So this chapter kind of got away from me in length so I cut a piece of it out, but it goes really well with the next part I'm writing so I don't think it will be a big deal. I gave a little bit more of hopefully what everyone was asking for in this chapter. Some more teenagers (Chris and Emma and Daniel!), a David and Daniel scene I've been waiting FOREVER to write, and some Snow and Emma talking about real things. I responded to comments at the end!
Also I uploaded pictures of Chris and Charlotte on my tumblr Once and Forever - check them out!
There was an uncomfortable silence between Emma and Chris as they walked through the gardens as guards watched from the distance. The only thing that made it bearable was Charlotte's bubbly chatter about how excited she was to be in Eirian again with her old childhood friend. "So have you returned for good Emma?"
"I, um…" Emma was caught off guard by the question. "I cannot be sure."
"You do not want to stay?" Charlotte asked innocently.
"Its complicated Charlotte." Emma explained. "I have more than one home. I grew up in Altair. It was all I knew up until a few months ago. I have friends there, I learned about magic there, it is a big part of who I am."
"I guess that makes sense." Charlotte nodded. "I cannot imagine what it would be like to be torn like that, to have two places that mean so much to you."
"I'm not sure they are equally weighted in terms of meaning to her Char." Chris interjected.
"Well why not?" Charlotte asked. "They are both her homes."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Emma was offended.
"She doesn't remember living here Char, to her this is only the place she's been staying for the past few months." Chris continued.
"But they are her family." Charlotte seemed confused.
"How do you know so much about what I think?" Emma pursed her lips.
"Oh I don't know anything about you." Chris looked at Emma. "I think that much is clear."
"You know I head heard you were kind and a gentlemen." Emma's eyes flashed. "Not a pompous…"
"Emma!" Alex's bright voice cut Emma off. "And Chris… together."
"And me!" Charlotte smiled as she embraced her friend. "I 've missed you Alex."
"I've missed you too." Alex laughed at the girl's exuberance.
"Alex." Chris mused. "Its nice to see you again."
"Again?" Charlotte looked confused.
"Oh yes." Chris glanced at his sister. "We encountered one another in the village today, while I was talking to another…"
"It was a quick meeting." Alex cut in. "Anyway Char, why don't we catch up and allow Emma and your brother some time to get reacquainted."
"But I want to…" Charlotte protested.
"Char." Alex warned.
"Right." Charlotte nodded. "You two have fun."
"Thanks Charlotte." Chris said uncomfortably. Once his sister and Alex were out of earshot he turned to Emma. "So, just a local peasant girl."
"I never said that." Emma reminded him.
"But you never told me who you were." Chris countered.
"I never tell anyone in the village who I am." Emma shook her head in exasperation. "It helps me avoid a lot of stares and uncomfortable encounters. I find it interesting to see what they have to say about princess Emma when they don't know she is around. Besides I didn't know who you were at first."
"But when I told you who I was?" Chris pressed.
"I was going to tell you." Emma shrugged. "But then you started insulting me."
"I did not…" Chris protested.
"Who knows what her psyche is like?" Emma repeated. "What was it about being less than thrilled to meet some princess who has been living in a different world for the past ten years… oh and who you are engaged to."
"Betrothed." Chris corrected.
"It's the same thing and we both know it." Emma countered.
"Ok I was being judgmental." Chris admitted. "But you could have told me who you were to stop me from…"
"From making an ass of yourself?" Emma asked.
"I wouldn't go that far." Chris said.
"I would." Emma gave an amused smile.
"Well I'll admit it was not my proudest moment." Chris gave a small laugh. "I seem to have left a terrible first impression."
"And second." Emma added.
"You mean I'm not doing a good job of charming you right now?" Chris asked jokingly.
"I think your first attempt was more successful." Emma laughed. "And you were insulting me then, well princess Emma, you were attempting to charm me."
"And failing if I remember correctly." Chris added.
"It wasn't a total failure." Emma assured him. "However the fact that I knew this uncomfortable conversation was going to occur did hinder its effects."
"Well I'll try to do better in the future." Chris promised.
"You can begin trying now." Emma offered.
"Touche." Chris nodded. "So is there any reason you don't want to your parents to know you are hiding your identity and acting the part of patron saint to the beggar children in the town."
"Its not like I'm embarrassed." Emma shrugged. "I just …"
"Your parents would be less than pleased if they knew you were out without guards?" Chris offered.
"Something like that." Emma nodded.
"Would they put you on lockdown if I let it slip you were traipsing around unguarded?" Chris asked.
"They would like to." Emma admitted. "But its not as if they have much say in the matter."
"And why would that be?" Chris raised an eyebrow.
"Because part of our agreement is that I can come and go as I please." Emma explained. "At least that was it at the beginning. I understand they are trying to protect me but guards are not something I'm used to, or want. I'm used to being free."
"This life can feel like a prison at times." Chris agreed. "But your parents want the guards because you are in more danger now."
"I'm pretty sure I faced more danger before." Emma assured him. "No one in the village knows I'm the princess. To them I'm just a common girl who brings them rabbits and squirrels and feeds the children. Besides, you cannot tell me you do not wish to be rid of your guards."
"I do." Chris admitted. "But it is not something that will ever happen. I am to be king some day, which will ultimately result in more guards. I will be able to control the amount and when they are around, but my life will still be at risk."
"Life is a risk." Emma pointed out.
"True." Chris agreed. "But there are different levels of risk depending on your lifestyle and rank. The power and prestige of our lavish lifestyles comes with a cost."
"Don't I know it." Emma mused.
"You had freedom in your past life didn't you?" Chris asked.
"Of sorts." Emma nodded. "We broke the rules a lot to get that freedom, but they allowed us to break those rules. They could have stopped us had they wanted to. But in a way our life was very regimented in terms of scheduling. However they did raise us to be very independent."
"I don't think there is a scenario where you would not have been independent." Chris laughed. "You were quite spirited when you were younger."
"I keep hearing all these things about me when I was younger." Emma looked skeptical. "Some say I was extraordinarily sweet and well behaved and couldn't harm a fly. Perhaps my favorite was my inability to lie to my parents and propensity to cry when I broke the rules and punishing myself before my parents could. But then others say I was mischievous and pushed the boundaries, constantly doing things that terrified my parents and, what was it, independent and spirited."
"Well you definitely consistently terrified your parents." Chris grinned. "They had to impose a no climbing tree's rule, but before that you were up in every one the moment a guard turned his back. You even got me in trouble."
"I did?" Emma seemed amused.
"Oh yes." Chris nodded. "You climbed so high into that oak over there it was almost impossible to find you."
"Then how did we get caught?" Emma asked.
Chris glanced at the ground before clearing his throat and looking up at Emma. "They heard the cries."
"The cries?" Emma asked, clearly surprised. "I was crying."
"Oh they weren't yours." Chris said slowly.
Emma let out a laugh before covering her mouth with her hand. "You?"
"I was terrified of heights." Chris said defensively.
"Then why in the world did you follow me up one?" Emma asked.
"Because I couldn't exactly let a girl two years younger than me show me up." Chris explained.
"So crying was a better way to keep your pride?" Emma asked, clearly amused.
"I didn't think I was going to cry." Chris grinned at the memory. "I still remember our parents running towards the tree, shouting our names. They were equal parts terrified and furious. The moment your father called you to get down you were scaling the tree. Before your mother could tell you to stop and climb up to retrieve you, you were already most of the way down. I still remember you looking up at me, asking if I was coming. You offered to come get me when I was scared to move but your mother threatened to kill you if you moved anywhere. You still insisted on getting out of the tree by yourself, you were very proud, so was your father, though he had to hide it from your mother. But my father had to come rescue me."
"That's so sad." Emma laughed.
"My pride is still a little bruised." Chris joked.
"That was what, eleven years ago? Emma asked. "I think it might heal soon."
"Hopefully." Chris joked. "You weren't let out of your mother's site for days after that incident. She didn't trust you not to do something clever. You may not have broken the rules and were, for the most part, an exceptionally well behaved child, but you sure knew how to push the boundaries that had yet to be defined."
"I sound like a handful." Emma smiled.
"You were." Chris told her. "But also I think the envy of most other parents. You were free spirited and brave but obedient and sweet. You were the perfect child."
"That actually sounds obnoxious." Emma chuckled.
"It was when my parents asked me to behave more like you." Chris agreed.
"Oh that is horrible." Emma tried to hide her grin.
"I moved on." Chris smiled. "Though I may still have a complex from it."
"Well I apologize." Emma composed herself. "For giving you an inferiority complex and for getting you in trouble and causing you to cry because you were scared of a tree."
"I was scared of the height, specifically falling from it." Chris corrected. "And don't be sorry. It makes for a good story."
"What story?" Alex asked as she and Charlotte walked back up, seeing both Chris and Emma smiling, she figured they had found good terms.
"The one where we climbed up that big oak and he couldn't get down." Emma offered.
"The one where you cried and father had to come get you?" Charlotte grinned.
"That's the one." Chris nodded in embarrassment.
"A classic." Alex laughed.
"One you should not share." Chris held up a warning finger.
"Wouldn't want your subjects to know their future king is scared of heights now would we?" Emma smirked.
"I am no longer scared of heights." Chris corrected. "I was seven then, I'm eighteen now."
"And much more mature." Charlotte rolled her eyes. "You tortured us all when we were younger."
"Not Emma." Alex pointed out. "He was always kind to Emma. She could convince him to do anything."
"I couldn't let her be the bravest one." Chris shrugged.
"Father says its because you were so in love with her even at a young age you would have done anything she asked to impress her." Charlotte grinned.
Alex laughed. "I think that was all boys when it came to Emma."
Emma raised her eyebrows, a disbelieving look on her face. "I was five."
Chris glanced at her. "You were very persuasive. So are you still as fearless as ever?"
"You could say that." Emma nodded.
"You don't fear anything?" Chris asked.
"Not really." Emma smiled.
"Not even bandits with swords who might target you for your fortune?" Chris teased.
"Not even bandits with swords." Emma laughed. "They should fear me."
"Well you are very physically intimidating." Chris agreed, trying to keep a straight face.
"That's part of what makes her so scary." Alex smiled. "She's so petite and harmless looking but she's wicked with a sword."
"Ah you achieved your dream of becoming a swords master?" Chris looked to Emma. "Do the guards let you win?"
Emma scoffed, giving a small grin. "Something like that."
"Well we should spar sometime." Chris suggested.
"Maybe I'll even let you win." Emma teased.
"Oh well you are very generous." Chris laughed.
"Emma, generous?" A familiar voice asked doubtfully.
Emma whipped around, a smile spreading across her face she threw her arms around her friend. "Daniel!"
"Glad to see you missed me." Daniel laughed as he hugged her back.
"Of course." Emma pulled away. "I've been without my partner in crime for a week. Who else am I supposed to dominate in sparring practice."
"I missed you too." Daniel chuckled and looked at Emma's attire. "You look very… pretty."
"Bite me." Emma gave a playful glare. "We have guests."
"Ah I can see that." Daniel looked at Charlotte and Chris.
"This is Charlotte and Chris, their parents are King and Queen of Ranaar." Emma introduced the guests. "This is Daniel, we came to Altair around the same time and have grown up together."
"It is a pleasure to meet you." Chris gave a small bow as Charlotte curtsied.
"The pleasure is mine." Daniel shook Chris's hand and placed a small kiss on Charlotte's, earning an immediate blush from the petite girl.
"How did everything go?" Emma turned to Daniel, her voice taking a serious tone.
"Admittedly not as well as we had hoped." Daniel said with reservation.
"Diana?" Emma asked nervously.
"She uh…" Daniel swallowed before looking at Emma, knowing he wouldn't like what he had to say. "She panicked a little bit and well… she was injured. But she's fine. We got her back to Altair and she's on the mend and should be back to normal before we know it."
"On her first?" Emma looked sympathetic. "This is going to scar her in the future."
"I know." Daniel nodded. "She was so upset and freaked out by everything. I've never seen her like that."
"The first time is never easy." Emma pointed out.
"But she passed her examination with flying colors." Daniel sighed.
"Because she is very talented." Emma agreed. "And I agree the final test is… most difficult, but it's still different from the real thing."
"I know." Daniel admitted. "I just wish she didn't have to go through this."
"Is she allowed visitors?" Emma asked.
"Yes and no." Daniel said slowly. "She doesn't exactly want to see you."
"Why?" Emma looked surprised.
"It's nothing against you." Daniel said quickly. "You're still her best friend but its just… you're so talented and experienced and had no problems your first time. Couple that with you being so young when you began and had no problems well… Diana doesn't want you to doubt her abilities."
"I would never." Emma objected.
"I know that." Daniel said quickly. "And so does she. She also wants to allow you time to focus on this. Truth be told she doesn't want anyone to see her like this. She even sent me away."
"She always was stubborn." Emma sighed. "But the situation?"
"Has been handled." Daniel assured her. "At least for now. We salvaged the mission but the balance is still in flux."
Emma sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "Fabulous."
"What are they talking about?" Chris turned to Alex.
"Things far more exciting than you and I will ever be involved in." Alex explained.
"You and I will be King and Queen of our kingdoms some day." Chris pointed out. "We will be responsible for our armies and any wars or international incidents we might encounter, I would consider that exciting."
"Oh." Alex paled. "I'll just let my husband take care of that."
"That is terrifying." Chris laughed.
"You better hope you find someone who not only has a strategic mind and experience but your kingdom's best interests at heart." Emma warned.
"I'm confident I'll figure something out." Alex said confidently. "Besides we can't all be perfectly bred for our positions like you and Chris."
"I wouldn't say I'm perfectly bred to be Queen of anything." Emma laughed in disbelief.
"I know quite a few people who would disagree." Alex shrugged.
"Well they're insane." Emma said simply. "Besides Alex you are the perfect princess and you will make an excellent queen."
"Perfect princess?" Alex raised an eyebrow. "I highly doubt that."
"No she's right." Chris agreed. "You are kind and beloved by your people, you're excellent with diplomats, you are proper and poised, and you do what you are told."
"So I'm an excellent puppet." Alex deadpanned.
"Aren't we all?" Charlotte pointed out. "In all honesty the only one who wouldn't be qualified as a proper or perfect royal is Emma."
"Thank you?" Emma turned a disbelieving look to the girl.
"I didn't mean it like that." Charlotte said hurriedly. "I mean you're the only one who did not grow up in a palace, surrounded by guards and expectations of how you have to act and what you have to do. From the little I know you're the only one of us who will willingly speak up or defy what is expected of you."
"Is that a compliment?" Emma asked.
"I wish I had that much confidence." Charlotte admitted.
"You can." Emma assured the girl. "You just have to find it."
"Maybe you could teach me." Charlotte suggested.
"Maybe." Emma smiled.
"Your royal highnesses." A guard slowly approached him. "Sir Daniel, it is nice to have you back on our grounds. The King and Queen would like you to join them in the main dining room for dinner."
"Thank you Eddard." Emma nodded.
"May I accompany you Emma?" Chris held out his arm. "It might make up for my earlier behavior, plus I think it will make both of our parents most pleased."
"Playing the parent card." Emma smirked. "That is low."
"Are you denying the request of a prince?" Chris asked.
"I feel that it is within my right to do so." Emma paused before finally giving him her arm. "But no. I supposed it could not hurt to indulge them, it may even be fun."
"You may be more interesting than I thought." Chris smiled as they walked toward the castle, Charlotte in tow.
"Oh believe me." Emma laughed. "I am much more interesting.
"So that's Prince Christoph." Daniel looked at Alex, who had remained behind.
"It sure is. Quite charming isn't he?" Alex smiled.
"That's one way to put it." Daniel said flatly. "He and Emma seem to get on quite well already."
"They got off to a rough start admittedly but, they seem to have smoothed things out and well… they definitely still have the chemistry they did as children."
"Chemistry?" Daniel raised an eyebrow.
"They were best friends as children. Even when they didn't know who the other was this afternoon they were drawn to each other. But I mean, I guess it is to be expected… after all they are betrothed."
"Betrothed?!" Daniel's mouth dropped open.
"It's a royal thing, thought I'm not entirely sure how locked in the agreement is. Look Daniel, you can refuse to acknowledge your feelings for her all you want." Alex looked pointedly at Daniel. "But if you do not take your shot now, someone else will gladly take your place. It's plain as day to see you have feelings for her. I've only known her for a couple of weeks and I can already tell you she's incredible. You've spent your entire lives together. You know almost everything about each other. You have a history, you have stories, you have had adventures and faced danger and seen incredible things together. She's beautiful, and smart and funny… It's natural that you would have feelings for her. But you need to say something before its too late."
"I don't know that you're talking about." Daniel shook his head.
"Whatever you say." Alex gave a small laugh "But it's your loss. Regrets are the hardest things to live with."
"Who says I'm in love with her?" Daniel asked indifferently.
"Anybody who's watched the two of you can see it." Alex shook her head. "Besides, anyone would fall in love with Emma, she's… perfect."
"She'll be the first to tell you she's not perfect." Daniel pointed out.
"Well she's much more appealing to men than I am." Alex shrugged.
"Don't sell yourself short. You have a lot of incredible qualities too." Daniel assured her. "And you are very beautiful. Maybe I have feelings for you."
"Yes." Alex played along, seriously doubting the truth to Daniel's statement. "But it would never work."
"And why not?" Daniel asked.
Alex gave a simple answer before walking away. "Because Daniel I am not Emma, and I never will be."
"Ah Daniel, you've returned." James smiled as he encountered the boy in the hallway. "It is pleasure to have you back in our castle."
"The pleasure is mine sir." Daniel gave a small bow.
'Were your affairs taken care of?" James inquired. "I heard your sister is not well."
"She had a mishap but she is on the mend." Daniel gave a nod. "She will be bossing me around and putting my archery skills to shame in no time."
"Well that is good to hear." James smiled.
"She's a strong one." Daniel agreed. "It's one reason she and Emma make such good friends."
"Yes I have noticed that about my daughter." James mused. "She's like a blonde statue when it comes to emotion. I only ever see cracks when it comes to that façade, there's something underneath but I can never quite get to it."
"Emma doesn't do emotions sir." Daniel informed him. "She never has. They affect our ability to control our magic. So instead of finding a way to incorporate them, Emma decides to turn them off."
"That cannot be healthy." James sighed.
"It is not." Daniel agreed. "She does not trust people easy sir. It is nothing against you, she is that way with everyone."
"Do you have any advice as to how to get through to her?" James asked.
"I am sorry but I can not help you in that area." Daniel apologized. "Truthfully I have only ever seen Emma cry, and I mean truly cry, not tear up, once in our lives. It takes a lot to push her to that place."
"And what was it?" James asked hesitantly. "That pushed her to … to that length."
"I'm not sure I should tell you." Daniel shook his head. "It's her story."
"Please Daniel." James begged. "She's my daughter and I love her but I cannot seem to help her. I just want to help her."
"She would kill me." Daniel insisted. "I mean actually kill me."
"She does not have to know." James pointed out. "And I do not care about knowing she is not always strong. I will love her and be proud of her regardless.
"It is not that it would make her appear weak." Daniel took a deep breath. "She does not want you to know about it for other reasons."
"And what would those reasons be?" James pressed.
"She fears you will not like what you hear." Daniel warned. "That you may reject her because of it."
"I would never reject my own daughter." James said adamantly.
"She doesn't know that." Daniel countered.
"Then you must tell me so I can prove to her that this is not the case." James insisted. "Daniel, please."
"Fine." Daniel sighed. "In Altair, proficiency with a sword alone does not gain you entry into the ranks of our armies. For that you must prove that you can handle any situation, that you can handle… ending a life. No Altarian soldier takes their first life on the battlefield. It is something that scars you. You never forget the first life you end, I assume you know this. We want our soldiers to have already experienced the shock of the first kill, to know what to expect when they are put on the battlefield so they do not panic. You need to be able to rely on your fellow soldiers, to trust them with your life. If one of them panics, it can affect the others. To prevent against this there is a, a test you have to take. It has different sections, proficiency with a sword, strategy, ability to think on your feet, ability to follow orders… and the final test."
"Which is?" James prompted.
"Ability to take a life." Daniel sighed. "Every soldier must complete an execution before they are sent into combat. If you are an archer you kill by sending an arrow to their heart, if your weapon of choice is a sword or something else with a blade you behead your victim."
"Do these people deserve…?" James swallowed hard.
"Yes." Daniel assured him. "They are all war criminals that have committed heinous acts against their own people or other lands, unforgivable crimes. But that knowledge does not make the act easy."
"And Emma?" James asked.
"Had to commit an execution." Daniel admitted. "She didn't want to, she felt wrong about it, but it was expected of her and she didn't want to let our mentors down. So she steeled herself against her reservations and completed the act. To an outside observer it looked easy, but to someone who knew her… you could tell it tore her apart inside. There is usually a celebration after the final phase, not to celebrate the death, but to celebrate the completion of the test. Emma loves celebrations after our soldiers return home, or after she would return with a hunting party, she was the life of the party but at this one, one that was all for her, she couldn't fake it. She disappeared part way through, when I found her she was out on the cliff where it had happened, she was inconsolable. She was hyperventilating, sobbing, so, so angry with herself and the system. We talked it out, how she hadn't taken an innocent life, how someone else would have done it, how now she could protect innocent people and save them from men like the one she had killed. I had never seen her like that and I haven't seen her like that since. After our talk she went for a walk, when she returned she had this expression on her face, an expression I see whenever she must do something that is against some of her beliefs. It is an expression of determination, and she is never more terrifying than when she is in that mindset."
"So Emma has… she's been in…" James couldn't quite get the words out.
"War." Daniel finished. "We both have. Emma is a very talented fighter. She showed so much promise early on that they could not wait to use her. She is skilled with all sorts of weapons and hand to hand combat. She is smart in battle, dependable, and lethal. They didn't use her in battle at first. They used her as an assassin. They would send her on missions, she would play the part of ingénue, it was scary how good she was when I finally got to see her in action. She seems so sweet and innocent, the last person that would harm someone. That's how she gets to close, gets all the information we need or gets in to take the kill."
"How…" James ran his fingers through his hair before looking at Daniel. "How old?"
"Most are sixteen at the earliest when they are allowed to undergo the test." Daniel said weekly.
"But Emma. You said she was special." James shook his hand. "From the way you talk about these things, it doesn't sound like she is new to this."
"She's not." Daniel admitted.
"How old?" James asked again.
"She was the youngest… but she was so prepared." Daniel avoided answering.
"How old?" James asked firmly.
"Thirteen." Daniel said quietly.
"Thirteen?!" James asked in disbelief, tears pooling in his eyes as he turned away.
"But she didn't encounter a battle until she was fourteen." Daniel quickly added.
"And that makes it better?" James snapped as he whipped around. "My little girl was taking lives at thirteen."
"She was never in any more danger than any other soldier." Daniel assured him. "She was more talented then men twice her age."
"She was an assassin." James said angrily. "She killed the unsuspecting."
"She killed horrible people." Daniel said firmly. "Men who tortured their people, who sold heir own children to slavery, men who found enjoyment in other's torment. She saved thousands of lives, that's what gets her through it. It is no different than what you do on the battle field, you do it to save innocent lives, so does she."
"She's been in danger. My baby's been in danger." James insisted.
"Her whole life she has been in danger." Daniel countered. "At least with a sword in her hand she can outmatch almost any opponent. Besides, no one would ever let anything happen to her. She's special, more so than the rest of us. If they ever thought she couldn't handle a situation she was not put in harms way."
"She's so… different." James sighed.
"She grew up." Daniel said simply. "But from what I can see she's still very much your daughter."
"She was so innocent and pure." James shook his head.
"Nothing stays that way in this world, you have to know that better than anyone. Your daughter is not the exception to that rule, no matter how badly you wish that were the case. But what she is, is strong, she protects others. She still believes in the sacredness of life, that's why she fights so hard to ensure that everyone has a chance to live. She knows it can be taken from you in an instant and she chose to dedicate hers to making the lives of everyone else better."
"Do others even stand a chance against her with her… abilities?" James asked.
"We do not use magic in wars." Daniel shook his head. "Using magic in such a way darkens your soul, Altair won't allow it."
"So she hasn't…" James asked.
"No. She has never ended a life with her abilities, nor will she ever willingly do so." Daniel said firmly. "She is not like the woman you fear so much. She has never killed someone for joy, or because she wanted to, and she most certainly has never used her gift for something so dark."
"It's such a big thing to omit." James shook his head.
"She didn't want you to see her differently." Daniel explained. "Do you?"
"How can I not?" James asked.
"I knew I should not have told you." Daniel sighed.
"Not in that way." James corrected. "I still love her and I am still proud of her, I just… I cannot look at her and see that innocent little girl any more."
"You knew from the moment she returned she was not that innocent little girl anymore. You've seen it." Daniel pointed out.
"I have." James admitted.
"She may not be innocent anymore sir but from what I've gotten to know of you, I believe your daughter has grown into someone you would be proud of." Daniel said. "Someone who's convictions and abilities you would respect."
"I did always hope she would be excellent with a sword." James admitted.
"She's a brilliant strategist and warrior." Daniel smiled. "So does that change your feelings?"
"Towards her?" James began. "No. But about the life she has lived up until this point, about the things she has had to do… yes."
"Altair is not an evil place. We protect the innocent." Daniel informed him.
"And who gets to decide who the innocent are?" James asked hotly. "Whoever pays the highest price?"
"We do not do it for money." Daniel said flatly. "We do it to keep the balance, we are protectors of good magic, of good. We ensure that this world and all worlds are not swallowed by the darkness that constantly threatens it."
"And what about the darkness that threatens our world?" James asked.
"I do not know if there is plan in place for it." Daniel said simply.
James eyed the boy carefully. "Yes you do."
"What?" Daniel looked surprised.
"You are lying." James eyed him. "I can see it."
"I see where your daughter inherited that talent." Daniel muttered.
"What do your people say of the darkness that threatens our world?" James asked again.
"It is greater than you know." Daniel sighed.
"Will we survive it?" James asked hesitantly.
"I do not know." Daniel shrugged.
"But there is something," James sounded desperate. "Some plan to save us."
"I have heard rumors of such a plan and have been told only what I need to know." Daniel nodded.
"Does Emma know more?" James asked hopefully.
"Less." Daniel said.
James took a deep, calming breath. "What is this plan?"
Daniel turned around and walked a few steps away, sighing and running his fingers through his hair. Finally he turned back to James. "Emma."
"What?" James sounded confused.
"She does not know it, but she is destined to be the savior of this land," Daniel looked out the window into the dark night. "The balance rests with her."
"Emma there you are" Emma turned to see Snow coming down the hallway.
She glanced at her common clothes and bow. Knowing her mother would be suspicious she came up with an excuse. "I was just on the way to find Will. I promised I'd help him with his shot."
"Seems he takes instruction from you much better than from me." Snow mused.
"Yes it is quite surprising." Emma agreed. "Considering his prior feelings towards me."
"You've done a good job of getting through to him." Snow smiled.
"I just had to find something in common with him." Emma shrugged. "Turns out he really wants to live up to your expectations of him."
"Our expectations?" Snow sounded surprised.
"At least what he believes your expectations are." Emma said hurriedly, seeing she had hit a nerve.
"And what would those be?" Snow asked.
"He hasn't exactly given me a list." Emma shrugged. "But from what I can gather he has felt a lot of pressure to be a certain person, to act a certain way, to make you proud. And when he felt could not meet those expectations he got upset, decided to quite trying… that's why he acts out. It's jealousy, disappointment… he feels if he was a more perfect prince, a better archer, a better swordsmen, the two of you would be happier."
"That's not true." Snow started.
"I never said it was." Emma held her hands up. "I'm only telling you what your son believes you expect of him. Whether its true or not, its in his head. You need to have that conversation with him, not me."
Snow sighed. "And do you feel that way?"
"What way?" Emma asked.
"That we have unattainable expectations for you?" Snow asked.
"I… wouldn't." Emma took a deep breath. "It does not really affect me either way. I am who I want myself to be, not who others want me to be."
"So you do feel that way?" Snow clarified, sadness in her voice.
"I don't know that I would say I feel pressured to be a certain way by either of you." Emma explained. "I just feel that you have probably had this idealized version of me for the entire time I was gone and I will never be able to live up to that. I'm ok with that, because I'm ok with who I am. I just don't know if you were honest with yourself if you would be ok with that."
"Emma I love…" Snow started.
"I know what you say." Emma cut her off. "But it's about what you do, how you act."
"Have I done something?" Snow looked hurt.
"No it's just." Emma put her hand to her head, this was not the conversation she wanted to have. "It's about what you don't do. You don't really accept the part of me that is not the princess of Eirian. You don't say anything against that part of me, but you don't exactly care to know about it. It's obvious you would prefer to pretend that part of me didn't exist. I mean look at how you acted when Serafine was here. It's not that you've made me feel unwelcome, you have made me feel more than welcome, you don't really treat me differently than Will except for rules but that's, complicated. You don't act like I'm a guest here, for which I am eternally grateful. But you only want to know part of me. You may not want to admit it, but you're living in a world where I never left, where I am exactly who you always imagined me to be, princess of the kingdom, perfect daughter, perfect royal. I don't know what that is to you but I can tell you its not me. And I don't know why you do it, I'm pretty sure its not because you don't love me, maybe its fear or rejection, maybe its guilt."
"Guilt over what?" There was a flash of something in Snow's eyes but it was gone before Emma could be sure she saw it.
"I don't know." Emma shrugged. "You would have to tell me. Maybe an inability to protect me? I don't know what happened ten years ago. I may never know, but someone here does know something, maybe not everything, but something. I don't know who's hiding something, but I can't shake the feeling that someone is. I'm not blaming you, I'm not blaming anyone. I just… I just know there's something that I'm missing, that I don't know, and until I figure it out, I don't really know what to do."
Snow took a deep breath before taking her daughter's hand into her own. "Emma I don't know what is causing you to feel that way, but I do know that I love you, very much, all of you. And I am so sorry if I have made you feel otherwise. I didn't mean to. Maybe I am living in a fantasy world, because for so long you returning to me was a fantasy. I imagined it so many ways that sometimes it hard to believe its real. But it is, you are real, you are here, and I need to believe that before I accidentally push you away again. You are more than good enough Emma. I need you to know that. And these aren't just words. I'll try more. I want to be a part of your life. I want to know you, all of you."
"How do you propose we do that?" Emma asked, not completely convinced of her mother's sincerity.
"We take small steps." Snow suggested. "You start by telling me stories about your life, I start by not being uncomfortable whenever you talk about it. You show me who you are, in whatever way you see fit."
"I think I can do that." Emma nodded.
Snow reached out and tucked a lock of Emma's hair behind her ear. "I don't expect you to be anyone other than who you are."
"Good." Emma gave a small smile. "Now what did you need me for?"
"Oh." Snow held up a finger. "You're needed by the seamstress."
"For?" Emma raised an eyebrow.
"A fitting." Snow explained.
"For what?" Emma looked confused. "I thought they already had my measurements."
"For daily wear yes." Snow nodded. "But… well I wanted to tell you some other way, but I suppose there is really no easy way to put this. We are having a ball."
"A ball?" Emma repeated. "For what."
"For you." Snow said hesitantly.
"Me?" Emma's eyes widened. "What did I do?"
"It's to celebrate your return." Snow explained. "We wanted to give you time to settle in. To take getting to know people from our world slowly. But your father and I believe that you are ready to meet all the royals of the realm. You have Alex and Chris and Charlotte, they are well versed in dealing with the other royals and balls and I imagine you would listen to their advice over mine. They can be your guides. We have been holding off a lot of requests to visit to allow you to acclimate but, well, this celebration is a long time coming."
Emma paused, regaining her composure. Balls were nothing new to her, in fact a few had even been in her honor, or in the honor of the fake dignitaries she was impersonating, she should be able to handle this. But this one was different. She was the center of attention of a group of people that had known a version of her she could not remember. There was a lot of pressure on that. But she could handle it.
"Emma?" Snow asked gently.
"Ok." Emma nodded slowly.
"Ok?" Snow brightened.
"Yea." Emma agreed. "How bad could it really be?"
"I think you might actually surprise yourself by enjoying it." Snow smiled as she lead her daughter to the seamstresses work room.
"Unlikely." Emma said under her breath as she followed her mother, her plans for a quiet day in the village shattered by the planning for the upcoming ball.
I know that this story seems to have some common themes with my other one (what with the war and the balance hanging with Emma). But you can trust me when I say they will turn out VERY different. This one is much more about Emma's power and finding out who she is, reconciling the two different lives that would have lead her to be two different people. And the evil's are different. Regina is evil in both but her partner's are different as well as Regina has much less humanity in this story (No son to have humanized her).
Guest: (who asked this back in august I'm SOO sorry) Emma will definitely remember and the results are catastrophic for her relationship with her parents but they set off an interesting chain of events
ValzBrown: (This comment also from august… again.. sorry) As you will see in time Emma has a right to be angry and even a little mean. She's not sure why but there is a distrust for Snow but trust me in her mind it is justified. As for Emma and Chris - well they did fight a bit but everything ended all right.
NiCastle: Thank you!
Guest: (from December 1st) You're making me blush! Well you will be getting basically everything you asked for in due time. Regina will be entering this story in a big way in the back half, as well as a reappearance from Nickolai (the guard, and you will soon find out why he had been there for so long, and why this war has taken so long to transpire). I'll do what I can to get more Snow and Emma. THey still have a big journey to go through and I'll get to it but I need to put a few more key players in place for the "game" to begin per say. And we will see Emma return to Altair in some capacity, just not telling how. But if everything ends as I have it planned now I think everyone will be happy.