Sweat dripped from Emma's forehead as the wind blew through her hair and she let out a frustrated breath. When she asked to know more about where she came from and learn some skills this wasn't exactly what she had in mind. However, with her mother and father by her side Emma was only slightly worried sitting up on the saddle. David looked up at Emma giving a reassuring nod that it was time to let go. With that she was off a little faster than envisioned. Emma heart started racing but she quickly regained control grabbing the stirrups and giving them a slight tug, just like David instructed the horse calmed to a trot and she made her way around the paddock. Emma focused on the brief lesson given by her parents. Hands crossed on the stirrups, sitting up straight and most importantly look ahead to where you want to go. Right now, that was towards them, Mum and Dad as Emma so happily called them. With a kick of her heal she was off like a rocket back towards her knew life.
Mary Margaret and David stood nervously by the gate trying their best not to worry. This was kind of there idea or at least a good compromise. Emma was wanting to know more and more about where she came from lately. More specifically the dangerous aspects of life in the enchanted forest what it was like how they grew up.
"Would have been easier to teach her how to ride a bike" Mary Margaret said jokingly.
"When has anything we've ever done been easy" David replied smiling.
They both watched on, wincing every time Emma speed up or came all little too close to the barrier. It wasn't so bad though at least they were together, lately they had both been anxious every time Emma was out of sight. Every time they turned they're back a new or old threat appeared. At least now they seemed to be a normal family spending the weekend down by the stables.
They were so overwhelmed and happy Emma was able to embrace and mostly them, but it did bring up a subject everyone had been avoiding. Where they ever going to return home and even if they wanted too, was it even possible. In felt like the had finally crossed that final barrier and the charming family was closer than ever. Finally, they were talking about their future together as a family. David leaned up against the fence smiling as much more confident looking Emma came over to them. David felt overwhelming pride but in this moment, so excited to share this part of their life with Emma. He'd always loved horse riding as a child and the first time he saw Snow White they were on horseback. Even though he was chasing her it remained a nice memory. However, Emma didn't seem to get as much joy out of it as he hoped.
"I think that's enough for today" David said once Emma dismounted.
"Yeah" Emma sighed her buttock certainly was in a world of hurt.
"You did great" Mary Margaret said noticing Emma's uncertainty.
They needed to stable the horse and just like David instructed she brushed the mare gently. Thinking about how simple today was and peaceful. There was an inevitable complicated mess to follow tomorrow. To start this list off there was Killian even though no longer in denial that his brother is not the man he lost, he hadn't taken any action. It was like pot heating up that would inevitably boil over. Then Elsa who had already hit boiling point and was dealing with the truth, that she didn't want to be queen of Arendelle. Those problems seemed far simpler still though compared to the Regina. Spending her days down at the station, getting comfortable making a place for herself in Storybrooke. Emma could just let it go, let Regina go on with her life and redemption. There was no rule saying she had to be apart of it.
"What happed?" Mary Margaret asked noticing something had been on Emma's mind.
"I saw it, saw Regina crush peter heart" Emma said hopelessly trying her best not to let the tears break through.
Mary Margaret let out a deep breath looking around the stable for a moment. With all the twist and turns her story with Regina, still naively she thought it would end with her. But her daughter had inherited it now. It was time for Mary Margaret to deal with her past. Help Emma come to terms with it as well.
"Hey, it's not your fault and it's not on you to decide if Regina deserves another chance" Mary Margaret explained.
"Then who?" Emma looked up at her mother expectantly.
"Only Regina can decide who she wants to be" Mary Margaret replied.
"And forgiveness" Emma asked.
"That is up to you, don't torture yourself by forcing yourself to hate her because others do, or because you think it's the right thing" Mary Margaret said.
"What is the right thing" Emma asked hoping the adults would have all the answers for once.
"I usually follow my heart" Mary Margaret replied as David walked up them smiling.
Emma nodded not entirely sure what her mother meant; her heart was so conflicted how could it lead her anywhere. Stuck at a crossroads both paths long and hard there didn't seem to be a good choice. So, for now Emma focussed on packing up at least she could pretend she was taking steps moving forward.
Although it was a great day spent by the stables with her parents, when they suggested Emma learn more about their life before Storybroke. Assumedly Emma imagined some arrows flying and tales of adventure not horseback riding lessons. It was like she was only getting a glimpse of the life they had before all this. There was something else gnawing at her a thought it had for a while, after breaking the curse and every fight since. While thinking about this Emma was quiet as they packed up at the stable making their way into town. Taking their usual table at Granny's diner for a well needed meal.
"Pizza or Grilled cheese" Mary Margaret asked over by the counter.
"Whatever" Emma replied focusing on the Storybrooke flipping through.
"You seem kind of disappointed" David said.
"I thought you were going to teach me how to swordfight or something" Emma embarrassingly admitted.
"Why do you need to?" David asked concerned.
"Why not?" Emma replied frustrated.
"Emma it's dangerous, you don't need to go looking for trouble" David replied confused.
"It seems to find me a lot though" Emma answered.
"Yes, but you have us, your shield, a sword is dangerous" David said as gently as possible.
"Not if someone can train me properly" Emma said pointing out in the book showing images of David in countless battles against dragons and dark ones.
"You know it's not fair that someone documents everything you've ever done in a book and hands it to your teenage daughter" David replied jokingly.
Emma didn't laugh this wasn't humorous to her more serious, but she wasn't sure how to put it into words. After the last year she was begging to feel so emotionally exhausted she couldn't take one more battle. Letting out a sigh she didn't find David's dad joke was very funny.
"Hey, why the sudden urge to pick up arms, it's never been on your mind before" Mary Margaret asked.
"Every time I save someone, save myself" Emma paused letting out a deep breath "My heart is on the line. The battle is always on the inside, I wish I could just use a sword"
David froze not expecting this response Emma was dealing with things well beyond her age something she shouldn't have to cope with. Mary Margaret sat down by Emma's side in the booth. Thinking back on every battle they fought knowing sword, bow or magic it was always emotional. Any power you have in times of crisis comes from wearing your heart on your sleeve.
"Emma the truth is, your heart is always on the line" Mary Margaret said.
"I'd never fight without it" David added.
"So, it's always going to feel like that" Emma replied hopeless.
"Hopefully, there won't be many battles ahead" David answered closing the book with a smile and grabbing Emma's hand.
"Hope is powerful, but I like to live with assurances" Mr Gold said coming up to their table interrupting.
"What kind of assurance are you looking for from us" David asked his fists clenching.
"That you haven't forgotten our deal" Mr Gold replied with a sly smile.
"Couldn't if I tried" David replied looking over at Emma and Mary Margaret.
That black cloud had been looming over him every moment of every day. However now was not the time for this. Whatever Mr Gold wanted he would make sure it didn't involve Mary Margaret or Emma.
Mr Gold nodded with a sly smile still not giving anything away regarding the terms of the favour. Sitting down in the booth next to them silently looking at the menu. Although this caused a shiver to go up each and every one of their spines, they eventually relaxed. Knowing that with there hearts on there sleeves they would preserver.
While the charming family made their way home for another quiet evening at home across town. Regina was having a much more sleepless night. All she could hear was the necks snapping and the fire burning away what little was let of her soul. Every time she closed her eyes even for a moment, she could feel that hate and darkness creeping up on her. The only thing able to keep Regina breathing for most of her life was calling her back. Tempting her to turn it off again to stop feeling any of this pain. Just thinking about it was intoxicating, not capable of being hurt by physical pain, rejection or loneliness. After all you're not alone if you scare everyone away, you want it that way. The dark comforts you when it's all you have.
"Regina, Regina" A young girls voice called out desperate, waking Regina from this nightmare.
Notes: Thanks for reviews next chapter Emma and Elsa have a run in with Liam.