Chapter Four- The Tree of Destiny
Ingrid was at the bow of the ship, leaning against the frame watching the flat waters below early in the morning.
"Alone, lass?" The Lieutenant asked, startling Ingrid.
"Just enjoying the view." She shrugged. "Nothing wrong with enjoying the seas that calm the soul, is there?"
"What would a witch have a need for a calm soul over?" Demanded the Lieutenant. "You're not even human, so why would it matter?"
Ingrid turned.
"Why do you keep trying to attack me?" Asked Ingrid.
"Because of what you are! You're a witch and witches are nothing but trouble!" Snapped the Lieutenant as other men started looking over.
"I thought you were taken to the brig!" Shouted the Captain from his spot over looking them at the steering wheel.
"Apologies Cap'n, but you need better guards." Sneered the former Lieutenant.
"You're not who you say you are, are you?" Came Phil's voice from the entry to the deck of the ship. "Reveal yourself or I'll do it for you."
The former lieutenant merely grinned.
"You don't have that kind of power, sorcerer." He taunted.
"Don't I?" Phil grinned back. With a wave of his right hand, the lieutenant was suddenly engulfed in white smoke.
To reveal Ka'a, with many yells and gasps as Captain RedBeard jumped down to the bow where they were all gathered.
"Well, well, well… Looks like we somehow managed to let a snake among our midst." RedBeard snarled, unsheathing his sword. But Ingrid was well ahead of him, with her own sword unwavering, already at Ka'a's neck.
"I knew you weren't to be trusted." Growled Ingrid from behind.
"Well don't you deserve a gold star medal for figuring that out, princess." Ka'a rolled her eyes.
"Who are you, what do you want?" Demanded Bujune with a growl in his voice that clearly stated he was ready to attack.
"You work for the Tiger, don't you? Why else would you be trying so hard to set everyone on me?" Asked Ingrid.
"For him? No, no, no no… I don't work for him. He's my partner." Said Ka'a as she was backed into the edge of the bow against the railing. "Or should I rather say… he works for me." She grinned like the snake she was. "By the way… We owe you a little something, Princess…"
"Not another move!" Snapped Captain RedBeard. There were swords, and even angry wolves all surrounding Ka'a.
"Oooh no, I'm completely surrounded on a boat in the middle of the ocean, whatever is this snake going to do?" She asked in an annoying, sing song type of voice before a manic grin split her face.
It happened quick as a flash. Ka'a transformed into the snake which lashed out against Ingrid, striking her face with it's fangs.
Captain RedBeard struck at the snake with his sword as Ingrid fell backwards.
Phil froze the snake midair, keeping it from striking again as Ray, Bujune and Arjana rushed forward to help their friend back to her feet in time to watch Phil look over at Captain RedBeard.
"Toss the snake overboard!" Shouted the Captain to ruckus cheers of his men.
"If that's the Captain's command," Said Phil casually. With a flick of his wrist, the snake was flung overboard into the water below.
The Captain and Ingrid rushed over to the edge, looking over in time to see the snake swimming away.
"Apparently some snakes can swim." Commented the Captain.
"Doesn't matter, Cap'n," One of his men said. "What matters is the traitor is no longer on board."
"Right you are, Mister Brown. And we have our new friends to thank for that." RedBeard looked over at Ingrid just as she suddenly collapsed on the spot.
Phil rushed over as Arjana yelled out in alarm. Looking at the scar on her face, Phil could clearly see it was no ordinary cut. Already it was festering, looking bright yellow and infected.
"Poison in Ka'as fangs. Very luckily you have me here." Phil said shamelessly.
A vial appeared in his left hand.
"This will hurt." He said.
"What're you doing?" Bujune put an arm between Phil and Ingrid.
"Calm down. I'm going to extract the poison and put it in this vial, otherwise your friend here is going to die before she remembers who she is, let alone gets the training she needs." Phil exclaimed. Bujune sighed, lowering his hand as Arjana took one of Ingrid's.
The Captain and the crew watched curiously as Phil showed his expertise in magic once more. A sickly green liquid seemed to lift from the scar as Ingrid yelled out. Ray had a hand on her shoulders, while Arjana gripped Ingrid's right hand and Bujune was kneeling next to Ingrid on her left.
"Almost there…" Phil said. "This poison is stubborn."
Finally the last bits seemed to be sucked out, falling into the vial which then put a cork in itself with magic.
"There we are, good girl." He commented, running his hand gently over the wound using magic to clean, then seal it shut. "You showed some tenacity today. It tells me you're not one to cave under pressure. It is ideal for a good magic student."
Ingrid's head was swimming, and she wasn't even in water. Slowly she seemed to return to herself after the scar was healed.
"That's some nasty snake bite poison…" She mumbled, sitting up at last.
"Indeed. That snake intended to kill. From here on out, we must be on our guard even more than we were before." Nodded Phil.
Over the remainder of the journey, the time passed rather uneventfully. Ingrid was often seen walking across the deck of the ship any time of day during breaks from her magic lessons. The crew pretty much let her and her friends have free reign after they made it plain that the passengers were on their side, and wouldn't get in the way of any of the work going on.
Finally, the bell of the ship was ringing one afternoon as one of the men was shouting 'Arandale ahead!'
The five passengers rushed up to watch the docking of the ship.
"Miss Snow," RedBeard said. "I know I don't offer my services very often to anyone. But if you and your friends are ever in need of a fine vessel once again, you can always call on the crew of the Morning Star. Is that right men?" He called back, to a resounding 'AYE!' from the crew. "I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for, here in Arandale."
"Thank you," Smiled Ingrid. "I hope so too." She admitted.
Phil approached Captain RedBeard.
"Your payment, for getting us here safely." Phil said, handing over the vial of Liquid SunDrop.
"Thank you very much, Phil. You're an asshat of a powerful wizard, but a good businessman." RedBeard tipped his head to Phil as he pocketed the vial. "Good luck in training your apprentice."
Ingrid was looking around the docks of this new land she'd never been to. At least, not that she could remember. Her friends hadn't quite caught up to her, when someone bumped into her.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" They both exclaimed. She flustered a bit, until she saw she'd bumped into a man with red hair. Then she flustered even more.
"No, it's totally my fault. I should've been paying more attention. I was just admiring the Morning Star a little much." He said. He wore a royal uniform, which caused her to blink.
"She is a fine vessel, I just came in from it." She looked over as her friends approached.
"Ingrid, who's this?" Asked Ray suspiciously.
"Sorry, I'm Alan. I help out around here." He said, holding out his hands to shake each of theirs in turn.
"All right you lot," Said a very gruff Phil. "Hello Alan," He grunted.
"Hello, grumpy." Alan nodded.
"That's a dwarf's name. I've told you a million times before, lad, it's Phil." Grumped Phil.
"And until you lighten up a bit, you're officially Grumpy to me." Retorted Alan, as Arjana and Ingrid looked at each other before swiftly looking away with grins on their faces or risk bursting out laughing.
"Well, nice meeting you all. I hope you enjoy your stay here in Arandale." Alan tipped his head to them, while seeming to look extra long at Ingrid as they waved goodbye and were led away by Phil.
"You know, I think he liked you." Arjana whispered.
"Please, we don't even know each other." Ingrid said.
"Never stopped crushes from happening before." Grinned Arjana.
"I don't even know me!" Ingrid continued, a little more amused and embarrassed this time. Arjana laughed as Bujune and Ray looked at each other, rolling their eyes so hard they might as well be stuck to the backs of their heads.
Phil lead them through the bustling city, near the square where there were many manor houses. One in particular had a store front that they entered through, earning many curious looks from passersby.
Upon entering the store front, Ingrid stopped.
"What is it?" Asked Phil.
"I feel like… I've been in a place like this before." She said, looking around. It was like an antique shop. With rare, and valuable magical objects and a library towards the back.
"This will be your home for the next ten months. This manor, this shop. Here you can spend your down time, learning about each object I possess and it's history. The books are free for your to peruse as my Apprentice. And as my Apprentice, I will expect nothing but the best from you." He turned to face her as she looked at a long string of feathers hanging from the ceiling.
Phil led the four through the manor, showing them their rooms. Where an even bigger library was, and the sitting room where many of the magic lessons would take place. He then took her to the courtyard in the back.
"This place is immense." Commented Arjana. "And I lived in a jungle."
"I call it my own castle." Phil replied.
There was a row of trees on either side of a large stretch of grass. In the middle was a water fountain, which started running as he waved his hand over it. Directly behind this, was a large apple tree.
"An apple tree?" Ingrid walked over to it. "It's beautiful."
"Yes, lass. An apple tree. It's called the Tree of Destiny." He said.
"Why is that?" Asked Ray.
"Because it was infused with light magic. It can cure any curse with a bite from its fruit, and restore what was lost to its rightful owner." Phil explained. "There are very few places in the world such as this."
"I've never heard of the Tree of Destiny." Arjana said.
"Sounds like it's a very aptly named tree." Commented Bujune.
"Indeed. The other thing this can do, as the name suggests, is reveal to the person who eats its fruit what their destiny is." Nodded Phil.
Ingrid stepped away from the tree.
"Do you think it could restore my lost memories to me, if it can restore what was lost to its rightful owner?" She asked.
"I don't see why not." Nodded Phil.
"Forgive me, but I think it's strange… All I've ever heard of before are cursed apples. Not blessed ones imbued with light magic." She said.
"Indeed, it's a most unusual tree. If you wish to pick an apple from it, you may." Phil said.
Ingrid hesitated, before stepping away.
"You're not going to?" He asked, curiously.
"No. I was told I needed to complete my training before I find out who I really am again. If I can complete my training, then I will. I don't want to be held back by something that could distract me from focusing." She admitted. "If I knew who I was right now, I would be doing everything I could to reunite with what else I've lost. Right now… I just need to go one step at a time."
Phil smiled. "Well then, let's turn in. We'll rest up today after our long journey. Then tomorrow, the training begins."
"You'll show us around the shop?" Asked Ingrid.
"If that's what you and your friends want, then of course." Phil nodded when the others agreed.
Over the next month Ingrid's lessons were amped up. Phil turned out to be a very strict, but fair teacher. He didn't unnecessarily praise, and quickly learned how best to teach Ingrid- through visual examples than lengthy, wordy explanations.
She and her friends also had his shop shining and clean. Phil didn't say so, but he felt the shop was much warmer since Ingrid and her friends arrived. By the end of the first month, he let her manage the front on her own with her wolf friends standing guard to kick out any rabble that tried to cause trouble.
One afternoon as Ingrid was going through some brooches, cleaning them to a brilliant shine without the use of magic she heard the bell to the shop tinkle as someone entered. She looked around from the table she was standing, working at, and blinked. It was the red haired Alan who they literally bumped into a month earlier.
"Oh… You're the guy I met at the pier…" She said after a moment's recollection.
"Ingrid… Was it? So you're staying here?" He asked looking just as surprised as she was.
"Um, yes. For a while at least. What can I do for you?" She asked.
He gave a small smile before blinking and seeming to come back to reality rather quickly.
"Um, right. I came here looking for something for my mom. It's her birthday soon, and I wanted it to be unique and special." He said quickly.
"Well, we certainly have unique and special here in this shop. Perhaps if you wanted to browse-?" Ingrid directed him to the shelves and counters.
"Maybe you could help me? I mean, I don't want to sound sexist… But I rather think I could use a woman's intuition in finding the right gift for my mom." He said after a bit of hesitation. "I hope it's no trouble?" He asked.
"None at all. Maybe if you told me a little bit about her? Then perhaps we would be able to find the right gift for her." Smiled Ingrid.
Alan looked like he couldn't be more excited.
"So you'll help? You really will? Because I've been to dozens of shops and none of them had something that really spoke to me as something my mom would want." He said.
"Of course. This is a quest that is most noble after all. Now I just need to know a bit about her and we can get started." She walked over to Alan.
"Right… My mom… She's got red hair like mine, she's very kind and generous. Sweet, and very chatty. But also rather practical. Oh! And she loves the Arandale Crocuses when they're in bloom." He said after a bit of reflection.
"The crocuses? We might have something. I know I've seen a few items decorated with the crocus that might be right up your mom's alley." Ingrid led him through the counters to what looked like a set of hair pins and decorative combs with the crocuses in the center or right on the handle.
"That looks perfect. How much?" Alan looked genuinely surprised that they found a gift so suitable for his mother so quickly.
"Forty gold pieces, and two silver." She replied.
He reached into his bag, and pulled out the exact amount without hesitation.
"Here you are, Miss Snow." He said.
"Oh, hold on. I have the perfect box for this." She went behind the counter where they kept the money and pulled out a decorative case with the crocus insignia right on the front. In which she put the combs and pins. "I really do hope your mother likes them, she sounds so sweet."
"Thank you. I hope so too. You know… There's a ball coming up. I can get invitations. For you and your friends." Alan said suddenly, still standing at the counter with the closed box in hand.
"You could do that?" Asked Arjana. "Why?"
"Because your friend here may have just found the perfect gift for my mom on her birthday. And I want to return the favor." Alan said. "What's the old saying?"
"One good deed deserves another." Phil came into the shop.
"Exactly. Your apprentice helped me in a major way just now." Alan gave Phil a respectful nod of the head.
"Well it's good to see such a happy customer." Phil grunted.
"It's a nice gesture, but I'm not sure if a dance is the place for me." Said Ingrid. Alan looked a little crestfallen.
"Nonsense, my Apprentice. You have been working hard these last several months. Now, I may be a strict teacher. But I'm also fair. You and your friends have certainly earned a night off. Away from your worries." Smiled Phil. That was a rare occasion for him.
"Are you sure, Master?" Asked Ingrid, to which he nodded. And she knew he was being sincere. "Well in that case, if you could provide us with invites then we'd be happy to attend the ball."
"Excellent! I shall be back tomorrow then!" Alan then impulsively took Ingrid's right hand with his own, and pecked a brief, but polite kiss on it before practically prancing out of the shop.
"Well!" Arjana said as Bujune was growling. "I don't want to say I told you so about him...But…"
"We barely know each other! Come on! All I did was help him find a gift for his mother's birthday. He was just being nice." Said Ingrid even though her face was a brilliant red.
"Says the girl who's blushing and still holding her hand out in mid air." Grinned Ray.
"Have I forgotten to mention that he's the Prince of Arandale?" Asked Phil.
"What?" They all turned to him.
"He's the son of Anna and Kristoff. That's why I've allowed him near. They've never wronged us or anyone they could help." Smiled Phil. "You will receive a few more magic lessons before the ball, but when the big night arrives, go out. Have your fun. You've more than earned it with all the hard work you've been putting in."
"Master, thank you!" Ingrid rushed over to him. "You're getting a hug even though I know you don't like hugs." She said, wrapping her arms around him.
"This means we have to get dresses too!" Said Arjana, looking thrilled at the thought of attending a ball while Ingrid had instant regrets.
"Don't worry about that. I will have you covered." Phil said. He waved his hands so the Open sign at the front windows of the shop turned to closed and the doors locked. "Now it's time for your next magic lessons. Shall we?" He showed them through the back of the shop into the manor.
Kristoff, Anna, Elsa, Emma, Killian, Regina, Gideon, Henry, Neal, Snow and David were all gathered in the dining room discussing plans for the birthday dinner for Anna.
"I know you have your daughter to find, but I'm so glad you're here! I feel like we barely got to have any fun last time!" Anna was saying.
"Considering last time we met in Storybrooke, there was a sorceress trying to turn everyone against each other, this certainly makes for a nice change." Killian said.
"And who knows, maybe at your birthday ball we'll find something about our daughter there." Smiled Emma.
"Papa said she was here in Arandale, so I'm sure my cousin is somewhere here." Gideon said in ernest.
"Besides, even if her memory is somehow changed I'm sure there's one thing she can't resist. And that's a ball." Smiled Neal. "Ever since Papa here taught her to dance, it's all she ever loves to do."
"Oh this is going to be such an eventful birthday, but I hope not too eventful. I'm just really excited to have you all here. And be able to show everyone our kingdom!" Anna bounced on the spot.
"Hopefully it won't be too eventful of a party like last year." Elsa smiled.
The doors to the dining room swung open as Alan came dashing in.
"Alan! There you are, my boy!" Kristoff said, looking relieved. "You've been gone all day, are you all right?"
"I'm better than all right. I'm fine. I went through all the shops in the city, when I found Phil's place. His now shop help found me the perfect present for my mom." Alan hugged his father.
"Wait? What? I told you, you didn't have to get me anything. Having everyone here is all I could ever ask for." Anna looked stunned.
"I know you said you didn't want anything mom, but I wanted to make this special. And this new shop helper found the perfect gift for you." Alan said.
"Well, can I open it?" She asked.
"Of course, it's for you." He said, handing her the box.
"Crocuses…" She breathed, running her hand over the lid of the box before unhooking the latch.
There was a long silence.
"It's beautiful! I'm definitely going to wear this at the ball." Anna wrapped her arms around her son.
"You could say I was combing the whole city for the right gift." Joked Alan. Many in the group rolled their eyes at the bad pun.
"This shop helper of Phil's, what was she like?" Asked Kristoff.
"She was very kind, obviously she knew exactly the kind of present my mom would've liked, so she's probably quite the intuitive sort… And-" He paused.
"Pretty?" Killian interjected.
"That obvious?" Alan asked.
"Let's just say I can pick up on these sort of things quite quickly, lad." Grinned Killian as Alan looked rather embarrassed with himself.
"If you don't mind me asking, what did she look like?" Asked Emma.
"Long black hair, blue eyes. She had a necklace that I thought was familiar." Alan was thinking fast.
"What did this necklace look like?" Asked David as Emma and Killian looked like they couldn't quite believe what they were hearing.
"It looked like a sword." Replied Alan.
"Are you saying that the Prince of Arandale is smitten with a young woman who could possibly be my daughter?" Asked Killian.
"Well, there's one way to find out." Said Snow. "Invite her to the ball! Then we can get a good look at her and see! What was her name?"
"Ingrid, Ingrid Snow." Said Alan, looking bewildered about how all of this was happening by chance.
"There's no mistaking… That's our daughter…" Said Emma.
"Are you going to invite her to the ball then?" Asked Elsa. "We said we'd help our friends find their Ingrid after all."
"Actually… I kinda already did." Replied Allan.
"Come again?" Blinked Killian.
"I asked her and her friends to come to the ball, but that I needed to get them proper invites." Allan looked over at his parents rather sheepish.
"Well I'd say someone here's got a crush on a lady. I don't think I've ever heard of you taking to someone so well." Kristoff looked rather excited for his boy.
"I'll go get those invites, and put these pins in my hair." Said Anna, showing off the box.
"Those are lovely!" Emma said. "Ingrid has good taste!"
"It appears you taught her well." Killian smiled at his wife.
"I don't mean to rain on a romantic parade, but would it be ok if I went with you to deliver the invites?" Asked Henry. "I want to see my sister."
"Of course, I don't see why it wouldn't be ok." Smiled Allan as his mom dashed off.
"These friends of hers, what're they like?" Asked Regina.
"Well… There's three werewolves. And then there's her Master, Phil." Allan said upon reflection.
"So my Goddaughter is cohorting with werewolves and a powerful sorcerer who was once friends with Merlin?" Asked Regina.
"No harm in that," Said Snow. "One of my best friends is a werewolf."
"Right… Red…" Sighed Regina, rolling her eyes.
"We just have to remember what Ka'a said…" Neal spoke up. "There could be something completely different about my cousin now."
"And Sher Khan said he erased her memories of us completely." Sighed Killian.
"I'll just introduce Henry as my friend from work. I don't think she knows yet I'm the prince." Allan admitted.
"What, you didn't tell her right away?" Asked David rather curiously.
"I wanted to get to know her a bit before I dropped a bombshell like that on her. I didn't even realize at the time she was the Ingrid you were looking for either." He added.
"It appears that Papa was right…" Said Gideon,
"About what?" Asked Elsa.
"When he said that fate appears to have an ironic sense of humor." Replied Gideon.
"Indeed, so." Nodded Killian as Anna reappeared with the pins now in her hair which was held back in a knot.
"Here's the invites. You can take them to her tomorrow as promised." Anna said, sounding out of breath.
"Are you already wearing the pins?" Asked Kristoff.
"I just couldn't wait. Our son went through a lot of trouble to get them for me even though I told him not to worry about a present this year." Anna gave Allan a bit of a look to which he gave a bit of a shameless grin.
"I'm not apologizing." He said, to which David and Snow laughed.
"Well then you're grounded!" Said Elsa. To which Allan actually looked worried. "I'm kidding! Goodness, I thought you had your mother's sense of humor."
The next day, Emma and Killian saw Allen and Henry out of the castle.
"Swan?" Said Killian once the young men were out of ear shot, seeing the look on his wife's face and knowing what she was thinking but wanting her to say it.
"I'm just worried… If what Sher Khan said is true, she won't even know us if we see her at the ball." She said. "It's been almost a year. Who knows what may have happened to her."
"You're worried that she's going to be completely different." Sighed Killian, to which she looked over at her husband with the slightest of nods. "If there's one thing I know about our family, Swan, is that we are a resilient lot. Henry didn't let all the stuff that happened to him change him, neither did his grandparents. If she really doesn't remember us, we can just say that we are friends of the royal family. And it will be a start until we can figure something out."
"I know. It's just hard to believe we're so close, but we're not. I just want to see our little duckling and hold her again." She said in frustration.
Ingrid was working on the shop with her friends standing nearby. Busy cleaning some of the objects she was told to by Phil earlier that day when the bell to the front door jingled, and she and Arjana looked around. She was holding a mirror, cleaning the silver frame when Allan and Henry entered, looking around for her.
"Remember, I'm just a family friend. She might not even remember me." Henry muttered so they wouldn't hear.
"You sound like you've had experience in matters of cursed away memories before." Allan muttered back. To which Henry grinned as if saying 'and if I have?'
They approached Ingrid, who looked around and smiled to greet them.
"Hi, you're back." She said, putting the mirror and cleaning rag down. "I hope the present went ok with your mom?" She asked.
"Yes, it was perfect. She loved it and couldn't wait to put the pins in her hair." Said Allan. "I just wanted to thank you. Hardly anyone in the other shops really knew the kind of thing my mom would've liked."
"I'm so glad." Said Ingrid, after which Henry gave a little cough. "I see you brought someone with you this time?"
"Oh right, this is a family friend of ours, Henry. Henry, this is Ingrid Snow." Allan introduced them, and Henry reached out to shake her hand. The gesture which was returned kindly.
"And here are your invites to the ball, M'lady." Allan handed Ingrid a stack of envelopes. Just hand yours in to the guards at the entry gates and you'll be let in, no problem."
"Oh, thank you. I can't remember ever going to a ball before. So this should be quite the eventful night." She said as Arjana hurried over.
"I'll take these to the back so Phil can hang on to them. Come on you two!" She barked at her brothers.
"Don't you think we'd be better use up front?" Asked Bujune, giving Allan rather shifty eyes.
"No, you two are coming with me so you can behave. It wouldn't do to attack our new friends." Said Arjana, who took the five envelopes from Ingrid, as Ray and Bujune reluctantly allowed themselves to be swept from the room.
"Your friends seem really protective." Commented Henry.
"Yeah. I guess it's a wolf thing." Smiled Ingrid as her friends left. "Bujune hurt me when we first met, but he's been trying to make up for it ever since."
"He hurt you?" Blinked Henry, trying his hardest to hide 'protective big brother mode' from a girl who clearly didn't remember him.
"He was being protective of his clan in the jungle, which I totally understand. But he's been loyal to us ever since." She explained. "Henry… That name sounds familiar." She said upon reflection.
"It does?" He asked hopefully.
"I know!" She exclaimed suddenly, digging into her bag she always had with her. Then she pulled the book out. Allan looked over at Henry. "This book… Hang on…" She flipped through to the part where it had 'a bit about the author' and a picture. "Is this you? Are you the author of the book?"
"I… Y-yes I am. You wrote to me saying you were a fan of the stories in it, so I sent you that copy." Said Henry, thinking fast.
"I knew it! You're the author! And all these stories… They're true? And you know the Savior?" She asked, holding the book like it was a priceless treasure now.
"Yeah, she's our-my mom." Said Henry, quickly correcting himself. "She wanted to tell you too, that we met your parrot friend. Snow White, my grandma, she got your message from it. And the Savior would be happy to help you get your memories back and get you back to your family."
"This is an eventful week indeed." She said, so excitedly. "Thank you so much for introducing us," She added to Allan.
"Well, you haven't met the Savior yet." Said Allan with a smile. "You're coming to the ball, and I'm sure she'll be there. We can at least make the introductions, and then work from there."
"Oh that sounds great." Said Ingrid, putting the book back into her bag.
"We should be getting back, let you get back to your work." Allan said. "Maybe you could save a dance for me at the ball?" He asked hopefully.
Ingrid blinked, looking taken aback and flustered once more.
"Um… Uh… Sure." She said.
"Excellent! See you then! Let's get back, I'm sure they need help planning everything." Allan looked excitedly over at his friend.
"Yeah, and I can pass on the message to my mom and I'm sure she'll be able to help you." Henry nodded, looking almost like he wanted to punch Allan for some reason.
"It was nice meeting you, Henry." Said Ingrid as he turned.
"Nice meeting you too." Replied Henry, looking almost sad for some reason.
Allan gave a polite bow to Ingrid before he left.
"M'Lady." He said before departing with his friend.
Ingrid was grinning and blushing a bit as she got right back to her work in cleaning the objects Phil had set out for her to clean.
On the way back to the palace, Henry decided to make a sort of off hand comment.
"So you just decided to pretty much ask my memory-erased little sister out on a date?" He asked.
"What? Yeah, I did! And I didn't ask her out because she's the Savior's daughter, if that's what you're worried about. I didn't even know that until yesterday. Come on, Henry, don't you know me better than that?" He asked.
"Then why did you ask her out?" Asked Henry.
"Because I like her and want to get to know her better. She's always been nice to me when we've seen each other, and she did find the perfect birthday present for my mom. Even if she doesn't fully remember who she is right now. Why? You're almost acting like a protective older brother here…" Replied Allan.
"And if I am, can you blame me? After everything that's happened?" Replied Henry.
"No I can't blame you," Said Allan upon reflection. "But I assure you, I won't put her in danger intentionally, and I'll continue to play the role of ignorant friend. Since like you said before, if we just barge in on her and announce everything her brain would probably implode, and she wouldn't believe us anyways. Which is bad."
"Exactly. These kinds of situations are delicate." Nodded Henry. "Now come on, there's a birthday party and ball to get to helping your family with." He put a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "And just to warn you, my mom and step-dad might be a little affronted that you've taken a shine to their daughter."
"Well if your step-dad's reaction to my initial explanations were any sign, I'll just be on my guard then." Grinned Allan, and they hurried down the street.
Waiting at the gates were Emma and Killian and Emma looked worried when Henry and Allan were seen racing towards them.
"How did it go?" Asked Killian.
"Well, she and her friends have the invites." Allan said.
"And she has no idea who we all are." Sighed Henry. Killian let out a frustrated groan. "What Sher Khan said is true. The only reason I was familiar to her is because of the book she had in her bag with my picture on it."
"So… She doesn't know who we are… But she still has the gifts she got on her birthday with her?" Asked Emma.
"Apparently. All she knows is that you're the Savior and you may be meeting at the ball." Nodded Henry. "She doesn't remember anything about us other than what's in the book. She doesn't know she's my sister, you're her parents. Anything." Henry was starting to look upset. "When I looked at her, into her eyes there was nothing. It was like she was a completely different person."
"And that's a hurdle we'll have to get across when the time comes." Sighed Killian, rubbing his forehead. "You did the best you could under the circumstances, lad."
"I knew it was hard for my mom when I didn't remember who she was back then after we came back to Storybrooke to fight Zelena… And you said how hard it was for you when you and Killian went back in time and Snow didn't even know you." Sighed Henry, looking at Emma. "I just didn't ever think I'd have to go through this with my own sister. I miss her."
"I know kid, we miss her too." Emma gave her son a big hug. "We'll find a way to break the curse somehow. It's what our family does, like Killian said."
"Now get going lad, you said after taking care of getting the rest of the invites out you were going to help with the preparations for your mom's birthday ball." Killian said, patting Henry on the shoulder.
"Right… Sorry, Allan." Henry looked over at his friend.
"No worries, you all needed your moment and I was too happy to oblige." Smiled Allan. "Let's get going, I'm sure there's still loads of things to sort out."
And the two took off down the busy courtyard.
"It's good to see the lad hanging out with some boys his own age." Commented Killian.
"Even if it's under strained circumstances?" Replied Emma.
"About that… I was just thinking… Perhaps if I went to the shop and introduced myself…" Killian began.
"Killian… You heard what Henry said. She has no clue who we are. As far as you're concerned all she knows is that you're a reformed pirate who married the savior." Emma warned.
"I know, I know. Perhaps if I went in there claiming I was looking for a birthday present for a friend it might make things a little easier instead of just seeing me randomly in the party next to you is what I was getting at." Killian went on.
"All right. I'm going to help Elsa with a birthday surprise for Anna. You know where to find me when you get back." Said Emma as Elsa came into the courtyard where they were talking.
Killian pecked Emma on the cheek, nodded to Elsa before hurrying off.
"Hope I wasn't interrupting anything?" Asked Elsa.
"No, he was just going to the shop to see if there was anything that could help her remember anything. She was such a daddy's girl…" Smiled Emma.
"From what you've said. I'm sure there will be something." Elsa put a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder. "In the meantime to keep you occupied, let's go get Anna's surprise ready…?" Said Elsa in a tentatively hopeful sort of way.
"Right, yes," Nodded Emma coming back to the present after getting momentarily lost in memories of the past.
"Excellent. You know, I wouldn't be able to pull this off without you." Smiled Elsa.
"Well then, lead the way your Majesty." Grinned Emma and Elsa indeed took the lead as the two sister friends walked back down the courtyard.
The people in the kingdom were abuzz about the coming ball, and the fact that the Savior and her family would be attending as honored guests. Phil's shop had a number of visitors the rest of the business day. There were a few trouble makers who had to be escorted out, but otherwise the day went smoothly.
One such incident was in the afternoon where Arjana's good eye caught a thief trying to run off. She used her magic to freeze him before he made it out the door.
"Now, why were you trying to steal from us?" Asked Ingrid, walking around to face this stranger.
"Because I thought I could. I've been watching this place all day." Retorted the would be thief.
With her magic she managed to cause the shop items to float out of the pockets of the thief. Several enchanted gold pieces.
"Worth a fortune on the black market." Commented the thief.
"I see. Well, you're going to have to rob some other shop because these are only available for sale at a certain price. Not for stealing." Snapped Ingrid as her magic sent the items back to the safe cabinet they'd been in before. She unfroze the thief, who then retaliated by throwing a strong punch right at her face, knocking her down.
Ray, Bujune and Arjana all yelled rushing forward as the thief ran towards the door. Most unfortunately for him, Killian just stepped in and saw the whole scene. The thief almost ran right into him. Without hesitation, Killian punched the thief right in the face.
"Hasn't anyone ever taught you that it's bad form to hit a woman who just by the looks of things showed you mercy even when you clearly didn't deserve it?" Demanded Killian, his old pirate self coming through in that moment. He grabbed the man roughly by the back of his tail coat and chucked him out. "Get out and stay out!" He ordered.
"Sorry about all that," Said Ray as Ingrid healed her eye which was bruising up nicely.
"No worries, lad. I might be a bit rusty, but it did feel good to dish out a bit of justice again. I hope you're alright miss?" Killian looked at Ingrid as she healed her wound. He made a mental note that she seemed a lot more confident with her magic than she had done a long time ago.
"I am now, thank you." She said as Arjana helped her back to her feet. She looked at Killian for a long moment, thinking there was something familiar about him, but she couldn't put her finger on it. "Who are you?"
"Ah right, how rude of me. Killian Jones. Otherwise known as-" He began, but was interrupted by Phil who came out from the back room to see what all the fuss was.
"Captain Hook!" Phil exclaimed. But for once, he wasn't being his usual, gruff self.
"Phil?" Blinked Killian as Ingrid and her friends looked between the two. "I'd heard you settled somewhere up north, but I didn't think they meant Arandale."
"How nice to see you again!" Said Phil as though he were greeting an old friend. "Captain Hook and I have a bit of history behind us. He helped me out of a pretty tight spot long ago when the Dark One was attempting to siphon my power away. If it weren't for the Captain, I wouldn't be here. Tell me Captain, what brings you to my humble shop?" Asked Phil.
"Well if you must know, I was looking for a birthday present for a friend of mine- Princess Anna and heard this was the place to look." Killian smiled.
"Indeed! My Apprentice here has been quite handy at ensuring most of our customers go away with a smile." Nodded Phil. "If you have a moment, what would you say a trip to the back room with me, and we can catch up a bit? I've got much to tell you as well."
"Of course," Killian looked surprised.
"You lot will be all right up here by yourselves for a while longer then?" Phil asked, to which they all nodded.
"Excellent. Come then, Captain. I've got some rum that I think you might find refreshing." And Phil showed Killian to the back room where with magic, he closed the door behind them. "For privacy. The wolves have excellent hearing, and they have a hard time if they feel like I'm keeping anything from my Apprentice… Your daughter…"
"So you know…" Killian said as Phil poured some rum into a tea cup for his old friend.
"I knew it the moment I saw her." Phil admitted. "She looks so much like you, but she is quite different from what one might expect. She's said before that she doesn't remember who she is except for what she can do. Care to enlighten me?"
"Aye," Killian took a long swig of the rum. "We'd just finished celebrating her eighteenth birthday back home in Storybrooke when at the end of the day Sher Khan and Ka'a attacked us. They used her as leverage against Emma and I so we couldn't attack. During the chaos, Sher Khan managed to slip through a portal to the Jungles south of the Enchanted Forest where he erased my daughter's memories."
"All on her birthday… Poor lass." Sighed Phil.
"We've been tracking her down ever since trying to find her. And while we were in the Enchanted Forest, a parrot came to us and said that she needed help and she was going to be training with you." Nodded Killian in agreement.
"And this goes all back to that day when we escaped that dreadful island, having to trash it on the way so the snake and tiger wouldn't be able to pursue us." Phil leaned back in his arm chair.
"Aye." Killian looked lost in his memories for a moment.
"Luckily for you, from what I understand, Zeus put your daughter right in my pathway knowing if my training her came under his instruction, then I would." Grinned Phil.
"Wait… Zeus told you to train her?" Blinked Killian.
"Indeed. Well… More like he came to her in a dream and said I would. He said he's known Ingrid and her family for quite some time." Phil looked at Killian with a raised eyebrow. "Now tell me old friend, what kind of deed would put you in the good favor of a God like Zeus?"
"Well, when I was trapped in the Underworld, I helped ensure the defeat of Hades for one. And as a reward, he gave me a second chance at life with the Savior." Killian said a little off handedly.
"Ah… Now it makes sense he'd be helping out a little." Phil took a swig of his own rum. "It's a very fortunate thing that she's come under my tutelage then. I intend to amp up the training for the last couple of months she has to be here. Then at the end of it, she said she will take a bite in the fruit of my apple tree."
"Wait, why is that important?" Asked Killian.
"Because my apple tree is the Tree of Destiny. It has the power to restore that which was lost, or cursed away no matter how powerful the curse. And it will show Ingrid to her true destiny." Phil added.
A cloud of smoke engulfed Phil's hand, and a pinkish yellow apple appeared seconds later.
"Plus it makes the perfect gift for Princess Anna." He added.
"You'd do all this… For me?" Blinked Killian.
"You saved my life back then. This is the least I can do to thank you." Phil handed the apple to Killian. "See? I told you you were a good man in those days. Glad to see I was right."
"You always were a good judge of character, Phil. Even if I didn't see it at the time." Killian finished his cup. "Thanks for the rum, it was good stuff, that." He added. "And thank you, you know… For looking after my daughter. I know she's lost right now, but I also know she'll find her way when she gets her memories back."
"Yes, well… I'll do my best to help her and make sure her training is up to speed. And of course, I won't reveal anything beyond what she currently knows about you." Nodded Phil. He took the flask of rum and handed it to Killian. "For you."
"Are you serious? Because this is good stuff you got here. I wouldn't want to deprive you." Blinked Killian, putting the apple for Anna in his satchel.
"It's enchanted rum. Can only be drunk by those with good hearts, and true intentions. Otherwise, the taster would've spat it out and tasted a bitter, bad drink." Grinned Phil. "Call it a gift from a friend. It should help show the way to being truly reunited as a family if things somehow go south. So just make sure to only drink it under rare occasions."
"Thank you." Killian also put the bottle of rum in his satchel.
"Come, I'll see you out. It's almost time for the Apprentice's evening lessons anyways. Your daughter is quite routine oriented." Smiled Phil.
"Aye, that she is. I remember back in her schooling days when she'd get off for the summer it would always take her a little bit to get used to the new schedule." Nodded Killian, to which Phil chuckled as he opened the door.
"Is everything all right?" Asked Ingrid after the last customer was seen out for the day.
"Indeed, more than all right for today I was reunited with an old friend." Smiled Phil. "I must say that doesn't happen too often."
"Nice to meet you Captain Hook. I read all about your exploits in that book the author gave me." Ingrid held out her hand to shake Killian's.
Killian hesitated for a moment, but shook hers in turn. To Ingrid, there seemed to be an incredible sadness in his face.
"Well, I have to get back to the palace at any rate. It was good catching up with you, Phil." He said, recovering himself quickly, nodding to his friend.
"Oh wait, you said you were looking for a present for Princess Anna?" Ingrid asked.
"Don't worry about that, lass, your Master here got that all taken care of." Killian indicated Phil, who nodded.
"Oh, ok. Well, nice meeting you then." Ingrid stepped aside to let the Captain go about his business.
He shook hands with Phil one last time, wishing him luck. Then left without another word. Only after he was around the corner and well out of earshot did he lean against a brick wall, running his hand through his hair as he was thinking about what to do next.
It was the evening of the ball, Ingrid had her free time and was perusing some books on the latest fashion trends in Arandale that Phil had bought for them.
"It's almost time, my Apprentice." Phil entered the sitting room where she and her friends were at. "Have you decided on a gown that you'll be wearing for the occasion?"
"I think so. So did Arjana." Said Ingrid as Arjana hurried over.
"Well then, while the gentlemen are getting ready, you two will as well. My Apprentice, you will use your magic to dress yourself and your friend and meet us in the hallway." Phil said.
"Really?" Blinked Ingrid.
"It should be easy enough for you." Phil said before leaving them in peace.
"Show me what you like then?" Ingrid Asked Arjana. Who quickly flipped through the book.
"That one. The red and gold dress. Subtle, and it doesn't stand out too much." Arjana said. "Right?"
"Exactly right." Smiled Ingrid. "Ok, stand a bit away from me please. Then I can get to work."
She looked at the dresses in the book before setting it down. Arjana closed her eyes when she did. There was the 'puff' from the magic Ingrid used, and Arjana opened her eyes to look at the dress that had replaced her regular clothes.
Arjana's gown was ankle length, a crimson red color, with off the shoulders bell sleeves and gold trim. It even had some sparkle in the dress. Her neckline was u-shaped, full of flowery-like ruffles as was the bottom of the skirt. Her shoes were now flat-bottomed, and ruby red with a strap around the ankle. While her silvery white hair was up in a braided knot.
"That wasn't in the book, but I love it." She commented, spinning around on the spot.
"I thought I'd add a personal touch." Grinned Ingrid.
Arjana went quickly to a mirror that was in the sitting room as Ingrid looked at her own gown. It too was ankle length. But a pleasant, ice blue with a bow around her waist. Her neck line was a v-neck, to show off her sword necklace, and her sleeves wrapped around her arms to hang behind with a peek-a-boo shoulder and puffy neckline. Her bag was now sitting on one of the cushioned arm chairs. She would be able to poof it in to her hands in an instant if anything happened at the ball.
"Here, let me fix your hair. Must have a special style for a special occasion after all." Grinned Arjana, so Ingrid sat on one of the footstools.
By the time the door to the sitting room opened, Arjana was putting in the finishing touches.
"There!" She said.
Ingrid's black hair was how braided, wrapped around her head with bits that refused to be braided hanging out near her ears in a more stylish manner.
"Well done," Phil commented as the ladies stood up. "Now we are ready for an evening of fun in the palace."
In the ball room where people were gathering, Emma and Killian had a vantage point near the stairs. Anxiously they watched as the people poured in.
"Ah, there's Phil." Commented Killian, pointing him out. "And a couple of her friends."
"And there she is," Sighed Emma, seeing Ingrid walking in. "Who's that with her?"
"Another one of her friends, I didn't catch their names before." Replied Killian as the greeter announced the newest guests.
Arjana led Ingrid away to a corner where there weren't so many people around. Ray and Bujune seemed to melt into the crowd itself. No one knew they were wolves, and here they could just be themselves. Phil was seen making his way through the crowd as well.
"Is that… The Savior?" Asked Arjana, pointing nonchalantly over towards the blond woman standing next to Captain Hook.
"It must be, she looks just like the woman I see in the mirror when I ask it to show me." Blinked Ingrid.
"Your attention please!" Called the announcer once the door to the ball room was closed and all the guests present. "I present to you Queen Elsa, and Princess Anna!"
The Queen and Princess were in their Regal best, Anna with pins in her hair that seemed to sparkle now that they had a home.
"I want to thank everyone for coming to the ball. This ball isn't just about me, but the whole kingdom as well. I hope you all have a wonderful night full of dancing and making fun memories!" Anna called out after taking a deep breath, to which the crowd politely applauded and cheered.
Ingrid then watched as Anna made her way to her husband and son, who both embraced her in a big hug.
"Is that… Allan?" Arjana blinked.
"Well Phil did say that Allan was the Prince of Arandale." Commented Ingrid as they slowly wound their way through the crowd towards the food and drinks table.
"How about some punch? It's a special occasion after all." Grinned Arjana, to which Ingrid awkwardly nodded.
After Arjana disappeared to the table, Ingrid was distracted again as Allan rushed over to her.
"Allan!" She exclaimed, rather pleasantly surprised.
"Hi!" He said. "I know this is sudden, but how about that dance?" He asked. "And then I'll introduce you to the Savior."
"Sounds like a deal, as soon as I have some punch." She smiled as Arjana returned.
"Here we are," Arjana handed Ingrid her drink. "Why hello there, your majesty." She added.
"I take it you know then?" Asked Allan.
"Phil filled us in on the details." Smiled Arjana as Ingrid was taking a drink.
"I wasn't trying to hide it from you. I just wanted to get to know you better before I decided to tell you. But it seems Grumpy Phil over there beat me to the punch. You both can just call me Allan if you so desire. No need for formalities between friends." Allan said, giving a bow to both ladies, seeing Ingrid had finished her beverage.
"Thank you for the drink, I'll be back in a bit." She told Arjana who smiled.
"Go, have a little fun." Arjana took the empty glass and pushed Ingrid forward a little with a free hand.
Allan and Ingrid took to the dance floor where Ingrid surprised herself at being able to dance a perfect waltz.
David and Snow were nearby after having just danced a couple times in a row, when Snow spotted Allan and Ingrid.
"David, look!" She whispered excitedly. "Seems all those dance lessons you gave our granddaughter paid off."
"Even if she can't remember who taught her." Smiled David.
"It seems you're a natural at this," Complimented Allan as he spun Ingrid around on the dance floor.
"Yeah, it does doesn't it?" Smiled Ingrid.
"What do you mean by that?" Asked Allan.
"Well, I can't exactly remember who I am. My memories were taken away from me by Sher Khan, and I've been trying to figure out who I am and who my family is ever since." She explained as he took her in for an embrace as part of the dance.
"Can't imagine how that must feel." He said. "Hopefully the Savior can help you."
"That's what I'm hoping too." She said. "What about you? Any goals in particular you're aiming for?"
"Ehm, not much other than spending an evening trying to woo a beautiful lady." Said Allan nonchalantly.
"Aren't you a flatterer?" Smirked Ingrid as she spun around in her ice blue ball gown.
"What? It's true. I've never met anyone quite like you." He said, taking her hand once more.
Also on the dance floor were Emma and Killian. As he spun his wife on the dance floor he spotted his daughter.
"Swan," He commented.
"What is it?" She asked, to which he looked pointedly in one direction.
"Someone's not wasting any time." Smiled Emma.
"Indeed. I'm half wondering if I should have a talk with the young prince about his intentions with our little duckling." Said Killian.
"Now now, no need to bare any teeth. Remember, she doesn't know who we are right now." Emma said with an amused expression on her face. "Don't go confronting him in front of her, at the very least. Let them have their fun. Hm?" She put a hand on Killian's face to turn his attention away from his daughter momentarily.
"All right, love. I'll just corner him later is all." He said, after which they enjoyed the rest of the dance.
At the end of it, the dancers all applauded to the orchestra.
"If you'll follow me, M'Lady I'll now introduce you to the Savior." Allan politely showed her off the dance floor to where Emma and Killian were waiting.
"Captain Hook, Mrs. Jones… This is-" Allan began.
"Ingrid!" Emma's eyes were wide.
Ingrid blinked as Killian sighed.
"Uh… Yes, we were expecting you. I'm Emma Swan Jones, this is my husband who you...already met...Your Parrot friend said you'd be looking for us… Me… For help?" Emma recovered herself quickly.
Ingrid at first looked confused.
"Yes… In a few month's time I'll be finishing my training with my Master, Phil. And regaining my memories. Then I'll be needing help to be reunited with my family." Said Ingrid quickly, not realizing how much of her mother she sounded when she was talking so nervously.
"Of course! I'd be glad to help you." Said Emma at once.
"Sounds like a most noble quest if you ask me," Commented Killian.
"Oh, thank you! This has been a most eventful night indeed." Ingrid was bouncing on her feet in a way that Emma and Killian knew very well that showed how excited she was about something.
"Here you are!" Arjana popped out of nowhere with her two brothers.
"And who are these lovely people?" Asked Emma.
"Oh right… These are my adopted family… Arjana, Ray and Bujune. They helped me get out of the southern jungles when I was trapped there for six months." Ingrid introduced her friends to Emma. "Arjana, Ray, Bujune, this is the Savior and her husband, Captain Hook."
"Nice to meet you," Ray said politely, Bujune nodded his head quietly while Arjana made a cute little curtsey.
"Here's my charge!" Said Phil, also appearing at their side.
"And this is my Master, Phil." Smiled Ingrid.
"I was just checking in to make sure nothing too crazy was happening. But I see the wolf guard has you well protected." Grumped Phil. "Hello again Killian. And I see this is your lovely wife."
"Aye, Swan this is Phil. We have a bit of history." Killian. "Fortunately in this case it's good." He added as Emma reached over to shake his hand.
"Yes, your husband once helped me out of an interesting situation with the snake I believe has afflicted your family." Nodded Phil, returning the gesture.
"I knew there was a good streak in him before I met him." Smiled Emma.
Ingrid stood there kind of awkwardly during the exchange, not really taking it in because she just spotted a chance to get some fresh air.
"Oy, where're you going?" Asked Bujune, grabbing Ingrid's arm.
"I'm just going for some fresh air. That's not against the law, is it?" Smiled Ingrid.
"It's fine, I've got sensory spells all over." Commented Phil.
"It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Jones." Ingrid curtseyed politely to the couple she had no idea were her parents. Emma nodded with a smile, and Killian kind of jerked his head oddly. It was like Emma and Killian were both trying to say something but they couldn't.
"I wish we could just tell her…" Sighed Emma.
"Aye, I know love." Nodded Killian.
"Tell her what?" Asked Arjana.
"You promise not to tell? Because right now if she learned everything too soon, things could get quite messy in the noggin." Commented Killian.
"We promise," Nodded Bujune. "Now tell us…"
"We're her parents." Replied Emma. "We've been following her trail for the past year and didn't expect to actually see her here."
Arjana, Bujune and Ray all looked like they just had their minds blown.
"You mean our sister friend is the daughter of the Savior and Captain Hook?" Blinked Ray.
"You better believe it." Nodded Emma with her old smirk.
"Now I'm starting to see the resemblance…" Commented Bujune as Arjana giggled.
"And now that you know, all three of you have to swear not to tell her." Phil grumped. "In due time, she'll remember on her own. It will be better that way." He added, to which the three promised.
"And then… We'll work on the rest." Nodded Arjana.
"Wait… You will?" Blinked Emma.
"We're her best friends, and we swore that we would see to it that she's reunited with her family… Which is the Savior and Captain Hook." Arjana looked like that was the weirdest thing she'd ever said.
"Not to mention getting her home." Bujune added.
"Sounds like she made quite the impression on you lot." Killian said.
"Indeed she did. We won't return home until the mission is complete." Nodded Ray.
Ingrid was walking out into the balcony she'd spotted which was unoccupied with everyone enjoying the ball inside. Or at least she thought it was unoccupied, until she spotted Allan's friend Henry.
"Oh! I'm sorry… I'll just go find another balcony…" She said nervously.
"No, it's ok." Blinked Henry, surprised to see his little sister. "I wanted to thank you for helping my friend, it meant a lot to him."
"Apparently so." Ingrid felt rather awkward. It was almost like she felt as though she didn't deserve all this praise. "Henry… Right?" She asked.
"Yeah, I'm the Author." He nodded.
"The Author… My Master's said a lot about you and the legends around you." She thought back on her many magic lessons over the past several months. "You wrote the story book and sent me a copy before my memories were erased, right?"
"Yeah, that about sums it up. Though I didn't write it all… There were others before me. I just sort of finished a bunch of the stories and spruced it up a bit." Nodded Henry.
"Well I wanted to thank you. That storybook got me through some pretty hard times." Smiled Ingrid.
"Really? I'm glad to hear that… The part about it helping you, not the other part." He added quickly, to which she smiled. "Can I ask what's been going on? Or would that be too nosy of me?"
Ingrid looked at him for a long moment. For some reason, everything about her super power was telling her she could trust the author.
"It's fine… I was trapped… Lost in a jungle for about six months being chased by this man. Then when I finally get out with the help of my friends, he's joined by his partner and I have no idea why." She thought back.
Henry stared at his sister for a moment.
"Yeah, that's weird and super crazy." He said with an agreeing nod.
"Maybe you can help me? I mean you're the author and the son of the savior… Perhaps we could work something out?" She asked.
"You're asking me… For help?" Henry blinked, a little taken aback. Sher Khan clearly made sure that she wouldn't remember anything.
"I mean… I guess I am… I'm not really all that great at this whole asking for help thing… But… Could you help me figure out why all this is happening?" She asked. "I mean… I know everything comes at a price here in the Enchanted Realms… That's just how things work but-"
"No! I mean…" He added quickly. "I don't mind helping out someone who's such a fan of my writing. And in this case, there won't be any cost or price or whatever… Let's just say it's a favor from the Author."
"Really?" Her face lit up with hope and she bounced again. "Thank you so much! Oh… I'm staying at Phil's manor for the next few months."
"When I can find out anything, you'll be the first I get in touch with." Nodded Henry.
The end of the ball came, the guests departed and Henry was seen alone on the balcony when Regina came up to him.
"Hey, you all right?" She asked.
"I will be. What Sher Khan said was true though… She has no idea who we really are." He sighed.
"I know how hard that is. But you'll find a way to get through to her." Regina said reassuring her son. "It came as a shock to me when you and Emma came back, but you had no idea who I was back then." She recalled.
"And we got past that." He smiled. "I just miss my sister."
"I know. I know how close you were to your sister. But...If there's one thing I know about your family, from personal experience is that you always find a way to reunite." Regina had an arm around her son.
Henry smiled.
"Thanks mom," He said.
"Now come on, there's some of that leftover wine that you enjoyed." Regina suggested, to which Henry followed his mom back indoors.