Chapter 1: Striking the deal
Rose Langly was a citizen of Storybrook. She had been living there all of her life yet the only friend she seemed to have was mister Gold from the pawnshop. Sure the others would say hello, but most people ignored her. Something special was about to happen to Rose
The pawnshop looked nothing like I had imagined. The content of the store was more antique since most pieces seemed to contain a long-forgotten story, moreover my eye caught some unusual artifacts. These valuable treasures were safely locked behind glass.
"Rose, what a pleasant surprise."
I only half admonished his comment since my attention was drawn to a foreign object on the back wall. A silver dagger- most likely Norse- hung up by a thread. "You're Rumplestiltskin."
Upon my statement the air seemed to fill with a dark tinge.
"Now what makes you think that dearie?"
"Don't mock me Gold. The deals, the confident stride and grin, not to mention the riches."
"Well I don't to like to brag but…" he laughed in that strange, foreboding way "you caught me." For a moment his eyes glistened, turning black, and he smiled coyly "So you're a believer."
"More like an observer since I'm no story character, at least not a famous one."
"There always has to be a background… then again why not make yourself known to the world?"
"I'm not striking any deal with you Rumpel. Only fools and desperate souls do."
For a split second of his right hand tightened round the head of his cane. "Pity, but true."
"Well then there's no need for me to dally around, is there?"
"Of course miss Langly. My door is always open, should you reconsider."
"Thanks. Goodday mr. Gold."
Back home, in the confines of my room where not a soul would judge me, hate me or look at me with big eyes I drifted off into ponderings. Had I been too hard? Why was I there in the first place, was it not to strike a deal?
Not doubting a moment longer I all but ran back to the store.
POV Rumpelstiltskin
Suddenly the door to my store was almost thrown off its hinges, making the bell chime wildly.
Rose stumbled inside, collecting herself. "I wish to be important, to be more popular, not in the crowded kind of way, just… I want to be more like the heroes in the big stories. What do you ask in return?"
"Why miss Langly. I thought only fools and desperate souls made deals with me?" I ask her.
"Don't provoke me Gold, before I change my mind."
For a moment I was taken aback, knowing she was right. "I want you to find me a wife, capable of loving me, in one year's time."
She looked positively shocked 'Has she really so little faith in my request?'
"I'm sorry. I thought as acquaintances or good friends you'd have told me you were looking for… well not the one… but someone to…love."
"Loneliness drives me bitter, Rose, and even I am willing to forget the past." I confessed, thinking about Bae.
"You'd give up your dark magic? I see." She muttered "Then I accept your deal." We shook hands and afterwards I led her to the back of the store, glancing one last time at the chipped cup.
"Well, the curse sure reduces the possibilities since I'm not able to leave Storybrook. Unless you know of a way to go round it?"
"With a bit of magic, anything's possible, but I'm sure the female population of this town has enough to offer."
"Sure. Mr. Gold, mind if I ask you a few questions in order to find a good match?"
"Terrific idea. It's almost lunch anyways, why don't you join me?"
"Great. All that pondering made me hungry."