Really not much t say,
I know the absence has been a little while so sorry for that - life...
Anyhoo hope everyone likes it is a little long so more reading tom make up for it's lateness,
Small request - as I know fore sure that the next chapter is the last, I say that a lot but it is as I have already written it I want to see how many comment's I can get before the first part is finished so If its not to much trouble could you help me with that?
It would mean a lot so if anyone is nice enough to help, then a really big thank you.
Now on with the story.
As always I don't own OUAT.
Still running none of them stop as they race through the trees and through a small ravine before coming to a stop in the middle of a small field before pausing to get their breath, Snow bends over, her hands on her knees fighting to regain the air needed for her lungs as Regina sits down leaning on a small stump.
Ruby – having been the best runner out of them all simply turns and waits on the Huntsman who had fallen behind making sure that no one was following them before he rushed to catch up to them as they saw him come through the brush.
"That was to close."
Once he had caught up he looks at the breathless royal, concern on his face as he looks over to see if she was hurt. She saw his look and gave him a small smile to show she was fine before standing straight.
"I didn't even think anyone would notice us, we had our hoods up… How did they know?" She looks to the others confusion on her face as they stare back Ruby tries to think on what could have happened from the moment they got to the village to the moment they had been spotted as it hit her, and she very subtly looked at the sitting woman who already came to the same conclusion and was shaking her head.
The stupid poster, Ruby should have stopped her from ripping it down as she saw a few looking at her but she really didn't think they would be paying that much attention to them. Whatever happened to teenage vandals? They could have just chalked it down to mischief and looked the other way, but no… It seemed they were to bloody nosey for their own good.
"I guess we'll never know as we won't be going back." She quickly spoke ignoring the look her friend was giving her as she stood. "I can only hope that you got what you needed as there isn't another town now for at least a day and a half from here."
She looked at Snow who was frowning with thought as she tried to work out what she had managed to get before their apprehending and slowly nodded.
"Yes – I think we got… the basics, it will hold us until the next place." She spoke but it wasn't with conviction and so Regina knew that both she and Ruby would either have to go hunting when they could, she went home - or stayed with them and they ran out halfway on the road. From the looks on the younger woman's face it might have to have been the former.
"Well it's good enough for now so let's keep moving. The sooner we are out of range the better." They nodded as she turned in the direction of the clearing and set off, as they moved on after her. They take no chances this time and keep well of the path that is used by travellers and traders, Snow wasn't just a mere criminal, she was the criminal and so had a hefty price on her head. It wasn't just the guard who were hunting her, anyone who saw how much she was worth could turn bounty hunter and try to come after them which wasn't what they needed.
It took longer – the path wasn't as smooth as the road and so many a time they had to climb steep hills and jump over ditches, their feet slipping over the mossy banks as they walked, cut down stubborn branches in their way and much to her extreme displeasure, wade through the stream getting their boots wet.
She tried to stamp as much water out not being able to use magic and so the rest of the journey was spent with her pulling faces every time her boots squelched. They took a break to sit and allow their footwear to dry as the Huntsman went to catch the night's dinner, this time accompanied by Ruby who seemed to smile as he held out his hand pulling her from the rock she sat on.
Regina smirked knowingly as they went leaving her alone with the other woman. Soon as their steps died down so did the comfortable air which turned a little stale as they sat together, Regina bit her to lip and pulled it down a little before looking away well this was awkward, she could count on one hand the amount of times she had spent with Snow alone.
She only got to her thumb.
All her time with the royal was shared with Ruby or not at all, she was often somewhere else leaving the two alone but now it was her turn… she didn't like it, turning she caught the eyes of Snow who had stared at her as their eyes met and she gave her a smile – it was pained and looked unlike what she was used to giving, but it was a smile nonetheless.
Regina returned it with her own fake one which was the norm with everyone she met as they quickly averted their gazes once more. They looked everywhere but each other as the sounds around them seemed to grow ever in loudness, soon the air was thicker with tension then what it was actual oxygen and so with a sigh, she turned and broke the silence.
"So," Snow quickly looked back to her, "How are you."
The younger woman's brow crinkled with confusion at her question. What did she mean by that? She had been with her since early afternoon the day before… She knew how she was.
She stared at the other woman in silence as she tried to work out the correct way to respond. As usual it was with a smile as she went to speak.
"I'm—"A finger halted her speech as Regina held up her hand to stop her, more confusion graced her features as the dragon woman placed her hand down again and lent back on it, she knew what the question sounded like and knew exactly what the befuddlement on her face was about, she couldn't help but smile as Snow saw the grin.
"What are you smiling for?"
Regina pursed her lips, still smiling as she shook her head a little. "Because you didn't get my meaning," The younger woman had no clue what she was on about and let it show by the blankness in her face. Regina breathed in at the slightly gormless gesture before speaking again.
"I wasn't asking how you were today, I know that – nor was I asking about the day before. What I meant was how you are really?"
Still waiting for more Snow stayed quiet "It mustn't be easy, out here practically on your own – yes you may have the Huntsman and Charming whenever he come's back, but before you met them you had to have been on your own."
Snows face dropped at finally understanding what she was on about as her eyes glazed over a little the more she took in her words. "From Princess who literally had everything she could ever want, and a father who would give her the world if he could… to outcast and fugitive, on the run in an outside world that she was never quite ready for but had to learn so fast."
Regina's tone was one of wondering and factual statement as she gazed over at the silent woman with curiosity in her eyes. It wasn't like she was trying to upset Snow, it wasn't her intention, but she couldn't help but wonder at what emotions the once princess must have been feeling, to having been thrust into a wilderness with literally no instincts.
Something must have been going right for her, either that or she was the luckiest bitch in the world to have stumbled upon the people she did for having made it this far for so long, as Snow licked her lips and swallowed he lump before talking.
"I'm fine— as fine goes, it's not like I have a choice, I can't give up as if I did then my father would have died for nothing, but at the same time… I just feel so lost."
She turned to look at her friend who was watching her face with intent eyes. "I was so scared the first night. I had nothing and no one, I had no idea where Ruby was and Cora had sent so many people after me. I knew if I made it to one of the borders I would be safe for a while. As soon as I heard she killed him I wanted to go back and scream at her, just ask what had we done to her— why she would do such a thing."
Regina nodded slowly by means of silent agreement and just let her speak. "But I couldn't, I can't give up as if I did then I would be giving up all the faith people have in me. Do you know they think I can overthrow her? They think that I can take back the throne"
She let out a cynical little laugh followed by a small sob, "How can I go up against a witch who can freeze an entire village? How can I beat a woman who can set alight a whole town just for helping me in the smallest of ways? She's so evil and so strong, I don't think I can."
She let her head drop as she sniffed back the tears that had slid down her cheeks. The raven haired woman didn't say anything for a while as she continued to stare at her, for so long she had thought the royal the complete epitome of the pampered princess. She had all at her fingers and the attention span of a rolling tumbleweed, but this was not the same Snow she had seen a year before.
This was a royal who had seen everything ripped from her, this was a royal who had lost the ones she loved and fought the live on the next day, she might have found others to care for and be cared by, but ultimately she wouldn't be the same again.
Maybe that was a good thing. Some say change is bad others say it's needed. She wasn't condoning the death of Leopold as she did like him on some level, but when she did take back the Kingdom, and she would— she would be a better leader than him for it because she had understood and lived through what had hurt her, before overcoming it and being stronger at the other end.
What didn't kill you made you made you stronger, the blonde had taught her that from an early age when she was at one point convinced the faerie was trying to do away with her, she wasn't of course and for it Regina got better at her magic and learning to live with the beast.
This wasn't going to kill Snow because she wouldn't let it, she had everyone around her to help and when she finally avenged all those who had died by the Queens hand, her reign would be greater than those before her.
Of course there was no way in hell she was ever going to voice that out loud, their friendship was based on tentative affection and friendly insults – all one-sided and clearly her part, but it was how they worked. If she said all of this to a person who dreamed rainbows and went out of her way to make sure a kitten got a pedicure so its nails wouldn't grow too long, who knew what it would do to the dynamic of their relationship.
"What I think isn't all that relevant." She began slowly as Snow looked up, her eyes a little red as she stared at the other woman. "What does is whether you think you can."
The brown-haired younger woman didn't really understand as she looked at her, face a little crinkled. "Fine – let me put it another way, It's not me that will be running a Kingdom. I'm not the one with hundreds possibly thousands looking to her for leadership, guidance, protection and so on… that dear Snow, is down to you,"
She laid back on her hands a little still choosing her words. "Of course you might need others to help you, but ultimately it's going to be you that have to take control, but in order you to even get to that point. You first have to start believing that you can take back what's yours."
The younger woman sat up straighter tears now forgotten. "I mean if it were me that someone had come and stolen from. I would have maimed them badly by now, but that I think is where we differ. You only kill if it is the last thing you can do, I would have gone for the throat on first sight if I could, no patience whatsoever."
The younger woman giggled a little as she nodded. "But it's also what will make you a great leader, the compassion and kindness you have will be what will carry's you far, don't think you're alone in this fight. We all are - you have the Hunter and Ruby, and Charming when he arrives… By the sounds of it he would do just about anything to help you, so you have everyone around you that hold the faith."
She turned to face her friend who seemed to have been hanging on her words. "The only thing that's stopping you is you."
Snow nodded once more as silence reigned over the small area. It was easy to hear the words and coming from the one person who she still thought only liked her for Ruby, it was a lot. But the fact was that Cora was powerful, it wasn't like it was just some woman her father had married. She already was a queen who had her own Kingdom and army.
Added to the whites it made up practically two fifths of the realms fighters, if her magic didn't make her strong enough then her soldiers did. Then it hit her,
Cora's magic
Her face dropped once more at the thought of the other woman's first and foremost power as she remembered just how strong she was with it, which was what she had worried over.
Regina saw the deflating look. "What?"
It took her a few seconds before she replied with a tone that matched her expression. "Her magic,"
Regina gazed at her before shrugging. "What about it." The look she got made her second guess the problem. Something she should have paid a little more attention to as Snow scoffed.
"What do you mean? Regina, the woman has powers most can only ever imagine dreaming of, how I'm I supposed to go against that? If we somehow do manage to get past her armies, she can use her powers to simply wish us dead if she wanted."
She doubted that she could simply wish her dead, if that was so then Snow would not be standing right now – hell if that really was so then a few times in the past those could have come in real handy. But that was then and the younger woman had grown on her, she sat back musing, that did seem to be the crux of Snows issue's.
Of course it would have been simple for her, a bit of recon – see what the other woman was like and if she stronger than her, attack. But this wasn't her fight it was the other woman's she needed to prove she could beat the queen, not only for the people who would need to see Leopold's heir be the rightful ruler they could trust, but also the younger woman needed to prove it to herself.
As much as she loathed to think about it there were ways of beating people with magic. It might have come off as arrogance on her part but to her that just spelled weakness and extremely fallible if a person who possessed magic allowed themselves to be overcome by mere mortals then they didn't deserve what ran in their veins.
Of course that was back when she was learning the larger parts of magic. The ways it worked and the rules, Maleficent had heard her opinions and as much as she could without being condescending… Something she could have tried a hell of a lot harder if somebody was to ask the younger woman, she had said it wasn't so much as weakness, but more possibly other logical reasons that stemmed from woeful education to lack of self-control.
If a person truly wanted to become the strongest they could be, then they would learn all about what could be detrimental to them. Learn what was lethal and what could damage their magic and use it to turn the tides on the opposition should they wish.
Knowing one's weakness was the way to overall strength the blonde had told her, she had learned through trial and error what could be harmful to her and had stayed away from such places and people who had the means to use it, effective method as she had lasted far longer than her enemies had if she hadn't killed them herself that was.
She also had read up on all types of magic. It wouldn't do to just learn about their own as the older woman had made her sit and learn. Something she was grateful for as now a way to beat the older was staring her in the face.
Well ok not in front of her – more back at the castle. Maleficent, to be precise – not really the blonde as she knew the other woman wouldn't get involved in another's quarrel unless it suited her or it included her like it had with George.
It wasn't so much the blonde she was thinking about – rather what she was, when she had fully learnt to master the sense of aura's and another magic. She had sensed that the blonde wasn't like her in terms of biology, yes she looked human but the younger girl could tell she wasn't per say, and so on asking had discovered that the older woman was a Fae.
Albeit a fallen one but that was another story, one she had learnt when she was older. But nonetheless Maleficent was before her downward slide – a Faerie, and as their species was different from human magic users so to was their magic.
Another little party trick she had read up on was the dust they possessed. It could be used for a lot of things, finding people's true loves… something she found ridiculous but that was her own opinion. Granting others wishes – serious stipulations on that though, what she found amusing was the fine print that came with that particular batch of dust, if only the people who used it knew… might have thought twice.
There was black dust that Maleficent had, of course just like all other stereotypical dichotomy that seemed to plague the magical laws – that was used for evil, really? Who decided what was evil or not…
The last was blue. She had read that was used to freeze. It could have been anything; the book didn't specify what it was immune against so she had assumed that went for everything, people included.
Now that was what she was thinking could be used against Cora. She would have to go ask, but she was pretty sure that it might have been possible to get her hands on some if the blonde knew how to procure it as again – she was certain one couldn't simply make it.
Turning her thoughts back to the matter at hand she looked to Snow who was deep in her own despairing thoughts. She gave her a silent once over before speaking.
"Just because she has magic doesn't mean she's invincible."
"What?"
"Cora, just because she use's magic, it doesn't mean she isn't beatable. In fact, I'd daresay it's what just might be the thing that brings her down."
Snow turned her head sharply to face her more as Regina gave a slow, slightly smirking smile. Sitting up even more the younger woman sat on her knees eyes now wide in her direction.
"What do you mean? Are you saying that she could be beaten… with more magic."
Another nod saw the hope reignite in her eyes as she looked to her friend. "What do you know?"
How did she go about it so she didn't implicate herself to magic in any way? Pursing her lips she stayed silent for a couple of minutes before replying.
"As Ruby isn't your only friend, I to, have another – one who is… well read, many of the things she likes to read about is magic and as it is, she knows a great deal about the art, the many different types including how to stop it."
She held up her hand to halt the question she can see almost foaming in her mouth. "Not stop it more counter it and a way to counter human magic specifically is by trapping it."
Snows face crinkled again. "You can trap magic." Regina nodded before thinking and amending her answer.
"Not the magic per say, more the castor. If you can stop the vessel then whatever enchantments they might hold will cease along with any attacks they cast at the time."
Snow seemed to be getting more excited the more she heard. So much that Regina had to idly think if she had a tail it would have been wagging.
"Do you know what can stop magic? You said it was for human. What other types are there?" Regina shrugged a little.
"Lot's I guess, there's human – though not a lot of people hold magic within them let alone have the will or the energy to summon it to them. Only those who want it bad enough and have enough determination can wield it… But even then it takes years of practise to hone it right, it's why you don't see many human users, they just don't have what it takes."
"What else is there?"
Regina had to tilt her head back since when did this become a history lesson? But she lifted her head to meet her gaze once more. "Lots, different species hold many types of magic. Elemental, fairies, creature…"
"You mean like Ruby."
Lifting her head, she had to quickly mask the look of shock she had on hearing Snow knowing about Ruby's secret. Of course having spent far longer in each other's company she knew that the taller girl saw Snow like a sister, something she was irked by at first seeing it had just been the two of them… their own little sisterhood.
But now Snow was here and she wasn't going away and so she had to get used to the dynamics changing and she really didn't like change, but then infectious royal had to go and be all nice and happy and than she just gave up and let her take over… like a fungus.
Snow was a happy little fungus.
But she thought Ruby far shrewder then that – after all it took for her sniffing it out before Ruby told her, she had to wonder how Snow found out or if she was outright told.
Still she smiled and nodded. "Yes, like Ruby."
"So Ruby could go and overpower her?" That had her outright laughing, not so much at Ruby not being strong enough though it was true, in this hypothetical case as she shook her head.
"Even if Ruby could take her down which I don't doubt she couldn't, she would have to get close enough which might be impossible as someone like Cora might have set wards about alerting her to anything dangerous, saying that she somehow got passed them she would still have to contend with her magic which in a battle, I would be sorry to say, would be in the queens favour."
Her statement dimmed the light in Snow's eyes as she sank a little. "Oh,"
Regina nodded silently wondering if this was what the blonde felt on teaching her before speaking again. "But as I've said many different types of magic and anyway it's not a wolf you would need."
"Well what would I need?" She asked shrugging as she looked back at her as Regina stretched her legs as far as they could go. "In your case, I would say fairy dust."
"Fairy dust," Again she nodded. "What's that?"
"Exactly what it sounds like, it's the stuff they use for whatever purposes they need it for." She held up her hand again really not needing her to ask any more questions, she was getting sick of her parroting the words back to her and so just kept on talking.
"More specifically you would need the blue dust. That works on freezing, which would subdue the queen perfectly, unless you plan on killing her?"
The near scandalous look had her holding her other hand. "Ok, ok… then the blue dust is what you would need. No killing would stop her magic and the woman itself in her tracks, all ready to be put in the cells ready for Snow's version of justice."
She had to smirk at the unimpressed look the other woman gave her. "So how would I go about getting this blue dust?"
That was where Regina sucked in her breath. Good question, as she had wondered that – far as going to ask the blonde herself she hadn't a clue, all she knew according to the other woman was that the fairies were not only secretive little nuisances but also very distrusting over practically everyone until they learnt if they had good intentions or not.
Perhaps maybe not even then Maleficent had a lot to say about her old comrades and not a single word of it pleasant, so knew those bridges were burned as far as the blonde was concerned. The only other option would be was to summon one.
Which meant she were screwed as the fallen fae had also stated they didn't come to those who had caused crimes or offenses that would stain the soul and heart, she had done plenty of that and near all of it willingly, she would be less than useless in gaining their attentions, so shook her head.
"That might be tricky as from what I've heard – in the books obviously, is that they only come to those in desperate need and are of pure heart."
Snow looked to the ground thinking over all she had been told. "Surely one of them would come to us wouldn't they?"
Exhaling heavily the raven haired woman tried her best to look thoughtful when in reality she knew the answer to that, it wasn't that she had ever met one before and so could try to trick them that way, like all other sentient users who could tell the others from their aura's they would know who she was right off the mark and most likely try to freeze her.
Snow might have had a chance though. She looked at the other woman. She was pure of heart, never had a bad thing to say about anyone – Cora aside, even then she had never used crass language. She always saw the best in others, tried to help them and most importantly, had never killed anyone.
She would be ideal to try to summon one but if – and it was a very big if, they did deign to come to the outcast royal and saw her then they would assume the worst and probably fly away on association.
"But if you really did need help that badly, then from what I've been told, you could always make a wish and see if they grant it."
Snow gave her a slightly dubious look which had her shuffling a little. "Don't look at me like that; I'm only stating what was in the dam book. If it's too stupid then don't try it, see how long you fair against the queen on pure luck."
Falling silent it gave Snow the time to think. Would that truly be what it took to beat Cora? Growing up she had heard tales of magic and wishes, how powerful they could be but she thought that was in they were. Stories from a book, now here she was hearing they could actually be true?
From the way Regina told it, it all seemed too easy, there had to be more to it and so she asked only to get another shrug. "Didn't get that far in the book, if you want to know more than the only way is to speak to the fairies themselves."
No more were said after that as the others had made their return hands full of the catch for the night's dinner. Later on when it was time to rest, Regina had offered to take the first watch. She gave the Hunter a look as he turned on hearing her volunteer, and stared at him as if daring him to make a remark, he didn't only lowered his head in respect of her offer and turned before disappearing in to the darkness.
She watched him go before turning to Ruby who had watched also as their eyes met and she gave the raven haired woman a shrug before clapping her on the shoulder smiling before retreating into the tent with Snow. Left alone Regina conjured the thick blanket from the other night before moving to find the best spot and sitting as she looked out over the fire light and kept a lookout.
She decided to use the time to think on the Cora problem and the solution in the form of the blue dust that just might have, other than her – be their best chance of taking the queen down. Of course she couldn't ask for it but that didn't mean she couldn't look it up, it had to have been made from something, if she could find its properties then who knew – maybe they wouldn't need the small bugs after all.
But she would have to go back home and ask the blonde first, the only issue with that was would she end up telling her what she would need it for? The other woman being the caring and concerned guardian she was only had ever taken an interest when it came to things like magic. There had been a few times when she was younger that the blonde had helped her with, but other than that.
She could have run a smuggling ring from the comfort of her own room the blonde was that oblivious to her personal life. The only rule was that anything she did didn't include her and everything was perfect. It sometimes did make her wonder what the blonde's childhood was like, to make her the overall well-rounded person she is today.
Either way she might just end up having to tell her. But she doubted that the other woman would stop her from acquiring the needed dust, not unless it put her out somehow, not likely so she had a good feeling.
It was an hour later when rustling has her looking up to see the Hunter come back, she watched him with critical eyes as he approached the camp fire. He stopped just on the other side and lifted his head to see her staring, none spoke as they waited. She had wondered where it was he went to at night and the fact he never gave anything away made her only suspicious.
Of course she had voiced her concerns to Snow who was thoughtful but ultimately didn't think him a danger, she snorted but didn't reply if she wanted a literal heartless person following them then that was her prerogative, a dam Hunter to it only served to make him more a threat and she was weary around him.
Much to the amusement of Ruby whom had found her worries funny. Regina understandably hadn't, and so had been pissed at the other woman for allowing her thoughts of him being attractive to cloud what was more important. It led to a small spat which saw them not speaking for a few hours as she stewed on her thoughts, all of which led to her being angry with him.
Stupid man, so much bloody discord all for him – he wasn't even good looking, her Daniel however…
God he was so pretty, and with a profession far less likely to put an arrow through your heart when it came to revealing who you really were. Why couldn't she see that? It made her angry which was probably why Snow kept him away from her; she must have seen the look on her face and thought it safer.
She didn't trust him. And until he told them where it was he was going every night she would continue her scorn of him. She gave him a cold look but nodded his way, he returned the gesture as he put down his bow it was time to change over and so without giving him a second glance she stood and made her way into the tent.
The Huntsman kept watch the rest of the night allowing Snow and Ruby to get a full night's sleep which was a good thing seeing as what lay ahead, they would need to be alert at all costs. After a small breakfast of bread and some cheese - once again doing nothing for Regina's apatite, they set off on the road.
The plan was to double back and head for the mines again. If they could cross Troll Bridge then they could cut through Nottingham and Sherwood Forest, they then would be near Corona, and one step closer to Charming. So off they went with Regina planning to ditch them once they got over the bridge and take the back path through that led to near the now abandoned wolf den and back home.
Of course it would have been that simple. If it weren't for the oncoming small legion of soldiers who had been dispatched on the orders of the queen, they would have been completely oblivious to the danger if not having been for the wolf that burst through the clearing halfway on their journey.
The sudden arrival had scared the hell out of Regina who had been lost in her thoughts; it was only for Ruby grabbing her hand that stopped the fireball from sailing in the direction of the wolf as the white grey coated animal approached the Huntsman who bent to his knee as they looked at each other.
Still with her hand on her arm – all three watched on as they seemed to engage in a silent conversation. What was more the growls that seemed to emit from the man had Regina look on with a sceptical brow, like him being able to communicate with a wolf was the weirdest thing she had ever seen.
Finally they stopped, his face looking grave as he stood. The wolf taking a few steps back as he turned to them "Cora's men are on their way."
Snow gasped as Ruby dropped the wrist she was holding and taking a step closer. "He told you?" The Hunter nodded once more earning an arched brow as the third woman stayed silent listening.
"He spotted them on the other side of the bridge coming through. They must be on their way to the village we ran from."
"Somebody must have talked, she's heard and now she might be on her way." His last remark had the royal fidgeting as she turned to look on in the direction of the bridge.
"Well what can we do? That's the only way across we can't go back it'll take us further from Corona." He paused for a moment thinking they waited in silence as Regina turned to look at the way of the bridge herself before turning back as he finally spoke.
"I'm not sure how far away they are as he can't really tell the distance. But given how merciless she is, I wouldn't put it past her to have sent them whilst we slept."
'Some of us anyway,' She thought to herself on looking at him. "But I doubt we have enough time to make it over and to the nearest village in time before they arrive"
He turned to look at the thick mass of greenery around them. "I think our best chance is to hide until they pass us."
None of them spoke but Snow looked like she had already agreed to his idea. Ruby looked on at them both before nodding; she would go where Snow went. Regina, predictably, thought the idea stupid.
So many holes within that plan – how many men were there, what happens if they did get caught? She wasn't showing her magic and she doubted he could fight them all off, even if Ruby and she did help by means of their hands they could still be outnumbered, they would have swords - Snow and the Hunter only had bows and they would be useless against steel.
She was about to object. To tell them all of this but the arm that grabbed her had her spinning around as she saw that Snow had already followed him off the track and was now slipping in between the large trees. Ruby tugged on her arm as she sighed but followed as the wolf darted past making her move slightly to the side as he followed on after the Hunter.
Narrowing her eyes at the retreating dog, she shook her head, so much for her cut and run as Ruby tugged on her once more before she set off walking again. They followed them until they came to a small ditch like crevice which would hide them perfectly whilst giving them a lookout through the shrubbery as they placed their weapons down.
He didn't stay idle as soon he was lifting himself into the nearest tree. They watched him disappear saw the hand that popped out waiting for his bow as Snow reached up and passed it over as he vanished once more, the wolf that was watching settled itself down at the base before placing its head on its paws, waiting.
"He'll be able to give us a better clue when to duck." She said turning to the other two as they nodded. Soon Ruby sat next to Snow who had settled on a small patch of leaves before she yanked Regina down. The raven haired woman looked around before deciding that the best spot was next to the tree.
Next to the dog, who looked on as she neared, without actually asking she sat down next to it and rested her back on the trunk she could feel its eyes on her but refused to actually look before long as it settled back down to wait.
"This is cosy"
Snow lifted her head from where it had rested on her knees and smiled lightly at the dry remark as Ruby crinkled her nose a little but smiled still as her eyes met Regina's, she didn't want to be waiting any more than she and understood her annoyance. Finally glancing down Regina eyed the wolf next to her, so this must have been the reason the Hunter kept going off at night.
But why go away from the camp? Why did the wolf stay away? Did he keep him away, was it the dogs choice. Surely with Ruby around he would have been more inclined to stay next to them. Eyeing the furry beast she felt at least some of her distrust ease up with the reveal of the cause of his shadiness.
Some though, not all, he was still missing his heart. Some rustling had them all sitting up just as a pine cone or something fell from the tree, right onto her foot.
She looked at the small item that had bounced as it landed and rolled away looking all innocent as the urge to take it and fling it back into the tree where he was perched grew hotter as Ruby rolled her eyes and pulled her over, as her gaze moved from the cone to her friend who nudged her head.
Shuffling she moved until she lay on her stomach in the middle of the other two who were now peering out as the steady sound of crunching gravel got louder. Soon it was joined by the continuous marching as soon Cora's guard arrived.
Ducking their heads down as they passed Regina lifted her eyes to see the black clad armoured group move down the path. None of them spoke, none dared breath as one by one they walked past their hiding spot. The line seemed never ending, with guard after guard moving in and out of view as they all stayed as still as they could.
Finally what seemed like eternity of lying on the ground. The armoured party was gone. Past the place they rested, and the person they had hoped to catch as they waited a few more minutes to be sure before getting to their feet. Brushing off the dirt from her clothes, Regina followed Snow as she pushed her way through the shrub and back onto the path as she looked down the way they had gone.
"They would be…"
"Cora's personal guard, the black guard,"
Nodding she still kept her eyes on the road as a small thud saw the Hunter join them from his spot in the tree. She turned to see him approach with the wolf he too looked down the road before turning to snow, apprehension on his face.
"We need to keep moving, if they find that you are no longer in the area they will come back this way…" She nodded as she went to pick up her bow as soon they hurried back the opposite way and to the bridge. Regina lagged behind for a while waiting as soon Ruby turned to look around and found her a little way back.
Frowning she slowed her pace until Regina caught up with her before she spoke. "What's up?"
"I need to leave."
That made the wolf woman blink, straight to the point it had her slightly shocked as Regina looked at her, "…Err, ok – may I ask why?"
Nodding the other woman touched on the conversation that she and Snow had – leaving out the small pep talk as Ruby would only have made a fuss about it, teasing more like and she wasn't in the mood for it – so she kept to the point and told her about the fairies, how they had dust that could help in the defeating of the queen.
Like Snow Ruby's face to lit up with hope when she heard about the trapping substance. "Do you think it would work."
She nodded, the dust would work, it wasn't an issue the only problem she had - was getting some. If she couldn't get any from the blonde then it would be down to Snow.
"I just need to go ask Mal about it first, long shot but she might either have some or know how to make it." Ruby nodded, still smiling as Regina looked to the other two.
"Of course you know it might take some time. It's not like it just comes from the earth so I will be gone a while." That had her smile dimming a little. Of course it wasn't like Regina had been using her magic to help as she still wanted it kept secret, but having an extra person would have helped as her mouth twisted little.
"How long do you think?"
Regina shrugged. "However long it takes for me to know for sure that we could get some to help."
Thinking on her reply the brunette eventually nodded. Knowing that it was the best option they had then Regina had to leave, they caught up with the others as they crossed the bridge as she told them about her plan minus a few details as Snow deflated on hearing about her impending departure.
"I need to go see my friend. If she can she might be able to help us find where we can get some of this dust. Or at least have another solution."
Not happy but knowing that she couldn't ask the other woman to stay she nodded. She didn't bother looking at the Hunter, they all had their secrets, she might have lessened on her unease of him but that didn't mean she needed to consult him either. Once they hit the starting's of Sherwood Forest that was where they split.
She waved to them as they left. Watching as they vanished out of sight before taking a left and cutting through the clearing as she walked a little while longer, she had no intention of walking past the Den and so as the familiar purple started to creep its way up her body, she felt better at releasing some of the pent-up magic that had sat idle just as she disappeared.
"You know, I had almost forgotten you lived here."
She pulled a face on finding the blonde in her study as she crossed the room and sat opposite her, the older woman lifted her head from where she had been writing to stare at the younger woman.
"Can I help you?" The invitation was there but also the underlying message that said 'I didn't want to be interrupted' but when did that ever stop her as she as smiled and nodded,
"Well now that you've offered." Before laughing at the groan the other woman let out as she placed her quill down and slumped unlike her usual pristine self any other time.
"Really, you come back after a peaceful few days and bother me now?" Crossing her legs, Regina reclines back mirroring the blonde's position as she replied
"Next time do try to use your words more clearly. Honestly it's like you say one thing but mean another." She smirked at the reaction she got before the older woman spoke.
"Fine – what is it you want."
"Fairy dust"
The blonde lifted her head from where she had rested it on her hand as she looked at the other woman. Regina smiled calmly back at her, unperturbed by her slightly startled look, which slowly turned dubious.
"Fairy dust," She nodded again still calm. Maleficent sat up straighter in her chair eyes still on the younger woman. "Just why you would need such a thing? I Might not be a part of their little organization any more but I do know that their regulations are still the same… you need to be a fairy dear, a change in career won't do you any good, not at this point in your life."
Jeering the younger sorceress threw her feet over the side of the chair arm ignoring the slight splutter across from her as she conjured an apple. The sight made the blonde blink a little as the innocuous gesture took her back a year, to her meeting with the dark one. She shook her head at the mirrored image before getting back to the purpose of her visit.
"Well then, all my years of wanting have been for naught - thank you dream killer. But no, in spite of what you might think, the reason why I need the dust is not to go around granting idiots wishes, it's serves a far more useful purpose."
"Which would be?"
"To trap a dictator queen who is currently holding two kingdoms to ransom with her despot ways and is hunting a semi good friend of mine." She finished smiling saccharine before biting into her apple as the blonde looked on. It took a few minutes to get the image of the Imp out of her head but finally she spoke as her mind soon caught back up to what she said.
"I take it you mean Queen Cora." Still chewing her apple she nodded.
"So you need blue dust?" Another nod, it made the older witch sigh as she had not used any kind of dust other than black of a long, long time. She also wasn't really inclined to use any other, her own supply of dust got by making it herself any other and she had no need so shook her head.
"I'm sorry my dear, but I cannot help you there."
Regina slowly finished the fruit before banishing the core as she lifted her head. "How so?"
"The dust you seek isn't something I use anymore, haven't in a long time and doubt I have use for it again. The dust I have is as you know, is of the obsidian variety and so is of no good to you - the type you need can only be obtained from one place."
Regina waited, her face expectant as the blonde sniffed a little before carrying on. "The fairies get their dust from the mine of the dwarves."
Somebody higher up really was bored weren't they? Her face dropped on hearing of the one place she had only that morning passed, the blonde saw the look of annoyance followed by the slight twitch of her cheek.
"Something wrong? You look as though something unpleasant has bitten your tail." She asked her tone slightly cheerful on seeing the look of irritancy. Regina lifted her eyes to see the older woman looking so dam happy and sneered some more before bringing back the apple core and chucking it at her,
The blonde waved her hand lazily as it popped out of existence once more. "Yes if you must ask. I happened to have passed that place not only a few hours back, had I known I wouldn't be here asking."
"Alas but you are, and now we have both been put out." The younger woman glanced over to her, "Shut up – you'd have missed me had I stayed away any longer."
The laugh of disbelief had her tempted to conjure something heavier than an apple core as she took a deep breath and spoke. "Just tell me how I go about getting into the dam mines."
Maleficent sat back in her chair and thought on her request for a moment before shaking her head. "You can't as fairy dust is both highly potent in magic and its purposes, the demand for it is rather high and so they have made sure to not give it to anyone other than the fairies when they need it."
"People like you, you mean?" There was light humour in her tone as the blonde sniffs a little haughtily before pulling herself up. "If you want to get technical, yes, but let's not nit-pick on specifics it's not just me… it could be you to."
Regina scoffs in return. "Not likely, they know you mal. They all know who you are so most definitely, you're on top of their list – they don't know who I am."
The blonde narrows her eyes at the much too amused face of the younger woman. Her interest in the conversation is waning now that it has turned into a mini roasting, she never cared for insults – not at herself anyway and so lifts her hands in dismissal."
"Oh – be gone with you, little creature of misery."
Regina laughed louder as she stands and turns towards the door, score one for the conversation going her way she walks to the exit. Now that she knows the location of the dust it would make it easier for her to acquire some as she leaves the room and the blonde still grumbling before getting back to her writing, behind.
Her next move – other than going to the kitchen and sweet talking Ingrid into making her something. Never had she been so ravenous in her life and so had no problem with eating everything the senior server made for her – was to return back to the dwarves mines. With them only passing by she didn't really give them a second glance.
But now she knows it holds what she needs, it has her full attention. Not yet though – her next stop after gaining back what she pretty sure she lost in weight whilst slumming it was to bathe as she returned to her room.
A few hours later and feeling far more human then what she had in recent days she made the trip back to Troll bridge, making sure to hide in the shadows she searched the wooden bridge for signs for life before stepping out on to the track. With the knowledge that Cora's men had been across once she knew that chances were they could still be in the area.
With the report of Snow being sighted she had a feeling the other witch would want to make sure that they searched high and low and that included the surrounding land around the village and back seeing as the only way back to the Kingdom was over the bridge. Confident that no one was about, she set off down the path and back to the mines.
Settling herself across from the entrance to the underground cavern she observes the seemingly simple entrance wondering why it was there where no guards. Surely if the dust was something of a commodity then there would have been some form of protection. She waited for an hour, something she was very proud of herself for seeing as patience wasn't even low on her list of traits she held, good luck to those that had it in abundance but it just wasn't her.
But after that hour of calmly observing and keeping watch for anyone that might come or go, she found the place to be deserted and so stepped out from her hiding spot. Something in the back of her mind was telling her this was a bad idea, but with the opportunity just so open in front of her she ignored it and proceeded forwards.
Maybe getting this dust would be easier than she thought.
It wasn't – on returning to the castle a lot more angrier then she left she stalked back to the study the blonde resided in and didn't bother knocking, once more entering the room. The older woman sighed and looked up, a weary remark on her lips but stopped as her eye landed on the disgruntled woman standing in front of her,
None spoke for a few minutes before the Fae erupted into laughter. Regina scowled as the blonde leant back in her chair laughing harder than she had in years, she lifted her head to look at the displeased woman glaring at her and wiped the tears that had come trickling down her cheeks.
Regina tapped her foot on the floor waiting for her to stop. She nodded along with the almost howling cackles before finally having enough.
"Shut it – you aging goblin! This is not funny!"
Finally getting her composure. The older woman sat up straighter in her chair as she procured a handkerchief and dabbed her watery eyes.
"On the contrary dear, you look like King Triton himself had brought his wrath down upon you, what happened?"
Still with her glower the younger woman stiffly replied. "Oh I think you know." Maleficent shook her head.
"I haven't the faintest clue what you are on about." Regina huffed and threw herself back down into the chair before wincing at her slight laxness resulting in the stinging that prickled her body.
"Don't sit there and lie you vindictive shrew. I wouldn't put it past you to have known about the dam spells they had over that place."
The blonde tilted her head on her words. Her eyes slightly wide, her expression – faux contemplation before it turned into a look of gleeful slyness.
"Oh yes, the wards – it's coming back to me now." Regina sneered as she spoke. "Of course it is,"
She took up the wine at her side and ignored her protest as she sat back cup in hand still darkly looking at her, "You owe me this… do not complain."
The blonde scoffed. "I fail to see how this is my fault." Sipping her drink, the younger woman swallowed before speaking. "You neglected to tell me that the blasted fireflies had charmed the place purely for your own entrainment you harpy."
The older woman couldn't help the lazy smirk that came over her as she pictured a frazzled and fried Regina lying piteously at the foot of the entrance before nodding.
"Well next time. Do not insult me – you never know what other valuable information that might escape my mind otherwise," Her reply was bared teeth and an ugly sneer.
"But yes, now that it's returned bright as the sparks I'm sure your still feeling. The little bugs have placed wards around the mines to stop people with dishonourable intentions from entering."
She finished with another smirk at the slight body twitch that went through the younger sorceress that had nothing to do with the sharp voltage that she had endured on hitting the wards head on. She waited until Regina had calmed somewhat to speak without it sounding too forced.
"So – now with that oh so helpful bit of wisdom. What can I do to get around them?"
She waited for her to answer as she sat back in her chair. It came when the blonde waved her hand as a small blue cloud filled the area in between them and a book fell into her lap, she had to tuck in slightly to not drop her cup but looked down at the heavy hard back as her eyes took in its title.
"Wards & Weaknesses"
The blonde nodded. "It's not one of my best but I'm sure it has enough about the particular types of spells that those glittery moths like to cast and how to overcome them."
She shrugged before picking up her cup, "If not there are more books in the library." That was all the conversation she was going to get as the younger woman nodded and stood. She was looking at the book as she turned to the door. She was going to her room to read in peace as she headed for the hall.
Still a little pissed at being the expanse of the blonde's joke, she left her with a parting shot. "It's a start but thank you, you miserable spinster." Before rounding the corner quickly so she didn't have time to retaliate.
For three days she holed up in the castle. Dithering between her room and the library reading up on any books she could find on fairies and their magic. She found, with the exception of the blonde and one other – no fairy had ever gone rogue of dark. It was a little disconcerting because, two little dips aside – their magic was entirely good.
The whitest of the white and whilst she had been learning a few light spells – she was getting good at healing, her magic was predominantly dark. She had never really given to much thought into how her magic went. To mould it to something that was neither dark nor light – rather both. But with all the mercy killings she had done she doubted that her magic was getting any lighter,
Which posed a problem - If they had set up spells to stop those with untrustworthy intentions that meant they had placed a detection charm which allowed them to know who was who, if she went back there was a good chance if she did manage to get past then it would alert them to her, she had gone for so many years without anyone save a few knowing the real her, she wasn't about to put that in jeopardy.
Sighing she rubbed her eyes and chucked the book down on the table. There had to someway she refused to let the notion that a bunch of flying midget's had more power then she – impossible. Sighing again she stood, drawing from the table and pushing the chair away as she headed out the room.
Maybe she could go ask Maleficent again as she moved down the hall. She didn't know how long it would take and she hadn't been in touch with the other since leaving them those days ago, she hoped they were ok as she searched for where the blonde could be finally her search took her outside.
She shouldn't have been surprised really as she found her wandering the length of the gardens. She wasn't alone, at her side – as he was every time he saw the fae, was Seraphim. The unicorn had grown rapidly much to her slight shock and intrigue. It wasn't as much of a surprise to the blonde who seemed to know a lot about magical creatures and so had taken it in hand, merely looking at him proudly.
He turned to see her approaching as Regina stopped. Making sure to keep away from the pointed end of his head now that it was aligned with her chest.
"Yes dear?"
"There has to be an easier way."
The blonde paused in her ministrations of running her hand down his back and looked at her, it was a good thing she knew what the other woman was on about otherwise she would have been stumped on the first sentence.
"Have you read all the books in the library." At her nod the blonde arched a brow, sceptical knowing that she had thousands. But also knowing the younger woman's lack of patience she let it slide as she thought on.
"Well there is always the option of taking them apart yourself."
Regina cocked her head as the older woman let her hand come to rest atop his head. "Of course you would have to know which charms they enforced."
"With what you've said. It sounds like they've put a detection Charm, obviously for the area, possibly one for dark magic users, and…can they have one for sensing how strong another user is?"
Maleficent pursed her lips but shook her head after a moment's thought. "They could, but with the amount of magic already in play – given the raw power of the dust… it might be one spell too much, the dust would react with the magic and only a moron would have to ask what would happen next."
Regina nibbled on her lower lip. "Wouldn't they be able to detect someone trying to tamper with the wards though?" Again the blonde nodded.
"Only if they use absolute force – go barrelling through like a blind ogre, it would save time but it would cost energy and they would know for sure by then they would be ready to defend their precious dust and chances are you would be tired from the exertion to try to fend them off,"
She stopped for a moment to give the black unicorn a sugar cube leaving her to her thoughts, she turned back to her and added. "The other way is by dismantling the wards manually, it would take far longer depending if the person is strong enough then there is a good chance that they could be done with the Charms within half maybe three-quarters of the time it took to erect them."
"You think I could do that" The older woman nodded. "But of course. Only a person clumsy and imbecility with their attempts would get caught out, and I do like to think I taught you to be a little more than the common third-rate trickster," She resumed her stroking under his slight pushing, giving her one more glance.
"The idiocy whoever, is genetic, no hope there." She smiled contentedly oblivious to the displeased look she got as Regina pondered on what she said.
Having no luck really with reading, it seemed the only choice she had, going to undoing their magic one charm at a time. Yes it would take some time but as she knew she was good with her magic, far more than anyone else around. Save maybe the woman next to her and at times, Archibald.
She could do it, she could go and steal their beloved dust from under them and be so stealthy about it that cats everywhere would be envious. Smiling, she nodded. She could totally do that and so that was where she was going next.
The older witch could sense her choice from the way she moved a little and so was about to turn around when a hard clap on her shoulder, saw her body freezing up.
"Thanks blondie."
Grimacing at both the name and the gall of her action she stood still as Regina gave her a final smile and turned away back to the castle and off to her destination. Not seeing the grimacing stare the other woman gave her retreating form.
She was about to retaliate in the form of setting something of hers alight or making her trip on the stairs, but the cold nose on her hand saw her turning to look at the Unicorn who was nudging for her attention as he threw his head up much to her delight, she gave the now out of sight woman and then back to him.
"She's lucky I like you better," He lifted his head again making her smile as she dipped her hand into her pocket and pulled out another sugar cube.
"You never give me migraines, unlike that nasty little rodent." She lifted her hand to rub his mane. "Twice as cute to,"
He whinnied a little in response before they carried on with their walk.
After a small detour to the kitchen and snagging a chicken leg. Regina was on her way, she walked the end of the path to the gate before using her magic to take her back to the crossroads before then on down the road to Troll Bridge. All in all, the entire journey was relatively quick because soon she was back near the entrance to the cavern.
She gave a small look to the seemingly clear space but knew differently. Retaking her spot across and hiding within the bushes, she settled down with what remained of her food before using her magic to push on the barrier surrounding the mines. Reaching out she concentrated letting her magic creep forwards until it hit the foreign magic across.
It felt weird. As the two collided and mixed she got a sense that was what she could only describe after a thought, like having a bath – sitting in warm water only to have cold added a little later, though the warmth was wrapped around the cold could still be felt even under water. One of the other good things about magic was that it gave you another sense.
Sort of like taste but with magic. Which was what she could almost feel on her tongue, a sweet, flowery scent, it washed over her like a light drizzle –it was refreshing to feel and she wondered it all light magic felt this way as she coaxed her admittedly darker tone to try to edge its way underneath.
Of course there was resistance. As nice as it might have been to feel and near taste. The light magic could push back, as it had done so making her urges her own that little harder. She tried to clear her head and focus on the strands that tied the Charms together, guiding the attacking magic closer.
Like a hunting predator, the invading force crept closer to its target. It slithered like a snake at the bottom before working its way up, creeping and slinking until finally it reached the top before it started to squeeze. She closed her eyes and nudged it into picking apart the seams that held the other up as little by little – the light magic began to falter.
It struggled under the wave that had surrounded it, tried to fight back against the seducing enemy as one by one the ties came undone as the strength of the spell got shakier with each part taken down. Finally after ten more minutes it gave up altogether and she smiled when she felt the first barrier crash to the ground and into nothingness.
Mal was right. The stronger the user the less time it took to dissemble them. But it was hard, she lifted her hand to wipe the slight sheen of perspiration that had clung to her head before allowing herself a few minutes rest. She was also waiting to see if anyone had noticed that their wards were failing as she looked around for a fairy or a dwarf to emerge.
To her relief no one had come up or sounded the alarm. It seemed that her magic was far more adapt at making itself as transparent as possible, but if she had known just how hard it would have been she would have taken the whole chicken with her as she got ready to take on the next barrier.
Exactly 14 minutes later the second one was down. That was considerably harder than its predecessor but she found when it finally caved that the blonde had been right, there had only been two wards up as she reached out once more to feel about – she didn't fancy getting stung again and so was cautious, but to her great relief it was all clear.
Stepping out she looked around still on guard in case anyone might wander by before quickly scurrying over to the entrance. She cast one more glance around before ducking inside. She peered around to see a long track in front of her, it seemed to have been chiselled out of the rock and led deeper into the cave.
Taking a breath she began her walk. Idly she wondered how far down it went as the further she got the darker it became. Finally it got so dark she had to cast a light as she lifted it into the air and let it guide the way as she carried on walking, around endless corners she carried on until finally she saw up ahead.
It was getting lighter which meant that she had to have neared another exit. Hurrying as best she could without tripping she moved closer to the light as it got brighter, what she saw on leaving the obsidian tunnel wasn't another exit but something far more wondrous. Her mouth dropped slightly on what her eyes lay on below her.
She had arrived at the heart of the cavern. She stood at the top of a bridge built out of wood as she gazed upon something that could only have come from a book down on the cavern floor and the walls surrounding, was embedded with diamonds – hundreds , literally thousands that covered the expanse and shone so bright that they had her squinting just to see the other side.
So far from what she could see the floor was empty so she carried on moving over the small bridge and on through the next tunnel seeing where it led. She couldn't see anything that said 'magic dust, right here' so she had to keep searching. She wandered down a small ramp like hill until she reached the floor where she found herself surrounded by shiny crystal rocks.
The temptation to snag some and put them in her cloak was too much. Biting her lip she forced herself to carry on and ignore the delightfully glittery stones. She had to keep focus, and so left them behind as she walked. There was a small elevation machine in the middle that went up to the bridge, she peered over the side and saw an empty bucket dangling.
Must be where they carry up the dust. So if that was here then the dust must be close by as she did a three sixty of the room frowning when she came up empty again.
Dam labyrinth of a cave. Sighing she made her way over to the other side where she spied another exit only to double back and duck behind a bolder as sounds came from around the corner. She peered over the top to find two dwarves ambling from the tunnel. She kept her gaze on the small humanoids as they went past.
It was the first time ever, she had seen such creatures. Having only ever seen them in books it was a fascinating sight she had to say and was so focused on their appearance that she almost missed their conversation.
They shuffled their way into the middle of the cavern. Each it seemed that their own sections and so one the implore of the other, reached down and picked up a medium-sized diamond from the centre of the rock.
"Hurry Grumpy."
The haggard one – now known as Grumpy waved his hand irritably in his direction as he turned to show the other the stone for inspection as the one with glasses peered at it before nodding.
"It will do, though it shouldn't have to." He said with a tone of sadness that she had to wonder just why he had approved it he didn't want it taken from the cave. Brows knitted together she had to duck down once more as they ambled back the way they came and to the exit. She waited as they rounded the corner as he spoke just before vanishing.
"It will be brightest on her coffin." He said with a small sniffle. "Poor Snow."
Grumpy said something but it was blurred as Regina slumped down stunned at what she had heard. Snow was in a coffin? Why was she in coffin? Who put her there… what had happened in the space she was gone.
Getting the dust seemed minute now as she looked to the way they had gone and scrambled up after them. Making sure to stay out of sight she followed on after them. If they knew where she was then that was the way she was going to, maybe she could find the others and find out what went on.
She followed their scent always keeping out of vision as she crept along the tunnel after them. They seemed to take many bends as they shuffled on to their destination, finally after another ten minutes of blind walking she could see the shadows of their frames up ahead, crouching, she made her way closer and peeked around the corner.
There they were on the other side. Standing at a large tub contraption. She spied the large bowl-shaped container and the funnel that led underneath as the second dwarf reached out and pulled on a lever, she watched with more interest as the diamond he had placed under the tube, was covered with pink dust that trickled from the tub.
So that was where they kept the dust. She eyed the large machine with rapt attention before a glowing had her lower her eyes as he released the lever as the dust cut off before picking up a now pink, sparkling diamond that shone brightly. They stared at the one neutral coloured rock before he placed it in a pouch on his waist.
"Come on – we need to get this to the others."
She waited until they moved on their way before stepping around the corner. She moved up to the machine as she stood in front of the large holding tub that she now knew to be full with the dust she had searched for. She spied the lever and the button that moved the slide from pink to the other colours as she saw the blue sign.
Biting her lip, she dithered on whether to get some now or leave it and go after them. By now she could no longer hear their voices and so had worried they had gone too far, it was just in front of her and no one was around to stop her from taking it… She bobbed her head a little before letting out a small groan of agitation before turning and rushing off.
She had to jog a bit but she eventually caught up to them as they had now joined five more as they had gathered around staring at the stone and all had looks of graveness on their faces.
"Let's get this to Snow, it will go well as the final piece."
She winced a little at his words. He made it sound so… Absolute. The looks didn't help much as one by one they all filed out leaving her alone as she thought about the younger woman who had been up and about not only three days ago, she had to find out what happened, she needed to find Ruby or hell even the Hunter, the would know what went on as she tailed them again.
One way or another she was getting her answers.
Hope everyone liked. :)