Chapter Twelve
Disclaimers: I don't own Once Upon a Time or the Tairen Soul miniseries
Key
XXXXXXXXXX means POV change
OOOOOOOOOO means time change
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OOOOOOOOOO means POV change and time change
Italics means speaking through spirit or speaking through a bond
**around italics means flashback**
around italics means a character is reading text silently
So, as I've said before, I'm really glad I've got a review! I'm also glad I've got readers, and even a couple of favorites! But I still need help with this story. Once again, I will ask my readers to tell me if there is anything you don't understand. You can do so with reviews or PMs. I want to make this story understandable to everyone.
Oh, and I wanted to mention, in case you guys were confused about why Charming/David seemed to "give up" in the practice fight in the last chapter. I know Charming is not a quitter, but I had him believe he was "done for the day" for two reasons:
Although Charming knows practice is important, he may press himself less in a practice round than in a real battle.
More importantly, whether they want to admit it or not everyone has a limit. Charming tried to ignore his back in chapter two, and caused himself to faint, if you remember correctly. He is trying not to do so again. Lord Shan's specialty in training is teaching people to work past their limit. This is one of the reasons he survived 1000 of captivity with the most powerful mage (evil magic) in the Tairen Soul series.
Does this make sense?
Charming stopped short as soon as he heard…or whatever you called it, Snow's voice in his head.
Hi Snow! He replied right away. I miss you. Hearing from Snow was a better motivation for going through that training torture than Lord Shan's speeches ever would be. There was nothing he wouldn't do to see her again. And Henry, too.
Training torture? What do you mean, Charming? Snow's voice sounded concerned. He had forgotten she could hear all of his thoughts, and not just the ones he sent directly to her. It was okay, though. He had no secrets from Snow.
Well, I'm glad you have no secrets from me! He could hear her giggling in his head. Now what training torture?
He sighed and sat down on a nearby bench outside. This conversation was going to take a while, and he wanted to concentrate on only Snow. Besides, it was still pretty warm here. Well, let's see where to begin? The good news is that we may have a way home.
Really? How?
Well, it's complicated. We were told there was this…old portal in the mountains. But it's not activated. Emma's trying to find some information on how to activate it from the Hall of Scrolls. You remember I mentioned that last night, right? It's like a huge library or archive.
But that's not the only problem with this portal. It also has a whole group of dragons living right in front of it. So I'm training myself to face the dragons.
There was silence in his head for a few minutes. Then, are you sure it wouldn't be better to find another way home? One that doesn't have so many dangers in front of it? I mean, I know you fought dragons back in the Enchanted Forest, but a whole group? That you have to go through "torture training" to face? I want you and Emma back, and so does Henry, but not at the expense of killing yourselves before you get home!
That was Snow. Always ready to protect their family. But still…Snow, I'm sure Emma would be open to finding other portals if we need to. We don't even know if there's a way for this one to bring us to Storybrooke! But, there may not be another way. And we do need to get home. I miss you. I miss Henry. I miss…everybody. I don't want to stay here for another month or two looking for another portal that may not exist. I need to fight these dragons.
Snow sighed in his head. I understand what you're saying. I don't want you gone longer than you have to be, either. But I'd rather know you and Emma are alive in a different world than dead trying to get back to Storybrooke!
Snow, Charming replied sternly. I know we can make it! I have fought dragons before. And the guy I'm training with is really good. He's teaching me how to fight a longer than I thought I was able to. I can make it Snow. Plus, our friends said they would help, too.
Well…okay. Snow finally agreed.
Hey who are you to talk, anyway? Charming asked as something else occurred to him. Something tells me you and Emma had to do some pretty risky things back in the Enchanted Forest, with Cora and all.
Well, we're not talking about that right now! Snow answered, sounding defensive, proving he was right.
You had faith back then you'd get home even though you had to take risks. Well, we can get home too, despite the risks.
Okay, I'll have faith. You're right. I love you.
I love you, too. By the way, I forgot to tell you last night, how much Emma appreciates you taking care of Henry.
Why wouldn't I take care of him? You did, too, when we were in the Enchanted Forest.
Yeah, but I mean things like…going to school with him. That's another reason why you're teaching, isn't it? So you can be at the school with Henry?
Yes. I should have known you'd figure that out. You know me so well. And you tell Emma I was happy to take care of Henry. That was our deal, after all.
Charming would rather not think about Snow and Emma's "deal." He still found it a bit unsettling that Emma was supposed to take care of him. A father should take care of his daughter, not the other way around. I understand where you're coming from, Snow told him, obviously hearing his thoughts even though he hadn't sent them directly to her. I would rather take care of Emma, too. But Emma is an adult, as much as we hate to admit it, and she's very capable of taking care of herself…and you. In some ways, she can take care of you better than I could. She does have magic, after all. That's why she stayed with you.
I know. I know. Emma and I decided we could take care of each other while we were here.
That sounds nice. You guys are getting closer?
We're doing okay. She closed up for a while when we were here because I made a mistake and told her a little white lie. She…ah… didn't take it well.
Charming! Snow exclaimed. You should never lie to your daughter! Besides that institution she has, lying is wrong. You know that.
Charming bowed his head in shame, even though Snow couldn't see him. I know. I thought I was trying to protect her…you know from burns the burning room gives you. We both agreed she didn't need to know about that.
True…but still…
Yeah, I know. She saw right through me. She clammed up after that. But I think she's finally warming up to me again.
She does have an amazing institution.
It's actually more than that. Detecting a lie is actually one of her magic powers. We found that out through the people we're staying with. It's called truthspeaking.
Really? I'll keep that in mind.
So anyway, I'm glad Emma and I can protect each other, but I still need you. There are things Emma can't take care of that you can, you know. Charming's voice, or whatever you called it, had gone all low and throaty.
Me too. Snow agreed. Me too. Snow's voice had that same quality, even though she wasn't actually speaking out load. I miss being with you like that.
So, Charming asked as something occurred to him, that fascination you had with my butt in Neverland…was that just Neverland's magic or was that something you were always crazy about?
Snow laughed. Of course, Neverland's magic made me unable to think about anything else. But Charming, I love your butt. And your chest, and your arms, and...
Okay I get the message! It was a good thing he wasn't around other people right now. Certain parts of his body were…rising to attention.
Snow laughed again. I really wish I was there with you. I'd love to…take care of that…problem for you.
Mmmmmhhhhhhhmmmm.
I'm not sure…I'm good enough for you in other ways, though. What I did today… She sounded so soft, like she was afraid of his response. Her words and tone made his mood, and everything else,...drop immediately.
But there was still only one response to a comment like that. Not good enough for me! You're everything to me, Snow! Where is this coming from? You're usually so sure of yourself. What happened today to affect you like this?
I…um…sort of ran into Neal this afternoon.
Yeah. So. What does that have to do with anything? Why are you thinking you're not good enough for me!?
We got into an argument. He said he was part of our family, and I said he wasn't.
Snow… No matter how hard it is for us to admit it, he is Henry's father.
I know! I know! This is what I mean! I don't know what came over me! I'm…afraid it's my darkening heart, Charming. What if…I can't win against the darkness?
I don't accept that. You already helped save Regina from Tamara and Greg, and helped us save Henry in Neverland! And now you're taking care of Henry for Emma! What's dark about that?
Snow sighed. Maybe you're right. But it's just… I got so angry at Neal for a minute today. I was so afraid…
This happened in Neverland, too. We got…distracted, and you were afraid it was because of your darkening heart. It wasn't your heart then, Snow, it was Neverland's magic! And I have a feeling that your argument today with Neal was just that, an argument. Stop worrying about your heart every time you make a smile mistake, okay? I get into arguments, too, and I don't have a blackening heart. Everyone does. Just like everyone had problems concentrating when we were in Neverland.
Yeah…but everyone doesn't have to worry about a blackening heart every time they make a mistake, Charming. I do. I thought I could do this. I thought I could fight the darkness. But I'm not so sure anymore. Especially since I have to do it alone.
Charming shook his head, even though Snow couldn't see him. He couldn't believe she was still so insecure about this. Maybe it's better that way. Emma said something a while back, right after your…mistake with Cora, but I didn't really listen. She said you had to learn to do things yourself again. Maybe if you learn to resist the darkness without me, you'll feel stronger. More like yourself. Do you know what I mean?
Maybe. I love you, but you can't do everything for me.
Right. And hey, you're not really alone. I'm with you up here! Anytime you need me, all you have to do is find me with your heart and your mind. And I'll be with you soon again.
Right. I love you.
Me too. Always. But as for Neal, are you sure it's just about your darkening heart? It sounds like you might have a problem with him being in our family.
Maybe. Snow replied so softly, he barely heard it. It's just we've barely had any time with Emma and not much more time with Henry. And now…it's almost like he's taking them away from us. I hadn't even realized I felt that way until you mentioned it. I know, it's stupid. I feel selfish for even thinking it. Henry needs a father. And Emma…needs someone, too.
Ah, so I'm not the only one who has a problem with Emma having a boyfriend, Charming teased her, remembering their conversation from the night before.
Yeah, yeah I know.
Although, maybe we don't have to worry about that anymore after all. Charming sighed. About Emma and Neal, I mean.
What? Neal made it pretty clear to me he…cares quite a bit for Emma. And I know we both saw what happened between them in Neverland. True Love's Kiss.
Yeah, but Emma's made it pretty clear to me things are done between her and Neal. She won't say why. She assured me it wasn't because of my…problems with them being together, though.
What!? Snow practically screamed in his head. After all the work she did to get him back in Neverland? After waking him from forgotten memories with True Love's Kiss? Call me crazy but that's not a love I'd walk away from.
I know. And the way she talks about him…it's obvious she still…cares for him a lot. I told her it was a mistake to give up on Neal. I told her about the mistakes I made, almost giving up on us. But she just wouldn't listen.
That's sad. Charming you don't think…maybe she's afraid to love?
Maybe. It makes sense. Her life, Snow… Charming commented sadly. She's never been able to love easily.
I know. They both thought of how Emma had to grow up alone, with no one to care about her. No wonder she was afraid to love.
I can't try to talk about that with her, though. I found out from personal experience that Emma reacts very negatively when someone tries to get to admit she's scarred. It reminded me of someone else I know and love.
Oh really? And who might that be? Snow teased him.
I don't know. Charming teased her back. But seriously, I'm afraid Emma is too stubborn for her own good. The more I tell her to give Neal another chance , the more she'll refuse.
Stubborn huh? Where did she get that from? Snow asked, joking.
You. Definitely you. Charming replied.
I think you're more stubborn than I am!
Maybe she got it from both of us Charming conceded. But right now, it's not serving her well. It's costing her a chance at love.
As hard as it is for me to share Emma with someone else, it's even harder for me to think or her never taking a chance on love, Snow sighed.
I know. That's how I feel, too.
Maybe Neal will be able to change her mind when you two get back. He cares about her a lot, too.
Hopefully. Hey, Snow I've got to go. I need to get something to eat.
Sure. Do you want to contact me tomorrow?
Yeah, sure. Is 8:00 my time okay?
It's fine. I love you.
I love you, too, Snow. Forever.
With that, their connection was over. Charming was alone again. He'd have to go inside and get something to eat. They probably already ate, but he's sure they set something aside for him.
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Emma headed down to breakfast, hoping to see David. He had gotten in late last night, so she had already gone upstairs by the time David returned to the palace. Rain, Ellysetta and the others had told her not to worry. Ellysetta's father, Lord Shan, was an extremely hard task master. It was very possible he was still recovering. That bothered her at first. Was he okay or was he passed out on the floor or something? She remembered the time he had pushed himself to hard when he got here and fainted. Should she go get him? But they reassured her that Lord Shan had a shei'dalin available, Ellysetta's mother, to heal David and provide him with fluids.
Rain and Ellysetta also mentioned David may have been communicating with her mother. That thought had stopped Emma from going to David more than anything else. She didn't really want to be around him when he was taking to Mary Margaret…privately like that. In the first place, although Tealah had given her a lot to think about, she was still bothered by the fact that David and Mary Margaret had a truemate bond and could communicate privately, without any magic. In the second place, she really didn't want to interrupt them while they were in the middle of a…discussion. Having already walked in on them once, she could imagine the kind of…discussion they could end up having. It wasn't something she wanted to view, even if she'd only see David.
So the next morning she was eager to see David again. She hadn't seen him all day the day before. Emma hadn't realized how much she had missed him. He was nice to have around, to encourage her and support her. He was, in fact her family. The only family she had here.
She slid into her seat this morning, with a big smile on her face. Emma didn't even mind the weird food they would have on the table today. David came down and sat next to her, smiling as well. "Hi David!" she called out cheerfully. "How did things go yesterday?"
"Pretty good," he grinned at her as he picked up a couple of pieces of toast, some strange green fruit, and some eggs that were way too big to be chicken's eggs.
"Lord Shan's training was…gruesome."
Galen nodded. "I warned you about him."
"But he's techniques will be useful to prepare me for the dragons ", David continued brightly. "I'm glad I'm working with him."
"Well, I'm glad things worked out well, then." A part of Emma still wished David was helping her look up information about the portal in the Hall of Scrolls. It would make her job easier and less boring. But she understood what David was doing was important, too. She had fought a dragon before, and so had David. But a whole group of them at the same time? The others were right. He should practice first, so he wouldn't get himself killed in the process. It was important prevent him from getting killed. Emma had made a deal with Mary Margaret to protect David. Besides, Emma didn't want to lose David. He was part of her family. And maybe…she was being to realize he was more than that.
"I'm glad things are working out for you with my bond – father, too," Rain added. "I'm glad I could suggest you to him."
"So what happened last night? Why did you get in late?" Emma continued to inquire, still wanting to know more about what happened to David yesterday. She picked up a couple of pieces of toast and began munching.
"Well I was pretty tired after spending the day training, even after Elfeya healed my injuries, so I fell asleep over there for awhile. When I woke up, I was just about ready to come back here, when Snow…got a hold of me. She and I talked…or communicated for quite a while. I told her about the plan for going home." David took a bite of the eggs too big to belong to chickens
"That's good," Emma replied cheerfully. It still bothered her a little that David and Mary Margaret had this truemate bond that allowed them to communicate like that, but she was trying to get over it. It was good that Mary Margaret and Henry knew they may have a way home. On the subject of trying to get over her problems with the truemate bond, she had been thinking a lot about what Tealah had said last night.
It wasn't as if she was ready to try things with Neal again, by any means. No matter that Tealah could well…marry, for all intensive purposes, a man she wasn't truemated to, she wasn't ready enter into that kind of relationship. But she was really curious about seeing Tealah with her…man. How did they interact? Did they act like they were in love? The best way to see, she supposed, would be to go to their e'tanitsa bonding ceremony, after all. Could she? Did she dare? As Emma took another bite of toast, she wondered if she should ask Ellysetta about it. What would she have to wear? A dress, she supposed. Was it worth it? Could she ask Ellysetta about it in the first place, given that she was still a little uncomfortable around her? She took another bite of toast, still thinking.
But then Emma looked at David. Knowing what she knew about him, Emma knew he would love to go to the e'tanitsa bonding. And this would be an opportunity for her to spend time with David as well, something that was getting harder in this world. She took a deep breath. "Ellysetta, Tealah mentioned something yesterday. About an e'tanitsa bonding ceremony she was having? She was wondering if we could come."
A look of amazement and delight came over Ellsyetta's face. "I can't believe I forgot to tell you about that! Yes, we'd love you to come! It's going to be held here, in the ballroom."
The ballroom? What had she gotten herself into? Emma wondered.
Meanwhile, David's eyes lit up. "That sounds like it would be fun! We used to things like that back home, I mean back in the Enchanted Forest." He took a bite of the green fruit.
"Then you're welcome to come. I would have invited you anyway, as our guests, but if Tealah invited you herself, that's even better."
David, as excited as he obviously was, was beginning to look confused. "What does Tealah inviting us have to do with anything? And what is an e'tanitsa bonding ceremony, anyway?"
"From what she told me, it's sounds like a wedding, David," Emma replied, trying to help him out.
Ellysetta nodded, "It's similar to a wedding, yes. She's going to bond her life to one of my lu'tan. A man like Bel, Galen, Gil, Tajik, and Rijonn. Only he's not one of my primary guards."
David, nodded, looking interested, as Emma knew he would.
Emma wanted to go. She wanted to see more of this couple that fascinated her so much. And she wanted to do something with David, too. But…a ball? "Would I have to wear something…really fancy?" Emma asked, hoping she didn't sound too nervous.
But Ellysetta smiled. "Not if you don't want to. We're all friends here. If you want to wear something more comfortable than a gown, that's okay. I have some dresses that are less fancy from when I lived in Celieria you can try. Or I can weave Earth to make a dress you would like."
Emma was relieved she could wear a regular dress to the wedding. That would be enough for her. But…a custom – made dress created by magic? All of this magic was making her uncomfortable. She still wasn't sure how to deal with it. Especially after Ellsyetta's "tairen attack" a few days ago. "I don't know," she replied slowly. "I'd really rather…see what's available than have a dress made…that way."
Ellysetta nodded, obviously regretting mentioning something that would make Emma uncomfortable. The woman was really trying to make Emma feel at ease. She wished she could reach back. Maybe there was a way. "Well, show me your dresses tonight, and maybe we'll find something together." She smiled brightly at Ellysetta. Would she see what Emma was trying to do? She'd love to find the friendship she used to have with this woman again, but she wasn't ready for the magic yet.
Ellysetta nodded. "That sounds great! So you guys will come to the ceremony? Tealah will love that!"
Emma and David both nodded and finished breakfast.
After David headed for the Warrior's Academy, Emma went right to the Hall of Scrolls. "Hi," she said to Tealah as she entered the building. "I…ah…thought it over last night, and I decided I might like to come to your e'tanitsa bonding after all. I talked it over with Ellysetta and she said she'd find me a dress to wear. And David wants to come, too."
Tealah beamed. "That's great! It's nice to have you guys here, even though I know your eager to go home. And I hope things work out for you, Emma, even without a truemate."
The woman was way to perceptive for her own good! How did she know Emma had someone to "work thing s out" even without a truemate bond? No matter. She may be interested in Tealah's relationship, but she and Neal were through! No matter what anyone else thought. Emma sighed and headed for her work table. It was going to be a long day.
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Snow had left a text message for Neal to meet her at the park after she and Henry were done with school. She hoped he'd listen to her. She was pretty sure he'd come, if only to see Henry again. Snow knew Neal really loved Henry. And that was a good thing.
"So Henry, how'd you like to go to the park today? she asked him as she picked him up from his classroom. "I invited Neal to go with us."
Henry's eyes lit up. "Great! I have to show him the new tricks I can do on the jungle gym!"
Snow took a deep breath and led him to her car. She hoped this would go well. What if Neal wasn't willing to forgive her for her senseless outburst yesterday? "Then let's get over there," she told Henry.
As soon as they arrived, Henry headed straight for the climbing equipment. Snow looked around for Neal. He wouldn't pass up a chance to see Henry, would he? She settled down on a bench to wait. And waited. And waited. And waited. Where was Neal?
Suddenly Neal appeared in the distance. He ran over to Henry with a big smile on his face. "Hi! Buddy!"
He exclaimed.
"Hi Neal! Look what I can do!" Henry put one of his legs into the monkey bars and let go of his hands so he was hanging by one foot.
"That's great!" Neal replied cheerfully.
"Henry…" Snow warned him from the background.
"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll be fine!" Henry pulled his leg through so he was standing on the ground again, much to Snow's relief.
At the sound of her name, Neal turned to see Snow. "Hi," he said curtly. He was obviously still upset about what she had said to him yesterday. And why shouldn't he be?
"Hi," she replied, stepping forward. She could do this. Snow White wasn't a coward. "Look, I wanted to apologize for what happened yesterday. I never should have said you weren't part of our family. You'll always be Henry's father."
Neal nodded neutrally.
"And I don't think our family is perfect or that you have to be perfect to be a part of our family," Snow continued. "I'm pretty far from perfect!"
Neal sighed and nodded. "Okay. But why did you say that? That really hurt me. And why, why, why are you able to talk to them and I'm not? I want to see Emma again, too."
Snow sighed. This was so complicated. "Well, I don't know…I haven't had much time with just Emma and Henry, you know? Having you here…wanting to spend time with them and be with them…there's a part of me that finds that hard to accept. I'm sorry." Her problems with her heart were not something she felt comfortable talking to anyone but Charming.
Neal looked at her for a minute, obviously thinking over what she said. "Alright. Are you going to be okay with me seeing Emma and Henry? Because I want to keep seeing them. I will keep seeing them."
Snow sighed. "Yes, of course! I mean, I'm not going to stop you from seeing them or anything. Although, you might be interested to know…Emma doesn't want to see you anymore."
Neal's mouth dropped open in shock. "Where is that coming from!? How can you even know that? Are you trying to make problems for Emma and me because you don't want to let her go again?" He stepped away from her. "You know maybe I should just…" he walked off, obviously upset.
Snow ran after him. She had been afraid of this. From what Emma had told her, Neal had a history of running when he was angry instead of listening. It was probably because he ran away from his father for so long. His father. Rumplestiltskin. That was weird. She had never known Rumplestiltskin had a son. But it didn't matter. What mattered was getting Neal to listen to her. She needed to explain to him that Emma's…decision wasn't her idea. It was a decision, that quite frankly, she and Charming both believed was wrong.
"Wait!" she called out. "I'm not trying to make problems for you and Emma! I was just trying to prepare you for what she might do or not do when she gets back. Look," Snow tried again, as she caught up with him. "I don't agree with Emma's decision about your relationship at all. And neither does David. It may be hard for us to think about you together, but we want Emma to have…love. We did see what happened between you two in Neverland! But Emma appears too afraid of love right now."
Neal nodded, "Okay. I guess I'm jumping to conclusions a lot, huh? Is there anything I could do to change her mind? When she gets back, I mean?"
Snow shrugged. "Don't force her. Emma has plenty of stubbornness from David and I. If someone tells her to do something she's uncomfortable with, she'll run the other way. And I don't want to see you getting possessive of Emma because of your past anyway," Snow warned. "Don't try to tell her she needs to be with you because of Henry, or any of that. It's not right."
Neal's face became angry again. "I wouldn't do that! If I was going to that, don't you think I would have said something when I first came back?"
Snow shrugged. "I was just making sure, okay? I may know you and my daughter care a lot for each other, but I don't really know you that well. You did ask for advice, remember."
Neal nodded. "Okay."
"So anyway," Snow continued. "Don't give up on her, either. Show her what kind of man you can be by just taking care of Henry and being her friend. Be patient, and she should come around."
Neal nodded. "Thanks."
"So you want to find out what tricks Henry is up to now?" Snow pointed back to the jungle gym.
Neal nodded. "Why not?" As they walked back, he suddenly remembered. "Oh! I forgot what started this argument yesterday in the first place. How are you able to talk to them? Could I talk to Emma, too? I know she probably won't want to talk to me, but you did say not to give up…"
Snow sighed and looked at the ground as she walked. This was where it got really complicated. Quite frankly, she had been hoping he'd forget about what started the argument yesterday. But she supposed that was asking too much. In the first place, Snow wasn't really sure of all the details of why she and Charming were the only ones who could communicate…through their minds. In the second place, it was something she'd rather keep private. But Snow reminded herself of what she had told Neal earlier. He was family. He was always going to be Henry's father. And maybe, she should try to get to know him better if she wanted him and Emma to work things out.
She took a deep breath and looked back at Neal as they sat down on the bench to watch Henry again. "Okay, first of all, I can't communicate to both of them; it only David. David can give me messages from Emma and vice versa, but that's it. Second of all, I'm not sure I really understand why David and I can do this. It has something to do with something called a 'truemate bond' David and I apparently have. I don't really understand the details, but apparently David's friends in the world he's in explained it to him. But the result is we can communicate…in our minds, I guess."
Neal nodded, looking away. "Oh. I see. Well, tell David I still love Emma, and I hope she give us another chance, okay."
Snow nodded. "I can do that."
"Look how fast I can run!" Henry called to both of them as he zipped from one end of the park to the other.
"That's great Henry!" they both called out at the same time.
As Snow drove her and Henry home a couple of hours later, she reflected on how well she had been able to handle herself. Charming was right; she could fight her blackening heart by herself. And because she had done it herself, she had more confidence in herself. Of course, if she really needed him he was also available, a thought away. Soon he would be back home, too she hoped. Because even if she didn't need him to fight her blackening heart for her, she still needed him here, with her. For always.
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Emma returned to the castle at the end of the day, with still no information on how to activate the portal Galen had heard about. This was really getting old, reading the old fey spells and stories all day with no result. There was a part of her that wanted to give up. David was still here, so it wasn't like none of her family was with her. And she'd get used to this world someday. But one thought of Henry made Emma resume looking. She needed to return to Henry. She wasn't going to let him grow up like she did; with no mother to care for him. Plus, Emma really did want to see Mary Margaret again. She liked having her whole family together. She liked having…a mother.
Speaking of family, Emma hoped David would be available to eat with them tonight. She liked spending time with him. Even if what they had to eat was always strange and weird for her and appeared normal for David.
"Hi, everyone", she called to all the fey that ate with them. Dare she call some of them friends? She gave a small smile as she sat down.
"Hi, Emma," they all replied, cheerfully.
As they began to set out the food, (this time it was a purple meat that smelled like chicken with more sugared potatoes. And a roll! Rolls were great!) David strolled in. "Hi everyone!"
"Hi, David!" Emma's eyes lit up and she grinned. That she was glad to see him was obvious, but Emma was beginning to realize that was okay. She didn't have to hide her emotions from him.
David's face looked tired from the training he had done that day. But he smiled back at everyone as well, and his eyes lit up when he saw how happy Emma was to see him. Things were going pretty well between the two of them.
They all ate, telling the news of the day and joking around. Emma even tried some of the purple chicken. It was alright, although she still looked forward to eating regular chicken back in Storybrooke.
After they were finished David straight to his room. To take a nap after a long training session or to "talk" to Mary Margaret, Emma wasn't sure, but it didn't matter, she supposed. Ellysetta was going to show her some of her old dresses Emma could wear to Tealah's e'tanitsa bonding ceremony. She just hoped there was one that wasn't too fussy.
"Well," Ellysetta pulled out ten different dresses and placed them on the bed Emma was using. "There's this one." Ellysetta held out a short - sleeved purple dress that hung at the knees. The dress also had a gold trim around the neck and arms. Emma looked at it for a second. It was alright, she supposed, but she could do without the gold trim.
"I don't know…" she told Ellysetta.
"There's this one," Ellysetta continued. She held up a plain green dress with thin sleeves that went down past the knee. It wasn't that bad, Emma thought to herself, nodding.
"Maybe," she told Ellysetta. "Let me see what else you have."
Then Ellysetta held up a sky blue dress that went down to the ankle. It was trimmed with lace. Emma was horrified. "No!" Emma exclaimed, shaking her head violently. "Way to fancy! That's exactly what I didn't want!"
Ellysetta chuckled and put the dress aside. "I figured as much. I was actually just teasing you with that one."
Emma sighed in relief, laughing as well. "Okay. So what else is there?"
"How about this one?" Ellysetta held up a pale orange dress with a low neck line and short sleeves. The dress also went down to the knees. Emma nodded. "It's okay. Maybe."
Ellysetta continued to hold up dresses that weren't that bad but Emma still wasn't sure. She wasn't a dressy person. She wanted something that would be comfortable to wear.
"I don't know," Emma told Ellysetta, finally. "I don't usually wear dresses. Where I come from, women don't have to wear them all the time. And I find them a nuisance, especially with my job. I'm the sheriff, so I have to do a lot of running and jumping."
Ellysetta nodded. "I understand. I mean, I sort of. When I lived in Celieria, I wore dresses, yes, but dresses like this." She gestured to the dresses she had already laid out on the bed Emma was using. "Now I'm the Queen of the Fading Lands so I wear elaborate gowns like this." She gestured to the purple and red gown she was currently wearing. "It took some getting used to, let me tell you!"
Emma smiled at Ellysetta. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed talking to this woman. They really had so much in common. "Well. I still have to find a dress to wear for next week." Did she really want to go? Was it worth it? At the same time, what was she going to do if she didn't go? Sit in her room well everyone else here enjoyed a party? Plus, Emma still looked forward to spending some time with David. And what about Tealah and her…man?
Emma picked up some of the dresses again began to look through them herself. She wanted something nice, but more importantly, something that said Emma. And above all, it had to be comfortable! The green one wasn't too bad, but it might be a little tight. She put it aside.
Then Ellysetta pulled out a red dress that went down to the knee, but wasn't as tight as the green one. It had off – the shoulder sleeves, which made it appear fancier than it really was. It was made of a cotton – type material that felt very comfortable. It was actually…not that bad. "I like that one," Emma said, nodding. "The only thing is, could we get rid of this, somehow? Preferably without magic?" She pointed to the large red bow placed at the waist of the dress.
Ellysetta shrugged. "I could take it off and mend it up for you. Without magic." At Emma's confused look, Ellysetta laughed. "I didn't always have magic and I wasn't always a queen, remember. I know how to use a needle and thread. I can have the dress ready for next week, no problem."
Emma smiled gratefully. "Thanks. I guess I'm all set then. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
Ellysetta nodded.
The next week came slowly as Emma looked and looked in the Hall of Scrolls for information on how to reopen the portal with no result. David continued to spend the days at the Warrior's academy, returning to the palace exhausted, but free of bruises or other wounds. After all, there was always a shei'dalin at the training. Some days, David missed dinner and ate late. Other days he ate with everyone. Every night he would disappear in to the room he was staying in or remain outside for an hour or two. Emma knew he was communicating with Mary Margaret. Ellysetta worked on the red dress for Emma whenever she got a chance.
Finally, it was the night of Tealah's e'tanitsa bonding ceremony.
So what did you think of that chapter? Did you like it? Is there anything, and I repeat anything you don't understand? I can't help you or fix anything that needs fixed unless you tell me!
I will mention that as far as Snow's "blackening heart" I personally don't think her heart has any black in it anymore. I think saving Regina twice near the end of season two and saving Henry in Neverland, not to mention taking care of Henry by herself, have cured her of that. But in my mind at least, Snow doesn't know that; she's still pretty insecure about it and has a tendency to assume the worst anytime she makes a small mistake. (Like her…control issue in Neverland or her argument with Neal.) So it's something she still needs to work through. After all, in this story at least, no one is going to show her the condition of her heart.
I'd still love to hear if any of you have read Tairen Soul if you think I have those characters written right or not. And I'd love to hear if you think I've written the Once characters written correctly or not.
Just please, give me a review or a PM if you'd rather about what you think of the story/chapter.
And thanks again to my anonymous reviewer!