Chapter Nineteen

His mind came out of the darkness as he heard voices and tried hard not to move. He didn't want to be found and he pulled his left leg up, trying to make himself smaller. The darkness returned as he crept inside and drifted off back to sleep.

His mind came out of the darkness some time later when he felt his body sliding then rising and he tried to move, but his body didn't want to work. His mind fled into the darkness again as he whimpered and heard a soft hushing sound before he went back to sleep.

"He was lucky it was a warm night or he could have perished," a voice said as his mind came out of the darkness and he felt something soft under him.

"I still don't understand what he was doing in that tree," another voice said.

"Roland said he had to pee," a female voice said.

"Do you think he got lost and ducked in there to get some sleep?"

"No, he had a smell of urine on him."

"Are you saying he peed himself?"

"Yes, but what would make him do that?"

"We will know more when he wakes up."

"I still say we should send someone to Avonlea and tell them what happened."

"I'll go," the female voice said as the darkness crept toward him and he drifted off back to sleep.

Avonlea

Belle stood near the large stone fireplace as she watched the fire, but her mind was troubled. Rumple was supposed to return the day before, but no one had seen him or his horse and she wondered if something had happened to him.

"Please let him be alright," she thought as the door opened and the guard walked in the room.

"Lady Belle," the guard said and she turned around. "There is someone here to see you."

"Who is it?" she asked.

"She said she is a friend of Master Gold," the guard said and her heart jumped in her chest. She followed the guard out of the room as they went down the hallways then stopped in the main hallway. Regina stood in the doorway as Belle looked at her and her eyes widened. She remembered her as Belle slowly walked closer and Regina folded her hands in front of her. Regina wore a tan linen tunic, a brown leather vest, a brown leather belt, tan linen trousers and brown deerskin boots.

"Regina?" Belle asked.

"Hello, Belle," Regina said with a nod.

"What are you doing here?"

"I am here on the behalf of our friend," Regina said and Belle nodded.

"He had been traveling. Is he alright?"

"Come with me and find out," Regina said as the guard looked at Belle and frowned.

"I don't think you should, Lady," the guard said. Maurice appeared at the top of the stairs as he looked at them then walked down the stairs and frowned.

"Lady Regina?" he asked and Regina gave him a small smile.

"Greetings, Sir," she said.

"What are you doing here?"

"She says she knows where Rumple is," Belle said and he looked at Regina.

"Where is he?"

"He is at my camp," Regina said. "If you will come with me…"

"Is he alright?" Belle asked and Regina saw the worry in her eyes.

"He has had a bad scare, but I assure you he is alright," she said and Maurice frowned.

"Take us to him," he said and she nodded. Belle followed her father and Regina as they left and the door closed behind them.

The Enchanted Forest

Cool water passed his lips as his mind crept out of the darkness as he sighed and felt his head being lowered. He didn't want to wake up, but he felt like his bladder was going to burst and he slowly opened his eyes.

"Ah, finally decided to wake up, eh?" Friar Tuck said with a small smile and Rumple smiled back.

"I need to pee," he said in a weak voice and Friar Tuck laughed.

"That's what got you in trouble in the first place," Tuck said as he helped Rumple sit up and Rumple rubbed his face with his hands. Tuck reached for the brown wood cane then helped him to his feet and Rumple took hold of the handle of the brown wood cane. They headed for the wooden bucket while Tuck turned to give him privacy and closed his eyes. A few minutes later they left the tent and Rumple looked up. The sunlight shimmered through the leaves as the wind blew the scent of pine and oak by his nose and he smiled.

"Mister Gold!" Roland shouted as he ran to them and took hold of Rumple's left hand. "Are you alright?"

"I think so," Rumple said, wrapping their fingers together.

"I told you to be careful," Roland scolded. "Papa had men out looking for you all night."

"I see," Rumple said while Robin walked closer and Rumple saw the worry in Robin's eyes. "I do apologize for being a bother, Sir."

"I'm just glad to see you up and around," Robin said. "Do you remember what happened?"

Rumple let go of Roland's hand then took hold of the handle of the brown wood cane and tried to remember. His mind fought back when the memory of what happened came forward and he blinked his eyes a few times.

"I do remember having to pee and went out into the forest," Rumple began and Robin nodded.

"Yes, Roland told me that. What happened after you left camp?"

"I was trying to find a private place when this stag appeared in the darkness. I do admit I was startled, but I think he was as well," he said and Roland giggled. "I have never seen such a creature up close and was surprised when he let me touch his head. He walked away as did his family and I could just see them vanish into the night. I also noticed that I had dropped my cane and reached down to pick it up. That is when something came out of the dark and hit the tree behind me."

"Was it this?" Robin asked as he showed the dagger to Rumple and Rumple nodded.

"It was dark, but I do remember the blade," he said, pointing to the blade of the dagger and anger appeared on Robin's face. "I believe you know who this dagger belongs to."

"Yes, it belongs to Killian," Robin said while the sounds of horses came from their left and they looked to see Regna, Belle, Maurice and several guards on horseback and Rumple smiled. Little John held the reins of the horse Belle was riding as she nearly hopped off the saddle and ran to Rumple. He let go of the brown wood cane as she ran into his arms and he held her. She lightly sobbed as he rubbed the back of her head and hushed her. She moved back as he quickly kissed her lips and she loved the light blush moving across his cheeks. "I take this is your fiancé."

"Yes," Rumple said with a small smile and Maurice walked closer. "Greetings, Sir."

"Greetings," Maurice said then looked around and smiled down at Roland, who was standing next to Rumple. "I take it that you got lost."

"To my shame, Sir, I did," Rumple said and Maurice lightly laughed as he shook his head.

"I knew Chip and Jefferson should have gone with you," Belle teased and Rumple arched an eyebrow as he gave her an annoyed look. She gave him a warm smile as he sighed and tapped the tip of his finger against the tip of her nose. Robin looked at Regina as she slid her arm around his waist and placed her head against his shoulder.

"Did he tell you what happened last night?" Regina asked, looking at Robin.

"It turned out he did have to pee and went to find some privacy," Robin said.

"He saw the stag, Mama," Roland said.

"You did?" she asked, looking at Rumple and he nodded.

"I guess he didn't think I was a threat," Rumple teased while gently thumping the bottom of the wooden cane on the ground.

"What happened next?"

"I had dropped my cane. When I bent to pick the cane off the ground, a dagger was thrown from the darkness and hit the trunk of the tree behind me."

"Did you see who threw it?"

"No," he said, shaking his head.

"We did find the dagger," Robin said and showed Regina the dagger.

"That belongs to Killian," Regina said.

"Where is this Killian?" Maurice demanded when Will Scarlet came running toward them then stopped, placing his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.

"Will, what's wrong?" Robin asked as he walked closer and Will looked at them.

"They found Killian," Will panted as he looked at the men dragging something into camp on a tarp and they slowly walked to the men. Rumple held onto Belle as they looked at the mutilated body of Killian Jones and she turned her face away.

"He looks like he's been trampled or mauled," Regina whispered while Rumple looked toward the edge of the trees and his eyes slightly widened. The stag stood with its family just between the trees in a spotlight of golden light and they locked eyes. The stag slowly nodded as Rumple nodded back then the stag and its family slowly walked away. Rumple slightly smiled as he held onto Belle and felt the soft wind of the forest blowing through his hair.

"Well, that is him dealt with," Maurice said when he looked at Robin and Regina and smiled. "I thank you for taking care of Rumple, but we must be going."

"It has been our pleasure," Robin said with a small bow.

"If there is anything you need…."

"I have been thinking of trying to reclaim my mother's kingdom, but we do not have enough men," Regina said then looked down. Maurice knew the rumors of how she was falsely accused of killing Cora and how she was banished and he walked closer lifting her chin to look into her eyes.

"Your mother was a good friend to me and my wife so my men are yours," he said and she smiled. He was surprised as she hugged him and gently rubbed her back.

"And we would be honored to have you and your husband and son come to our engagement ball and wedding," Belle said.

"But we have nothing to wear," Regina said.

"Oh, I think I could make you something," Rumple said and Belle gently tapped his chest with her fingers.

"You are busy enough as it is," she said with a cold look in her eyes.

"Are you telling me what to do, Dearie?" he asked, glaring at her and Maurice smiled.

"Yes, I am telling you what to do," she said as she folded her arms across her chest.

"No one tells me what to do."

"Then don't blame me when you collapse from exhaustion."

"I would do no such thing."

"Yes, you….," she said and he gently kissed her lips. The men cheered as he held the back of her head in his hand while deepening the kiss and Robin looked at Regina.

"Those two are acting like they're already married," he whispered and Regina looked at Rumple and Belle looking deeply into each other's eyes then softly laughed.

Two weeks later - Avonlea

The music played while Belle stood near the table where the food was sitting on silver trays and wine was sitting in crystal goblets. Her auburn hair was floated around her shoulders with small crystals sprinkled through her hair and a gold chain with an amulet with dark sapphires hung around her neck. She was amazed when Chip presented her with the gown Rumple had made for her and explained Rumple wanted to wait and see her in the gown instead of delivering the gown himself.

Her gown was cream color velvet with long sleeves which flared at the wrists and the lining of the gown was a soft white silk. The front of the gown was low enough to show off the top of her breasts and the collar ended just below her jawline. The gown was tight enough to show off her curves and small crystal roses were scattered around the skirt of the gown. Dark brown leather high heels covered her feet and white, fingerless lace gloves covered her hands.

"You look amazing, Darling," Maurice said and she smiled. Maurice was wearing a black velvet waistcoat over a white silk shirt and a gold sash crossed his chest. The gray trousers were held up by a black leather belt and black leather boots ended at his knees.

"Thank you, Father," she said then looked toward the large doors and frowned. A familiar feeling moved through her when her father placed his hand on her shoulder and she looked at him.

"I assure you he will come down," he said with a small the music stopped and the staff and guests were looking toward the large doors. Belle turned while they looked to see what the others were looking at and Belle smiled. Rumple held onto the handle of the brown wood cane. Black leather boots ended at Rumple's knees as the black leather gloves covering his hands and the tight dark brown leather trousers covered his legs. He was also wearing a long sleeve brown leather jerkin with a high collar and a brown leather belt around his waist. A small sword scabbard was connected to the brown leather belt and a white linen tunic with a high collar was under the long sleeve brown leather jerkin.

"Aren't those the clothes he was wearing when we found him in the garden?" Maurice asked.

"Yes, I wanted him to wear the outfit he wore when I was assaulted, but he insisted he wanted to wear that one," Belle said while Rumple came closer then stood in front of them and made a small bow.

"Good evening," Rumple said.

"Good evening."

"Good evening," Belle said and Rumple shyly smiled. She moved a little closer so her lips were near his right ear and a small shiver moved through him. "Now I understand why my gown is this color."

"I wanted us to match," he said and blushed. "Though the shirt is new and I remade the jerkin."

"Well, you look very handsome."

"If you say so, Dearie," he said and she took his hand, wrapping their fingers together. Rumple looked at the guests and servants looking at them as his heart slammed in his chest and Belle led him to the center of the room. The music started playing as she placed her left hand on his right shoulder. She placed her right hand against his waist as Rumple looked down and tried to decide if he should let go of his brown wood cane.

"Let it fall. I will hold you up," she whispered and he saw the honesty in her eyes. The brown wood cane fell with a small clattering sound to the marble floor as he placed his left hand on her shoulder and placed his right hand against her waist. She moved closer until their bodies met then she slid her arms around his waist and he placed his hands on her shoulders. She softly tapped her foot against his as they slowly moved and he looked deeply into her blue eyes. They didn't dance as much as move in a small circle and Maurice smiled. The guest knew about Rumple's leg while they joined them and Belle brushed away some hair which had fallen in his face. Neither of them noticed the sweet smiles from the other dancers or the soft whispers about how much in love they were. The world had melted away. The music ended as she knelt to retrieve the brown wood cane and he softly kissed her hand while the guest applauded.

"Is all this applause for me?" a voice asked as they looked at the doorway and Zelena smiled. Her red hair was floating around her shoulders while the tight green silk dress strained against her breasts and she looked around the room. A gold chain was around her neck and the large emerald on the amulet at the end of the gold chair shimmered in the light. At her sides were two men who looked young enough to be her sons and they were dressed in identical white silk suit jackets with green lining, white linen shirts open enough to show off their muscular chests, white belts, tight white silk trousers and white leather boots ending at their knees.

"Lady Mills," Maurice said while walking closer and Zelena glared at him.

"Sir," she said with a nod while holding out her hand and he sighed, leaned over her hand and kissed her knuckles. He pointed with his hands for her to come in the room as she walked by him and the two men followed her. She headed for Rumple and Belle then stopped and looked him over. "Well, decided to come back, did you?"

"Yes," Rumple said and she glared at him.

"Yes what?" she growled and a light flashed in her eyes.

"Yes, I came back."

"How dare you not address me as "Lady"? Have you forgotten your place?"

"Have you forgotten you are a guest in my father's castle?" Belle asked.

"No, I haven't," Zelena growled. "Maybe Gaston was right. Only a whore would marry below her station!"

"It takes a whore to know one," Belle said and the guests softly laughed.

"You bitch!" Zelena said as she raised her arm to slap her, but Rumple raised the brown wood cane and blocked her.

"I am warning you, "Lady", do not lay a hand on my fiancé," he growled and bared his teeth while scrunching up his nose.

"You have no right to make threats against me," Zelena said as she breathed hard and fast through her nose and the green silk nearly burst from her breasts moving up and down.

"Go sit down before you embarrass yourself any further," he said softly and she saw the nearly animal look in his eyes.

"This will not be tolerated," she said as she snapped her fingers and the two men appeared at her sides. "Maurice, I demand this…this creature to be flogged immediately!"

"I will not flog my daughter's fiancé," Maurice said as he walked closer and her eyes widened.

"I have been insulted! I demand satisfaction!"

"May I remind you that this is not your castle or your kingdom," Maurice said with a blank look on his face.

"I am going to destroy you," Zelena said as she turned and the young men followed as she headed for the door.

The men opened the doors as she left the room then stopped when she saw Regina, Robin and Roland standing in the hallway. Robin was dressed in dark green silk suit jacket with gold buttons at the cuffs, white linen shirt, black leather belt, tight dark green silk trousers and black leather boots. Swords were in black leather scabbard on belts around his waist and Roland was dressed in a dark green linen vest, a white linen shirt, black leather belt, dark green breeches, white hose and black leather shoes.

Regina's black hair was floating around her shoulders while little clear crystals sparkled in her hair and a silver chain with an amulet with small diamonds hung around her neck. Her gown was black velvet with long sleeves which flared at the wrists and the lining of the gown was a soft gray silk. The front of the gown was low enough to show off the top of her breasts and was tight enough to show off her curves. Black leather high heels covered her feet and black fingerless lace gloves covered her hands. She was amused by the shocked look on Zelena's face as she smiled and slid her arm around Robin's right arm.

"Hello, Sister Dear," she said and Rumple looked at her with a small smile on his face.