Sorry for taking so long on this, was originally planning to update this in time for the Skin Deep anniversary but real life had gotten in the way these past few weeks with hospital visits and examinations. First decided to change this back to a T since I realize what I was planning with the story may not need to get as graphic as I thought it would but if it does end up getting to that point it will change the rating back to M but that is a later bridge to cross. Originally this was going to be a much longer chapter but decided to split it up since taking baby steps in terms of my own personal word count limitations which I hope overtime to fix on. Okay enough rambling and here you go :)
Do not own anything of Once Upon A Time and still waiting a month left for the hiatus
Chapter Four
It took about nearly an hour for Belle to have gotten the information she was able to maintain regarding Rumpelstiltskin and his family. The more news she had gotten about him, the more frustrated Belle became when coming to the conclusion according to the townsfolk, cowardice was considered the worse crime anyone in the world could commit.
Pathetic man, son of a coward then became one
While a lot of brave men fought and died in the Ogre's War, Rumpelstiltskin ran away on the eve of battle
Should have done his wife and son a favour long ago and killed himself
Over and over Belle could not get the image of the child and his father out of her mind. She was no stranger to seeing those living on hard times and prior to her mother's death, Belle would accompany her to help some of the village women comfort giving her a first glimpse of a different world beyond the castle walls. They looked so dirty, vulnerable and the father appeared more broken than the son even remembering how he never looked at her straight in the eye even when she was trying to help them.
She saw people like this in all her travels to where being compassionate were second nature, yet it was unclear why this case had made more heartbroken than normal.
The next morning, Belle began to explore the town in which she began to set her sights on getting some items for however long their next voyage would be. What caught her attention immediately was the smell of fresh bread from a bakery straight ahead as she was heading here noticing there was a shop next to it appearing as though there might have been several books she could pick up. Going for the books first, Belle walked into the store trying to decide on where she could make a selection. Although it was not the largest bookstore she had seen, there was still enough to pick to avoid not being deprived of books.
"Can I help you with something miss?" the shopkeeper had been keeping an eye on Belle as she came in knowing right away she was not from around there. Good chance of getting robbed for the materials rather than money since the store was not a frequent spot.
"Yes I would like to purchase all the newest editions this store has from within the past two weeks, Along with that book on the window display" she pointed out to a small brown book with gold trimmings on the borders with the shape of roses. The design of the cover was a clear indication for being used for a journal thankfully she was able to update it before the month was out. As he was getting the journal, Belle also went to pick up some spare quills, ink and parchment always keeping stock in supplies since the record keeping on the Jolly Roger fell onto her responsibility; what caught her eye next was a globe made of wood but had the detailed map of the world but had too many maps aboard as it was. Although the craftsmanship's was exquisite, none could compare to her mother's since it had magical properties but it was one of the many items she had to leave behind when leaving hoping it is still in the library of her father's castle. The shopkeeper look Belle this look of uncertainty as he was bundling up her packages noticing she was already picking up one of the books to get a head start. By the way she was dressed, she may have appeared to be up to no good but it was clear her only intention was to purchase the items needed. So lost was Belle into the page she did not hear getting ringed up.
"that would be 10 gold coin miss" certain the price must have been lower than that, it did not phase her much as she went to her purse to find the right amount to give out
"I expect you can keep the change" giving a huge smile that gave more attention to her big blue eyes
"Miss, this is 50. I cannot accept this" trying to give the coins back, Belle stopped his hand from giving her the coins
"Here is why you are going to accept it, I will be returning every day for the three days and since there are a few more packages here I cannot carry on my ship at the moment, will come back to pick up the rest of the bundles along with some new material that arrives and the cost should cover them."
"Thank you so much miss, I hope you have a good day" the both waved to each other goodbye as Belle happily carried one of her bundles out of the book shop heading towards the bakery for some much needed bread.
Come out of the bakery a few minutes later with a loaf still on her mouth, Belle spots a familiar face walking out what appears to be the tailor shop but due to her voice limitation is not able to speak without the noise being almost mute.
Even though the pain on the leg was one he had for nearly eight years, Rumpelstiltskin still had some trouble adjusting to it as he started limping out of the tailor's feeling better he was able to sell his weekly wool for a better price than what was normally paid to him. At last he was able to have some money to keep around for a few extra weeks. From the minute he was this morning, all Rumpelstiltskin could think about was the conversation he had with Milah the previous night where she was suggesting the best option was for them to move.
Move someplace far away where the name of "Rumpelstiltskin the coward" no longer matters, a decent wage from the weekly wool. We can probably be happy again and Bae will be able to grow up without finding out the truth of his father. Perhaps Milah may have been suggesting a good idea after all.
Lost in his thoughts, he did not notice the foot that hooked itself onto the walking stick. Causing Rumpelstiltskin to lose his balance and landing on the cobblestone pavement with his face hitting the puddle. It did not help some of the bystanders around him who had witnessed the incident were able to have their entertainment of the hour as several were laughing to hysterics.
"Get up coward! You ain't going to start crying like a little girl over a little tumble" stated a large portly man with a scruffy black beard as his companion, a smaller man about Rumpstiltslkin's build took the walking stick along with a few of the coins that had dropped on the floor.
"Eh it looks like the coward can magically conjure up some gold, well thank you for putting some talents to use" put the coins into his pocket still playing keep away from the stick as Rumpelstiltskin still found hard to get up
"Please that is my month's wages, give them back I need it." Soon as he tried to get his money, the smaller goon pushed Rumpelstiltskin back causing him to lose his balance again more humiliated it would have been difficult to get up without some assistance.
"Well I don't see your name on it; if the money was on the floor then it's anyone's. Thank you for your generous contribution." Putting the rest of the coins onto their pockets, one of the goons feels an object poking their back with near force it almost impaling him dropping some of the coins
"I don't believe that money belongs to either one of you, now as you can be so kind to return it back to its rightful owner" pressing the dagger further into the larger man without killing him hoping he will not be able to turn around and just do as she asks.
No longer mattered as the goons noticed the attacker was a young girl who dressed like a bandit but looked like a porcelain doll. Immediately beginning to laugh in even more hysterics; Belle started to lose her patience, unsheathing her sword giving the smaller goon a perfect cut getting all the coins onto the floor then aiming it to their faces.
"Now I am not going to ask again, do not bother this man again or the next time I aim my sword it will lower over the waist and I will not miss." Taking her threat seriously, the two goons ran like frightened rabbits giving Belle the laugh needed for the day as she picked up the walking stick giving her gloved hand to the fallen spinner.
"Hold on to my shoulder so you can have some balance" Rumpelstiltskin was still baffled at what had just transpired but did as the girl he knew to be Lacey asked not even sure if what he felt was disgust for her seeing him in such a state or happy someone cared enough to help him. Finally able to walk properly on the stick, Belle tried to pick up as much of the coins she saw could spot giving them to him while going back into the alley behind them to pick up her items.
"Let's get you cleaned up and if you wish, I can share some delicacies with you that I just bought."
There was no a chance to think about the invitation as Rumpelstiltskin and Belle walked as best as they could to his house even though her packages and his limp may have been a cause for their slow pacing. Neither saying anything each other on the way back as they made it to a small shack just outside the square. They both walked into the house as Belle inspected from what she saw to be a humble but tidy living space with a furnace still warm even though there had not been a sign of anyone but them in there.
"Where is your wife and Baelfire?" hoping to have seen the boy again and meeting his mother under better circumstances this time.
"Not sure where exactly Milah today, she might at the bar or visiting one of the war widows and Baelfire is staying with a friend. Normally I take him with me to sell the wool but was not sure how long it would take so my neighbour has him. He asked for you a few times since last night, 'can we find Lady Lacey tomorrow? I would like her to teach me to fight' he said, Bae is normally not taken by people as quickly but he does like you"
Laughing a little at this piece of news made Belle happy even seeing Rumpelstiltskin smile a bit hoping to put him at ease until a few seconds later he went back to his melancholy disposition.
"I'll go make us some tea, how about you get some bowls on the cupboard" setting the packages aside, Belle did was she was told in hopes to make her host feel more at ease in having a guest over setting the table up as best as she could into a proper tea party. He picked up the kettle from the furnace trying not to shake as much worrying it to spill giving her a cup, all while trying not to look at his guest in the eye at least until he may be forced to do so.
"I saw you walking out of the tailor shop was I was coming out to the bakery and due to having too much in my hands could not wave so thought I would casually walk over to you and everything just got of hand." handing him her handkerchief wondering if he at least trusted her at this point.
"Thank you, why did you help me back there? I am a pathetic coward who is met by scorn because I am weak and have a limp. Even my wife is ashamed of me and it's only a matter of time before my son will be old enough to do the same" It was completely unknown to Rumpelstiltskin as to why he was telling his personal problems to a girl who not only he had just met the night before but a mere child nonetheless. He could not cry in front of her for it would have been too low for him to have sunk but she did not show any disgust or contempt instead put her hand towards him but he flinched away as though beaten.
"Because it does not matter what crime you did, no one deserves to be treated as an inferior. This may not be easy to realize, but you are much braver than you think. I know of your reputation Rumpelstiltskin but I am in no position to judge since I do not know the circumstances. Yet you continue to live here, everyday being ridiculed and still doing as much as possible to help your family is something to be admired over".
Speechless would be the perfect reaction to describe Rumpelstiltskin as this passionate little girl took a seat after having her say. How can she say a thing and this girl was nothing more than a stranger to him
"I'm sorry I did not mean to pry, I just meant to say you do not deserve to be beaten and robbed for sport….Oh my goodness, my brother is expecting me soon I have to go now." Making a mad haste to get her items knowing the way back to the ship will be twice as long at this rate
"Thank you for the company Lacey and saving my life, shame we did not try those delicacies."
"Oh you can keep them and give the other one to Bae, I am sure he would enjoy more than I could."
Finally getting packed up, Belle said her goodbyes to Rumpelstiltskin hoping she would be able to see him and Baelfire again before they sail away. Just about to walk out of the door, Rumpelstiltskin followed Belle to escort her out letting his thought come together for her.
"Everything I do is for my son; I would do anything possible if it means keeping him safe."
"Then Baelfire is incredibly lucky to have a father like you. He will never be ashamed of you, one day you will see this."
With that, Belle closed the door leaving Rumpelstiltskin in a better mood than he was in the morning, allowing him to go to his spinning wheel and start to make the yarn ready for piece he was planning on making.
Reviews please and thank you so much to those who are reading, following and reviewing :)