Live as Regina

by Mac NorthSea

On the way to Neverland,Emma is troubled by the moments in the mines she and Regina had at moment of Regina's self-sacrifice that changed everything,even Emma herself.With understanding her upbringing gave her,the Savior decides to save not only Henry but his mother as well. Doing so will take her and her family through harrowing challenges of love,duty,conflict,and magic.

22. Chapter 22

After eight weeks of health issues and inability to use my eyes, I am somewhat back (with some restrictions).

Here is the next chapter, it is somewhat shorter than the last two, but it seemed as a good place to break it. I hope you like it.

As always, it is not betaed, so there are possible mistakes. All the usual disclaimers apply.

Warning for violent imagery - after the two asterics (**) the part of the chapter in italics contains gruesome descriptions.

I would like to thank you for the kind reviews, favorites and follows. I would like to thank you for your patience, as well.

Enjoy!

Chapter 22.

As the sound of the heavy gate closing behind them pierced the evening air, the two women stood for a moment regarding the road in front of them. The warrior woman checked her weapons before stepping forward onto the paved way leading into the forest. She ignored the chuckle of her companion as she directed herself to the first outcrop of the wilderness of the woods before them. Regardless of the fallen night the warrior could see the shapes on the forest floor well enough to avoid tripping on the various roots and low branches of the bushes. Mulan knew the necessity that forced her companion into the wilderness that night, as well as she knew that the young and cheerful woman did not need protection in the forest. Not that night. Not during the Wolf Moon.

"You can still go back, you know," a soft whisper reached her ears, the understanding note in it making the warrior shake her head.

"I told you, I am staying with you tonight." The firm voice of the armored woman brook no dissent from the other one, the clear need to stay close by displayed in the hard edge of the words. A light comfortable and companionable silence fell on them as they walked away from the castle deeper into the wooded area.

"Thank you," Ruby spoke after a while, as she gripped the covered forearm of her friend, squeezing it in appreciation. She didn't need to explain it further as the warrior knew very well what it meant to her. In the past few days they had grew closer, working together on many issues arising in the castle, afterwards talking to the early hours of morning, sharing stories and many drinks beside the hearths in their quarters. The Wolf dared to think that the often silent woman in her company knew her just as much as Snow once had, if not more. And she could claim with certainty that the warrior smiled and laughed more in her company, showing a rather charming side to the Child of the Moon in absence of others around.

Mulan only hummed in response, as the words were not needed. She looked at the woman beside her, the lines of the face she knew by heart hidden in the darkness of the night but the eyes were glinting in the dim forest air, the allusion to the beast hiding underneath clear. Lifting her leather covered palm she reached for her friend, her responding squeeze instilling acceptance in the still somewhat unsure werewolf. The warrior knew that Ruby was afraid to change before her friend because in her mind the visual of her turning into a beast would put off even the bravest souls from wanting to be near her. But, Mulan needed to prove her wrong.

"We are far enough," Ruby spoke softly, looking around, satisfied that she could not neither hear nor smell the people of the Castle, as she reached for the clasp of her cloak. "Are you sure about this?" the young woman turned toward her friend. Mulan walked into Ruby's personal space and taking of her glove, she reached for the soft cheek before her, forcing their eyes to meet, the glint in the shifter's eyes visible even in the darkness of the night.

"You have nothing to fear from me," the warrior spoke gently and assuring, enjoying the feel of somewhat chilled cheek in her hand, as her thumb glided over the soft skin. The Wolf leaned into the touch closing her eyes, reveling in the warm puffs of air over her face, but before the warrior could lean it, the moment so precious and right for something she had wanted to do for days now, Mulan saw the change of color in the irises, the deep blue turning yellow. Understanding that the Moon would rise any moment now, the Empire woman unclasped the cloak and took it off, folding it gently over her hand, knowing how valuable and irreplaceable it was to the other woman, pushing down the regret of not having more time. "Enjoy your run, and if you need me I am close by." With those words Mulan stepped away, and it seemed it was just in time.

The Moon appeared in the clear night sky, the full circle of it lighting up the vast darkness, outshining the stars, and when its rays fell onto the earth, the woman in front of the warrior was gone, and in her place stood a majestic wolf, its dark fur the same color of Ruby's hair, sitting on its haunches and watching Mulan with curious and fretful eyes. The warrior saw the expectance in the yellow eyes as well as the presence of intelligent sentience, and smiling she knelt before the forest beast, slowly outstretching her hand toward the muzzle of her friend, allowing the wolf to smell her. After the skin on her palm was met with the wet tongue Mulan reached for the dark brown fur, her hand passing through its softness, her every touch and move telling of acceptance of Ruby and her other form. Still kneeling, Mulan enveloped the animal into a gentle hug, allowing her hands to sink into the fur as she leaned her head onto the beast's neck, feeling the splendid power of the Wolf beneath her.

"Go now. Have fun." Mulan murmured sending the Wolf away, and laughed when the hunter animal barked in delight jumping away and starting to run, howling in the distance, circling around the warrior happily. Following the agile body skipping through the shadows, Mulan walked deeper into the forest, prepared to spend the entire night listening to the wolf's sounds, a gentle smile not leaving her face as she thought back to the joyful skip in Red's jumps, glad that she was accepted completely.

In the early hours of the morning Mulan jumped away from the tree trunk she had leaned on to rest for a bit. It was the persistent howling that woke her from unplanned doze, the chilling sound tearing the night silence, and it sounded like the whole pack of the wolves. Not only that, it sounded like there were many animals panicking in the forest, too many that it was out of ordinary. Shaking off her tiredness, Mulan pulled out her sword and directed herself toward the sounds, knowing that in minutes Ruby would join her, if the wolf was still awake. There was not a chance that the Wolf would miss this commotion, no matter how far away she might be.

The first thing that Mulan saw was a group of panicking harts, shaking and making pitiful noise, their prongs posed in attack positions, corralled by four wolves who only stood around, not moving to attack, but not allowing them to disband. The strange behavior of the forest animals only served to intrigue Mulan further, as she saw another group, of hinds this time, farther away, guarded the same way. But, before she could move away she heard growling behind her, the telltale jaw clicking making the hairs on her skin stand on its end. Turning slowly around she saw a whole pack surrounding her, surprised the sheer number of wolves around her, and she lowered her weapon as she recognized the cognizant glint in the eyes of the closest wolves. They were all Werewolves!

"We mean you no harm," a man spoke from the shadows, suddenly appearing in the small clearing close by, his empty hands in front of him in the gesture of peace. "Please, sheath your sword, you are putting them on edge." The man continued as he stepped in the light of the Moon, still keeping his hands away from his body, not willing to provoke the warrior further.

It did not matter anyway, Mulan thought as she took the blade into her scabbard. There were too many of them anyways. "Who are you?"

"A friend with the shared cause and an acquaintance in common," the man answered solemnly. When he saw the warrior frown he smiled offering his arm. "Liam."

At that moment a sharp growl reached them, sounding from somewhere behind them, getting closer, as the wolves stepped away making way for one of them who snarled at every one beast it passed with bared teeth and dangerous glint in the sentient eyes.

"It seems that your friend found us at last," Liam remarked with interest watching the famous Wolf approach him and the warrior, snapping at his tribe. As soon as Red joined them, Mulan covered her with the cloak and in an instant the woman stood before them, the change in appearances not diminishing the danger that emanated from the shifter at all.

"Who the hell are you?" The woman snarled at the newcomers, unused to such numbers of wolves in one place. Even Anita's hideout had not held such numbers.

"Liam, chief of my tribe. I was sent here to help you, Red." The man moved slightly to let his upper arm come into view.

"Sent?" Ruby repeated after him, coming closer to him, the glint of gold catching her eye in the waning Moon light. Reaching for his upper arm she saw the impression on the cuff and smiled at what it meant. "Is she well?" she asked, still looking at the swan impressed into the arm band, feeling the familiar tingle of her friend's magic.

At the words that left her friend's mouth Mulan relaxed her stance understanding that the Savior herself had sent the Wolves to help them, and she did not doubt Ruby's assessment, knowing that the Wolf wouldn't just accept his word for it, or even something shown to her without proper confirmation.

"Terrifying, I must admit. But, she is kind, as well. I have sworn my fealty to her and her first demand was to help you and bring you food." He opened his arms and gestured to the deer a smile playing around his lips. He chuckled at the surprised looks the women shared, communicating silently for a moment, before Red nodded, winking at the other woman.

"Chase them toward the Palace while the Moon is still out. We have a half an hour yet." Ruby quickly understood the situation and commandeered it. "I'll alert the guards." And with a quick move she disrobed and even before Mulan managed to catch the red velvet of her cloak, the Wolf was already on her way.

"You know the way?" the warrior asked and when she received the nod, she turned to follow her friend, the wolves already howling and chasing the herd toward the gates of the castle. It was ingenious really for the wolves to bring them the living food, because if the meat was prepared properly right after the kill nothing would be wasted, and they didn't need to carry the carcasses around, burdening themselves unnecessarily. So she ran, Liam joining her quickly, staying with her despite that he was most definitely much faster. The others were advancing, leaving them behind and howling, their blood curling sounds pushing the deer onward toward their goal.

Ruby reached the gate after ten minutes of breakneck speeding run through the forest, knowing that she did not have much time to waste. At her sight the guards opened the gates, having been given the warning that if Ruby showed alone in her wolf form something had happened. Quickly, one of the guards alerted the Royals and the other members of the council, as the others prepared for anything.

But, it was clear that when the deer herd stormed down the paved road of the Castle several minutes later, neither the guards, nor the council members expected it. Rushing out of the way of the manic and panicked animals, and climbing the walls, the people watched the stampede with interest and fear. But what made them scream in terror was the entire pack of wolves behind the terrified animals preventing them from escape, lining up before the entrance and the closest walls, keeping the herd in place.

However, before anyone could start firing the bolts into the predators the Moon set and instantly there were people instead of the Wolves, still preventing the deer from escaping the confines of the courtyard. Ruby walked in, in her human form and ordered the guards to lower their weapon and help with rounding the animals up. Prince Phillip strode toward the shifter, his sword in his hand, as he wanted the explanation for the commotion so early in the morning. But before he could reach her, with avoiding the prongs, hooves and ropes strewn across the yard, further corralling the wild animals, another reached for the Wolf. He immediately recognized his loyal friend, followed by another man that looked like those shifters suddenly crowding the Palace.

By the time he reached Red, Aurora managed to be right beside him, grasping his arm, offering support and silent strength to deal with the new and surprising situation.

"Your Highness," Mulan spoke, her eyes enveloping both of her friends in her look, still breathing shallow after the forced run. "This is Liam, chief of the shifters." Not explaining further in words, she only pointed toward the cuff on the shifter's arm, and the shape of a swan visible under the light of torches on it cleared things up for the Royals, understanding enough not to ask more questions in the open. Nodding at the revelation, the prince stepped forward the man, extending his arm toward the guest that was immediately clasped in the strong grip.

"You are welcome to join us, Liam," Phillip graciously offered, knowing that Emma had already welcomed the Wolves into their midst. "You will be given quarters and food as soon as this is dealt with." Gesturing toward the herd, he smiled at the outrageous picture, made more unbelievable with the light of torches and lanterns.

After an hour of diligent and somewhat ingenious craftsmanship, several pens were built and the herd was dealt with. Aurora, taking the role of a hostess, assigned the newcomers the rooms, close to the back gate of the castle, allowing them easier return from the run, as she was aware that they had two more nights of the Wolf Moon. And as soon as it was done, the shifters retired, having been running for the whole day and night. Following their example, Ruby and Mulan retired, pleased with the actual confirmation that their friend had survived the fire at the Col.

Phillip updated Belle and Rumplestiltskin afterwards, using the protected halls of the War room to inform them who their guests actually were, as he had spent several minutes conversing with the gruff man that was the leader of the pack, and as other members of the council settled down, he asked them to calculate how long the new source of food would keep them in the case of a siege.

After several hours of dealing with new arrangements and the repercussions of the awe inspiring show of that morning, Phillip felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, drawing his attention from the plans and maps on the large circular table. He looked up and saw Belle standing there, watching him with concerned eyes. Then, he realized that he was alone in the War room, beside the gentle friend by his side. "You didn't respond to my calls," Belle spoke softly, pulling out the chair beside the prince. "Is something wrong? I mean, other than the usual."

Phillip looked back to the maps and sighed, leaning his elbows on the table. "I have never waged a war before. I only fought against Maleficent and her minions, not the armies and kings… And, these people look to me to direct them as if I know everything there is to know about it." Pushing away from the table, he started pacing toward the windows of the room and back to the seated woman. "What if I fail? What if I am the reason this war is lost?"

"Well, it seems to me that you are forgetting one quite important fact, my dear friend." Belle rose from her chair and walked toward the slightly bewildered man, frozen in the middle of his stride. She could almost see the petulant pout on his lips as he was gripped in self-doubt and insecurity. "There is the reason why monarchs have the War Council, Phillip. To advise and help in these times. And, Phillip, you are luckier than you can imagine for this particular council has the former Dark One, Red, Mulan and the most experienced Black Knight in it. If anyone knows something about fighting and wars, it's them." Clasping his forearm, Belle smiled at him and turned away, ready to leave, but changing her mind at the last moment, hanging by the door as she looked toward her friend. "And, do not forget our Sheriff. With her on our side, how can we lose?" Smirking, Belle winked and ducked out of the room, greeting the guard stationed in front of it.

The thoughts that troubled Phillip were not confined to him only, Belle remarked to herself as she lightly stepped toward the main hall of the Castle. Many of the villagers shared his doubts knowing that Midas's soldiers, hard and trained warriors, could devastate them in the matter of minutes if they were to meet them in the open field. And, that fear permeated every facet of their lives, making the preparations seem frantic and desperate, as even people seemed on the edge of panic. She and the others did all they could to ease their worries, but the knowledgeable woman understood that the expectation of the all-out war was too hard to ignore or diminish, even for the sake of the villagers' peace of mind. They had lost hope when they had heard of Emma's apparent demise, and that blow to the moral was not overcome, nor it would be until the White Knight showed herself to the people.

It was close to lunch time and the young librarian knew that her friend would soon be up, and she wanted to talk to Ruby about their new additions to the Castle inhabitants, missing their little talks. Things had changed since they moved and settled down in the Palace, their assignments leading them to the opposite directions most of the times. She could not miss the ever growing closeness Ruby had with Mulan, often amused by the similarities both strong willed and independent women displayed. It seemed that her shifter friend had found a kindred spirit in the quiet warrior, and she could not begrudge that to her friend. Not when she knew that Red had some kind of infatuation for her, and to see it directed onto someone else, was a relief as she did not want to be the cause of Ruby's heartbreak. The Wolf deserved happiness, just as much as anyone else, and coveting after someone bound by True Love would lead only into misery. Wryly Belle noticed that Mulan was in the same position with Aurora, her keen eyes not missing the tender looks and sad smiles. But, that had changed as Mulan's countenance was changed since the move into this keep.

"Hey!" a familiar voice interrupted her musing as a body slumped right beside her on the bench. Belle smiled at the relaxed form beside her, looking over her friend who had appeared as if her thoughts had summoned her. "Did you know that we are having a venison stew for lunch? Apparently, the offering our friends brought us has the pantries almost overflowing with surplus."

"Well, I would've assumed, as there was a whole herd of deer," Belle commented as she watched her friend move her hair out of her face. "How are you? With this?"

"The pack, you mean? I don't know it's still too fresh." Ruby shrugged as she turned around, watching the people in the hall mill around. "But, it's nice to actually see that I am not alone," she murmured as she glanced toward her friend.

"Even if they hadn't shown up, you wouldn't be alone. Perhaps the only shifter among us, but never alone." The firmness of Belle's soft spoken voice was unmistakable, and the piercing gaze locked onto the deep blue ones, driving the point closer to home. "And, I would imagine that our battle hardened friend would have something to say about that," she added softly, allowing a light mischievous edge to show in her voice, watching her friend blush at the mention of the warrior. Seeing the shy duck of her usually brazen and open friend's head, Belle pressed on. "Oh, this I need to know. What did our friend do to make you blush so?" the librarian spoke softly, her head coming closer to the Wolf, aware that they weren't exactly in the privacy of their quarters. At the direct question, Ruby looked away, but even though she tried she could not hide the pleased quirk of her lips. "Come on, share," Belle insisted as she pushed her finger into the Wolf's side making her squirm in her seat, giggling at the exasperated glance thrown her way.

"She almost kissed me," Ruby said softly, not looking toward her friend. "And she hugged me, after I had changed."

"Really?" Belle said, somewhat louder than before, causing Ruby to shush her immediately. "Sorry," she added hastily as she grinned at her friend. "That is great," she continued in hushed whisper. "So, what do you plan to do about it? Maybe trap her in a closet and demand to finish what she started?"

"Belle!" Ruby said reproachfully as she shook her head at the image and heat that spread through her body as a result.

"What?" Belle tried to reply with all innocence needed to pull it off, but the smirk gave her out. "But, really, you must be quick about it. All the new company might give her the idea that you would rather have someone of your, well, kind, than her." Indeed, the bookworm (nickname that Regina had coined a long time ago, and had used it with some gentle affection in the later days, after all had been said and forgiven, during their time in the village, when the Queen would let her Savior rest or enjoy quiet moments with her son) had seen the warrior glare at the shifters, especially those who had come to be close to Red in the early hours in the morning, wanting to hear all about the legendary Wolf friend of Snow White. The jealousy and irritation had been apparent in Mulan's eyes, for Belle at least, who had learned to read people just as well as books. "Seriously, now, she needs to know where she stands."

"You're right," Ruby spoke, her eyes catching the Empire woman strolling into the hall. "But, then, you always are," she added with a smile and a gentle pat on the shoulder for her friend before she rose and directed herself toward her target.

Belle watched them converse, and chuckling loudly at the picture of Ruby pulling Mulan away to the first room off the main hall, barking at the people inside to leave them for a moment. Pleased with the results of her talk Belle smiled softly. But, that smile might have been due to the familiar tap of the cane on the stone floor coming close to her. Turning around, she raised herself from the bench and walked toward her True Love, leading him toward their quarters, aware that Rumplestiltskin had spent the entire morning on the walls and parapets, directing the defense of the Castle to the best of his ability.

They enjoyed the brief moment of quiet as they lounged near the fireplace, the heat from the flames doing wonders to Rumplestiltskin's stiff leg. All those stairs were making his old injury flare up in most inopportune moments, the debilitating pain making it hard for him to walk. So, more often than not, Rumple would retire right after lunch because of the leg, and he would leave their rooms only for urgent summons, spending his afternoons by the fire or in the warm bath, drinking teas with pain easing properties. Oh, how much he would enjoy being back in Storybrooke. The world had painkillers, cars, and no so many stairs.

"What is on your mind, my darling Belle?" he asked, after she sighed into his chest, the sound not portraying content but worry. His hand went to the soft hair, stroking it in soothing manner as he waited for his loved one to answer, if she wished, to his inquiry.

"I was thinking about Emma," the woman responded softly.

"Oh," Rumple spoke gently. "What about the Savior is troubling you?"

"Well, that's it. I wasn't thinking about the Savior." Belle lifted herself up, sitting beside the older man, careful of his leg as she towered over his chest. "I remembered Emma, as a kind Sheriff who would often stop by the library just to chat, to see how I was settling in. I was thinking about the sheriff that came by to check on me, after I ended in the hospital with no memory. The woman who taught me some moves if anything like the first attack from Hook happened again." She looked toward the dark eyes focused on her, the silent prompt to go on apparent in them. "She was so much lighter and relaxed then. And, I am afraid, Rumple, that with all that she has been facing, that she would lose herself, especially if she is alone." She shrugged and moved slightly away, her eyes focusing onto the fire beside them. "I fear that there would remain only the Savior, hard and unflinching warrior, and that my friend will be lost."

Rumplestiltskin knew better than to disregard her fears, so shifting in his place, he reached for the woman's shoulders, pulling her back into his hold, as he considered his words carefully. "There is always danger of that, dearie. Not only with her but with anyone of us. That the goal would become too important and that we would need to sacrifice everything, including ourselves to reach it." He tenderly swiped his hand over her back, as his other hand reached for her chin, bringing her eyes up to his. "But as long as she, or any of us, has a friend that is willing to remind her of Emma, she will not be lost. Misplaced for a while, probably, but not lost."

"You really think so?"

"I know so. I would indeed be worried about her, if she did not have such a large family adoring her, and friends that love her, and a True Love that could literally show her the memories of her life. I do not deny that she would probably need time to heal and adapt, but in the end, I think she will be fine." He then looked at his beloved, knowing that he had to add this part as well. "But, she is the Savior. It is part of her, just as the Sheriff, or Emma is."

After that passionate speech about the Savior, they let the silence to fall over them, Belle thinking about it, and Rumple feeling the drowsiness of the comfortable heat engulf him, particularly as he was in the arms of the woman who loved him beyond doubt.

A knock on their door interrupted the silence and startled them. Belle jumped to her feet, gesturing to the man to stay where he was, to spare his leg from further movement, as she walked to the door. Opening it she found herself face to face with the chief of the werewolf pack. "May I help you?" she asked, not perturbed at all to find him of all people in front of the quarters she shared with Rumplestiltskin.

"Are you Lady Belle?" the chief asked softly, mindful of his size, not willing to give any cause to the woman who everyone had told him shared True Love with the Dark One. He had seen the woman at the council but they hadn't been introduced.

"Yes," Belle replied, her face portraying interest, but she still did not move from the door, waiting for him to explain his purpose.

"I need to talk to you," he spoke, his earnestness convincing the woman to let him in. She stepped aside gesturing him in, as she opened the door wider. As he passed by her, she closed the door and guided him toward the sitting area where Rumple had already sat himself on one of the lounge chairs, moving from the fur covered floor beside the fire place. "Sir," the wolf chief inclined his head in greeting toward the man.

"What is this about?" Belle asked, gesturing to the man to take his seat, as she went to prepare another batch of tea.

"I was told to find you and to give you this," the chief answered, quickly taking out a flask out of his fur clothes, the swan engraving visible on it. He surrendered it into the woman's outstretched hand, waiting for any questions or orders the couple might bestow on him. He watched as Belle traced the shape of the swan with her finger, a gentle smile coming onto her lips, before she removed the stopper from the top of it. The instant she did so, a strong scent of currents, primroses and peppermint permeated the air, the interesting mixture seemingly having soothing properties. Quickly, Rumplestiltskin moved from his place and took the flask, putting the stopper back in place as he touched the engraved swan with reverence and awe.

"Do you know what this is?" Belle asked him, intrigued by his reaction.

He nodded, not moving his eyes from the flask as he made sure that it was securely corked. "It is Fìorleigheas, and it is a very old kind of potion that its origins and ways of preparing are long lost." His reverent tone was soft and lost deeply in the memory of a time past. "It means a true cure, a magical tonic that was so powerful that one drop of it could cure any injury or illness, and even bring people from the brink of death. It is a holy grail of sorts." Rumple looked at Belle, knowing that only she would be able to understand the reference. "But, it must be used with caution. Too much of it is lethal, so it must be used only in very dire circumstances." Returning the flask to the woman, he closed her hands over it with his gentle direction. "She intended this for you, and you shall keep it." Then he turned toward their guest. "What I want to know is where she happened to find this precious cure."

"She gave it to me, in the flask just before I left the Queen's Palace to come here."

"Tell me and leave nothing of the story out, however small," Rumplestiltskin ordered, his cane reinforcing his sharp demand. And, so, the Wolf nodded, starting his story with Emma's appearance in the village, knowing that no one disobeyed the Dark One without consequences, and he had a feeling that the blonde woman wouldn't mind him knowing the truth. He talked about her meeting the village elder and the old woman's blessing; then he talked about her transporting them from the Infinite Forest into the Queen's Palace. He lowered his eyes in shame at the next part, but he kept none of the details of the fighting and challenging to himself. Then he told them about the cuff and Emma's disgust with it, and her solution. He sensed the amazement of the couple before him and only then he realized that the Savior that he had met and the one they had known were not the same. Yes, in both cases it was Emma, but the time apart, and probably her time with Guardian had changed the woman so much that the differences were noticeable, especially in her craftiness with magic and physical prowess. But, he had sworn an oath to keep the existence of Guardian secret, so he was not able to share that particular tidbit with the couple.

"She managed to move fifty people over hundreds of leagues?" Rumple spoke with surprise after Liam had finished with his report. "And she was able to detect a blood magic?"

"And she was able to find this Feeor-Lay-Huss," Belle looked at Rumplestiltskin for confirmation if she had pronounced the word correctly, pleased to receive his nod. "Did she say where she was going after you left her?"

"No, lady Belle," Liam answered. "But, she did want to find as many allies as possible, if that is any help?"

"Thank you, Liam," Belle answered diplomatically, neither confirming nor denying the helpfulness of the information. And, it was a dismissal as well, which he obeyed instantly, rising to his feet and with an incline of his head he left them alone, rushing out with hurry.

"What is it?" Belle asked Rumple after she saw him walk toward the balcony, opening the door as if he needed the fresh air. Surprised to see that the evening was already upon them, she reached for her beloved, shuddering at the brisk coldness of the air.

"I have always known that she was to be one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful creature that ever lived, but to actually hear it, Belle… It is humbling to know that the Savior, who apparently has powers to move Earth and stars, calls us her friends."

"Rumple, power isn't everything."

"Oh, I know that. And, she knows that. But, that is not what I am talking about." Rumple turned toward his chosen and engulfed her into his arms, trying to keep her warm. "People shy away from such power, putting labels on the practitioners. And, Emma would most likely endure gossip and whispers for the rest of her life." And, that amount of power only made it easier to fall into the grasp of darkness - he knew but was wise enough to keep it quiet. If the Savior was to turn dark no one would be able to stop her, not even her Queen.

"Where do you think she's gone next?" Belle asked, leaning into the hold of her man.

"From Regina's castle? I don't know." He had prided himself in knowing motivations of people and his ability to predict the next moves, but the blonde woman had a tendency to make all his predictions and expectations wrong.

He brought them in, closing the terrace door as he watched at the ever growing darkness of the evening fall on the castle. A soft knock interrupted his silent rumination, and while Belle went to the door he sat back into his previous seat, eyeing the mysterious flask with curiosity.

"I can't believe that the December is almost upon us," Ruby spoke as she went inside, only the end of her conversation with Belle heard. "Hello, Mr. Gold." The werewolf looked at the old man and with some anxiety started. "Is there any way you can send a message to Emma? A note, or anything?"

"I don't think so, but why?" Rumple said, thinking about it. There was a way, but he didn't know if anyone in the castle could do it.

"Today is Black Friday." Even though she did not explain further, Rumple understood her words instantly, and turned toward Belle with a heavy sigh, seeing her frowned expression. But before he could explain, Ruby jumped in. "Thanksgiving was yesterday, and it is kind of a big family holiday in America. Emma was really looking forward to sharing her first one with her family."

"Oh," Belle's compassionate voice ringed out. "What about birds?" she turned toward her love, her fast mind searching another solution.

"I cannot summon them." Rumplestiltskin said sharply, his hands both on the cane in front of him.

"But, perhaps Aurora can." Ruby added, not perturbed by his dismissal, looking toward the windows, judging the time. "She is a princess after all."

"Miss Lucas, you do not understand," Rumplestiltskin started as he looked at the agitated shifter. "Contacting Miss Swan through ordinary means will only expose her to her enemies. The only way to do it without harm is to use the mirror magic, and I am afraid that the only person who could still do it safely for Emma is in Storybrooke."

Ruby huffed in disappointment, seeing his point, of course, but it did not make her feel better or diminish the feeling inside of her that they were somehow abandoning Emma. "I never thought I would say this, but I miss Regina," she spoke, again looking out of the window, checking the time. Turning toward her hosts, she smiled at them weakly. "I don't like her being all alone for so long."

"There is nothing we can do about it in our current situation, but if your timing is correct then we have another month of wait before they come here."

"That was what Anton said, and he is the expert…" Belle spoke quietly.

"Well, then, have a nice evening," the Wolf spoke with an unsure nod after uncomfortable silence fell over them, throwing a slight wave at her friend before she rushed out, feeling that the rise of the Moon was close, going to the courtyard, where other wolves had gathered. Mulan stood beside them, leaning nonchalantly against the wall, waiting for her, her lips quirking into a quick smirk at the girl's appearance. After their talk that afternoon, the warrior seemed much more at ease around the wolves, however, her hard trained suspiciousness of anything she didn't know or trust remained. Yes, the Savior had sent them and sworn them to duty, but it did not mean Mulan had to trust them. No, she would keep her own counsel about them, or anyone else for that matter.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ruby asked as she placed her glove covered hand on the hard leather of Mulan's forearm. "You have nothing to prove, you know," she added in a whisper, her face leaning toward the one of the warrior, so close that she could feel the heat radiating of the Empire soldier.

"I want to share something you enjoy," Mulan spoke quietly, her eyes firmly focused on the Wolf's face, her desire to be a part of Ruby's life, accepting all aspects of it, evident.

"Then, after the Moon, we'll do something you love. Like that form thingies you do in the morning?" Ruby said with an accepting smile, as she gently pushed the warrior with her shoulder. "But, do I have to get up super early for that? 'Cause that might be a problem." She added as they walked out, following other shifters. But before they moved away from the castle, Liam came to them.

"The clan is going to get familiar with the grounds tonight. Are you joining us, Red?" The name he spoke sounded like a title, as he lowered his head toward her. The red armored woman realized that her dear friend had a somewhat legendary standing with the newcomers and it wasn't all because of Ruby being a werewolf.

Ruby glanced toward the stoic woman beside her and softly smiling, she shook her head. "Not tonight, Liam," she spoke as she looked back at him. His reply was to tilt his head in acknowledgement and smirking at the two women he took off, taking point of his group, as he changed, almost in mid step. At the sight of the wolves, Mulan glanced up and saw the unmistakable glow of the Moon covering the skies. "It is time," the shifter spoke as she drew the warrior's look toward her. "I'll stay close," she added as she undid the lace of the cloak, taking it off, and suddenly instead of a woman, a familiar wolf stood, looking up at the armored woman, the yellow eyes glinting in the darkness.

Mulan knelt down and chuckled when the wolf licked her face with affection before running off. Taking the cloak and putting it in the satchel she had brought for the very reason, she put the strap of the bag over her shoulder and followed the wolf deeper into the forest, guided by the cheery yaps around her.

The next day went the same way and in the evening, the wolves spread out through the forest as a sentry of sorts, going far from the castle, as their speed and strength allowed them. However, it was one of the youngest that had strayed so deep inland, that when he realized where he was the Moon was already waning. What made him stop in his run guided solely by his animal spirit was the scent of many people, too many to reside in the forest. He thought of going deeper, scouting out the danger, but when he heard the unmistakable rattle of many weapons he knew he had to warn the others. The enemy was here.

So, the young pup put his mind to his legs, using every bit of his power, of his strength, making the scenery around him pass in hazy blur, to reach his people before the end of the night, but he knew he wouldn't make it, not in time. So, when the morning came, and when he lost the innate power of the wolf, he reached deep into his body, his center and hoping he would succeed, he forced his shape to remain, something that only experienced and older shifters could do. And, when he saw the turrets of the castle appear in front of him, it gave him additional burst of energy, as he was running on pure adrenalin now. As he reached the cobblestone pathway to the bridge he howled with all his might, alerting the insiders of his coming, and he continued on, his stride slower as his limbs grew heavier with exhaustion and the price of maintaining the forceful transformation so young and for so long.

When the door opened, with Prince Phillip and several of the soldiers rushing out toward him, the wolf lost grip of his magic and turned into a young man, his blond hair drenched with sweat seeming darker in the morning light, as he stumbled on, trying to reach the men. But as soon as he crossed the middle of the bridge he collapsed onto his knees, losing consciousness. If not for one of the soldiers catching his shoulders as he swayed, the boy would've cracked his head on the stone of the bridge.

"Kenneth," Phillip heard a bark behind him, as the leader of the wolves came out running toward them, getting beside his kin in seconds. "Damn it, boy, what were you trying to do?" the chief groused, worried about his man, lightly patting his cheek. The move roused the boy and as unfocused hazel eyes were uncovered by the half-mast lids, Liam saw the urgency in them. "What is it?"

"Forty leagues west," the boy gasped, clutching his chief's hand in need to convey his message. "Aberson Creek, many men, weapons," he managed before passing out again.

"Did he say what I think he said?" Phillip asked rhetorically as he looked toward the West, grim lines appearing on his face.

"They are here," one of the Black Knights that had come out with them confirmed as he turned around to the castle. Their time was up, and now the real work began. It was luck that the boy had gone that far ahead, as it had been the last night of the Moon, and they now had a warning and the advantage. Had he not done that, the army would've had them surrounded by the second night fall, entrapping them in the castle with no effective battle plans except outwaiting the siege. Now, they could prepare, especially because they knew the side the most of their enemies would come from.

"Sound the alarm," Phillip ordered quickly as he sent off the men, after the corpulent chief declined their offer to help him carry his man. "You get some rest, and come to the council room in the afternoon," the Royal spoke to the wolf as they walked back toward the castle. Seeing the man nod in reply, the prince left him as he walked onto the wall, interested in the defenses of the fort. His hands gripping the stone in front of him, he looked to the West as he battled the dread in him. He had known this was coming, but to actually witness it and be the one in charge, the one responsible for all the lives entrusted to him… He couldn't but feel the fear rising in him and the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders threatened to crush him.

The snow covered ground cracked under her boots as she stepped through a desolate field, as she looked around, trying to see where she was, her hand on her sword resting on her hip. The cold wind blew into her back, making her hair swirl around her face, its uninterrupted hum the only thing heard in the foreboding silence of the afternoon day. Following the slope of the hill, she walked up, frowning at the sheer number of tree stumps littering the view, and they all seemed rather fresh as the cuts hadn't had the time to darken yet. The area she was at was once, quite recently at that, a forest, and as she imagined the trees in the place of the remains, she thought she recognized the location, the realization taking away her breath, and the heart starting to pump hard in fear. Climbing the hill in short time, not caring about several missteps that could have ended in her death, she came to the top, seeing the whole valley before her for the first time since she had left it only several weeks before.

The sight before her eyes drove her to her knees, as she gasped at the horror in front of her, not able to speak, to whisper, to even comprehend the vista she saw, that she would never be able to unsee, to undo. Only then the wind stopped, making the silence ever more noticeable and the scene all the more terrible.

Where once had stood the proud castle of her family, the sanctuary of the Safe Haven, the keep of her friends, now stood only a ruin, ten feet tall, all the walls destroyed and scattered around, burned by fire and magic, razed to the ground with nothing left standing. And in the dale in front of it the ground was covered by red snow, obscuring the lumps beneath it, as abandoned standards and banners had been stuck to the frozen ground painting the air above the rusty snow green and gold. Emma was looking at the field of bodies, men and women slaughtered and left for carrions to find. And farther, on the demolished bridge, very close to the missing middle stood a golden tent, shining in the evening Sun.

Getting herself to her feet, Emma walked toward the place that had once been supposed to be her home, forcing the bile climbing her throat down, her forearm across her face trying to reduce the stench of the burned wood and flesh, blood and rotting corpses as she passed by the carcasses that she had known before, each life snuffed in a gruesome way, not spared and definitely not given a quick death. They all had suffered for daring to stand against the king Midas and the witch that had ruled from the shadow. Among the first to fall had been the wolves, probably trying to give time to others, as they had been fierce and powerful, then the Black Knights, then Phillip's soldiers and the villagers, but she did not see the bodies of her friends anywhere, as she walked toward the tent, fearing what might be inside.

As she stepped on the cobbled stones of the bridge, she heard something move behind her. Drawing her sword and summoning her magic in one fell move, she turned ready to fight as she stared down the intruder. But, in front of her stood no enemy. As she lowered her sword, she watched the person whose footsteps had alerted her to his presence slowly walk toward her, his face and clothes covered in blood and soot, his fist gripped so strongly around a hilt of a knife, pointed in front of him, as if to defend himself. Recognizing the person, Emma felt a fresh wave of tears stream down her face, the already too strong sorrow breaking her even further as she waited for the boy to walk up to her.

"The Savior," he gasped as he stood in front of her, his arm holding the knife shaking so much that the tip of his weapon weaved in the air in front of him. Emma gently reached for his fist, lowering herself onto her knees to be at the same level with him, and slowly opened his stiff hold, relinquishing him of his weapon. With a quick glance, she found the sheath for it and returned it to his belt, making sure that he wasn't hurt. Apart from a few scrapes and burns, the boy seemed uninjured, but the haunted look in his eyes spoke of many horrors he had seen since she had left him in the village. "You're too late," Elias whispered, his voice flat.

The even, distant tone of his voice, was the last straw for Emma's grip over her emotions as she sat onto her boots and tried to stifle a sob ripping through her throat, her hands on Elias's shoulders. "I'm sorry," she mumbled through her tears, the guilt, the agony, the horror, of the past hours making her voice crack. "I'm so sorry," she repeated over and over in front of the stoic boy, who stood there unmoved, seemingly too much in shock to feel.

"You are too late," the boy repeated in the same manner before he continued on. "Where were you? You could've helped us. You could've saved us."

"I tried to get here in time, Elias. I tried the best I could." Emma pleaded with the boy, knowing that it did not matter what she had to say for herself. Not anymore.

"It wasn't good enough." He then pointed toward the tent. "They hoped for you to come. They shouted your name in the end. And, then they cursed it to the heavens." Slowly he stepped around the kneeling Savior and walked on toward the middle of the ruined bridge. Emma frowned and rose, following him and stepping in front of him as they reached the gold sheets of the entrance.

Stopping the boy from entering, Emma lifted one flap of the tent and walked in, and only seconds after that she lost the fight with her stomach, emptying it right there. After several dry heaves she wiped her mouth, and straightened up, looking back to the horrible sight that had greeted her a minute before. Her friends, the people she loved, had been displayed in front of her, chained to the floor and killed by the magic, their expressions of pain forever etched on their faces, while the foul odor came of them, not only because of decay of their flesh but because of the magic used on them, magic only souls steeped in darkness would use. Not even the rest of the Neverland children had been spared.

"How is it that you are alive?" Emma turned toward the boy, who had entered the tent sometimes after she had been focused on the bodies of her friends.

"She left me to give you the message." Elias spoke absently, as he looked into Emma's face, for the first time showing any kind of emotion and it was determination.

"What is the message?" the blonde asked, not understanding what Elias was doing, nor what the witch had done to him.

"You failed and the blood of all of us is on your hands," he said as if he was speaking for someone else.

"You aren't dead." Emma walked toward him, having a really, really bad feeling that something terrible was going to happen.

"I am," the boy spoke and suddenly, as if someone had hit a switch, the life in him was snuffed as his body toppled down, right beside the others, joining them in death. Jumping toward him, Emma held the boy in her hands, calling out his name in vain. Only then she felt a trace of dark magic in him, understanding of his condition flooding her senses. He had been left heartless and now the witch had crushed it, as he had fulfilled his purpose. And, as if the wind was mocking her, it picked up, its howls bringing back his words. "You're too late."

She woke with a scream barely muffled with her clenched jaw, drenched in sweat, the wet shirt pressed uncomfortably against her skin with the weight of her mail, breathing heavily as she tried to calm her racing heart, her mind still engulfed with the images of her nightmare. Her hands tingled as she had summoned magic as she had awoken, the instinctive reaction subdued only by her weakness caused by overdoing it with her power.

"Emma Swan," Cheeky approached her slowly, his hands in front of him, as he watched her every move. "We have found some food if you are hungry," the dwarf spoke gently when she looked at him, still inhaling sharply, her wheezing breaths loud in the cavern, as he tried to get her to focus on something else than what had appeared to be a nightmare. He had been elected to keep watch over her, while the others took care of the burial rites they had been using in the absence of fairies.

"How long…" Emma groused before clearing her throat. "How long was I asleep?" she asked softly, as she moved the blanket away, sitting up in her cot, accepting gratefully a tankard of water the dwarf offered her, drinking it up in one go, before lowering it to the ground as she got up and walked toward her things lying untouched.

"Little over eight hours. The night has fallen." When he had seen the Savior take off her shirt, he quickly turned around, looking toward the ground, his ears tinged red and matching with his hair, which was the color of copper and complimented his summer sky blue eyes.

"Eight?" Emma questioned in surprise, pausing in putting on her other shirt. She couldn't remember the last time she had slept that long. Shaking her head, she continued dressing, mumbling softly to herself, "I must leave."

"Emma Swan," the dwarf called out in inquiry waiting for her to acknowledge him before continuing on. "We would like to share our meal with you, and Busy wants to talk to you," he spoke after her answering grunt.

"Busy? That's your leader, right?" Emma asked as she checked the straps of her hauberk, before replacing her tunic over it.

"Yes, and he said he might have news that might interest you," Cheeky answered, his back still turned toward the Savior.

"And you mentioned food?" The blonde walked toward the young dwarf, tapping him on the shoulder. He smiled at her and nodded, leading her back into the great hall where all the bodies had been placed. Now it was devoid of deceased dwarves, and only one table was placed, at the back of the room toward the mines, for it was enough for the surviving miners.

As soon as others saw Emma up and about, they fell silent as they stopped eating, waiting for her to sit down at the head of the table, where they had placed the largest chair, covered in furs to make the hard wood softer for the Savior. She smiled at the kindness and respect they had offered her, despite the fact that she knew it was a way of their people – to show the ultimate respect for the royals and the people of white magic, fairies in particular. As she pulled out the chair, waving away the dwarf closest to her that had gotten up to help her, she looked around the table.

"Please, don't stop on my account," she said softly, taking a seat, pleased to see that Cheeky chose to sit by her, on her left, offering her a smirking smile as he pushed a plate filled with food toward her. Quickly, one of the dwarves sitting further away pushed a goblet over the table toward her, their chieftain catching it and filling it with a dark red liquid, as he took his seat to Emma's right.

"Knight Swan, I am glad to see you awake," the dwarf Cheeky had called Busy spoke offering her the goblet. As she took it, he continued. "I hope you are feeling better?"

"I am," Emma confirmed, noticing the questioning edge in his statement, despite the fact that she knew that she was far from perfect health. In fact, she was sure that if she used magic too soon, the episode like the one she had had would happen again, but she didn't want to admit her weakness before them. Sipping the drink, she smiled in appreciation at the sweet blueberry wine, mild and tasty, before she looked toward the dwarf beside her. "I hear you might have news for me?" she spoke as she drew the plate the young dwarf had intended for her, finding dry meat, cheese and boiled vegetables on it along with a small unleavened bun of bread.

"Yes, I have received information while you were asleep. The pirates are gathering in the Maritime Kingdom, awaiting for their orders to sail to the Snow White's castle. There is a talk about coordinated attack from both sea and land in five days from now." Busy spoke as the Savior ate, knowing she would need as much as he could provide. "It is speculated that Midas's men will be in place by that time."

"And the Empire?" Emma asked in between her bites, her eyes catching the other dwarves that listened carefully to them.

"I don't know, but they seem to be too far away to reach the castle in five days, as they are still in the Empire."

Emma nodded in understanding, remembering the map of the Enchanted Forest, and also from Regina's memories that the Empire was on the very edge of the Enchanted Forest, before the great Agrabah Desert. It did help a bit to know that not all force of the Enchanted Forest was against the Safe Haven population, but the threat of both the pirates and Midas's men was terrible enough.

"How do you know all this?" The White Knight asked as she finished with her meal. "Can you trust your source?" she went on, not giving Busy the opportunity to answer. She leaned onto her elbows and looked at the dwarf to her right. She did not need to demand answers as the hard look she had given him was incentive enough.

"I trust him. He is a man of clergy." The certain tone the dwarf spoke with convinced Emma that Busy thought the man irreproachable, and decided to keep her comments of all men being corruptible, even the people of the priesthood, to herself. "He has fought for the people for years now."

"Can you send me his way?" Suddenly, the Savior had an idea. If the priest had insider information to all the happenings, perhaps he was placed at the center of the events, which meant that finding him might be a good start in her way of helping others. "If he is as good as you claim he might be able to help me."

"Of course, Knight Swan," Busy agreed immediately, nodding his head. "The last I know he was with his friends at the mouth of Twine Rivers."

The blonde tilted her head thinking about the directions, as she sipped her wine. "That is over in Prince Thomas's domain, right?" she asked, fairly certain she had gotten it right, but it never hurt to check.

"Yes, Knight Swan."

Draining her goblet, the blonde rose from the table and with a light tone she thanked the others for the meal. As she walked away, she heard small feet follow her and she smiled, knowing it was the youngling that took a shine to her, and honestly she liked him too. Pushing the heavy door to the anteroom, she stood by letting Cheeky pass first before continuing on her path toward her things. She needed to leave, to be on her way and do something to aid the soon to be attacked village, and no matter how hard she tried she couldn't figure out a way, not in these short minutes of her meal, and definitely not in the hours she had spent watching over the injured dwarves. She needed help and there was very few left. The Sheriff hoped Busy's priest would prove as an asset because, honestly, she felt stumped.

"Can I come with you?" Cheeky asked as he watched her pick up her weaponry and place each piece in its proper place. "I could help?" he added hopefully when Emma turned toward him, her green eyes softened by emotion visible in the weak light of a few torches and lanterns.

The Savior lowered her bag and knelt in front of the dwarf, touched by his earnest offer, and as she looked into his blue eyes she saw his face crumple in dejection, as he understood her move. "It is a very dangerous world out there right now," Emma started softly.

"It's dangerous here, too!" the young dwarf complained, the attack that had taken so many of his family still very fresh on his mind and heart. But, he could see her point and the fact was hard on him, making his eyes tear up. "I could be of help, take care of your things. I can learn to fight too!"

Oh, how Emma yearned to grant him his wish, just so she wouldn't be alone anymore. But, she knew that taking him directly into the danger's path was not the way, and if he got killed, she wouldn't be able to bear it. However, before she could speak, denying him, his small and warm hand reached for her face, landing on her cheek, startling her immensely. The isolation had worsened her touch aversion, and even before it, she had tolerated it from few people. But the dwarf in front of her had been named properly, and even though she hadn't expected it, and the first instinct was to shrug it off, she allowed his hand to remain, willing to see what he was going to do, and offering this as a consolation prize for refusing him.

"I will distract you," the youngling added softly as he held Emma's cheek, smiling sadly in understanding. Then, as if he had never asked her anything, his demeanor changed and his eyes focused onto her own. "As you leave, there is a small dene three miles north. The wild horses of Camelot come to water there, usually in the early hours of the morning." After he had spoken in whisper, he watched as realization flew into her eyes.

Because of Regina, an expert on all things about horses, as it had been the only thing to keep her feeling close to Daniel, Emma had the access to the important facts, such as the truths and legends about the Camelot and its horses. After the fall of King Arthur and disbandment of the Knights of the Round Table, Camelot had fallen to ruin and desiccation, with most of its surviving inhabitants retreating to Avalon, along with the king's body. And, because there had been no one to take care of the immeasurable herds of horses, they had been released into the wild, living in the planes of the former kingdom. As the legend had told, the pure breeds had magic in their blood as in the beginning their lines had been mixed with those of Unicorns and Pegasus horses, making them highly intelligent and loyal, fast and enduring. However, they had been impossible to catch and break though many had tried, finally forcing the fairies to take the animals under their protection. It seemed that with the fairies gone, that particular duty had fallen to the dwarves.

"Will you get in trouble for this?" Emma asked the young dwarf, reaching for his hand, understanding the magnitude of his help.

"Probably, as it wasn't my secret to share. But, you are the White Knight, of pure heart and light magic." He said as if it was explanation enough, before he added with a smile. "They will let you come near them, but you must treat them with respect." As Emma nodded they heard the door opening one more time, Busy and other dwarves entering into the cavern. Quickly, the blonde rose to her feet with another appreciative squeeze of Cheeky's hand and turned toward the others.

The chief of them approached the Savior and offered two small satchels, one three times as big as the other. Pointing toward the bigger one, Busy spoke "We packed provisions for you, some dry meat and vegetables," before he took her water flask sending one of the dwarves to fill it. "We also managed to scrounge what was left of the fairy dust, and while you slept we ground some more," he added pointing toward the smaller satchel with reverence. "We have no use of it, with fairies gone, but perhaps you will find a way."

Emma thanked them profusely, and when the water flask returned accompanied with a smaller one, filled with blueberry wine, she smiled gratefully at the dwarf that had brought them to her. As she turned to leave, only Busy and Cheeky came to follow, seeing her out. She asked of the chief not to warn his source of her coming in advance, and not to share with anyone that she had been there or that she was even alive, impressing that secrecy was of the utmost importance at the moment. Then she turned toward the young ginger friend. "There will come a time when we will see each other again," she said instead of goodbye, bending down onto her knee.

The boyish dwarf flew, throwing his arms around her neck, unperturbed that a multitude of rough objects pressed against his belly and chest. Not a word did he spoke, but the gesture was the message enough for Emma. Patting his back, and chuckling at the aghast expression on the face of the elder dwarf, she smiled at the youngling, before she placed her woolen scarf over the lower part of her face and neck, and lifting her hood over her hair, that she had previously put into a braid. Opening the door leading to outside, she paused, turning back and with a fist over her heart, she inclined her head in greeting, before she ducked out, leaving the two dwarves behind.

So, the youngling had said north, Emma mused, trying to orient herself in the darkness of the night. Luckily for her, the Moon was still up, and judging by its position she found her way and started walking. Even though it was a cold night, the light trek kept the Savior warm enough not to feel the bite of winter, and yet cool enough not to sweat under her clothes. Slowly, she marched to her destination, paying attention to the ground, careful not to twist her ankle or anything else. And, so, after a half an hour, she reached the small hirst, split by a small brook, its water too fast to freeze over. Listening to the gentle gurgle of the stream, she found a spot to sit, leaning against the wide trunk of centuries old oak as she watched the Moon reflecting of the rippling surface of the water, waiting for the herd to appear. And, as soon as the Moon set, the sound of hooves reached the seated Savior, as she turned in the direction of the thuds over the frozen ground. Only minutes later Emma was graced with the most beautiful sight she had seen in a while.

Horses, led by a magnificent white stallion, came to the water, sniffing the air for dangers. Emma was in awe of the beautiful coats the animals displayed, ranging from pure white of the stallion to champagne and earth colors to the darkest of blacks. The group that had come to the water had around twenty animals, foals included, the nobility of their lines obvious even to the nescient by their regality and perfect lines.

Emma rose to her feet slowly, her move drawing the attention of the leader of the herd as he turned his head toward her, neighing softly. Encouraged by his lack of hostility, she approached the group, not making any sudden moves, taking care not to make noise either. Then, as she stepped among the creatures, she stilled, remembering Regina's instructions – the best way to choose a horse is to let them choose you. So she waited as the animals approached her with interest, sniffing the air around her, their snorts and neighs amusing for the Savior. The leader of the herd came to her and his intelligent blue eyes looked at her knowingly before he shook his head, sounding as if he was laughing. However, immediately after, a dark head hit her in the shoulder, making her turn to see an ink black animal, almost invisible in the predawn darkness, the whites of the eyes seemingly glowing as the irises dark as coals focused onto her face. If the horse wasn't so stunning and the Savior so used to avoid jumping to conclusions, Emma would've thought that it was a steed of darkness, a demon itself taking form.

But, after several seconds passed and the horse eased its scrutiny, it tapped Emma gently into her chest with its nuzzle, having lowered its head in offer that the blonde immediately took, placing her hand onto the forehead, scratching it lightly as she watched the ears ease into more relaxed position, noticing how the black leather of the gloves matched the darkness of the coat on the horse, chuckling softly at the coincidence. Sinking her fingers into the mane and coat, the Sheriff patted the horse lightly, her hands passing over its back and sides. Satisfied with her examination, she had learned that it was a young mare, only four of five years old, but fully matured. More than sixteen hands high, the horse's shoulders were taller than Emma herself, and the majestic built of the mare only spoke of its endurance and speed.

"Will you let me ride you?" Emma spoke gently as she patted the mare's neck, her question directed more as a musing observation than the real inquiry, and when the horse neighed and lowered itself somewhat by spreading wide its forelegs, the blonde gasped in surprise. As if she was dawdling, and in shock she indeed had been, the mare turned its head toward her and pushed her, startling her into action. Climbing on the bare back, the Sheriff made sure that nothing on her bothered the animal beneath her, taking care with her weapons and sack. As soon as she settled behind the horse's shoulders, the black mare straightened up and waited for directions. "Oh, right, sorry," Emma mumbled as she grabbed the mane and guided her ride in the direction she needed to go. Urging the horse onward gently, she yelped in surprise as the mare rushed off, making her grip the animal's sides with her legs rather strongly as she wove her fingers into the mane, afraid that she would be dislodged by the sheer speed of the horse, never mind the low hanging branches of the trees in their way and joyous leaps the mare did over the small crevices in the ground.

Only when they reached the shore, the horse stopped, quite suddenly at that, making Emma slide down with a huff and a scowl as she felt her muscles ease from their stiff grip. She glared at the horse that only shook her head in false innocence, before snorting cheerily. "Yeah, really funny," Emma grumbled as she rose to her feet, dusting off the wet sand of her breeches. Then she looked around, trying to ascertain where she was, but drawing blank, the Savior turned to her horse. "Why did you bring me here?" she asked, as if expecting an answer, mildly irritated that the horse had veered of the course toward her destination, but when the mare walked toward the water coming onto the sand in small and calm waves, its right front hoof tapping the water, Emma frowned as she tried to understand.

Then, an idea struck as she realized that she was at the shore of the Endless Sea, probably somewhere in the line of the Hangman's Island and a day's ride north from the Safe Haven, right in the middle of the route the pirates would take to the Charming's castle. And, the Endless Sea was a home to a particular kind of creatures that might even help her, especially as they were part of the magical folk. Guided by her True Love's memories, she picked up a shell from the sand only several steps to the left and having cleaned it from the sand and seaweed, Emma puffed her cheeks, ready to blow. The shell created a horn like sound, spreading over the water, as the Savior waited for someone to appear, taking off her sack and her cloak, expecting to at least step into the water at one point. To her surprise, when a head broke the surface of the water, it was the same redhead Regina had dealt with making the Sheriff wince in anticipation of rejection, however she stoically waited for the mermaid to come closer before speaking, hoping that the invocation of her mother's name would grant her at least an audience with the redhead.

"I am daughter of Snow White, the prophesized Savior and I need your people's help," she spoke as she stepped ankle deep into the water waiting for response. But when the mermaid only swam closer, keeping her mouth shut, looking at her helplessly, Emma frowned looking back in her memories, trying to see if Regina had used a special language to communicate, but finding nothing of the sort, she tilted her head, looking at the pretty woman lounging in the waves. "Will you help me?" the blonde asked, imploring the red head to react in any way. Only when the girl reached for her throat, her eyes affixed on the Savior did Emma understand, sighing at the punishment her True Love had assigned to the mermaid. Waving her hand, the blonde hissed, feeling the painful tingle of the magic, the results evident immediately as the girl spoke.

"What do you want?" Ariel asked with suspicion, feeling cautious, for she knew the price in dealing with sorceresses.

"In a few days, a fleet of pirate ships is going to pass this way to attack Charming's castle with the villagers of Safe Haven in it. Can your people do anything about it?"

"You are fighting against the Witch?" the mermaid asked with a surprise, as most of the people had aligned with the rampageous practitioner. When Emma only nodded, the redhead swam closer. "What is in it for us? For me?"

"I do not know what the merfolk desire, but I think I can offer something to you, Ariel," Emma answered, knowing exactly what would entice the woman to cooperate, hating the fact that she had to bargain with the girl, but she needed help.

"We desire to be left alone, not to be hunted and killed by men!" Ariel spoke indignantly. "You may know my name, but you do not know me and definitely you know nothing of my desires!" The anger of the sea creature was evident in the sharp flicker of the green fin, making the water foam in the shallows.

Closing her eyes, Emma sighed and with an intake of air, she looked toward the mermaid and spoke one word. "Eric." And, the effect was instantaneous. The mermaid froze, before she came closer, almost crawling through the shallows to reach the blonde. The Savior could not bear it so she stepped deeper into the water, schooling her face not to react when her breeches came in the contact with the icy water, waterlogging her boots.

"What do you know of him?" Ariel demanded of the Savior, as she reached her.

"I know where he is," Emma spoke softly, crouching down, thinking that if she had already gotten wet, there really wasn't any difference how wet she would get. Thanking the Gods that Regina had spent the first years of her reign in Storybrooke walking the piers in the early morning, and thus knowing that Eric had been a fisherman in the town, the Savior hoped to somehow insure Ariel's loyalty, at least for a little while. "He was taken by the curse, and now lives in the town created by it, Storybrooke, where I am from. In about a month, a ship will arrive to take me home. I can take you to him."

"I don't need you to cross realms," the mermaid scoffed, ready to swim off but Emma's knowing voice stopped her.

"You need me to walk," Emma spoke firmly, making the woman stop in the water and glancing back toward the Savior. "Help me, and I'll figure out a way for you to have your legs whenever you need them," she said as she watched the mermaid hesitate, already knowing the process of making the cuff, just like Regina had had.

"And, you want me to stop the pirates? That is what you ask?" Ariel spoke, uncertain, and still suspicious of the Savior.

"Yes, stop the pirates and I will craft a way for you to walk on land and to swim in water whenever you wish it," Emma promised, standing straight. "I give you my word," she spoke, placing her right fist over her heart.

"Swear it, on your life. No, on the thing that is most precious to you."

Emma didn't complain, nor did she roll her eyes, because she understood the need of insurance, the desire to protect oneself, and in this world, a word of a royal still meant something, and she was glad to give it, for she knew that Snow had always been a good judge of character, her childhood sins aside, and if she had forged a friendship with the mermaid before her, then Ariel was a good person. "I, Emma Swan, daughter of Snow White and James, the Savior and the Sheriff, swear upon the bond I share with my True Love, that I will find a way for Ariel, Lady of the Merfolk, to take her steps on the firm ground when she wishes it, and swim in the sea, when she does not, in exchange for her and her people stopping the pirates directed at the Charming's Castle."

Something in those words made Ariel's face appear softer as the woman swam back toward the Savior. "You are touched by True Love?" she asked gently. Emma didn't bother responding verbally as that question demanded a very complicated answer. Touched? Did being made of it count? So she only nodded once, stiffly. "Where are they?"

"Storybrooke," she replied shortly, her voice terse, before she turned away to leave the freezing water, honestly not understanding how the fish and other marine things could live in it. In the second before she had turned, she had seen the astonished expression on the redhead, who clearly had not expected that.

"I'll do it!" the woman yelled from the waves, making her choice. "I'll organize my people and we will stop them." And, then she simply dove into the water and disappeared, not waiting for any response that the blonde might have given her. The Sheriff hoped that it would help, that she had not just trusted someone with the information only to be betrayed and exposed, with pirates not stopped but helped on the way. In her gut, she knew that Ariel wanted to reach Eric and that she would do anything to get to Storybrooke, but the Savior just hoped that the mermaid would do it the proper way, helping her.

Emma turned toward the black horse that had simply waited for her at the same place she had left it, watching the whole exchange with interest, before shaking its head gently. Her hand went to its side as she leaned into its shoulder. "You are a very clever horse," she said firmly, the praise obvious in her voice. "And, you need to have a name because I cannot just call you horse." Standing a bit away, Emma pulled the horse's head down, to look into its intelligent black eyes, as she scratched it under chin. "So something black, huh… Kiera?" The horse neighed, its nostrils flaring in displeasure. "No? Brenna?" Emma could actually swear that the damn horse rolled its eyes at her. "Hmm, Mei? No? Raven!" The horse snorted at her, before neighing firmly. "Alright, alright…" And, Emma continued speaking out names that had something to do with darkness, night, blackness, then when nothing gained favorable reaction from her mare, she continued with the speed related names such as Arrow and Swift. But, then the mare tapped its front hoof, digging into the sand, and in the Sun of the day, Emma saw the shading silhouette of the horse covering her and the hole in the ground, giving her an idea. "How about Shadow?" And, the mare tilted its head to a side before she pushed Emma gently in the shoulder. "You like it?" the blonde asked again, needing to confirm and the same reaction followed. "Alright, then. Shadow it is."

Taking her previously discarded things, the Savior started walking toward the land, needing to dry out first, her boots uncomfortably sloshing with every step she made. She was reluctant to use magic, even for such a small spell to dry herself out, as the effects of the removal of Ariel's silence spell had been the warning enough. Finding a small stone niche nested in the snow covered earth and some twigs and stunted and shriveled shrubberies, Emma quickly built a fire, chuckling when she saw her horse lie down beside it, as if it was expected of it. Despite the fact that she had never seen a horse do that, Emma felt glad to have someone close by. Sitting on her cloak, she took off her leather breeches, along with her boots and her long underpants, thankful that the fire was hot enough to keep the cold away, as she sat there half naked, wrapped in the cloak. As she waited for her things to dry, as she had rubbed them in the fresh snow to take the salt out, she took out the package of food the dwarves had packed, pleased to find some dried carrots in it. Taking a piece of meat in her mouth, she cut one of the carrots in half an inch bits, offering them to her mare. "It's all I have," Emma spoke imploringly when the horse sniffed at her measly offering and shook its head. Reconsidering, the black head came back and took the food, a disgruntled snort heard over the munching.

Emma hated that she couldn't just use her magic unsparingly, but also, she would feel glad for the opportunity to rough it, as she had called it whenever her mother would talk about her bandit days, if not for the very important fact that she was really pressed for time. However, as she chewed the meager meal she had taken for herself, she appreciated the time to think. At least she wouldn't be on foot, and if her calculations were correct, her new horse was really damn fast, at least twice as fast as her previous bay. Then, she needed to figure out what to do next. Yes, she could find the clergyman but what then? Does she go after the witch, or after the king? If she went after the king's men, she would be able to ease the pressure on the keep, but not for long, not with the Empire inbound. But, if she went after the witch, which promised to be a hard endeavor indeed, could she do something more than waste time and energy? Would subduing the witch stop the war? Or it would make it more desperate and wild?

"Think of it as a game of chess," Emma spoke to herself after she felt her thoughts were going in circles, as it would help her arrange her ideas and thoughts, and direct her toward working strategies and tactics, but there was another problem. She didn't know all the pieces on the board. There were the villagers and her friends, along with fifty of the Wolves, facing thousands of Midas's army. Then, there were the pirates, and supposedly they would be delayed, in best case stopped by the merfolk and Ariel. And, there was the infamous witch who was apparently green and very powerful, who had some kind of power over trolls and ogres, who secured the loyalty of the Empire's army, and who has winged creatures at her disposal. Someone who started showing up only after Emma's supposed death…

Someone who needed her dead before exposing herself, and probably orchestrating the whole peace bullshit, figuring it would take the Savior out of the way. Emma straightened up in realization, as she gasped. Magic. Emma was the only one with magic in their group which would leave the others vulnerable, as no one else was capable of using the crafts, but what if it wasn't all? For the whole get rid of the Savior plan seemed a bit over the top, but that was only her opinion, and she was fully committed to the idea that all the fairy tale people in power were absolutely crazy. However, she decided to go with that line of thought, the one where the woman didn't need her just gone for being a sorceress but for something else. What if the woman needed access to a place Emma had protected, needing time and insurance that there wouldn't be interruptions? Regina's palace had been untouched, but Emma hadn't checked the other place she had placed under the magical lock – Rumplestiltskin's castle. Suddenly, she had a direction in mind, with a part of a plan forming. Soon, but not right away, Emma would come forth into the light; and the revelation would probably drive some heat away from the people of Safe Haven. But, not yet. First, Emma would check wards around the Dark One's home, and then find the priest and his friends, and somehow convince them to go toward the Empire.

Deciding that her clothes had been dry enough, the Sheriff stomped out the fire and with hurried moves urged the horse up, directing Shadow toward the Dark One's castle, urging the mare to speed up. Probably feeling the tension in the blonde, the horse followed the directions, swift as a gale, as they passed through the sparse area of the land, veering off inland, toward the familiar mountains. An hour later, after they had passed the distance any other horse would need a day for, Shadow stopped before the pathway leading to the fortress, refusing to go even one step further, propping itself on its back two legs, front ones wild in the air, as Shadow neighed defiantly. Trusting the horse, Emma slid down looking around, as she took the bow, ready for a surprise attack that could be coming any minute, for she did understand her mare's reluctance to go on. Making sure that her scarf and hood were on, and stepping away from the horse, for she didn't want the noble mare to be caught in the crossfire if a fight did occur, she scanned the surroundings, feeling eyes on her.

After her enemies had made sure that she was indeed alone, one of them clambered on the road, proudly showing his gold colors of his uniform. "Stop right there," he said, pointing his sword in her direction, but Emma heard others surrounding her, and judging by the clanging of armors and the heavy boots on the stone, there seemed to be five of them. Still holding her bow with an arrow notched, she watched the spokesman come closer, weaving his weapon threateningly. "You are surrounded, drop your weapon," the man spoke again, glancing toward the bow with some nervousness but pretending not to be bothered with it, this time when he was three yards away, and with others visibly posted around her.

"You have no power over me to demand such a thing," Emma replied haughtily, in a deeper voice, asserting her false persona of a black knight, seeing that she was already dressed as one, and she knew enough of Regina's kingdom to pose as one, using the distraction to glance around, judging her opposition. Luckily not one of them had a bow or a crossbow, so she knew she could fight back without getting a bolt in her back. It wouldn't have killed her, due to the mail she was constantly wearing exactly for these reasons, but it would have still been painful. "Let me through, and no one will get hurt."

"So much confidence, Black Knight, for a lonely thug. But, where is your Evil Queen?" the soldier in front of her mockingly asked as he stepped a foot closer. "Where is she to protect you with her evil sorcery?"

"I do not need her protection. It is I who protect her, and her interests in this world." Emma spoke calmly, allowing the others to come closer, as she already calculated how the events would unfold, knowing that the soldiers would react in quite brutish way, counting on overpowering her, as if she had a gift of premonition. But, in truth, it was her former job of a bail bonds person that had given her the insight how most of the situations like these would go down.

"I will have your head," the front man scowled at the masked Savior, lifting his weapon, ready to attack. "Just as our king will have hers when she returns," he added before rushing toward Emma, his intention of kill clear in his eyes and moves. Not sparing a second, the Sheriff released her arrow, right into the chest of the man, jumping aside to avoid his falling body, her hands already notching another one and sending it off into the eye of the furthest soldier on the road. Another arrow found its way into her hand, and not even bothering with the bow anymore, Emma stuck it in the neck of the closest brute to her, stopping his motion right before he was about to cleave her head in two. Pulling her weapon out of his flesh, grimacing at the spray of blood that followed, she turned toward the remaining two, nothing but her eyes visible, and they were shining with cold precision and death.

They attacked her at once, from different sides, but she quickly saw who the most experienced fighter was and with swift moves she got rid of him, stabbing the arrow in her hand through his underside of his chin upwards. Then she turned to the remaining one, a boy really and as she raised her hands, in one of them holding a knife from her belt, her posture telegraphing her readiness to end the fight rather quickly and lethally, he dropped his sword and knelt in supplication.

"Please," the young soldier spoke, terror evident in his eyes, as he lowered himself down even further. Kicking his sword away from him, Emma grabbed his chin and brought her face to his, lifting him up, his knees hovering half an inch above the ground, using her pure strength, having built up her muscles with all the stone carving and carrying the blocks.

"Why are you here?" she whispered harshly, her quiet tone inducing more fear in the soldier than the prowess she had shown. She more felt than saw him gulp heavily and shake incessantly, as he tried to focus his eyes on hers but failing, as he brought his hands to her chest in the vain attempt of imploring her to ease the pressure on his face.

"The witch wanted us to wait for the Dark One to come, and to seize him." He spoke finally through his teeth, his speech somewhat garbled with the tremble of his fear.

"A hand of soldiers against a Dark One?" Emma scoffed imperiously, but she knew that the boy was telling the truth, or what he believed to be the truth. She had been wrong however. It wasn't the caste the witch was interested in, but the Dark One himself.

"She told us he had lost his powers and that now he was only a frail old man." So, the witch knew that Rumplestiltskin wasn't powerful anymore, Emma sighed with conclusion, as now things made more sense. The spies of the village probably informed her and the king, giving them the green light to attack. That could be the reason why they hadn't attacked earlier.

"What do you know of this witch?" Emma asked as she released the soldier, letting him fall down onto his knees, but she never glanced away from his eyes. The amount of fear the boy was radiating told her that he would tell her everything just to stay alive, and the feeling inside also suggested that the soldier was not committed to his king, making it all the easier for him to speak to the enemy – the black knight in front of him.

"She is not of this realm," the boy spoke rubbing his jaw and sitting on his haunches as he looked up at his captor. "I heard people say that she was from another world, something starting with Oh," he added, almost absently, as he prepared to rise.

Oh. It tickled Emma's memory, as the information started assembling in her head. The green skinned witch, winged animals, different land starting with Oh… The knowledge she needed was there, she was absolutely sure of it, because she had seen and heard it all before, or even perhaps read it somewhere. The story of a witch with the green skin and flying monsters… The Savior gasped as the answer came to her.

"Oz?"

"Yeah, that's it." The soldier said as he dusted off his knees, completely oblivious to the Savior's raging thoughts.

Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me, Emma screamed in her mind. This is getting ridiculous, and utterly insane. Now, not only that the Wicked Witch of the West is real but I am up against her?! However, her outward expression never changed, as she nodded in understanding. "What does she want?"

"I don't know. Something with the Evil Queen, but no one knows for sure what." Shrugging accompanied his answer.

And she could feel he was telling the truth, and no more information on the woman he could give. Now, Emma was left with a conundrum to solve. Should she leave the boy alive, as her heart was demanding, and impress unto him the dangers of crossing her, or should she kill him – as the saying of her world went - two can keep a secret if one of them is dead. It would be safer for her to kill him, no one to expose her until she is ready, but she had a feeling that his young face would haunt her, especially because she would not kill him in the heat of battle but in execution, coldly and calculatedly. Shaking her head, she placed her bow onto her shoulder, hoping her next move wasn't going to bite her in the ass.

"What's your name, boy?" Emma asked as she gestured to him to help her with the bodies, needing to search and hide them. While they worked, she learned that his name was Jonas, that he was previously one of squires in the castle, under Knight Frederick, but with the curse and destruction, the king had relegated him to mere soldier, with no authority, but he had been placed in a good company, until he had been sent out there with the others, as everyone he had known had been sent toward the stronghold where the villagers were. Then the blonde instructed him to lead her to their bivouac, listening to him talk about his court life, how Frederick had been like a father to him.

She had met Jim, later Frederick, several times before and after breaking the curse, and all in all, she liked the guy. He was kind and respectful, never trying to assert his supremacy in arguments, unlike some other knights and royals that had found their way over in Storybrooke. He was perfect with Kathryn, and for that alone she liked him very much, as the woman had suffered enough and deserved someone good and mindful. But she couldn't tell that to the boy, because her knowledge of Storybrooke would be a dead giveaway for her identity.

After looking through the sacks and bags of the soldiers, and the saddle bags on the tied horses nearby, Emma gained a quick understanding of who these people had been. The rag tag group of scoundrels had found themselves in the army, and given uniforms and weaponry. And, listening to the soldier talk, the blonde understood that the boy was not happy with his posting, or with the decisions the king was making, or even with the whole war. If not for constant supervision he would've deserted a while back, joining the villagers. Rising up, as she had made her decision about the young man in front of her, she grabbed Jonas by his mail and drew him close to her. "Listen to me very carefully. I am going to let you go and you are to go straight to the king's camp."

"No! I'll be executed for disobedience!" the boy shrieked in fear as he tried to get himself out of Emma's grip, afraid that he had escaped death from the black knight, only to be killed by his own people.

"You won't be," the Sheriff replied calmly, waiting for him to settle down as she looked into his darting eyes. "You just say that they left you in the middle of the night, disappeared from the camp and you waited at the castle for days, however, you didn't know what else to do, so you came back. They'll believe you." And, as soon he understood what she was telling him, the boy calmed and nodded, as he had known it had been only a matter of time before the men returned to their unsavory ways, bored with the watching post. "You will not speak of what happened here, or you will regret the day you have laid your eyes on me." Her voice suddenly got colder and more menacing, causing him to lose all his color. "Am I clear?"

"Ye-es," Jonas said softly.

"And, then, if you feel comfortable, you can see who feels the same as you about this war…" she offered a suggestion, almost as if joking, but she knew that the game she was playing could very well end with his life on the platter. However, throwing dissent in the lines of soldiers in front of the keep could only help her cause. Releasing the boy, she set him down, expecting him to run away, but he looked at her with something akin to awe as he settled his armor in place.

"The Queen, some people said she was evil incarnate," Jonas offered conversationally, as he packed his things, throwing his glances in Emma's direction. "And that her servants were nothing but heartless thugs." He added, surprised not to get any reaction from the person beside him. "But, I don't think that's true," Jonas then spoke softly, almost afraid to voice the thought, not looking at the black dressed knight beside him.

"What makes you think so?"

"I don't remember the Enchanted Forest having a queen that ruled her domain alone, and I think that people were afraid of the change, of possibility of the women being in charge, so they made her seem more evil than she was, because they considered her dangerous." He spoke quickly, barely breathing in between the words. "And, there is the whole magic thing. She didn't need armies to protect her, nor the strongholds or keeps, she had herself – and that too was unusual, especially because no one could assassinate her, and take her down from her seat of power."

"Interesting," Emma said, considering his thoughts. Of course, she knew that Regina had done some truly despicable things and that her knights more often than not had been thugs and some had been heartless, but the whole Evil Queen had been somewhat exaggerated if someone took the whole context into the account.

"Are you from the village?" the boy asked gently, seeing the faraway look in the green eyes that just minutes before had made him freeze with fear. "Is it true – she and the Savior were lovers, and she is now away?" he continued as he saw the knight nod.

"They never said it outright, but I think so," Emma answered, staying in the character of a black knight. "And, she will come back. For the Savior, at least."

"I don't want to be in the king's army when she does come back. When she learns that he has sent the Savior to her death. I'd rather you kill me now." Jonas replied honestly, as he put his things on his back, nodding in greeting to the black figure in good bye. He had grown up listening to the tales of horrific and vengeful feats the Queen had committed in the name of her fury toward Snow White.

"Jonas!" the blonde called out to him. When he glanced back, she stepped closer to him. "If you help us, help her, she will spare your life – I will vouch for you." Emma offered to him, willing to give him at least some kind of reassurance.

"I thank you, kind knight," the boy answered gently, not believing her, but whether he didn't believe in the black knight's honesty, or her chances of survival Emma wasn't sure. She did not try to convince him of either, sending him off with the trademark greeting of knights, her fist upon her heart, as she watched him smile sadly at her, before he climbed atop of his horse and went away.

Emma watched the boy soldier ride away, leaving her behind, alone in the camp, her heart filled with concern for the young man, as he was clearly one of the 'good guys' but in a very bad situation, with no easy way out. The Savior cursed the war, as she had done time and time again, since the beginning of her exile, for it was destroying what was left of the Enchanted Forest, its kind people included. And the young men who were supposed to become knights were forced into an army to fight a mindless war, where surely innumerable lives would be forever lost. Shaking her head with the helpless sigh, Emma turned around and sending the remaining horses away, free of their burden, she made sure to hide the things that had been left in the campsite in case someone came to check.

Walking toward the stone covered pathway to the front gate of the Dark Castle she greeted silently the black horse waiting for her, patting her mare's flank with newly formed affection that was returned in the form of a gentle push against her chest with the dark forehead, as she guided Shadow toward the entrance of the familiar building, murmuring softly nonsensical words into the horse's neck.

After she was completely sure that there was absolutely no one around but her and her horse, Emma allowed her magic to rise within her, the soft buzzing trickle of it still causing the uncomfortable tingling in her body, and unlocked the protection spell she had left on the place and opening the heavy door, she slipped inside, guiding the mare along, not caring that the horse was tracking mud and dirt all over the marble floors of the entrance hall. The minute she was in, though, she closed the door quickly and reinitiated the protection of the place, taking Shadow to the cleverly hidden stables through the Castle halls, rather than the open courtyard, afraid to leave any traces visible for the eventual spies that the witch might put to work around the Dark One's former home.

Finding some leftover grains and hay in the abandoned stables, Emma brought food to her horse, filling the trough with fresh water, as she watched the black mare decimate the feed with gusto. All the while she moved around the empty stalls, looking for things that she might need, the blonde talked to the noble steed, wondering aloud if the mare would let her place a light saddle on her, or a bridle. After a detailed search of the place, Emma unearthed a simple leather saddle with shiny iron stirrups, along with a fancy black bitless bridle, that seemed to match the dark coat of her horse. With those, she also found a dark wool blanket, obviously used for padding under the saddle. Bringing it all next to the stall where Shadow was, Emma stood next to the black horse, and taking a brush from the shelf beside the stall, the Savior took care of her ride. First, the thorough brush down and checkup, using all the memories Regina had on caring for the noble animals, then cleaning the tack and reassembling it to see if it matched Shadow's size, and if the horse was comfortable with it. Then, after she received an approving neigh from the intelligent beast, Emma pulled a warming blanket onto Shadow, promising to be quick in the castle and left.

As she walked the halls of the place she had spent hours and hours in, studying and preparing for her task, and later for her disappearance, Emma was gripped by a strong feeling of longing followed by the pictures of her family brought up in her mind, tearing her up from inside, and seizing her lungs making it impossible for her to breathe. A startled sob rose from her throat as she placed her hand on the wall, trying to hold herself up as her face was suddenly awash with tears. Another shuddering sob pierced through her and she felt her control snap, disintegrating as it had never existed in the first place, and all the emotions she had been suppressing these past several days gushed out of her, overwhelming her completely as she slid down the wall and curled into herself, weeping hopelessly into her hands, all the anger, the pain, the longing, the desperation, the fear, mixed into one overpowering tide, destroying everything in its wake. The memories, her own and Regina's, flew through her mind, reminding her of everyone and everything she missed, she wanted, and each moment of her past that had been tied to her family that passed before her mind's eyes only served to remind her that she was completely and utterly alone in this world devastated by war and wickedness, her dreams and remembrance providing enough picturesque proof of it. Emma Swan of the past, of the years before Storybrooke, would be perfectly able to cope with this solitude, but the Savior had tasted what being a part of a family meant, she had learned what loving and being loved in return felt like, and going back to the old and emotionally poor Emma was not only impossible but outright inconceivable.

Nothing better to drive the point that you are alone than fighting the armies around you by yourself, Emma thought to herself, as she took a moment to restore her breathing to the normal levels by the techniques she had learned from Mulan. Her cheek was resting on the hard stone floor, feeling each groove in the rough surface, as her hands were clutching her knees to the chest, each breath of air causing dust to swirl in front of her face, leaving her mouth with a shuddering hitch, while she tried to calm herself down after the ravaging storm she had endured. After the crying jig she had, she felt empty and dizzy, a pounding headache making it almost impossible for her to think.

Up, she urged herself. Up, up, the word ringed in her mind, forcing her to move, to stand, giving her strength to continue as a mantra for this moment, to overcome this hurdle. Get up, she said to herself once more, moving her limbs stiffened by the time spent on the hard ground. Unlocking her arms, and straightening her legs she slowly pushed herself up, first to her hands and knees and then, with the help of the wall beside her, she righted her body, wincing at the cracking sounds coming from her back and shoulders. The headache eased somewhat but Emma knew that she needed water and food, and also she needed to gather what she wanted from this place and move on, as the time, as always, was of essence. As she had left her pack and cloak in the stall beside the one she had placed Shadow in, with the only source of food and water there, she decided to finish first with her search before going back and taking a small break.

Stumbling into the laboratory, the Savior walked on her shaky legs toward a small hidden panel in the corner of the room and took out a small wooden box, roughly the size of the heart chests Regina and Cora had used, and opening it, the blonde was pleased to see the vials she had secretly stashed away still there, replenishing and healing potions orderly placed in the container. She hadn't used the ones from her sack yet, but as she thought she wouldn't be coming to the Dark Castle again during the war, she thought to take these with her as well. But, before she left the room, she took the case holding the remaining cursed fire bombs and placed it into the hiding place, not willing to risk anyone finding it, in the event of breaking the spells she had placed over the castle. Nor did she want to take them with her, her principles not allowing her to use them against people, as she had too much death on her conscience already. Ignoring the pain of her body, she placed undetectable wards over the hidey hole in the back wall, destroying any trace of it ever existing.

Going through the library, she searched for the map stitched on the treated leather, specifically as it would endure all the rough conditions she expected to befall her in the future. In her pursuit she came upon the small booklet filled with tactics and formations the Empire soldiers used, and deeming it necessary, Emma took it along as well.

Coming to the stables, she was not laden by many things, and carefully lowering them down on the ground beside the saddle and the rest of the tack she had prepared, Emma took her own sack, and started packing. Having unearthing a particularly durable saddle bag with two side pockets and several accompanying satchels, the blonde economically packed her things, making the necessities more approachable than the rest of her cargo. At last, she finished with the organization of her things, managing to make the size of her back pack twice smaller, filled only with her clothes. The rest of it was placed in the saddlebags and the weaponry was left aside to be placed on her back.

Finally, she sat down and broke her fast, eating the last of the food the dwarves had provided of her and drinking plenty of water, looking up at the horse that lazily munched on the grain glancing toward her from time to time, as if it understood perfectly that Emma needed space to reassemble her composure, but, knowing what she knew of the Camelot horses, it was quite likely that Shadow more than understood the Savior. So, when she rose to her feet, she patted the wide forehead of her noble companion in assurance that she was fine, getting a roll of dark eyes that for some reason reminded her of Regina's unbelieving expression so strongly that she chuckled, unable to help herself. "Yeah, yeah, I know," Emma murmured to the horse softly, "but, it's the best I can do." In answer, she got a nuzzling on her neck, before Shadow neighed gently.

Gently placing the tack onto her mare, taking care with each strap, buckle and twine, and making sure to put the saddle blanket underneath the hard leather, Emma talked to the horse, explaining what she was doing with each move she made, easing her companion into it, quite aware that this was the first time for the steed to be wearing such contraption. Then, after she was done, she looked for any signs of discomfort on Shadow. Getting none, she placed the bags and satchels behind the saddle, including the sack filled with feed for the steed and the cover blanket for Shadow. As soon she was done with burdening the horse, she placed her weapons on her person, the sword and the crossbow going on her back, over the cloak she had fastened. Looking down at herself, she made sure that everything was in its place, the mail hidden from sight, and then she called upon her magic and changed some of the features, her hair turning several shades darker, making it brown, and her jaw getting more defined. She did not feel comfortable with obscuring herself completely, and with the widely recognizable blonde locks gone, she was satisfied with her mask.

Having already taken out one of the vials of energy replenishing potions, Emma took the reins and guided Shadow outside, all the while she used her magic to first lower then restore the wards she had put over the place. At the gate, the Savior closed her eyes, using the newly found knowledge of magic to place a new set of wards over Rumplestiltskin's former home, just like she had done with the Queen's castle after she had brought the wolves to this side of the mountain range, wanting to be completely sure that no one, but her, could enter the premises of the Dark One. Feeling the drain and pain of the magic, she removed the cork of the vial in her hand and drank it, feeling the easing properties right away. Not wasting any more time, she jumped onto Shadow's back and, under the cover of the falling night, she urged the horse to go on, directing her toward the last known location of the preacher with the group.

The black horse flew over the freshly fallen snow, thundering down the neglected road toward the abandoned town on the coast, before turning inland toward Prince Thomas's kingdom, darting as an arrow, quickly through the land, making Emma's eyes water from the punishing wind in her face, the brisk air burning the skin on her nose and cheeks, the only visible parts of her face, despite the fact that her head was bowed down, almost reaching the animal's neck. Luckily, she had anticipated the speeds her horse was capable of, so the Savior knew how to counterbalance the force kicking her from the front, nearly flattening herself over the shoulders of the powerful steed, and using the shortened stirrups to ease the jostling from the storming gallop the horse used. Emma's hands were gripping the reins but she did not tug on them, instead bringing her fists onto the mare's lower part of the neck, gently twining her fingers with the mane whipping in the wind. When she was sure in the knowledge that she would not be unseated from the horse, the Sheriff relaxed and finally allowed herself to enjoy the powerful body under her and the speed the world was passing her by. Regina had been right, Emma thought, as she felt almost like she was flying, untethered to the nature around her. The rhythmic pounding over the frozen ground created a steady beat that brought the Savior into a trancelike state, where her head was cleared of all thoughts, worries and pressing issues and only feelings and senses remained, the adrenalin coursing through her body, making her heart pump hard and fast. Her whole body was vibrating with the motion, rejoicing in the illusion of freedom that the ride provided.

All too soon, Shadow slowed down, going into regular gallop, then lazy canter, allowing Emma to get used to the change of pace before slowing down even more as the black animal approached a river, a strip of darkness surrounded by the snow covered shores, the water too fast to be frozen over. Looking around, Emma tried to guess the location of the second river, guided by the sound of hustling water, as she couldn't see anything in the darkness of the night. Dismounting, the Sheriff took the reins and slowly started walking to the left, hoping that the loud noise of the water signaled the mouth of two rivers, and that the camp was near. After several minutes, she came upon the second body of water, pleased that her guess had been right; all the while she paid attention to her surroundings, using her instincts and ears, not willing to be ambushed. Following the water closely, she came upon abandoned hearth, cold and with the fresh snow around it, covering the tracks of many people that had traversed about it. The camp had been left, a while back, but if the information the chief dwarf had given her had been current, and he had assured her that it was, the men hadn't moved on before the morning of that day.

With a heavy sigh, Emma used her foot to clear the snow from the hearth and the place around it, deciding to settle in for the night, as she could not track the group properly in the darkness as she didn't want to use magic, and she didn't want to lose them in the forest.

"Well, I guess we are staying here," the Savior spoke lightly, glancing toward the mare. "Stay here, girl, I'll go get some wood and perhaps some food for me…" Emma tied the reins onto the saddle to prevent Shadow from getting caught on a random bush or a branch, before directing herself into the forest. If she was lucky, she would be able to snare a rabbit or something else of the kind, if not, she would try the river in the morning. Still buzzing from the potion, she didn't plan to sleep much, but catching an hour or two of shut-eye wouldn't hurt. Picking a good place for a trap, Emma used the knowledge Ruby had taught her only weeks before and went on in search for enough kindle to last her till the dawn. Bringing a full armload of wood to the hearth, she quickly assembled the fire, lighting it with a rock and her knife, in the move Snow had taught her on their previous journey to the Enchanted Forest. While she waited for the blaze to take, she unsaddled Shadow, leaving the bridle on, but placing the cover blanket over the huge horse. "You hungry, girl?" Emma asked as she fiddled with the sacks, arranging them to serve as somewhat comfortable bedding. Receiving a denying neigh in response, the Savior sat down, taking off her cloak, making herself comfortable beside the fire.

With the gentle sounds of crackling fire and the breathing of the horse standing nearby, Emma was lulled in a sleep like state, where her body and mind were resting while her senses remained sharp, paying attention to everything around her. It wasn't as restorative as a good and proper night of sleep but it had to do, since she couldn't drop her guard. Too many creatures existed in the darkness of this world and the Savior was sure that even the tenants of these realms didn't know each and every one of them. It was bad enough that the trolls and ogres roamed the wilds, but the danger of manticores and other magical animals driven feral with hunger by the curse and subsequent desolation was more that real, but looming over any traveler who dared to leave the protected walls of their dwellings.

After two hours of resting, the Sheriff rose from her place and stretched, silently remarking that she was already used to sleeping on the hard surfaces of convenient spots and that her body didn't protest much against the rough conditions, having been conditioned to the grueling life demands of the lost child in the streets. With a sigh, she looked up and saw the Moon lighting up the sky and hiding the stars with its brightness, and leaving the cloak beside the fire, Emma stepped softly toward the trap she had set, in order to check it if she had caught something to eat.

The first thing she heard when she approached her snare was the soft whining sound coming from many mouths, and then she saw several lumps on the snow covered ground. As she came closer, under the light of the Moon she recognized the shapes surrounding her trap, the view breaking her already more than raw heart. A large white hare was caught in the snare, its body and snout lying on the ground helplessly as five younglings surrounded it, burrowing in the older one for heat and comfort, whimpering in fear. At the picture before her, casted in the eerie light of the Moon, Emma felt her throat close and any idea of food fled from her mind as she felt her eyes fill with tears from the empathy flooding her. There was no way she could harm these innocent creatures, regardless of her need for food, and as her rolling stomach objected strongly at any mention of meat, the Savior knelt down beside the animals, moving really slowly. Using her nibble fingers to clear the bindings from the hare, the woman made sure not to startle the creatures, calling upon her True Love magic, allowing the traces of it to bleed into the air, its very presence soothing for the animals, as they could innately recognize the white magic. Mindful of the risks of using magic so openly, Emma took precautions not to actively do anything with the power shoring up in her body, as well as using the True power to mask the traces of it, as she released her prey and with a gentle nudge sent them off on their way. The hare did not need convincing, hopping away, closely followed by the youngs, while Emma watched them leave her, going deeper into the forest.

Still kneeling on the ground, Emma leaned against the tree she had placed the snare by, not unaware of the irony that the situation presented to her. If the hare had been alone, she would have killed it and eaten it without a thought to its possible progeny left alone in the wilds, at mercy of other predators and starvation in the cold of the upcoming winter. But seeing the pitiful balls huddled around it, crying in the brisk night air, their snouts forming small whiffs of mist did completely change her mind, her unresolved guilt and anger for leaving Henry, and being left to fend for herself for the sake of the prophecy influencing her strongly, along with her newfound sympathy of a protector asserting itself. Shaking her head at herself, she rose and walked slowly toward her camp, lowering herself by the fire churlishly, the rational side of her loud in her head, showing her the logic and nature of the chain of food, and necessity of it in one's survival. "I guess I am not hungry anymore," Emma spoke sullenly after a loud sniffle came from above her, Shadow having come closer to her and looking down at her with gentle dark eyes, in an expression that on human face would be portrayed as worried.

In order to distract herself, the Savior pulled her notebook and under the light of the blaze, she started penning down the events that had happened since the last time she had written in the leather bound book, her dreams and thoughts, as usual, included. After putting down the hare incident into the words meant for Regina, Emma paid attention to the dates she had marked in her previous entries and frowned, as she calculated the date of the next day. It was the early morrow of the December 1st, the last day of the Wolf's Moon, and the forty first day of her self-imposed separation from her family, which meant that Regina would have another batch of beans in something more than two weeks, at the earliest. Two weeks before the love of her life appears in the middle of the raging war, endangering her life and presenting a target to the witch if Jonas had been correct. Fifteen days…

As soon as she came to those numbers, the sense of acute panic gripped the Savior. She was out of time, and she couldn't waste any more. Carefully packing the notebook away, she jumped to her feet and hurriedly, packed up the things, saddling Shadow in the matter of minutes. Sparing only moments to make several torches, she lighted one of them and snuffed out the fire, taking the reins into her free hand and started walking, following the barely visible tracks under the snow, going in the direction of the group she was searching for, using the torch to light her way, everything else forgotten, forced aside by her fear and anxiety, her need for time pushing her onward through the night.

In the light of early morning, the Savior came upon a still warm fireplace and the obvious camp that had been abandoned not long before, and the woman smiled, finally feeling the anxiety that powered her through the night and forced her on ease. Not stopping for a moment, she continued, pleased that the tracks were easier to follow as the snow hadn't yet covered them. It took her another hour to get closer when the tracks suddenly vanished, stopping in the middle of a forest.

Damn it, she swore silently, her right hand going instantly for the sword as she looked around. She was watched, that much she knew but whether they were friendlies or not she couldn't discern on her instincts alone. Releasing the reins, Emma reached for one of the long knives she had placed in the front of the saddle and drew it, her eyes constantly searching the trees around her, unbothered by the hood or the scarf across her face at all. Understanding her gentle nudge, Shadow moved away, letting the woman stand alone, while the Sheriff settled her breathing down, and closed her eyes – Mulan's words guiding her as she expanded her remaining senses, listening for the sounds that didn't belong in the forest, for another person breathing or shuffling in place, the creaks of the forest floor, letting her own body sense the danger inferring out its presence.

Suddenly, she heard a screech coming from above her, joined by another and yet another. Looking quickly up, Emma saw the creatures that the dwarves had described, that the literature of her world called a flying monkey, and seeing that they were coming straight at her, their sharp talons visible in the daylight and terrifying teeth put on display, the woman readjusted the grip on her weapons and waited for the pests to descend. Only seconds after her blades passed through the air, the sound of their fast movement creating a pleasant whistle, as her hands constantly moved in practiced motions, dispatching her winged enemies quickly. However she was aware that more were coming, joining in, trying to subdue her and kill her, two more joining the pile on the ground after several economic swipes of the sharp blades. The remaining two suddenly fell from the sky, as the piercing whistles of arrows screamed through the air, the simians falling at her feet.

Savior's body whipped toward the approaching men, ready for the attack, as she watched them suspiciously, counting them as they came forth from their hiding places, frowning at the number of arrows and bolts pointed in her direction. A man stepped forward, leaning onto his long bow, his posture relaxed while he was dressed in the green and brown forest garb, his face covered in dirty blonde scruff, his blue eyes watching her curiously.

"Consider those a warning," the man spoke conversationally, glancing down at the arrows sticking out of the corpses of the downed monkeys. "Magnanimity, and all that," he added with humor, before coming a step closer. "Now, who are you, good sir, and why are you following us?"

Emma smirked at the man, her left hand going to her dark scarf, pulling it down as she shrugged off her hood, revealing her face and waiting for his reaction. "I don't give my name just to anyone," she spoke, her smirk still obvious as she watched the men falter as they realized that they had a woman in the sights of their weapons.

"Milady, apologies," the leader spoke again. "But, you haven't told us why you are here."

"She is the king's spy!" came a shout from behind her, but the man fell silent at the cross look from the leader.

"I've never heard of a female black knight before," a huge man with dark curly hair, closest to the two of them, spoke, his stature reminding Emma of Anton. "But, perhaps she was mistaken for a man all along…" the dark haired man finished.

"What is your business with us?" the man spoke directing her gaze at her once more.

"Well, I figured that you are not part of Midas's regiment, or the Empire, since you are here." Emma spoke putting in the disdain she had for the enemies, seeing that she had the front man's attention. "I am looking for ways to help Prince Phillip with the siege."

"A Queen's Knight on the side of the good?" The disbelief was quite obvious in the leader's voice.

Emma huffed in amusement at his scowl, putting her sword back into its scabbard, mentally reminding herself to clean it later from the black oozing blood of the creatures. "Ever heard of the saying 'As goes the captain, so goes the ship'?" Seeing the confirming nod coming from the man, the Savior continued. "The Queen has allied herself with the Savior, and left as at the White Knight's disposal. As the Savior had perished in service of the people of Safe Haven, our duty lies with Prince Phillip." Her voice was assured and strong, portraying the truth, well mostly the truth seeing that she was still alive, but it was hard for her to obscure that fact, and she could see that her explanation and her resolute tone was enough to convince the people around her. The leader whistled softly and the men relaxed, lowering their weapons, as he walked closer to her, extending his arm.

"Well, then, we welcome you." Taking Emma's right forearm, he gripped it in greeting as he inclined his head. "I am Robin and these are my Merry Men."

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1 hand - 4 inches