A/N: Rumple gets lost and runs into a certain pirate.
Chapter Eighteen
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Chip asked after Rumple placed the brown wood cane in the holder on the saddle and smiled down at his apprentice.
"Yes," he said while taking the reins in his hands and patted the side of the white charger's neck. A week and a half had passed since he collapsed and the healer assured Belle and Maurice he was well enough to travel.
"Jefferson and I could still go with you," Chip said with an innocent look on his face.
"Chip, as much as I appreciate your concern, I do not need a sitter," he said and Chip nodded. Gently nudging the white charger, Rumple waved farewell as the white charger headed out of the gates and went down the trail. Mrs. Potts had back him enough food and water as well as bedding for his trip, but a part of him remained at the castle. He remembered the kiss Belle had given him and the worry in her blue eyes, but he knew he couldn't stay hidden in his rooms forever. The white charger snorted as Rumple smiled then patted the mane and watched the sunlight dancing off the leaves.
Days later – the Enchanted Forest
The sound of birdsong filled the air while the white charger headed down the trail and Rumple frowned. He had been able to find the right silk and crystals he needed for Belle's gown, but had gotten lost on the way back. A thick fog had covered everything when he left that morning and now he wondered if he should have waited until the fog had burned off before heading off.
"You are an idiot," he mumbled while the white charger snorted and he patted the soft mane. "I was talking about me, Dearie."
The white charger continued down the trail then stopped when the sound of twigs snapping filled the air and Rumple looked around. His heart slammed wildly in his chest as he moved the white charger around in a circle then several men dressed in green tunics and trousers and black leather boots came out of the bushes or from behind trees. The men parted when a man walked out from behind one of the large trees and the man was dressed in a black leather trench coat, a black silk shirt which was open enough to show most of his chest, black leather gloves, black leather belt, tight black leather trousers and black leather boots that ended at his knees. His black hair ended at the base of his neck and the sunlight shimmered in his bright blue eyes.
"Well, look at what we have here," Killian Jones said with a charming smile and walked toward the white charger. "Are you lost, Old Dog?"
"I might be," Rumple said, sitting up a little straighter in the saddle. Killian walked around the white charger then grunted after the white charger smacked him in the face with its tail and some of the men laughed. Rumple pressed his lips together while Killian growled then saw the brown wooden cane in the holder.
"Seeing that you have a horse, you won't need this to help get about," he said then slid the brown wooden cane out of the holder. He held the handle of the brown wooden cane in his left hand while positioning the brown wooden cane at an angle and stomped down hard, snapping the brown wooden cane in half. Tossing the pieces to the ground, he looked at Rumple as he smiled and folded his arms over his chest.
"Is that supposed to intimidate me?" Rumple asked with a blank look on his face. Growling, Killian reached up and grabbed hold of Rumple then pulled him off the saddle and Rumple slid down onto the ground. He looked up at Killian as Killian raised his fist when suddenly an arrow broke through Killian's shoulder and he dropped to his knees.
"I have warned you about that temper of yours, Killian," a male voice said. Rumple looked toward the bushes while Robin Hood walked out and Killian staggered to his feet.
"He was being smart with me," Killian said, glaring at Robin. Robin walked closer when he looked down at Rumple then held out his right hand and Rumple took his hand. Robin carefully helped Rumple to his feet then noticed Rumple favored his right foot and Rumple made a small smile.
"Are you alright, Sir?" Robin asked.
"Yes, Sir, I am," Rumple said, looking at Killian. "But I am crippled and he broke my cane."
"I see," Robin said as he looked at the men and pointed to the large man holding onto a large bow staff. "John, bring him your staff."
"Aye, Robin," Little John said, walking to them and looked at Rumple. "Here you go, Small One."
"Thank you, Sir," Rumple said as he looked at the six foot five inch man then took the battle staff and Little John nodded, walking back to the others.
"What is your name, Sir?" Robin asked.
"I am Rumplestiltskin Gold," Rumple said with a small bow. "Who are you, Sir?"
"I am Robin Hood. Now, what brings you to my forest?"
"I appear to have lost my way. I was returning home with the materials for a gown I am making for my fiancé, but I was foolish and ended up getting lost in the fog."
"Come on, Mate. Just kill him so we can take his stuff," Killian said then screamed while Little John pulled on the arrow sticking out of Killian's shoulder.
"Is that what you are going to do?" Rumple asked. Robin slowly walked around him as he looked at Rumple's clothing and boots then at the white charger and sighed.
"Is this horse yours?"
"No, it belongs to the father of my fiancé."
"And he gave you coin to purchase the materials?"
"Yes," Rumple said with a nod.
"What do you do?"
"I am a spinner and a tailor," Rumple said. "Why do you ask?"
"No reason," Robin said then looked at Little John. "Help him back onto his horse."
"You're letting him go?!" Killian asked then gasped while Little John pulled on the arrow as he walked to Robin. Rumple smiled while Little John lifted him off the ground then helped him back onto the saddle and he handed Little John the bow staff.
"I thank you, Good Sir, but I still don't know how to get home," Rumple said, taking the reins in his hands.
"Then you will be my guest, Sir," Robin said then looked at the men. "Let's go."
Killian growled while Robin led the white charger down the trail and Rumple held onto the saddle horn. He watched the sunlight dancing off the leaves as he sighed and wondered if he hadn't had made a mistake.
Robin's camp
Regina came out of the large tent after hearing the horn signaling her husband's return and she watched while Robin and the others came into camp. She noticed Killian had an arrow in his shoulder as she shook her head while rolling her eyes and Little John led Killian toward one of the tents.
"Papa!" Roland said as he ran to Robin and Robin lifted his son into the air and Roland laughed. Robin held him in his arms when Roland looked at the white charger then at Rumple and frowned. "Who is he?"
Merlin had changed their memories of meeting Rumple as Robin adjusted his hold on Roland and smiled.
"This is Mister Gold," he said. "This is my son, Roland."
"Hello, Roland," Rumple said and Roland shyly waved as he placed his head on his papa's shoulder.
"I see you brought a guest," Regina said while walking closer and looked at Rumple. "Hello, Sir."
"Hello, Lady," he said and her eyes widened.
"I know that voice," she said. Rumple had pulled his hood up until it covered most of his face and Robin gave Regina a confused look.
"You know him then?" Robin asked.
"I am not sure," she said then looked at Rumple. "Please get off of you horse, Sir."
"I would, Lady, but I don't think I would be able to stand without my cane."
"Why do you need a cane?" Roland asked.
"Well, a long time ago, I had taken a tumble down a hill and badly broken my leg. The healer was able to save my leg, but I ended up crippled," Rumple said and Regina felt a cold chill move through her.
"John, come help our friend," Robin said. Little John walked to the white charger when he raised his arms and lifted Rumple off the saddle. He carefully lowered Rumple to his feet then handed him a small stick and Rumple nodded. Regina walked around Rumple when she reached for the hood and slid her hands inside. He didn't move as she lowered the hood and her heart slammed in her chest.
"It is you," Regina said with a small smile.
"Your servant, Lady," Rumple said with a bow and Roland smiled, deep dimples denting his cheeks.
"So who is he?" Robin asked and Regina took hold of Rumple's hand, wrapping their fingers together.
"He is a friend of mine from my old life," she said and Robin glared at Rumple. "No, he has nothing to do with Zelena."
"How did you end up here?" Rumple asked and Regina sighed.
"After my mother died, my sister banished me,"
"I see," Rumple said and she saw the sad look in his eyes.
"There is no need to feel sorry for me. I ended up finding a new family and a man who loves me," she said while the anger of her sister's betrayal boiled inside her, but the anger vanished after he gently squeezed her fingers. "Now, tell me. Why are you here?"
"I was returning from acquiring material for the gown I was making for my fiancé…."
"You're getting married?" she asked. She had thought he had returned to Avonlea and had married Belle and he saw the look in her eyes.
"Yes, but, due to the fog, I had become lost. Some of your husband's men had found me and…"
"They were going to rob him?" she asked, looking at Robin.
"They would have if I hadn't stopped Killian from beating him to death first," Robin said. She understood why Killian had an arrow in his shoulder as she sighed and shook her head.
"Well, I offer you our hospitality then we will escort you home." Regina said while looking at Rumple and he shivered from the memory of his encounter with Merlin. "Are you ill? You've suddenly turned pale."
"I am sorry, Dear Lady. I was just thinking about the last time someone offered me hospitality," Rumple said with a sigh and Regina led him to a fallen log. They sat down as he placed his hands on his knees and Regina gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Tell me what happened?" Regina said and he saw the concern in her eyes. He had resolved to bury his time with Merlin, but the need to talk to someone other than Belle or Maurice urged him on and he looked deeply into Regina's eyes. He told her about leaving after Belle was assaulted and how Maurice had placed Gaston in the dungeon. He explained about how he got lost then met Merlin and her eyes widened when he told her about becoming Merlin's slave. "By the gods, that is horrific."
"It wasn't so bad. I was used to being alone and he never beat me or abused me."
"But he kept you prisoner and denied you contact with anyone."
"The hardest part was not being near…her," he sighed and Regina gave him a small smile.
"Are you talking about Belle D'Leon?"
"You knew I had feelings for her?" he asked, wide eyed.
"I had a feeling there was more between the two of you other than friendship," she said then frowned. "It is too bad she never found out."
"Oh, she found out," he said then told about what he remembered about the attack and how he was returned to Avonlea. He told about his slow recovery and asking for Belle's hand in marriage and Regina smiled.
"So tell me. Why did you decide it would be easier to travel through the forest instead of staying on the main road?"
"I thought going through the forest would lead me to a village where I could get directions or rest then start out again in the morning," he said and she admitted he looked cute when he blushed.
"Instead, you run into my husband's men."
"May I ask why that one in black leather wanted to kill me?"
"Killian is a pirate Robin met in a tavern. He lost his ship during a card game and had nowhere else to go," Regina said with a sigh and placed her hands on her knees. "I told Robin it was a bad idea, but he insists Killian is a good man."
"But you don't think so?"
"No, he's tried to seduce me a few times, but ends up with my knee in his crotch," she said and he smiled. "As for your problem, I think you coming this way had to be fate."
"Why do you believe that?"
"I have it on good authority that Avonlea is just a few hours ride east of here."
"If that is the case, I must be on my way," Rumple said as he tried to stand, but felt dizzy and sat back down hard. "Then again…"
"Stay right there," Regina said when she got up and walked away. Rumple placed his head in his hands, but didn't notice someone sitting next to him and he looked at Friar Tuck.
"Are you alright, My Son?" he asked.
"I just feel a little dizzy," Rumple said as Regina brought a wooden cup with some water to him and knelt down in front of Rumple.
"Here, drink this," Regina said and Rumple took the wooden cup in his hands. He sipped on the water while the dizziness faded and he smiled at her. "Feel better?"
"Yes," he said with a nod and placed the wooden cup on the log.
"Well, I think you should stay and have something to eat then we will take you home in the morning."
"I would love to, Dear Lady, but I just don't feel comfortable here," he said as he looked around at the tress, bushes and the camp and Tuck frowned.
"What is it about the Lord's green earth that worries you?" he asked and Rumple told him about what happened. "Ah, I see. Well, maybe what you need is to take that bad situation and turn it into a good one."
"How can I do that?"
"Would your bride be offended if you were to be married here?" he asked and Rumple sat in silence for a few minutes. He listened to the soft wind moving the leaves and the scent of fresh pine filled his nose. He could picture being married under the canopy of the forest and looked up, seeing the sunlight filtering in through the leaves.
"Yes, I think she would love it," he said with a smile and Tuck smiled back.
The stars twinkled in the dark sky while the fire in the fire circle flickered and smoke rose toward the sky. Rumple listened to the music while men laughed, talked or sang and he sipped on some berry wine Tuck had given him. He watched Robin and Regina talking as he sighed and his heart ached to see Belle again. He wondered if they would be as happy as Robin and Regina and he pressed his lips together. Picking up the brown wood cane Friar Tuck had made for him, Rumple carefully stood up when he headed for the bushes and held the handle of the brown wood cane tightly in his hand.
"Where are you going?" Roland asked as Rumple looked down and smiled at him.
"I need to pee," Rumple said.
"Oh, well, Papa says not to go too far. There are bad things out there," Roland said. Nodding, Rumple headed off into the forest as he looked around for a nice private spot to do his business and the crickets chirped in the shadows. He did feel a little frightened as he walked by the trees then stopped when he heard something. His heart was slamming in his chest as he stood still, but felt a little foolish.
"There is nothing out here," he thought while looking around with his eyes when something moved to his right and he quickly turned, holding the brown wood cane in his hands. In the dim moonlight, he could just see the large stag standing a foot from him and the stag tilted its head to one side. Each antler had ten points, but one of the points had a broken tip from a fight a year ago.
"Seven hells, you are magnificent," Rumple whispered and the stag slowly moved closer. Rumple stood stone still as the stag walked around him then gently poked him with its antler. He slowly moved his right hand closer as he felt the soft fur of the stag's head and scratched the stag's right ear. The stage made a soft snort then moved by him and Rumple smiled. Two does followed behind the stag as he watched and three little fawns half ran to keep up. One of the fawns stopped to look at him when Rumple made a small bow and the fawn ran off. Softly laughing, he shook his head when he realized he had dropped the brown wood cane and bent over to pick the brown wood cane off the ground.
THWACK!
The moonlight shimmered off the blade of the dagger as the dagger barely wiggled in the trunk of the tree behind him and Rumple sat hard on the ground. His heart raced as he tried to see where the dagger came from then he slowly scooted backwards and hid behind the tree.
"Come on out, Old Dog," Killian's voice called out from the darkness and he laughed. Rumple kept silent, but felt the wetness between his legs and sighed. He didn't care that he had just peed himself as he sat perfectly still and tried to calm his breathing. "There is no use hiding. I will find you sooner or later."
Rumple closed his eyes as he sat back against the trunk of the tree and prayed that Killian would leave. He noticed he was still going backwards when he reached back and felt the opening in the trunk of the tree. He slowly scooted backwards as he slid into the hole and felt the vines which covered the hole. He moved the vines to cover the hole just as Killian walked by and could just see him standing in front of the hole. Swallowing hard, Rumple watched him walk away then closed his eyes and the darkness pulled him down into a dreamless sleep.