Edited From Neverland to the Fading Lands

by Sara K M

Edited (Hopefully). This can be read as a Neverland one - shot. However, the rest of the chapters are a crossover with C. L. Wilson's Tairen Soul miniseries. Since it is written entirely from Emma and Charming/David's POV, I any Once fan could follow it. Therefore, I am marketing it as a regular fic. Parings: Swanfire, Snowing. Edited - map of the Fading Lands and other kingdoms.

13. Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

Disclaimers: I don't own Once Upon a Time or the Tairen Soul miniseries

Key

XXXXXXXXXX means POV change

OOOOOOOOOO means time change

XXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOO means POV change and time change

Plain italics means speaking in spirit or speaking through a bond

**around italics means flashback**

around italics means the current narrator is reading silently

So, I'm sorry we don't get a new episode tonight but at least you get a new chapter of my story! I'd like to think some of you look forward to this story, considering I have a lot of readers and even a few follows and favorites. It would be easier to believe people are enjoying this if I got more reviews, though (hint, hint).

And once again, I ask you, if there is anything in this story you don't understand please let me know! Either reviews or PMs would be fine. I will do my best to fix the problem and/or explain to you whatever you don't understand, but I can't do that if you don't let me know if you're confused about anything.

Also, if you think any of the characters are acting out – of - character, I'd like to know. I strive to keep all my characters in character, because there isn't anything that drives me crazier than out – of – character fanfictions.

If you think I'm doing everything right, could you let me know that? And thanks goes to my anonymous review again. I'm glad this is really making sense to at least one reader who hasn't read Tairen Soul. I am also glad that reader loves my idea about the Snow/Charming truemate bond and the relationship between David and Emma.

Emma entered the doorway of the ballroom with wide eyes. It was huge; about half the size of a football stadium. Was she really going to do this? Fancy dances and pomp and circumstance weren't really her thing. But Emma remembered laughing with Ellysetta the week before as they picked out her dress. She really was developing a friendship with the woman, despite the problem they had before. And Ellysetta made it clear she wanted Emma to come to this ceremony. And there was Tealah, too. Tealah, who had opened the Hall of Scrolls to her and David to help them find a way home. Tealah, gave her so much to think about after their talk. Could she be a friend, too? Plus she was still burning with curiosity about Tealah and her man.

Speaking of men, there was one more person that Emma had actually put on a dress and come to a formal wedding for. He was standing right next to her, grinning from ear to ear to be going to a ball with his…. You can say it, Emma, she said to herself. With his daughter. David was had borrowed some formal clothes from Tajik. He wore a black suit made of some sort of material Emma didn't recognize. She wouldn't be surprised if David had worn it before, though, considering how familiar he was with so many of the things in this world.

But Emma quickly shook her head. She wasn't going to concentrate on how…distant she felt from David when he appeared to be familiar and comfortable in this strange world. She wanted to concentrate on how much she wanted to spend time with him tonight. She really had missed seeing him during the day. "Let's go in," she said to David, taking a deep breath and smiling at him.

David took Emma's arm, still grinning, and led her into the ballroom. It was decorated in green and white, with beautiful glass floors. "Where do you think we should sit?" he asked her.

Emma shrugged. She'd rather sit with people that they knew, but Tealah was the bride and Rain and Ellysetta were officiating the ceremony, since they were the king and queen in of this kingdom. Maybe they could sit with the guards. Off two the side of Rain and Ellysetta's thrones were Bel, Galen, Tajik, Gil, and Rijonn. Behind them was about five hundred other men. Emma had no idea who they were, but apparently they were important. Could they sit there? But Tajik had already moved over to create a spot for David and Emma, as he greeted David warmly, and the others all smiled at them as well.

About a half hour later, all the guests had arrived. Ellysetta, dressed in a sparkling green gown trimmed with lace, stood up. She also wore a platinum crown of crystals and another crystal around her neck, in addition to the other crystals she normally wore. Rain, wearing a similar crown and a black suit similar to David's, except it also sparkled, stood up as well. They said something in the other language everyone else spoke here first. Everyone else clapped, so she and David clapped as well, feeling bewildered. Were they really going to speak that language the whole time? Had this been a mistake to come to the wedding, or e'tanitsa bonding, as they called it?

But then Ellysetta continued, "I'd so like you to remember to try to speak Celierian as well as feyan tonight. We have people here who aren't fluent in feyan." Emma sighed in relief that these people were going to try to speak English, or Celierian as they called it, after all. Still, were they really going to speak a different language than their own just for her and David? It made her slightly uncomfortable. Looking at David, she could tell the idea made him even more uncomfortable .

But Rain moved on, saying something in the other language. Then he added, "I invite Tealah vol Jianas and Grumli vel Sierrras to come forward." Tealah walked down the middle of the ballroom wearing a white gown covered in squinted lace from the waist down and was all silk from the waist up. Emma admitted it was actually a normal – looking wedding dress, if a bit old – fashioned. It made her feel less out – of place.

Next to her was a tall man with pale skin and dark brown hair. He was wearing the same kind of suit Rain was wearing. She wondered if that was Tealah's father. Ordinarily, Emma would say he looked too young to be the woman's father; after all he looked about the same age as Tealah. But Emma had a feeling that was pretty common in the Fading Lands, considering how easily everyone accepted David was Emma's father. Easier than Emma accepted it, in fact.

Tealah and the man came to stand in front of Ellysetta and Rain, facing sideways so the rest of the audience could also see. Ellysetta said something in the other language as well. Then she added, "Tealah vol Jianas, daughter of Rivander and Fawana v'En Yannna, and Grumli vel Sierras, son of Sander vel'En Sierras and Mallrala vol'En Sierras, have chosen to join their hearts in e'tanitsa." Emma suddenly realized the man next to Tealah was actually Grumli, as Rain said something in feyan. She had heard of women on Earth who walked down the aisle with their intended instead of their fathers, so she supposed it shouldn't surprise her so much. Maybe it surprised her because Emma had always subconsciously wanted a father to walk her down the aisle if she ever got married. Not that Emma had ever planned on getting married, by any means,...but… She glanced at David. She had a father now, if she wanted him.

Rain continued in English, "They are now to be known as Tealah vol'En Sierras and Grumli vel'En Sierras, hearts which they chose to join together on their own." Emma thought about that for a minute. She kept hearing all the benefits of the rare and mythical truemate bond she never stopped to think of the benefits of not having a truemate bond. Truemates were bound by their souls, from what she understood. It was kind of like the Earth term "soul mate", only with extra powers. They didn't choose their partners; fate did. People who choose e'tanitsa bonds chose their own partners. Emma hated being told she had to do something. It was one of the reasons she didn't like possessing magic; she hadn't asked for it. So the idea that she could choose her romantic partner herself…it was attractive. Not that she had anyone in mind or anything. It couldn't work out with Neal.

Ellysetta then stepped in front of Grumli and something in feyan again. Then, "As holder of your bloodsworn bond, I bless this union. I wish you happiness and fertility."

Rain then continued the ceremony in feyan. Then he said in English, "As Feyreisen and Defender of the Fey, I honor the union between Tealah, the Keeper of the Hall of Scrolls, and Grumli, Warrior of the Fey." He smiled as he said this.

Ellysetta smiled as she said something in feyan as well. Then she finished in English, "As Feyreisa and Defender of the Fey, I also honor the union between Tealah, the Keeper of the Hall of Scrolls, and Grumli, Warrior of the Fey."

Tealah and Grumli then turned around and everyone in the audience shouted something in feyan and clapped. Then everyone stood and screamed, "Tealah and Grumli vel'En Sierras!" and clapped again. Emma and David stood, clapping and shouting the couple's new name as well, understanding that the couple was being congratulated.

Music started playing, although Emma had no idea where it was coming from. More magic, she supposed. People laughed and hugged as the joyous mood spread. Despite how uncomfortable Emma still was in a dress and hearing magical music, the mood spread to Emma as well, and she gave David a hug. "I'm glad we came together," she whispered to him. David appeared shell – shocked for a minute, that Emma would actually say something like that and give him a hug. But then he hugged back, whispering, "I'm glad we came together, too."

As people got up to dance and nibble on snacks, Emma noticed she wasn't the only woman not wearing gown. Plenty of the guests wore dresses, and some were even as simple as the one Emma wore. She sighed in relief. Maybe she wasn't so out – of – place, after all. Glancing at her waistline, Emma realized she needed to thank Ellysetta for fixing the red dress the way Emma had wanted it. The red bow was gone, thank goodness.

But where was Ellysetta? Off somewhere being a queen, Emma supposed. It was hard to remember sometimes that Ellysetta was supposed to be the queen of this kingdom. After all, she didn't always wear a crown and she acted so down – to – earth. Emma was hoping to become friends with Ellysetta again, if only she could avoid the magic. But tonight she probably didn't have time for Emma. Emma sighed. Maybe some of the food was familiar.

But as Emma began making her way to the food table, she suddenly heard, "Emma! David!" in Ellysetta's voice. Surprised, Emma turned in the direction of the voice. Ellysetta and Rain were smiling and walking toward her and David, who was a few feet behind her, talking to Tajik. David smiled and approached Ellysetta and Rain with Emma. "Hello!" they all greeted each other warmly.

"I'm so glad you guys could come tonight!" Ellysetta exclaimed. "I know you would rather be home by now, but I'm glad you could come to Tealah's e'tanitsa bonding and enjoy the celebration!"

David smiled. "Yeah, that's true, we'd like to be home right now. But I'm glad we could come, tonight, too. It's been a long time since I've been to a celebration like this." There was a longing in his voice, even though Emma knew he tried to hide it. Would he really be okay with staying in Storybrooke, or was he always going to want to go to his "home"? "And I've never been to one with Emma!" he added brightly. He smiled at Emma. At least they could agree on something. It was nice to be here together.

"Seriously though," David added to Ellysetta. "I appreciate you translating the ceremony for our sake; it was easier to understand that way. But it wasn't really necessary for you to go through all that trouble, just for our sakes." Both Ellysetta and Rain looked at each other and burst out laughing. What was so funny? Was she being laughed at? Emma wondered.

Emma was just getting ready to "blow her top" for laughing at her. How dare they! Especially after she decided to come to this thing and wear a dress! But then Ellysetta calmed down enough to talk. "I'm sorry. I forgot you don't know about them. They don't live in the palace; Papa doesn't want them to get used too much luxury." She chuckled again.

Emma's emotions did a one – eighty at that comment. Instead of anger, she felt confusion. Apparently she wasn't being laughed at, after all, but what, or rather who was Ellysetta talking about?

"Huh?" Emma and David said at the same time.

"My sisters, Lillis and Lorelle, are here and only understand Celierian. Papa understands a little, but he will never be fluent in the fey language. I asked for the ceremony to be spoken in Celierian as well as feyan for them just as much as for you." Ellysetta explained.

Emma and David nodded, finally understanding.

"Come. I'd like you to meet them! You're the only friends that haven't met my family yet!" With that, she led Emma and David to where her Papa and sisters were. Friends? Emma thought to herself? Were they really friends again? And David was a friend, too she supposed. One thing was certain, though. Even with a crown on her head, Ellysetta still acted like Ellysetta. She always had time for her friends and family.

"Hi!" exclaimed two identical – brown – haired girls to Emma and David as the bounced toward them. "Ellie says you're her visitors from another world! You have to tell us about it!" Emma smiled and laughed, although it was a little bittersweet. The girls' enthusiasm and curiosity reminded her of Henry. They even appeared to be the same age as him.

"Sure, we can talk about it," David agreed happily, although Emma could see that the moment was bittersweet for him, too. When had David become so easy to read?

"Thank you," said a man from the background. He was a tall, thin man, without the muscle and the pale skin of all the fey they had met so far. He was also one of the only people who didn't speak English, or Celierian, with an accent. His hair was brown, and he was holding a pipe. Emma decided this must be the father that raised Ellysetta in Celieria. "When Lillis and Lorelle heard Ellie had friends from another world here, they were bursting with curiosity. It's all they talk about anymore." The man shrugged. "Sol Baristani", the man introducing himself by holding out his hand. "…One of Ellie's fathers."

David nodded, shaking the man's hand. "David."

Emma leaned over and shook his hand as well. "I'm Emma."

"And don't worry about the girls. We'll be happy to tell them about our world. We have a boy about that age at home, anyway. We know how it is." Emma smiled at David. It was nice to know he missed Henry, too.

Sol nodded. "Well, I'm glad. I hope you get home to your son soon, though." It took Emma a couple of minutes for Emma to realize Sol thought Henry was Emma and David's son! Yuck! Unfortunately, that seemed to be a problem with people who didn't know her and David. They always assumed they were a couple. Ew, Ew, Ew!

"Um, actually Henry is my son. David is…his grandfather," Emma corrected sharply.

Sol nodded, confused. "I can't quite figure you immortal types out."

Emma shrugged. She didn't really think she was immortal, but that was beside the point. "Sorry. I get…tense when people think David and I are together like that. But we'll talk to your girls."

Emma and David spent the next half hour telling Lillis and Lorelle about Storybrooke. "Well, we have cars," Emma began. "They can take you places so you don't have to walk everywhere!" Gosh, she missed those cars! Nothing beat spending the day riding around in her patrol car. Or riding around in her yellow bug during off time, especially with Henry.

Lillis nodded, trying to understand. "Like carriages? Some of the rich people in Celieria have carriages. Mama and Papa never did, though."

David chuckled. "Sort of like carriages, only they're not powered by horses. They run on something called gasoline."

Lillis and Lorelle nodded, fascinated. Emma and David continued telling them all about the wonders of the modern world. Finally, the girls began to get bored. "I want something to eat!" Lorelle announced. "Papa, get me something to eat!"

Sol came up behind them shaking his head. "Not if you ask like that."

Lorelle nodded, looking ashamed. "Papa will you please get me a roasted rovan and a cream puff?" Sol nodded and the girls followed their father.

Emma sighed. Cream puffs sounded good. And maybe she'd even try that roasted rovan. She wandered over to the food table as well. As she munched (actually the roasted rovan was alright), Emma ran into Ellysetta again. "We had a great time talking to your sisters. And I meant to tell you, thanks for lending me your dress and taking the bow off for me."

Ellysetta smiled, the crystals she was wearing sparkling. "That's great, Emma. And I was happy to fix the dress for you. I want you to be happy, too. You're r my friend, remember. At least, I hope you are."

Ellysetta smiled. "Yeah, I guess I am." Emma still couldn't get over how normal Ellysetta sounded even when she had to act like a queen. She finished her food and went to find David. She was here to spend an evening with him, after all. In fact, as she listened to the music that was being played (Emma still couldn't figure out where it was coming from), she had an idea.

As soon as she found David, who was talking with one of the other guards about sword fighting, she marched up to him and asked, "Would you like to dance?"

XXXXXXXXXXX

Charming was in the middle of a conversation about sword fighting. "….and I still say the straight sword is better," he said shaking his head at the man. Suddenly Emma, his beautiful daughter, stepped in front of him and said, "Would you like to dance?" For a second he just stared at her. Did she just say what it sounded like she said? Emma really wanted to dance with him? He had been half – hoping to dance with Emma since he had heard about this event. But he didn't know how to bring up the subject. Even though Emma was becoming more comfortable with him, he wasn't sure she was ready for that. And now here was Emma, bringing it up herself. He nodded mutely.

As they stepped out on to the dance floor Emma smiled nervously. "I hope you know I don't know any complicated ballroom dancing or anything. I can do a straight waltz. That's about it. So if you want to do any fancy Enchanted Forest stuff…" Emma's voice trailed off uncertainly.

Charming chuckled. Did she really believed he cared whether they did complicated dance steps? "Emma, a straight waltz is fine. More than fine, actually. It's perfect. All I care about is getting a chance to have a dance with you, Emma."

She smiled back. "Okay." As they waltzed Charming felt like his feet barely touched the floor he was so happy. He was really dancing with his daughter! "I'm really having a good time," Emma admitted to him. "It was fun to talk to those girls, and even the food isn't half bad. And there are plenty of women wearing dresses instead of gowns, so that's fine, too."

"I'm glad, Emma. I'm having a good time, too." They continued waltzing.

"I think it might even be okay if we end up staying here," Emma continued, thoughtfully.

Suddenly Charming stopped dancing. Stay here? What in the Enchanted Forest was she talking about? He led her away from the dance floor. "What do you mean, stay here, Emma? Of course we're going home to Storybrooke! We already found a portal and we're looking for a way to get to it and get it open! Soon you'll see Henry again! And everyone else!"

Emma sighed, looking uncertain. "Exactly, David. We're looking for a way to get it open. We have been looking for almost two weeks! And I've been looking for information on that particular portal for a over a week! I've found nothing at all! I'm just saying, if it doesn't work out, this place isn't so bad. I'm getting used to the food. The people are really nice. A lot of this world reminds you of the Enchanted Forest, anyway. And you can always keep in touch with everyone in Storybrooke by talking to Mary Margaret in your heads, anyway." Emma shrugged.

But Charming shook his head. He needed to get rid of this defeatist attitude, fast! "No, Emma we will go home! You may have looked for information for the portal for the past week, but you haven't looked at everything! And even if you can't find a way to open that one, there must be others! Ellysetta's right, Emma. There's a joint history between this world, Earth, and the Enchanted Forest. That means a portal to those worlds exists somewhere. And we can find it! If we have to look for another twenty – eight years, we can find it! We will find our family again!"

Emma sighed and shook her head. "Okay."

"Isn't it worth it, to you to keep looking?" Charming asked her. "To see Henry again? And everyone else? Neal, maybe?" As Emma began to tense up, he put his hand on her shoulder. "I know, I know, things won't work out for you two. But wouldn't you like to see him again?"

Emma sighed and nodded. "Maybe. I suppose. I just don't see how we can love each other enough, you know?"

Charming shook his head. He hating getting in the middle of his daughter's love life. Actually he hated that she had a love life. But she did, and he wanted her to be happy. She could be happy with Neal, if she just opened herself up to it. Last time he tried to talk to her about this, she clammed up. But she didn't seem to be doing that this time. So… "Emma you faced him in Neverland, without weapons, when he believed you were enemy. You convinced him to work with you again. And you restored his memories with True Love's Kiss. I think that's enough love."

Emma shrugged. "Maybe. But I did things for him before, and he still left me. What's to stop him from leaving me this time?"

Charming sighed. "I don't know, Emma. I could say I'd beat him up if he tried, but somehow I don't think you'd like that." A big part of Charming really itched to threaten Neal with bodily harm. After all, his daughter was obviously in a lot of pain because of him. And the man had hurt her in the past. But Emma had made it perfectly clear she didn't like it when he tried to protect her. He had a feeling if he tried that; it would only damage the relationship he was building with Emma.

Emma looked back at him accusingly. "You're right I wouldn't like that! I can take care of myself, so you'd better not be thinking of beating up Neal or even threatening him when we get back!" Emma warned. She looked ready to fight with anyone who would try to harm Neal. Charming wished Emma could realize how obviously in love with Neal she appeared when she tried to protect him, even if it was only subconsciously. This is the second time Charming had noticed it. The first time was when Emma defended Neal when she thought he disproved of him. And now she was ready to defend him against Charming harming him physically, even though he threatened Neal on Emma's behalf. Yeah, threatening Neal wouldn't help his relationship with Emma at all.

"Besides," Emma added calming down. "I don't want Neal to be with me because he's afraid you'll beat him up! I want him to be with me because that's what he wants."

Charming nodded. That made sense. "I understand. Although from what Snow has said, he does want to be with you." Charming shrugged.

Emma shrugged, too. "For now."

Charming didn't know what else to say to that. After all, he and Snow had decided pushing Emma to have a relationship with Neal was a bad idea. Still, Neal had the potential to make her so happy, if she just was willing to try. But in the meantime, Charming could make Emma happy. He liked that. "Do you want a glass of juice or something?" he asked.

Emma shrugged. "Sure, why not?" After returning with two glasses of kecka juice (Emma actually drank some), they both ran into Tealah and Grumli, who were still greeting their guests. "Hi! I'm so glad you decided to come!" Tealah gushed, her eyes glowing with happiness and love. "This Grumli, my new e'tan", she introduced them to the man standing next to her. They both introduced themselves as well, but Charming was in a hurry to get away, and tried to do so as nicely as possible. Tealah really looked exactly like Snow did back in the Enchanted Forest. She had long black hair, pale skin, and tonight she even had a white dress on. He just… couldn't handle looking at her for long. If only Snow was with him tonight! Charming closed his eyes, picturing Snow in one of her dresses, dancing with him and laughing with him. He really hoped they'd be home soon.

In the meantime, maybe he'd get something to eat again. Kecka fruit and a serpent's egg maybe? Emma was fine, still talking with Tealah and Grumli, so Charming didn't need to worry about her. As he did, he passed Lord Shan dancing a strange, complicated dance with a blond woman. He had seen her before. She was the shei'dalin who healed him from injuries during training practice. Lord Shan said she was hi…what was the word? Shei'tani, right? Rain called Ellysetta that sometimes, too. Didn't it mean truemate? As Charming watched them, he couldn't get over how different Lord Shan acted, dancing with his truemate than he did when he was training. In training, he showed no mercy; he never laughed, and was always yelling at Charming. He knew Lord Shan was only trying to prepare him for what might happen in a fight with a whole group of dragons. But it didn't make him very easy to deal with. But as he looked at Lord Shan with his truemate now, smiling, laughing and looking at her the same way he did at Snow, he decided he was a pretty nice guy. He said something to the woman in the fey language and she kissed him.

Marissya, the fey woman who was expecting a baby if he remembered correctly, danced by with her man as well. She said something that sounded similar to her man. He wondered what it meant. I love you, maybe? He turned around again to find Rain and Ellysetta doing the same complicated dance that Lord Shan and his woman had been doing. Rain smiled at Ellysetta the way he smiled at Snow and said the same thing the other couples had been saying. "Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani." Yeah, it probably meant I love you.

He had said that to Snow earlier today, right before he got dressed. Since the ceremony and the ball was supposed to last most of the night, he told her he wouldn't have time to "talk" to her later. But Charming would never go a whole day without communicating with his Snow. Not that he had a method to communicate with her, he would use it. So he spoke to her about the ball and the fey wedding ceremony, and about how everyone was looking forward to it. Tomorrow night he would "talk" to Snow for longer. He would tell her how pretty Emma was in her red dress. He would tell her Emma had asked him to dance! He would tell her how much he missed her, of course. And he would tell her he loved her.

Rain looked up and smiled warmly at Charming. "Hey! Get over here! I'll teach you this dance. You can teach it to your shei'tani when you get home!"

Charming shrugged. He had nothing better to do, so why not?

"I'll show you the steps, and you can practice with Ellysetta for a few minutes. But try to understand, the Felah Baruk, or Dance of Joy, in your language, is a romantic dance. It's meant to be done with someone you're courting or someone you've bonded with."

Charming nodded. In other words, Rain wasn't going to let him dance with Ellysetta very long doing these moves. "Okay, I'll just practice with her until I get the hang of it."

Rain nodded as he began showing him the steps. "Right. All fey who are courting learn this dance. Since your partially fey, I'd like you to know, too."

Charming shrugged. "Why not. Snow and I used to dance quite a bit back in the Enchanted Forest." As Rain continued showing him the basics of the dance, he decided to ask something. "Out of curiosity, does 'Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani' mean I love you? I've heard it quite a few times among couples tonight."

Rain dropped his arms and looked at Charming in shock. "No….it's…David the more I get to know you, the more I'm amazed by you! We should have Tealah right another book about you for the Hall of Scrolls!"

Charming shook his head, not understanding what that had to do with his question. "Okay, I can understand you wanting records of world – jumpers. But what does that have to do with the meaning of that phrase?"

Rain chuckled, still looking at Charming in amazement. "'Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani' means, 'Your soul calls out. Mine answers, beloved.' It's a scared phrase fey use to claim a truemate. I always thought you couldn't complete the bond without saying the claiming phrase, but with you here, I know that can't be the case. You completed a bond without even saying the traditional opening phrase! Without even knowing there was a bond. Your bond must be really strong, David. I'd love to meet your shei'tani someday."

Charming smiled "I'm sure she'd love to meet you, too."

Rain continued showing him the steps of the Dance of Joy into the night. He even let him practice with Ellysetta once. It had been an enjoyable time.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOO

Emma continued reading all the books and scrolls the mirror had set aside for that concerned the portal in the mountains day after day. Sometimes she still wondered if it was worth it. She wasn't finding any information at all about the portal they needed. The people in the Fading Lands were really nice, and Emma was even getting used to the weird food they had here.

But then she remembered what David had told her at the e'tanitsa bonding ceremony. They needed to keep looking; no matter how long they had to wait to find something useful. She had to get home to Henry! And Mary Margaret, too. Emma missed her, too. And what about Neal? She wasn't pursuing a relationship with him, but Emma would really like to see Neal again, anyway. And what about her yellow bug? And microwaves? Emma did want to return to Storybrooke, the only home she'd ever had.

So Emma kept reading. And reading. And reading. And one day, three days after the e'tanitsa bonding ceremony, Emma found this:

…Saylana finally found a portal in the Rhakis Mountains. It was only effective when she wove the magic, as she wanted to go through it. First she found the secret door by weaving spirit. Then, she wove air to raise herself high enough to open the door. Finally, she had to create the door to the world she wished to travel to by weaving Earth. She and her mate are now gone from this world.

Emma dropped the book in shock. Had that really said what she thought it said? She picked up the book and read the paragraph again. And again. She read it for five minutes before she finally believed what she was reading. She knew how to activate the portal! She and David could go back to Storybrooke!

Emma leaped out of her chair and ran out of the building as fast as she could. She had to tell David right away! This news was too big, too wonderful! It couldn't wait. He was at the Warrior's Academy, right?

Where was that, again? Emma asked herself, pausing for a second as she tried to figure out which direction to take. Unfortunately, Emma had never been to that building herself. Maybe she should ask Tealah. She would know. Emma returned to the Hall of Scrolls.

"Hi Emma!" Tealah greeted her brightly as Emma approached her desk. "You ran out of here pretty fast! Was that good news or bad news?"

"Great news!" Emma replied. "I have it, Tealah! I know how David and I can go back home!"

"That is great", Tealah replied brightly. "I mean, for you guys anyway. I have to say we'll all miss you here, but I know you'd rather be with the rest of your family," she finished, a little less brightly.

"Yeah," Emma agreed as well, not knowing quite what to say to that. "So, I wanted to find David, but I don't know where this 'Warrior's Academy' is. Can you point me in the right direction or something?"

Tealah nodded. "Of course. Come with me."

They both walked out of the Hall of Scrolls, Emma moving quite a bit quicker than Tealah. But Tealah soon caught up to Emma and showed her which direction to go. "It's that way," she said pointing in the direction of Rain and Ellysetta's palace. "As soon as you get back to the palace, keep walking in the same direction until you get over the hill. Then turn to your left and you should see it."

"Thanks," Emma replied and took off running again. She followed the directions and reached the building quickly. After entering the building, she was a bit surprised to find so many doorways, but she went through them all anyway. She could hear noises in the first room, so that must be where David was.

Emma tore into the room, not caring what she was interrupting.

David was lying flat on his back, trying to throw daggers at his instructor, but failing every time. "Hi!" Emma said brightly to both of them.

His instructor appeared annoyed that Emma had interrupted their session, but Emma didn't care.

Neither, apparently, did David. "Hi, Emma! Did you have something to ask me?"

Emma was still slightly out of breath from running all the way there. "Just a"…pant… "minute." Pant, pant, pant."

"Okay. I found it, David! I know how to activate that portal in the mountains! And it can take us to Storybrooke!"

David, despite the scratches and bruises he already had from this training session, leaped up and ran to throw his arms around Emma. "I told you we'd find it! I told you! So how does it work? How soon can we get home?"

Emma's smile faded for a minute. She had been so excited they had a way home, she forgot about that part. "Oh. Well…I guess I didn't really think about that. It requires magic. And I'd…have to be the one to do it. The text says only the person going through the portal can weave the magic. Three different kinds of magic, David! Spirit to find the secret door, Air to bring us up to the door, and Earth to cause us to go through the door!" She was beginning to feel overwhelmed, now that she was thinking about all she'd have to do. "Could I really do that?"

David smiled at Emma. "Of course you can! You have magic, Emma, and you're very powerful. You've already shown that in Storybrooke and in this world." He patted her shoulder, trying to show his support, but Emma shrugged him off.

"Yeah, but I still don't have good control of it yet, David! That's three different kinds of magic that would have to be done one right after the other!"

David sighed. "Okay, calm down. All you need to do is practice. Ellysetta was trying to help you with that a few weeks ago, remember? You can do this, Emma. You can get us home!"

"I guess I should have never pushed her away when she was trying to help me," Emma grumbled. She looked at the floor. "You guys were telling me I should practice magic because I might need it to get us home, but haven't been listening. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"

David gently picked her face back up so she was looking in his eyes. "Hey, I don't want to hear that kind of talk. Okay, so you haven't been practicing for a little while, but you were practicing before. Just start practicing again! Would you be willing to ask Ellysetta again?"

Emma sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I'm comfortable with her again. I was trying to ignore the magic part, but it looks like I don't have a choice anymore. Well, I guess that's all I needed to tell you. Will I see you at dinner?"

David nodded. "I think so." He laid back down, in the same position he was in when she came in.

Emma nodded, smiling. She really enjoyed seeing him at dinner. "Great!" As she left, she wondered what she'd do now. She needed to practice magic with Ellysetta, but she wasn't sure were the woman was right now. She certainly didn't need to go back to the Hall of Scrolls anymore. Maybe she'd just take a walk around the city.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

That night, everyone sat down to dinner at the palace again. There were rolls, something that looked and smelled like ham only it was green, and more potatoes with sugar. Emma helped herself to the rolls and potatoes. The meat she wasn't so sure about. She was getting used to the food here, but green? It reminded her too much of mold. At least she knew how to get home now.

Speaking of which… "So, I found a way to activate the portal in the mountains today," Emma began, talking to the whole group.

"That's great!" Galen and Rijonn said at the same time, smiling.

"Oh. Well, that's good news for you guys," Tajik replied, trying to sound happy but not quite succeeding. He was probably going to miss his buddy, David.

"I see. That's good news. It really is." Rain sounded like he was trying to remain positive, too.

"The only thing is, I'd have to be the one to activate it…with magic. It has to be the person going through the portal. I need to use spirit to find the hidden door, then air to allow us to reach the door, and then Earth to get us through the door to Storybrooke." Emma paused and took a bite of roll.

"So…" Emma looked at Ellysetta. "Can you…help me with my magic again? I'm sorry, so sorry I pushed you away before."

Ellysetta smiled as she took a bite of the green meat. "I'd be happy to. And don't worry about what happened, before, Emma. It's water under the bridge. There was a time I probably would have done the same thing. The important thing is you're finally ready to really learn to use your magic."

Emma shrugged. "If it's what I need to do to go home, I'll do it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOO

After they finished dinner, David bolted up to the room he was using. He couldn't wait to tell Snow they finally had a way home! He quickly found the part of him that belonged to Snow. Then he thought of all reasons he loved her and how much he wanted to be with her. And then he was. He could feel himself inside her head. Snow? He asked her.

Hi Charming! She replied brightly. What happened today? More training torture?

Yeah. He replied. We focused on throwing daggers today. From lying down, from behind something, after I ran a mile. My instructor says I should be just as comfortable with daggers as I am with a sword. But that's not the really big news today!

Oh? Snow replied, interested. What is?

Brace yourself, Snow this is big, Charming warned.

Okay, Snow said, a little concerned. Had something happened to Emma or him?

No, Snow we're fine! Charming assured her, picking up on the thought immediately, even though she didn't try to send it to him. It's good news. Emma found a way home! That portal we've been trying to find out about, she knows how to activate it! And she says it can take us to Storybrooke!

Really? You're really coming home! He could see the excitement and happiness in her "voice." If he could see her, he knew her eyes would be dancing.

That and everything else, Charming. He could hear her laughter in his head. I want to dance with you. I want to learn that new dance you were talking about the other night. The one your host taught you?

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. It might take a little while to get home, though. Emma says it takes a lot of different kinds of magic to activate that portal. She'll have to practice first. Ellysetta said she'd help her again.

Oh. Snow "sounded" a little disappointed. Well, at least you know how to make it work now.

Yeah, and we know it will send us to Storybrooke. Emma and I don't need to be sent to any more other worlds. Even if this one has it's good points, I want to be with you and Henry.

I want you guys home, too. And so does Henry. He'll be overjoyed when I tell him you guys have a way back. Neal, too. Even if Emma doesn't think she wants him right now.

She'll come around; she just needs time, like you told him.

I'm glad you decided not to threaten to beat Neal up for Emma, Charming. I know you must want to.

But it's not really a good idea.

No, it isn't. Emma wouldn't take it well. But sometimes…it's so tempting, you know? I still can't get over the idea that Emma has a man that cares about her…Besides me. And he hurt her before!

I know. I know. Snow's voice in his head sounded tender, like a caress. But I'm proud of you for realizing it would only damage your relationship with Emma

Hey, I wanted to ask you. How's it going with your…heart…situation?

Snow sighed in his head. Better. I have a lot more confidence now that I feel like I can handle it myself. But I still feel like this…shadow hanging over me.

Charming wished he could wrap his arms around her and kiss her. But he couldn't so he settled for, I'm glad you have more confidence in yourself. But I still wish you could get over it. I don't think there's anything wrong with your heart anymore. Not after all the good things you've done.

You may be right. But I just can't forget about it.

Just remember I love you, okay? No matter what.

I love you, too Charming. Always. Listen I'm getting tired, okay? Can we pick this up tomorrow night?

Of course, Snow. Love you.

So what did you guys think? Did you like the e'tanitsa bonding ceremony? I kind of combined a wedding and C. L. Wilson's portrayal of Rain and Ellysetta's Shei'tanitsa bonding ceremony replacing the words appropriate for e'tanitsa. But I don't know that it came out right.

I know some people might think it's unrealistic for fey who are commoners to marry/bond in the palace ballroom. But I really wanted David and Emma to go to a big "party" in the Fading Lands ballroom before they left, and when I decided to do the e'tanitsa bonding, I thought that could be the party. Besides, as one of Ellysetta's bloodsworn warriors, you could make the argument Grumli is like one of her personal knights, and Tealah is supposed to be one of Ellysetta's best friends in the Fading Lands. So you could say they used the ballroom because of that.

The other thing I wanted to mention is the discussion of the sentence "Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani" in feyan and "Your soul calls out. Mine answers, beloved." I know it sounds a little out of place. But if any of you have read Tairen Soul, you know how important that phrase is among truemates. It's something I wanted David to have heard and be aware of before he left the Fading Lands, and the circumstances at the e'tanitsa bonding ball are the best I could come up with.

Once again, I ask. Please let me know if there is anything else you don't understand! I need to know if any of this story isn't clear to anyone. PMs or reviews, whichever you prefer, would be fine.