The commotion was getting to him. Of course, the second something went wrong, the people would flock to the Charmings. Elsa had still not appeared yet, but Rumple knew she was somewhere. Trust the saviour to bring back something that even he did not understand.

"Everybody, calm down. We know that the past several years has been difficult, and we're all likely to jump to conclusions, but it's likely that all of this is nothing." Snow White, ever the appeasing leader. "We'll be handing this over to the sheriff to investigate."

Rumple couldn't help but think that the saviour looked a little grim.

"Guys, this is nothing to worry about, we've dealt with worse than a few out of place patches of snow. It is more than likely that it's not even linked with Zelena and everything that's been happening."

Rumple swiveled his cane around and began walking in the opposite direction. He'd heard enough. There was a certain history between himself and Elsa that he did not want bringing him down. It was everything that he used to represent. He left Belle enraptured in the town talk – better that way.

In the docks, Fairy Tale Land

A man arrives by a small fishing boat. He steps awkwardly from the boat, carrying a scroll in his hand. He clears his throat. Seeing nobody, he unfolds the scroll and begins to read:

"Queen Elsa, of the Kingdom of Arendelle, hereby requests the support of the Dark One, having heard much of his abilities. The Queen requires assistance – "

"Stuck in jam then?" Rumple's sudden appearance jolts the man.

The man appears confused as to what to do next. He hesitantly looks back at the scroll and continues reading. "The Queen requires assistance in regaining – "

Rumple never had patience for Royal expats. He took the scroll from his hands and skimmed over it. Typical request. "Blabla, we need your help, lost my kingdom and stuck in an icy castle in the middle of nowhere."

The confused man began to speak again. Well, couldn't have that. Rumple snapped his fingers and sealed the man's mouth.

Belle was beginning to get worried. Rumple had looked very concerned when they had passed that patch of ice on their way to Neal's grave. They'd turned straight around and come here. She had a feeling that he knew exactly what was going on. She still remembered him when she had only just met him – callous and manipulating.

She was almost scared to find out what Rumple knew.

But they were husband and wife now. She didn't want any more secrets or lying. Rumple used to be an abuser and a murderer, and she could live with that, knowing his love for her had changed that. Something had happened, and she was going to confront him.

Rumple gives a formal bow and introduces himself with a flourish: "Rumplestiltskin"

Elsa turned, eyebrows raised. She stood in her room of ice in an intricate blue dress. A pair of white gloves lay on her table.

He said in his customary theatrical, boyish tones "You called me here. Kingdom in trouble? Fear not! I can make all your worries go away."

Elsa sighed in relief. "Thank you. You see, what I need you to- "

"No, no, no. I know what I can do for you. But what can you do for me, your majesty?"

"Arendelle is known for its rich harvest and export in ice. I could – "

"What do I need of ice?" He hated explaining this. "I spin straw into gold. I have no need of these things."

"Just listen. It all went wrong at my coronation – "

"I don't like having my time wasted, dearie. You don't get something for nothing."

"STOP INTERRUPTING ME!" Elsa suddenly shouted. Ice and frost blasted from her hands, shooting towards Rumple.

He disappeared in a flash of dark smoke, reappearing behind her. "Well, well, dearie. Looks like we have a deal to make."

He must be getting rusty. How else had she ended up in a castle of ice? He smiled with glee. He could see a good deal coming out of this. It looked like the girl's power had cost her – no one knew better than he did…All magic has a price.