Origins: Part Three
A/AN:This chapter is going to be very fluffy, so I hope you haven't eaten anything to sweet today ;)
It had been exactly one month since Belle had came to the village and it had quickly fllown by. She found herself drowning in mounds of work Agnes had assigned her. The spinster had taught her how to make the dyes, and shown her what plants they used and where to locate them. Rumplestiltskin did the spinning, while she and Agnes did the gathering. They used common plants and berries to make most dyes which resulted in deep earthy fabrics. The peasants didn't care for bright colors, leaving those to the royals. Rumplestiltskin had made Belle two more dresses besides the blue one she was gifted with when she arrived. One was a dingy brown hue she seen most of the peasant girls donned in, and the other was a rich verdant which reminded her of moss. She didn't need any stockings because the days were humid and the workload tiresome.
One late afternoon, Belle lazed in front of the open window in her chamber, fanning herself. She was taking a needed rest after setting the dyes. Agnes had gone to the neighboring village to visit a distant cousin, leaving she and Rumple to handle the workload. She wouldn't return until the following morning. Belle found that Rumplestiltskin was a man of few words and unless Agnes was around, he barely spoke to her.
He was polite and treated her respectfully, but he would hardly look her in her in the eye. He'd barely spoken to her since the night he'd come to her for advice about Milah. The blacksmith's daughter seemed to be doing a good job of evading him because Agnes would prod him about it, and he would mumble a few words while becoming disgruntled at the mention of her. This deeply satisfied Belle because it meant he would set his sights on her soon or so she hoped.
Belle was shocked when she heard the door slam. She heard angry footsteps tromping down the hall. She grabbed the candlestick on her bedside table, afraid a burglar had entered. She heard a slew of curses that made her cheeks burn, reminding her of how sailors and barmaids conversed. She was surprised when her door flew open. There stood Rumplestiltskin with flaming red cheeks. He was clenching his fists and snarling angrily.
"I DUNT UNDERSTAND MISS BELLE!? I DID EVERYTHING YOU SAID, AND SHE STILL RAN OFF WITH THAT BLOODY SAILOR." he bellowed with another slew of curses which followed his angry declaration.
Rumplestiltskin was angry, very angry for that matter. Her mind went back to her days spent in the Dark Castle when he would go into raging fits. Perhaps, his anger couldn't all be blamed on the dark curse. Maybe it was just a part of his personality. Belle stood up and bravely approached him. She knew he wouldn't harm her. She placed her hands on his quivering shoulders, angry tears falling in rivulets from his eyes.
"Rumple, calm down! It's going to be all right." she crooned like a mother to a hurting child. She noticed his muscles begin to relax. She led him over to the bed, commanding him to sit. She wasn't sure what possessed her to do it, but she sat behind him and began to massage his tired shoulders. He closed his eyes, relaxing into her touch. She worked all the knots and kinks out, sensing him begin to calm down.
"I apologize for acting like such a fool Miss Belle. If my aunt were here, she would give me a severe lashing for talking in front of a lady like that." he apologized causing Belle to smile. She stopped massaging his shoulders and got up from the bed. She walked towards him, taking his hand in hers.
"You know what I think would do us both some good?" she smiled brightly, swinging their hands back and forth childishly.
"What?" he asked, becoming mesmerized by her brilliant azure eyes.
"I think we should both go for a swim. It's been a long week, and we've both worked really hard. It will help take your mind off things." she suggested. He curved a smile, standing in front of her.
"I know just the place." he remarked, and Belle couldn't help but giggle at his enthusiasm.
A half an hour later, they stood in front of a large swimming hole. There was a hill you could climb and dive off and a tree with a rope tied from it you could swing on. It was deserted that day which made it even more appealing. Belle untied her apron and hung it on a nearby branch. She waded into the cool water while Rumplestiltskin watched from afar.
"The water is perfect Rumple!" Belle called out as she traipsed towards the shore. He averted his gaze demurely when she approached him. "What's the matter, don't you want to come have a swim with me?" she inquired, proffering her hand to him.
"Of course." he announced, taking her hand. They waded out into knee deep water, their clothing becoming soaked but neither cared because it was such a relief on such a smoldering day. Rumplestiltskin was shocked when she playfully pushed him into the water. He fell backwards becoming completely drenched. He spit out a mouthful of water, giving her a sly glance.
"Oh miss Belle I'm afraid you've made an enemy out of me." he threatened blithely, grabbing her hand and doing the same which resulted in a splashing war. Both adults giggled gaily like two schoolyard children. After an hour of dunking and splashing each other, they decided to warm themselves in the sun. They sat on a large flat rock in companionable silence.
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened with Milah today?" Belle asked cautiously, hoping she hadn't offended him.
"She's been ignoring me the entire month, so I decided to buy her a gift like you a suggested. A traveling salesman came to town, and I bought her one of those handkerchiefs the ladies at court use. I stopped by her father's shop because I was going to give it to her, but he told me that she'd gone to the well. I went to the well, but I didn't see her. I heard laughter which sounded like hers, so I walked further into the woods to find her talking to a bearded man. He must be a sailor or one of the king's captains because he had on a uniform. I knew it was serious when he kissed her like husbands and wives do. I mean it's not like I can compete with a man of great station. I'm just a poor spinner." he berated himself while sighing heavily.
Belle grabbed his hand, squeezing it firmly, "Maybe she isn't the right girl for you Rumple. There are many out there I'm sure would love to have you. You never know, she might be right under your nose, and you don't even know it." she winked before jumping up from the rock.
"Where are you going?" he asked, trailing close behind her.
"Home...It's getting late. My clothes are almost dry, and we should head back. It's almost supper time." she said, turning back around and flashing him a brilliant smile that made him weak in the knees. He felt his heart flutter when she smiled at him. He stayed a few paces away, following her back to the hovel. He watched the breeze tousle her chestnut tresses, filling his heart with something foreign. He shook it off realizing it must be friendship because he still cared for Milah.
'She's just a friend...' he repeated the mantra over and over, attempting to reassure himself.
~X~
Belle cooked them a supper of leaks and carrots from Agnes's garden. It was simple yet filling. After supper, Belle washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.
He watched her, a thought entering his mind,"Belle, I know my aunt has been teaching you about the dyes but how would you like to learn to spin?" he inquired as she put the last plate away.
"Are you sure? I mean I wouldn't want to burden you.." she replied, wringing her hands on her skirts sheepishly.
"If I thought it was a bother, then I wouldn't have suggested it." he affirmed. She put the dishtowel down and followed him into the living area. He commanded her to sit on the bench but what she didn't expect was for him to maneuver himself behind her.
"Let me guide you." he whispered gently in her ear, sending pleasant shivers down her spine. He took her hands, placing the fiber in them. He began to tread the wheel lightly, making it go in a clockwise motion while the fiber moved smoothly through her hands like running water. She became lost in the rhythm and movement of the wheel and the spellbinding effect of his hot breath fanning against her neck.
The wheel lulled her into a hypnotic state until it stopped turning. She blinked, noticing the wool had become knotted. Rumplestiltskin got up, unknotting the thread. She groaned inwardly at the loss of contact.
"What did I do wrong?" she bit her lip worriedly, hoping he wasn't dissatisfied with her progress.
He gave her a small smile, fixing the thread. "You were treading to fast and sometimes it disrupts the flow of the wheel. It's something beginners and experts all struggle with." he explained. Belle nodded, feeling relieved he hadn't become angry with her. A yawn escaped her lips, and she felt her eyelids becoming heavy.
"Maybe we should stop for the night. It's getting late, and we've both worked hard today." he stated, placing his hand over his mouth as he yawned.
"I agree. Goodnight Rumplestiltskin." she muttered, turning in the direction of the hallway to head towards her chamber.
"Goodnight Belle." he replied, causing her heart to leap within her chest, realizing he hadn't called her 'miss'. Perhaps, things were really beginning to change between them. She could certainly hope.
~X~
Belle awoke the following morning with shafts of sunlight leaking through the thatch roof. She stretched, popping her muscles and yawning loudly. She walked towards the vanity, perplexed to see a neatly folded handkerchief embroidered with tiny blue cornflowers. She nuzzled it against her cheek, relishing the faint tinge of his earthy scent. She couldn't help but hum happily as she finished getting ready for the day.
She walked into the living area to find him spinning. She walked towards him, wrapping her arms around his torso and resting her head against his back, "Why did you give me the handkerchief?" she inhaled softly, every nerve ending in his body tingling at her close proximity.
"Consider it a thank you for setting me straight yesterday. You made me realize the world isn't over just because Milah doesn't return my affections. You gave me a reason to smile." he reverberated, leaning into her touch.
They pulled apart quickly when the door burst open. They blushed profusely when Aunt Agnes made her entrance, "Hello my dears! I come bearing gifts!" she chirped, plopping her basket down on the floor. Rumplestiltskin stopped spinning, giving her his full attention. Pastries and sweets filled her basket.
"I brought some sweet buns for you Rumple, and Belle I have something special for you." she smiled, pulling out a sewing kit with various colored threads.
"I think it's time you learned to sew lass. Aunt Agie won't be around forever, and you must learn. One day you'll have a husband and a family of your own, and you'll have to learn to sew most of your clothing." she remarked. Belle blushed at her comment, averting her gaze from the spinner she held so much affection for.
"Thank you Agnes." Belle replied thanking the spinster for her gift. The moment shared between she and Rumple seemed to be forgotten as they fell back into their mundane routines. Agnes kept her busy with gathering plants for the dyes while Rumple spent most of his time at the market.
The days became longer and hotter, and the workload became more cumbersome. Belle found her hours filled with countless things to do which left no time to spend with Rumplestiltskin. One day she awoke, greeted by sweet aromas wafting throughout the hovel.
"What's going on?" Belle inquired as she entered the kitchen. Cakes and pies lined the counter. Agnes turned her attention to Belle, dusting her floury hands on her stained apron. "Why the summer solstice festival child. Haven't you ever been before?" she inquired.
"I can't say I have." she shrugged, admiring the assortment of desserts.
"Aye, well you must've been a kept woman if ye haven't ever been to a festival before." she clucked, turning her attention back to the baking.
"I guess you could say that...When is it?" she asked, her mind conjuring up images of people dancing and drinking. She had never been allowed to go to a commoner's celebration back in Avonlea, but she'd watched it every year from her balcony. She'd always wished to engage in the festivities but her father forbid it.
"It's tonight. We'll be preparing for it all day, and I'm going to need your help. Put this on." she commanded, tossing her a matching apron. Belle tied it around her back before placing her hands in the fresh dough. They spent half the day baking. After the baking was finished, Agnes filled a large trough with water and commanded her to bathe. The water was cold and all she had to use was a bar of lye soap. She usually bathed down at the creek but today was different. Agnes took the bar of soap and scrubbed her tresses until they were soapy. She rinsed out the soap, and Agnes braided her hair into a crown. Rumplestiltskin had been helping the other men prepare for the festival and had been gone all day.
"I have something special for you lass." Agnes smiled and pulled out a hunter green dress with yellow flowers stitched into the fabric.
"This is for me? It must have cost a fortune!" Belle gasped, admiring the dress. Agnes smirked with a gleam in her eye.
"It didn't cost anything but a bit of laborious stitching. Rumple made the dress, but I stitched the pattern. It's a special custom in our village for the men to make their ladies something special for the festival." she winked with a gleam in her eye.
"Their ladies? But I'm no ones lady." Belle protested, feeling flush.
"Oh lass, I know that." Agnes said, placing a hand on the beauty's shoulder, "The summer solstice festival is a time when young men and women begin courting. I have no idea what my nephew's intentions with you are, but I do know that he must be quite smitten with you to have made you a dress." she said, giving her hand a tight squeeze.
"I don't know what to say." Belle blushed, utterly bewildered by his thoughtful gesture.
"Say yes if he asks you." the older woman answered before returning to her baking. Belle spent the rest of her time in her room freshening up. She was a bundle of nerves as she awaited for Rumplestiltskin's return.
A few hours had passed when she heard a steady knock on her door. She swallowed hard, placing her quaking hand on the knob and opening the door. The spinner stood before her, clean shaven with his hair neatly combed. He smiled shyly at her, taking her hand in his.
"Belle would you please accompany me to the festival?" he inquired nervously.
A smile bloomed on her rose lips, "I would love to accompany you." she returned.
"Then please have this gift." he said, showing her his other hand. In his hand was a crown woven out of tiny blue and yellow flowers. She bent her head down where he gently placed it.
"What's the custom?" she inquired, referring to the crown.
"The yellow flowers represent friendship, and the blue represent trust and loyalty. You agreed to my invitation, so I placed the crown on your head but if you hadn't, then I would have to tear it apart. You're not allowed to gift another woman with a crown you made for someone else. It defeats the whole purpose of the festival." he supplied with flushed cheeks.
"And what would that purpose be?" she asked daringly, batting her eyelashes playfully.
"The crown is a symbol of courtship. Some people use different representations like bracelets or rings, but I chose the crown because I can't help but see you as a queen. You're more well versed than the other women in the village...you're...um..." he began to fumble over his words, eliciting a giggle from her.
"It's all right Rumple, you don't have to explain it to me. Let's go to the festival and see where it takes us." she reassured him.
"Aye...Let's go then." he affirmed with shining adoration for her in his eyes.
Rumple was donned in a new tunic in breeches which matched the color of her dress. Agnes was busy serving the food and wouldn't be participating in the festivities. The festival was lively, and the music was loud. The town square was decorated in brightly colored flowers and trimming.
"So what does one do at a summer solstice festival?" Belle inquired, gazing at the bustling square.
"Dancing and drinking mostly." he grinned, and she couldn't help but smile at his eagerness. He cleared his throat heavily, "Would you care to dance with me Miss Belle?"
"I would be obliged Sir. Rumple." she chortled, taking his proffered hand. The fiddlers played lively and fast tunes, and she had a hard time keeping up. She also wasn't aware everyone switched partners during the dances, and she found herself switching hands with several men until Rumplestiltskin was nowhere in sight.
Belle found a quiet place off to herself to rest her tired feet. She scanned the square for him restlessly but still didn't see him. "Where could he be?" she muttered to herself anxiously.
"I'm right here." a voice behind her resounded that made her jump.
"Ahh! Don't sneak up on me like that! You've frightened me!" Belle admonished, placing a hand over her thrumming heart.
"I'm sorry, I thought you might like some ale?" he supplied, offering her a cup. Belle took it from him, allowing the burning liquid to cascade down her throat. She wiped her mouth on her sleeve. He took her other hand and led her towards the outskirts of the village. The music was playing faintly in the distance as they settled down under a shady tree.
"I brought you a sweet bun too." he stated before handing her the treat. She took it, popping the warm bread in her mouth.
"This has been such a lovely night." she commented, taking another swig of ale.
"Aye it was...The best part about it is I've got to spend it with a very beautiful lass." he answered, causing her to blush. She placed the cup to her lips trying to hide her countenance, but he pulled it away. He gazed upon her amourously, placing an erratic curl behind her ear.
"May I kiss you Belle?" he whispered, etching closer to her lips.
"You may." she affirmed leaning in. He caressed her right cheek tenderly with his thumb, pressing his lips firmly against hers. Her mind went back to her last night in the Dark Castle when she kissed him. He'd welcomed her then but had banished her after he realized she was breaking his curse. He believed her to be a traitor, and an accomplice of the Evil Queen. In that moment, Rumplestiltskin didn't push her away but pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. In this time, there were no curses which needed to be broken. She could kiss him without reserve so she did.
A/AN: Wow! I hope you guys enjoyed that! This has been my favorite chapter to write so far. The next chapter will be posted sometime next week. You may think the romance may be moving too fast but a month has passed since Belle came to the village. In the next chapter...I'm not giving it away! You'll just have to stay tuned and find out! Please review!