Christmas Eve on the Other Side

by AleNPiper

Entry for OQ Advent 2020, co-written by Ale Nene and n0m de plum/Sandpiper. Historical. Lord Robin Locksley is reunited a love that transcends even death. Featuring elements of A Christmas Carol and Corpse Bride.

The thin layer of snow on the ground crunched as Regina walked along the road, humming to herself and watching the ends of her red velvet coat brushing against her boots.

Looking behind her, she frowned at the bundle of fluff sniffing at a leaf.

"D'Artagnan!" she scolded, "Come along!"

The puppy looked up at her with a confused expression before wagging his tail and running up to her in happy bounds.

He hopped along for a few feet before abruptly finding another smell to investigate. She sighed, shoving her mitten covered hands into the pockets of her coat. The wind swirled around her as she stood shivering.

She was only a quarter mile from home, but the sky was getting cold and grey, and she knew that her mother would be angry if she were out too late. Having thoroughly accounted for whatever smell his nose had found, D'Artagnan started walking happily again.

She laughed, shaking her head at him, "Hurry up, silly! We must be getting home!"

The two walked along peacefully for a few yards, however, outside the entrance to the cemetery, her dog abruptly stopped. However, this time it was not to investigate a smell. Instead he had paused, hackles standing up and tiny growls coming from his throat.

"D'Artagnan?" Regina questioned, "What's wrong?"

He growled again. The graveyard was quiet in a way that made her feel tense and nervous. Not even the call of a crow broke the eerie silence.

"D'Artagnan?" she asked quietly, "D'Artagnan, what's-"

Before she could finish, however, a voice yelled, "BOO!"

She and D'Artagnan both yelped as a young blond boy leapt out from behind the stone gate, laughing at her.

With a huff, she stomped her foot angrily, "Robin Locksley, what on Earth are you doing?"

"Scaring you!" he said smiling at her, "What do you think? That I was a ghost?"

"No!" she said, her cheeks burning.

He laughed again, "Yes, you did! You were scared!"

"I was not!" she argued, "You're such a fool, Robin Locksley! What are you doing so far from the manor?"

"I snuck out," he answered simply.

"Well I hope your governess gives you a sound thrashing for it!" she yelled.

"It's Christmas. She's gone to visit her family."

Seeing that she wasn't going to win this argument, she turned away angrily, "I need to be getting home."

With that she turned away and began down the road. After only a few steps, however, she realized that D'Artagnan was not by her side.

Turning around, she saw, in dismay, that he, apparently, had gotten over his alarm and was allowing Robin to pet him.

She ordered, "Come here!"

He looked between her and Robin, not moving.

"He likes me," Robin said, stroking his head.

She frowned storming back over, and smacking her hand against her dress to get the dog's attention.

"What's his name?" the boy asked.

Regina glowered at him for a moment, but finally answered, "D'Artagnan. From the Three Musketeers."

He looked up at her with a laugh, "You're too young for that book."

Her mouth dropped open in shock, "I'm nearly nine! Besides, if I am, so are you!"

"I'm older than you."

"Only by two years!" she shot back, "D'Artagnan, come! We must be getting home!"

"If you're going home, I'll escort you," Robin said.

"I don't need your help, Robin Locksley!" she shot back, continuing along with D'Artagnan in step with her again, "Your father will be angry if you go so far from the manor."

"My father taught me to be a gentleman, and gentleman would never let a lady walk home alone," he declared, walking alongside her decisively.

She frowned at him again, trying to pick up the pace.

They continued along past the cemetery until they reached the bridge that crossed over the river into the village. From there it was only a few blocks until she would be home.

"Why were you on this side of the river?" Robin asked, referring to the fact that his family owned most of the land north of the village other than the cemetery and church.

"D'Artagnan needed his walk," she answered.

"But it's late," he commented.

"Yes, that's why we must be getting home!" she argued, turning to see that D'Artagnan, ever the fearless little creature, rushing down to the river bank, "D'Artagnan, no!"

Heedless of her rebuke, the puppy threw himself into the water. He hadn't, however, anticipated the swift current that almost immediately swept him along away from the village.

"D'Artagnan!" Regina cried out in terror, racing away from the bridge after him. As she ran, she strained to keep sight of the tiny dog in the muddy water.

She slid to a stop, realizing she'd lost sight of him. Robin, who'd kept pace with her, halted by her side.

"Where is he?!" she asked, tears forming in her eyes, "Did he go under? Has he drowned?"

"No! I see him!" Robin answered, running ahead.

Straining her eye she caught the briefest flash of wet fur. Sobbing in relief, she ran after him. As she neared, however, she observed something else that frightened her. D'Artagnan had drifted too far from the bank for her to reach him.

Tears fell down her cheeks again, wondering how she'd get to him. She didn't know how to swim.

Robin, however, seemed to already have a plan. As soon as he'd passed the dog by a few feet, he tore his coat and scarf off and dove directly into the water.

Gasping, she raced toward where he'd gone in, "Robin!"

He surfaced immediately, grabbing D'Artagnan as he drifted by.

Holding the dog tucked against him, he paddled back over to the shore and began climbing out.

Heedless of the mud getting on her dress, Regina slid down the bank. She grabbed D'Artagnan, who whined miserably, squirming to be let down so that he could shake the water off. As soon as she was satisfied that the dog was alright, she turned to the boy beside her angrily, "Are you mad? What were you doing?"

He looked up at her from picking his coat off the ground, mouth open in shock, "What was I doing? Saving your dog's life, that's what!"

"Well you could have killed yourself!"

"You could, at least, say thank you!" he yelled back, looking hurt.

Chastised, she looked at her feet, "You're right...I'm sorry. Thank you, Robin."

Perking up again he smiled, "You're welcome."

She smiled back, picking up his scarf to hold out to him. He took it, looking thoughtful, "You know in olden times when a knight performed a brave deed the lady gave him a favor."

"A favor?" she asked, "What sort of favor?"

"A kiss," he answered with a mischievous smile.

This time it was her mouth that dropped open in shock.

"I...I…" she stammered, blush creeping up her neck. Drawing herself up as tall as she could, she finally answered, "A lady would never kiss a man to whom she isn't married!"

With that she turned, watching D'Artagnan shivering by her feet.

"That's alright," Robin answered, wrapping his scarf around his neck, "Someday I will marry you."

She turned around in shock again, "What?"

He simply smiled at her in response.

An odd sort of discomfort brewing in her belly, Regina shook her head, "Don't be silly. You'll have to marry a lady, the daughter of some Lord or Viscount."

"No," he argued, catching up with her, "I'll marry you."

"I don't think your father would be happy to hear you announce you plan to marry his solicitor's daughter!"

"I don't care," he declared, "You'll see. One day when we're older I'll come ask for your hand and take you to live with us!"

Before she could answer, a crack of lightning split the sky. The two children looked up unhappily as icy rain and sleet began to fall on them.

"Come on!" Regina urged, scooping up D'Artagnan and grabbing Robin by the hand, "We'll catch our death out here!"

The two ran along to the river across the bridge and through the slippery cobblestones in the village until they arrived at her house. The door clattered shut behind them, the inside shockingly warm compared to their chilled bodies.

"Regina? Is that you?" Cora Mills called, turning into the hall. She stopped immediately, "Robin? Good heavens, what happened to the two of you?"

Looking at her feet Regina answered quietly, "We got caught in the rain."

"Well, hurry," Cora came over to help the two children remove their coats and scarves, then ushered them along to the drawing room where a fire was going in the fireplace, "Get warmed. When Mr. Mills returns from work I'll have him give you a ride home, Robin."

"Thank you, Mrs. Mills," Robin answered respectfully as the two sat down in front of the fire.

She smiled in amusement, "You're welcome, dear. Now stay here by the fire."

As her mother left, Regina settled down next to Robin and D'Artagnan by the hearth; both starting to shiver on account of their sodden bodies.

She stroked D'Artagnan's damp head gently, and looked up at the boy next to her, "Thank you for saving him."

"It was no trouble," he shrugged, hugging his arms around himself.

In the hall, she heard the door open and close.

"Henry?" her mother's voice called.

"Yes, my dear?" he answered.

Regina bit her lip. Her father was home, so that meant her mother would have him rush Robin back to the Locksley family manor.

Taking a deep breath, she waited until he glanced back her way before quickly leaning over and pressing her lips against his.

She pulled back after a moment, both of them staring at each other in shock. Before he had the chance to speak, though, she gathered her skirts up and ran from the room to greet her father.

Present

Snow was falling outside in powdery flakes that below with the wind between buildings in cyclones and swirls that were almost hypnotic.

"Sir?...My lord?"

Robin jumped, turning his attention back to his solicitor, "Yes, I'm sorry?"

"I was just saying that Sir DuBois has agreed to a dowry of 60,000 pounds, to be paid in two installments," the small man explained.

"Ah," Robin nodded.

"Should I say this arrangement is acceptable or..."

"No," he shook his head, "That's perfectly acceptable. I do not wish to start a marriage as a negotiation of ransom."

"Very good, Sir," his solicitor nodded, "In that,case, after Christmas holiday, Sir DuBois will most likely wish for you to visit the family estate to discuss wedding arrangements, and I imagine you'll wish to meet Lady Marian in person?"

"Yes," Robin said with a sigh, "I suppose that would be a sensible idea if we're to be married."

"Quite so," the smaller man nodded, missing the sarcasm.

"Is there anything else for today? My household is leaving for the holiday in the morning and I want to make sure everything is ready."

"I quite understand, and no there is nothing else," his solicitor answered, closing his ledger and opening the office door. As the two men stepped out his clerk quickly jumped up and retrieved his hat. He took it with a polite nod, following as his solicitor led him to the front door, "I imagine it'll be nice to finally have a Lady Locksley to handle such matters."

Robin smiled weakly as he bid the man goodbye and walked out into the street.

"Thank you for coming by, Sir," his solicitor said from the doorway, "And Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas," Robin waved, as he exited through the front gate and hailed a hansom.

The bitterly cold wind had driven many from the streets, so the ride went quicker than expected and soon he was climbing the steps of his own townhouse. The inside was quiet and warm, offering a nice respite from the outside chill. Letting out a breath, he took off his hat and gloves and dropped them on the entryway table. Just as he was shrugging out of his coat, he heard footsteps approaching.

Glancing up, he was unsurprised to see the older man who emerged from the drawing room.

"Oh! You're home," Henry said, moving toward him to take Robin's coat from his hands, "Everything go well?"

"Well enough," Robin answered noncommittally, changing the subject, "Is everything ready for tomorrow?"

"Oh yes," Henry answered as he walked off to the coat closet, "Everything is just fine. Mrs. Potts and Lumiere will leave in about an hour's time to begin preparing Sherwood House for our arrival."

"Thank you, Henry," Robin said, going further into the house.

"Will you dine at home tonight?" Henry asked, following him.

"Yes," he sighed as he walked into his study and poured a generous glass of brandy.

Henry stared at the glass for a moment before looking up at the younger man, "Is everything alright, Sir?"

Swallowing a sip, he momentarily despaired of how well the older man knew him, "Today's business was marriage negotiations with the DuBois family."

"I see," Henry answered neutrally, "Difficulties?"

"No, no," he shook his head, "Nothing like that I'm just...I don't know, perhaps I'm simply still not ready to leave my days as a bachelor behind."

"Well if you don't mind my saying, I believe you'd take quite well to family life."

"Yes, it would be nice to have a family again," he acknowledged, glancing around, "To have some life in this house. Perhaps I just can't see it yet. After all, I've yet to meet Lady Marian DuBois. Our parents arranged the marriage when we were still children."

"Yes, that's understandable. Though once you meet her in person you may find the two of you are perfectly suited. My wife and I hardly knew each other when we were married but…"

The older man trailed off, his face falling into a sad expression. Setting his glass down, Robin stepped over to him, placing a gentle hand on his upper arm, "Henry-"

Shaking himself, Henry stood up straight, "It's alright, I'm quite well. I just haven't been back to the village since…"

As he trailed off again, Robin frowned, "You know we don't have to go. We can just as easily spend Christmas here-"

"No, no," Henry protested, "I won't disrupt your plans. Don't worry about me."

"If you're certain?"

"I'll have supper brought up to the dining room," the older man changed the subject, leaving the room without another word.

5 years earlier

Robin pulled his coat more tightly around him as he rounded the corner to his street. Earlier in the evening he'd decided to dine out with Mr. Will Scarlet instead of going home to an empty house. After dinner they'd gone to the gentlemen's club for a drink, but the company there hadn't been very enjoyable.

Most of the men who were there that night were the ones who didn't want to go home to their wives and were more than happy to share that fact. After a few hours, he'd gotten disgusted with their self-important attitudes and complaints about their own families on Christmas Eve. Even just sitting at home with a cup of tea and a good book seemed preferable, so he'd excused himself and decided to walk home.

There had been a heavy snowfall a few days earlier and it was still blanketing the ground. Most of it had been stained a mucky grey color, but in gardens and walkways there were still a few areas where it was white, so on the walk home he admired the glittering powder and colorful scarved snowmen under the haze of the street lamps.

As he neared his doorway he was startled to see a figure lying against his front gate. Brow furrowing, he picked up his pace.

The person was an older man in a tattered, but fairly nice, suit. He looked haggard and dirty as if he hadn't had a bath in a long time, and he smelled strongly of alcohol. More alarmingly, however, his lips were turning blue.

Swallowing hard, Robin pulled off one glove and pressed his fingers to the side of the man's neck. Through the prickles of his unkempt whiskers he felt a faint heartbeat.

"Mrs. Potts!" Robin shouted for his housekeeper as he leaned over to haul the man up by the lapels of his coat.

The man carried the extra weight that often came with age, but was small in stature, so he managed to hoist him up the steps.

Mrs. Potts opened the door just as he made it to the top step, "My Lord?"

"Please, send Lumiere to fetch a doctor and help me get this man to the guest bedroom," he instructed.

Mrs. Potts was obviously confused, but didn't argue as she ran off to relay the message to Lumiere.

Robin had just gotten through the door to the guest bedroom when Mrs. Potts got back. With her help, they managed to maneuver him into the bed and get him covered with blankets.

Without having to be asked, Mrs. Potts set to work lighting a fire.

Lumiere arrived with his physician, Dr. Whale, shortly after, who promptly sent Robin and Mrs. Potts out.

The two stood in the hallway for a few moments of uncomfortable silence before she finally cleared her throat and asked, "Do you require anything, Sir? Perhaps some tea?"

"Perhaps later, Mrs. Potts," he answered.

She nodded, but didn't comment further.

With a sigh he explained, "I couldn't simply leave the poor fellow out in the cold."

She glanced over at him with a motherly smile, "Of course you couldn't, Sir."

Before he could respond, the door opened and Dr. Whale stepped out.

"How is he?" Robin asked.

"Well," Whale frowned as he closed his valise, "He's awake but, to be frank, he's in very bad shape. If he'd sat outside any longer he'd likely have died. He's also filthy and quite undernourished...that happens at times with the drink."

Robin nodded in understanding.

"If he can keep it down, I'd recommend a cup of strong tea to help warm him," Whale explained, "Outside of that...well it will depend on his situation."

"I see," Robin answered, "I'll speak with him and find out."

"Very well," Whale nodded.

"Thank you for coming so late," Robin said, offering his hand.

Dr. Whale shook it, bidding him goodnight.

As Mrs. Potts showed him out, Robin knocked on the guestroom door. Hearing no answer from the other side, he opened it cautiously. The man was lying in the middle of the bed asleep.

He sighed but decided he could come back in the morning. As he turned to close the door, however, the wood creaked, startling the man awake.

He blinked in surprise, quickly struggling to sit up when he caught sight of Robin, "Sir I'm….my humblest apologies for inconveniencing you-"

"Not to worry," Robin calmed him, "Just rest. I am Robin Locksley. Maybe ask your name, Sir?"

The older man looked at him with an expression of utter shock, "Robin Locksley?"

"Yes," he said curiously.

"You, Sir," he sat up further, "Are you the son of Sir Walter Locksley?"

"Yes, I am. I'm sorry, have we met?"

"Well, yes." the other man answered, "Though you may have been too young to remember. I'm Henry Mills, I was your father's solicitor for many years."

He blinked in surprise, "Mr. Mills! Yes, of course I remember. How are you, Sir?"

The other man's cheeks flushed, making him realize the stupidity of the question. He'd found the man passed out at this front gate, clearly he'd fallen on some hard times.

Robin cleared his throat, "Well I...my physician says you're very chilled so I think it probably best if we don't try to move you tonight. If you give me your address I can send word to your wife."

Henry looked down, picking at the blanket, "My wife is gone, Sir."

"Gone?" Robin asked.

"She died...a year ago today, along with-" He trailed off mid-sentence with a sob. Robin stood patiently, giving him a moment before he went on, "Along with my daughter, Regina."

"Regina?!" Robin asked in shock.

"Yes," Henry nodded, "I suppose you remember her from when you were children?"

"Well, yes I...Regina is dead?"

The older man nodded quietly, looking away to hide his watery eyes. For his part Robin simply stood by his bedside in shock. In his mind he recalled Regina Mills as a short, dark-haired girl in a bright red coat, and now he was hearing that she was dead. It didn't seem possible.

"What happened?" he asked quietly.

Henry Mills opened his mouth to speak, but his voice broke into another sob that was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Mrs. Potts entered carrying a tray, "Tea, as Dr. Whale recommended."

"Ah, yes," Robin agreed, "Do you feel up to a cup of tea to help warm you, Mr. Mills?"

He agreed, and took the cup and saucer from Mrs. Potts graciously, though he noted how they shook in his hands. The man was obviously very ill.

He took a very small sip of the tea before setting it back on the saucer and looking up at Robin, "I'm sorry to impose on your hospitality."

"It's no trouble," he answered, "Is your home close by? The doctor said if you'd been outside any longer you'd have froze to death."

Henry went ashen and he looked down at the blankets with an embarrassed expression. Finally, not looking Robin in the eye he spoke, "Sir I...I'm afraid I've not been doing so well recently…"

Robin and Mrs. Potts glanced at each other as they caught onto what he meant.

"I see," Robin said diplomatically, "Well then you must stay here."

"No!" he protested, "I could not-"

"You're in no condition to leave."

Henry sighed, "I'll be frank. Sir. My law practice has…closed...I cannot repay you for your care…"

"We'll figure that out later," Robin told him.

"I'm afraid, I must insist-"

"And, so must I!" Robin shot back, "It's Christmas Eve and you've just nearly died. I couldn't possibly let you leave this house in the state you're in."

"Your father doesn't mind?"

He cleared his throat, "I'm afraid my father has also passed away."

"Oh," Henry answered.

"Rest," Robin told him, "We can talk further in the morning."

As he moved to leave the older man reached out and grabbed his hand. Turning, Robin met his deep brown eyes that reminded him very much of someone else's.

"I am sorry about your father," Henry said.

He nodded, "And I about your family."

Present Day

A bump in the road jolted Robin's attention away from the book he'd been reading. It had been interesting enough to keep his mind occupied through the journey.

He glanced out the window watching until they passed a road marker. Reading it as they drove by, he noted that they were nearly to Sherwood House.

Turning down one of the corners to mark his place, he set the book aside and began to prepare himself. This was the first time he was going back to his family estate in many years as well, not since his father's last Christmas.

He hadn't had much reason to go back since the house would be mostly empty, but he knew that Mrs. Potts had family in the area and it seemed unfair to ask her to miss yet another Christmas with them, especially since, to him, spending Christmas in the country or in London was all the same.

Glancing up, he took in the sight of Henry. The older man's head lulled along with the rocking of the carriage, nodding into his chest.

He blinked awake when they hit another bump, head shooting up. He shivered, wrapping his coat more tightly around him.

Robin frowned, but, before he could say anything, the carriage pulled to a stop in front of his family manor.

Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Mrs. Lucas and a younger maid were standing outside on the steps to meet his arrival.

Lumiere quickly stepped forward to open the carriage door for them. Robin stepped out, looking around the estate he hadn't seen in six years. The sun had nearly completely set already, but even in the low light it looked the same as he remembered.

Turning, he saw Henry climb shakily out of the carriage. Though he was trying to hide it, he looked pale and tired.

"Good evening, Sir," Mrs. Potts greeted, "How was your journey?"

"Well…" Robin began, glancing back at Henry, "...it was a bit long and tiring, I'm afraid. I should like to retire early."

The housekeeper looked momentarily surprised, but simply nodded, "Yes Sir, I understand completely."

He led the household inside.

After taking his coat and hat, Robin saw the maid move on to Henry, who gave her his coat and began giving her instructions to have dinner brought up.

"Don't worry about that, Henry," he interrupted, "I'm going to retire early tonight."

"Is everything alright, Sir?" the older man asked.

"Yes, it was simply a long journey. You should do so as well."

He made a valiant effort at hiding his relief, but Robin knew him well enough that he saw it.

"If you're certain?" Henry asked.

"I am," he answered, "Goodnight, Henry."

"Good night, Sir."

After bidding farewell to the rest of the staff, Robin made his way up the main staircase and around to the study. It had always been his father's study, though, now it was his.

Looking around he noted that it had been thoroughly cleaned and polished into looking as if it hadn't been empty the past five years. Even decanter of whiskey on the desk had been refilled by the ever conscientious Mrs. Potts.

Stepping over to the desk, he took the stopper out of the decanter and poured himself a glass. He wasn't usually a big drinker, but he supposed, as it was near Christmas, there wasn't any harm in it.

A knock at the door interrupted as he took his first sip. Turning, he called to whomever was on the other side to come in.

Mrs. Potts came in, giving him a warm smile, "Pardon me, Sir. I just wanted to check and see if you wanted supper after all? Perhaps I could bring you up a tray?"

Robin smiled dryly, "You see through me as always, Mrs. Potts."

She didn't answer.

"Henry's getting older," Robin said.

"Yes," she nodded, "Though, I suppose we all are."

He sighed. When Henry first, literally, appeared on his doorstep five years ago they'd quite heatedly debated his place in the house. After learning that he'd lost his entire family, Robin, certainly wasn't going to let a man who'd been a friend his own family for many years stay out on the streets. Henry Mills, however, was a proud man and he'd insisted that it wouldn't be proper for him to stay as a charity case.

Finally, they'd agreed that Henry would stay with him and serve as his valet.

The arrangement had worked to keep everyone happy so far, but Robin could tell that was going to change soon. Henry was getting too old to work. That much was obvious.

However, he knew that Henry had nowhere to go now any more than he had five years ago, and, after having been a faithful friend and companion for so long, Robin certainly wasn't going to let him walk out the door.

He took another sip of his drink, thinking to himself that eventually he'd simply have to put his foot down that it was time for the former solicitor to retire and stay in his home as a family friend rather than an employee.

Swallowing the last of his whiskey, Robin set down the glass.

"Supper, Sir?" Mrs. Potts prodded again.

"Maybe later," he answered, "I think I'll go for a walk right now. I haven't seen these grounds in a long time."

She nodded, "Alright then."

The two made their way downstairs, where Mrs. Potts handed him his coat and hat.

Thanking her, Robin descended the front steps. It was already fully dark out, though it was a clear night with a full moon, giving him enough light to see the countryside as he walked along.

Taking a deep breath of cool air, he set off to reacquaint himself with his home village.

Thirteen years earlier

As they climbed the hill Robin nudged his horse into a cantor. Since getting him for Christmas five days earlier, he'd been working with him everyday and finally gotten his father's permission to take him out without a chaperone.

Robin was over the moon about it. Trotting along enjoying the freedom of riding his own horse without the watchful eyes of adults on him.

They crossed over the hill, arriving at the main road. Tugging the reins, he steered his new mount toward the village.

They rode along for about a quarter mile, passing the outskirts of the land surrounding Sherwood House as well as the church and graveyard.

When they passed the final gate, the bridge leading to the village came into sight. Looking ahead he noticed a girl sitting on the edge with a small dog next to her.

Mouth opening in surprise, he led his horse over to her. D'Artagnan lifted his head briefly at his approach, but, recognizing him, just as quickly relaxed back into his distant-eyed stupor.

"Regina? What are you doing here?"

She sighed heavily, turning around to him, "What concern is it of yours?"

"I beg your pardon?"

She let out another breath, "I'm sorry."

"Is something wrong?"

Frowning she scratched her dog's head thoughtfully before answering, "At Christmas dinner my father announced that we're moving to London."

Robin blinked, "You're what?"

"We're moving to London," she repeated more forcefully, "He says there's more business there."

"Why didn't my father say anything about this?!"

"I don't know," Regina answered.

He frowned, his horse snorting and shifting on his feet as he sensed his rider's tension. Holding the reins tighter, he asked, "Are you...happy to be going?"

She stared out across the river before finally answering, "Well, it might be exciting living in London."

Frowning again, Robin turned his horse as he began shifting again. Pulling back on the reigns he nodded to Regina and said, "Good luck to you then."

With that he spurred the horse and galloped off back toward Sherwood house, leaving the dark-haired girl sitting alone in the cold.

Present Day

Robin walked along the main road until he just faintly see lights through the distant trees. He was still a bit far from the bridge that would lead him into the village, but the town was always bathed in the light of candles and bonfires from the Christmas market in the town square.

Stopping at the bridge, he considered crossing over and joining in the festivities. He could hear the sound of singing and laughter in the distance.

There as part of him, however, that didn't want to cross over. He hadn't been back to this village in six years...who knows how many people he'd known were even still around?

Suddenly, he felt very tired.

Turning around, he started hiking back toward Sherwood House.

After travelling only a few yards, he found himself walking along the wrought iron gates of the cemetery, the gravestones within casting ominous shadows along the frosty ground.

As he walked along he found himself glancing at the cemetery over and over again. Recalling Henry mentioning that his wife and daughter were buried there...a year after his father was buried in their family crypt in London.

As when he first heard the news, the image came to mind of his childhood playmate. Regina Mills had been a pretty, serious, and somewhat bossy girl. He'd always teased her mercilessly and found such gratification in getting her attention.

And in Mrs. Mills he recalled a tall and intimidating woman. However, she'd always been kind to him whenever their families saw each other.

As he came to the graveyard entrance, he stopped hesitantly. After a moment's consideration, he turned into the cemetery. Walking respectfully between the headstones, he scanned the names.

Some were very old and hard to read in the faint moonlight.

He'd made his way around most of the cemetery and was about ready to give up when he finally came across the names he'd been looking for:

Cora Mills

Regina Mills

He stopped. Their graves were close to the entrance, but in the opposite direction to where he started his search.

Reaching up, he pulled his hat off, holding it respectfully in front of him.

Swallowing hard, he let the image of mother and daughter surface in his mind again. It had been years since he'd seen either of them, but both had always been so full of life.

Even seeing proof now, it was as hard to believe they were truly gone.

Staring down at the grey headstones, his mind raced for something to say? Should he announce himself? Apologize for losing touch all those years ago?

Finally, he let out a breath and whispered, "I'm sorry."

With one last solemn look at the graves, Robin put his hat back on and started to walk away. He'd barely made it one step whoever before he started feeling the ground shaking under him. Looking around in alarm, he tried to regain his footing as the soil seemed to crumble beneath his feet, giving way to an ethereal glowing light. He yelled as the last traces of earth faded away and he fell headline into the bright, blinding oblivion.

Thirteen Years Earlier

"Regina!" Cora Mills called from beside the coach, "The carriage is leaving soon."

Glancing back, she answered, "Yes, Mother. I just need to find D'Artagnan."

"Don't be too long!"

Holding her coat around herself, she set off down the street in search of her dog. A moment earlier he'd been sniffing at a lamp post, but now she couldn't find him anywhere.

"D'Artagnan!" she called as she went along, "D'Artagnan!"

After walking five blocks, she was beginning to feel alarmed that he might be lost. She couldn't bear the thought of having to go to London without him.

"D'Artagnan!" she yelled.

In between shouts, she faintly heard a yap in the distance. Wrinkling her brow, she followed the sound.

Rounding a corner, she stopped in her tracks as she caught sight of Robin Locksley leaning over scratching behind D'Artagnan's ears as the dog wagged his tail playfully.

She paused. She remembered the last time they'd seen each other. It had been nearly a month ago and he'd been quite cold to her.

Of course, she frowned, perhaps she deserved it. She always ended up acting cross with him and she wasn't sure why. He had such a knack for bothering her.

Clearing her throat, she stepped forward, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach as she approached him.

"Hello, Robin," she greeted, wincing to herself at how stuffy it ended up sounding.

He stood, shuffling on his feet, "Regina."

She cleared her throat, "I was just coming to find D'Artagnan."

"Yes," he nodded, "Of course."

Stooping to pick D'Artagnan up, she explained, "We're leaving for London on the next coach."

"Yes," Robin answered, awkwardly, "I know. That's why I'm here…"

She looked at him in confusion.

"I'm sorry about that day on the bridge."

"It's alright."

The two teenagers stood quietly for a moment before Robin finally worked up his courage. Discreetly wiping his hands on his trousers, he reached into his coat pocket and held out a package, "Here,"

Looking at him in surprise, she took the parcel.

"Something to remember me by," he told her.

"Oh," she glanced down at it, "I have nothing for you."

"That's alright," he answered "I just didn't want you to leave without saying goodbye."

She swallowed as her throat suddenly felt tight.

"Here," she said, undoing a brooch from her dress. It had been given to her by her parents for her last birthday. Her first real piece of jewelry. She pressed it into Robin's hand, "To remember me by.

He opened his mouth as if to speak, but didn't say anything.

"Well," Regina finally broke the silence, "I must be going."

"Right, of course," Robin nodded, "Goodbye, Regina."

Stepping forward she hugged him tightly. He stumbled back as her body hit his, surprised by the sudden contact.

Pulling away she said, "Goodbye, Robin."

Present Day

As Robin's mind drifted back to consciousness, the first thing he became aware of was a wet sensation against his face. As he became more aware, he realized that he was also lying against hard ground with a weight resting on his shoulder.

He finally managed to move, shoving away the creature standing on his chest, which happened to be a small dog.

He rolled over onto his stomach, finding himself staring straight into the dog's brown eyes. It stared back at him for a moment before wagging its tail and barking at him.

Groggily, he surveyed his surroundings. He was where he remembered being. In front of Cora and Regina Mills' graves in the village cemetery.

He pressed his hands against the grass the dry, yellow grass.

As he stood up he looked around, realizing that although he was, without a doubt, in the same cemetery, his surroundings were very different than last he remember. Instead of a cold, moonlight night, the air was warm, making his wool coat feel uncomfortable, and sky a dull, hazy yellow.

Taking a few careful steps, he made his way through the headstones trying to recall what had happened.

Had he fainted? How embarrassing.

However, something inside him knew it wasn't as simple as that. Something was different, he just didn't know what.

Shuffling his way to the entrance, he leaned against the gates to gather himself.

Glancing down at his shoes, he noticed that the little dog who woke him had followed him from the gravestone and was staring up at him with a blank expression.

Looking back Robin studied the dog. There was something vaguely familiar in its expression. Before he could make sense of it he heard a voice in the distance yelling…

"D'Artagnan!"

Shielding his eyes from the strange glow on the horizon, Robin stared down the road. Through squinted eyes, he saw the figure of a woman in a black dress making her way toward him.

"D'Artagnan!" her voice cut through his consciousness, causing him to jump.

Beside him the dog barked, wagging its tail as it dashed toward her. As it approached, she crouched down to meet his excited jumps.

"What were you doing?" she murmured under her breath as she stroked her dog's head.

Glancing up, she finally noticed Robin's presence. He tried to straighten up as she stood to meet his eyes. She wasn't someone he'd seen around the village before, and he was certain he'd remember if he had. She was very beautiful with dark hair pulled back into a low bun, full lips, and exotic look to her eyes.

Giving him a polite half-smile, she said, "Hello."

"Hello," Robin answered as he straightened his coat, "I beg your pardon, Miss. I didn't mean to startle your dog."

"That's alright," she answered, "I haven't seen you around here before?"

"Nor I you," he answered, stumbling as he was hit with another wave of lightheadedness, "I'm sorry I'm...a bit confused, I'm afraid."

"I see," she responded, "You're newly arrived then?"

"Yes, just last night, in fact," he nodded, "I decided to go for a brief walk and then...I'm not sure."

"Were you attacked?" she asked, looking a bit sad.

"I don't think so," he told her, feeling his head for injuries, "I don't know what happened. Last night there was snow on the ground and now…"

She smiled warily, "Sometimes this time of year some snow will appear. But not as much as you might remember."

He studied her, "You speak very strangely, Miss."

At that she sighed heavily, "I'm sorry. I know this is a shock for some people but you'll get used to it. You've got nothing but time after all!"

"Right," he agreed absently, not really understanding what she meant.

"I'm just on my way home but if you'd like to walk with me for a moment until you get your bearings?" she offered.

"Thank you," he said falling into step next to her. As they walked, the dog ran ahead, zooming back and forth across the road into the fields of browned grass around them.

"D'Artangan, stay close!" she scolded, shaking her head, "That dog…"

Robin paused, staring at her, "You call your dog D'Artagnan?"

He'd heard her say it before but he hadn't really registered until then. Giving him an odd look she answered, "Yes, that's his name."

"Why?"

"What?"

"Why did you call your dog that?"

"The Three Musketeers was one of my favorite books as a child," she answered.

"Oh," he nodded, "Yes, of course."

Looking at him, she asked, "I'm sorry, I don't think I got your name, Sir."

"Robin Locksley," he responded absently. She immediately, however, stopped in her tracks, staring at him with wide eyes.

"You're Robin Locksley?"

"Yes, I am."

She continued to look at him before finally saying, "Oh."

"And yourself?" he asked, "We already established that we've never met."

"Well actually we have, but it's been a long time," she explained, "You see...I'm Regina Mills."

It was his turn to stop, "Miss, whatever sort of joke this is I don't find it amusing."

"Joke?" she repeated.

"Indeed," he said coldly.

"I'm not joking," she insisted, "I don't blame you for not recognizing me, the last time we saw each other-"

"Madam," he interrupted, "As I said, I don't appreciate whatever this is."

She sighed.

"Regina Mills has been dead for over five years!"

"Five years?" she asked, looking away and absently saying, "Has it been that long?"

"It has," he answered, "I don't know how you know about Miss Mills, but I would like to know what's going on here!"

Studying him, she asked, "Do you really not understand?"

"I'm afraid I do not!"

"Robin…" she said slowly, "...I am Regina Mills. I'm the Regina Mills you're thinking of. We knew each other when we were children. My father, Henry Mills, was your father's solicitor until we moved away to London when I was 13."

"As I said, that's impossible-"

"No, it's entirely possible," she interrupted, "You're right I am dead...and so are you."

"Excuse me?" he asked.

"This place," she glanced around, "This is the Underworld. Everyone here is dead."

"I'm not dead," he said.

"You're here," she told him, "That means you're dead."

"No," he shook his head, "No, that's absurd!"

She sighed again, "You obviously don't remember how you died. That can happen sometimes. The sooner you accept it though-"

"I'm not dead!" he insisted, "What the devil is this?! Why are you claiming to be Regina Mills?!"

Not bothering to suppress an eyeroll, she turned away, "I need to be getting home."

With that she turned and whistled sharply for D'Artagnan who, seeming to notice the urgency in her tone, perked his head up to look at her and then ran over to her heel.

As the two quickly walked away from him, Robin stood in one spot, feeling like he might faint again. He tried to ground himself as he took in his surroundings. Even as everything in him told him that the idea was preposterous part of him somehow knew that her words were true. It would explain everything. The disappearance of several inches of snow on the ground in an instant. How the temperature had turned unseasonably warm. Why all the grasses and trees were dry and shriveled. The eerie orange light that illuminated everything even though there was no sun in the sky.

Taking it all in he heard her telling him again that this was the Underworld and that he was there meant he was dead.

It made sense, but if her words were true it would mean that the woman standing before him was, in fact, Regina Mills. That he was seeing her for the first time since they were children...after thinking that such a thing was impossible.

Feeling his throat tighten, Robin took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down as his heart pounded in his ears.

Suddenly, realizing something, he straightened up.

"Wait!" he called after her. Breaking into a run, he hurried to catch up with her.

Glancing over her shoulder, she picked up her pace.

"Wait!" he yelled, picking up the pace, "Regina, wait!"

He caught her by her arm as she neared the bridge leading in to the village.

"Let me go!" she ordered.

Dropping her arm, he explained, "I'm sorry. You're really, Regina? You're really her?"

She didn't answer.

"Please," he begged, "Just tell me you're really her."

"I already did," she said tiredly.

"Oh my God," he breathed, catching her face between his hands. She stiffened in shock, but didn't move away, "Regina...I thought I'd never see you again."

Wetting her lips, she answered, "Well, I'm sorry it happened so soon."

"What?" he asked in confusion, and then realized, "No, you don't understand...I'm not dead."

"Robin-"

"No, truly!I'm not dead!"

She looked away skeptically.

"I'm not! See for yourself," he insisted, grabbing her hand and pressing it to his chest. As he did so a jolt went through him. Regina felt it too, a shock going up her arm and settling into her chest in a way that made her almost lose her balance.

She hadn't felt anything like it in all the time she'd been in the Underworld, and it shocked her so much that it took a few moments before she realized what he'd been trying to show her...the rhythmic thumping that she could feel through his shirt.

Her eyes flew to his chest in shock and she pressed her hand down flatter to make sure she was feeling what she thought

"Your...your heart is beating," she whispered.

"Yes," he nodded, "Surely that means…"

Meeting his eyes, she breathed out in wonder, "You aren't dead."

"No," he shook his head.

Pulling away her hand, she asked, "How is this possible? Why are you here if you aren't dead?"

"I don't know," he answered honestly, "But I'm glad I am."

"Glad?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes," he told her, "Regina, I thought I'd never see you again!"

It was a bold move, but he couldn't stop himself from reaching out to take her hand between his.

"I didn't either," she answered, "After I moved to London our lives took us to different places I suppose."

He lifted his other hand to cradle her cheek. It was a liberty that normally he'd never take with a woman. An overly familiar touch. Far too intimate. Something in him couldn't resist it though.

She stared back at him as he stroked her ear with his thumb, letting his fingertips feel the silkiness of her hair.

Finally, she stepped away, clearing her throat, "But why are you here? If you're still alive...how are you here?"

"I don't know. I was...in the cemetery," he told her, feeling a little awkward about telling her that he'd been standing at her grave, "When suddenly I felt as if the ground had dropped out beneath me. I thought I must have fainted."

Glancing down, he saw the little dog playing with the hem of Regina's dress, "He woke me...is this really D'Artagnan?"

Crouching down Regina lifted the dog, holding him tightly to her chest, "The same one I had as a child, you mean? Yes. He was here where I arrived. He died a few years after I moved to London."

Robin reached out to stroke the dog's furry cheek. He licked Robin's hand, wagging his tail and squirming in Regina's arms to be put down. She did so, letting him go back to running around.

"He seems so energetic," Robin commented, "Like when he was a puppy."

"Yes," she nodded, "He was old when he died. Usually people arrive here at the age they died but, I don't know, it seems to work differently for dogs."

"Wait!" he suddenly asked, "Is everyone who died here?"

"Well...not exactly," Regina answered, "It's rather complicated-"

"My mother, my father! They'd be here!"

"Ahh...Robin," she started, but he was already taking off up the road back toward the cemetery, "Robin wait!"

She hoisted her skirts, running after him. Even with the disadvantage of needing to breathe, though, he was faster. Sheer excitement fueling him up the road and across the field until the familiar sight of Sherwood House came into view.

It propelled him on, the gravel walkway crunching under his boots and he raced up the steps and threw open the doors.

The inside was dark and he knew, even without exploring further that no one was there.

The long sprint catching up with him, he leaned against the door, bracing himself against his knees as he caught his breath.

He jumped as a jolt went through his body. Turning, he saw Regina behind him, resting one hand on his back.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"Where are they?" he asked between breaths, "My parents. Sherwood House has been in our family for generations, why is it empty? Why is no one here?"

"No one knows," Regina answered, steering him outside and closing the door behind them, "Yes, Sherwood House is here but no one's ever been seen in it. At least not that I know of."

"But why aren't my parents here?"

"I don't know, Robin," she answered, "Were they buried here?"

"No," he answered, "They were buried in our family crypt in London."

"Well that might explain it," Regina said, "That's what I was trying to tell you. Not everyone who's ever died is here. Some people were never seen here. Others have been her for longer than anyone can remember, and some...leave."

"Leave?" Robin asked, "You mean like go to heaven?"

She hesitated.

"Is that what this place is? Purgatory?" he asked, "Like the Catholics believe?"

"Not...exactly," she answered.

"Well what is it then?"

"No one knows why they're here. There are good people and bad. There isn't any obvious pattern to it," she answered, "We aren't sentenced to a certain time of penance or anything, and where the people who leave go...no one knows that."

"What do you mean?"

"They aren't called up to heaven or anything like that. They're simply never seen again," she told him.

His eyes widened, "That sounds horrible!"

"Well maybe they do go to heaven," she shrugged, "Many like to think so."

"But you don't know?" he asked, "You mean...God hasn't told you?"

The look she gave him was all the answer needed. Hearing this was rather shocking. It wasn't at all what he'd been taught in church ever since he was a child. The secrets of life after death were supposed to be revealed when one died, but, from what Regina was saying, that apparently wasn't the case.

Seeming to sense his line of thought, Regina took his hand, "Come. Let's go."

Letting her guide him, they walked down the drive, leaving the empty cavernous shadow of his family home behind. He was quiet as they walked over the field and back down the road, past the cemetary, and to the bridge into the village. It was also shadowy and dark compared to the real thing, however, unlike Sherwood House, it was anything but empty.

There were people walking along the streets, chattering amongst each other in an almost carefree way. A few turned to look at them curiously as he and Regina passed, but no one stopped them.

If he'd had more presence of mind, Robin might have scanned the faces for anyone recognizable, but he simply followed Regina where she led him. Finally, she stopped in front of a building, and opened the door. Looking up, Robin noticed it was the same house where she'd lived as a child.

The inside looked the same as well, though, like everywhere else in this place, it lacked the warmth and life he remembered.

He was brought out of his thoughts when Regina tugged at the neck of his coat. Letting her slip it off him, she hung it on a rack near the door.

"You live here?" he asked.

"Yes, I do," she nodded, moving from room to room. Finally, she returned, "Well it looks like my mother is out."

"Your mother is here?"

"Yes," she answered.

"Oh right! The two of you…"

"Died together?" she finished, causing him to blush.

She laughed, "I'd advise you to get over the shyness of the subject. It's not exactly taboo here!"

He laughed as well, "No, I suppose it wouldn't be."

"Would you like to sit down?" she offered, motioning him toward the drawing room.

"Certainly," he answered, letting her walk ahead of him.

In the drawing room, Regina sat down on the divan and Robin took the couch opposite it. Almost immediately, D'Artagnan hopped up next to him, laying down and resting his head on Robin's lap.

As he stroked the dog's head he looked across the room at Regina. Glancing up, she asked, "What?"

"Sorry," he answered, "I don't mean to stare I just...it's hard to believe I'm really here with you. You look so different."

She chuckled, looking back at him, "Well, you do as well."

They exchanged looks for a few moments before Regina finally broke the gaze. Sitting up straight, she said, "I'll explain the situation when my mother gets home. She spends a lot of time in the library. She might know something about how this happened."

"Will she be upset I'm here?" he asked.

"Why would she be upset?"

"Well, I'm here alone with you without her knowing-"

Regina cut him off with a rather brash chuckle, "You're concerned you'll ruin my reputation among the dead?"

He flushed, feeling foolish.

Regina laughed again, "I appreciate the thought but we have bigger concerns, Robin, like why it is you're here!"

He nodded. She was completely right, of course. He was in the Underworld...Land of the Dead...whatever this place was, but they'd both agreed that he was obviously not dead. Finding out what that was and how it happened was definitely their biggest concern!

"This has really never happened before?" he asked.

"Well no! Not with a person," she answered, hesitating slightly.

"What do you mean?"

She looked up at him questioningly as he rose from the couch, "You said not with a person. What does that mean?"

Frowning, she told him, "Follow me."

Leading him out of the drawing room, they walked through the parlor and out the door to the back garden. All of the plants were the same shriveled brown colors that they'd passed on the way there except for a single tree in the center of it all. It was a full sized apple tree heavy with green leaves and dark red fruit, even the bark looked remarkably alive.

Robin stared at it in wonder as Regina walked over.

"What is this?" he asked, following her toward it slowly.

"It only happens a few times a year," she explained, "This tree doesn't always show it but...I like when it does."

"Why is it now?"

"It's the season," she answered.

"You mean Christmas?"

"Christmas has nothing to do with it," she shook her head, "It's the winter solstice. When the Earth is farthest from the sun?"

He nodded.

"Around the solstices and equinoxes the lines between our world and that of the living become thinner," Regina said, reaching up and pulling off one of the apples. Turning, she held it out to him.

It felt very real in his hands, cold and hard. There was even a thin layer of frost on it that melted onto his fingers.

"Sometimes bits like this slip through."

Turning his gaze up to her, he asked, "So I slipped through?"

She quirked her lips, "Perhaps you did."

Looking back at the apple in his hands, he asked, "Is it real though? A real live apple?"

She chuckled, "Does it look like a real live apple?"

"It looks like one," he answered, "But does it look the same on the inside? Taste the same? Is it completely alive like me?"

"I don't know, actually," she admitted, "Try it and see."

After a moment's hesitation, he brought it to his lips and bit down. It was crisp, juicy, and deliciously sweet. Letting out a contented sigh, he chewed the bite, turning the apple Regina to see that it was, indeed, alive inside.

She smiled as he took another bite. Laughing he swallowed it and commented, "I can't believe you never tried one before."

"I don't eat," she shrugged.

"You don't eat?" he asked incredulously.

"I'm dead, Robin," she reminded him, "Why would I need to eat?"

"Oh," he answered, "Yes, I suppose not."

As he took another bite he looked up at her watching him. Even though she'd just told him she didn't need to, he felt uncomfortable eating right in front of her.

Lowering the uneaten half of the apple, he said awkwardly, "Forgive me. I didn't have supper before I left the manor."

Before now there had been too many things on his mind to think about food, but now that he was a few bites in he realized just how hungry he was.

Regina frowed as she caught his meaning, "Are you very hungry?"

"Yes, I confess I am," he said sheepishly.

"Well eat it then!' she said glancing away absently. She searched the garden, quickly moving past him to dump out a basket of black shriveled leaves. Walking back to the tree, she began picking off every apple she could reach and tossing them in the basket.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Taking as many as possible while they're still alive!"

"Why?"

She looked at him, "We don't know why you're here or now long you'll have to stay! You're the only person here who's ever needed to eat. I think you'll find food is in rather short supply!"

He was alarmed at the thought. Nodding he finished off the apple and tossed the core aside, hurrying to help her pick the rest.

After they'd cleared off every apple they could find, Robin helped her carry the basket back into the house.

They were closing the parlor door behind them, when a voice echoed off the walls, "Regina? Are you home?"

D'Artagnan's barks and nails clattering against the floor immediately followed as the dog rushed to the front door.

Only a few moments later Cora Mills appeared in the parlor doorway. Catching sight of Robin, she blinked in surprise.

"Oh! Hello," she said.

"Hello, Mrs. Mills," Robin greeted, bowing slightly, "It's good to see you again."

"I'm sorry, who is this?" Cora turned to her daughter.

"Mother!" Regina hissed, looking slightly embarrassed, "It's Robin. Robin Locksley."

"Robin…" Cora trailed off, glancing back over at him. She looked him up and down silently before finally saying, "...oh I see. Robin, it's been a long time."

"Yes, it has," he nodded.

"Well," she cleared her throat, "did you just arrive?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes," he replied.

Cora's face wrinkled in confusion.

"Mother," Regina took the basket of apples from him and set it on the table, "It's not what you're thinking."

Cora's eyebrow raised in a delicate arch, "What am I thinking?"

"He's alive," Regina said in exasperation.

Her mother's face remained steeley as she asked, "I beg your pardon?"

"He's alive, Mother," the younger woman repeated.

"That's not possible," Cora shook her head.

"His heart is still beating."

That seemed to catch Cora's attention. Head snapping to him, she blinked in surprise. He nodded in agreement with Regina.

"You're...certain?" she asked slowly.

"Yes, Mother!" Regina snapped, getting impatient, "He's still alive!"

Shakily, Cora reached for one of the chairs and slid into it. Taking a moment to gain her wits, she asked, quietly, "How?"

"We were rather hoping you'd know," Robin replied politely.

Cora laughed lightly as she glanced away from the two younger people pensively, "Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you but I've never heard of this!"

The older woman lowered herself slowly into a chair, glancing toward the table where they'd set the basket of apples.

"I see you explained to him about the tree?" she asked Regina.

Regina nodded, "I did."

Looking at the ripe apples thoughtfully, Robin asked, "Regina said that it's alive because of the equinox. What will happen to it when the equinox ends?"

"Well, it goes back to being dead," Cora said.

"So…" he asked hesitantly, "...does that mean when the equinox ends, I'll be dead?"

Cora studied him thoughtfully and said, "Perhaps it does."

"What?!" Regina said, suddenly alarmed by the possibility, "But he never died!"

Rising for her hair, her mother went on, "Are we certain of that? If he's crossed over just at the equinox, perhaps this is one of those anomalies, and once it's over he'll be like everyone else."

"No," Regina shook her head, "That's not possible!"

"It's more possible than a living person being here," Cora reasoned.

"But he said he didn't die, Mother!" she continued to argue with fervor that surprised even herself, "You remember what it was like when we arrived! I remembered the accident and so did you!"

"Yes," Cora said evenly, "But you know that the experience is different for everyone."

Regina's face darkened, clearly not happy with the thought.

While the two women argued the weariness of not sleeping for what was nearly two days now started to catch up with Robin in a bone deep weariness that made him wish he could trouble them for a cup of tea, but given that Regina had frantically collected the apples so that he'd have food at all, he wasn't foolish enough to do so.

"It's alright," he interrupted gently, "Whatever the reason I'm here, I don't think we'll figure it out tonight."

Forgetting their debate, both mother and daughter looked at him in surprise.

"You're tired?" Regina asked.

He nodded, "Yes, I'm very sorry, but I am."

The two exchanged a troubled look that he didn't understand. Setting the confusion aside, though, he cleared his throat, "I'll just be on my way back to Sherwood House-"

"You most certainly will not!" Cora interrupted, "You can't stay in an empty house a mile away!"

If he were honest, he had been dreading the thought of spending the night in that eerie imitation of his home but asking Regina and Cora to put him up would be most improper and he didn't think he could count on there being an inn.

Cora, however, didn't seem to have the same concerns for propriety, as she simply turned to her daughter and said, "Regina can show you to her room if you want to sleep."

The tone of her voice left no room for argument, so Regina simply nodded to him. Robin frowned, but followed as she led him to a dark staircase.

At the top, he had to squint to follow her as she turned to open a door a few paces away.

The room inside was lit by the orange sky outside from two large windows.

Glancing around, he noted that the shelves were covered in dusty toys and books.

"Is this your room?" he asked.

"It was," she answered, "When I was a girl."

"Regina, I'm not putting you out of your bed!" he insisted.

"You aren't," she said matter-of-factly as she threw back the quilt, filling the air with a plume of dust. She tossed the comforter over the footboard and lifted the pillow to brush the dust off, "Sorry about the mess but the only other room is my parents' old bedroom, and it'll be like this too. We never use them."

"You don't sleep here?"

Her dark eyes met his pointedly, answering without having to speak.

"You don't sleep?" he guessed, "At all?"

"For all eternity, in theory," she said dryly.

His breath caught at the implication, "Regina-"

"Nevermind," she brushed him off, "Rest, Robin. You do look exhausted."

He wished he could have argued that he was fine, but he was nearly swaying on his feet so he didn't even put up any protest when she stepped behind him to grab the lapels of his great coat and pull it off him.

As she took it over to hang in the wardrobe he let himself sink down onto the bed.

Closing the wardrobe door, Regina turned back around. The two studied each other, awkwardness finally settling over the fact that they were standing together in a bedroom and he was already in a state of undress that was less than ideal.

Clearing her throat, she said, "Well, have a pleasant rest."

"Thank you, goodnight," he answered, although he wasn't sure it was night. The sky hadn't changed color at all since first woke in the cemetery.

She didn't comment though, simply nodding and making a beeline for the door. Once it was closed behind her, he let out a sigh of relief. Leaning over, he removed his boots with some difficulty, his arms feeling as if they were weighted with lead as he pulled them off. Tossing them haphazardly aside, he untied his collar and let himself lay back on the small bed.

The sheets had a stale odor to him, but he was too weary to care as he barely had the strength to even pull the sheet over him before he drifted off to sleep.

13 years earlier

Regina had kept her back firmly turned as she walked away from him. So long as she didn't look back, she could pretend that her eyes weren't burning with tears that wanted to fall.

As she reached the coach, she bent to lift D'Artagnan inside and then grab the handle to climb in herself. Getting the dog settled, she slid into the seat next to her mother and turned her face out the window.

Outside, she could faintly hear her father speaking with the coachman as they secured the last of their bags to the back.

"Regina," her mother said softly.

Turning, she found the older woman holding a handkerchief out to her and realized she'd been crying without even noticing it.

Taking the handkerchief, she let go of the iron grip she'd had on the book Robin gave her and sniffed into it.

Glancing up at her mother, she opened her mouth to try to explain but found that no words would come out.

Seeming to understand, though, Cora simply nodded understandingly and patted her hand.

Looking away, Regina stared back out the coach window and dabbed at her eyes, wishing it were as easy to wipe away the ache that felt like it would split her chest in two.

"Regina?"

She startled at the sound of her mother's voice behind her. As she turned, her mother studied her and looked pointedly at the fact that she'd been standing two steps up the staircase.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm worried, Mother," she admitted, "He's been asleep a long time."

"We can't really be sure of how long it's been," Cora answered, "Besides, worrying about it will make it seem longer."

Sighing in exasperation, Regina stepped off the step and followed her mother as she walked steadily to the drawing room, "How can you be so calm about this, Mother?!"

Cora sighed as she sat down on the sofa, "We've discussed this, Regina. Most likely this is an anomaly and he's simply died like everyone else here."

"It's not an anomaly!" Regina insisted, "Plants are one thing, but who's ever heard of a person coming back to life?"

"I don't know anyone who has but that doesn't mean it's never happened-"

"He's sleeping, Mother!" she argued, "Sleeping! Why would he need to sleep if he were dead?"

"I don't know," she confessed, looking up at her daughter who had started pacing back and forth during their conversation, "Do sit down, Regina, you'll wear a hole in the floor!"

Regina frowed, flopping down next to her on the sofa but complaining, "What does it matter if I do? Unlike, Robin, we're dead! We're beyond worrying about housekeeping!"

Cora frowned at her daughter's sarcasm, but chose not to mention it, "Regina, I know the notion is upsetting to you and it is a shame...he is quite young…"

"It's more than that, Mother!" Regina interrupted, "I can feel that he's alive. He feels different."

"Feels?" Cora asked suspiciously, "What do you mean?"

For once, Regina was glad for her lifeless body so that she didn't blush at recalling how a jolt had gone through her when Robin grabbed her hand and placed it over his heart. It was as if, not only could she feel the life in him, but that a bit of it had flowed into her in that moment, disrupting the dullness that covered everything in this dead realm.

"I can't really explain it, but I'm certain of this!" she insisted, "It's not simply that he's a new arrival because he died! Something else is going on! Have you ever heard of anything like this in your reading?"

Cora frowned, "No, I haven't."

Since they arrived in this realm, Cora devoted her days to studying what was known about it. The shadow village and a fairly extensive library where those who had existed here, many of whom since left, had written about their experiences. Regina had spent some time doing so as well, but found their recordings mostly detailed the same monotonous days she experienced. To her it seemed mostly a depressing reminder of how many before them spent countless days trying to understand what this realm was, and that no one ever found any answers.

"There might be someone…" Cora said thoughtfully, trailing off at the end of her sentence.

"Someone who what?" Regina asked.

"Well someone who might know if anything like this has happened before," Cora answered, "Gold."

Regina was taken aback by the suggestion. Gold was the oldest resident of the village. He'd been here before anyone could remember. Many called him 'the mayor', though the title was not meant in a flattering way. The man was very lordly and standoffish.

"Do you think he'd help us?" she asked cautiously, as Gold was rarely interested even in speaking with the village's other inhabitants, much less being helpful to them.

"I think the oddity of young Mr. Locklsey would interest him," Cora said, "Perhaps that would inspire him to."

Regina frowned. She wasn't entirely happy with the idea, but knew it was the best one the had

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Robin awoke from a dreamless sleep in what felt like swimming through molasses. When he was finally able to drag his eyes open, he was startled to find Regina standing over him in the hazy room.

"Sorry!" she apologized, stepping back, "You've been asleep a long time."

"Have I?" he asked, groggily sitting up.

She didn't mention that she didn't know how long it had been as they had no real way to track time in this realm, but there was something about his fatigue that made her feel uneasy so finally she'd decided to wake him.

Clearing her throat, she held out a glass of water and a plate to him containing slices she'd taken from cutting one of the apples they picked.

"There was some snow around the tree earlier, so I melted it," she explained, nodding to the water, "I don't believe the water here would hurt you, but better to be cautious."

He thanked her, reaching to accept the glass and plate. As he did so he was startled to see that her hands were a sickly dark purple. A gasp fell from his lips.

"What's wrong?" Regina asked.

Blinking, Robin looked back at her hands and found that they were the same olive tone as the rest of her skin.

"Ah...nothing," he shook his head, accepting the plate and telling himself that it had just been a trick of the light.

After finishing off the apple slices and downing the water to the last drop, he felt refreshed enough to start feeling self-conscious that she was standing before him watching him eat.

Regina simply took the plate from him once he was done and set it aside, "I think we're going to go out soon."

He looked at her questioningly, so she sat down next to him on the bed to explain about Gold.

"So this Mr. Gold can explain why I'm here?"

She looked hesitant, but finally answered, "He's our best bet."

Nodding, Robin pushed back the covers, "I'll just get dressed then."

Seeming to take the hint, Regina stood, gathered up the plate and cup, and left him alone.

Once Robin managed to make himself presentable, he made his way down the stairs to find Regina and Cora waiting for him in the entryway.

With only a brief conversation they left the townhouse and set off up the streets of the village. The air was the same hazy orange it had been the last time Robin was outside, though the village seemed remarkably alive with some many people passing through. There was a different air to them than any he'd ever seen. There were a few people riding horses, though, most walked. A few dogs weaved in and out of the crowds, much like Regina's D'Artagnan, who followed the three without trouble. Overall, though, there was a sedate feeling to everything. A few children played in the street and adults walked along chatting pleasantly amongst themselves.

It took Robin a while to figure out what was different, but he finally realized that no one was in a hurry. Everyone moved at an easy pace and no one looked stressed or rushed as if they had a task to accomplish or an appointment to get to...and he supposed none of them did.

A few individuals glanced at him curiously as he passed, but just as many seemed to take no note of him at all. Apparently he didn't look noticeably different than the deceased souls who inhabited this realm, and he wasn't sure what that meant for him.

Reaching a large clocktower building, Cora and Regina stopped. Studying the building, Robin asked, "This is Mr. Gold's home?"

"This is the library," Cora said, opening the door, "Gold lives in the tower."

The inside of the building was quiet and smelled strongly of molded paper. The bottom floor appeared to be only one big room, but it was hard to tell as it was packed wall to wall with large dusty tomes and stacks of loose, yellowed paper. Cora led him through the labyrinth of parchment with ease, though, until they came to a spiral staircase at the back.

The three climbed to the top to an attic room that was equally packed with books save for the far wall that was taken up by the back of the large clock he had seen from the outside.

Standing in front of the clock, bathed in eerie yellow light was a slight man in a long coat. Hearing their footsteps, he turned, revealing a shrunken green face so shocking it made Robin stumble in his steps.

Noticing his stumble, Regina looked over at him with a concerned look. In the blink of an eye, though, the man's grotesque face was gone and an eccentric, though otherwise perfectly normally looking man with long, ashy brown hair stared back.

Blinking to make sure what he was seeing was real, Robin straightened up, trying to gloss over his stumble.

"Cora," the man purred with a light Scottish brogue, "What brings you to my humble dwelling?"

"We need your help, unfortunately," Cora answered.

"You're being very rude for someone asking for a favor, Dearie," the man shot back, a high-pitched and almost effeminate tone seeping into his voice as he leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers.

Ignoring the rebuke, Cora went on, "My daughter found this man in the graveyard recently."

Gold gave Robin a brief uninterested glance before answering, "Yes?"

"He is alive."

Although he didn't outwardly react, other than to send a longer glance Robin's way, that seemed to catch the odd man's attention, "You're certain?"

"Yes," Cora answered, "Beating heart and all."

Again, he showed no outward reaction. After a long pause, he finally softly commented, "Interesting, most interesting."

"I see you're not surprised," Cora observed.

"On the contrary, I'm very surprised, indeed," he answered, dropping his hands and rising from his chair.

Stepping toward Robin, the slight man asked, "Your name, Sir?"

"Robin of Locksley."

"A pleasure," he said, bowing slightly before turning his attention to Regina and Cora, "and who is this man to you?"

Regina waited only for a moment before answering, "An old friend."

One of Gold's eyebrows rose, his gaze piercing through the young woman.

"He's the son of my husband's former employer," Cora jumped in, "He and my daughter knew each other as children."

"Did you?"

"What does it matter?" Robin asked.

"Merely curious," Gold trilled, waving his hand dismissively as he ambled back to his desk.

"We need to find a way to send him home!" Regina finally jumped in, "He can't survive here."

"No, I should imagine not," Gold agreed.

"Do you know how we can find how he got here without dying?" Cora asked, "How might we be able to send him back?"

"Perhaps," he simply answered, leaning against his desk expectantly.

"What's your price?" Cora asked.

Gold smiled at that, "You know me well, Cora."

Standing from his desk, Gold stalked back and forth as if in thought, before finally coming to a stop in front of Robin and saying, "Your hat…and your shawl, my dear Regina."

"My hat?" Robin questioned.

Regina, however, immediately shrugged off her shawl and thrust it toward the man. Following her example, Robin let go of the urge to question the request, removing his hat and handing it to Gold.

The smaller man accepted the items, placing them on his desk.

"As you may well know," he finally spoke, "during certain times of the year the barrier between this world and that of the living wanes."

"Yes, but an entire person?" Regina questioned, "Is that even possible?"

"I must confess, I've never seen it before," Gold acknowledged, "But it may be possible."

"So what will happen? Is there a way to send him back?"

"I've only heard of one instance of someone returning from his world. Long ago, and even then it was only legend…local gossip."

"What was it?" Cora asked.

"Supposedly there were two rival outlaws who, in the midst of their adventures, fell in love. On the day of their wedding, instead of rings, he gave her a ribbon for her hair and she gave him her favorite book. Their love sealed forever in these items," Gold explained, "Sadly, though, soon after they were wed he passed away. Driven mad with grief at being separated from his bride, he set himself to searching for a way back. Pouring over every item in this very library. Every word ever written by someone who has passed through this realm."

"And he found it?"

"According to the legend, he found an ancient text that states that, if two consecrated items are united in the two worlds, at a time of year during the solstice, the bond may make it possible to cross realms. So, anticipating his devoted widow would visit his grave, went to his grave in this realm every day of the solstice until, finally, one year his bride visited…ribbon in her hair…and the magic of the items allowed them to reunite. So Mr. Locksley, what item brought you here?"

"Excuse me?" Robin asked.

"If you manage to cross over, but you are still alive, I gather the same must have happened to you," Gold insinuated, looking pointedly at Regina.

Robin studied him before finally answering, "We were friends as children, that is it. I don't know of any magical items."

"Well, in that case, Mr. Locksley it seems your presence here is simply without explanation."

"Can we see the text?" Regina asked eagerly.

"I'm sorry to tell you, Dearie, but the text does not exist."

"What?!"

"As I said, it was a legend," Gold answered simply.

"You've lived in this library as long as I've been here, Gold," Cora asked, "You mean to tell me you never found any such text?"

"Indeed," Gold answered, "I've seen every book this library has to offer…if such a text existed, I would know. I'm sorry to tell you, Mr. Locksley, but I don't know of any means of returning you home."

"None?!" Regina demanded, "No way at all?"

"None, that I'm aware of."

"So what will happen to him? There's no food here! He can't survive!"

"I'm afraid I don't know that either," Gold answered, "I'm so sorry."

"No," she shook her head, "That can't be! There has to be some way!"

"Regina," Robin caught her arms, restraining her as she started stepping closer to Gold, "It's alright."

"It's alright?!"

Cora stepped forward, allowing Robin to hand her off.

"Mother-" she protested, but Cora cut her off with a shake of her head.

"Thank you," Robin said with a bow, "For your time, Mr. Gold."

Gold acknowledged the weight of the statement with a brief inclination of his head, his sharp eyes following the three as they made their way down the stone steps and back out into the hazy streets.

"There has to be another way!" Regina exclaimed as they stepped out, "Someone else who knows the realm! There has to be something!"

"Regina," Robin said tiredly, "You heard what he said. The closest anyone knows is legend. I don't think anyone here knows what's happening to me."

She opened her mouth to object, but he simply smiled at her, "You tried your best. I thank both of you for that, and for your care of me."

"Robin, you can't just give up!

He let out a sigh before finally saying, "I think I need to take a walk. I'll escort you home-"

"Go ahead," Cora nodded, cutting him off as he prepared to protest, "Well be alright. Nothing can happen to us here."

He considered for a moment. Normally, as a gentleman, he would argue that he couldn't leave them to find their way home on their own, but he was also aware that Cora was right. Nothing more could happen to them…and they'd been here on their own all these years.

Finally, he simply nodded, taking his leave of them.

Regina watched as his form as he walked toward the edge of town before turning on her mother angrily, "How could you do that, Mother? How could you just let him give up and resign himself to death?!"

"He looked as if he needed time alone with his thoughts," Cora answered.

"He doesn't need to be alone with his thoughts!" Regina insisted, "He needs our help!"

"Go on then," Cora said.

Regina blinked in surprise, "Pardon?"

"If you go after him now, you'll likely find him," Cora nodded in the direction Robin had gone.

Taken aback by her mother's sudden change of mind, Regina waited a moment before following in the direction Robin went.

"Aren't you coming?" she asked, noticing that Cora was not following.

"No, Dear," she shook her head, "You go ahead. I'll see you at home."

Regina cocked her head, looking at her mother questioningly.

"There's something I want to do. I'll explain later," she said, seeing the look on her daughter's face, "Just go now!"

Glancing toward the town's edge, Regina considered for a moment before finally nodding in acquiescence and following the path Robin had taken.

Cora's dark eyes watched her daughter intently until her form was nothing more than a speck on the horizon. At that point, finally, she turned back into the dark brick building.

Lifting her petticoats and stepping lightly on her toes, she silently crept back up the steps to the main library.

Peering cautiously around the corner, she watched Gold standing contemplatively at his desk, her daughter's shawl sliding between his fingers. He let it drop into Robin's hat, turning it over so that it stood up right. Seeming to put both aside, he reached up, fumbling about his neck.

Cora's brow furrowed as tried to get a better look at what he was doing. Finally, he turned his shirt and waistcoat open to the waist. That was when she realized he'd been untying his cravat.

A lifetime of modest habit led her to initially look away, but she fought it, looking back.

Gold fumbled around his collar, tugging at a gold chain to reveal a key at the end. He lifted the key over his head, stooping and using it to unlock a drawer at the bottom of the desk.

He lifted a large leather-bound book from within, setting it on the desk and flipping through as he dropped the key back over his head and buttoned his waistcoat.

Leaning over the book, he continued to flip through the pages until stopping on one.

Cora narrowed her eyes, watching as he ran his fingers down the page before finally looking up.

During her observation of him Cora had leaned out from the shadows. Fearing he'd sensed her presence, she pressed herself back against the wall.

Gold did not turn toward her, however, instead stepping out from behind the desk and walking toward a side stairwell.

He disappeared up the darkness of it, carrying not even a single candle to light his way.

Cora stayed against the wall, cautious in case he was to reappear. When she was finally satisfied that he would not, Cora tip-toed over to the stairs. She could feel a cool breeze flowing down the dark spiraling corridor and the faintest sliver of sky. The stairs obviously lead to the very top of the building's tower.

Turning away from the tower, she strode back over the desk and the tome he'd left behind. The lamp Gold had been using was burning low, so she pulled it closer to inspect the page.

The parchment was yellowed with age and the ink faded, but the words on it were visible. The small snippet of text that she saw spoke of a certain story that Gold claimed was only a legend.

Glancing back at the tower stairs, Cora slammed the book closed, lifting it off the desk, and hurried back out toward her home.

Little did she know, however, that her hasty exit had been observed from the uppermost tower by a pair of watchful brown eyes.

The bearer of them smirking in satisfaction as he ran his thumb over the chipped rim of his most cherished possession.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

After leaving her mother, Regina hurried along, realizing that the direction Robin was going was taking him back toward Sherwood House.

She picked up the pace, hurrying along in case he attempted to go back there again.

Luckily, however, she found that he'd only gone as far as the bridge on the outskirts of Locksley land.

She approached him slowly.

"Robin…" she said, uncertain of how to proceed, "...I'm so sorry."

He sighed, "It's alright, Regina."

"It's not! No one's life should end before their time!" she insisted. Stepping next to him, she stared out at the river with a distant gaze.

The river, which was usually clear and clean in summer, and high and fast when swollen with winter snow was, in this world, slow and murky and black as pitch, but she started into it as if it held all the world's secrets.

Reaching out, he took hand, "I'm sorry, Regina, for what happened to you."

Shifting uncomfortably, she slid her hand from him, "It was a long time ago."

Looking thoughtful, Regina glanced away giving him a flash of her neck, which, for a moment appeared mottled black and twisted at an unnatural angle. By the time she turned back to him, though, it was gone.

"What?" she asked, noticing that he was studying her intently.

He smiled sadly, beginning to have a notion of what these flashes of vision he'd been having were, "You're simply so beautiful."

She blinked in surprise at the words, "Why would you say that?"

"Because it's true," he answered, "You were always a pretty girl, but I never saw you grown and you're lovely."

She laughed, "Well thank you. You grew up to be very handsome as well."

He smiled at the compliment.

Swallowing she said, "I'm sorry I didn't write to you after we moved to London."

"Why didn't you?" he asked.

She let out a sigh, "I don't know. I suppose I didn't know what to say."

He frowned.

"Why didn't you call on me?" she asked in return, "I know your family has a home in London, surely you were there some time?"

"I wanted to," he told her, "But my parents thought it was foolish and I didn't fight them on it...perhaps I was still a bit angry at you for leaving."

They stared at each other quietly before, shaking herself, Regina answered, "Well that's all in the past now."

"Yes," he agreed, "We're here now. I missed you."

"You didn't," she laughed, "It's been years-"

"Yes, I did," he interrupted, "When your father told me you-"

"My father?" she asked.

Realizing his slip, and that she didn't know Henry lived with him, Robin swore internally.

"You still know my father?" she pushed.

"Yes," he answered, "I ran into him about five years ago, close to the anniversary of when you and your mother…"

"When we died?" she finished

"Yes," Robin said, "We met at my home in London."

Regina's eyes narrowed, "What aren't you telling me?"

"Well…" he hesitated, "...he was ill at the time but he's better now."

"Ill?" she asked.

"Yes," he nodded.

"You're lying to me."

"I assure you I am not!"

"Then you're hiding something! Be honest with me, Robin, please!"

Robin sighed reluctantly, "When we met again your father had fallen on some hard times. His practice had gone under, so he lives with me now."

"Lives with you?" she questioned, eyes pinning him with a questioning look.

Resigning himself, he explained how he'd found Henry and the arrangement they'd come to after he was restored to health.

"So my father is your valet?"

"Yes," Robin admitted, "It was not my choice but your father was too proud to accept my help unless I employed him."

"I see," she glanced away, "He fell apart after Mother and I died, right? That's what you're trying to avoid telling me?"

"I believe so," he grudgingly admitted, "But one can understand, given the circumstances."

Regina let out a sad breath, "My poor father. He's better now, though?"

"Yes," he answered, softly.

"Yes?" she promoted, sensing that he was still holding back.

"He's…he is well but he's getting on," Robin said very reluctantly.

"Oh," she answered, "You think his health may be failing again?"

"Not right now," Robin assured her, "He's simply no longer a young man. That's all there is to it."

"And if you're right? If he does take ill again, what will happen to him?"

"I'm not going to abandon him, if that's what you're asking," he responded, "Henry is an old friend. I promise you, he'll spend the last years of his life comfortably."

She sighed, "That isn't your responsibility, Robin."

He opened his mouth to argue, but she cut him off, "It should be mine!"

Closing his lips, Robin said gently, "It isn't your fault you aren't there, Regina."

"Yes," she said absently, "Which is why all I can say is 'thank you', Robin, for your kindness to him."

"It's nothing," he protested, "Really."

He stared deeply into her eyes before she, self-consciously, broke the contact. Looking away, she recalled, "In all the confusion of yesterday, I did ask how you've been. Forgive me. You told me about your friendship with my father, but I know nothing else about your life now. You were looking for your parents, so I suppose they've passed on?"

"Yes," he admitted, "My mother about three years after you moved to London and my father six years ago.

"I'm very sorry," she said.

"Thank you."

"Are you married? Do you have children?" she asked, telling herself she wasn't apprehensive about the answer.

He bit his lip, answering hesitantly, "I don't have any children, no, and I'm not married…"

Cocking her head, she prompted, "I think there's more you wish to say?"

Robin sighed and admitted, "I am engaged."

"Oh," she said, "What's her name?"

"Marian DuBois," he answered quietly.

Regina stared into the woods, and asked equally quietly, "What is she like?"

"I'm afraid I don't know."

"You don't know?" she looked back at him.

"Our parents arranged the betrothal years ago," he explained, "I'm to meet her for the first time after the new year."

"I see," Regina answered stiffly, "And when will you marry?"

"In the spring."

Her jaw hardened, "No wonder you're anxious to get back then."

He blinked in surprise at the obvious jealousy in her tone.

Turning, she lifted her skirts and muttered, "We should be getting back. Mother will be waiting-"

He caught her hand as she attempted to pass "Regina wait!"

"Yes?" she asked, voice hard.

"Please don't be upset."

"Why would I be upset?"

"I don't want to marry her!"

Regina was taken aback by his impulsive declaration, and, in fact, Robin somewhat was himself as well. He didn't regret saying it, though. He knew it to be true. Nothing in his life had ever felt more true.

"Why are you then?" she asked.

"Because I thought I had no choice."

"What do you mean? Surely there are many young ladies who'd love to be the next Mrs. Locksley?"

"Yes," he acknowledged, "But I've only ever met one whom I wanted to marry."

Regina's lips dropped open as she cautiously asked, "What are you...whom?"

"Don't you remember?" he stepped toward her, cupping the side of her face, "When we were children and I told you that someday I'd marry you?"

Backing away from his hand, Regina shook her head, "We were just children then-"

"I mean it!" Robin declared, "I meant it then and I mean it still! I thought I'd missed my chance, but you've always been the only woman I want, Regina!"

Gaping at him, she protested, "You can't be serious? We haven't seen each other in years!"

"I don't care!" he insisted, stopping her from moving away, "I knew when I saw you again...Regina...I lied" He confessed.

"What did you lie about?"

"I was at your headstone when it happened, when I came here...I also have this," he said, taking the brooch out of his pocket.

"You carry it with you after all these years?" she asked in shock.

"I didn't for a while but after I met Henry again and heard you'd passed…" he trailed off, "...it made me feel close to your memory."

"Why did you lie to Gold?"

"Because I don't trust him and most importantly. I wanted to be just us when I tell you...you are my soulmate Regina"

"Stop! You cannot say these things!"

"Why not?"

"Why not?" she repeated incredulously, "You know why!"

He shook his head.

"I'm dead, Robin!" she yelled at him.

"Regina," he whispered, "I lo-"

"Don't!" she cut him off, shaking her head, "You don't mean that! You can't!"

"I can," he insisted, "I do."

"You can't," she repeated.

"Regina, look at me," he tilted her chin up, his bright blue eyes boring into her, "You feel it don't you?"

She shook her head, but knew it was useless because, of course, she could feel it. Every time he so much as brushed her hand that same jolt went through her, and now the air between them was almost vibrating.

"Tell me you don't," he breathed.

She could only open her lips, but couldn't bring herself to deny it. As they spoke, they'd been slowly leaning closer to each other and, without another word, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips with his own.

She couldn't help but gasp in surprise, giving him more access to her mouth. As he deepened the kiss, her arms instinctively wrapped around his shoulders and she lost herself in the sensation.

The jolts she'd been feeling at the small touches they shared erupted into a full blaze as they kissed, an inferno that threatened to overwhelm her. Instead of being afraid of the feeling, though, she never wanted to lose it. Even as he pulled away to breathe, it took all she had not to whine at the loss.

As he drew deep breaths, Robin rested his head against hers and whispered, "I love you."

"You don't know me," she whispered back.

"But you feel this."

"Robin," she sighed.

"I was a fool," he told her, "I'm so sorry that we lost each other.

"We were children."

"When I heard you were gone, I thought I missed my chance," he said, "I didn't even know I wanted it until I'd already lost you."

"Robin," she repeated.

"Don't," he tapped the side of her nose with his, "Don't overthink it."

Losing any will she had left to argue, she lifted her lips to meet his again and lost herself in his kisses.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Robin felt light and energetic with every step he took with Regina's hand clasped in his own. Wishing nothing more than for this moment to never end. When they finally stepped through the threshold of the Mills' townhouse, after glancing around to see if Cora was coming to greet them, Robin reached up to stroke her cheek. She leaned into the touch, feeling the jolts along her skin. Leaning up she pressed another kiss to his lips.

Regina kissed him back, but quickly broke away. She wasn't sure if her mother was home, but she likely would be soon and Regina had enough sense of embarrassment left to not want to be caught in a compromising position.

A smile played at her lips as she led him into the drawing room. She stopped in her tracks, though, when she saw her mother sitting on the divan.

"Finally, back?" Cora asked, not looking up from the book in her lap.

"Yes," Regina said.

"Hm," Cora hummed.

"What are you reading?" Regina asked, approaching to sit next to her on the divan.

"A certain book that Gold told us was merely legend," Cora answered.

"What? The story? It's real?" she gasped, "Gold lied to us?!"

"Indeed," her mother answered, "About many things."

"Such as?"

"Well, for one, it wasn't the magical items that brought the thief back. The items, according to this writing, are what allowed him to remain in the world of the living."

"So what allowed him to go back?"

"Presence," Cora answered, "The presence of him and his true love in the same place in two realms."

"That's all?" she asked in surprise, "Just being in the same place?"

"In two realms," Cora said, "And the power of true love."

Finally looking up, Cora closed the book and looked between the two younger people, "So you two are soulmates, right?"

"How did you know?" Robin asked.

"The way you look at one another."

Robin blushed a bit, but Cora didn't react, "Well then, the question now is did he give you a ribbon? And did you give him a book?"

Robin and Regina exchanged a look.

"Not exactly. He gave me a book, and I gave him a brooch of mine."

"Do you still have the book?" she asked Regina.

"It's not here if that's what you mean" Regina answered, "It was never in this house. He gave it to me the day we moved to London."

"Did you keep it, though? Did you still have it the day of the accident?"

"At home, yes," she answered, "Who knows where it is now, though!"

"And did Robin keep your brooch?"

"Yes," Robin admitted, thinking with amazement about the brooch in his pocket.

"So for both items to be reunited, it'd Land of the Living?" Cora noted, her expression falling.

"Yes," Regina said, realizing, "We have to go there! We go there by being in the same place in both realms…the grave! In Gold's story it happened at the thief's grave! Where he was present in both realms. I can be present at both realms at mine! Robin told me he was at mine when he came here! I was only passing by but if that was enough to bring him here, perhaps it can bring him back. Then we can reunite the items so that he can stay!"

"Yes, so that HE can stay," Cora said, "There's another part of the text that Gold left out. Apparently, this sort of magic is not as uncommon as he said. It has happened before, but the effect is only temporary. If one from the realm of the Dead goes through to the Land of the Living, they must return within 24 hours or they will be gone forever…nothing but dust."

"Return?"

Cora looked at her pointedly, "To death."

Regina swallowed, feeling disturbed at the implications.

"I cannot allow you to do this, Regina."

"What?" Regina asked, reeling back as if she'd been struck, "Mother! It's Robin's only chance!"

"You don't know what you're taking on," Cora insisted.

"I do!"

"You would have to kill yourself! Die once more, this time by your own hand! And if something should happen…you'd be lost to me forever!"

"Perhaps your mother is right," Robin suggested, also deeply distrubed at the idea of Regina having to kill herself.

"No! Mother," Regina insisted, "I could disappear tomorrow!"

"Regina-"

"It happens all the time! People disappear from this realm all the time!"

"It's not the same, Regina."

"How is it not?"

"Those people move on."

"We don't know that, Mother. We don't know what happens to them. Maybe they simply turn to dust."

"No," Cora shook her head, "They do not. Wherever they go, it is where they are meant to."

"How do you know that?" she demanded.

"Faith," she answered, "I have faith, Regina."

"Then have faith in me, Mother," she said.

"It's not a matter of lacking faith in you, Regina," Cora said, "You expect to go back and find a book? You said yourself it was never in this village! You had it in London! And, besides, it's been years since we died! How do you think you'll be able to find it in 24 hours?"

Regina smiled, "Father."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Father will help me find it."

Cora sighed, "And how would you find your father in such a short time?"

"He's at Sherwood House," Regina answered.

"What?" asked, clearly surprised.

"He works for Robin," she went on, "He told me as much!"

"For Robin? As his solicitor?"

Robin hesitated, "Not exactly. He...fell on hard times a few years back and-"

"Hard times?" Cora asked, giving him a sharp look, "After we died, you mean? He fell on hard-times after we died."

He simply nodded.

Cora looked saddened at the thought, but steeled herself against the emotion, "Be that as it may, Regina, that doesn't mean he still has that one book of yours! I won't let my daughter take that risk."

The possibility Robin deeply, "I understand completely, I would never let her to do that either."

"Let me? The two of you need to stop speaking for me! Neither of you get to decide what I will or will not do!" She said, storming from the room in anger.

"That didn't go well," Cora sighed.

"I will talk to her," Robin said. walking toward the stairs.

"No!" Cora stood, stepping past him. On the first step, she turned back to him, "Robin I am sorry about this, but I don't want to lose my daughter, she is all I have."

Robin nodded in understanding as Cora continued up the stairs. As she opened the door to Regina's room, her daughter rose from where she'd sat on the bed, ready for confrontation.

"I have to try, Mother" Regina insisted, "You talk of faith? Well I have faith that I can do this. That I can help Robin return to his life!"

"If he loves you, Regina," Cora argued, "don't you think he'd rather stay here with you, even in death, rather than have you risk being lost forever?"

"Because I love him, I don't want that for him! I never had a chance at life, but I'll do anything if it gives him one! If I can save him from the same fate as me!"

Closing her eyes, Cora resigned herself, knowing that she wouldn't be able to stop her headstrong daughter even if she tried.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

"Are you certain this will work?" Robin asked as he followed Regina through the gates of the cemetery.

"It's the best shot we have, Robin!" she insisted, grabbing his hand and pulling him in the direction of her headstone.

"Wait, hold on a moment," he stopped, turning back to where Cora had stopped by the cemetery gate, "Are you coming?"

"No," Cora shook her head, "I think if this is to work for the two of you, I should probably stay back."

"Mrs. Mills," he said, "I will look out for her."

She smiled sadly, "Thank you, Robin. You were always a good boy, and I see you've become a good man."

Regina sighed next to him, but stepped over to her mother and took her hand, "I'll be back soon, Mother."

"Regina, I understand why you are doing this. You died way too young. You didn't live enough. I hope with all my heart that everything works out," Cora clutched her daughter's hands, maybe for the last time, "But in case we never see each other again, I wanted you to know that I love you more than anything and I am very proud of you. Look out for yourself and say hello to your father for me. Tell him I'm waiting for him."

"Yes, Mother. I love you too," she answered squeezing her hand one last time.

Crouching down she lifted D'Artagnan into her arms, kissing his fluffy head.

Cora smiled, "I'll take him."

She handed the dog over, saying goodbye to him for the second time.

Turning to Robin, they left Cora and the dog by the gate, walking arm in arm to Regina's head stone. She took in the carved lettering, surprised at how little she felt staring at the only evidence left of her life.

She felt Robin slip his hand into hers, energy flowing between them once again.

"How is this supposed to work?" he asked, looking a little concerned that nothing had happened as they stood in front of the grave.

"Kiss me," Regina said, unsure of where the notion came from, but feeling the truth of it intuitively.

He gave her a questioning look only for a moment, seeming to understand as well, as he leaned in kissed her.

The earth seemed to shake and fall out the moment their lips met. A whirling tempest of energy that tossed them about before stopping with jarring abruptness.

She grasped, feeling true pain for the first time quite a while. Opening her eyes, she stared up into a dark sky full of stars.

Turning onto her side, she realized that, instead of the dead grass they'd been standing on in the Underworld, she was lying on a pile of cold, wet snow.

Beside her Robin groaned, pushing himself up off the ground. He took in his surroundings, meeting her eyes as they realized that it had worked.

They were in the Land of the Living.

Reaching out, he gently brushed her cheek, "You're here."

She smiled, "I'm here."

Pushing himself to his feet, Robin held out his hand and helped her up. Running her hands over herself, Regina took in the sensations that were familiar but distant. The wetness of melted snow on her skin, the cold hair entering her chest and puffs of visible air as she exhaled, the feeling of her heart beating in her chest.

"I'm alive, Robin," she stated, "I'm alive."

He smiled.

"I can hardly believe it!" she exclaimed, "I feel everything…I feel the breeze! I feel the cold!"

"Are you cold?" he asked, brow furrowing in concern.

"Yes! I'm freezing! It's amazing!" she exclaimed, smiling widely. Taken over by the giddiness of the moment, she spun around with her arms open wide, feeling the snow on her face as flakes hit her skin. Even opening her mouth to catch a few.

Robin watched her, a smile playing at his lips as she bent to run her hands through the fallen piles.

Using her skirts to hide what she was doing, she packed the snow into a tight ball, ignoring how the cold stung her hands. Whirling around she, chucked it at Robin hitting the side of his head.

"Why, Miss Mills, what a dishonorable act to take a man by surprise!" he stated, "Fortunately, I am a gentleman and would never retaliate against a lady."

She laughed. As soon as she turned, he grabbed a pile of snow to fling at her.

Regina screamed, running between as she dodged snow balls until she finally slipped on a patch of tightly packed snow, sliding down one of the gentle slopes.

"Regina!" he cried, running after her. Falling to the snow next to her he asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yes," she said, still smiling widely, "Just tired and hungry. I'm actually hungry! I haven't felt that in so long!"

"Well come along then!" he said, helping her back to her feet, "We should go back to the manor."

Regina's breath caught at the mention of Sherwood House, "Is my father…?"

Robin nodded, glancing at the horizon, "He'd just gone to bed when I left him but it looks as if it may be sunrise soon."

"What are we waiting for then? I must see him!" she exclaimed, grabbing his hand and leading him from the cemetery.

Regina hurried them along the entire walk back to the manor, the wind pulling her hair from its normal chignon. She wasn't deterred, however, practically running by the time they trudged up the gravel path to the front steps.

Once they made it to the door, the first rays of morning light were peeking over the horizon.

As they stepped through the doors, the inside of the manor house looked just as they both remembered. Though, unlike the shadow version they'd encountered in the Underworld, the inside was now bright and alive. No one was immediately around, but the inside was warm and the faint smell of bacon and bread drifted up from the kitchens.

"Where is he?" Regina asked, "Where's my father?"

"I'm not sure if he's awake yet," Robin answered, taking her hand to lead her up the stairs, "But we can go see."

She allowed him to lead her through the corridors, stopping abruptly as she saw the unmistakable figure of her father stepping out of one of the bedrooms.

"Papa!" she gasped under her breath.

Abruptly, however, she ripped her hand from Robin's and darted down an adjacent corridor.

A surprised noise fell from Robin's lips as he watched her tear open the door to his study and duck inside.

Turning, Henry looked at him in surprise, "Oh! You're already awake! You're wearing the same clothes. Were you out all night?"

"Ah…" Robin glanced at the study, watching Regina gently shut the door, "...yes. I mean, no! Not exactly. I was out walking for a while, so I stopped at the tavern in town and…"

"That doesn't sound like you," Henry said in surprise.

Robin shrugged, "Well I'm afraid I got home late and fell asleep in my study."

Henry studied him for a moment before nodding, "Hm, you do look rather worn out. Would you like me to have your breakfast sent up?"

Letting out a relieved breath, Robin nodded, "Yes, please. That would be very nice. Thank you, Henry."

He glanced back at the study door as Henry stepped past him. He wasn't sure why Regina ran away, but it occurred to him that she might need a moment.

"Henry!" he called after him, "Actually, could you have Mrs. Potts bring up my tray? I'm sorry to ask, but the paperwork my solicitor sent over...if you wouldn't mind taking care of that today? I would simply feel better if it were done before Christmas."

Henry gave him a puzzled look, but bobbed his head in acquiescence, "Of course."

The work would keep Henry in his office on another floor of the house at least until supper, buying him and Regina time to talk without danger of anyone discovering her.

He slowly opened the door to the study. The inside was dark, but he could see Regina seated upon a couch.

Shutting it behind him he retrieved a box of matches from where they normally rested on a side table, and struck one to light a lamp.

Regina stared ahead breathing heavily.

"Regina?" he approached her, "What's going on? Are you alright?"

"I can't," she shook her head.

"What do you mean?"

She looked at him sadly, "He looked so old...I can't do it! I can't put him through the pain of my leaving again! Look what it's already done to him!"

"I think he deserves the chance to see you again," he argued gently, wiping a tear from her cheek.

"I don't know," she shook her head.

"Well you don't have to decide now," he assured her, "I made sure your father would be busy until this afternoon, so you can rest if you like."

Before she could respond, the two were startled by a rap at the door. Regina leapt up in alarm.

"Here," Robin quickly grabbed her hand, pulling her over to the door to the adjoining water closet.

"Enter!" he called after shutting the door behind her.

"Your breakfast, Sir," Mrs. Potts said, "And Henry said you might like extra tea."

"Thank you, Mrs. Potts," he said, waiting as she set down his tray and made her way out of the room.

Once the door closed behind her, he opened the water closet, where Regina stood smirking at him. He blushed slightly, stepping aside to let her out.

Clearing his throat, he quickly changed the subject, "Well, are you still hungry? Looks like Mrs. Potts brought quite a generous breakfast."

"Mmm, it smells wonderful," the two sat down on the couch, Regina pursuing the tray before selecting a piece of bacon.

She ate with gusto, finishing both pieces of bacon and then moving on to generously spread the scone with butter and marmalade.

Robin watched, content to sip tea and eat the other half of the scone as she enjoyed the meal.

She sighed, "I forgot how good food tasted."

He swallowed hard, eyes drawn to a little bit of marmalade at the corner of her lips.

"What?" she asked, noting his observation of her.

Setting down the teacup, he picked up a napkin and dabbed at the corner of her mouth.

Their eyes met only a moment before the napkin fell to the floor and lips met in a passionate kiss. Neither was sure who moved first, but the electricity they'd felt in the Underworld now erupted into an inferno.

Regina moaned as he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

Robin broke away first, no longer trusting his self-control at having so near she was nearly in his lap, "Wait! We must stop!"

"No," she shook her head breathlessly, "Don't stop."

"Regina, I need to stop-"

"Robin," she said, cupping his cheek and forcing him to look at her, "I don't want you to stop."

He reeled in surprise as he caught the understanding in her eyes, "I...Regina, I'd never ask you to-"

"You aren't," she said, "I am."

"I wouldn't dishonor you."

"I know," she answered, "but, I don't want you to stop...and it's the only chance I'll have...the only chance we'll have."

Pushing away all bashfulness, she reached behind his head to pull his lips down to her's. He kissed her for a moment before sliding her hand down and breaking away from the kiss.

She looked at him questioningly as he rose from the couch. Taking her hand he led her from the room.

Even so, he wasn't going to take her in the study. She deserved so much more than that. She deserved for this to happen on their wedding night, but what Regina said was true. This day was all they could have.

His first instinct was to lead her to his own bedroom, but he thought better of it. There was too much chance one of the household staff might come looking for him there.

After a second thought, he checked an adjacent corridor and, seeing it, empty hurried the both of them down it.

His mother's old bedroom hadn't been used in years. Her things had been packed up neatly and most of the furniture was covered with protective sheets.

"I'm sorry about the dust, no one comes into this area of the house-"

She silenced him by pressing a finger against his lips. Sliding his hands around her waist he kissed her deeply, this giving in to all the passion between them.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Regina awoke to find herself staring up at the dark canopy above an unfamiliar bed. The air was cold and slightly musty, but she didn't feel uncomfortable.

Her body felt soft, sleepy, and slightly achy as her bare skin slide against the warmed sheets.

She smiled, cuddling closer to Robin as she remembered their love making. Pleasure, a little bit of pain, and just overall wonderful.

His eyes fluttered open as she ran the back of her hand across his cheek. He smiled back at her, pulling her closer.

She chuckled, "I forgot what sleep was like."

He laughed as well, resting his head against hers.

"I remember Christmas at this house," Regina said, "Your parents used to throw a ball every year. Everything was so lovely and smelled like gingerbread."

"Hm," Robin nodded, "You'd never dance with me at them, though."

"I was a little girl and you were rather a brat, Robin Locksley!" she answered, causing him to laugh.

Finally, she took a deep breath, "What are we to do now? I can't just hide here all day. We need to find the book and the brooch."

"I have the brooch," he told her, "It's in my wardrobe."

Regina sighed, "The problem will be the book. We don't even know if my father still has it!"

"Well, at least, we'll have to ask him."

"I know," she acknowledged, "But how do we explain how I'm here?"

"I don't know," he admitted, "To be honest, though, I'm less worried about Henry than I am about the rest of the staff."

"I know," Regina agreed, "Someone's likely to find me unless I just stay in here all day."

"I can't ask you to do that," Robin said, "You only have a day, I don't want you to have to hide in an empty room for it!"

"What other choice is there unless you want to ruin your reputation with someone finding me?" she teased.

"Actually, I think I have a plan," he said, tapping her to let him up.

"What would that be?" she asked, sliding over to wrap the sheet around her chest.

"Well," Robin said as he pulled on his shirt and breeches, "If we can get you back into your dress and sneak you out the back, do you think you can find your way back to the cemetery?"

"Of course I can!" she answered, "But why?"

"Don't you trust me?" he teased as he buttoned his waistcoat.

She rolled her eyes, "Very well, but if you want me to go along with this plan, I'll need your help with my dress!"

He sighed, gathering up her dress and corset as she slid her chemise over her head, "I liked getting you out of it better."

At that Regina snatched the corset out of his hand and smacked his middle. He laughed, signaling for her turn so that he could do up the laces.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

"Oh! Good afternoon, Sir," Mrs. Potts exclaimed as Robin crossed the main foyer, "Are you ready for luncheon?"

"Not at the moment, Mrs. Potts," he answered, pulling on his gloves and a new hat that he'd retrieved from his wardrobe, after losing his usual hat to the mysterious Mr. Gold, "I'm afraid I have an errand to run. Also, we'll be having a guest for Christmas Eve."

"A guest?" Mrs. Potts asked in surprise.

"I'm sorry for the late notice, but I received a note from an old friend of my father. He's unwell, so his daughter is coming to stay with us. If you could have a guest bedroom prepared for her?"

"Oh!" the housekeeper exclaimed, "...I'll inform the staff."

"Thank you, I'm going to the village to pick her up," he said, "I'll be back within the hour."

Exiting through the front door, he went immediately to the stables and asked his groom to prepare a mount. The man was confused when he asked for a second horse to be saddled, but Robin gave the same cover story about going to pick up the daughter of an old friend who would be staying with him.

To his surprise, the groom returned having mounted one of the horses with his mother's old side-saddles.

He quickly mounted and set out, leading the second horse behind him. The weather had cleared as the day went on, allowing him to quickly gallop to the edge of the cemetery.

Regina was easily visible near the gate. When she spotted him, she gave him a teasing expression as if to ask what took him so long.

An expression that turned to a frown as she saw the second horse, "Side-saddle? You don't think I can ride astride?"

"My groom, saddled the horses," he excused, "I didn't ask him to, he simply assumed when I mentioned my guest was a young lady…"

"Well," she acknowledged, stepping into the stirrup, "I probably need it with this dress anyway."

Once she was mounted, she asked, "Do you really think that your staff will believe this? When I show up for a visit with no luggage?"

"You're right," Robin acknowledged, "In that case we'd better get you some luggage!"

She laughed, "And how do you propose we do that?"

"Well, we'll just have to go into the village and do some shopping," he stated.

Turning her horse, Regina looked at him to see if he was joking, "Robin, no! You can't buy things for me when I'm only going to be here one day!"

"I want to, Regina," he insisted, "Besides you'll need something to wear tonight."

"You mean for dinner?"

"And the ball."

"The ball?" she asked, "You're going to throw a ball tonight? And whom do you think will attend this ball?"

"You and me and your father and the staff...everyone who matters."

"Robin," she said in exasperation.

"Please, Regina, I want to do this," he said, walking his horse up next to her's, "If today is all I'll get with you, I want it to be perfect."

The only response Regina could think of was to lean over and kiss him deeply.

"Alright then, shall we?"

He smiled, turning his horse to ride side by side with his true love toward town.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Their trip to the village was idyllic. The previous night's snowstorm clearing and leaving behind a festive atmosphere as the residents came out to celebrate at the Christmas Market.

Robin and Regina were even tempted into stopping for a mulled wine, and sneak a kiss under the mistletoe, before moving on to the shops.

Robin stood somewhat awkwardly as she ladies helped Regina pick out a travelling outfit and formal gown.

After making arrangements to have her gown and previous dress delivered to the manor, she and Robin mounted their horses to ride back to the manor.

Although she'd initially protested the shopping trip, she was glad not to have to meet her father in her black dress. It was the dress she'd been buried in, and looked every bit like a funeral gown.

The blue riding outfit she'd selected was perhaps a bit masculine compared to how she'd usually dressed around her father, but, if he did see her, it was better than wearing a reminder that she was dead.

"Robin, when we get back to the house...I think I could sneak into my father's room and look for the book," she said as they crossed onto Locksley land.

"Regina, you'll want to speak to your father," he told her, "You can't leave without doing so!"

She sighed, "I will, Robin, but I want to see if I can find the book first. That way everything will be ready."

He wasn't completely satisfied with that answer, but didn't push her on it as they rode up the gravel pathway to the house.

Mrs. Potts and the groom were waiting outside for them to arrive, ready to take their mounts.

"Hello everyone, this is Miss Underland," he introduced Regina. They'd decided on the alias during their trip to town. It seemed terribly morbid to him, but Regina seemed to find it amusing, "She'll be staying with us for a short while."

"Good afternoon, Ma'am," Mrs. Potts greeted, bobbing into a curtsy, "I'm so sorry about your father."

Regina frowned, not entirely having to fake the emotion, "Thank you."

"If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask!"

Regina smiled.

"Perhaps Mrs. Potts can show you to your room?" Robin suggested, catching Regina's eye. She nodded, understanding what he was hinting at.

"Oh yes, of course!" the housekeeper answered, "Right this way!"

As Mrs. Potts led Regina up the stairs Robin set his hat and gloves down on the side table, taking the stairs down to the kitchens.

"Hello everyone," Robin greeted, the staff jumping at his entrance, "Not to worry. I simply need to ask a favor of you all."

"Do you have another secret friend?" His chef Lumiere asked mischievously.

"No," Robin laughed, "I want to throw a ball for Christmas Eve tonight. Like my parents used to."

"Tonight?" Lumiere exclaimed.

"It's Christmas Eve and we all had plans," one of the young maids said in dismay.

"Ruby don't be impertinent!" Mrs. Lucas scolded.

"No, no," he said, "I understand this is last minute and I don't want this to be a burden. I want this to be a celebration since Regina is here. This Christmas is...an odd one for her, and she'll only be here one day. Please, invite your friends, family, anyone! I want this to just be fun. Just one evening where this house is full of music and celebration once again. Can we do that?"

"Oui," Lumiere finally answered, "We will do our best."

"I knew I could count on you" Robin said, smiling as he bounded back up the steps.

"I think he has lost his mind," Ruby said, staring after him in bewilderment.

"Either that or he's in love," Mrs. Lucas answered, a sly look on her face.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Regina followed the portly housekeeper up the stairs, listening with one ear as she showed her to the guest bedroom.

After showing her what seemed like every inch of the room, Regina watched to make sure that she was gone before hurrying to the room she'd seen her father come out of earlier.

She opened the door cautiously. Robin told her that he'd given Henry a task that would keep him busy all day, but she couldn't be certain he hadn't come back.

The inside of the room was dark and empty, though.

Shutting the door behind her, she quickly lit a candle and started searching.

Other than various items of men's clothing and grooming items, she didn't find much. Not until she got to the bedside table where she found a pocket watch, which she recognized as the one he'd always wore when she was a child. Opening it up, she saw the familiar picture of him and her mother on their wedding day.

Closing it carefully, she set it back down, pulling the drawer farther out. The back contained a few letters and old papers of little importance. She was about to shove them all back in when her fingers encountered a leather spine.

Pulling the drawer farther out, her breath catching at her luck. It was the book. The very book Robin gave her when they were children.

Opening the cover, she found a photo tucked inside of her as a girl holding D'Artagnan.

Tears welled in her eyes. Was this all he had left of them? A watch, a book, and a few old photos?

Abruptly the door flew open, startling her so badly she nearly dropped the book.

"You scared me!" Regina said as Robin slipped inside.

"Sorry. Did you find it?"

"Yes," she rose from the squat next to the bed, "Do you have the brooch?"

"Yes," he answered, taking it from the pocket of his waistcoat, "I told you, it was in my wardrobe."

She stepped over to him, looking between their hands at the items, "So this is it. This is what we need to make sure you stay."

"Yes."

They stood silently, contemplating the items that consecrated their love, and reflecting on the finality of having found them.

"I guess that's all then," she finally said.

"My love," Robin slipped the brooch back into his pocket, cupping her cheek, "We have a few hours left...let's make the most of them."

"Yes," she smiled, "Yes."

"Your gown arrived," he told her, "Lumiere will have the preparations for the ball ready at 7 o'clock."

Regina laughed, wiping away tears, "You're really having a ball?"

"Well," he acknowledged, wrapping his arms around her waist, "A ball may be over stating it, but I think we can at least call it a Christmas party."

She smiled as their heads leaned together, "I love you, Robin. I love you for doing this, for everything-"

He cut her off, kissing her deeply.

She slid her arms around his waist, opening her lips to him as he ran his tongue over hers in a way that made her knees weak.

They slowly broke apart, taking a second to catch their breath, "We should get out of here."

"Yes," she nodded.

They blew out the candle and shut the door behind them, Regina allowing him to walk her back to the guest room.

"I'll send Ruby up to help you dress."

She sighed. Apparently he wasn't going to let the idea of having a ball go, "Very well then."

With a final parting kiss, Regina turned into her temporary room and Robin down to Henry's office.

Though, he'd intentionally assigned the man a lot of work to keep him busy, he was starting to worry. It really shouldn't have taken him so long. He didn't want to voice those concerns to Regina, though.

Hurrying down the stairs, he walked through the foyer, happily noting that Ruby and Mrs. Lucas were decorating the ballroom with holly and garland...they'd even brought in a Christmas tree and hung it with the baubles he remembered from his childhood.

With a smile he continued on to Henry's office.

"Henry," he rapped on the door, "Is everything alright?"

The room beyond the door was quiet for so long that he contemplated simply opening, but finally it opened, revealing Henry Mills' tired face.

"Robin, I'm just finishing up," he said.

"Is everything alright?" Robin questioned.

"Yes, yes," he smiled, trying to sound convincing, "Just making sure everything is finished as you asked."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes," Henry insisted.

"Alright," Robin nodded, "Well when you're finished, could you meet me upstairs around 7 o'clock? There's something I need to tell you."

"Of course," Henry nodded.

"Very well, see you at 7."

"Yes," Henry said, watching anxiously as his young employer walked away. Once he was finally sure he was gone, the older man shut the door behind him, sagging tiredly against it.

He drudged over to his desk, settling down into the chair. He'd finished all of Robin's paperwork hours ago, but simply couldn't bring himself to leave this room.

He stared morosely down at the faded picture of his younger self with his wife and daughter. It was the only he picture he had of all of them together.

When they first arrived he'd been too tired to really notice, but seeing this house in the light of day...the memories were overwhelming. Dancing with Cora at the Locksley's Christmas ball, seeing Regina running through the halls.

He let out a sob, uncapping the decanter of brandy he'd taken from Robin's office. He'd never stolen from his employer before. In fact, ever since Robin took him in he'd scarcely touched a drop.

Now, though...this morning the bottle had been nearly full and now it was nearly empty. Sobbing again, he reasoned that he'd already sealed his fate as he poured the last of the brandy into a glass and gulped it down.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Regina stared into the vanity mirror fixing her hair. With the help of Ruby, she'd curled her hair and pinned it into a fancy updo.

The young maid also brought her a box containing the late Mrs. Locksley's jewelry, informing her that Robin insisted on it.

Deciding to humor him, she selected a pair of earrings and a necklace that complimented the red Christmas gown they bought in the village.

Finally, satisfied with her appearance, she made her way out the room. Already, she could smell baked goods and the faint sound of music drifting up from the ground floor.

Smiling she hurried along the corridor, stopping abruptly as she sighted Henry Mills stumbling along, holding onto the wall for balance.

He looked up at her through bleary eyes, "Regina?"

Her breath left her as she stood frozen under her father's gaze.

"My sweet child, how are you here?" he gasped, lurching forward.

Regina caught him as he stumbled, "Papa!"

"Oh my dear, if this is a dream I don't want to wake up," he cried stroking her cheek, "You're just as beautiful as I remember."

Regina bit her lip, trying to hold back years. Robin told her he had a drinking problem, but he'd said that Henry was better.

"Regina!"

She looked up as Robin turned down the corridor, stopping at the sight of them.

"Henry!" he rushed forward, helping Regina get him to his feet. He paused, noticing the smell of alcohol lingering around the older man.

He met Regina's eyes, the two looking at each other sadly.

"Come on, Henry, let's get you back to your room," he said.

"No!" he protested, "Not when my daughter is here! This calls for a celebration!"

"Papa," Regina argued.

"No!" he insisted, "Come on! My daughter is so beautiful and I hear music!"

With that he grabbed both their hands and began dragging them toward the main staircase.

The two younger people laughed, but allowed themselves to be pulled along. Henry was obviously out of his mine with the drink, but he seemed happy so they came to a silent agreement that there was little harm in humoring him.

They supported him, making sure he didn't stumble down the stairs. The sound of music guiding their way to the ballroom.

As they walked in the entire room was brimming with decorations, a warm fire ablaze in the fireplace as the staff danced to a fiddle player in the corner.

"Master's here!" Lumiere exclaimed, his cheeks flushed with alcohol. The staff cheered, applauding as they three entered.

Henry jumped, surprised at the noise but seemed to go along with it.

"Come!" he exclaimed, pulling Regina along to the dance floor, "Dance with me, my dear daughter!"

Regina laughed as the fiddler started playing again, allowing her father to twirl her around the dance floor.

"Oh, Sir, this was a lovely idea!" Mrs. Potts said, clapping along to the music.

Robin smiled, his eyes never leaving Regina.

On the dance floor, Regina felt that he was watching her but didn't mind. She felt warm under the gaze of both her father and her lover.

"I wish this dream didn't have to end," Henry said, "I don't want to wake up and let you go."

Turning her full attention back to him, she swallowed hard.

"You won't, Papa, I'll always be with you," Regina told him, "And Mama wants you to know that she loves and is waiting for you."

"I can't wait," Henry slurred, stumbling over his feet.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, "Alright, Papa, you should sit down."

She helped him over to a chair and got him settled down into it.

"Everything alright?" Robin asked, pushing his way through the dancers.

She nodded.

"Yesh," Henry slurred, "Dance! You and Regina should dance."

The two blushed, but Robin offered his hand, "I do owe you a dance at this ball."

Regina wanted to accept but she also didn't want to leave her father.

"Go!" Henry shooed her away.

Taking his hand, Regina allowed Robin to lead her to the dance floor.

"You're stunning, by the way," he whispered to her.

"Thank you," Regina answered, "You have outdone yourself with this party, Robin."

"My father thinks I'm a hallucination," she commented.

"I'm so sorry" he said, catching the sadness in her eyes, "I didn't know he was drinking again."

"It's alright. He seems happy all the same," she said, "I'm glad I saw him again...and I know you'll take good care of him."

"I always will," he assured her.

"I know," she nodded, trying to push away all dark thoughts, "Just dance with me."

Robin kissed her hand, happy to oblige the request.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

"Argh, D'Artagnan!" Cora exclaimed as she tripped over the little dog.

She'd forced herself to leave the graveyard, knowing that if she stood there the full 24 hours waiting for Regina to return it'd only feel longer.

Back at the townhouse, though, she couldn't stop pacing. Couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. That there was something they were missing!

She'd seen the spell work as Robin and her daughter disappeared in a flash, but that only made the uneasy feeling stronger. The fact that the plan worked as described meant it was real, and had been real all along...so why had Gold lied to them about the legend? What possible reason did he have for it?

And what was that nonsense about Regina's shawl and Robin's hat?

Even more worrying, how was it that she'd stolen a book so precious to him that he kept it under lock and key but he hadn't come looking for it?

Shaking her head, she turned and stormed out the door.

The normal number of people were out walking leisurely along the village streets, but she shoved through them, walking purposefully toward the library.

Inside, she stormed up the stairs.

"Gold!" she called, arriving at the top floor in his office. It was empty, though, not even a single candle lit.

"Gold!" she yelled again, lifting her skirt and climbing up the side staircase to the tower where she'd seen him retreat the day before.

The tower was equally empty, though, nothing more than a spinning wheel and a single table holding an empty bell jar.

She huffed in exasperation, looking around for any sign of the man. There was nothing, though, save for a folded page under the bell jar.

Lifting the lid, she pulled out the page and quickly unfolded it. It contained familiar writing, the same lettering as in the book with the legend of the two thieves. Along with a delicate drawing of a beautiful curly haired woman.

She shook her head, confused at what this might mean.

Folding the page back up, she stuffed it into her pocket. No doubt it contained something important, but she didn't have time to read it over now. She needed to find Gold!

Looking out over the turret, she attempted to scan the streets below. It was a desperate effort. Gold could be anywhere, in any of the buildings, and she'd have no way of seeing him.

Pounding her firsts against the stone, she let out a frustrated huff. Fear rising in her breast, she turned toward the cemetery...a fortuitous choice as, she sighted a figure in the distance climbing the hill away from town.

She blinked, leaning closer.

Surely it couldn't be?

It made sense, though...obviously, Robin and Regina had something to do with whatever he was planning, and that was where they'd travelled back.

Leaping into action, she tore down the stairs and out the front of the library, her heels clicking against the cobblestones as she ran in the direction of the graveyard.

Desperation spurred her to run as fast as she possibly could, her mind racing with worry that she might not make it in time.

By the time she made it to the gate, she could see Gold's slight figure through the rows of headstones, and, to her alarm, he was walking in the direction of her and Regina's graves.

"Gold!" she screamed, running after him, "What are you doing?"

The man turned, his expression angry under the brim of his hat.

"Cora," he snarled, "You're not supposed to be here."

"What are you doing, Gold?!" she demanded, "What have you done to my daughter?"

"Nothing," the man answered simply, "...yet."

Whipping open his coat, he pulled out a fluted bottle of shimmering blue liquid, a drop falling off the spout. As it hit the ground, the earth seemed to cave in swallowing him up.

"Gold!" Cora screamed, leaping after him, the blinding light enveloping her and sending her tumbling down into an endless abyss.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Henry sunk into the chair, watching as his daughter danced with young Robin Locksley. He could see the love between them and if he closed his eyes he could imagine for a moment that he was watching them dance at their wedding.

Tears slid down his cheeks, thinking of how he never got to see her in a bridal gown...never got to give her away.

His head swum as he weaved over to the side table where Lumiere had set up food and drink.

A large bowl of punch was set out. It tasted sickly sweet, but he could tell it was heavily spiked. Ladling out a large cup-full, he gulped it down, not caring about the taste and instead welcoming the oblivion of intoxication.

Looking back at his daughter he felt his heart clench in his chest, the sight of her suddenly overwhelming with grief.

Letting the cup slip from his hand, he hurried from the room, stumbling through the foyer and out the front door into the freezing night.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Cora came to with her body twisted at an uncomfortable angle, the pain and stiffness of it hitting her for the first time in years.

Moving gingerly, she rolled over onto her stomach, using her hands to push herself up. The ground beneath her was soggy and cold, mud squishing beneath remains of half-melted snow.

Grabbing onto the headstone beside her she managed to pull herself to her feet.

Looking around she waited for her eyes to adjust in the darkness. As her head cleared, she noted that she was feeling pain...and cold.

She was alive.

Gold brought them back somehow.

Gold!

"Gold!" she called, pushing away from the headstone and weaving through the rows of graves, "Gold!"

She searched around frantically, but he was nowhere to be seen. Finally, exhaustion overtook her. The unfamiliar sensation of being out of breath forcing her to stop.

Leaning against the cemetery gate, she took in deep gulps of air. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the page from Gold's bell jar. She was disappointed, to find, though that the letters were far too small to make out in only moonlight.

Groaning in frustration, she remembered having to use reading glasses when she'd been alive.

That certainly wasn't going to be possible now!

Folding the page back up, she put it away, hoping that maybe she'd be able to read it if she found more light.

And, of course, the best place to do that would be where she knew Regina would be...Sherwood House.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Robin and Regina swayed together, the fiddler having switched to slow songs as the night went on.

They really were making quite a scandalous display, but none of his staff said anything, content to eat and drink their fill...any happy to see their young employer basking in the glow of love.

The spell was finally broken by a loud gasp from Mrs. Potts, "Oh! Master, I'm so sorry but it's Henry!"

"What?" Robin asked, "What's happened to Henry?"

"No one's seen him!" she cried, "I thought he'd simply gone to bed, so I went to check on him because..."

She blushed deeply as she trailed off, not wanting to speak out loud that everyone had seen him drinking again.

"It's alright, Mrs. Potts," Robin assured, "Just tell me what happened. When's the last time anyone saw him?"

She wiped her eyes, "Well, he was here earlier but no one's seen him since."

Regina gasped, guilt coursing through her at realizing that they'd been so wrapped up in each other that she'd left her father on his own and wasn't even sure for how long.

"Right," Robin said, turning to the groom who'd been dancing with Ruby, "Sancho, bring some lamps from the stables, if we all spread out I'm sure we can find him. He can't have gone far."

"Right away, Sir," he said, hurrying toward the back door.

The festive atmosphere quickly faded as everyone instantly sobered up and began to break into search parties.

He turned to Regina, "I'm so sorry, Regina. Don't worry, I promise we'll find him."

Anticipating what he'd suggest next, Regina looked at him with a hard expression, "Don't think I'm going to just stay here, Robin! He's my father! I'm not sitting around while he's out there somewhere."

Robin sighed, "Please at least go get one of my mother's old coats first?"

"Now?!"

"It's freezing outside!" he insisted, "I'll be worried about you as well if you go out in just that gown!"

She sighed, unable to avoid thinking about how absurd the idea of worrying about her getting too cold was when she'd only be alive a few more hours, but decided not to argue that right now. Instead she simply nodded, "Very well! Don't wait for me, though! Go find my father!"

"I'll have Mrs. Potts wait for you!"

She waved in acknowledgement, already hurrying up the stairs.

Robin watched her go with a sigh. He didn't like the idea of Regina being out there, but he could tell she wasn't going to agree to wait in the house.

Shaking away his instinct to worry about her, he made his way to the back door and out to the stables.

"Sancho!" he called.

"Right here, Sir," the groom answered, handing him a lit lantern.

"Thank you," he took the lamp, "Tell everyone to meet back here in half an hour if there's no sign of Henry."

Taking the lamp, he started trudging down the hill in the direction of the cemetery. Having taken in the older man's reaction to what the thought was a hallucination of Regina, Robin suspected he might have been driven to visit the graves.

It took about ten minutes of swift running to get there. When he arrived the area beyond the wrought iron gates was dark and quiet. Not even an owl broke through the eerie silence between the headstones.

"Henry?" he called. The only answer, though, was an echo of his own voice.

Snow crunched under his boots as he made his way around to the gate. As he stepped through the iron archway at the cemetery entrance, turning in the direction of the Mills' family plot, he failed to sight a slight figure hiding in the shadows of a large angel statue.

The bulbous end of a cane swung through the air, connecting with the base of his head and causing the world to fade around him as he fell, unconscious to the ground.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Cora gasped for air as she climbed up the hill to Sherwood House. This hill was much higher than she remembered, and the melting snow had seeped into the hems of her petticoats, weighing her down and making the climb even harder.

She groan in frustration, feeling the corset digging into her ribs as she tried to take a deep breath.

Mere moments ago she'd run all the way from the middle of the village to the cemetery and barely even felt it!

Now, though...mortality was definitely slowing her down!

After a moment's pause to recover some energy, she drew herself up, preparing to tackle the rest of the climb up to the Locksley house.

As she trudged along, though a sound caught her attention over the crunch of snow under her shoes.

Whipping her head toward it, she realized that the sound was that of a man being sick in a grove of trees.

She cringed in disgust, preparing to hurry on in hopes of avoiding whoever it was but he caught her attention again as he stumbled out of the grove and collapsed against a large oak.

Her lips dropped open as she sighted the man's face in the moonlight.

"Henry?" she whispered. He had changed. This hair was now entirely white and his face, though already lined when she was last alive, now looked haggard and deeply tired.

Lifting her heavy skirts, she climbed through the snow towards him, crouching down next to where he was slumped against the tree, labored breaths misting in the cold air.

"Henry," she repeated, taking in the sight of her husband with sadness. Reaching into the pocket of her dress not containing Gold's mysterious page, she pulled out a handkerchief and used it to gently wipe his face.

He turned his head, looking at her through confused, bleary eyes that teared up at the sight of her, "My love...I miss you."

She let the handkerchief fall from her hand, not sure of what to say. Clearing her throat, she grabbed the lapels of his coat, "Come on, Henry! Let's go."

Pulling him to his feet, she slung one of his arms around her back to support his weight. Though he'd always been a small man, his unsteadiness made him heavy and difficult to support, especially with her new found need for breathing.

She continued to guide him up the hill. Putting one foot after the other for what felt like forever until the lights from Sherwood House finally came into view. As they approach Cora could hear some kind of commotion going on around the house, with people running every which way carrying lanterns.

From their shouts it seemed they were looking for Henry.

She made the decision, though, to stick to the shadows and sneak around the stables to the back of the house.

Regina appearing was one thing, but many of the staff had been around since the time of old Lord Locksley and were likely to recognize her.

It took them quite some time to get to the house while avoiding everyone, but she finally managed to shove Henry through the back door of the house and into the foyer.

"Henry!" a voice screamed, startling Cora as she had just enough time to duck back and press herself against the wall, out of sight.

"Good heavens, Sir, where have you been? We've been looking all over for you!" Mrs. Potts cried, rushing over to him.

Henry squinted at her in confusion, "What's that?"

"Oh it's just dreadful!" the eldergy housekeeper lamented, "First you go off and no one knows where, and now Master Robin is missing!"

"What?" Cora heard her daughter's voice echo off the marble walls, followed by clicking footsteps, "What do you mean Robin's gone missing?"

"Oh, Miss Underland…" Mrs. Potts said quietly, "...I didn't realize you were back. I'm not sure the master would-"

"Mrs. Potts, tell me!" Regina demanded, "What's happened to Robin?"

"Well no one's quite sure," the older woman answered, "he may simply still be out searching for Mr. Henry."

"When's the last time someone saw him?" she asked.

"...it's been about an hour," Mrs. Potts hesitantly answered.

"Alright, well let's keep looking," Regina said, swallowing hard.

"Yes," Mrs. Potts agreed, "I'll go and see if Sancho has heard from him."

Waiting until the housekeepers footsteps faded away, Cora cautiously stepped out into the foyer.

"Regina!"

Her daughter startled, staring at her in surprise from where she was standing over Henry, who had slumped against the stairs holding his head.

"Mother?! What's going on? How did you get here?"

"It's a long story and, to be honest, I'm really not quite sure, but Gold is up to something!"

"What?" Regina asked, "Gold?"

Pulling the page out of her pocket, she thrust it at Regina, "Quickly, read this!"

Unfolding it, Regina stared at the page, brow wrinkling in confusion and then alarm, "It's the legend. A continuation of the story form that book you took from Gold's library, but it's talking about the spell not working. In the end the thieves decided not to go through with it because, in order for the husband to live again it would require...a living sacrifice."

"What do you mean?" Cora asked.

"A living person who's never been to the Land of the Dead has to be sacrificed as part of the spell in order for one who has died to truly live again," Regina read, "So the thief took his own life again and decided to wait for his love to join him rather than killing an innocent...it's like a fable. Mother! Does this mean that Robin's life can't be saved? That it would require killing someone?!"

"I don't think that's it," Cora frowned, "I think something else is going on."

"What?"

"I don't know, Regina!"

"Wha?!" Henry yelled, glancing back and forth between them, apparently lucid for the first time all night, "Cora...Regina...what? What's going on?"

"It's alright, Henry," Cora said.

"It's not alright!" Regina objected, stepping over to him, "Papa, have you seen Robin?"

"Robin?" he asked, "I dreamed of...you dancing with him."

She sighed, "He went out looking for him. Mother, we have to go find him!"

Cora nodded, "We also need to check the cemetery."

"The cemetery?" Regina asked.

"I followed Gold through at the cemetery," she explained, "I don't know what he's up to but we need to find out!"

"Mother-"

"We'll look for Robin along the way!" her mother insisted, "Whatever Gold is doing here, he's up to something!"

Regina didn't look entirely satisfied, but finally agreed.

As they turned toward the door, Henry rose from the stairs to follow.

"No!" Regina ordered, pushing him back down, "Henry, stay here!"

Henry shook his head, eyes wild.

"Henry," Cora said, squeezing his hand soothingly, "Stay...I'll see you soon."

Not waiting for an answer she pulled her hand from his, grabbed Regina's and yanked her out the back door.

"I see you're dressed for the occasion," Cora commenting, glancing at Regina's fancy red gown underneath only a long green coat.

She sighed, "I thought we had at least a few more hours."

"It's alright," Cora brushed the excuse away, "I'm glad you were enjoying your time."

The two women were quiet the rest of the way to the cemetery save for the occasional heavy breath from exertion.

They didn't even speak, agreeing, without words, to go directly to the cemetery gate.

In the distance they could see a slight silhouette in the direction of their headstones.

"Gold!" Cora yelled, rushing forward.

The two stopped abruptly as Gold whirled on them with a dagger drawn.

"Cora. I thought you might have come through behind me," he with a disgruntled snarl, "No matter...you'll be dust soon enough."

"And so will you, Gold," Cora yelled, "Whatever you are trying to do is not going to work!"

"Oh it will, thanks to your daughter and her soulmate."

"Where is Robin? What have you done with him?" Regina demanded.

"No to worry," Gold trilled, "You'll get him back just in time."

"I want to know where he is now!"

"Very well, Dearie, but I need something in return…" he grinned, "...the items you came here for. Give them to me and you'll be reunited with him."

"No, Regina, dont! You won't be able to return without them," Cora warned.

"I don't care!" Regina said.

"No! I can't lose you!"

"Mother," she said, "I have to do this!"

"Well said, Dearie, give me the items and I will take you to him"

"Show me where Robin is first!" she ordered.

He frowned, hissing, "Very well...but your mother stays here!"

Regina nodded, motioning for him to lead on. Beaconing her, Gold led her to a mausoleum, the doors swinging open. Dead leaves crunched under their feet as she followed him inside, a faint glow of candles lighting up the inside.

As she moved to step inside, he blocked her way with his cane, "Ah ah ah, the items?"

Reaching into the coat pocket, she pulled out the book and thrust it out to him.

"And the other?"

"Robin has it, now let me see him!"

He stepped aside with a flourish, allowing her to lay on the ground between two marble sarcophagi, his hands and ankles bound with iron manacles. Trying not to think too much about where he might have gotten the chains, Regina pushed past Gold.

"Robin!" she dropped to her knees next to him, lifting his head gently. He looked up at her, vision swimming, "What have you done to him?!"

"Where is the other item?!" Gold demanded, "You said he had it! So get it!"

Swallowing, Regina pulled down the scarf gagging his mouth, "Robin are you alright?"

He licked his lips, nodding.

"The item!" Gold screamed.

"I'm getting to it!" she shot back, rubbing the back of Robin's head, "Robin, where's the brooch?"

"My...waistcoat," he coughed.

Reaching into his coat, Regina found the pocket of his waistcoat and the brooch inside. Pulling it out, she threw it at Gold, "Now let him go!"

"Oh no, Dearie," Gold said as he stooped to pick up the brooch, "That wasn't part of the deal. I said you will be reunited. I didn't say anything about letting him go."

"You bastard!" she screamed, jumping up to charge at him.

"Regina!" Robin yelled in alarm.

"AH!" Gold pulled a pistol out of his coat, pulling back the hammer, "You might want to rethink that...now tie yourself up or I kill him!"

"Regina, don't!" Robin said.

Setting her jaw, Regina dropped to the floor, picking up one of the loose manacles and putting it around her wrist. Keeping the pistol aimed at Robin, Gold locked the manacles, binding her hands firmly together.

Putting his pistol away, Gold reached into the carrier bag on his hip pulling out a yellow scarf and a white teacup. Gently, he placed them on one of the sarcophagi, before moving to the next.

The next items he took from his bag were a metal stand, a copper crucible, and a large curved dagger.

"Why are you doing this, Gold?" Regina demanded, "What do you want?!"

"So many questions," he trilled as he placed one of the candles under the crucible.

Taking another, he held it at an angle over the crucible and used it to light the edge of Regina's book.

"No!" she gasped as he dropped the flaming item into the crucible, tossing in the brooch after it, "What are you doing?! Without those Robin will go back to the Underworld!"

"Is that what you thought?" Gold chuckled, smirking at her, "Why would he go back there? He's still alive!"

"What?" she asked, "But the book said-"

"The book," he corrected, "Said that a sacrifice was needed for one of the dead to live again...he was never dead."

"What's this all about then? Why burn those items if they're worthless?"

"Oh, they're not worthless, my dear. They're very powerful indeed. They're items consecrated by True Love," he answered, "The other vital ingredient for the spell."

"But you said Robin-"

"I didn't say it was for him!" Gold hissed.

Regina wrinkled her brow in confusion, suddenly remembering the page her mother gave her. The one Gold hid from him.

"The girl...on that page that you kept out of the book-"

Gold froze, he hadn't realized she knew about that.

"It's her isn't it!" Regina demanded, seeing his reaction, "Who is she?"

He was silent for a long moment before answering simply, "Belle."

Regina looked over at the scarf and cup on the other sarcophagus, "Those are your items, right? With her?"

He didn't answer.

"You've been in the Underworld a long time," she tried to reason, "Everyone says longer than they can remember, you don't even know if she's still alive-"

"She'll live again."

"What?"

"She'll live again!" Gold insisted, "Thanks to you."

"Gold!" Cora interrupted, storming through the doors, "What is this you're doing?"

Gold sighed, "You're still around causing trouble, Cora."

"This woman...Belle...is she the librarian?"

Gold's sharp eyes bored into the older woman.

"What librarian?" Regina demanded.

"The librarian...she and Gold lived in the library," Cora said, storming further into the mausoleum, "The village gossip said she was Gold's prisoner, but she wasn't was she? She was your lover?"

"I never heard of any librarian!"

"That's right," Cora nodded, "Because she moved on."

"Moved on?" Regina asked, "You mean she disappeared?"

"And now you'll bring her back," Gold said.

"She can't come back, Gold!" Cora said, "Have you ever heard of anyone who moved on coming back? Another one of your secret texts?"

He didn't react.

"I thought not," Cora nodded, "She's moved on, Gold. She crossed over-"

"To where?!" he hissed, "Heaven?"

"Perhaps."

"You know what that is? That's superstitious nonsense! Heaven or hell...it's all nonsense!" Gold argued, "We were supposed to go there when we died, but we didn't! There is no heaven...no hellfire! There's only two worlds, this one and the one we left!"

"You don't know that," Cora told him.

"Well maybe you're willing to take that chance," he sneered, "But I prefer to control my own fate!"

"By killing an innocent man? By letting my daughter turn to dust?"

"Collateral damage," he shrugged.

"I can't let you do this, Gold," she said firmly.

"I don't recall asking your permission," he answered.

Cora stood stock still for a moment before abruptly charging at Gold. Catching him off guard, along with his small stature, allowed her to shove him back. He collided with the mausoleum wall, allowing him to reach for the key in his pocket. He grabbed her wrist before she could get ahold of it, though, throwing her backward, her head colliding with the marble sarcophagus.

"Mother!" Regina cried.

Gold tutted as he stepped over Cora's limp form.

Grabbing the manacles around his wrists, Gold hauled Robin up, "No my young Lord...your time to shine."

"No!" Regina yelled, "Gold, this won't work!"

He ignored her as he dragged Robin over to the crucible.

"You know it won't work!" she yelled desperately, "Those items...they're yours and hers but she isn't here! She hasn't come back, why do you think that is? It's because she's gone! My mother was right, she's moved on! You can only do the same! That's the only hope you have of seeing her again! You can't bring her back to life you can only move on too!"

"And would you?!" Gold demanded, gesturing to Robin, "If it were him would you just move on...trust that there's something besides nothing waiting?"

"If it were my only choice," Regina said.

"Well that's your choice," he snarled, lifting the dagger and plunging it into the flaming crucible. As he pulled it out it glowed red. Turning it he yanked Robin's head back, exposing his throat.

Scrambling forward, Regina grabbed Gold's ankle, pulling his foot out from under him. He fell forward, knocking the crucible onto the floor and sending ash scattering.

Gold recovered himself, whirling on Regina, "You just don't know when to leave well enough alone, do you?"

Pulling the pistol from his coat, he aimed it at Regina and pulled back the hammer. Over the sound of her heart pounding in her chest, she heard a primal cry as a rock came down on Gold's head, sending him tumbling to the ground.

She gasped as the rock fell from her father's hand, "Papa!"

"Regina," he breathed in wonder, his eyes now clear and aware of his surroundings.

She pushed herself to her feet, "What are you-"

"I couldn't just stay behind," he said with tears in his eyes.

Regina smiled, tears slipping from her eyes as well. He cradled her hands tenderly in his, frowning at the manacles.

"The key!" Regina realized, stepping over to Gold. With Robin's help she flipped him over and they searched through his pockets until they found the key to free themselves. Meanwhile, Henry ran over and tenderly lifted Cora from where she fell.

Eyes fluttering open, she peered up at him, "Henry?"

"My darling," he whispered, helping her to her feet.

As the two couples helped each other up, Gold slid his eyes open. Staying on his belly, his eyes scanned the vault until he caught sight of his pistol.

Springing up, he grabbed it swinging around and pulling the trigger. The bullet struck Henry in the stomach, sending him reeling backward.

"No!" Regina screamed.

Cora, however, reacted faster, picking up the dagger from the base of the sarcophagus. She moved with surprising calm as she stepped into Gold, ready as he turned...allowing her to drag the dagger across his throat.

He stared at her in shock, as glowing energy, rather than blood, poured from his slit throat. Gold's body crumpled to a heap on the floor sinking slowly into the marbe until it closed completely around him, leaving no trace of him behind.

The calm broke almost immediately, propelling her forward to her husband's side, "Henry!"

"Papa!"

The two leaned over him, staring in horror at his wound.

"Papa, oh God," Regina said crying, "You have to hold on! We can go get a doctor-"

"No," he shook his head, moving his hand to Cora's...the one still holding the dagger.

She looked at him questioningly as he pried it out of hand and took it into his own, "You have a chance now, my daughter, you have chance to love...and so do I."

"What?"

No sooner had the question left her mouth than Henry plunged the dagger into his chest.

"No!" Regina gasped.

Painfully, he pulled it back out, swinging his arm up and slashing the tip across the back of Regina's hand.

Green light exploded between them, searing through Regina's body. She slumped over as the dagger fell from Henry's hand.

"Henry!" Cora cried, grabbing him.

As much as they tried to hold on, though, he slowly sunk into the marble floor, disappearing as Gold had.

Regina stared in shock, holding on her hand where it had been cut.

Cora recovered first, leaning over and grasping the dagger.

"Mother?" Regina questioned, "What are you doing?"

"I have to go back," she said.

Her daughter shook her head, "No."

"I have to, I only have a few hours left," Cora said, reaching out to stroke Regina's cheek, "And your father is waiting for me."

"Mother…" she started, but trailed off, not knowing what to say.

Cora smiled, turning from her daughter to Robin, "Thank you for everything, Robin. Take care of my daughter."

With that Cora plunged the dagger into her middle, falling forward into the marble. Robin and Regina held each other tightly, watching as it slowly swallowed her up and the resealed as solid as ever.

They sat together on the cold marble floor for what felt like forever, holding onto each other as they took in the weight of the evening and all the loses that came with it.

Finally, as the first rays of morning light began to filter through the mausoleum doors, Robin gently lifted her to her feet and led Regina out.

Outside dawn was peeking over the horizon, a light flurry of snow sending flakes falling around them. In the light, Regina examined her hand, the cut having healed into only a light scar.

"I'm still here," she marvelled, "I'm alive."

"Yes, my love," he stroked her cheek.

She leaned into the touch, only becoming distracted by the sound of bells in the distance.

"What is that?"

"The church," Robin said, glancing in the direction of the bells, "It's Christmas."

Regina laughed, "Christmas...it's so strange."

"I'm sorry about your parents," Robin said.

She smiled, running her finger over the scar across her hand, "It's alright. They'll be waiting for us."

"I love you," Robin told her.

"I love you too," she answered, allowing him to kiss her.

"I wanted to ask you something," he said, kneeling while taking a box out of his pocket.

"What is this?"

"I was gonna propose at the party that we marry last night, because I would rather have you as my wife even for one hour than not at all," he said, "But now you have a lifetime, so now...will you have me for it? Regina will you marry me?"

"What do you think?" Regina said, pulling him to his feet to kiss once more under the falling Christmas morning snow.