election under which the normal vote counting methods were not secured. Citing that and recent events, it is my belief that the current mayor is wholly unfit for office. Under our charter, it is within my rights as a Storybrooke Councillor, to request a vote by the Council for the current mayor to be suspended, pending investigations, and an interim one appointed while an investigation and new election is called. If at least seventy percent are in favour, suspension is immediate."
Spencer's eyes bulged. So that's what the old bastard's up to!
"So, ladies and gentlemen, all those in favour of immediate suspension, raise your hand and say 'Aye!'"
Gold, Whale, Philip and, more slowly, Snow White, all raised their hands. "Aye!" they declared. So far it was a draw. However, after a short delay, Archibald Hopper also raised his own hand. "Aye!"
Five in favour, three against. No surprise when it came to the Mayor and Keith Nottingham. But Colin? "Mr. Chairman? Colin? You haven't cast your vote yet. Are you in favour of Mr. Spencer remaining in office?" said Snow, sympathetic to his predicament.
The Chairman looked at Spencer. His son actually worked for the Mayor's estate and he knew the man would take his betrayal personally, no doubt sacking his son the same day. Nonetheless, he knew where his conscience lay. Raising his hand, he looked across at the incandescent man. "No, actually. I vote in favour of the motion. Aye."
"Three quarters of the vote in favour. Seventy five percent carried. Mr. Mayor, you are suspended pending investigations!" declared Rumple, releasing the man, and Nottingham, from their magical binds.
"You bastard, Rumpelstiltskin! You will pay for this! I'll…"
"You will do nothing! Do you understand? You attempt any form of illegal action or intimidation against anyone in this room and you will be swiftly reminded why I am also known as the Dark One!" As he said it, Gold instantly morphed into the scaly gold, black eyed figure Spencer recognised. " .clear?"
Spencer stood without another word, turning away in disgust, to leave the room without comment, followed by Nottingham .The audience in the gallery whooped and cheered, glad to see the back of two of the most hated men ever to hold office.
Snow White silently stood, waving her arms to calm things down. "Well, I guess we need to arrange an election? I'll step in again as interim Mayor, and we can start making arrangements. If you'll excuse me…"
The Chairman raised his hand. "Snow, stop! We've not decided who should be interim Mayor yet, or indeed if we even need one before an election!"
Snow sat back down, chastened. "I'm sorry, I just assumed…"
"Assumed yet another member of the Mills-White-Charming aristocracy should fill the void?" snarked Rumple. "Perhaps it would make a change if the same three families didn't control Storybook's key offices for a little while? Perhaps somebody the people could turn to for more independent rule?"
"You mean you?" Snow chided. "How on earth could you imagine that anyone would-"
"Not me, you fool! I wouldn't want the job anyway. I think the choice would be obvious." he said, looking across the table to the youngest man to his left. "After what we heard today, I think Mr. Briar would be obvious for the temporary position. Perhaps he could even be persuaded to stand for office himself?"
Philip heard cheers and applause rain from the gallery as he looked up. He certainly hadn't anticipated that! "Eh? Well I'm flattered…but I hardly think I'm worthy! I'm not sure where I would even start!"
The calm voice of Archie Hopper interrupted. "You're worthy, because you didn't ask for the role! You're worthy because you have ideals, young man, rather than just opinions. You're worthy because, without magic, you have led people in the past, people who have been prepared to risk their lives for you. You're worthy because people trust you. You're worthy because you have given to the town. I think Mr. Gold may be right. You would be an excellent candidate!" Victor, sitting next to him, nodded in agreement.
Before Philip had a chance to respond, looking up into the glistening eyes of his wife and their fiancée, Colin brought the meeting to order. "Councillors, let's make a decision. All those in favour of Mr. Briar being installed as Interim Mayor while elections are arranged, raise your hands and say 'Aye!'"
"Aye!" the five remaining councillors called, unanimous. This was swiftly followed by a loud 'Aye' from the public gallery and those seated below. Cheers erupted.
"Well then, Mr. Briar, you are duly elected!"
Tears ran down Aurora's face, hands cupped over her nose and mouth as she watched her man, their man, stand and receive congratulations from the council as other milled around him. Mulan's arms wrapped around her in a celebratory hug, neither believing what had just happened. The room slowly started to settle, as the new Mayor Philip was invited to address the room.
"Well! Ladies and Gentlemen…I'm really not sure where to start. You have completely overwhelmed me!" He was genuinely choked, his eyes reddening. "This is only a temporary role, and I'm not entirely sure I'm worthy of this honour on a more permanent basis!" There were further cheers and shouts of "Course, you are" and "We love you Phil!" amid the laughter. "But perhaps I could start by making my first mayoral decisions. Firstly, I request this council formally terminate the current Sheriff Nottingham's employment contract with immediate effect, pending investigations!" That brought a loud cheer.
"Secondly, I would like to ask the Council to declare land currently occupied by the Merry Men and their associates, as being outside Storybrooke's borders and beyond legal challenge. I ask that the Merry Men and Women be given the freedom to travel and work in Storybrooke should they wish. Something that they were denied under the previous Mayor. That they may be allowed to make use of our facilities freely, as we have used theirs. That they be recognised for the heroes they truly are!"
Loud cheers rang out as he closed. "And finally, I ask this Council to award their leader, Robin of Locksley, the Freedom of the town, for his great and dedicated service to the poor over many years and invite him to become an honorary councillor of Storybrooke Council. Do I have your agreement?"
The remaining five all raised their hands. "Aye!" they declared, Rumple smiling at his cheek.
Regina sat quietly, still chastened by the reminders of her terrible past. However, listening to the young mayor's speech and his open admiration for her lover, a small tear slid down her face, quickly batted away before anyone noticed. David did, but smiled and said nothing.
"Councillor Hood? They'll be making him Sheriff next!" Charming whispered, nudging her shoulder.