Chapter Four: Hunting

Rutgar gazed at his seeing glass with concentration as he searched for his particular bounty. "Where is the Librarian?" He muttered and an image of a small village shimmered in the glass like a village hidden inside a pool of water The image traveled deeper into the village until it landed on a small cottage where a man, a little boy, and a woman with auburn curls and azure eyes sat together.

He grinned with malicious glee. "At last I found you Librarian! You actually believed you could hide in a worthless village and disguise yourself," he sneered. He summoned his soldiers, Gaston, his mistress' son and Graham, the Huntsman. "It's time to go hunting."

Rutgar grabbed his dagger and inserted it into his boot, then sheathed his sword in his hilt, and clasped his cloak shut. Outside, his creatures were waiting for him, one of them holding the horse's reigns in his clawed grasped. This particular creature had leather wings, a long nose that things smell and see things that were quite small and were a great distance away. These creatures had sharp his hearing as well, and their heads were abnormally large for their bodies. The creature was a disgusting deformity, but he was a great help. He accepted the reigns from the creature and saddled his horse.

"Don't get too close, but make sure you can contact me if you find her. She needs to be alive," he warned the creatures and his two soldiers as he sat on the saddle of his raven black stead.

Rutgar watched as the creature fly on ahead. "Ready or not here I come, little princess," he said, a devilish grin emerged on his lips as he imagined what he would do to the girl once he had possession of her. He dug the heels of his boots into the horse's sides and when the horse didn't go he pulled out his whip snapping it on his stead's butt.

~Page Break~

It was Belle's turn to cook, but Rumple being very reluctant intended to add things to the recipe when she was momentarily distracted. Her meals had a habit of being overcooked or tasted horrible, but he felt bad and wanted to spare her feelings. Unfortunately, he had to explain to Bae that in this case, lying was okay as long as it was to protect someone you care about.

Using some of her own money that she hadn't spent already, Belle had bought ingredients for a pot roast dinner with biscuits. Attempting cook for them was the least she could do since she had been staying with Rumple and his son for a month, and she was relieved they hadn't kicked her out yet, thought they didn't know that she was in hiding.

Every little sound at night made her jump and she would keep her eyes on the door until she fell asleep, but Rumple hadn't broached the subject on why she was so jumpy every time she heard the door. It wasn't any of his business after all, unless she volunteered the information, and he wouldn't ask for information.

"I still think you should let me help," Rumple offered trying to not sound as if he thought she needed it.

She turned putting her hands on her hips. "My cooking isn't that bad, and I can handle myself just fine in kitchen."

He arched his brow and smirked at her disgruntled expression. "Last time, I had to tell Baelfire it was blackened macaroni and cheese," he reminded her.

She responded by tossing a wet rag at him, but he just chuckled. "Belle, there is nothing wrong with asking for help, and you said yourself back in your old home you never cooked before. Either I can give you tips or I can make half the dinner," Rumple suggested.

She sighed. "Alright fine, but you only give me tips, got it," she warned wagging her finger at him.

Standing up, he lifted his hands in mock surrender. "I promise all you'll receive is tips and suggestions."

She rolled her eyes in response and started heating up the stove. She filled pot of water and Rumple began to cut up some vegetables. Her eyes bulged as she watched his swift, quick movements with the knife as he chopped up the vegetables.

"Would you like to chop some of them?" Rumple asked.

"Oh, sorry," she said shaking her head. "I don't trust myself with knives, but you seem very skilled at it. You could give some of the cooks in the noble houses a run for their money, and you know I'm not just saying this from watching you just now."

Rumple flushed, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, thank you, dearie, but I doubt I'm good enough to work in a noble's house."

"Trust me you could," Belle said confidently.

"Come I'll guide your hand while you cut. That is, if you're okay with it," Rumple suggested, his cheeks as red as a sunset.

"It's fine. I should practice," she replied blushing too.

Standing behind her, though hesitant, Rumple placed his arms around her and gently held her wrists. Her hands shuddered at first, but once smooth, slightly roughened, hands were on hers, guiding her, Belle's hand stopped shaking. Her slice sizes varied, and it took steady movements, but between the two of them it was becoming easier for her to navigate the knife without cutting herself.

Their hands moved fluidly together, and she was becoming more at ease as her hand stilled within his, but as she turned her head a strong whiff of fresh lavender hit his nose and her blues seemed to glow as she asked. "How am I doing?"

At first her mind was focused on the task at hand, but when she glanced at Rumple's hand on hers, it sent a rippling tingly feeling throughout her body as if she sunk into a warm pool of water. She licked her lips trying concentrate on the task, telling herself, "Focus Belle, focus."

"Good, really good," he said.

Belle looked at the slices and then back at him. "Now, you're just being nice. They're uneven."

"No, it's good, and they'll being going to the same place anyway, so it's okay if they're not perfect slices. At least you didn't cut your finger. That's what's important," Rumple replied, stepping aside so he was no longer close to her.

Belle blushed, but smiled to herself as put aside the knife. "Um, I should probably put the meat in and then we can do the biscuits or should we do the biscuits first?" Belle asked.

"Yes, we should cook the biscuits first since the meat will take longer," Rumple replied trying to avoid eye contact with her for the moment.

The rest of the preparation was awkwardly silent with Rumple occasionally giving Belle instructions. As they worked, Belle's mind kept replaying the tingly feeling she had when Rumple had his arms around her and had lightly cradled her hand. His hands were as smooth as silk and quite lovely to look at, spinner's hands, and she couldn't help but imagine those hands stroking her skin.

She blushed. "Come on Belle, you've only known him for a few weeks! Besides, if he knew your secret, he would probably never want to see you again, because you would only bring trouble in his life. Poor little Baelfire could lose his father for giving me shelter, and Rumple would hate me."

She twisted her head around and discreetly admired his handsome figure and cute butt, something very unlady like. She never liked the men in her town, especially Gaston, and didn't find them handsome with their boorish features and overly macho mentalities. They were overly muscular brutes, who loved themselves more than their wives or the women they were courting. She recalled a conversation with Gaston, where he admitted he was only marrying her, because she was as beautiful as him, and that his aunt was forcing them.

Rumple was far from a brute, and she could talk to him about anything. During these few weeks, after they had put Baelfire to bed, they would stay up for as long they could discussing books and philosophy reminding her of the discussions she would have with her father. Rumple could make her smile and laugh. When he had 'helped' her cut the vegetables, she had wanted to spin around and kiss him.

To him though, she was probably just a friend, but if only he looked at her the way the princes and knights looked at their ladies, oh how she would swoon.

"Is dinner almost ready?" Belle jumped as Bae's small voice pulled her out of reverie.

"It will be in twenty minutes, Bae," Rumple replied.

Receiving a groan from his son, in response to his answer he replied, "Patience, is a virtue, son."

Bae furrowed his brow and asked, "Vertou, what does that mean, papa?"

"It means you have the ability to wait for something to happen," Belle said, "and if you have that, you will be rewarded."

Bae's eyes rounded, and he smiled gleefully. "Ooh, rewarded like a toy?"

"Sort of, but it's something that'll make you happy. Now, while you're waiting, why don't you draw me one of your amazing pictures?" Belle suggested, ruffling his hair.

"Okay," he said running over to the alcove where his drawing stuff and other toys were kept in a wooden box. He dug through the box shuffling through his toys and found some parchment and charcoal that he used for drawing, and began creating his masterpiece.

The twenty minutes passed, but Baelfire was still focused on his drawing, and Belle had to smile at the sight of his scrunched up brow and his tongue sticking out between his bottom and top lip.

"Bae, come set the table," his father called.

He pulled himself up, and looking at Belle, wagged his finger at her much like his father would do. "Now, don't look. I'm not finished."

"I promise," Belle said, and followed Bae into the kitchenette.

Baelfire set the table while Belle helped Rumple with the last finishing touches of the meal and set it on the table. Before she placed herself in a seat, she ladled some pot roast onto Bae's plate. How strange that she easily took on the role of a mother figure for Baelfire? Even performing small tasks, such as filling Baelfire's plate, felt natural for her to do. Leaving both of them would break her heart, but for now, she would enjoy her time, until the fateful day.

"Thank you, Belle," Baelfire said politely.

She set herself down in the chair, and Rumple bowing his head recited the prayer to the Goddess and her consort. Belle and Bae repeated after him and soon all three were enjoying the meal.

"This is great, Belle! Better than last time, which tasted icky," Bae said, grimacing at the memory.

"Baelfire! That was rude of you," Rumple scolded.

"Sorry papa," Baelfire said casting his eyes downward. "But you said I should tell the truth."

"Yes, but I also said that some truths can hurt people's feelings," Rumple said.

Bae crossed his arms, pouting. "That's confusing!"

"I know, but you need to follow them. When you get older you will better understand them," Rumple lectured.

Belle said, "It's alright, Rumple." "You're right, it was disgusting, but this time, I had your papa's help in making the dinner taste much better." She said affectionately and winked.
The threesome were soon talking and joking, and Belle looking at both, couldn't help, but smile. For a brief moment she and Rumple had exchanged a glance, and her cheeks turning a bright red she shyly returned her attention to Bae, who was telling them about a rabbit he was chasing.

"I wanted to keep him, but I couldn't catch him. The rabbit was too fast for me," Bae told them.

"A rabbit should be free. Do you think you could have taken care of him?" Rumple said, also returning his attention to his son.

"I could," Bae insisted, but with an arched brow from his father he said, "No, I guess not."

~Page Break~

"Have you found her yet," Cora's voice echoed as she spoke through the mirror to Captain Rutgar.

He held the mirror securely in the grasp of his right hand while his left grasped the reins of his horse. "Yes, she is in small village near the Frontlands, My lady," he informed her.

"Good. How are my men I have sent you, by the way?" Cora asked smirking.

Gaston did not respond well to the creatures that worked for Rutgar, but Graham didn't mind so much. After all, compared to Regina, these monsters would be easy for the Huntsman to handle, and they'd be a relief.

"They favor well, though I question why you sent Gaston with me. He seems terribly frightened of my creatures," Rutgar sneered as looked behind him at Gaston, who was visibly shaking as he stood too close to a creature.

"Gaston has a personal interest in the girl and her gift of knowing," Cora explained as placed her hands on the arms of her throne.

"Aye, but wouldn't that get in the way of our mission?" Rutgar questioned, "His emotions would be personally compromised.

"Yours maybe, but not mine. His personal interest in her will be of great benefit to me, especially being that he is my son, and his sisters are incompetent, I need at least one of my children to help me secure my legacy," Cora said as leaned back on her throne.

~Page Break~

Rumple ran into the room still struggling to catch his breath as he asked Belle, "What's wrong dearie? Are you alright?"

Belle's face was buried in her pillow and he could hear the muffled sobs hidden by the goosedown stuffed pillow. "Belle?" He asked quietly creeping into her alcove. "Belle, what's wrong?"

She lifted her head to reveal red eyes that were puffy and a tear stained face. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you," she whispered.

"It's alright dearie, but are ye okay?" He questioned sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I'm, I'm fine. I just had a nightmare, that's all. You should go back upstairs," Belle replied trying control her shaking voice.

"Tell me what's wrong," Rumple insisted.

"Nothing is wrong I just had a nightmare," she said smiling.

"Ye are sure, dearie?" He questioned.

"Yes, I'm sure, but thank you," she said.

He nodded and without thinking about how she would react to such a gesture Rumple kissed her brow and said, "Goodnight dearie."

Belle stared after him blinking owlishly. "What was that," she muttered to herself.

Outside Rumple was thinking the same thing. "Why did I kiss her?! Well, at least I didn't kiss her on the lips," he reassured himself. "I shouldn't have kissed her anywhere. She's not my wife nor is my sister, yet I felt inclined to do so." He was silent for a minute and then a thought came to him, "If I'm honest with myself, I wanted to kiss her on the lips."

He climbed the ladder up his loft bedroom where he and Baelfire shared a bed, but he paused just as he reached the balcony and climbed back down.

"I need to think," he spoke to himself and limped over to his spinning wheel. He set himself down and with delicate eased began to spin the straw.

Slowly, it went from dirty yellow to a shining golden color that sparkled. His aunts Rebecca and Carolyn had said he had been blessed by the goddess to make up for his cruel father abandoning him, and only those who are pure of heart were the blessed. Rebecca had told him that he must never tell anyone of his gift lest they use it for their own gain. The only other person besides, his aunts, who knew of his gift, was his son. He hadn't told Milah, for even when he believed he loved her, a part of him didn't trust her knowing this knowledge.

The rhythm of the spinning and mesmerizing transformation helped him to think as he considered his actions from tonight. He seemed to care for Belle deeply, but he barely knew her. It was just a kiss, but he did want to comfort her by holding. Then again, it had been a while since he had been intimate with a woman, and he still felt desires or did he? No one struck his fancy if he was honest with himself, but he did recognize that they were pretty, he just felt no strong desires for them.

There was something special about Belle, something that made his heart quicken with giddiness, and he was tempted to share his gift with her, but again, they barely knew each other. Maybe it was just because she was beautiful, and she was so nurturing to Baelfire. He wanted to give his son a mother, desperately. No, it was more than that with Belle!

As he contemplated his newly realized affections for his houseguest the gold began to flow off the spinning wheel like a racing river. It wasn't long before he fell asleep and motion and magic of the wheel ceased as his head lolled over his chest.

~Page Break~

"Rumple, Rumple," A familiar feminine voice spoke softly as she tapped his shoulder.

"Papa?" Another voice asked.

For a moment, Rumple was still peacefully asleep, but after another tap on the shoulder he jerked up and snorted. His eyes grew as two faces stared down at him. "Oh, good morning, you caught me off guard!" He pressed his hand to his chest trying to catch his breath

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, but did you really sleep here all night?" She asked, frowning in concern.

"Uh yes," he blushed rubbing back of his neck that felt rather sore. "I couldn't sleep and the spinning relaxes me."

"I understand, but it's not good to sleep in such a position," Belle said.

"Papa, what are we gonna have for breakfast?" Baelfire asked having not been paying attention.

Before Rumple could answer Belle suggested, "Why don't I make you something Bae? I know I'm not the best cook, but maybe I could make something easy."

"Okay, Belle," Baelfire said, tapping his chin thoughtfully, "can you make eggs?"

"If you'll help me," Belle replied, tapping his nose.

Baelfire nodded eagerly. "And you go upstairs and sleep in a bed," Belle lectured affectionately and sternly when she looked back at Rumple. Baelfire slipped his small hand into hers, and she led him to the kitchenette, and they began to cook some eggs with bread and butter.

~Page Break~

With his hand shielding his eyes from the garish light of the sun, Rutgar surveyed the village that resided at the bottom of the steep hill. He pulled up on the reigns and urged his stead forward with his creatures growling and kicking at the ground desperate for a meal. Gaston and Graham followed with Graham staring straight ahead towards their destination, while Gaston kept glancing at the Creatures with sheer terror in his eyes as if afraid they would change their minds and attack him instead.

They reached the village within five minutes and as soon they arrived, Rutgar began searching the grounds studying the people as they emerged from their houses keeping a wary eye on the three soldiers, and the creatures with their ugly faces. Girls and boys shivered in fright at the sight of the horrifying creatures with their claws and leathery wings, and hid behind the skirts and trousers of their parents clothing. The men grasped the handles of their swords and crossbows ready to fire if these men and their creatures caused any trouble, some even handed their wives weapons as well. One woman even had her frying pan in hand ready to swing. One of the creatures stuck his nose farther out inhaling a big whiff of air, and after a moment the creature smiled, if you could call it a smile, showing all his sharp, pointed teeth.

"Gotcha," Rutgar said in triumphant as he realized the creature caught the scent.

With a click of his teeth and a pull of the reins he led the stead forward following the creature as it took off as swift a deer. Graham and Gaston looked at each other, and with a brief nod, Graham leading the way, the two soldiers followed Captain Rutgar and his creatures.

~Page Break~

Rumple and Baelfire sat across from each other with a checkered board between them sitting on a tree stump that had been turned into a makeshift table. Rumple sat back in his chair waiting patiently for his son to make a move in the game. Bae, with his tongue sticking out between his teeth, looked between the sorcerer and farmer shaped pieces furrowing his brow as he tried to determine which piece to move.

"Remember, always go with a move that the enemy would least expect," Belle whispered, so Rumple wouldn't hear what she was saying.

"Hey Dearie, no helping," Rumple warned, teasingly as he wagged his finger at her.

She responded with sticking out her own tongue, and Bae burst into uncontrollable giggles. Belle smiled mischievously and taking the opportunity began to tickle the boy all over causing him to laugh even harder. Rumple sneaked over to join Belle in tickling his son, despite Baelfire's protests.

"Do you surrender dragon slayer?" Rumple asked, pausing their tickle tackling.

Baelfire shook. "Never!"

"Alright dearie, ye leave us no choice," Rumple said and once again Belle and him were tickling Bae.

"Okay, okay I surrender papa," Baelfire said.

"You're free, slayer," Belle said.

"Papa, wait? I figured out something," Baelfire said.

"Really, and what's that?" Rumple questioned.

"Belle, is a Faery. I saw her wings, and she's gonna take us to trap us in the Faery Realm," Bae said pretending to be scared.

"Oh no, the slayer has finally figure me out," Belle replied playing along with a game they had played a few times before. "Well, I'll just have to use my Faery dust on you."

"Not if we capture you first," Baelfire said, and he began to chase her around the room.

She reached the door, but Rumple stepped in front of her. As she tried to get passed him he blocked.

"Get the Faery, papa," Baelfire cheered.

She turned the other way, but Rumple wrapped his arms around her waist. She spun around facing him his warm brown eyes met her azure ones as their gazes lingered within each other. She felt the urge to press her lips to his and to run her fingers through his silky brown strands. Licking her lips she gradually leaned in, but just as she was inches from his face, a sound caught her attention, and her eyes glowed with fright.

"Belle, what is it?" Rumple asked, but only received a shush.

"I have to go," she said after a moment, and as she stood up her chair fell to the floor with a clatter. She walked over to the corner where her things were kept and started packing, just throwing her stuff in a sack.

"Belle, what's wrong? What do you mean you have to go?" Rumple asked.

"I just have to go. I have put you both in danger by staying here. I shouldn't have stayed here, but I liked you both and was too afraid to leave, because of that, I have put you both in danger. I can make it right by leaving," Belle said as she went about packing her stuff, not looking at him.

She made one last search and spotting her book, snatched it up, holding it underneath her arm.

"Whatever it is, maybe we can help," Rumple insisted, touching her arm. He gave her a comforting smile.

She just shook her head, wiping her fresh tears with her wrist. "You can't help. If you do, they'll hunt you too. You both have been good friends to me, but I don't want either of you to get hurt."

"Dearie, you're worth the risk, and if it means we have to leave here, we will," Rumple said taking her hands within his.

"No, I can't let you come along. What about Baelfire?" Belle asked.

"I can take care of myself! Besides I like adventure and want to help," Baelfire said staring at her with determination.

"There's no point in arguing, dearie. We're both very stubborn, and I have taught Bae ways to protect himself," Rumple said, "I won't leave him either."

"Alright, but be ready to run and fight," Belle said.