There's a lot of odd stuff going on in the forest. Including a brand new village? Robin Hood and the men, with a little help from certain magical accomplices, have been busy.
The Mansion
Henry woke unusually early. Since his magic came in two days ago, he found sleeping difficult. Having been around his mothers and grandfather for so long, he now understood the feeling. The pull, that came with magic. And this morning, looking down at his fingers, feeling all that energy twitching throughout his body, he had to get up and do...something? Anything?
His thoughts were disturbed by a familiar ringtone from his phone. Roland's. He smiled, seeing the picture of the boy he'd taken, remembering how they'd first met. Regina, having fallen totally in love with Robin, soon fell for his son, too. And even back then, he noticed how, the ever-curious five-year-old did seem to have an innate ability, even better than Henry, to woo anyone to care for him. Henry included.
He thought of all the terrible things Roland had faced in his young life. His mother, Marian, had died in the Enchanted Forest before he'd even gotten to know her. Marian had been rescued by Emma's time jump, but the Wicked Witch had then gone on to kill her without a second glance, cruelly replicating her image, solely for the purpose of destroying her sister, and deliberately getting herself pregnant by the man Regina loved. Henry never trusted Zelena, despite her supposed reformation. And Robin had even died trying to save his mum from the psycho woman's satanic boyfriend. Storybrooke mourned the death of a hero, though Roland and Regina never truly got over it. Now, at last, there was a chance for some joy in his life.
"Hey Rolly," he spoke quietly, trying not to wake his sleeping mothers in the next room. "You know what time it is, don't you? What the heck are you doing calling this time of the morning?"
"Hen, you have got to get over here? You gotta see this!"
"See what? What's going on?"
"Dad's built a village! It's incredible. Just, get over here. Now?"
"Built a village? Okay, where are you? The camp?"
"Sort of, but it's changed. You remember that big old oak on its side? The one we had a picnic by last summer? I'll see you there in twenty?"
Henry hadn't heard him so excited in years. Quickly dressing, he crossed the landing, tiptoeing past his mothers' bedroom. He remembered the familiar grunts and moans that rang out last night and definitely didn't want to peek in to tell them where he was going. They'd often forgotten to set a sound-proofing spell on their bedroom after retiring, and several times in the past Henry had had to head off Roland and, more recently, Honour from going in there, thinking one of the women was being attacked!
As he crept across the landing towards the stairs, a little voice broke the silence.
"Henny? Where you goin'?"
He looked down to see his little sister, cuddly toy fox in hand, looking up at him, all dimple-cheeked and puppy-eyed, just like her brother. Henry, like everyone who met her, found it difficult to resist Honour.
"Shush," he whispered. "Don't wake mums! I'm going off to see Rolly."
"Inna forest? You're seeing papa?"
"Well, yeah, I guess." He somehow knew he was about to be railroaded.
"I come too!" She said it more as a statement than a question, looking up at him with those adoring eyes. "Pleeaase Henny?" She pleaded, now holding on to his belt.
Henry crumbled, as he did so often when she was concerned. "Well...okay…I guess. But we'd best let mums know okay? So-"
"I go ask them now." She turned, heading straight for the master bedroom.
"Hell, no! Honny...don't," he whispered, stepping swiftly in front, to stop her charging in on them.
Roland had done the same thing two years ago, just after Emma had moved in. Finding both women naked on the bed, very much preoccupied, had burned an image in the boy's mind he really didn't want there. "Honny, wait? We'll leave a note for them, saying where we've gone."
And with that, Henry twitched his fingers, a small notepad and pen appearing in his palm.
The girl's mouth gaped, in surprise. "You got magic, Henry? Like me?"
"Yes, magic just like you, sis. But we need to be really careful because we're just learning! You could get really hurt if you don't learn properly."
"Mummy and Emma are teaching you?"
"Erm, not quite..." Henry felt guilty, remembering he hadn't discussed help with either of them."My grandpa's teaching me."
"Grandpa has magic?"
"No, not Grandpa David. My other grandpa, Grandpa Rumple."
Honour remembered how her mother and Auntie Zelena had often told her not to go anywhere near Mr. Gold, because he was dangerous. She'd already been told by Henry that he was his daddy's dad and he would never harm a child, but nonetheless she was still wary when she saw him in the street.
"Mummy and Emma told me not to go near Mr. Gold; he's a bad man!"
For a moment Henry felt a flash of annoyance towards his mothers and the Charming side of the family. The side that refused to acknowledge the debt they owed Rumpelstiltskin; or his son.
"Honny, I know our mums say that, but he's not as evil as they say. His magic's more powerful than theirs, or the fairies, and that's one of the reasons they're frightened of him. He's been teaching me magic, so…" he tried to explain, not sure whether the four-year-old could really understand. However, it didn't matter as her attention had already moved on.
"Can you poof us over to Rolly now?" She interrupted him. "Can you Henry, can you?"
'Erm, well I sort of know how to 'poof' myself, but I've not done it with anyone else before! I'm not sure whether I really should."
Honour just looked at him, raising her arms. "You can do it! Picky up me? Please Henny? Poof me too?"
He knew he was being played. She's going to be such hard work when she's a teenager! "Oh, alright, I guess so. Come on then."
And with that he lifted her into his arms and, hoping he hadn't forgotten Rumple's instructions on travelling distances, pictured the log in the forest where he'd agreed to meet Roland.
The forest
A silver mist enfolded them and moments later he appeared within feet of their intended destination.
Yes! He patted himself, setting his sister down.
Looking around, he saw nobody, but could hear voices in the distance. Loud voices, laughing? Stepping through the familiar glade, his jaw dropped in astonishment. In front of him now, stood a broad mall of timber framed houses, in the shape of a large horseshoe? In the middle of the woodland? All the timber and roofing looked brand new, like the set of a period movie.
"These weren't here last week?" he gasped, looking at the new structures
"They weren't here two hours ago!" said a deep, laughing voice from right behind him. Spinning around, he saw Friar Tuck, holding a large wooden tray full of food, beaming back at him. "Henry my boy, back so soon? And I see you've even brought little Honny, I see?" The red-faced, balding priest moved in to tickle his sister under the chin. "Hello, my dear. I've never seen you up this early? Have you come over for a swim?"
"Hi Tucky! Henny brought me here with magic, and he…what? A swim?"
The ageing priest chuckled as they walked towards the new settlement. "Yes Honny, a swim. Thanks to your father and Mr. Merlin, we now have a swimming pool and lake. And nice, new warm houses to live in! In fact, we now have a whole village just for ourselves. No more sleeping under damp canvas for us, eh?"
"That's bloody brilliant!" Henry was genuinely astonished. "What are you going to call it? Don't tell me! Locksley? Sherwood?
"Oh, it's too early for that, my boy. Robin says we should have a draw or a vote of some kind? It's not even finished, yet. These are just the buildings. We still have to put in all the water, the taps and, I think he called it 'plumbing' or some such thing? He said he needs to speak to the builders and handymen in Storybrooke, to understand what else we need. Remember, he's only just got his magic yesterday, so he's still learning how to use it."
Henry nodded, "Still, he's done more in one day, than Storybrooke has done for them in years! I'm deriously impressed. Can I help?"
"That's much appreciated. I'm told you have magic too, now?"
"Well yes, kind of, but I'm still learning. I know I'm not in Robin's league."
"No matter, you still have gifts from the gods. I hope and pray you use them wisely, young man. Magic can be both a great and terrible thing, as your family know all too well."
"I know what you mean. So, where is Robin?"
"He and the lads have taken off to the lake to cool off as they've been working since five. Roland's with them."
"I don't remember there being a lake around here?"
"There wasn't. Come along, I'll show you around."
Back in Mifflin Street
Despite a promising start, Emma & Regina had had an unsettled night. They'd cuddled, they'd kissed, they'd fondled and they'd tried to make love several times. But Regina's heart just wasn't in it. And she knew why. Him! His image kept appearing in her mind, and she started to realise Rumple's words had been true. She still couldn't shake him out of her thoughts, even when trying to concentrate on the ministrations of the woman who she truly loved.
Eventually, Emma sensed something was wrong and gave up, rolling off to the brunette's side and turning away, feeling rejected. Regina knew she'd hurt her and cuddled into her back, both. At least the shared warmth was comforting.
"I'm sorry. I just feel so very tired, you know?" She whispered into her ear.
"I guessed. It's all right, I understand." She sounded unconvinced, but they drifted to sleep. Eventually.
Regina awoke only a few hours later, looking across at the curled up blonde with a sad sigh. After kissing her shoulder, she slowly rose, putting on her underwear and dressing gown and creeping out of the room, to make coffee and figure out what to do. Remembering Henry was home, she tiptoed silently across to look in his room, the door ajar. She'd missed him terribly over his last three months away, and with all the recent distractions, with Gold and his own magic coming in, and with the return of Robin, she felt so very guilty for not spending enough time with her boy.
They'd only been back a few days, yet all the problems with Robin and Killian's return had put a complete spanner in the works. Emma losing her temper with Henry at the night club hadn't helped! Henry was still sore, despite pretending otherwise. But Regina still needed to talk to him. So, walking across to his door, she prized it open, only to be greeted by silence. The bed was ruffled, so it had been slept in, but now he was gone. She then went to Honour's bedroom, bypassing Roland's, as he'd stayed over with his father. Yet again. Seeing the girl's empty bed, she started to panic.
Where the hell is she?
Stepping downstairs while calling her name, she spotted a folded note on the kitchen worktop, next to the coffee machine.
Mum,
Honour woke up early, and I couldn't sleep. Roland said there's some big things going on at the camp, and Robin and the men are building something. She was wide awake and was going to disturb you, so I've taken her with me as she was so desperate. Text me if you want me to bring her back but you know where we are if you need me.
Love, Henry x
PS: You and ma must have forgot that sound proofing charm last night. Again? Good job Rolly wasn't here this time!
It took a moment for Regina to realise what that meant. Oh. OH!
Cringing with embarrassment, she realised he must have heard them last night, as they attempted to make love. Shit! It happened once before, when they were first dating. After that, one of them would always try to remember the soundproofing spell, but on one occasion they forgot, and Roland had bundled into their room, alarmed at a scream, only to discover Emma vigorously going down on her! That experience had shaken all three of them, although Roland never mentioned it ever again. She suspected Henry must have had a gentle word with him a little later, as he'd never tried to come into the room ever again, unless specifically invited. And even then, he always seemed reluctant to enter, even on Mother's Day and Christmas.
"Everything okay?" said a sleepy voice behind her, startling her out of her reverie. "Something wrong?"
"This..." she handed the note to Emma, who yawned, then gulped, as she read the last bit.
"Jeezuz! I guess he's probably becoming quite the expert on lesbian technique by now?"
"It's not funny, Emma! We have to be more careful. It could have been Honour."
"Yeah. God forbid she'd get to find out her mums have a sex life? Or not."
"That's hardly fair!" She moved away from the blonde, who immediately regretted the snipe. Taking her hand, she pulled her back.
"I know alright? I'm sorry. It's just a lack of sleep and…and…everything."
"Emma, I'm not happy with the situation either! I think I'm just too stressed. However, we've two children right now doing god-knows-what in the forest; and a young man for whom nothing we do ever seems good enough!"
"Henry? What do you mean? The kid's fine now. Isn't he?"
"The 'kid', as you refer to him, which by the way, he has repeatedly asked you not to call him, is hardly fine! He's fighting us; he's becoming distant. I know you apologised, but I still can't help feeling he doesn't want to spend time with us anymore. He seems to spend all his days learning god-knows-what from the imp, and the rest, while he's here, with John and the men. We're losing him Emma, and I hate it."
"I know it's tricky, but we aren't losing him. He's just, well, gaining his independence. He's more pissed off with me than you at the moment and, now his magic's come in, he's trying to prove himself. And frankly, I'm angry at myself for forgetting Neal's anniversary like that! That was the catalyst that first set him off, he said it himself. No wonder he latched on to Gold? That's the only part of Neal he has left."
"So what do you suggest we do? Say fine, let the master of dark magic educate our son? Let him go out drinking until all hours? What the hell does that say about the way we brought up our boy?"
"That's partly the problem, isn't it? He's not our boy anymore, he's our man! He also said something to me about being pissed off that every time he gets a father figure, he loses him. First Neal, then Killian, and now the Forest Fart!"
"Emma," the brunette hated her being derisory about Robin. "Don't call him that! That man saved my life. I've stopped calling your old flame Guyliner, or the One-Handed Wonder, so kindly do the same for me?"
Emma grumbled, deciding not to reply, knowing it would only make things worse.
"First, let's go get changed and go find our children."
"Breakfast first! I'm not facing that lot on an empty stomach."
Mr. Gold's Shop
At eleven sharp, Merlin apparated outside the front of the shop as agreed, the Dark One stepping out to meet him with a cursory nod. Rumple immediately noticed a beautiful young blonde woman standing beside him.
"Good morning, Professor. I assume this young lady is your daughter?"
"Good morning to you Mr. Gold. Indeed, this is Annabelle, my youngest girl. Or Doctor Sage, to give her professional title."
Anna stepped forward, offering her hand, with a disarmingly warm, flirtatious smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mr. Gold. But please, just call me Anna?"
The Dark One, flattered, smirked back. "Beautiful, intelligent and polite! It's nice to meet you too, Anna. You should call me Rumple, then." Then turning to her father. "So, you need my assistance?"
"I do. Our resurrected outlaw is making some changes in the forest. He's going to be needing our help. I suggest we head over there first, before certain 'obstacles' present themselves."
Rumple knew Merlin was a seer, like himself. "Obstacles? Could you be a little more specific?"
"Now he's come into magic, Robin is using it to do some major building to improve the lives of the forest dwellers. Not just for his men, but the several hundred people living in those parts. But there are people in authority here who would not wish for that to succeed."
He gave him a knowing grin. "People such as the current Mayor, our former King George?"
"It's amazing how easily people in positions of authority tend to disregard those they're supposed to serve. I'm given to understand that his recent appointment of the former Sheriff of Nottingham, as Sheriff, hasn't helped the situation. A rogue, working for a crook, if ever I saw one. Interesting how he also seems to have brought in a good number of his former guards to work for the city?"
Rumple smiled, enjoying the thought of disrupting things for two people he'd never liked. "Then lead the way. Or should I teleport us there?"
"Perhaps not. Let's walk, if that's okay for your leg? I would like to talk more about your younger son, so I can hasten tracking him down."
Rumple sighed. "If you're able to track him down! As days go on I begin to lose all hope. After Bae."
Anna interrupted. "Dad, I've been thinking about, well, what we know about Mr. Gold's future?"
"Careful my love, you know the rules. What of it?"
"Well...Rumple's a seer like yourself, isn't he? I remember you saying no one's allowed to see their own timeline?"
"True, though it's not about not being allowed to, it's just that the laws of magic prevent it."
"Yes. Well, could Mr. Gold be allowed to see a snippet of your timeline? Perhaps something relevant to him? A reason to help?"
Merlin grinned, understanding where she was going. "Why, you clever girl! I think I may know just the thing." He turned back to the Dark One. "Mr. Gold, I'd like to offer you something special, for your assistance today?"
"I'm listening."
"I'll show you a vision from my own future sight, in my timeline, that directly affects you! I'll show it to you on condition that I be allowed to wipe it, and only it, from your memory immediately after?"
"Why would I make a deal to see something I won't be allowed to remember?"
"Because it may change your view of the future. But before I erase it, I'll allow you to make a note of your feelings after the vision, but without giving any specifics which could affect the outcome. You can either write 'Trust Merlin' or 'Don't trust Merlin', straight after. Do we have a deal?"
Intrigued but not seeing any harm, he shook the man's hand. "Very well, we have a deal."
As the two men clasped hands, they both felt the strong magic bind their handshake, securing the agreement. No written contract would be necessary. Both knowing that to break such a deal, would be on pain of death.
The moment their hands shook, Rumpelstiltskin felt visions start opening up before him:
~oOo~
In place of the morning chill, Rumple now felt sun on his back, as he stood near the edge of what appeared to be Storybrooke Lake. In front of him stood a small marquee, with a lot of people standing around in groups, drinks in hand. He appeared to be at the annual town summer fete? He browsed around for anyone he recognised, various familiar faces swimming into view. Snow White and Charming were chatting with the former Cinderella and her husband. At Snow's side, a young blonde boy, possibly eleven or twelve-years-old, looking bored. He said something to her, before leaving to walk over to a small group sitting on the grass surrounding hampers of food, a very young child sitting amongst them.
As the boy sat down next to a blonde woman, turning to face Rumple, he immediately recognised him as Charming's son, the Saviour's brother. Neal; the boy they named after his own son. Neal, picked up a small toy, a doll, from behind a baby girl and brought it towards her face, tickling her on the nose with it. As she giggled, he watched the rest of the family laugh. Looking across, he saw two older girls, probably pre-teens, one blonde and a redhead. After seeing the three children, he figured he was looking at an image set some five or six years ahead. Hard to be precise with these things!
Looking up from Emma for another familiar face, he spotted Regina. Having aged little, she glanced at her wife whilst passing a plate across to another young blonde girl. This one must have been about five or six, but looked similar in colouring to one of the older girls. Well that's a surprise! Did the Saviour get pregnant again?
As he watched the happy scene, a broad shouldered, bearded man carrying a tray of drinks carefully crept into the family circle, kneeling down and handing them around. Yet another little girl, of similar age to the blonde, held on to his leg. The man, Robin Hood, passed Regina a drink. She leant across, said something and then, surprisingly, gave him a soft, kiss on open lips.
Well, well, well. The thief and the queen back together? Not the greatest surprise. Rumple had always expected the pull of true love magic would prevail. However, what happened next did surprise him. Passing the Saviour her own drink, a pint of beer, Hood said something to her before Emma also gave him an equally enthusiastic kiss on the lips, with Regina smiling, unconcerned. That was odd?
Continuing to look over the villagers, as though floating among them, his eyes went to yet another child, a dark-haired baby boy, probably six or so years old. The boy clambered over an older man, appearing to tickle him, as he lay happily on his back on the grass, laughing up at him.
Even on his back, Rumple instantly recognised himself!
Why am I seeing myself? That should be impossible, the timeline doesn't allow it? Then he remembered he was seeing Merlin's vision, not his own. Nonetheless, his eyes widened in surprise as he saw his happy older self playing around with someone who he guessed was his son? I have another son? From the side, another, younger, bearded man appeared, gently lifted the boy off the other Rumple, turning him in his arms before planting a kiss on the baby's forehead, giving him what appeared to be a tickle when the little one twisted, giggling.
But Rumple's jaw plunged in disbelief, barely able to breath, as the man's face now came into view.
BAELFIRE!
"BAE? BAE? IS THAT REALLY YOU?" he croaked, trying to race over to his dearly-departed son, before realising this was still the vision, and neither Baelfire, nor the others, could see or hear him. He felt tears now stream down his face at the sight of his son, alive, cradling what he guessed must be his grandson?
"My boy? My boys!" .
Then came the final shock. Another even younger, clean-shaven man, with similar looks to his son, now walked into view, beer in one hand while dropping his other arm to help the prone Rumple onto his feet. A man with clear blue eyes he recognised, as he looked to his side, to a shorter woman moving across to pull Rumple's other arm, the two helping him stand. Now trembling, he froze, desperately hoping the dark haired, slight woman would turn, so he could see her face. Let it be her?
As she turned, he saw the beautiful, unmistakeable features of his estranged wife come into view, as she stepped up on her toes to plant a kiss on the lips of the Dark One.
Belle! Belle and Bae and Gideon? All together?
~oOo~
Completely choked, broken with emotion, tears dried on his cheeks as the mists slowly closed around the vision, leaving him still standing, unsteadily, in front of Merlin and his daughter. The young woman even had tissues ready for him, guessing how he'd react.
"How long was I gone for?"
"A matter of moments," said Merlin, "You know how these things work."
"Indeed, I do. You swear this vision hasn't been adulterated? That this your true vision?"
"I swear on my soul. That will be your future, Rumpelstiltskin, provided you take the right path, and don't deviate from it."
The Dark One silently twirled his fingers, a small writing pad appearing in one hand, an ornate fountain pen in the other.
He wrote three simple words.
'Trust Merlin – Completely!'
He signed the note with his trademark flourish, before showing it to the Sorcerer, and pocketing it.
"Very well. Do what you have to do," he sighed, as the Sorcerer cast the spell to take the wonderful memory away forever.
Later...
It was just after noon when Regina and Emma turned up. Expecting to see at least a couple of merry men at the now abandoned campsite, Regina grew concerned for the safety of her children, until she heard noise of shouting and laughter nearby. Edging through the glade towards the noise, they were both completely astonished as new buildings came into view, where none stood before. There seemed to be about forty tudor-beamed houses, all varied, all brand new, set into what appeared to be a horseshoe shape, with a large building in the centre, a lawn and tables outside.
"Gina, is that really…"
"An English pub? Yes, it would appear so." Said the older woman as she also gazed in wonder at all the detail. "Clearly built using magic. I can't imagine how else all this would've been done so quickly. Or why, for that matter?"
As the women edged closer, they saw a large wooden sign swing outside, bearing a recognisable coat of arms. A crest, with a gold inscription below.
The Earl of Locksley?
"You like it?" said a voice from her right side. She looked across to where it came from and saw Merlin's daughter walking towards her. "The pub name?" She seemed proud. "That's my idea! Though I haven't actually told Robin yet. Do you think he'll like it? It seems fitting, after all he did just build the pub!"
"Robin built this?"
"He built the whole village. Well, all the buildings at least. With a little help from my dad and Mr. Gold. They're sorting out all the fittings inside. They're both here somewhere. All the toilets, plumbing, electrics and stuff. Robin said he had no idea how all that works so asked for any help he could get."
"Gold and your father are working together?" Regina couldn't believe her ears.
"Great, isn't it? Having the most powerful light and dark sorcerers working together? Dad persuaded him to sell some land and help out."
Emma was unconvinced. "Help with what? Plumbing? I can't imagine Gold helping anyone other than himself!"
"That's hardly fair now, is it?" Anna kept an innocent tone to her voice.
"Fair? Miss Sage, you really have no idea. After all the things he's done to us."
Anna's eyes narrowed, but she maintained the smile. "And all the things you've both done to him? That would make anyone a little...bitter."
"Things that we've-?" Emma's brow was as now arched as Regina's. "What on earth are you talking about?"
"Imprisoned him in a cage underground for months? Imprisoning his then lover, Belle, for twenty eight years, after telling him she was dead?" She looked directly at Emma now. "Even her own mother tried to kill him! Her sister imprisoned, raped and tortured him, and went on to murder his son? Then he loses Belle again, partly because you blackmailed him into going to the Underworld, to save your then boyfriend? Emma baulked, but the young woman wasn't done. "Then you helped Belle keep him away from his second son, didn't you? Which resulted in the baby getting kidnapped, and he hasn't seen him since! So, you know, I'd say he's more than entitled to be a bit sore towards you, don't you think?"
"How the hell do you know-" Emma started angrily, only to be interrupted again.
"Know all about you two, and your families? My dad's a master of all light magic. You think you have magic? With the greatest respect to you both, you have bugger all compared to him! And like him, I'm a seer, so I get to see some past, present and future when I need to. So, to be blunt, I know that you two, and the royal families in general, have been the biggest, self-absorbed, self-righteous pains in the arse that Rumpelstiltskin's ever encountered."
"How dare you?" Regina snarled, her old anger rising. "You have no right to-" though she was again interrupted, this time by a familiar voice from their side.
"She's right though, mum, isn't she?"
"Hen? Where on earth did you come from?"
"Over there. I'm helping the guys in the pub. But don't change the subject. Anna's right! Grandpa may be the Dark One, but he's changed so much, but neither of you noticed. Mum, everyone around here knows some of the abominable things you did as the Evil Queen. But you're not her now, are you? You changed! Well, so's Grandpa, and he deserves the same respect. I know it's hard, but just try, okay? Merlin trusts him, and they're working together, so that's good enough for me."
His mother sighed, rolling her eyes. She had no wish to argue with him yet again. "I'll try Henry, I'll try. Now, answer your mother, what are you doing here?"
"Building a village, with the others. Geppetto's teaching me carpentry! He's fixing doors and things here and it's great watching a real craftsman at work. Still, I'd best get back to him." With that, he stepped away toward the large pub front door, before Regina called back.
"Henry! Where's Honour and Roland? Shouldn't they be with you?" She knew they were probably safe with John and the men, but they were nowhere to be seen.
"Probably down by the lake? Or the pool. Just go through that glade by the new clinic over there," he shouted back, pointing to a large barn on the edge of the new development. "See ya later?" He waved back as he went inside.
Clinic? Pub? Lake?
"Lake? I don't remember a lake anywhere near here?" Nonetheless, they followed his directions through the gladee.
Emma looked across at Regina, who still looked glum. "You okay?"
"Not really."
The blonde gently took the older woman's arm in her own. "Tell me."
"It's just; I feel like I've failed everyone here."
"Failed? I don't understand."
"Emma, I'm the one who built Storybrooke! Me! Rumple may have created the curse, but I modified it and cast it. I built the houses I wanted, and gave some people reasonable homes to live in. But I did nothing at all or all these people out here, the poorest of them all. Usually the very people worst affected by my past! The Merry Men came here and helped them, but I still did nothing. Robin comes back with magic and has done more for them, in one day, then I did in thirty-five years? He's helping them Emma! In a way that I should have done. They'll have housing, clean running water, even a clinic? And in all my time here, with magic of my own, I did nothing! I guess I'm just feeling ashamed."
Emma wrapped an arm around her shoulder as the glade started to widen. "Well, I'm the Saviour and Ididn't exactly help either, did I? We've been a little too busy with our own lives, I guess. Perhaps now we can…h-he-HOLY FUCK!"
She gasped in shock, as another new vision presented itself. In front of them lay a huge lake that definitely wasn't there two weeks ago!
The lake was a good quarter-mile wide with a sandy shore. On the bank nearest, sat a small cluster of people in recliners. Some stood close by, shouting and laughing. Looking closer, Emma noticed a small, hardy group, swimming in the water.
"Bit cold for a swim, don't you think?"
Regina's mind raced back to a time five years ago, to a certain man in her life who loved nothing more than swimming in icy water. He never seemed to feel the cold, probably hardened by a lifetime spent in the open. She walked closer, instantly recognising the delighted screams of her little daughter, paddling at the edge. Roland, the son she hadn't seen in two days, was lifting her up and dropping her down with a splash, both of them laughing. It was a lovely sight. Emma also smiled when she spotted Dorothy, skirt raised, as she splashed alongside the girl, yelling something to others. The former Prince Philip was also swimming in the shallow water close by, a little deeper, before standing to drape an arm around Mulan, his and Aurora's new fiancée.
Regina shouted to Honour, knowing she hadn't yet learned to swim. "Roland, please keep her safe? And don't let her go out too deep?"
However, before the dimple-cheeked boy could reach his sister, the surface of the water was broken by someone coming up from below, lifting the girl straight up and into the air!
"ROOOAARGH!" Robin bellowed, giving his best impression of a sea monster, before tickling the girl. She screamed aloud, laughing hysterically as he brought her into his wet arms and chest.
"WHAAAA! DADDY! YOU'RE FREEZING!" She yelled, but giggling throughout, a small group nearby also laughing with them. "YOU SCARED ME!"
"Sorry my little love, I couldn't resist!" Robin cuddled her closer, bringing her pink cheek to his bare chest, kissing the top of her head. Honour snuggled into him before raising her eyes to his. Regina, now closer, watching. It was obvious that after only three days together, Honour was completely smitten with him, a look of absolute adoration in here eyes. Robin also spotted it, and it was clear to him that, like Roland before her, this little one would have him wrapped around her finger in no time.
"Grub's up!" Bellowed John from the makeshift barbecue assembled nearby. "Come and get it, you 'orrible lot, or starve!"
"Great, I could eat a horse!" Yelled Roland. "Come on, Honny? Hot dogs and burgers!" Robin gently placed his girl down in the shallower water, and she paddled the last few feet to reach her her brother, while Robin immediately turned to walk back before diving below the surface again, for a final swim.
Emma saw the look on Regina's face, totally enraptured by the little scene being played out. Regina never took her eyes away until he disappeared below the water, for the best part of a minute, waiting patiently for the archer to surface again.
When the water's surface finally broke, Robin stood slowly, now appearing to be holding an arrow with two large fish, still flapping, speared on it.
"Ooh, nice catch there, Rob!" Mulan called out, "I'll have some of that rather than the burgers, if there's plenty to go round?"
Robin nodded, smiling at her as he walked up the little beach that hadn't existed three hours ago.
Emma still followed Regina's line of sight, back to the man emerging from the water. For the first time, She studied him closer herself. His swim shorts. The not too-overdeveloped muscles on his arms and legs, the soft brown hair on the muscular chest, still glistening with water. His light beard not quite masking the dimples. The strong jaw and ready smile. Even she had to admit, Hood was really quite handsome. Her gaze couldn't help dropping to his abs, then to the generous bulge resting under his trunks. Generous, considering he's just come out of freezing water? She could understand what Regina saw in him. Without thinking, she licked her lips, biting on the lower one, and wondering how he'd look out of those trunks. Wait…what? What the hell? Stop! He's Robin Hood, for fuck's sake!
Looking up at his face, Robin now appeared to be staring straight back at her with a piercing gaze. A small smirk showing, he moved closer. Shit, please say he didn't read my mind THAT time! Fuck. Emma, just stop. Just stop…thinking!
Her cheeks pinking, she turned, facing away. Don't look at him. It was then, as she turned away, she caught Regina, also staring. But at her, wide-eyed, and an imperious brow arched.
Regina, having also just admired her former lover's physique as he drew closer, blushed and, not wanting to be caught staring at him by Emma, looked towards the children. That's when she spotted Emma staring. She knew that look as the blonde stared at him. The way she raked her eyes over his body. Across his lower half. It was when she subconsciously licked her lips, that Regina knew beyond doubt that Emma's look was one of…admiration? Attraction? That was weird, watching her wife blatantly checking out her own former lover.
As he drew closer, she noticed how she even appeared to look away, embarrassed. Then Emma realised Regina had spotted her. Gotcha!
"Emma," she whispered. "Are you okay?"
"Uh? Yeah, I'm…fine." She mumbled. "Um, let's go get some food?" But just as she was about to lead her away, he reached them. Emma could barely look up at him, anxious she'd been caught.
"Gina, Emma. I'm glad you could come. I hope you liked what you saw?"
"What do you mean? I was just…just…"
"Big, isn't it? Hope you're suitably impressed? I'm really surprised I got it up the first time trying!"
Oh come on? He may have caught me looking - but there's a limit!
"Anna said it should be the focal point of the village. I tried to remember the one we had back in Sherwood. Henry and Geppetto are overseeing the bits we missed, and Merlin said he'll sort out the inside and the plumbing."
"Oh, the pub? Thank God! Um...yeah…it looks great!" Emma bumbled, much to Regina's amusement. "It's...impressive. As you said."
Trying to suppress a laugh, Regina took her wife's hand, fingers interlocking as they walked up to the barbeque where the rest of the party had gathered. "Yes Robin, it's rather brilliant. And I'm surprised you've managed to dragoon so many people here to help you? Though I don't mean to burst your bubble, I can't see Mayor George standing by and letting this place happen. He's unlikely to approve it. There are planning rules, you know? You can't just build wherever you want! This is public land!"
"Actually, it's private land. I checked with the previous owner." He replied, nonchalantly.
"Private? Owner? That's impossible, I would have known. The only person other than me would be…"
"Would be me, Mrs. Swan-Mills?" Said a familiar voice. She turned to see a stone-faced Dark One, standing next to Merlin. Where the hell did they come from?
"You? You don't own the forest! I checked years ago."
"Check again, Regina. I think you'll find I own several tracts of land around here. Including the one you're standing on, which I sold on this morning!"
Emma sneered. "So, what's in it for you? There's always a catch."
"Not this time, dearie. I've sold this entire settlement of some two hundred acres to Lord Locksley. He paid me in full this morning, and the land you're standing on is now his! So, It'll be for him to decide rents accordingly."
"Robin, you bought this?" Regina couldn't believe her ears. "How?"
"That's not important. But what is important, is that once we get some legal issues sorted out, I'll give the land over to the people who live here. They won't pay rent, just guarantee to preserve it for others to inherit in due course."
"Well get an independent lawyer to go through it with a fine-toothed comb! I still don't trust him!" Emma couldn't resist. Rumple was about to respond in kind, when he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
"Actually, Emma, another of my daughters, Rosalind, is a rather accomplished lawyer." Merlin interjected. "She will be joining me tomorrow, as it happens, to assist Lord Locksley in achieving his aims. In collaboration with Mr. Gold, of course, who has been extremely helpful today. However, we're both in need of refreshment. Robin, how about we all retire to your new pub?"
"Only if you supply the beers?" said Robin, to cheers from the rest. "It's going to take a few weeks to brew our own!"
~oOo~
The Grand Opening
A few minutes later, Robin, Merlin & Rumple led the group to the pub's large solid oak front door, before Robin turned to face the growing crowd outside.
"Ladies and gentlemen, would you kindly wait here, while these gentlemen and I put the finishing touches? We shouldn't be too long."
Minutes later, the growing crowd watched from outside, as numerous colours flashed across the curtained pub windows. Emma and Regina recognised familiar magical colours of octarine, gold, purple and indigo, just visible. Ten minutes later and the three men reappeared, Merlin closing the door behind him. Robin turned briefly to face the door, conjuring a white ribbon across the front and a pair of scissors in his hand.
"I think a simple cutting ceremony is in order, don't you?" Stepping onto a small stool to see over the top of the crowd, Robin delivered a short speech.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I'd like to thank you all, especially those of you who've helped us this morning, in the building of this little community. I think it's been long overdue, especially for those less fortunate then ourselves, who've struggled, unnecessarily." Regina frowned. Was that last barb aimed at her?
"Where I come from, the pub was the very centre of the community, where business and friendships were forged, and families made welcome. In some way, I feel sorry for the people of Storybrooke, who have places to eat, places to drink, but nowhere that can really 'unite' everyone. A pub is so very different to a bar. This is no bar! A village pub is a place that welcomes everyone, provided they behave themselves!" Several guffawed at that last comment. "So, it only remains for me to ask someone to cut the ribbon?" That surprised most of them, as they assumed Robin to be the obvious choice.
"For that honour, I would like to ask someone who has made an enormous impression on me since I returned. Someone who's changed, and thanks to recent things I've learnt, someone who has in the past denied their own happiness numerous times to save the lives of others. Someone who has known true sacrifice and, I believe, worked in their own way, for the good of others, even though those efforts have usually been unrecognised or overlooked."
Emma looked across at Regina, knowing she didn't want to do this, even if Robin did have good intention.
"So, Mr. Gold, I would be honoured if you would kindly cut the ribbon and open our public house?"
A gasp went around the crowd. Emma thought Robin had lost his mind. But Henry just shouted "Yes!"
"ME? You're asking me to open your pub?" Rumple couldn't believe his ears. It was a small act, but nobody had ever treated him with that sort of respect before. Nobody. At least nobody who wasn't forced to do his bidding. Surprised, his jaw dropped as Robin nodded, giving him the scissors.
"I meant every word. Please?"
So Rumple approached the ribbon, still stunned by the request. "Well…Lord Locksley, this is a surprise. Having never done this before, I guess all I need to say is, I declare this public house open? Bless all those who will eat, drink and make merry in her!" He cut the ribbon, to a loud cheer from the crowd.
~oOo~
The doors slowly opened, and people started filtering inside.
They were met by the sight of a large, open fireplace on one side, high oak beams, stained glass in the windows, and a ceiling with carved mosaics featuring country scenes, and one of the most beautiful bar fronts imaginable, featuring extravagant, flamboyantly carved portraits, all in wood and gilt. Clearly the work of Geppetto, and possible a little bit of Henry? thought Regina. How could they have done all of this in just one morning? The beautiful bar was one of the best stocked she'd ever seen, Tuck and John standing proudly behind it.
As everyone slowly filed in, numerous gasps were heard. "This is awesome!" said Emma, as she stepped up to the bar.
"What'll ya have, Em?" Said John, looming over her. "First one's on the house, though you'll have to pay after that."
She slowly shook her head in disbelief. "You've got hand pumps too? You're making real ale?" She felt like a kid in a candy store, not sure what to try first. A voice at her side answered.
"Sort of," said Henry, smiling. "Merlin and grandpa Gold magicked the beer and drinks in today, but there's a microbrewery just behind the pub. They should be brewing their own in a few weeks. It's going to be great! They thought of everything. I quite fancy working here during the holidays."
"You'd want to work in a bar during the summer?" Regina appeared by his side. "Though I agree, this place is astonishing. So much detail? How did Geppetto get all the carvings done so quickly?"
"Well, that's the weird thing. Merlin's able to 'slow down' time. Geppetto's been at it for two weeks now, though it felt like two hours in our time. August drew some of the carvings, and Merlin magicked them into the wood to save time. Geppetto tidied it all up. Then grandpa and Merlin stocked up the bar temporarily, and built a brewery at the back. It's fantastic!"
The two women could only agree. A foaming pint of draught ale was pushed in front of Emma and a golden half pint of hand drawn cider placed in front of Regina.
"No, I'm sorry John. I don't drink at lunchtime, and I've got the children to take home. Best not."
"You'll be insultin' me if you don't, Gina!" said the gentle giant. "And don't fret about the bairns. Kat's got 'em both outside, and there's even bedrooms for all of you here. Everything's taken care of, so just relax and enjoy it? Let your hair down, you two," he looked across at Emma, "You deserve a break."
Emma grinned at him, before leaning across the bar to peck his cheek. "Thanks John." Since Robin and Killian's deaths, the bear of a man had been a true friend, acting as a babysitter, counsellor and shoulder to cry on for both of them during the difficult years that followed. Regina also smiled up at him, blowing a little air kiss in gratitude, before lifting her own glass of, what looked like cider, to her lips.
"Mmmm," she breathed as the cool fresh apple taste swam over her palate. It was wonderful. Looking to her wife, who was similarly impressed. "Gina, I think we've found our new bar!"
"You heard Rob. It's not a bar, Em, it's a pub!" said Will Scarlett firmly, appearing on her left. "There's a world of difference!"
Emma was used to bantering with him, but she was frankly, too comfortable to bother. "Well, you may be right. Either way, this place may put the Rabbit Hole out of business." Neither of them seemed to notice, nor care, that their son, now perched between them on the stool, happened to be nursing his own pint. Regina thought to warn him about the perils of alcohol but, seeing his happy, contented face, didn't want to ruin the moment with lectures. This was a rare, peaceful moment for all of them. Or at least it was, until Alan-A-Dale ran into the bar, shouting.
"Guys! Mayor George and the Sheriff are here! There's something going down! To action, men!"
Emma was surprised how, for such a big guy, John flipped himself nimbly across the counter towards the door, having taken his bow and quiver from behind it. Tuck seemed to have followed suit.
It was then that Regina realised who was also outside!
"Honour and Roland are out there!" She breathed to Emma as she also turned to head out, worried for their safety.
~oOo~
As she stepped out into the sunshine and onto the front lawn, Regina spotted the current mayor, Albert Spencer, mounted on a white charger, talking down to Robin.
Next to him, on another stallion, sat the current Sheriff, Keith, the former Sheriff of Nottingham. She was also surprised to see all four of the sheriff's deputies standing either side of the pair, each with a hand on their gun holster? Robin, standing in the centre, held Honour close by his side, although Roland was several feet away, nearer to the sheriff.
"I understand you're responsible for these monstrosities?" Spencer looked over at the new structures, then down at the former outlaw, with a nasty sneer.
"If by that, you mean these buildings? Then yes, I am." Robin replied, impassively.
"Did you request any sort of permission to build them?"
No, I did not. This is private property, which I have now acquired."
"It is no such thing! This forest is a part of Storybrooke, and as such, public land. You have no right to build here! You will take them down immediately, and disperse. Or else there will be consequences."
Rumple again appeared from nowhere, his eyes glowering at the former king. "I am afraid it is you who is wrong, Mr. Mayor, as you can see from these deeds?" A set of papers now appearing in his hand. "I owned this land, and sold it to this man this morning. You have no jurisdiction here, so I suggest you be on your way."
"You?" Spencer fumed. He was an arrogant man who didn't like being contradicted. But he knew from experience not to cross the Dark One. "He can't build a town within Storybrooke, or its surrounding land, without my permission!"
"I think you'll find I can, and I have, Spencer. Now leave." Robin was starting to get irritated. "You're trespassing!"
"It's 'Mayor Spencer', or 'Your Majesty' to you, Hood!" Keith spat back.
"You're neither a mayor of this village, nor a king any more!" Robin was trying to hold back his temper, looking up at the man on horseback. "George, you are, and always have been, a pointless and ridiculous excuse for a man. I know you won an election in Storybrooke, but I have no doubt you fiddled it somehow! And as for your sheriff here, he's a jumped-up little shit, promoted far beyond his abilities. Now for the second time, I request you leave."
George was incandescent with rage at being spoken to like that by a mere peasant. A thief! Sheriff Keith was even angrier, boiling with fury at being ridiculed.
You'll regret that remark, Hood!" he growled, purple-faced, his hand never leaving his gun holster. "We'll burn down every property here if need be!"
Now it was Robin's turn to anger. However, it was Roland that spoke first.
"So, it's true? Henry always said you were a couple of arseholes!" He cheekily smiled at them both. Several in the growing crowd laughed at that!
But that did it for Keith! Turning to the boy, he swiftly grabbed him by his throat. "Why, you cheeky little bastard? I'll-"
Emma and Regina both froze, Regina instantly forming a fireball in her hand, ready to launch it at the swine. How dare he touch him? He'll burn before he hurts my Roland! However, before she could even release it, Keith suddenly shot out of his saddle, flying backwards through the air, pushed by some invisible force, which held him in place against a wall of one of the houses, before turning him upside-down?
The four armed deputies were also hauled up by the force, all now suspended upside-down, a good ten feet from the ground!
The crowd gasped, shocked at first, then started to cheer, laughing as they soon realised who was responsible.
Robin walked slowly up to the cocky, arrogant sheriff, before leaning in, growling in a voice Regina had never heard until his encounter with Zelena.
"You lay one hand on any of my children, and I swear by all those present that I will fillet you, Nottingham! End you! The same goes you, Spencer. You're nobody here. Leave and NEVER come back! Ever!" With a blink, the invisible bind suspending the men ceased, all five crashing to the ground. The mayor cursed as he stood up in his saddle.
Albert Spencer wasn't stupid. He knew they had no chance against him. Not when Rumple seemed to be aligned to them? However, before he could formulate a response, the grey-bearded man who had been standing next to Rumple looked at the fallen group before speaking. "Mr. Gold, I'm wondering. When are the next mayoral elections due?"
"Next month, Professor. The sheriff's role is also long overdue for an election."
"Perfect. Perhaps it's time to find new candidates?"
~oOo~