Roland learns more about Marian from some of the Merry Men. One of Regina's culinary heroes comes to town

Granny's Diner – the following morning

"Rubes, I've been offering to do this for you for ages! You need that holiday. Go. We've got everything covered over here; I've got the kitchen's taken care of, and Donna and Paul know what they're doing. Take the damn holiday!"

"You sure you can cope? We'll be gone the best part of a month. Shouldn't you talk this through with Steffi?"

"Already have, Dot. In fact, I was going to wait for a little while before mentioning it, but I'd like to propose something to you two. Steff's mother passed over a couple months back, and she left us a fair sum. We had thought of leaving Storybrooke, and starting a little diner of our own someplace. But she and I got talking and, well, she doesn't really want to move. We've got lots of friends here."

"So you want to set up your own café here? In Storybrooke?" Hell, they hadn't seen that one coming. He's the best chef they've had in ages, and the competition really wouldn't help.

"No, of course not. I wouldn't do that to you two – you're mates! So, we were intending to ask you whether you might be interested in letting us put some money into the business? Coming in as junior partners, like. I think I can help us grow it, and Martha's old ice cream parlour's been empty a while. I figure we could set that up as a bakery. That could give us a bit more room in here to expand things..."

"Mikey, you're serious? You'd like to come in as partners?" Ruby looked across at Dorothy, equally surprised.

"Yeah. I mean, we work well together, right? I thought it could make sense. And also means Dot can get off and travel more, like she used to, and not worry about the business."

"Mike, I don't know what to say. We cant make any decision yet but, you come up with the numbers and your ideas, and we promise we'll give it some serious thought, eh Rubes?" she asked her wife. The wolf looked equally astonished at the offer. Then Ruby remembered where the business came from in the first place.

"Er…as part of what you're thinking, would you want to change the name or anything like that?"

He looked surprised. "Why on earth would I want to do that? Everyone around here knew Granny and, frankly, I also loved the grouchy old broad, god rest her soul! No, we should keep the name. Though we could call the other place 'Mike's Bakery', or something like that?"

As they continued to chat, the bell on the front door sounded for the first customer of the day. "Jeez, it's seven thirty already! Time for work, everyone," said Ruby. "Mike, can our decision wait till the end of the week?"

"Sure, I'm not going anywhere, so I can wait. Anyway, you get off and deal with Grumpy? Looks like he's waiting for his heart-attack special?"

"We're going to have to change Leroy's nickname back to Dreamy! Have you seen him around Nova, these days?"

Meanwhile...

Around the time Ruby and Dorothy were starting their day, Emma woke in an unfamiliar, narrower, and definitely less-comfortable bed than their own.

Opening her eyes, she felt Roland's hot, pyjama-clad body pressing into her side. Hell, kid, you're like a little radiator! She grinned, moving back from him. He seemed to be sound asleep. Normally an early riser like his father, his emotional talk with Emma last night had led to the boy falling asleep much later than usual. Extracting herself from the bed, she decided to use her own bathroom rather than his little en-suite. The girls would be waking fairly soon, so fingers crossed, Emma might just catch a few minutes snoozing before the morning mayhem began.

As she walked in, she saw only Regina under the covers, Robin having presumably gone down to make coffee.

"Hi," she said softly, before sliding under the duvet, to pull herself into her wife. "You sleep okay?" She kissed her brow.

"Not really. Not after what happened yesterday. You?"

"Not great. Roland finally went off about midnight. He's still asleep."

"I can't imagine he'll ever want to even see me again. What if he refuses to come to the wedding? What if he wants to have nothing more to do with me?"

"Regina, I don't think it's that bad, honestly. We had a long talk last night and I…well basically, I told him a lot! About your past as the Evil Queen. About me and how I've screwed up. He asked about us and Robin. So I told him nearly everything I knew. He cried a lot, which is probably a good thing, as he's been holding it all in for so long. I think he's more angry with Zelena, than you. I had a quick look at his tablet just after he fell asleep. He may only be twelve, but he's already tracked down Zelena to Seattle! To where she's staying too. You know, he's already got into her private Facebook and Twitter pages? He's quite the detective."

"Why would he do that? What would he do with it all?"

"Destroy her reputation, basically. Or go after her."

"He's twelve Emma! There isn't a malicious bone in his body!" She said it, though wasn't so sure now!

"Well we'll see, won't we? Still, let's just play it by ear. Now then, I haven't heard anything from the babies. Shall we go in there and face the day, or what say we have a quick cuddle, and let our beloved fiancé face the fury of four hungry dames?"

"You're mean! No, we better get up. He won't be able to cope with all of them, and we need to get over and see Merlin. You remember we have that dinner with Pierre Roch tonight? It's bad enough that the chef I adore thinks the sun shines out of your mum's ass! We don't want her screwing up the one chance we get to have one of the world's best to cook at our wedding!"

"She'll behave. She knows it's important. Okay, come on girl, how about joining me in the shower?"

"If you're thinking about getting dirty before we get clean, then you've no chance. I ache all over…"

"Then I'll just have to massage your back, won't I? And any other bits I find on the way…"

~oOo~

A little later, they joined Robin downstairs, to discover he'd already made breakfast for Margot and Honour, fed Hope and Faith in their highchairs, and was now preparing even more pancakes, presumably for his wives-to-be.

"You, my darling husband-to-be, just keep getting lovelier and lovelier by the day!" Emma, with a wide grin, swiped a syrup-coated pancake straight off his own plate, before ramming most of it into her mouth. "Mmm…so good!" She mumbled, almost unable to speak.

"Well, the way to a sheriff's heart is through her stomach!" he replied, before leaning in and biting off the piece of pancake that still hung outside her mouth.

"Oh, gross daddy!" Margot rolled her eyes at him. At seven years old, she'd now started to pick up far too many of Regina's mannerisms. "Mamma Gina, did you see? Emma was eating that!"

"I quite agree, Margot!" said Regina, albeit hiding a smirk. "It's dirty! Control yourself, daddy" She chided.

Robin ignored her, instead swinging around, pulling her into him and placing a buttery-lipped kiss on the brunette's nose, making the other girls laugh. As the usual Mills glare was imminent, Robin quickly wrapped his large hands around her sides, knowing just where she was the most ticklish! That earned a loud scream from the normally controlled former queen, who collapsed into uncontrollable giggles as he tickle-tortured her.

"Quick Honnie! Daddy's attacking Gina! Get him!" The redhead laughed, jumping off her chair to attack Robin, jabbing her little fingers into his waist and clutching his leg. Honour was now doing the same on his other side, both laughing hysterically as their father pretended to collapse on the floor from the onslaught.

"Yeah, you get him girls! Get the big bad man!" Emma, encouraged them. As Honour sat on his chest and Margot rolled over his legs, Emma quickly got down on the floor with them, before whipping off one of his slippers, and forcing her knuckle into the base of his foot, just where she knew he was the most ticklish, making him yell.

Regina guffawed at the ridiculous display, dropping down to her knees, herself pressing two fingers gently into the base of his neck. yet another weak spot she'd discovered from Roland. "Do you surrender, Lord Locksley? Or do I have my queen and princesses torture you some more?" This was followed by Emma again ramming her knuckle into his foot. God he was so ticklish there!

"Argh, nooooo! I surrender!" he yelled between tight laughs. "Four women on one poor defenceless man! Have you no mercy?"

"None whatsoever!" She breathed, before placing a kiss on his lips.

The happy family got up and continued finishing their breakfast, Robin finally stepping up to the table and taking several pancakes onto a plate, with a glass of orange. "I'd better take Roland some breakfast. He'll be starving by now."

As she watched Robin head up the stairs, Regina turned to them. "So, girls, I need you to help your mama and I get Hope and Faith cleaned up for the day. Aunty Maria's going to be here soon, and we'll all be heading to your grandma and grandpa's farm."

"Really?" Margot's eyes lit up. "Is Neal going to be there?" She was rather smitten by Snow and David's son.

"Probably. So, let's bath and change these babies, then we can-" she was stopped by a loud call from upstairs.

"HE'S GONE!" Robin yelled. "Roland's gone!"

Emma stood up, immediately heading for the stairs. "That's impossible! He was sound asleep ten minutes ago. You sealed his room. I felt the barrier. There's no way he should have got through that! You only opened it just for me, right?" she asked.

"I'm sure I did! His room was still sealed. We'd better notify everyone to look out for him. I'll message the men and Sherwood. You let your parents know, and anyone else you think needs to. Just say he's upset and gone missing!"

"I'll let mum know first. She knows just about everybody! Rob, you remember I said he had already figured out where Zelena was staying? He might be going after her! I'll let Hank know. They can cover the town line."

Sherwood

Merlin had arrived late the previous evening, and stayed the night at the convent. He'd arrived at the Earl of Locksley early, to meet his daughters Anna and Rosie for breakfast, before the latter headed off once more with her husband on the Jolly Roger. Killian Jones had stayed behind on his ship, to look after Liam and prepare the vessel for the long journey to Arendelle.

Merlin smiled as he watched his precious daughters each plough through a huge cooked breakfast as they they'd been starved.

"Girls, I'm always amazed you two can eat so much! Considering you both have whippet-like figures, I really don't know where you put it? Slow down there, Rosie, it's really not going to be taken away!"

"Sorry dad, but you know what I'm like with bacon and eggs! This is good stuff. Besides, I've never had any weight problem, it's Anna that puts it on!" She nudged her sister, playfully.

"Not sure about that, sis? You've been packing it on your thighs recently!" She scoffed.

"Enough, girls. Stop the squabbling, even if it is in jest! Now, I need to talk about arrangements for the Arendelle trip I-" But he was interrupted by Robin's sister Maria, stepping out from the kitchen in a hurry, looking flustered.

"Maria? Over here!" Her best friend called out. "Something wrong?"

"What…Anna?" the perturbed woman called back, before noticing her friend's family. "Hi all," She seemed panicky. "Yes…um, well, I just a message from Robin. He says Roland's gone missing! I need to go help look for him!"

Annabelle was already familiar with her friend's nephew. "Roland? Shit. Okay? Let me help you look?" However, just as she stood up, Maria's phone buzzed with a new message. This time from Alan-a-Dale:

AaD: Don't panic! Roland's here with me! He just arrived a couple of minutes ago, looking upset. Rob, hold off the cavalry! Me and Tuck are talking to him.

Then a second message:

AaD: I'll feed him and call you!

Maria sighed in relief. She loved her young nephew. "Okay, he's safe!" A moment later the phone buzzed again. It was her brother on the group message:

Robin: Thank god! Okay, stay in touch. He got some bad news yesterday. Keep an eye on him please?

AaD: That's what mates are for! Now bugger off and leave us be. He's in good hands...

"Yeah, the guys have got him. Panic over!"

"Good!" Merlin pointed to a spare seat. "In that case, Maria, please come and sit with us? I haven't spent any proper time yet with the lady who seems to have stolen my boy's heart. Come have breakfast?"

Anna smiled up at her. "Dad, I'm not sure that's a good idea! This one's a Locksley. You think we have big appetites? This one'll eat you out of house and home!"

"I think we'll survive," he chuckled. "I want to get to know her. Come, Maria. Tell me if my son is behaving himself?"

~oOo~

As Maria grinned and sat down to join her boyfriend's family, at a small lodge nearby, Roland Locksley was sitting with Friar Tuck and Alan-a-Dale.

"Roland, your dad's clearly worried about you. He's just texted me. What's going on? Your dad's a brother to me, but you know I can keep a secret, when required. What's going on?"

It took a little while for him to open up, but Roland finally told them what he's learned about Marian's demise. About Zelena and the Evil Queen, and how he wanted revenge. The friar placed a warm hand on his shoulder, in sympathy. He knew Robin had probably already lectured him, so decided on a different tack.

"What do you know about your mother, Roland?"

"Not much. Dad used to tell me a lot about her adventures. How they broke into castles, and attacked royal stagecoaches together. He said she was a pretty good fighter! That, and he loved her so much."

"Did he tell you what she looked like?" Alan interrupted. "Tuck, you still got those old sketching books?"

"Maybe? Give me a few minutes…" He stood, leaving the room.

"Roland, your mama, Marian, was a real looker! Very bright too. I'm sure she broke quite a few hearts before she came by your dad! He stole her family's horse, you know?"

"He stole her horse? Why…"

"Cos, he thought they were rich! She was from a noble family was Marian, but the king had purged and exiled them. That horse was all they had. So, she went chasing after him to get it back. Gave him a first class bollockin' and merry hell, she did! But he just looked at her, acting like a lovesick puppy!" He looked wistfully out the window. "She was quite the girl, your mum!" While the information made him feel proud, her loss just made him feel empty.

"We all loved her Marian. She taught me to read and write, you know? And when I realised my interest was more in men than women, she was the first one of all of them to accept it. She gave me the courage to face the rest of the men. Bit difficult that, when you live among them? She was like my big sister, as much as Robin was a brother."

"Dad told me that you and him…tracked down and killed the guys who hanged her?"

"He told you about that, did he?" Alan was more than surprised. It wasn't the most honourable thing he'd ever done, and he and his leader never spoke after the deed was done. "Well, I can't say I'm proud of what we did, Roland. When we got to that little village up in the hills, we discovered quite a few bodies, and a lot of devastated, grief-stricken people. We found your mum in a barn there…" His voice suddenly started to break, as he remembered those dark times. "Your pa completely lost it! We left the men to help with the burials, and the two of us went after the bastards who did it! Your dad's a brilliant tracker, as you know, and we found one of the Royal Guard holed up nearby. We…we tortured him to find out who'd done it! It didn't take long. We found out it was one of the generals, Fitch, and two of his men!"

"I need to know everything, Alan! What happened next?"

"It took a day to track them down. There were now about six of them, camped out in the forest. They were preparing to attack another little hamlet near the coast, just like the one they'd ripped apart. All that, just so a Queen could get the Princess! Robin and I waited in the trees. Once we knew it was only them, we planned the attack. We waited till two of them left, in opposite directions, to act as lookout. We…despatched both of them."

Despatched? he thought, so much easier to say than kill!

"We were now two against four. As the others hadn't returned, they rest got twitchy. So, we had to strike now or lose them. Robin took one of 'em out with an arrow to the chest, from a good hundred yards away! He went down, and the rest panicked. One ran from the rest, but an arrow to his leg brought him down. Your dad didn't waste time. I'd never seen him so wired up! We grabbed the guy on the ground by his balls, threatening to cut 'em off if he didn't say who hung Marian! When he told him, he went for Fitch, the one in charge, in a straight swordfight. Nasty bugger didn't stand a chance - short sword, straight to the guts!"

Roland winced at talk of his dad killing another. Alan continued. "The guy on the ground – I can't remember his name – tried to fire his crossbow at him, but I saw it and sliced him. The last one, Hamilton, was the bastard who actually hung Marian. Rob virtually took his head off!"

Roland sighed, satisfied at finally hearing what happened to his mother. "Thanks for telling me. And not holding anything back, like everyone else has done around here!"

Alan's large hand patted the boy's shoulder. "No problem, lad. Though your papa's probably going to have a blue fit, when he finds out I told you!"

Friar Tuck appeared again, this time with a large box containing sheets of notes and…drawings.

"Roland, I'm not sure whether you've ever seen these?" He pulled out a sheaf of twenty or so sheets of paper containing drawings. Most were faded and greying, but not all. "See here, my boy? This here's your mum!" He handed him a letter-sized card-like sheet, with a charcoal image on it.

The image was of a young woman, probably in her late twenties, with long, luxurious dark hair which ran over her shoulders. With high cheekbones and a straight nose, dark piercing eyes looking into the distance. The drawing was quite detailed, and the artist had clearly tried to convey her lightly tanned skin. Much like his own. Tuck handed him another, this one of her head and shoulders, looking more directly at the artist. There was more than hint of kindness and warmth in her eyes and whoever had drawn this had clearly spent a long time studying her. A third drawing showed the beautiful woman reclining on some sort of trestle, facing the artist and almost flirting with him. Roland was surpised at how elegant she appeared, for someone who lived in the forest. Clearly tall and slim, she wore a thin dress, that revealed not too much of her cleavage and long legs. She was clearly very beautiful.

"This is really my mum?" a tear fell down his cheek.

"Aye, lad. That's Marian. Quite a stunning woman, wouldn't you agree? We all miss her, god rest her soul."

"Can I keep them? And any other's you've got?"

"Of course, my boy. IShe's your mother, after all. Though might be a good idea to ask the artist, first?"

"The artist? Who's that?"

"Why your papa, of course! Rob used to draw all the time of an evening. Couldn't even bear to look at them after she passed, though. I don't think he picked up a pencil ever again."

Dad could draw? He had no idea. "These are great. Thanks guys…"

"No problem, young fella. Now then, I promised your papa I'd feed ye! So, let's go into the pub and get some breakfast, yeah? Cos I'm pretty sure there's three very anxious parents wanting to see you after you ran off. And you don't want to be facing them on an empty stomach now, do ye!"

Mifflin Street

"Thanks, Tuck, that's a relief! I'll give them an hour, then I'll be over, okay?" Robin ended the call, his fiancées waiting patiently for word on Roland.

"Alan and Tuck have him, and Alan's giving him some breakfast. Apparently, he was asking lots of questions about Marian. Alan told him about her hanging, and what we did to the soldiers afterwards. Tuck found a batch of my old drawings. He wants to give them to him, so I said yes. I'll leave them a little while before we go over there…"

Emma was at his side in an instant. "Don't be too angry with him? The little guy was really shaken up last night. I know he disobeyed you but, come on, he had just found out how his mother was murdered! He's only twelve."

Robin sighed loudly. "I guess you're right. We can let it slip this time. Hell, it even brought back a lot of uncomfortable memories for me, too!" He gave the blonde a hug and kiss on her cheek. Regina had stayed silent throughout, listening. "Regina, are you okay?"

"Not really. I just want to find some way of apologising to him for…everything."

"My love, we've been through this a hundred times. The Evil Queen was a very different woman in a very different time! How did you think I was able to fall in love with you? And as for the people who actually hanged her? Well, they've been dealt with long ago. I killed them all!"

That comment made Regina raise a brow. "I always wondered what happened to General Fitch and Colgrave! They were the Queen's…my…best men."

"Yeah? Well I'm better!" he said quietly, turning to step out of the room.

~oOo~

The moment Roland walked with Alan into the large dining area of the pub, he was besieged by anxious friends of his parents, all concerned following Robin's text alerting them to his disappearance.

As they crowded around, he smiled sadly, appreciating their kind words and assuring them he was feeling better. He clung tightly to the small leather satchel Tuck had given him, containing pictures of his mother. A moment later he felt a hand on his arm. "Aren't you going to have breakfast with your favourite aunty? What you got there?"

It was close to noon when Robin, Emma, Regina and the children finally arrived at the village pub. Regina hung back from the rest, nervous about approaching the boy.

She took the double pushchair from Robin. "You go on ahead. I'll wait here…" Looking towards the centre of the room, they saw Roland sitting at a larger table, with people around him. Stepping closer, Robin saw the table covered with paper and cards. Drawings. His drawings! He hadn't seen them for quite some time.

"Roland?" he said softly. "How are you?"

The boy sat close to his aunt Maria, staring at one, slightly larger picture. The detailed drawing showed Marian, lying asleep on something, with a black-haired baby, presumably him, probably aged about one, in her left arm with her right hand resting protectively across him. It was the only sketch that showed the two of them together. "May I see?"

The image took Robin right back to the day he first drew it. He remembered how they'd had to flee an existing camp that the King's Guard had appeared too close to for comfort. Robin had assembled the group and they'd spent most of the day tracking through the forest to find a higher, better defendable spot, before setting up camp. It had been Marian's first real stop all day and after nursing their baby, and she's laid her head back to rest. Robin had seized the time to draw his young love and the proof of that love.

"That's a lovely drawing, Robin!" Emma appeared beside them. "I didn't even realise you could draw!"

"My mother taught me. We used charcoal from the fires. It used to be a hobby of mine."

Roland looked up at his dad, glumly, knowing he'd be furious at disobeying his order to stay inside. "Sorry dad. I just needed to get away from there."

Robin looked across at his sister and cousin, who clearly had some idea already of what had caused his flight. "It's all right, Roland. I'm not angry any more, and last night was difficult for both of us. Let's let bygones be bygones?" Maria smiled sadly up at her big brother, nodding slightly in agreement with his decision.

Emma started to look through the other drawings. There were half a dozen pictures of Marian and Roland. Three or four of some of John, Will and the men. A very striking one of Mulan in her battle armour, plus several castles and village scenes. "Robin, you have a real talent here! They're excellent. Why on earth did you give it up?"

"My heart wasn't in it. Not after I lost Marian. I guess I just lost interest?"

The blonde wrapped an arm around the boy, kissing his cheek. "Roland, there's someone who wants to see you so very much! But she's very nervous about it. She thinks you hate her."

Roland looked over to where Regina stood awkwardly, now holding on to the long baby buggy, with her face looking down to the floor and glancing up nervously from time to time. He stood without saying another word, slowly walking across to her, all eyes on them. Regina seemed to be almost trembling! Just before he reached her, he pulled out a stool from a nearby table and carried out across. Now in front of her, he placed the stool on the ground, before standing on it, so they were at the same height. He stood, ramrod still, until she lifted her face. Slowly he opened his arms, inviting her into them.

His simple action made her almost collapse in tears, as she moved forward to accept the hug. "Oh, Roland! I'm so very sorry…" was all she could manage. They held each other silently for a good minute. It was such a moving scene that, as Emma brushed a few tears from her own cheeks, she saw that Maria, Caroline and even Anna Sage, were doing the same. Even Merlin looked like he was about to cry!

As Regina continued to hug him tight, hoping this moment would never end, he leant his lips close to her ear, to whisper, "I know you're not the Evil Queen anymore. I forgive you!"

Unfortunately, that only caused her to blub even more! It took another ten minutes for her to finally calm. Enough for her to move to the table.

"You do realise, you two ruined my make-up, don't you?" Maria's words broke the tension as several others laughed, nodding in agreement. Then Regina saw the pictures, presumably of Marian.

"Oh, Roland, your mother was really rather beautiful, wasn't she? I particularly like this one of you both. She looks so serene! Robin, I had no idea you could draw like this? They're wonderful…" Various nods and murmurs ran around the table.

"He was always drawin' her, was our Rob!" added Alan. "He used to have loads more. And then some they kept to themselves, if you know what I mean?" That earned a giggle or two around the table.

"You drew some nudes of her, too?" Emma asked, earning a shy nod from her fiancé. "Can't say I blame you. She's gorgeous!"

Regina agreed. "Definitely. Roland, these are good enough to display. Would you like us to hang some of them in our house? We could get them framed, if you like?"

"Yeah. I'd like that…mum."

That evening, having settled into their large suite at the inn, the trio prepared for their dinner with Emma's parents and Pierre Roch. After having bathed and put the little ones to bed, Regina stood at the bathroom mirror finishing her makeup while Emma changed into a new dress. Robin sat in the lounge with Honour and Margot, reading a final story before Robin himself got changed. Unfortunately, their precious family time was interrupted by Emma's phone going off.

"Hi mum. Everything okay? We're expecting you over here around seven thirty."

"Fine, Emma. Your father and I may be running a few minutes late though, as we're just waiting on Neal getting back from his punishment duties in the stables. We'll be on our way as soon as we can."

"Punishment duties? What's my baby brother done this time?" Emma rolled her eyes before putting the phone into speaker mode for her lovers to hear.

"I don't really want to talk about it! Yesterday, he did something extremely…embarrassing at school, just to make everyone laugh. It was inappropriate; which is why, as part of his punishment, your father and I are making him clean out the stables and the cowshed before he goes to bed tonight."

"Embarrassing? Come on mum, out with it!? You know I'll find out in the end. What did he do?" Regina and Robin could hear the conversation now, drawing their attention.

"Seriously, Emma, I'd rather not say. He did something…inappropriate in poor old Nurse Garvey's first sex education class. Let's leave it at that?"

Regina broke into a broad grin, wondering what her wife's younger brother could have done? She knew Neal was advanced and put in a senior class, but… Do they really do sex education classes for nine-year-olds?

"Anyway, do let Mr. Roche know we will be there. Although, I really don't know why we have to have all this fuss? And…you can tell Robin that I know perfectly well how to dress to impress. Without his advice, thank you very much!"

Both women looked across at the former outlaw, brows raised in puzzlement. "Robin? What on earth did he say to you?"

"To use your fiancé's exact words to me: "He's a bit pompous, but then, he is French, Snow! So, use your femininity. Wear something sexy? Think teeth and tits! That'll do it!'" Fine words indeed, from my future son-in-law!"

Regina tried desperately not to laugh, but couldn't stop herself, her cackle being picked up by Snow. "Emma, are you on speakerphone? Honestly! It's bad enough being told there's about forty gas-filled condoms flying over Storybrooke! Without your wife finding it funny! It really isn't, you know?"

That did it! Emma collapsed in to hysterical laughter. "Oh god! Sorry mum, but I have to disagree? Condoms? That's bloody hilarious!"

"Unfortunately, you father seems to think so too! Perhaps you should try spending some of tomorrow trying to shoot, or magic, the bloody things down? Yes, that's it! If you want me to preen and grovel to that ruddy French cook, you have to promise me that you and your wife will get the bloody things down tomorrow!"

Regina groaned. "All right, Snow, you win! Just don't screw up tonight, then we'll solve your little floating contraceptive issue. That 'ruddy French cook', happens to be one of the world's best chefs. A gastronome who, for some bizarre reason, thinks the sun shines out of your nether regions! We want him for our wedding. So, even if Robin put it a little too succinctly for your taste, the point remains. You need to impress him."

"I don't need advice on how to impress a man, Regina, thank you very much!" The phone line then went dead.

"Shit! You don't think she'll pull out, do you?" the blonde frowned. "After Robin went to all the trouble of getting him here?"

"No chance! I know Snow. She loves being the centre of attention. She'll be there!"

~oOo~

Emma, her wife and their fiancé, appeared in the bar of the inn, just before seven thirty, as planned. Merlin, his daughters Annabelle and Rosalind, having also been invited by Robin to attend, were already there to greet them. Thankfully, Killian had chosen not to attend.

"Emma, Regina, lovely to see you again!" the Sorcerer boomed. "Care for a drink?"

Regina looked at the grey-haired, bearded man. It was very rare for her to feel truly humbled by anyone. But this man, the greatest sorcerer who ever lived, was an aberration. Not a god, but pretty damn close! He was nearly two thousand years old, had sired countless children, consulted with gods and the dead, was supposedly immortal, could read minds and had the ability to split himself into numerous characters. And yet here he was, looking forward to a dinner with his two daughters, like any normal human being.

"Regina, you know Annabelle already, but do you remember Rosalind, one of my older girls?"

"Of course. Rosie, it's lovely to see you again. I gather congratulations are in order since we last met? You married Killian and had a son, I gather?" She offered her hand. When she'd first met the tall brunette, clambering down from a truck, she'd wrongly assumed the womanwas interested in Robin. Now, knowing better, she was more relaxed.

"Hello Regina! Yes, our boy, Liam. He's ten months old now. And I gather your girl's a few months older?"

"We've two. Faith and Hope, by Emma, were born the same day. We're blessed…"

Pleasantries were exchanged within the small group until a stranger appeared. Regina instantly recognised the short, balding man from his numerous cookery programmes, tv appearances and food websites. Pierre Roch. For a food junkie like Regina, it was like meeting a pop idol. She stiffened as he approached. Elegantly dressed, in what was clearly a very expensive dinner jacket and bow tie, Pierre sported a small, waxed moustache and walking cane. On his right was a slim, elegantly dressed younger woman with large expressive brown eyes and a beaming smile. Recognising Robin and Emma, Pierre stepped forward offering his hand.

"Bonsoir mesdames et messieurs! I'm delighted to meet you all. May I present my daughter, Mia?" The young woman stepped forward.

Robin was first to speak, offering his hand. "Enchantée, madame! Robin Locksley, à votre service."

"English is fine, Robin! Dad's the French native, but it's most appreciated! And…it's mademoiselle, actually!" She flicked her eyelashes flirtatiously, clearly interested in him. A look picked up by Emma and Regina! So, he thought best to follow it with more french: "Et, je vous présente mes fiancées, Mesdames Regina et Emma Swan-Mills?"

"Your fiancées? What, both of them?" she looked across at his two lovers. He merely smiled and nodded. "Oh…you lucky boy!" which induced laughter, breaking the tension.

"I am indeed. A very lucky boy! Thank you both for coming at such short notice. I'm sure you've also met-"

"PIERRE, YOU OLD DOG!" yelled Merlin, turning from the bar with his hands full of drinks for his daughters. As they took them, he grabbed the chef and pulled him into a tight hug. "It's been too long my friend!"

Pierre seemed a little overcome. "Professor! It's wonderful to see you. I still owe you a great debt indeed. And of course, you remember Mia?"

"Of course, I do! Mia, how are you? And how is your beautiful daughter, Estelle?"

"Almost twenty-two now, Professor! She's in college, studying medicine. She still talks about you. You left a big impression on her..."

"Please drop the handle and just call me Merlin? I'm delighted. She always was a bright girl."

The group exchanged pleasantries, Merlin introducing his daughters and calling for more drinks. As everyone started to relax, Emma whispered in Robin's ear. "So, what's with the French? Merlin's induction?"

"Actually, I was taught by my parents. Links to Norman kings, and all that stuff? They felt it necessary."

Pierre stepped in front of Regina, who blushed when he took the back of her hand and pressed his lips against it. "I met your delightful wife Emma last year, madame, and Robin spoke of you as a former queen. But he didn't tell me just how truly beautiful you are? Quite the injustice, I think…" he said, a little too smarmily for Robin's taste.

"Why thank you, monsieur Roche! I'm a great admirer of your work!" She gushed, instantly going in to talking about the menus from one of his books she'd recently attempted. Robin smiled at Emma, placing an arm around her waist as they tried to feign interest at Regina's obsession. The master chef was polite and attentive, but clearly used to this kind of flattery. Emma knew that Roche hadn't yet committed to actually catering their wedding lunch, hence the reason for the invitation. He looked a little disinterested, but Regina hardly seemed to notice.

It was then the main door opened, Emma instantly spotting her father holding it open for his wife to come through. Damn, dad, you look sharp! She thought, as Charming appeared to be wearing a formal dinner jacket, crisp white shirt and bow tie, which fitted his large frame perfectly. Emma felt rather proud of him at that moment. Then she noticed her mother!

As she entered the room, Emma's breath hitched in surprise. Snow was wearing a magnificent, clearly designer, off the shoulder rose-coloured silk gown. Her hair was long. Was that a wig, or hair extensions? Her eyebrows carefully threaded over bright eyes, make up subtle, and she looked ten years younger. Wearing matching heels, she seemed six inches taller and in short, utterly regal. Every inch a rightful queen! Even Regina, usually always ready with a sarcastic retort for her former step-daughter, seemed completely lost for words. She couldn't deny it – Sidney was right. Snow was the fairest of them all! Taking Charming's arm, the couple stepped slowly forward towards the visitors.

Pierre had already spotted her, and stepped away from the little group to face her. The woman who, years ago, had saved his entire village from destruction by the ogres. "Oh, madame! Your Majesty!" He gasped, completely captivated by the short brunette before him. "I am so very 'onoured to meet you once more!" He bowed ridiculously low. His daughter now appeared beside him, performing a generous curtsy before whispering, "Majesty!"

Snow stepped forward, offering her hand, which Pierre lifted carefully to place a small kiss on the back. "C'est un plaisir de vous revoir, monsieur Roch! Et ta belle fille. Mia, n'est ce pas?"

Roch beamed with happiness at her having recognised him, as his daughter then shook her hand. "It is, your majesty. I'm surprised you remember? I was brought up over here, so English is my first language. I'm so pleased to have a chance to meet you again. You saved my life!"

"Thank you, Mia. And please do just call me Snow. It was really the dwarves who did most of the saving that night, particularly Dreamy. He's known as Leroy here. I'd be happy to introduce him tomorrow if you're staying over? But first, I need to introduce you to the man who's saved my own life, more than a few times. Have you met my husband?"

"Je suis très heureux de vous revoir, Monsieur Roch," David, offering his hand. "David Nolan."

"Prince Charming!" Mia almost swooned as she looked up at Snow's husband, clearly impressed by the handsome man before her. "Your reputation, sir, like your wife's, is rather considerable!"

Emma, Regina and Robin silently watched their exchange. And for the first time in her life, Emma finally began to understand how so many people from the Enchanted Forest regarded her mother and father. Snow White had been a name, an image to her. But to these people, she had been one of them! A real hero, a beacon of hope who who saved countless lives. Watching her now, behaving effortlessly like a true leader, a majestic queen with two of her subjects, she felt incredibly proud. And then there was her father. Their Prince. He seemed to just ooze effortless charm, as he flirted gently with the man's daughter.

"Does every fucker around here speak French, apart from me?" She whispered to her wife, who merely smirked back at her.

"All members of the royal families were expected to speak it, Emma! Nonetheless, your parents do appear to have risen to the occasion. Even I have to admit, I am rather impressed!" Regina watched, as Snow and Charming led their party through to the formal dining room, Snow on Pierre's arm. She whispered to Robin. "And as for you, my thief, I know why you're doing it, but could you kindly not reciprocate her flirting too much?"

Robin grinned back at her. "Gina, she just acknowledged I've got two fiancées! I hardly think you need worry. Depends on how much you want that man feeding us in six weeks' time?"

~oOo~

The rest of the evening flowed smoothly. Much to Regina's chagrin, the Charmings ended up taking the chef and his daughter off to discuss the wedding in more detail, even though the three fiancées were sitting close by. Eventually, as the evening drew to its close, Pierre and Mia stood, thanking their guests effusively for all their hospitality, before finally taking their leave.

Snow and David joined them over a final coffee.

David summarised. "Right then. Pierre WILL provide the wedding lunch, on the dates you asked for. He's sending us about ten menus to give you some ideas. He'll provide the food, the sous chefs and some of his serving staff. We just provide the people and the facilities. We're budgeting for around two hundred. Is that right?" asked David.

"Dad, a meal for two at his restaurant was over nine hundred dollars! The bill will be huge. There's no way we should have that number..." Emma protested. But her father put a calming hand on her shoulder.

"Emma, he's providing, as in paying for, the food! We only pay for all the drinks and some of his people."

"How the hell did you manage that?" Regina's face looked astonished. "He's one of the world's best! Robin said he usually doesn't even do this sort of thing, let alone pay for it?"

"All due to my magnificent wife, Regina! Who, I'm sure you'll agree, played her part perfectly? One of so many reasons why I remain madly in love with her."

Snow beamed up at him, before putting a hand around the back of his head, pulling him down for a gentle kiss on his lips. "My prince!" she whispered, "You are so getting some tonight!"

Unfortunately, her whisper wasn't quite soft enough not to be picked up by Emma and Regina, who both winced. "Okay, really didn't really need to hear that!" The blonde grumbled.

~oOo~

It was close to one in the morning when Regina slowly rolled off Emma, to lie on her left side. The three of them were now sated after an hour's blissful, unhurried lovemaking.

Lying side-by-side, on their backs on the enormous bed, all started to get their breath back as they now looked at the beautiful full moon, in a cloudless night sky, bathing them in its soft blue light through the large bay window.

"Well I thought that went very well! Your parents really pulled out all the stops and did us proud, didn't they Emma? Snow especially. She had our Mr. Roch virtually eating out of the palm of her hand."

"Yeah! I'd never really seen her like that before! It made me feel very proud. She was just like a…a…Robin, is that what I think it is?" Emma spotted an ugly, distorted, but very bloated, large balloon float past the window, bathed in moonlight.

"A gas-filled condom? Yes, I do think it is…" the former outlaw's grin rapidly turned to chuckling. "How many did she say Neal released?"

"About forty. All from the sex-education nurse's stock, I gather? There's a dose of reality for Snow? I do so love your little brother, Emma!" Regina collapsed into furious giggles.

~oOo~