There's a special kind of feeling in the air
It only happens at this time of year
When everyone is filled with love and cheer
'Cause that's what matters

("Greatest Time of Year," Aly & AJ)

Chapter 8: Christmas in Storybrooke

"Can you make it snow?" Roland asked me. He sat on the windowsill, looking dejectly out at our still snowless yard.

I chuckled, shaking my head as I sorted through our Christmas decorations. "I'm afraid not, sweetheart. It would be dangerous to mess with the weather like that."

He sighed, hopping down off the windowsill to come sit by me. "Do you think it'll snow in Storybrooke?"

"Storybrooke?" I frowned, putting the decorations down in order to face him. "Why are you asking about Storybrooke?"

"I heard you and Papa talking about us going to a party thrown by Princess Snow. It sounds like it'll be fun." He grinned up at me, brown eyes sparkling with excitement.

I did my best to smile back. "I'm sure it will be. But you do remember no one will remember who they really are, right?"

He nodded. "But I want to see them anyway. You're getting to know Princess Snow again. I want to do the same with everyone else."

"You are the sweetest child." I pulled him close and hugged him tightly. "I don't think it'll snow in Storybrooke but you never know. Princess Snow's party is still almost a week away. Anything could happen."

"I wish it would snow like it did last year. That was cool," he said.

I stood, taking his hand. "Why don't we go grab a snack and then we can see if there are any good Christmas movies with snow on? We can pretend we're in them."

Roland cheered and let me lead him into the kitchen. "Can we have apple pie with ice cream? Please?"

"You know what? I think apple pie is a great idea. Why don't you go get us some plates and forks while I get the pie?" I gave him a little tap forward and he headed toward the drawer.

I pulled out the apple pie I made the night before and then retrieved the ice cream. The both of us got generous slices, which I heated up in the microwave. I turned to Roland and pressed my finger to my lips. "Don't tell Papa."

Roland chuckled, knowing how paranoid Robin was about the microwave. He insisted it wasn't natural and refused to use it, let alone eat any food warmed in it. After many attempts to explain why it wasn't dangerous, I gave in and didn't use it when he was around.

The microwave dinged and I took the slices out, scooping the ice cream onto it. It started to melt and I handed Roland his plate. "Don't forget to blow on it. It might be hot."

"I won't, Mama," he assured me. He headed out to the living room while I prepared my slice and cleaned up.

"Mama!" Roland called out, panicky.

I ignored my slice and rushed to the living room. He stood stock still, clutching something in his fist. Concerned, I took his shoulder. "Roland, sweetheart, what's wrong?"

He held up a small white object. "It just fell out. I didn't do anything, I swear!"

"What fell out of where?" I crouched down next to him and opened up my palm. He dropped the object in it and I realized it was a tooth.

"It had been loose but I hadn't though much of it," Roland admitted, near tears. "It was fun to wiggle it. Can you put it back in?"

I shook my head. "This is a baby tooth. It's meant to fall out so your adult teeth can grow in. You're going to be losing a lot of teeth."

Roland glanced down at the tooth in my hand, looking a bit unsure. So I knew I had to sell it a bit more. "And you know what? There's a fairy who comes to children who lost their teeth, collecting them and leaving money while they sleep."

"Money? Cool," he said before thinking about it. "Then I guess losing my teeth won't be so bad. And you promise new ones will come in?"

"Absolutely," I assured him. "Let me go put this some place safe so we can put it under your pillow tonight. Why don't you come with me?"

He took my hand and we returned to the kitchen. I placed the tooth in the envelope and put it in the drawer for safekeeping. Then I pulled out a cup and filled it with water, sprinkling some salt into it.

"What's that for?" he asked me.

"For you to rinse out your mouth," I replied, handing him the glass. "Just swish it around and spit it out."

Though he looked uncertain, he took a sip and did just as I instructed. After he spit the salt water into the sink, he grimaced. "That tasted awful."

"I know, sweetheart. But I need you take another sip, gargle again and then spit it out again. Okay?"

Roland sighed but did as I asked, spitting out the salt water once more. He handed me the glass. "I don't think I can do that again."

"Do what?" Robin walked in, smiling at us. "What are you two up to now?"

"Mama made me gargle salt water," Roland said, sticking out his tongue.

I opened the drawer and pulled out the envelope. "Roland lost his first tooth and I just wanted him to gargle to prevent any pain or blood."

Robin peered into the envelope and smiled as he pulled Roland close. "Congratulations, my boy. Your adult teeth will be in very soon."

"Mama says a fairy will come and give me money in exchange for my tooth while I sleep!" Roland bounced on the balls of his feet.

Meeting my eyes over Roland's head, Robin raised his eyebrow. "Well, then, we should put that back in the drawer until tonight."

"Good idea." I took the envelope and placed it back in the drawer. "Roland and I were going to watch some Christmas movies while having some pie with ice cream that's no doubt very melted by now. Would you care to join us?"

"I think I'd love to watch some Christmas movies, but I can skip the pie. I had a big lunch at the center," he replied, patting his stomach. "We threw an early Christmas party for the kids."

"Sounds like fun." I took his hand as well as Roland's. "Come on. We have some movies to watch and pie to eat."

We cocooned ourselves on the couch and it didn't matter that our ice cream had melted and slices cooled—they still tasted delicious as we watched Frosty the Snowman with Robin.

A few days later, I tossed down the invite to Snow's Christmas party. She had written at the bottom: Hope you can come! Bring those adorable children of yours!

"Well?" I asked.

"I'm not comfortable having Emma so close to Zelena," he replied, knowing what I meant.

Sighing, I sat down. "I agree but…"

"Regina," he warned.

"I know, I know," I said quickly. "But we'll be at Mary Margaret's. What are the chances a local schoolteacher is going to invite the mayor? Or that the mayor will go?"

He gave me a look. "Said mayor knows she's the schoolteacher's stepmother. And that you are friends with her. She may show up to torment Snow and you."

"That might raise some eyebrows Zelena doesn't want raised," I replied. "I have a feeling she's going to try to accost me at the festival. So if we just leave the children with a babysitter at Snow's…"

Robin sighed, rubbing his chin. "I guess that could work. Just…let me think on it, okay?"

I nodded. "That's fine. I'm not asking for a decision right now."

"Okay," he said, taking my hand in his. "But why do you really want to bring the kids to Storybrooke so bad?"

"Roland wants to go. He wants to see everyone, even if they don't remember who he is. And…And I guess I want Emma to know Snow."

He sighed, running his free hand through his hair. "They should get to know each other in some capacity. It's just…"

"Zelena," we said at the same time.

I squeezed his hand. "I know. Whenever I think of a way for us to spend more time with Snow, she then pops up and ruins those plans without us ever having to leave the house."

"She just keeps hovering over our lives," he moaned. "Let me just debate this out further in my head, okay?"

"As I said, take your time." I kissed his forehead. "I'll go start dinner. Do you want anything?"

"Whatever you want," he said, sounding far away.

I left him alone with his thoughts.

I bundled Emma up in her pink bunting, zipping it up as I pulled the fur-lined hood over her golden curls. Beside her, Rachel laid in her purple one as she sucked on her pacifier. "There. My girls are all ready to go out in this cold weather," I cooed.

"Papa?" Emma asked. Rachel perked up as well.

Robin entered the room with Roland all bundled up behind him and smiled as he approached us. "Are my girls excited?"

"To see you? Yes," I replied. "To go out? Debatable."

He laughed, picking Emma up and kissing her nose. "You want to go to a party, right, Emma?"

She tried to squish his face instead, but the mittens I had put on her prevented it. I watched as her face crinkled up in confusion before she pouted with displeasure. Robin chuckled. "We'll play later, Emma."

"I'm going to put my coat and scarf on," I said, kissing him. "Why don't you get this lot downstairs?"

He nodded, shifting Emma into one arm so he could pick up Rachel as well. "Come on, Roland. Mama will be with us shortly."

All I could see were Roland's eyes and he looked uncomfortable. I took pity on him and loosened his scarf. "How's that?"

"Better," he said. "But I am getting hot."

"Well, then, I better get ready quickly so we can get going. The sooner we leave, the sooner we'll arrive and the sooner we can get this off you." I kissed his nose before sending him downstairs to join his father and sisters.

I grabbed my coat, wrapped my scarf around my neck and tuck my hat under my arm as I pulled on my gloves. When I got downstairs, I found Roland perched on the edge of the couch, holding onto Emma and Rachel. I frowned. "Where's Papa?"

"He went to warm up the car," Roland replied, "so it's not so cold when we get in."

Robin's consideration made me smile. "Well, let's head out there. Roland, you go ahead and I'll take the girls."

Emma walk, she told me as I picked her up.

I frowned. "Are you sure?"

She banged her hands on my arms. Emma walk!

"Okay, okay." I turned to Roland. "Can you hold your sister's hand? She wants to walk to the car."

He nodded and I set Emma on the floor. She grasped Roland's hand and the two walked slowly out to the car. I picked up Rachel and held her close as we followed them.

Robin had gotten out of the car and picked up Emma to put her in her car seat. I put Rachel in hers while Roland settled in between the two. Once everyone was secure, Robin and I climbed in as well.

"We ready to head to Storybrooke?" Robin asked, trying to act as cheerful as possible. I knew he was still worried about bringing Emma there.

Roland cheered and I turned back to him. "Remember what we talked about. You need to remember everyone's new name."

He nodded. "I remember, Mama. But what if I forget what their new name is?"

"Then just ask them again," I said. "They won't mind repeating it."

"Okay." He leaned back as Emma began babbling away. Rachel's eyes were closed and I was certain she was already asleep.

I faced forward again before turning on the radio. "I'm sure there's Christmas music on somewhere along the dial."

"I think we'll hear plenty of Christmas music when we get to Snow's," Robin said, chuckling.

"Who knows? Zelena just let them start celebrating," I reminded him. "I don't know if they can get Christmas music that fast."

"Zelena has her magic. She's made that clear. So maybe she just zapped up some records for everyone?" Robin suggested.

I laughed. "Maybe. It would be the only good thing she ever did with her magic, if you ask me."

He took my hand as we stopped at a light. "Tell me again everything is going to be fine."

"Everything is going to be fine," I assured him. "Maybe Zelena will find the Christmas spirit."

"It would be a Christmas miracle," Robin retorted as he hit the gas again, taking us out of town and on our way to Storybrooke.

Storybrooke had been transformed since the last time we were there. As Robin turned onto Main Street, illuminated snowflakes hung over the street, held up with lights suspended from the lampposts. Lights were also wrapped around them and I could spot garland there as well.

The stores on Main Street had also decorated with lights and other Christmas decorations, including Santa and his reindeer on the roof of Granny's. I nodded, impressed. "They went all out for this."

"I'm still surprised, considering Christmas is all about hope. Isn't that the one thing she doesn't want everyone to have?" Robin asked.

"I think she just wants me to come out," I said. "And here I am. She's going to regret this."

Robin glanced at me. "I hope so."

I knew what he was thinking—that he hoped we weren't the ones regretting this decision.

Pulling out the directions Snow gave me, I guided him to her loft. "She said there should be plenty of parking, even with the party going on."

"Looks like she was right," Robin said, though he stopped in front of her building. "However, why don't I let you and the kids off here? You can head straight from here into the building."

"Good plan." I kissed his cheek before climbing out of the car. After unbuckling Emma, I let Roland climb out of the car. "Emma, sweetheart, do you want to walk again?"

Yes! She bounced in my arms, excited as I set her down next to Roland.

I smiled. "Hold your brother's hand and be careful, okay?"

Emma took Roland's hand and I watched them start up to the door before I turned to remove a still sleeping Rachel from her car seat. I glanced at Robin. "Be careful."

"I'm just parking the car," he told me. "Nothing dangerous in that."

"As far you know. I wouldn't put it past the Sheriff to be waiting somewhere just to catch people for made up violations." I hoisted Rachel into my arms and hurried to catch up with Emma and Roland.

They were inside, waiting by the door. I looked up the stairs that led to Mary Margaret's loft, wondering if Emma could make it up the stairs even with Roland's help. "We may need to wait for Papa," I said, mostly to myself.

"Regina? Oh, thank goodness, you came!" Snow hurried down the stairs, her red skirt billowing out with every step. When she reached the bottom, she hugged me, taking care to mind Rachel in my arms.

"Of course," I said. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

She beamed and bent down toward Roland and Emma. "Hello, you two! Are you excited for the party?"

"Yes, we are," Roland replied. "And I'm sure Emma would say the same if she could."

He shook his sister's hand as Emma studied Snow's face intently. She reached her hand up to her. "Up!"

"Well, that's new. We now have Mama, Papa, Ro and up. Next, we need to work on please," I said, tapping Emma's nose.

Snow picked her up, settling her on a hip. "I'm sure she'll learn it in time. Where's Robin?"

"Parking the car." I shifted Rachel in my arms as she grew heavy against my shoulder. "He'll be with us shortly."

"He's with you now," he said, trying to open the door only enough for him to slip through so as not to let in the cold air. He smiled at Snow. "Nice to see you, Mary Margaret."

Snow smiled. "You too. Come on up. The party's in full swing."

"Glad to hear it," I replied, following her as she carried Emma upstairs. Robin trailed behind, holding Roland's hand.

I heard music as we got closer to Snow's loft and recognized it as Christmas music. Seemed Zelena did zap up some Christmas albums for the townspeople. I wonder what else she was allowing into Storybrooke.

Colored lights hung around the loft and a Christmas tree was set up in the middle of the room. Lights blinked on it, illuminating the different ornaments she had hung from the evergreen branches. A star was placed on top, lighting the room up.

A Christmas village was set up to block what I assumed was Mary Margaret's bedroom, separated from the main room only by a thin curtain. I approached it, watching a small train chug through the little town covered in glittery snow.

"Can I take your coat?" Snow asked, coming up next to me. She already held Robin's, Emma's and Roland's in her arms.

I nodded, looking down at a still sleeping Rachel. "Do you have some place I can lay her? I should've brought her playpen."

Snow chuckled. "I think we can make up something for her. Come into my bedroom. It's just past the curtain."

"Thank you," I said, following her into her room. Christmas lights twinkled and cast a soft glow in the room. As I slid Rachel out of her bunting, Snow placed several pillows and blankets on her bed.

"How's that?" she asked me.

I smiled, nodding. "It should be fine. And I can cast a charm or something to keep Rachel from falling off the sides just to be on the safe side."

Snow's eyes widened as I laid Rachel amongst the pillows and blankets. As she settled down, little hands rubbing at her face, Snow asked: "I can watch you do magic?"

"Sure," I said, smiling at her as I waved my hand over the bed. My magic pulsated out, forming an invisible barrier that would prevent Rachel from rolling off the bed while she slept. "There."

"Oh. That's it?" Snow looked a bit disappointed.

I shrugged. "I guess I could put in a little more fanfare, but it's not needed. Magic is both complex and simple."

"A contradiction," she mused, smiling. "It seems appropriate."

"I guess it is," I agreed, following her back out to the party. I spotted Emma playing with some blocks Mary Margaret had set up for her in a corner away from the crowd and felt she was fine where she was.

Robin was on the other side of the room, talking with a tall redheaded man in an ugly Christmas sweater. Of course Zelena let those into Storybrooke. I rolled my eyes as I approached them, smiling at the bespectacled man. "Hello," I said.

"Ahh, Archie, this is my lovely wife, Regina," Robin said, wrapping his arm around my waist. "Regina, this is Doctor Archie Hopper. He's the town therapist."

"Nice to meet you," I replied, holding my hand for him to shake.

He smiled as he did so. "Your husband was just telling me about archery. I found it fascinating."

"Robin's the best I've ever seen," I said, beaming up at my husband with pride. "Even taught me how to shoot. And that wasn't easy."

"No, that was easy. Swords…not so much," Robin reminded me. I grinned sheepishly as I recalled the fights I used to put up whenever he tried to get me to practice sword-fighting.

Archie titled his head. "Fencing? You do that as well?"

Robin and I glanced at each other before he responded: "Sometimes. We prefer archery though."

"Maybe you could teach me," Archie requested. "I would love to learn."

"I'll see what I can do," Robin replied, though he hesitated for a few seconds. I knew he hated coming back to Storybrooke without us having a plan to deal with Zelena.

Archie smiled before excusing himself. I glanced up at Robin. "So who was he back in the Enchanted Forest? I don't recognize him."

"I don't either," he admitted. "But he does sound familiar."

I nodded. "Where's Roland?"

"Over with the Merry Men, even if they don't know that's who they are. I think he just wanted to be with them," he replied, motioning to a nearby corner. Roland stood amongst a small group of men, all whom I recognized—Little John, Tuck, Alan, and Much. They smiled down at our son as he regaled them with all the adventures he had had since arriving here.

"Of course he did," I said, smiling. "They raised him as much as you did and even more than I did. He wants to be with them."

"Maybe I should go over there myself." Robin's smile turned wistful, no doubt missing his friends.

I squeezed his hand. "We can go together. I do know Ian, after all."

"True," he replied, starting to head over to where the Merry Men had congregated. As we got closer, we could hear Roland's story.

"And then we went to Macy's. There were several floors just of things for people to buy! And Santa had his own little land, complete with a throne!" Roland exclaimed. "I was too shy to sit on his lap but Mama held me while we watched the other kids sit on Santa's lap."

The men smiled before John leaned down. "So how did he know what to get you for Christmas?"

"Mama helped me write a letter that we mailed to the North Pole for him to read," Roland replied solemnly.

Much turned to me and my heart ached that there was no recognition in his eyes. He and I had gotten close in the Enchanted Forest as Robin had entrusted him to be my trainer when he couldn't. Much had become more like a younger brother to me. I missed my friend.

"You must be Roland's mama," he said, holding out his hand. "Matt Miller."

"Regina Mills." I shook his hand. "Pleased to meet you."

Roland threw his arms around me, smiling up at me and his father. "Mama, Papa, meet my new friends."

"Well, I know your Mama," John said, giving me a hug. "We miss you at the hospital. Well, Serena and I do. Hannah…not so much."

"Is Serena here? I'd love to see her again." I looked around for Ilsa's familiar form but was unable to spot it.

John shook his head. "She's on her way though. Just had to finish up at the hospital."

"Can't wait to meet her," Robin said, rubbing my back. I knew he had been just as concerned for our faithful maid as I had been.

"I don't miss community service, but I do miss seeing you two every day," I said, meaning every word.

He grinned. "We miss you too. You livened up the place a bit. And at least you got Mary Margaret to visit our John Doe. He's not so lonely now, I feel."

I smiled, hoping that Charming knew Snow was by his bedside and that he felt her presence. "Good."

The air crackled around us and I sighed, preparing for one of my daughters to appear in my arms. But Emma caught us off-guard, landing in Robin's instead. His reflexes were quick and he caught her easily, cuddling her close. "Hello there, Princess."

She yawned, lying her head on his shoulder as she stuck her thumb in her mouth. I smiled as I took her arm. "Are you getting sleepy?"

No.

"Really?" I asked. "Because you look pretty sleepy to me."

Just want to be with you and Papa, she insisted as she closed her eyes. I decided to leave her alone and see what happened.

First, though, I flicked my wrist and conjured up her pacifier. "Can you open your mouth, sweetheart? Use this instead of your thumb?"

She didn't respond except to open her mouth, removing her thumb. I stuck the pacifier in there and she let out a few slow sucks before falling asleep in Robin's arms. "There we go," I whispered.

"She's precious," John cooed. "What's her name?"

"This is Emma," Robin said proudly as he bounced her. "She's a little over a year old."

Much tilted his head. "You have another daughter, right? She doesn't look much younger than this one."

"Emma is adopted," I said. "Long story short, I found her on the side of the road and we did everything possible to get her."

"Were you already pregnant?" Tuck asked. It pained me as he and John had been with me when I had discovered I was with child back in the Enchanted Forest.

I smiled through the pain and nodded. "I was about two months along when I found her and almost five months when we adopted her."

"How have you and Robin managed to juggle two babies and this rascal?" Much ruffled Roland's hair as the boy tried to duck him.

Robin chuckled. "We do our best. I'm not entirely sure we always succeed…"

"We're definitely not perfect," I interjected, nodding.

"But we love our children. As long as they feel loved and safe and cared for, we'll be happy." Robin reached out to Roland, who threw his arms around his waist.

Tuck smiled. "I think you two are succeeding. And it's admirable."

I thanked him before turning to Robin, holding out my arms. "Want me to put her with Rachel?"

"No," he said, rubbing Emma's back. "I can hold her a bit longer. I'm fine."

"Okay. But just say the word and she can be in the makeshift nursery in a few seconds."

He grinned. "She's fine. Really. Go mingle. I think I'll hang around here a bit longer, if the guys don't mind."

I nodded, leaving Robin with his men. He hadn't seen them in over a year and no doubt was desperate to spend any time with them, memories or not. Roland stayed with his father as I headed back into the party.

Snow waved me over into her kitchen and I weaved through the crowd to get to her. When I arrived, she held out a bowl of Chex mix toward me. "Snack?"

"Yes, please," I said, taking a handful. "So far, it's a pretty great party."

"You think so? I've never really thrown one before so I'm pretty sure I'm doing everything wrong," she admitted, looking like a nervous wreck.

I took her arm and gently pulled her with me. "Look around. You have plenty of snacks, some great music and lots of laughter. Everyone is having a good time. But you. So relax and enjoy the party!"

"I don't know…Maybe I need to put out more drinks." She started to head back to the kitchen but I stopped her.

"You need to have fun," I insisted, pulling her toward a group that included Dr. Hopper. "Look who's out of the kitchen!"

Dr. Hopper smiled. "Thanks for the party, Mary Margaret. Our first Christmas celebration is going to be really memorable."

A light pink tinge came to Snow's cheeks and she pushed me forward. "Well, you have to thank Regina. She's the one who told me all about Christmas."

"But you're the hostess," I insisted, pushing her forward as I took a step back. "And you're doing a great job."

Snow still seemed ready to hide and I tried not to frown, upset that Zelena's curse had turned such a kind and friendly person into someone so shy.

"You definitely are, Mary Margaret," John said as he approached the group, grinning. "You should be proud."

"Th…Thanks," she stammered out, ducking her head to avoid meeting his eyes as her cheeks grew pinker. Oh, she had a really strong crush on him.

That still seemed weird.

John didn't seem to care that she had gotten really shy. "You should have more parties. I think we'd all have fun," he continued.

"I'll consider that," she murmured, eyes fixed on the floor.

The door opened and John looked up, his smile getting wider. "Oh look! Serena's finally made it."

He wandered off to greet Ilsa as Snow ducked her head, excusing herself from the group. I followed her, though, concerned. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she said, trying to keep her voice light. "I thought I would come check on Rachel."

I glanced over at my daughter, who was still sound asleep. The only change in her was that her pacifier had fallen out. Her mouth opened and closed before she wriggled a bit, starting to rouse. But before I could move to her, she waved her hand and her pacifier reappeared in her mouth. She settled back down and I breathed out in relief. Crisis averted.

"Amazing," Snow breathed.

Nodding, I turned back to her. "Rachel is fine. Do you want to tell me what's really bothering you?"

"It's Ian," she sighed. "I know he likes Serena and not me but it still hurts, you know?"

"Unrequited crushes do hurt," I replied, wrapping my arm around her.

She laid her head on my shoulder. "Does it ever stop?"

"Usually," I replied. "Either you outgrow it or find someone else, someone who can return your feelings."

"I don't think I'll ever find that person."

"You will." I squeezed her, longing to tell her that she had found that person. He was just in a coma and she didn't have her memories.

Robin stepped into the bedroom, carrying a still sleeping Emma. "Sorry, did I interrupt something?"

"No," Snow insisted, lifting her head and stepped away from me. She drew closer to Robin, holding out her arms. "I can take her."

"That's okay. She needs to lie down," Robin replied. "Besides, everyone wants to head down to the Christmas festival."

She nodded. "Right. Let me go coordinate that."

Robin laid Emma down as Snow headed back to the main room. I slid up to my husband. "What are we going to do about the babies?"

"Good question." He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "I don't want to wake them but I don't want to leave you alone. Not with Zelena out there."

"I can stay with them," Granny said, surprising us as she leaned past the curtain. "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I couldn't help overhearing your problem. I'd be more than happy to stay with these little darlings."

We stared at her. "Are you sure?" I asked.

She waved me off. "I went to the festival last night and this afternoon. I can skip tonight."

"Thank you," I said, before reaching for the diaper bag. "I'm sure they'll sleep like champs, but if they need anything, it'll be in here. The blonde is Emma and the brunette is Rachel."

Granny smiled, looking down at the sleeping baby girls. "Those are beautiful names for beautiful girls.

"Now, give me this," she said, taking the diaper bag from me. She then waved us away. "You two go, have fun and don't worry. We'll be fine."

Taking a deep breath, I took Robin's hand. "Come on. Let's go to that festival!"

The festival was set up not far from Mary Margaret's loft, so we all walked over as a group. Robin held me close against the biting December winds as everyone laughed around us. "So what was wrong with Mary Margaret?" he asked.

"She likes John," I said, keeping my voice down even though we were lingering on the edge of the group. "But he likes Ilsa."

Robin chuckled, shaking his head. "My best friend and our former maid. Who would've imagined that?"

"And don't forget Snow." I sighed. "This is a strange new world. Even for me."

We turned the corner and approached the lot where the festival was being held. White lights shone so bright, it was almost like day. I could hear upbeat Christmas music wafting from the area, over the stalls set up. People laughed and I saw children running around, chasing each other in a game of some sort.

Robin and I were the last of the group to enter the grounds and I took a deep breath. "I smell chestnuts."

"I smell peppermint," he replied before glancing at a nearby stall. "What's an Irish coffee?"

"Coffee with whiskey."

"I like the sound of that," he said, tugging me toward the booth.

We both ordered and soon were strolling hand-in-hand as we looked at the other booths. There were games and some of the local shop owners had brought their wares out to sell as well. I sipped my coffee before motioning to one of the games. "Looks like John is trying to win Ilsa a stuffed animal," I said.

We stopped and watched as he hurled a baseball at a bunch of milk bottles. They fell down and the man working the booth handed John a stuffed Teddy bear. He held it out to Ilsa, who smiled and hugged it close to her chest.

Robin tugged her hand. "Come on. I'll win you one."

"I feel like a teenager again," I said, laughing.

We paid and the man handed Robin a ball. He wound up and tossed it, knocking all the milk bottles down as John had just done. Everyone applauded as Robin was handed a stuffed dog. He held it out to me. "Maybe this will convince you to let us get a real one?" he asked, sounding like a little boy.

"You want a dog?" I was surprised; Robin had never mentioned wanting one before. But it seemed like a good fit for him.

He shrugged. "We used to have dogs back in Huntingdon. I used to love being around them. But my lifestyle didn't really allow for a dog."

I nodded, understanding. Clutching the stuffed dog he won closer, I smiled. "Well, I think this is something we should discuss further. Maybe after the holidays?"

"Thank you," he said, giving me a quick kiss. "I love you."

"Aww, how sweet," Zelena said, her cold voice interrupting our moment.

Robin and I pulled apart and he stepped in front of me. "I won't let you hurt her, witch."

She cackled, shaking her head. "I don't want to hurt her. And this business is between her and me, thief."

"Robin's not going anywhere, though," I said, stepping out from behind him to face her. Despite the holiday cheer around her, she still wore all black—coat, hat, tights and boots. I figured she wore a dress under the coat that was also black.

Zelena sighed. "Fine. What do you two think of my festival?"

"It's lovely," I replied. "Is that what you want? To discuss your handiwork?"

"Some appreciation would be nice."

I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Robin. She's just wasting our time."

Zelena flicked her wrist and my feet felt glued to the ground. I pitched forward and Robin caught me, righting me though I had been in no dangerous of falling. We both glared at Zelena. "Let me go," I said.

"Not until you talk to me," she insisted.

Robin held me tighter. "Then stop dancing around and say what you have to say. We don't have time for your games."

"Fine," Zelena sighed, as if we had put a stop to her fun. Maybe we had. She then turned around, facing the shadows behind her. "You can come out now."

A figure emerged from between two booths, obscured at first by the bright lights. As it stepped closer, I could tell it was a woman. Her brown hair was down around her shoulders and she wore a sleek black coat. A white scarf was wrapped around her neck and her brown eyes lit up when she saw me. "Regina!"

"Mother?" I asked, my stomach sinking. It seemed Zelena had kidnapped my mother after all.

"Yes," Zelena said. "I have your mother. Or should I say…our mother?"

I frowned. "You killed your mother. Just because mine looks like yours doesn't mean you get to claim her as your own."

"Why not? You don't want her."

"Other people do," I replied. "She has a husband who misses her. And I'm sure friends up in Quebec."

Zelena frowned. "No one has been anywhere near here looking for her."

"No one knows about this place! That's part of the curse, isn't it?" I asked.

"Regina, you know this madwoman?" Mother asked me, looking confused. "Do you know what's going on? Is this about your magic?"

I sighed. "It's a long story, Mother. Once Zelena lets you go, I'll tell it to you."

Zelena grabbed Mother's arm, holding her close. "She's not going anywhere. I have plans for her."

"What kind of plans? And why tell me you have my mother if you're not going to let her go?" I was growing frustrated and angry, feeling my magic building. But I clamped down on it, afraid I would hurt Robin or Mother.

"I need you to break the curse," she said. "I need to return to the Enchanted Forest."

"Regina, you have to realize she's insane. Why are you entertaining her?" Mother struggled against Zelena's grasp.

Robin glared at Mother. "Just stay quiet, Caroline. Let Regina and me handle this."

"I said this was between me and her, Lord Locksley," Zelena said, mocking Robin with his title.

"We do things together," I replied, squeezing his arms. "That's' what a marriage is."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Can you break the curse?"

"It's not on me. I'm sure the Dark One explained that only Emma can break the curse. In twenty-seven years."

"But there must be a way to break it earlier. I can't wait twenty-seven years. Not for this." She sounded desperate and I wondered what was so important to her. And what it had to do with my mother.

I shrugged. "What makes you think I'm going to find it?"

"Because you want to help your friends," she said, which was the truth. "And until you find it, I'm going to keep your mother."

Mother's eyes widened and she reached for me. "Regina!"

No matter how miserable she made my life, I knew I couldn't leave her to Zelena's mercies. So I tried to grab her hand, but my feet were still magically grounded. Our fingers barely grazed each other before she disappeared in a cloud of Zelena's green magic.

My feet unfroze then and I almost fell forward. Robin caught me again, holding me close. "You okay?"

"I don't know," I replied. "But it looks like we're going to have to rescue my mother. Somehow."

He nodded. "Do you want to go back to Snow's, get the kids and head home? Or do you want to continue to stay here at the festival?"

I hesitated as Roland ran up to us, holding up an action figure. "Look what Uncle John won me!"

"Wow," I said, forcing a smile to my face. "How sweet of him."

Roland's face fell. "We have to leave, don't we?"

"No," I decided, taking his hand. I wasn't going to be a party-pooper just because Zelena aggravated me. "We can stay a bit longer. How about we all get some hot chocolate?"

"That sounds like a great idea." Robin placed his hand on my back as we headed back into the main part of the festival.

Snow looked relieved when she saw us. "I thought you had left!"

I shook my head. "We just got a bit distracted, that's all. We're on our way to get hot chocolate. You want some?"

"That sounds great," she said. "Do you think they'll put cinnamon on it for me? It's my favorite."

"We can ask. I like to have cinnamon on my hot chocolate too," I replied.

She stopped, eyes wide. "You do? I thought I was the only one!"

"A friend introduced me to it a while ago and now I can't drink it without cinnamon." I smiled at her, sad that she had no idea that she was the friend.

We approached the stand selling hot chocolate and ordered four—two with cinnamon, two with extra whipped cream. My Locksley men certainly had a sweet tooth. After a brief fight with Mary Margaret, Robin paid for them and we went to find a place to sit down.

As we drank our hot chocolate, a few snowflakes began to fall on us. Roland jumped up, brown eyes wide. "Look, Mama! We're gonna have a white Christmas again!"

"Yes, we are," I replied, laughing. "Maybe we can even build a snowman."

"It's so beautiful," Snow said, sounding awed.

Robin wrapped his arm around me and held me close. "Yes, it is. Definitely the best time of the year."

As Roland tried to catch snowflakes on his tongue, I took a deep breath and laid my head on Robin's shoulder. I reached out and took Snow's hand, holding it as the feeling of Christmas enveloped us.

A/N: So now we know what Zelena wants with Regina—she wants her to break the curse. But why? Why does she want to go back to the Enchanted Forest? And what are her plans with Caroline? Stay tuned!

-Mac