The rest of the ride back was relatively calm and they managed to get back to the Palace before nightfall thanks to Regina's magic. They deposited Cora in the dungeon and Regina and Emma were about to turn in when Snow and David cornered them.
"We need to talk." Snow said looking like she'd been crying recently.
Emma sighed. "Not now. I've got enough on my plate." She tried to push past them but David held up a hand.
"It was a long time ago and we have both regretted it terribly ever since. We would never do anything to harm you or Henry. We know that's why you took him away."
Emma huffed. She didn't want to do this now. "Fine. I understand. We'll talk about it some other time. For now, just know you do not have permission to do anything involving magic without consulting me first. No deals, no tricks. No sending anyone away."
They both nodded in agreement. Emma felt her anger rising again and her fingers sparked. She had to let it out. "Just one thing. Did you know she was like me?"
"She?" Snow blubbered and the tears started again. "She had a baby girl." She buried her head in her husband's arms. Emma suddenly felt extremely guilty for digging the knife in deeper, but at least now she knew they had no idea what they'd done. Not that it justified it.
"I just need some time. There's too much going on right now." She tried to smile at them but it didn't reach her eyes. She bound up the stairs, her magic sparking as she went. Regina followed behind wishing she could make it all go away once and for all.
Back in her chambers, Emma flopped down onthe bed huffing. Regina sat beside her and rubbed her leg in support. "How are you feeling now?"
"Like I need a long vacation. Would that be too much to ask? Can we hide in here for the next couple or days? I don't wanna see them right now."
Regina lay down beside her and cuddled up. "That was my plan, but I doubt you have more than a day or two before you're summoned. It's nothing to be afraid of. It's just quite humbling and Iknow you don't have knowledge of the old ways, or any formal training, other than what I've shown you. I'll teach you what I can, but I'd prefer you have a clear mind." She chuckled to herself.
"So what's this offering I'm supposed to take?"
"It's personal. Something that means something to you, or that represents your transformation from initiate to fully fledged sorceress, or savior in your case."
"What did you offer?"
Regina laughed remembering her day. She had no idea until an hour beforehand and just as little preparation as Emma now. The difference was, she'd had two excellent teachers and was well versed in the traditions growing up with magic. "I took a mirror. That's what I was drawn to. For me, it represented turning my back on the reflections of the past and concentrating on myself. I know that sounds selfish, but at the time, it made sense.You'll find something that will speak to you."
"So... God's and Godesses are a thing. Who knew."
Regina laughed again and pushed a hand under Emma's tank top tickling her tummy lightly. "How are those chaste berries holding up?"
Emma grinned and pulled at Regina's shirt. "I could go again." The effects of the seduction weren't as strong now, but a kiss from her love soon ignited her passions again. They teased slowly, content just to hold the other in their arms and enjoy the lazy moment. Suddenly, Regina heard a bell ringing. She broke away from Emma and looked around to see where it was coming from.
"Canyou hear that?"
Emma groaned. "Hear what?"
The ringing was getting more insistent and Regina sprang from the bed heading towards the sound. It was coming from her reception area. She spotted something floating on the table and her stomach went to her throat. She grabbed the shining golden envelope and the bell stopped ringing. Emma called through. "What's going on?"
Regina tore through the seal and read the letter. Her hand went to her heart and a small smile tugged at her lips. She went back into the bedroom and sat beside Emma. "I've been chosen to introduce you. Tomorrow, at dawn." She was still smiling. It was an honor to be invited to present someone and she hadn't expected it with her troubled past. Only the more exprerienced were ever given the task.
Emma sat up panicking. "But, tomorrow? Where?"
Regina pursed her lips together wondering how the blonde would react when she told her. So much for leading her up to it slowly. "Mount Olympus."
Emma's jaw dropped. "Are you serious? Isn't that from mythology? Don't tell me Xena Warrior Princess is real because, you might have some competition." She grinned. It was her go to method of coping to joke around when she felt like crying.
Regina rolled her eyes. "Thankfully for you, no she isn't. I'll be presenting you to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. You'll give her your gift and demonstrate how you have mastered the magic given to you."
Emma blinked. "I'm taking it pizza making isn't gonna cut it."
The brunette chuckled darkly. "No. It needs to be something that shows how you are able to restrain yourself and use the magic for thebenefit of others. I can't give you any more guidance than that. Not now I'm presenting you. You'll just have to wait and see for yourself tomorrow." She waved her hand and blew out all the lights in the room plunging them into moonlight. "Get some sleep."
Emma huffed but poofed herself into some pyjamas and lay back on the pillow. She was tired and now she had a million questions spinning around her head to boot. Nevertheless, sleep came quickly.
Across the palace, in the west wing, a curious wolf stood outside a locked door debating whether to knock. She shuffled around for a few moments until the door swung open by itself. She bristled.
Mal appeared in the doorway taking in the young woman with a smirk. "You aren't supposed to be up here."
Ruby stuttered feeling a blush creep up her chest. "I came, uhm, I mean, Regina told me to come and check in."
Malhuffed and Ruby sensed some magic edging towards her. "Well, don't just stand there, my pet." She stood back in the doorway scrutinizing the woman with a sultry glare. Ruby's eyes lit up with hues of golden orange. Her wolf was beggingto be let out.
Mal saw it flicker in her eyes and smirked at the woman gently pushed past her and entered the tower. "It's been over thirty years since I was last in the presence of a shifter. How delightful." She closed the door gently and the lock clicked shut.
Down in the Queen's chamber's, Regina's eyes flicked open in fear with the sound of a blood curdling howl followed by a chilling shriek. Emma mumbled groggily beside her. "What was that?"
She kissed her forehead and smiled lightly. "I think Ruby found the west wing."
The next morning, Emma plodded around the room impatiently waiting for Regina to finish her pristine hair. She still had no idea about what to give as a gift. What do you offer mythical gods that pretty much have everything? "I'm ready. Are you?" Regina raised an eyebrow seeing Emma wringing her hands nervously.
"Not even close. How do we even get there? Isn't Mount Olympus in Greece?"
Regina chuckled and wrapped her arms around a virginal looking savior dressed in a flowing white tunic, and poofed them away. "Well, the real one is in this realm. The entrance, anyway. In your land, there's a bridge between worlds but magic hasn't worked there for a while. I'm guessing that's why you weren't called before."
They stood at the golden gates looking up in awe. Regina was nervous. She hadn't been here since her awakening a lifetime ago, and never thought she'd be back before her death and judgement day. Fauns and various other odd looking creatures pranced about outside the gates blowing merry tunes on horns and chasing unicorns. Emma couldn't help but laugh. "I feel like we just walked into the real life set of Fantasia. The original one. Not the re-make."
Regina rolled her eyes. "I haven't seen the re-make. Go ahead. Ring the bell."
"The what?"
Regina nodded towards a golden knob attached tothe gates. Emma buzzed it and was surprised when a voice echoed through an intercom. "State your name and occupation."
She stuttered. "Ehm, Emma Swan. Sheriff." Regina elbowed her with a look of disdain. "I mean, Savior?"
The brunette nodded and ran a hand up her arm reassuringly. The gates buzzed and swung open. The boredvoice crackled through the intercom giving instructions.
"Take the steps to the main entrance and check in with the others. Someone will come down and meet you when they're ready."
The women took the long white staircase up to the main entrance as instructed. Regina's eyes were wide. "It looks like they've made some upgrades since the last time I was here." It was like walking into a corporate building and a part of her wondered if perhaps this was an illusion for the benefit of those less accustomed to magical life.
"Yeah I wasn't expecting this at all." Emma looked down at the surreal view from the steps. If she didn't know better, she'd think they were on Wall Street. At the top of the steps, glass doors opened automatically revealing another bizarrely familiar reception area. She looked around the lobby noticing some traditionally witchy looking types, a handful of nymphs, and one or two regular looking people in modern clothing. They all wore white. The receptionist, a young looking woman with three heads,Emma now saw, turned one of her heads towards her and smiled.
"Presenters sign in here, then head to the seventh floor for briefing. Initiates, sign here and take a seat."
The women signed their prospective books and the receptionist turned her attention elsewhere. Regina took a deep breath and squeezed Emma's hand. "I'll see you soon. Don't worry. Just be yourself and speak from the heart." She resisted the urge to kiss her and headed towards the glass elevator shaking her head at the absurdity of it all. How many years had really passed since her time here, or was time even relevant? The doors slid open and a robotic voice announced the seventh floor. She couldn't help but laugh when she saw a coffee table and breakfast pastries laid out for the presenters. She flashed her name card and was grateful she'd chosen her Chanel skirt suit for the occasion. It was like the coffee break at every board meeting she'd ever attended, except for the presenceof a few imps and nymphs. Well, not really that different at all. She helped herself to a coffee purely out of curiosity to see if it tasted any better in the land of the gods. It did.
A soft voice cut through the idle chatter and Regina turned towards it. "Good morning presenters. My name is Cyrene, your coordinatorfor the morning. Firstly, let me apologize for the delay in getting your initiates here. We've had a thirty yearbacklog due to unforseen circumstances." The women pointedly looked at Regina who bristled. Shit. How far had her curse reached?
Cyrenecontinued now looking around the group with a blank expression. "We have made a few changes, brought the place up to industry standards as I'm sure you've noticed. Upstairs aren't expecting much from you or the initiates, given recent events. Each initate will get two minutes with Athena to present their gift and receive their blessing. Your job is to keep them from babbling and make it run smoothly. Kneel, don't make eye contact unless requested, give your name, followed byyour initiates, then close with a thank you and leave through the left exit. No photos, no video or audio recordings of any kind, and no spells. Any questions?"
There was a mumbled hush of no's around the room and a couple of whispers asking what video was. Cyrene nodded her approval ignoring the muttered questions. "Excellent. We begin in fifteen minutes. It's alphabetical so check your place on the list and be ready on the fourteenth floor at your alloted time. Regina Mills, may I have a word in private, please."
This woman, or demi-goddess hardly took a breath.
Regina smiled civilly and followed Cyrene into a side room. She could always tell when she was about to get an earful. The door clicked behind them quietly and Cyrene sighed. "You're probably wondering why you're here."
"Well, I did wonder, yes."
Cyreneflicked through a tablet device and huffed. "Well, fair warning, you weren't chosen because of your outstanding track record. The savior needed to be here and you were the only one remotely close to pure of heart to introduce her. It was either you or Rumplestilskin, and he was a hard no from upstairs.They're not happy about your little curse. It's really messed up the algorithms here. But, they're willing to overlook it beings as the Savior saved you, and all of us."
Regina groaned. "Well that doesn't surprise me. I guess I'm going to the underworld either way."
"Don't rule yourself out just yet. All of us up here in office have done something iffy at one point or another. Just don't go bragging about it."
Regina's eyebrows knitted together as she tried to remember her schooling. "You are Aristaeus's mother, right?"
"Yes, though I never raised him. I was always more of a hunter. Since the modernization, they finally recognized my business savvy. I suppose I have you to thank for that. Without your curse, we'd still be etching stones. It's certainly made my job easier." They shared an awkward moment recognizing themselves in one another. Cyrene cleared her throat. "How is she doing with all this? I can't imagine either of you have had much time to prepare."
"She'll be fine. She's the Savior, after all."
"True. Don't say you heard it from me but, Artemis is quite annoyed she isn't the one meeting you both today. You two have certainly made a lasting impression, for good or ill." Cyrene pushed the door open again and showed Regina out. "Good luck. I hope to see you again in the future. Not too soon, though."
Regina smiled and thanked her for the back information. It was all a bit surreal bit then the realm of the God's never had been normal. She went back into the coffee break and helped herself to a croissant. Heaven! It was like biting into pillowy soft clouds and she wished she could get the recipe. The imp stood next to her cleared his throat. "It's the fauns milk that does it. Churned by an amphisbaena."
She looked at him with disgust. "Are you reading my mind? How dare you!"
"I can't help it if you're shouting." He walked off huffing indignantly.
She forgot how crap it felt being around most other magic users. Everyone looked down their noses at sorceresses as the lesser kind. It bother Cora much more than herself, but it was a learned insecurity and one she found hard to shake. Partly why Rumple still held so much sway over her. The names began being called and she popped the last bite of the divine croissant into her mouth savoring it. She checked her outfit for any crumbs and wiped her fingers on a paper towel. She was glad this was going to be a pretty quick affair as they used to drag on quite a bit in her day. Huh, who'd have thought her curse would have been so beneficial.
Finally, Emma's name was called and she took the elevator to the fourteenth floor as instructed. When the doors opened, she saw Emma stood nervously with a group of other initiates. She'd been given a golden tiara with the image of Chiron guided into it. Fitting, Regina thought to herself. The tutor to the heroes of past. She went over and rubbed a hand up Emma's bare arm with a proud look on her face. "Did you figure it out?"
Emma smiled. "I think so."
"Good. This is going to be very quick so enjoy it. Don't look her in the eyes, and don't hesitate. Speak from the heart." Regina linked her arm through Emma's and waited for the summoner to give them the nod. The trumpet sounded and Regina took her cue, leading Emma into the Godesses domain. It hadn't changed here. The same pure white light of abundance and miracle shone all around them. The path ahead was nothing more than an abstract concept that require faith to walk along.
She heard Emma gasp at the sheer magnificence and beauty of it all and she was so happy to get to be the one to share this with her love. As they approached the throne of Athena, Regina bowed her head and Emma thankfully did the same as they knelt before the Goddess .
"I, Regina Mills, Queen of The Enchanted Forest and Mayor of Storybrooke, Maine, present Emma Swan, Savior and Sheriff of the same realms." She let go of Emma's arm and placed her hands palms up and open on the space in front of her.
"Rise, Savior." The sweet ethereal voice of Athena was like music and she obeyed. "I know of your pure heart and the gift you have given to all. I require no proof of your worthiness of power, I simply wished to meet you and allow you to present your gift."
Emma felt shaky with the words and Regina was beaming with love and pride on the verge of tears kneeling beside her.
She poofed her baby blanket into her handsand presented it to the goddess holding it palms up. "My gift to the goddess is the only thing I've ever possessed. The only thing I have to call my own from the realm I was born in. It is a symbol of the hope I've carried my entire life. I'm ready to let it go and enjoy the faith, love and belief that has replaced the need for hope."
Athena rose from the throne and accepted the offering. "Thank you, Emma Swan. Please, look at me."
Emma looked at Regina for reassurance who nodded with tears in her eyes. It was taking all her strength not to wail like a baby and ugly cry at witnessing the touching exchange. Emma looked up wide eyed unsure what to expect. When their eyes met, she was transfixed. Something was given to her in that moment, though she'd never be able to explain exactly what it was, or even come close to describing it. A toothy grin spread on her face and she nodded feeling words weren't necessary. She wasn't going to be the savior anymore. She had a new role.
Athena nodded. "You understand."
"I do."
Athena looked at Regina knelt and obediently averting her eyes. She smiled and looked back to Emma and they shared an understanding. "We shall all meet again, but not for at least another thirty years. Perhaps fifty. We have a huge back log." She winked at Emma who chuckled knowing without a shadow of a doubt that was a dig at her lover.
Regina winced but felt it was a sign of possible forgiveness. She rose to her feet. "Thank you for your time, gracious goddess." She hooked her arm through Emma's and began escorting her to the left as per instructions and no more words were spoken.
As they left the room, if you could call it a room, they walked into what could only be described as a cosmopolitan uptown nightclub. Emma looked at Regina in confusion. "Is this what usually happens?"
Regina grabbed two flutes of champagne off a server as he whizzed by and handed one to the blonde.
"There was always a celebratory drink offered, yes." Not like this, though she thought and clinked their glasses together. "Congratulations." She downed half the glass then kissed Emma on the lips allowing her to see a thought. 'This is crazy, even for me.'.
'Glad I'm not the only one who thinks so. You know this is your doing, right?'
'Oh, yes! I'm well aware of that fact. Do you want to stay and witness a centaur go-go dancing with a cyclops?'
'I think I'll pass. Can we go home?'
'Which one?'
'The closest. I think those chaste berries are wearing off.'
Regina chuckled and broke the kiss. She replaced the champagne flutes on a table and wrapped her arms around Emma's waist. "You know that magic doesn't work up here."
"No, but yours does."
"Charmer." She poofed them away from the festivities and back to her palace chambers. "So what was Athena like? Was she as beautiful as they say?"
Emma shrugged. "Meh, on par with Xena."
Regina laughed shaking her head. "Ooh, remind me to cancel my Prime membership when we get back."
"Ooh, them be fighting words, Ms. Mills."