On the edge of Storybrooke, Maine
In the deepest part of the ancient woodland, or at least the ancient woodland magically recreated by the curse that created Storybrooke, lay a cottage. A seemingly old, timber-framed, thatched cottage that to the outside, looked dilapidated. The former hidden retreat of Will Scarlet and Queen Anastasia, the thief and the former monarch, who'd briefly lived there, abandoning it long ago.
But the inside of the ruin was completely at odds with the outside. Though small, it was well furnished, housing a currently roaring fireplace, pictures on the walls, a kitchen, and a large sumptuous double bed. And it was also surprisingly well lit. All the result of magic. Magic cast by a tall woman in a white bejewelled dress, currently sitting at a little desk by the side of the bed.
The woman, a recent and unwelcome newcomer to the magical town, was trying to create a love potion, with all the ingredients laid out in front of her, an ancient spell book beside. But she was getting more frustrated by the minute. The Henbane and Mandrake truffles were difficult enough to grind into powder; but the Bainberry was the trickiest to mix in. Too little, and the victim would feel a mild, temporary euphoria lasting minutes. Too much, and the effects could be fatal to anyone with a weak heart. But just the right amount, and her two intended recipients would feel an adoration for the older woman who just wanted to be seen as their older sister and guide. As no magic was greater than true love, the effects would only be temporary, lasting one, maybe two weeks at most. But just enough time for Ingrid to convince Emma and Elsa that they should come with her. And all they'd have to do, is inhale it.
"Dammit!"
Ingrid growled, as two thin slices of root fell into the solution, fizzing on contact with the liquid. Only one piece should have gone in at this stage, and the result was a much darker green than intended. And way too early!
"Why doesn't this wretched book give quantities instead of colours?"
Nonetheless, the Ice Queen battled on, following the instructions as closely as she could. However, her concentration was completely interrupted by a rapping on the other side of the door. What now?
She already knew who it was, sensing his dark magic, even from inside.
"Wait a minute, Dark One!" She yelled back at the door. "I'm changing!"
Rolling her eyes in frustration at his timing, she stood, focusing her magic so that all the various bottles and ingredients were instantly teleported from the table into the nearby kitchen cupboard, on the top shelf, including the dark-green flask of liquid she's been working on, at the front.
Despite the hours taken, she'd probably have to throw it away and start again.
She walked across to open the door, to find herself facing that infuriating grin.
"Hello dearie! Missed me?" The Dark One gave her a devious smirk.
"I certainly did, Rumpelstiltskin..." She arched a
brow at him. "However, I'm sure my aim will improve given time? You'd better come in."
"Don't be like that, your Majesty." The smirk seemed to grow. "I come bearing news. And something I know you seek. But as always, it comes at a price."
~oOo~
Unfortunately for Ingrid, her eventual chosen method, using the three magical ribbons supplied by Rumpelstiltskin on Emma and Elsa, to bind them to her before unleashing the Spell of Shattered Sight on the little town, failed. And later, deeply regretting everything she'd done, she wound up sacrificing herself in order to break the spell.
The Ice Queen, only a day after Rumpelstiltskin's visit, was dead.
However, the previous day, as she left the cottage, having no idea she wouldn't be returning, Ingrid drew down her powers to encase the entire building in a magical 'bubble', to make it invisible from outside, with all the magic within kept in place, including a magically burning fireplace, lighting and of course, the unfinished, failed potion.
The potion that would cause more destruction than she could have ever imagined!
~oOo~