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.

23. Chapter 23

So, another update... It is rather long one, and not quite finished, so I decided to split it, thinking it would be easier to handle, and for safety reasons, as my PC had some issues lately, and I didn't want to lose the work in case of something. The second part of this chapter will be up with some delay. I call it the second part, not the new chapter, as I do not feel I have found a natural break for it. As always, all mistakes are mine, the work is not beta-ed, and all the usual disclaimers apply.

I really do want to thank you for your reviews and interest in the story. LOCISVU, I do enjoy your reactions and comments to the events in the story, and I hope I do not disappoint. :)

That said, while I wrote this chapter, I was in a strange maudlin mood, and I think it could be felt in the story...

Let me know what you think, and enjoy!

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"She fought hard for Justice and Right,

in the heaven above,

Yet she'd trade it all for a day and a night,

with her one True Love."

Children of Heaven, Nox Arcana

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Chapter 23. Part I

"Locksley," Emma murmured with a chuckle, not even surprised to find another book or a movie come to life in front of her. Having met the Sheriff of Nottingham in Storybrooke, she had reasoned that Robin Hood had been true as well.

"And, may I learn your name, or will you only be known as a black knight?" Robin asked her with humor again, still holding her arm in his, but his grip firm and demanding.

"Nolan," Emma supplied quickly, internally rolling her eyes at the name she had spoken, but going with it, for it was a good name, as any other. "You may call me Nolan."

"That's a man's name," one of the men spoke, coming to the two of them, his eyes passing over her in scrutiny that was only steps away from patronizing, causing the Savior to focus on keeping her reaction in check. It was not the time to act rashly, as she was want to do, for it would blow her cover and hurt her cause dearly.

Emma looked at the newcomer and raising her eyebrow at him, she leaned her head to a side. "It's my father's name, the only thing I have of him beside blood." Well, that was true as she had nothing of David's with her. But she did not need anything, because she knew that her father loved her, and for a child, later woman, who always yearned for a family, that was enough.

"It's a strong name," another man added passing by them, nodding to the woman in greeting. "A name of the champion. May you serve it well." He said, before gesturing something to the leader and quickly stepping away.

"Nolan it is, then. Now, come, we have work to do." Robin led Emma toward a small ledge. "The simians you slew were the vanguard of the approaching convoy of soldiers providing support for the King's army." Gesturing toward the caravan traveling down the neglected road in the distance, the carts obviously heavily loaded with supplies, a small regiment of Empire soldiers guarding it. "We have been intercepting their supply chains," he explained as he gave a signal to his men.

"But, as much we destroy, we cannot match the steady growth of power they send out each time," the second in command, Little John, added as he sidled beside them, his look passing over the convoy from the vantage point. "Each time they increase the number of soldiers accompanying the cargo."

And, so it was, as the Savior watched the caravan come closer, more than a hundred of soldiers surrounding it, all dressed in the familiar red lined armor, with pointed helmets on their heads. Amidst the fallen snow, the row after row of synchronized people stepping forward, their weapons clanking in rhythm of the march, the black, red and bronze of their armor mixed well with the colors of the forest – the Empire soldiers presented a magnificent picture, one that would make Emma almost fawn in awe over it if she were watching it for entertainment value, as Macy parade. However, it was her enemy, her highly trained, more than well-equipped enemy that threatened to crush her friends and obliterate the people of Safe Haven, and all feelings of awe and admiration were substituted with grim and grudging respect.

"We can at least slow them down," Robin murmured to himself, glancing toward John, their silent communication not comprehended by the Sheriff in between them. "Give the order," the man added grimly, as he prepared to rise up and lead the attack on the convoy. However, a black gloved hand landed on his shoulder, stopping him in tracks.

"What are you doing?" the Savior asked, her eyes narrowed and piercing the leader of the Merry Men. She had quickly understood what he had been about to do, throwing his life and the lives of his people away in the frontal attack on the much stronger enemy – a mistake that he had been about to make, because he had been used to confronting small caravans, not guarded with so many men, and robbing empty places. These weren't soldiers and had no discipline of one, and that would be their downfall, Emma thought as she waited for Robin to answer her, or at least push her away in indignation. "You'd get killed," she said firmly, knowing that a thirty strong group of ragtag thieves was no match for hard professional soldiers of the Empire, especially not in the direct assault Robin was about to instigate.

"Well, what do you suggest then?" John asked from behind her. "Our arrows cannot pierce their armor from afar," he complained.

Emma smirked at the purely childish pout on John's face and shook her head at the men, allowing her defiant attitude to surge forward, giving her a commanding and authoritative edge, the side of her that still felt relatively new to the Savior. "Do you need the cargo?" she asked, her hand still on Robin's shoulder, waiting for him to catch up to what she was implying. "Do you want it to survive the skirmish?"

"No, we want it destroyed, so Midas can't have it," the dirty blonde man answered as it was the most obvious thing in the world, making the Savior smile at him. It was the indulgent quirk of the woman's lips that clued him in onto the misstep in execution he had kept making, used to preventing the damage to the valuable things of the people they had been attacking. "The cargo," he spoke quietly as it came to him. "We attack the cargo, not the men." He nodded to Emma in gratitude, before turning to John and two other men that had come when he had lifted his hand. Leaving them to adjust their strategy, the Sheriff walked away, wiping the long blade with a handful of snow she had picked on her way.

She came to Shadow and leaned her head against the forehead of her noble horse, breathing out softly. In several minutes the men would flock down onto the convoy, and most likely she would be among them, so she needed a minute to herself, just to breathe, to empty her mind, and if she could, her heart. The price of being the Savior, even if no one here knew who she really was, was steep and Emma was paying it every day. And, it seemed that she was paying it with her conscience, among other things. And after that day, her dreams would only get worse, making the Savior dread the next nightfall – but in a perverse sense, Emma was glad for it, because as long as she was bothered with the killings she had to commit, there was still something left of her goodness, goodness that she had started to doubt in the hours she had spent alone.

When she heard footsteps behind her, Emma moved slowly away from Shadow's head and placed the knife into its scabbard, taking her crossbow and sword off her back and placing them on the saddle, before she took off her cloak. With nothing there to limit her moves, the Sheriff took back her sword and placed its belts back onto her shoulders, drawing the blade out to clean it. Only then she looked at the person coming to her, and she had a strong suspicion of who it was. Proven right in her assumption, Emma raised her eyebrow in question at Robin, while she grabbed another handful of snow, rubbing it over the tainted steel.

Understanding the questioning gesture, the leader started explaining the plan his men and he had come up with, all the while watching the mysterious woman in front of her. She did seem to be in the service of the Queen, the respect she portrayed while speaking about the monarch was evident, but she was unlike any other black knight he and his group of men had ever met, as all of them had been callous and violent, wearing those obnoxious helmets. The woman hadn't flung any insults at them, she hadn't disparaged them or considered them a bunch of idiots hiding away in the forest. Instead, she guided him toward the safest way of doing what they had intended, in the short time they had, gently and only with a few pointed questions, not asserting her supremacy as a soldier who had probably spent some time at war against Snow White and Prince James, only offering another solution. And, judging by the quality of the leather things on her, the leggings and the tunic, the woman was one of the higher echelons of people in the Queen's service, which meant that she had been a highly valued member of the Queen's court. So, if she was truly trying to help, and Robin wholly believed that she was, the woman would be a useful source of knowledge and experience.

"The thing is, we need a distraction, something to make them stop," the leader finished his explanation, looking at the woman pointedly, making Emma chuckle at not at all subtle imploring.

"How far are they?" she asked, sheathing her now clean sword in its place on the back as she walked by him to the rest of his men. When Robin remarked that they were a couple hundred yards away, she told him to gather the strongest men and start chopping down one of the trees as close to the road as possible, but as quiet as possible as well, having remembered the story Snow had once told her.

"We have cutter blades, they should do the work," the man said, directing four of the woodsmen to do it, pointing them to the man wide tree right beside the road, after a turn in it. "But, if they see the tree falling, the first thing they will do is search the forest," he added softly, only for her benefit.

"No, if the people attacking the convoy are already in front of them," the Savior replied just as softly and tapped two tall and corpulent men to come with her, one of them dark skinned suggesting the blood of Agrabah in him, while the other having a bearing of an experienced fighter, or at least brawler, and while she walked down to the road, she learned their names. The man of Agrabah was Nasir, while the blonde blue-eyed brawler only called himself Much.

Emma quickly explained what she wanted to do, reattaching her scarf to her face, making it cover her hair as well. Walking close to the road, she stood right in front of the place where the tree was supposed to fall, Much joining her holding his quarterstaff, waiting for the first men to appear out of the bend. And, just as the vanguard came close the creak of the falling timber could be heard before the large trunk slammed into the ground, frightening the horses and startling the men. Using their commotion, Emma climbed onto log and crossed her arms, as she watched the Empire soldiers defiantly, Much leaning on the trunk with leisure, fiddling with his staff and Nasir joining her up, his crossbow ready. The Savior saw several of the soldiers trying to pacify the berserk horses, the carts in danger of being overthrown, while the front men drew their weapons having seen the three of them standing in front of them. With a quick shouted order, the rest of the men not busy with the animals prepared for an attack, their attention focused to the front while their eyes darted perfunctory over the shrubbery surrounding them.

Finally one of them walked up to the three and with his sword drawn, and Emma recognized the captain marks on his shoulder, meaning that he was in charge and that this was a battalion of one hundred men. "Just because one is insane, it does not spare him of his death," the man spoke calmly, his implied threat clear.

"But it does make him unafraid of his end and fearless in the face of danger," Emma replied, seemingly not bothered by the number of people in front of her, knowing that her devil may care attitude was putting the captain on the edge, for no one could foresee how a mad person would fight and what they would do to win. "However, this need not end in death."

"You are here to rob the convoy, are you not? What other end than death can you expect?" The man said incredulously, oblivious of the fact that more than twenty five arrows that were aimed at the five carts had just come ablaze with oiled fire and ready to be sent off to their targets.

"Rob you?" Emma laughed, jumping down from the log, her move pushing the captain away making him unsteady on his feet for a moment, as he slid in the snow covered road. "We are here to collect." As a cat playing with a mouse, Emma started walking around the captain, making him turn in place to keep her in his sights. "You see, you are travelling on the Prince Thomas's roads and in his name you owe us the toll." Ignoring the chuckle coming from the blonde man with the staff from behind her as she had used one of the ploys vastly used by the Merry Men, she added. "Pay the toll, and we'll let you cross."

"And, if I don't?" the captain asked, his snide attitude shining through, as his obvious incredulity at her request colored his voice.

"Then, you will not come farther," Emma replied seriously, her voice ringing with certainty.

"You are mad! You think you can stop us?" Bringing up his sword he stepped forward to Emma, his moves bringing the blade threateningly close to her chest, but she did not move away, nor did she flinch at the closeness of the weapon. "I can kill you where you stand."

"You can try," she spoke calmly, before she whistled sharply. The instant the sound traveled through the air, the whoosh of arrows descended upon the caravan, the treated canvas of the wagons catching fire immediately. The captain only needed a second to understand the situation before attacking the apparent leader in front of him, swirling his blade in a move that would most definitely decapitate the man in front of him. Well, it was supposed to, but Emma recognized the form, driven into her by countless repetitions of the moves Mulan had taught her and stepped forward, bending her knees a bit, just enough to bring her into his space, and grabbing his sword arm, she held it tight, breaking the bones of his forearm, the limp hand now not capable of holding its weapon, while her other hand went to the man's throat, kicking him sharply in the windpipe, the crunching sound and following gurgle loud in her ears. Unable to breathe, the captain went down, his helmet falling off during his fall, uncovering handsome features of an Asian-like man, the almond eyes wide in terror and panic. However, before he could even struggle to take in the air, Nasir put a small dart through his eye, killing him instantly, stilling his trashing with the shroud of death.

At Emma's slightly surprised look thrown his way, the man aimed his crossbow at the first of the attacking soldiers coming toward them. "It was a mercy," he only said releasing the bolt downing the attacker, and the Savior understood promptly. By many people's counts there was no more terrifying death than the death by drowning or suffocation, while the person was aware of their impending end. A mercy, indeed, she agreed.

Drawing her blade, the Sheriff joined the fighting, helping Much by dispatching quickly the three men pinning him down, giving him enough space to defend himself with his staff, the whooshing sound of the hard wood swinging through the air interrupted only with the cracks of breaking bones. Quick with her weapon, she managed to carve a path through the throng of the soldiers toward the burning cargo, and seeing that the carts were ruined, she cut through the bonds that kept the animals tied to them, setting the horses free and making them run away from the blaze licking at their hinds, running over the soldiers in their blind terror, making her job even easier. She heard and saw others join in the scuffle, the arrows and bolts unheard over the metal clanging and screams of dying men, and slowly, the Merry Men came on top, decimating what was left of the battalion. When it was over, with no more people in red standing or even breathing, Emma walked away from the massacre and clambering over the log she stumbled into the ditch beside the road, on the other side from where she had come out of the forest before the attack, sinking into the fresh snow. Kneeling down, she let her sword to slip from her grip, her hands barely holding her up as she dry heaved into the undisturbed snow, the rolling sickness rising from inside her. She glanced down and with a frown noticed drops of blood sinking into the clear white, the liquid coming off her leather, not yet congealed, forming an outline of her form in the canvas of the forest floor, the picture doing nothing to ease her rolling stomach.

Dropping herself down, she sank into the foot high snow and rubbed it over herself, allowing herself a moment of apparent insanity, grimacing at the amount of pink going through her fingers. She would need to clean her clothes properly and she couldn't do it in snow, so she gave up, the grim defeated sigh coming out of her. As she climbed out, she glanced back and saw a four square yard patch of pink and red disturbed snow surrounded by the pristine white. Her shoulders slumping, she walked toward where her horse was, leaving the others to deal with the burning carts and bodies of the slain soldiers, needing to be away from the smell of burning flesh and blood in the air, away from the deeds she had just committed in the name of the good.

It wasn't long before several men of the group found her and patting her on the back directed her to follow them toward their new camp, ignoring her sullen features. Walking beside Shadow, the Savior watched the men talk about their feat and the black knight's assistance, her grim expression stopping anyone from bothering her with a well-meaning question or a ribbing comment. The apparent boasting of the people around her bothered the Savior, clearly still not used to the fact that such wars, and slaughters were part of everyday life in the Enchanted Forest and that it didn't present much shock to the people who had grown up in these lands, and that they would behave like it was nothing but a friendly match of football.

They reached the camp and Emma saw that several men and women were there, tending to the food and drink, having created a comfortable atmosphere for the returning men. But, it was a young boy that startled her by his sudden appearance, jumping out of pile of blankets with a happy screech and running toward the leader of the group, his excited exclamation of 'Papa' spreading through the forest as he was lifted up by Robin and twirled around, the man laughing with him his love for the boy more than obvious to everyone around, making her think of the kid she had at home, and his new sibling, the one she was surprised to find missing, even after knowing him only for several short days. Letting his friend spend time with the child, John made quick introductions with the rest of the Merry Men to Emma, making a pointed remark of her allegiance each time he would present her to a new face, making the people around her turn instantly suspicious and wary of her presence, but the woman didn't mind the distance, choosing a place for herself slightly away from the main fires, not ready to participate in their community, deciding to occupy a small niche with a fire pit all by herself. The scrutiny she would endure for being one of the infamous knights would serve her well because not many would dare approach her and it only served her to ease her nerves, not needing to invent stories and anecdotes of her supposed life.

The afternoon passed in laughter and hearty meal with stories and songs exchanged merrily, reminding Emma of old films of Robin Hood she had seen as a child, the joyful and deceptively carefree environment unnerving her, making her feel out of her element, as her skin crawled with barely hidden judgment. It wasn't the laughter or the merriment that was so strange for her, it was the fact that the men seemed to shrug off the battle of the day as if it hadn't happened at all. And, then the first tales of the ambush were spoken, the words artistically weaving the story that drew the people in, even though most of them had witnessed, and participated in the very event the man was speaking about, and Emma listened, finally remembering why had the man's name sounded so familiar to her. The man John had called Alan was Alan-a-Dale, the minstrel of the group and apparently a very talented bard, his ability to paint mind pictures with hushed whisper and gentle timbre enticing even the Savior, the permanent scowl and frown at the celebratory laughter easing from her face.

She had closed her eyes and leaned onto the saddle she had taken off her steed, letting the story awash over her, making the events of the day seem like a vivid story she had heard before, rather than her own memory. She didn't mind pretending, if it would grant her some moments of peaceful sleep, unmarred by the dreams of guilty consciousness.

"Don't mind them, knight," a voice came from above her, as Robin lowered himself beside her into a cross-legged seat , offering her a bowl of food and a skin of something that smelled suspiciously like a beer. After she looked at him with her impassive face, her confusion shown only in her eyes, he waved at the men huddled around the bard. "They are still holding on to the belief that the winning a fight is a cause of boasting and celebration, especially if they are on the side of good. They haven't had a chance to be disillusioned with the war, and learn the wisdom that follows the hard choices of warriors." And, Robin could see that the woman before had suffered through her share of hard choices, her glower at the brash boys of his company only one of many indications. But, he had seen her fight that day, quick as a shadow, deadly as a curse, expedient and precise, downing enemy after enemy, with such poetry of motion with her sword, showing skill that even the men of the Empire, the best warriors of the Realms seemed to fear and envy, gravitating toward her, attacking her mercilessly and falling from her blade, almost surprised to be killed so quickly. By the time the fighting stopped, Robin had seen that the unusual knight had downed more than a third of the battalion by herself, her clothes covered in the blood of her enemies. But, unlike his men, she didn't show any of the exhilaration of victory nor the excitement of the fight. Her green eyes looked around in pity and disgust, before the emotions had been hidden under an unapproachable mask as she had walked away from the cheers. And, it had bothered him, because it hadn't been the behavior of the black knights he had heard stories about. But, not only that. It bothered him because it shamed him. It made him fill the sting of disgrace for rejoicing at the death of so many, for feeling glad that he had been part of it, of fighting, part of winning team, and part of celebration.

"There is not wisdom in war," Emma replied after a moment, her voice flat, her eyes focused onto the meal she had been offered, her spoon going through the oatmeal. Seeing no point in continuing the discussion on the subject, she ate slowly, feeling the scrutinizing eyes on her form and face, as Robin was not the only one watching her with interest. Alan had finished his story by now and the people were intrigued by their guest, the soft whisper spreading through the camp.

"Perhaps not," the Prince of Thieves reluctantly agreed, knowing that the knight had seen more of the wars than he had ever had, judging by her skill alone. "You are not what I expected, I must admit."

"I have ways of surprising people," Emma said, for the first time something alike humor tingeing her voice since he had met her, before she stuffed the spoon into her mouth.

"The black knights I have heard about, and met, were callous and vicious, enjoying their assignments and power. But, you, you are different." He had to mention her behavior, so different from the others, so unusual to witness from someone in the service of the Evil Queen. However, no person would declare them in the service of the Queen if they hadn't truly been hers, for the association with the Evil Queen was not likely to inspire trust or amicable reception. He had expected a comment or a defense, but the woman beside him remained quiet, eating in silence, as if he hadn't even spoken. Accepting that she would say nothing on the subject, the man sighed, considering whether he should push or simply leave the woman be.

"When people hear about the black knights, they have this idea in their heads, the image that is true – for the most of the time – because it portrays the Heartless," Emma spoke softly after a while, as she lowered the now empty bowl down. She glanced toward her host, before she pulled the cork of the skin in her hands, offering him the first sip. "But, there are we, the ones who have offered our hearts, lives and loyalty willingly. We also are the knights in her employ but used for more… delicate matters. Some say that we are the worst, because we follow her willingly, while Heartless have no choice." Retaking the drink skin from Robin, she sipped the home brewed beer, relishing in its slightly bitter aftertaste, as she watched the minstrel pick up his lute, her attention drawn with the soft notes spreading through the evening air. "In my line of work, you quickly realize that there is no glory in war – only death," she added softly, her words a belayed answer at his comment from the beginning of their conversation.

Just as the man beside was about to ask another question, Alan's clear voice passed over the camp, his gentle tone beautifully following the sentimental tune he was playing on the lute, the words perfect for the melancholic mood of the evening, as the people wound down, getting ready to rest. It was the last verse of the song that stayed with Emma that evening, the haunting pitch of the bard enhancing the power of the words tenfold: 'As darkness looms, a dream of hope blooms on this winter's eve.'

Not so long ago, Emma had been attributed as the personification of hope, her status as the Savior being the burning beacon for the masses of Storybrooke and Enchanted Forest. And, what made the words seem prophetic was the darkness did loom over the Enchanted Forest, the blight of war and terror covering it from shore to shore. It seemed only fitting that, once more, when people needed hope, salvation, she was there, put in place by Fates, the duty of making the necessary spark heavy on her shoulders. A dream, indeed, she groused quietly at the words of the song, as she knew that it was up to her to resolve the situation with the Empire, and preferably before Ariel did her part of the deal.

As Robin wished her good night, having seen that he had lost her attention for the evening, Emma took out her diary out of the saddle bag and started writing, wanting to put everything down while she still could, as she never knew when she would have the time next. Under the influence of the song, Emma wrote her lines, as if she was talking with Regina herself, pouring her heart out into the pages of her journal, explaining everything that had happened during the day. Under the light of the fire, she penned down her thoughts, before she focused onto the book she had taken out of the Dark Castle, searching for new insights on the Empire. Only when the whole camp quieted down, everyone but the posted guards sleeping did Emma settle down, closing her eyes, hoping she would manage to grab a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, as she turned to her side, covered with the blanket. She knew that even if she was in a deep sleep, her steed would guard her, the sensitive horse more than capable to watch over her.

Woken by a rustle of leaves in the predawn breeze as the fires had gone out, Emma sighed heavily, flexing her shoulders to ease the stiffness from them. Judging by the still burning coals in front of her, she had slept only for three or four hours, but alert and wary, she knew that she wouldn't be able to go back into oblivion that night. Slowly, with care not to wake up anyone, the Savior gathered her things and saddling her horse, she walked to the direction of river, not going far from the camp, thinking of doing some time practicing the forms her friend had taught her, as well as getting rid of the rank stench of blood that had seeped into her clothes. As she came up to a small patch of the river bank, cleared from trees, judging the distance from the camp enough, Emma released Shadow, leaving her to sip the water lazily, while she brought up her magic, mindful to keep it cloaked, as she took off her weapons, having only her sword in her hand. Closing her eyes, she felt the thrum of power vibrating in her blood, directing it toward her clothes, her orders for it heeded immediately, as she no longer sensed the rancid smell of the carnage from the day before, her leathers smelling of the pine smoke and fresh snow.

Satisfied with the cleansing, she started going through the forms, keeping her eyes closed and her senses widely focused on her surroundings, feeling her limbs limber up and the tension knots ease up, as her mind wandered, considering her next step, thinking how to approach the army. In a whimsical thought she even remembered the Marbh Teine she still had in her pack, an errant idea of detonating it in the army's main camp becoming tangible before she discarded it with a pang of disgust, the rolling hiss escaping her at the thought of becoming similar to the beast she was fighting – the enemy she had deemed evil. She may have turned a killer, but there were still lines she wasn't willing to cross, even in desperation to win and save the people she cared about.

Having finished with her exercise, she opened her eyes and smiled at the two people watching her from the small hillock on the bank. She had sensed them approach a while before, but as they hadn't disturbed her, she hadn't stopped with her motion, letting them watch as she placed some flare in her moves, slightly showing off. She had heard the boy's excited chatter as he would exclaim in awe as she had fought imaginary enemies, not heeding the gentle hushing from the dark man keeping watch on him. But, as soon as she looked up to them, Nasir lifted the boy into his arms and stepped toward, holding the gushing kid close to him, still wary of the female knight before him. He had been, and still was, in awe of her lethal skill, having witnessed her demonstration the day before, judging her cold and fearless. But then he had seen her reaction to the people celebrating the kill, his perception of the killing machine before him changing. However, it was the gentle indulgent smile offered to a child that had him confused. The woman before him had been flabbergasted with Roland's presence in the camp, her expression turning pensive and yearning for a moment before turning to stone, the previous scowl etched firmly in the lines of her face. Nasir had been the closest to the knight, and the only one positioned to properly see the minute expression flicker, he had been sure that he had been the only one to witness it, getting him a unique insight into their new ally.

He watched as the woman lowered herself onto her knee the minute he allowed Roland to walk away from him, waiting for the boy to come near her, her face alit with a gentle smile, that somehow seemed out of place on the woman's face, and yet very practiced, almost as if she hadn't done it in a very long time, but used too, quite often at that. "What is your name?" he heard his charge ask the knight, approaching her with no fear as only children were capable of.

His eyes focused onto the knight's face, he did not miss a flicker of deliberation pass through her powerful green eyes, as if she was thinking if she should indulge the boy with a real answer, or just give him the one she had given the Merry Men the day before. "I have many names, sweetie," she murmured, as her eyes passed over his dark features, soaking the innocence he was radiating. But, when the boy frowned at the non-committal answer she sighed. "Eirwen," she added after a while, making Nasir lift his eyebrows in surprise at the very old name, the one traditionally given to royalty of the Realms. It did made sense in a way, the Agrabah assassin concluded, for the innate authority the knight possessed was not of one earned through rank and experience, but born of conviction and blood.

"Can you teach me how to dance with sword like you?" the boy asked, oblivious to the startling silence radiating from his keeper, but Emma had seen the man flinch at the mention of the name she had picked for herself, immediately thinking that she had made the wrong choice of going deeper into the elaborate con she was running. But, after a second of scrutiny she saw his eyes dim in confusion, not suspicion, so she sighed in relief, returning her attention to the cute little one in front of her.

"Maybe when you get slightly bigger," Emma replied seriously, her hand tickling the boy's belly, the move she had seen Regina do time and time again with Henry and Kyle. "It is very hard," she added, glad to see that the beginning of his pout disappeared in a gleeful chuckle as he stepped back, running away from her searching fingers. The curious boy then wandered off to her horse, the intelligent beast mindful of the little one before her, as Emma rose to her feet, knowing that the assassin would make a comment of sorts.

"Not many noble women become knights," the dark skinned man spoke, his eyes darting between the woman beside him and the boy currently patting the huge horse's head. "In fact, it just simply isn't done. The scorn of the society alone would be an incentive to keep away from such fate." He turned toward her, with curious look in his brown eyes. "What could have made you choose such disgrace?" Not that he thought that being a knight was a disgrace, but royalty simply did not lower themselves in such ways, always choosing to be in the positions of power, not of obedience.

"The first time I even touched a sword was to save my son," Emma replied absently, offering a plausible explanation and very true fact, hoping it would sate some of the man's inquisitive mind. "It was my father's sword and I had to kill for the first time, fighting to save my own flesh and blood, for there was no one else there." Apart from Regina, her mind added, flashing back to the moments spent in front of the elevator in the library under the clock tower. "I simply hadn't put it down since then."

"Where is he?"

"Under the protection of the Queen, away from here," Emma said, as she walked toward Shadow, taking the reins and lifting the boy into the saddle, having noticed his attempts to climb up the stir ups. "Hold on tight, sweetie," she added to the boy, placing his small hands onto the straps beside the saddle to help him keep his balance as the mare ambled on at the steady but slow gait.

"So, you serve, in the exchange for his safety?" Nasir said, his question sounding more like an observation than the real inquiry, his assumption of the Evil Queen quite obvious.

"The thing is, assassin, her Majesty would not see him harmed, no matter what I do or don't," Emma remarked with a smirk, her pointed comment cutting. She had no doubt that the words they shared would be retold to the Prince of Thieves the minute they reach the camp, so she considered carefully what to utter next. "I serve, as you said, because I believe in her, and because she has earned my loyalty and respect."

Nasir nodded, recognizing the end of the discussion for what it was, his opinion of the knight changing yet once again. The woman before him was a mother, a fighter, a person of noble blood, an enigma. The knight was not what she seemed, the assassin was sure of that, but he couldn't say that she was an enemy, or a spy, but rather someone he would be honored to fight alongside with, as he already had. As they walked back into the camp, he took the boy of the knight's horse and went to find his friend and leader, needing to report on the woman he had been ordered to watch over.

The next two days passed too quickly for Emma, as she still didn't know what to do next. The Merry Men went on attacking another smaller convoy of support caravans, but they all knew the futility of such endeavors since the might of the Empire's army was coming at them, and in the hours they had been engaged in the second battle, they learned that many more had passed right by them. Keeping to herself, Emma participated in the fight, but stood aside when they were recuperating or celebrating the fact that they were alive to fight another day. The only company she suffered willingly was the curious boy who demanded stories of her, the man of cloth who would often make her snicker with his boisterous claims and well placed mocking puns about the men and women of the camp, making Emma appreciate the friar's candor. She could see his good heart and will to help; she had even seen him sneak off to send word to his friends in the hidden mine. Robin would often walk up to her, inquiring about tactics or something completely unrelated to their situation, making their time less fraught with nervous energy, intermittently broken with levity of child's humor. Only one more person deigned themselves willing to spend their time with the knight, only now it wasn't in the watcher's capacity but as a grudging compatriot, or perhaps even a friend. Despite the fact that he was reproached by his fellows for spending so much time with the knight that belonged to the Evil Queen, Nasir often spoke with the woman, his respect for the stoic warrior growing with each hour.

It was only at the twilight of the third day that a way to change the balance of power presented itself, hidden in the wake of a tragedy.

Emma felt her horse bristle beside her, as she was walking at the rear end of the moving procession, while the Men were looking for another place to settle for the night. She did not need the following thump of the black snout in her shoulder to bring her attention to the forest behind her, so she lightly touched the forehead of her steed, shushing her softly as she turned around, her eyes searching the bushes and trees around her, looking for the source of disturbance the keen senses of her horse felt. Her ever present shadow noticed her suspicion and with a designated whistle brought the leader to them, while the others continued on.

"What is it?" Robin asked, his bow ready in his hand, as he passed over to Nasir. With only a gesture toward the knight, the assassin led the man to the woman, careful not to make any sudden moves, as John joined them, his suspicion of such gathering evident on his scowling face.

Before any one of the men could reiterate their inquiry, Emma shushed them with a move of her hand as she narrowed her eyes, trying to see deeper into the shadows of the forest, her own instincts tingling now as she surmised that they had been not only followed but rather pursued, and with a large number of people, the silent wildlife of the woods giving her an approximate idea of the direction from which the threat was coming from. Climbing to a low hanging branch she let her senses stretch, as she consciously ignored the sounds coming from the men walking on, and the displeased grumbling from the large second in command from beneath her. After several seconds she saw a glint of something passing through the shadows of the bush, the rustling leaves barely visible in the low light. Not even daring to blink, in case she missed anything, Emma saw a familiar outline of the Empire helmet peeking out of the cover of the trees, the presence of it making her swear rather viciously as she jumped down, ignoring the rather taken aback expressions of the men surrounding her at the crassness of her language. If the scout was that close to them, then the others weren't far behind, leaving them way too open for the surprise attack. Not even bothering to plan in advance, the Savior allowed her honed instincts to take over, as they had not yet led her astray. Having familiarized herself with the Empire's tactics and strategies the evenings before, the Sheriff had a feeling that their enemy was coming at them only from behind, following them until the proper layout of the land allowed them to be boxed in, using the numbers against the woodsmen. Her mind already swirling with the countermanding ideas, she pulled Robin to her with her fist clenching his shirt, the abrupt and violent move stopping the questions that brewed from the others. "We are about to be attacked," she whispered slowly but firmly, her words making an immediate impact on the men around her. "Your men don't stand a chance, unless you take them away from here, and make sure that they do not walk into a trap," she plowed on, not even waiting for them to complain.

"And, you?" John replied with scorn, crossing his arms at his chest, trying to stare down the woman unsuccessfully. "You're going to betray us, aren't you?"

"What I am going to do," Emma pushed through her clenched teeth as she released Robin from her grasp, turning toward the irritating oaf, her mind to deck him hard to the ground half made, "is to provide you with some additional time." The proclamation she made as she turned away from them, her hands going to weapons at her belt forced Nasir and Robin surge toward her, too slow to actually reach her but their move did not go unnoticed, as Emma turned toward them offering a tired quirk of her eyebrow. "Go, protect your people," she told to the leader before her soft clack of the tongue brought Shadow next to her, as she continued on toward the position she had seen the scout.

The rustle behind her told her that the outlaw had listened to her, and perhaps it was the warning enough to save the Merry Men, for she had no intention of laying her life for them, not when there were so much more important things to do. It might have seemed rather callous of her, sacrificing forty people for her own survival, but she had excused it with the fact that if hadn't been for her, Robin would have had thrown their lives at the Empire caravans anyways. But, it didn't mean that she wouldn't do what she could to help them out.

Taking the bow of the saddle, throwing the quiver over her shoulder, Emma climbed to another tree, satisfied with the vantage point, as it would allow her to take at least some of the men before coming too close to engage in face to face attack. Satisfied that she could no longer hear the chatter from the people behind her, she notched the arrow, pointing the weapon toward the place where she had estimated one of the men would appear at. However, it was not her arrow that caused the scout rising from his cover to topple down, dead in a blink of an eye.

Glancing down, she shook her head in exasperation as she saw Nasir and another of the Merry Men with their weapons notched and ready for the second volley. On the other side, Robin and John stood, the long bows in their hands presenting a glorious threat to the soldiers daring to attack them. "I told you to go," she said from her position in the crown of the tree as she raised her head, focusing onto the people roaming the woods in front of them.

"You told me to protect my people," Robin answered, his easygoing tone belying his focus as he released arrow after arrow into the forest, each of them true, the whistle of the silver tipped missiles unmistakable in the rustle of the shadows. "That is what I am doing."

"And, the others?"

"Tuck and Arthur are quite capable of taking care of them for the time being," the Prince of the Thieves answered, before he motioned to John to pay attention to his flank, as the soldiers approached them with theirs swords and crossbows ready. Emma used her somewhat covered and elevated position to take care of the sharp shooters aiming at her fellows, her thoughts inanely counting the number of the downed soldiers, adding the tally to her already bloody list of dead. But, the counting didn't only serve as her conscience's torture tool but as a guiding force as well, for she had recognized the pattern of the attack her enemy was using, and that particular swarm would work if there weren't too large numbers of soldiers executing it, so in her estimation about two hundred of Empire warriors had been set upon them, and now only two thirds of it remained.

However, as she jumped down, ready to engage in the sword fight with the rapidly closing attackers, a loud shriek pierced the air, signaling the presence of the hated flying pests, making her grind her teeth. Of course, nothing could be easy, she groused as she looked around to assess the situation. "Take them down," she heard Robin shout at Nasir, while she slashed with her sword and one of the long knives, mowing down through the throng of the soldiers, and immediately after she heard the twangs of bow strings, no doubt the assassin following his order.

However, it was not enough. As soon as the soldiers realized that there was no chance for them to overwhelm the warrior bringing so many of their comrades down, they sounded a retreat, the horns blowing reverberating strongly through the forest. The flying monkeys screeched loudly in defiance of the order and four of the remaining ones swooped down, too quick in the darkness of the night and grabbed Robin and John right out from beside Emma and the two others who were too occupied with the remaining stragglers. Realizing the distraction, the Savior growled and in a bout of anger, the firm control over her magic, always thrumming in her blood, slipped and it fueled her hands, overpowering the men surrounding them as she cut through them as they were nothing but a weak weed in her way, dispatching with the ones keeping Nasir and the other one busy. Immediately after the assassin was freed from the struggle, he reached for his bow aiming at the disappearing shadows in the sky, but the woman stopped him grimly. "You'll only kill them too," she said in explanation, before she turned toward the other one. "David, right? Go to the others and tell them what happened." Savior spoke quickly as she whistled, using the red cloak of one of the dead soldiers to wipe her blades before placing them at their scabbards. "I am going after them," she said shortly as she mounted her steed, offering her hand to the assassin, knowing that he would want nothing more than help her in rescuing his leader.

"Keep an eye on Roland, David," the assassin spoke grimly instead of a goodbye, as he threw his leg over the back of the mighty animal beneath him, not saying anything more as he watched the young man rush toward the others, taking his orders rather seriously, especially in the light of losing their chief.

"He is not losing his father just yet," Emma mentioned as a reassurance before she clacked her tongue, directing Shadow to pursue the winged beasts, loosening the reins. "You better hold on," she cautioned, bringing one of her hands behind her and reaching for Nasir's reluctant arm she placed it over her belly, ignoring the stiffening of the man behind her, her serious countenance breaking with a light chuckle as Shadow surged forward in a breakneck speed, startling the assassin, forcing him to throw his both arms around the rider in front of him, making Emma chuckle heartily at his terrified squeak.

"Oh, the almighty spirits, save me!" he mumbled into her back, as the black mare developed such a speed over the grounds that it seemed as if they were flying themselves. "What sorcery is this?"

"I did warn you," Emma spoke gently as she searched the skies for their prey, knowing that the Camelot-born under her would have no problems keeping up with the simians that had taken the two of the outlaws. Finding them wheeling off deeper inland, toward the Forbidden Fortress, the Savior hummed in consideration, as she realized that leaving the place unchecked apparently was a mistake. However, Maleficent's old domain was not too far, especially not on the back of the racer with the magical blood, so she decided not to use her magic in transportation just yet, already wary about it from the earlier uncontrolled use, as she had not only used her magic in anger but with the clear intent of murder on her mind, and it worried her deeply.

"They had never done that before," the man behind spoke after having some time to acclimate to the rapid pace Shadow traveled with. At the knight's absent minded murmur, he brought himself closer. "They usually kill their prey or scout for the others, but I have never seen them kidnap anyone before," the assassin elaborated on his comment.

"Taking the leaders of the group was a clever thing to do, especially if taking them alive would garner some information on them," the woman said with some detached quality to her voice, as if she was commenting the waves of the sea. "Which would only suggest that the monkeys are smart creatures, not only blindly following orders, but capable of making their own decisions." It was the voice of a commander, hashing out all the information before formulating a plan, the dark tanned man realized, perturbed with her capability to seemingly turn off her emotions and consider things coldly and rationally. He did understand that the great leaders were supposed to have such ability, but it didn't make it any less unnerving to witness – especially after seeing what the woman before him was able to do on her own, with just two blades in her hands.

Gently guiding Shadow over the slopes of the hillocks, Emma summoned the memories Regina had about the layout of the place, needing it for the advantage. It was only luck that the former Evil Queen never had too much trust in the blonde witch, having researched all the weak points of the lonely castle in the mountains, anticipating the need to attack it at some point in the future, as it now gave the Savior the much needed edge in their approach, especially being able to use the underground tunnels for it, obscured by the cliff growth. With unexpected grace in her steps, she dismounted off the horse and patting its head, she whispered softly to her companion, aware that the intelligent mare understood much more than anyone really knew, before she picked her things of the saddle, placing them over her shoulders, keeping a torch in one of her hands. Then, she turned toward the dark man, her face composed into an empty mask, while her eyes flashed with determination, a short shrug with her shoulder gesturing to him that they should move on. Striking the hilt of her knife along the stone wall of the hidden entrance, she lit the torch and ducked under the thick cover of the climber plants, disappearing from the view instantly.

"How did you know about this?" her companion asked softly, following her in step, his surprise quite evident in his accented voice.

"Queen Regina made a point of knowing everything about her allies," Emma replied, leaving her answer vague on purpose, not willing to delve into the magical memories and lies she would have to invent to cover up for it. With her status as Regina's trusted knight, the simple supposition that she had been part of the Queen's research endeavor would do much more than anything she could think of. But, even as such, the memories she had looked up were not perfect, as Regina herself had not walked these underground tunnels and halls, but she had known about them from plans and scouts' reports, making orientation somewhat trickier for the Savior, her attention fixed upon the small guiding marks across the slime covered walls, her every step careful and measured, expecting a trap sprung after each one. With a glance back, she warned the assassin to be quiet and to follow her moves perfectly as she walked on, deeper into the belly of the castle, her knowledge of the fortress telling her that the path would take her to the lower bowels of the keep, where the dungeons were placed.

Slowly, they managed their way out of the secret passageways, and passing by the cells she noticed the large number of slumbering soldiers resting in the compartments, all stripped of their armor and weapons. Not even slowing down to investigate, Emma frowned at the conundrum it presented to her – was the Empire an unwilling ally to the witch and Midas, or these were the mutineers that were too valuable to be executed in short order? Quickly, she slinked off to the barred gate leading into the main part of the building, careful not to let any sound be created by her motion. Finding some of the soft wires on the nearby guarding post, left unattended for the moment, Emma fashioned the burglar's tools out of them with practiced ease and dealt with the lock with the speed of an experienced thief, aware of the scrutiny from the man standing behind her – knowing that her behavior was mighty confusing for him, as he had already considered her to be a royalty turned knight – both casts purportedly guided by honor, but the knowledge of the less savory trades would put a wrench in his idea of her.

Using the shadows of unmanned halls, Emma guided them to the center hall, the place where surely the captives would be interrogated, mindful of the winding turns of Maleficent's home, unsure of the proper directions. It was Nasir that helped her stir through the confusing corridors, her eyebrow rising in unexpected resolution to her problem. "We were here before, I still remember the way," the assassin spoke softly, quickly explaining their attempt to rob the witch in the years before the Curse, which ended with one of newest member of Merry Men betraying them and disappearing off to an unknown world. Working with his knowledge of the halls, the two of them found the place they were looking for, and despite the castle itself seeming empty of the guards, the center hall was roaming with people and simians alike. But, what drew Emma's eyes was the presence of mirrors at the dais, where once the throne used to stand, and one of the men, dressed as the Empire general was conversing with them. Only when she reached a better scouting position did the Savior see the person in the mirror, realizing that it was most likely the famed Wicked Witch. From her place, the knight could only see the flaming red hair and a patch of green skin, as rest of the form was hidden by the portly build of the soldier in front of the mirror.

There, in the middle of the room were the two she had set out to find, bound to the floor with chains, kneeling in front of the dais, surrounded by the four Empire soldiers standing on guard. Further away from them, stood another row of soldiers, Emma counting more than twenty of them along the each wall, making them sixty in total, along with a dozen of the winged animals perched around the podium, and then, beside the dais were several more men, bound and gagged, looking immensely more haggard than Robin and John, their features depicting them of the Asian-like origin, Emma connecting them with the soldiers in the dungeons. After taking the full scope of the room, the Savior called upon her magic to see if there were any nasty surprises of that kind waiting for someone to spring the trap, but either the witch was too lazy to secure the place she wasn't at, or she had never expected anyone to be daring, or as Regina would suggest, foolish enough to attack the despised blonde witch's keep.

As she didn't have time to engage with each and every soldier in the throne room, only to risk the lives of the men she had come to save, the Sheriff decided to unveil herself, or at least to use her magic in securing her victory, but luckily, she remembered a pouch of the fairy dust at her belt, the gift from the dwarves coming handy at this moment, as it could be used to make a powerful sleeping gas, along with the potions she still had in her possession, and yet postpone the inevitable reveal for just a bit longer. Ignoring the inquiring looks from the man beside, Emma quickly rummaged through her pack, taking out the vials with the sleeping draft out of their protective covering, and along with the addition of the alcohol from the wine, and the dust, the Savior smirked to herself, as she clearly remembered the stints with the stinking bombs made in chem labs at schools she had had pleasure of attending. Using one of water skins she had glimpsed in her previous scouting, the Knight mixed up the solution, corking the skin before some of the gas escaped its confines, explaining to Nasir in hushed tone what it was supposed to do, gesturing to him to place the scarf over his mouth and nose, as she did the same.

Silently counting to three, she threw away the skin, aiming for the center of the room, where the most of the people were, just in time to see the liquid canister get stretched beyond its means and explode in a loud burst of noise, spreading the oddly pinkish glittering mist over the people in the room, making it almost impossible for anyone to see the intruders until it was too late, and most of the soldiers collapsed helplessly to the ground, followed by the screeching beasts toppling over their positions at the platform beside the now empty mirrors. With precise moves, both Emma and Nasir shackled most of the soldiers in the room, previously disarming them, throwing their weapons to a pile in the corner. Only when the room was secure, did the knight even cross to the Prince of Thieves and his second, using the blade of her sword to cut the bonds from their limp bodies, leaving waking them up to Nasir, as she jumped toward the general passed out at the dais, trussing him up instantly, having previously searched his pockets and jaw for hidden poisons or means of escape, judging that the information he would be able to provide her might more than just valuable but essential. Then, she pulled him down, closer to the Merry Men, before she walked toward the other prisoners, kneeling in front of a still handsome but obviously malnourished man, who had suffered the most out of the five men lying unconsciously in front of her. His build portrayed him as a hard and wiry warrior, living the way for many years, as Mulan would say, the naked torso showing the finely defined muscles, still visible even after the poor treatment he had received at the hands of his captors. And, there on his left shoulder was a tattoo of a red Imperial dragon, drawing Emma's attention to the other prisoners, realizing that all five of them had the same brand, the mark of the Imperial Guard, the best of the Empire's best. Following her hunch, the Savior exposed the general's shoulder and seeing the pristine skin instead of the tattoo, the idea of the mutiny of the soldiers in the dungeons had suddenly more merit.

The sounds of awaking thieves brought Emma to them, trusting that her traveling companion had already checked them for injuries, and she was pleased to see that apart from the scratches gained from being in the hold of the simians, they were unharmed. Robin was the first to come to, his clear eyes latching onto hers in surprise after he had seen the aftermath of the pink haze that had enveloped him. He did not speak, for there were no words to express his gratitude, or wonder at what she had done, so he only accepted her hand to get back onto his feet and patted her shoulder gently, letting the silent gesture speak for him. Pulling down her shawl, she allowed her lips to quirk in a barely there smile in response. Right beside him, John watched her with amazement, as he quietly conversed with Nasir by his side.

"Can you walk?" the Knight asked softly, her eyes passing over the room vigilantly. Hearing the confirming murmur, she motioned for them to start toward the door, as she went back to the Imperial Guards, nudging the man she had examined first awake. But before the man even opened his eyes, the Savior felt awakening of the power from behind her, where the mirrors were standing, alerting her to the imminent danger as she straightened up, turning toward the dais, her sword ready.

A woman appeared in the centerpiece of the mirrors, her flaming hair falling down her shoulders, offsetting her grass green skin that for some reason did not detract from her beauty. The minute her eyes grazed over the room the expectant expression turned to rage, the icy blue eyes finding Emma's green ones almost immediately, the seething edge in them seeming familiar to Savior for some reason.

"Who are you to dare to enter my dominion?" the woman sneered at Emma through the glass, her darting eyes deeming her inconsequential.

"Someone who knows this place doesn't belong to you," the Savior answered flippantly, her jibe meaning more than just Maleficent's castle. Adding insult to injury, she relaxed her posture, as if there was no threat around her.

"Do you even know who I am, you ignorant girl?" the witch leaned into the mirror, still not crossing over, even though the desire to eliminate the obstinate woman before her was clearly portrayed in the flashing pale blue eyes.

Emma placed her glove covered hand onto her chin in mockingly thinking gesture and frowned. "Let me guess, Bastinda? Theodora? No?" She smirked at the fuming woman, but oddly intrigued by her own desire to learn the name of the villain, the first two she had spoken being from the book and movie depictions of the Wicked Witch. "Elphaba, then?" she asked at the off chance that the Wicked had gained more accurate glimpse of the truth than other works.

"My name is Zelena!" the woman screeched in indignation, her tolerance of Emma's antics at the end.

"Such a letdown," the Savior murmured to herself, shaking her head. "So, what? You are the Wicked Witch of the West, and if I am not mistaken, you are far from home."

"Oz was never my home, just a place I was sent to," the witch replied before visibly collecting herself. "So, you know who I am, but who are you?"

"Does it matter? I am going to stop you." Emma saw the interest glint in the woman's eyes. "And, didn't Dorothy kill you already?"

Zelena laughed, her head thrown back in an expression of amused glee before she focused back onto the knight before her. "Oh, please, you sound just like Glinda." Then the redhead smiled viciously at her audience. "Really, dear, why would a bucket of water kill me?"

It was the use of the dear that made Emma frown, as the somewhat erratic behavior of the woman in front of her reminded her of Cora and her first adventure in the Enchanted Forest. Shaking her head, thinking that she was seeing connections where there were none, she returned her attention to the conversation at hand, prepared for anything she could think of. "Because you are allergic?"

The Witch chuckled, before her eyes found the green of Emma's, narrowing in the sudden realization about who it was standing before her. "You!" the woman exclaimed sharply as her eyes danced over her chin and the recognizable color of her eyes, the familial marks clear for someone who knew what to look for. "You are supposed to be dead!"

"Yes, well, here is the thing," Emma said as she climbed the three steps of the dais, coming closer to the mirror. "I rarely do what I am supposed to," she spoke with a shrug, her hands going up in a careless motion. "It often works just fine for me, because it gives me some unpredictability."

"Oh, my, aren't you a clever girl, Savior…" the witch commented snidely before suddenly a heart appeared in her hand, with such a startling speed that Emma had thought for an instant that it was just pulled out of somewhere. "But, if you think I am going to let you gain something from my men, you are seriously mistaken," the Wicked Witch said, squeezing the glimmering lump in her hand, her motion followed by a shuddering death rattle from the general lying on the ground, his skin going deathly pale as soon as his heart turned to dust. "Enjoy the spoils," Zelena commented and suddenly every glass surface exploded, the shards flying toward Emma, guided by the witch's magic as the mirrors' surface rippled before the shards from those followed the others.

If it weren't for Emma expecting something of such sort, the remaining people would have been shredded to pieces with the guided missiles, her included, as her face was unprotected. As it were, she honestly imagined their conversation only ending in an explosion of some kind, so she kept her magic close to the surface, ready to defend herself at the moment's notice, knowing that her instincts would keep her somewhat safe. Therefore, when she had seen the glass cracking she raised her shields, enveloping herself, and the five men now fully awake, into a protective barrier, placing herself in the way to the entrance door, keeping the lethal shards away from the Merry Men, not even reacting at the glass bouncing of her wards and flying around the room.

Robin and Nasir gaped at the woman standing in front of the dais, the words spoken in the room brought to them by the clear acoustics of the hall. The black knight before them was the famed White Knight, the Savior, the woman who was destined to guide them to victory, and suddenly so many things made sense, and yet so many others didn't, for the Savior was the woman of the different world, someone who by the words of the people of Safe Haven, did not belong in the Realms of the Enchanted Forest. But, the knight had never given them a reason to believe her the odd one out, despite the strange circumstances of their acquaintances.

"So much of that," the Savior spoke to herself with resignation, looking over the carnage in the hall, as she lowered the wards, dusting off her glove covered hands, using the remnants of her loose magic to release the Imperial Guard from their chains, as she turned over the clearly dead leader of the Empire forces.

"Your Grace," the man Emma had seen first among the prisoners came to her in a supplicant bow, using the title the Savior had heard only the trolls use, apart from Regina that one time, making her raise her eyebrow at him in question. "I have fought against some vermin who were more than happy to tell me about a woman capable of destroying them in a blink of an eye," the man added, still hunched over, his fist covered by his palm in front of him, his show of respect clear to Emma.

"I was under the impression that the trolls were in alliance with the Empire," the woman commented, as she saw Robin and others enter back into the hall and walk toward her, the knowing and awed expressions on their faces telling her that the secret was out. She motioned to the man to straighten up, as she sheathed her sword.

"They are, unfortunately, but the Imperial Guard is not, and they stand with me. My name is Li Cheng, the High Commander of the Imperial Guard, and I am at your service, your Grace." Emma saw the other four stand firm beside him, their agreement with his words portrayed in their fists reaching their chest.

Pleased that something was going her way, the Savior nodded in acceptance. "I think the rest of your men are in the dungeons. Set them free and equip them, we will set out shortly." Emma gave her orders, dismissing the men gently, as she walked to the huge hole in place of the former panel of glass looking over the small mountain lake, her eyes directed toward the clear stars of the predawn skies.

"I was about to come here and ask you why did you lie to us, but then I realized that you did mostly tell us the truth," Robin spoke softly as he came to stand beside her, a step away in deference to her status. "Even the name you gave us was a clue to your true identity – as Eirwen Nolan could be literally translated to 'White Knight'." Taking in the silent woman beside him, he caught a glimpse of longing in her eyes, before it cleared into a sharp gaze focused into the distance. "But, surely you know by now that we, that I can be trusted, Savior?" he insisted, crossing his arms at his chest.

"Trust is a luxury I cannot afford to have," Emma murmured, her eyes still lost in the distance. "And, it is not like a name would change much, Robert of Locksley," she added pointedly, glancing toward him before sighing, her hands going to her back. "Under the curse, Prince Charming was David Nolan."

"And, yours?" Robin asked slowly, accepting her point for secrecy. "What is your name?"

"Is it really important, as long as you know I am the Savior?" the woman asked absently, her voice suddenly seeming tired and detached, before she turned away from the view, leaving him behind, straightening her shoulders as she walked by the other two who inclined their heads in greeting, John finally showing some sense of conformity toward the woman, if only for learning her true title. She inspected the room, seemingly not perturbed at all with the sight of her prisoners slashed to death by the ravaging glass, not expecting to find any survivors, but deeply inside her she mourned for the pointless loss she had witnessed. "Search the place, see if you can find something useful," she ordered before leaving the grand hall, needing to act quickly as her reveal would undoubtedly put some events in the motion, needing to speak to Rumplestiltskin, and for that she would need privacy. Emma rushed to the top of the highest tower, her mind lazily commenting on the need to summon the vast fields of the thorny briars, her own tribute to the Disney classic. Shaking her head at herself, she turned toward the east, and when the first rays of the morning Sun grazed her face, she closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of it as it was a physical touch, the moment in time not unlike like the time Regina had brought her to the Tri-point, the gentle caress of the light soothing her heavy thoughts.

With the light on her face, she allowed her magic to rise once more, enveloping her completely, as she initiated the transportation spell, directing herself to Rumplestiltskin knowing that he would be up with the first light without a doubt.

Using her newfound magic abilities, she appeared in a room that was closest to the man she was looking for, masking her presence with a cloaking spell, as the first sound she heard coming from the man was a slightly bored 'What do you want, Zelena?'. Drawn to him because of the name he uttered, Emma looked over and saw the old imp leaning heavily onto his cane while he looked into the mirror hanging in the living quarters of his suite, the oval glass hanging on the wall opposite to the terrace door, the now familiar face shown in it.

"Is that how you greet your best student, Rumple?" the Witch spoke with a fake pout. "My, my, how the mighty has fallen… What happened to you, Dark One? Your precious Regina messed up the Curse?" Even though Emma had spoken to the women only short time back, she could already recognize the envious spark in the woman, mixed in with anger and spite, and that made a horrible combination. And, the fact that the woman knew Regina and Rumple only promised another headache for Emma.

"As the matter of fact, she performed admirably," Rumplestiltskin spoke genuinely, his candor only enticing the woman further in her scorn, as he thought back to his daughter and his son. "And, again, what is it that you want?" he added with bored sigh, his cane tapping over the stone floor, using his every ounce of experience in deal making to keep the façade before the dangerous woman in front of him.

"I want to offer you a deal," the woman said. "I can make you the Dark One again, if you join me." She made a flourishing motion, so much reminiscent of his trademark flick, thinking that the sole mention of his old power would be enough to sway the man out of his allegiance to the Savior.

"You found the keys to the Dark Vault," the former imp commented uninterestedly, while his insides trembled in fear for the power to access the Dark Vault should not be given to anyone, least of all people yearning for more power, as he looked down at his nails. "What makes you think I am not where I want to be?" he asked with a sigh, his mask intact, but his mind already turning, searching for a way to contact Emma, to find her and warn her about the newest villain, one that he had known once intimately.

"This? This is what the greatest dark wizard is aspiring to be? A pathetic and weak cripple?" Zelena sniffed at him in disgust before she flicked her hand. "No matter, the offer is made. But, I warn you, I will show you no mercy if you stand against me." Then she threw him a winning smile, something wicked glinting in her eyes. "As I showed none to that girl of yours. Pity, I thought she would've given me more of a fight." With that she disappeared from the mirror, her cackle heard as the mist took away her form, and only then Emma saw Rumplestiltskin react, and his skin getting paler by the second, the news of supposed demise of the Savior hitting him hard.

"Boy, isn't she a piece of work?" Emma spoke, deciding to come out of her hiding, her voice startling the old man immensely, that his cane flew out of his hand while he reached for his chest, letting out a strangled rattle as his eyes found the body the voice belonged to.

"Miss Swan!" Rumplestiltskin tried to put some firm rebuke in his breathless tone, but the startling effects of her sudden appearance still plagued him and he only limped to a chair, crashing down listlessly, shaking his head in dismay. Then he looked up at her, his eyes gentling at her presence and he lifted his hand, wordlessly calling her to him, the oddly weak move making Emma kneel before his chair, suddenly worried for his health. "Emma," he gasped with the pleased edge in his voice as he touched her cheek gently. "You're here." Then he shook his head, confused. "What are you doing here?"

"I had questions about our newest friend," the Savior spoke, her head gesturing toward the mirror as she lifted herself into the seat beside the man, shifting the weapons to make her position more comfortable. "I figured you would know who she was," she added but her eyebrow was raised pointedly, intuiting that there was much more to the story.

"Does she remind you of anyone?" Rumple asked, his heart finally managing to calm down, after seeing the evidence of Emma not being destroyed, as the woman herself was sitting right beside him.

"As a matter of fact, she does," the woman said, but not adding anything more, waiting for him to continue, aware that she didn't have much time to go back to the others. And, it was the morning of the day of the supposed joint attack, and Emma really hoped Ariel would keep her word.

"That's because she is Cora's firstborn." Rumple stood up and walked toward the pitcher of water, absently thinking that a glass of whiskey would suit him better at this moment. "I knew that leaving her alive was a mistake," he murmured to himself as he sipped the cool liquid.

"Wait, what?!" Visibly taken aback by the news, Emma gaped at the man. "That is Cora's firstborn? But, I thought Regina was the only child?"

"So did I, at the time of her conception. Only later, when Regina was already on her way of becoming the Evil Queen did I learn about Zelena and Cora's deception. It was then that I learned that my power of precognition was not as good as I hoped." He turned toward the Savior and leaning against the side table, he frowned. "The raw power in her was like nothing I had felt before, but the time in Oz actually helped her focus it. Too bad that her psychological strength was not up to snuff."

"Are you telling me she is insane?"

"Aren't we all?" Rumple replied philosophically, but then he shook his head, not capable of labeling the woman as such and leaving it like that. "Her issues stem from abandonment, not unlike your own. But, she uses it to fuel her anger and envy, making her rather… unpleasant to deal with. And, if I am not mistaken, the main focus of her anger and jealousy is Regina, the sister that got to stay with Cora."

"She really has no idea about the woman, does she?"

"You are a lost child yourself, Emma. Isn't any kind of a parent better than no family at all?"

The Sheriff understood his point. Children of the system often accepted the crappy people for their parents because even the idea of having someone was better than being left alone, in the group homes, abandoned time after time. Logically, she knew that it wasn't true, but a tender heart of a child still harbored the romanticized notion of a family, and would do anything to belong to one, no matter what kind. "Does Regina know?" she asked, needing to know more.

"I really don't think so. It was one of Cora's most guarded secrets, and I found out only because Zelena searched Regina out and I happened to find her first." He sighed once more, his hand rubbing his chin as he thought back to the woman's offer. "However, that particular story can wait for just a bit longer. The issue here is her ability to access the Dark Vault." For a brief moment in time his voice held a wistful note, before he shook it off, afraid of what it meant for him.

Emma recognized his fear and also she noticed that he was intrigued by the offer, the realization making her scowl at him as she rose to her feet, bringing herself to her full height, stalking toward him, her eyes glinting dangerously as she reached for his tunic, leaning into his face. "You cannot seriously think of accepting it?" she hissed at him, lifting him up by the cloth on his chest, her low simmering anger strong enough to fuel her body without magic. "Are you going to actually betray your family again and chose power over love?" The overwhelming terror she inspired in the old man made his sputtering ineffective at answering her question, as he grabbed her hand. "Are you that much of a coward, Rumplestiltskin?"

And, it was the shame of that one word that had marred his whole life that brought him back, freezing out the seductive thoughts of being the Dark One once more, seeing the Witch's ploy for what it was, an entrapment and a way of controlling him. "No," he murmured against Emma's hold. "I've learned from my mistakes," he spoke clearly as he grasped her shoulder, gesturing for her to set him down. "Just needed a reminder," a whisper escaped him as his feet reached the hard ground.

"What is it that is drawing you to it?" the Savior asked, as she stepped away, satisfied with her impulsive intervention. "What is it that makes you forget about the promises you have made, the oaths you have sworn to your flesh and blood, to your True Love?" Leaning back at the wall at the other side of the room, she watched the man reach for another cup of water, suddenly looking centuries old and haggard.

"The easy solution, Emma." His broken tone spoke more of his exhaustion than the greys that covered his temples, the tired lines carved into the corners of his face and the still gray tinged skin. "The easy way to protect the ones you love." Rumplestiltskin glanced toward the Savior and sighed heavily, countless number of times since the moment he had risen from his bed, the morning before. "We can see the army sitting before our gates, and we know that the minute they decide to attack, we are going to be overrun, because there is not a chance that we can withstand such numbers deployed at our doors, Emma. And, knowing that, knowing that no matter I do, the future is hopeless… It does things to you, to your integrity…"

The Sheriff leaned her head to a side, considering the man before her and closed her eyes. "She contacted you before," Emma concluded, finally seeing the impossibility he had felt at the overwhelming odds shown to him, understanding his torture, for he had surely chosen to suffer it in silence, as the people of Safe Haven did not need more bad news. "What is it that she has shown you? The Empire? The pirates?"

"We cannot stand up to one army before us, least of all three of them from different directions," Rumple said instead of the answer, not even commenting on the fact that she had known about those two.

"And, yet you have the allegiance of the most powerful magical being on this world," Emma replied somewhat flippantly, making the man scowl at her ill-advised humor. "Do not think me cocky, old man, for I am far more powerful than you even can conceive off," she warned coldly, before waving her hand, instigating the wards over the whole castle, this particular kind preventing any outside magical influence, such as the mirror magic, as well as fortifying the walls from the fire of the trebuchets Midas's army was sure to use.

"How did…?" Rumplestiltskin's eyes widened at the impossible show of magic that left no trace in the air, as his body tingled with the wards instituted over the castle. He might have not been the Dark One anymore and had no magic of his own, but his body still could feel the presence of it, especially at the strong signatures such as was this particular one. "What did you do?"

"Buy you some time," the Sheriff replied softly before she strode up to him, her hand reaching for his head, holding it gently, her thumb resting right on his cheek while the other fingers wove into his hair, as she peered into his eyes. "I don't have much time, and I need to know everything you do about Zelena. I apologize in advance for any pain you might experience." Without much more preambles Emma used the skill the Guardian had shown her and dove right into Rumplestiltskin's mind, keeping her intrusion as gentle as possible, wanting him unharmed. In her mind, the power she was using was much like the projecting spell she had used on Pongo almost a year before, only now she did not project memories upon a surface of the dream catcher, but directly into her own mind, learning the whole history of the elder daughter of Cora's that he had known in the matter of seconds. As well, she learned about the Dark Vault, deciding to destroy it at the first opportunity, for having its power at the hands of the enemies was something she was not willing to risk. The reading, as she named it, was extremely exhausting, especially because she was using it for the first time in such way, fighting against the innate protections of Rumple's mind, gently coaxing information out of him as she had no desire to make him a mindless husk, as it was a danger of using such magic, especially if the person tended to be slightly overzealous. But, there wasn't only the problem of the human fragility at play, but also the rough transplantation of memories was not easily accepted by her own mind. It was far from seamless current of memories she had shared several times with Regina, where the connection she shared with her True Love established a gentle flow, soothing as the warm water of relaxing bath filling her up. But this link she had instigated with Rumplestiltskin was anything but gentle, reminding Emma of hail storm, the ice pelting her, stinging and burning sensation following each new memory. Perhaps the mind of former Dark One was much more guarded then the others, but Emma had a feeling that it had to do more with the price of magic she was expected to pay.

"Rumple, I need you to…" Suddenly, the door to the private quarters opened and in stepped Belle, freezing at the entrance when she saw the man she loved captured by an unknown dark haired person, armed to the teeth, seen only from behind. But, before she could even reach for the knife at her side, she felt immobilized completely as her body floated inside the room, the door closing silently behind her. Then she saw the person holding Rumplestiltskin captive move, releasing him from their hold, seemingly unharmed but for the deeply troubled expression on his face.

"One day, you are going to tell me what actually happened to you," he spoke gently as he looked into Emma's eyes, seeing the green of them dull, making them seem almost gray, the sight of it making his heart break for the woman before him, as he had never seen her that much haunted, burdened with such a heavy weight, the fate of many resting solely upon her shoulders. He did not reach for her, for he knew that she would not allow him to show her any sign of pity or anything of the sort, so he only gestured toward the young woman still standing frozen at the center of the room.

"Sorry," Emma murmured sheepishly, removing her magic and instantly Belle rushed toward them, her hands first reaching for her True Love, checking to see if he had sustained any injuries before turning toward the intruder, recognizing her friend only when brought face to face with her.

"Oh, dear gods, Emma," Belle gushed at the sight of the Savior, her eyes filling with tears instantly at the sharply defined lines of her face, the unhealthily pale skin and dark purple shadows under her eyes. But it wasn't her face that made the young woman so distraught; it was the detachment she saw in the eyes, barely recognizing the green orbs. The woman before had suffered enormously, all for the sake of others, and her woe was not over, not by a long shot, Belle knew. Unable to stop herself, she extended her fingers toward the Sheriff's cheek, touching the cold skin under the bruised eyes gently, almost whimpering at the slowly closing lids, showing that Emma had not seen kindness in the time she had been away, and now the very show of it brought her pain.

The Savior reached tenderly for the hand resting on her face and pulled it down, avoiding looking into the clear blue eyes of the kindhearted librarian. She couldn't bear the gentle touch for it would only break her, shatter her control, her composure, and she couldn't afford that, not when so many things were depending on her, when she had so many things to do and too little time. "I need to go," she murmured softly, turning away from the two people remaining in this world that were the closest thing to a family to her. "The Empire is not coming just yet, and you do not need to worry about the fleet," she spoke in whisper to hide her voice shaking, keeping her back to them, her hands clenched into fists, as she tried to reign in her desire to sink into the comfort her friends were offering – as it was too tempting to just close her eyes, forget the world outside and let someone, anyone, else deal with the wars, deaths, invasions and green witches.

"Sheriff, you need to be careful," Rumplestiltskin cautioned softly. "What you just did… It's not…"

"I am gathering allies as we speak, and know this, you are not alone, and help is coming." Emma ignored the implication that her mentor was trying to speak directly about, the fact that invading someone's mind could be constituted as a very dark magic. It was nothing she didn't already know. Nothing she hadn't already considered.

"Emma!"

"I will come here soon, and then I will need you to call the Council into session," the Savior continued on, as if Rumplestiltskin had not spoken, before calling upon her magic. Then, she turned toward them, directing an anguished turn of her lips, something that attempted to be a smile but failed miserably, to them and sighed. "I have already seen and done too much of this war to come out of this unsoiled," she spoke wisely, her comment the only answer to Rumplestiltskin's worry, doing nothing to ease it. "Stay safe," she murmured at last before letting her magic bring her back to Maleficent's castle, needing the power of her will to walk away from them.

Belle watched as the Sheriff simply disappeared from her sight, without the familiar mist of her magic she had grown to expect from the transportation spell. Turning toward Rumplestiltskin, the bookworm took in his rumpled features and brought him to the closest couch, sitting right beside him, her hands covering his, as she glanced back toward the center of the room where Emma had stood just moments before. "What did she mean when she said the Empire's not coming? And, what fleet?" Belle had known the man was deeply worried about something, however as the last day passed, he had grown desperate, spending most of his time away at the War room, pouring over the maps, the tactical approaches and what not, not even going to bed the evening before. And, the silence he offered her along with a slump of his shoulders was the answer enough for the clever woman. "You thought they would join in the war at their side?"

"They are at their side," the former imp replied softly, looking up into the understanding blue eyes. The woman before him knew just as good as him about the might of the Empire's soldiers, and at the moment there was only one fleet worth mentioning, so he wasn't surprised at all to see her connecting the dots. He knew the very moment she had come to her realization by the slight frightful widening of her eyes and unavoidable gulp of air. But, before she could ask more questions, he decided to tell her everything, everything that Emma had taken by herself from him, knowing that keeping his involvement with Zelena would only hurt him and Belle in the future, and there was a slight chance that the incredibly smart woman beside him could see another way of dealing with things.

The second her feet felt the solid floor beneath her, the Savior dropped to her knees, not even registering the pain the bruising collapse brought to her caps, as she finally allowed herself to absorb the knowledge she had taken from her mentor. The memories of a girl wanting nothing more but to be accepted and loved for who she was floated through her mind, along with each lesson the cruel task master Rumplestiltskin had been, with each taunting remark, each mockingly giggling laugh. She had thought that his behavior with Regina was beyond reprehensible, but as it turned out he could do much worse. And, had done. That only meant that Emma now felt sympathy for the woman, a trace of compassion for the apparent villain, something she couldn't afford right now because too many innocent lives were at stake to simply hesitate over stopping the Wicked Witch of the West. Not only the people of the Safe Haven, but all the fighters of this war, for they were forced to participate one way or the other, be it by magic, duty or simply fear.

Standing at the topmost floor, exposed to the brisk air of the morning and the warm rays of Sun, the Savior remained on her knees, sitting on her haunches, her head bowed as she allowed herself a moment to settle down. A moment to simply breathe, with nothing more on her mind but the penetrating brightness of the snow covered slopes reflexing the light of the clear sky Sun. Moment to feel nothing but the refreshing bite of winter air on her cheeks and a soft tickle of the breeze in her hair. A break in time to simply be, not the Savior, not the Sheriff, not Emma, not a mother, a True Love, a good person, a warrior, a survivor… Just… be.

Deeming a minute of her time was everything she had to spare, Emma rose to her feet, flexing her shoulders and stiffening her spine. Using magic, she restored the original shade of her hair, letting it fall down her shoulders in unrestrained curls, and returned her jaw to its previous look, bringing back her birth given features, knowing that further deception was not warranted and it would be a relief to actually see herself in the reflexive surfaces around her.

As she walked to the throne room, she noticed that the soldiers wearing a gold trimmed black armor, identical to the red ones of the Empire, stood at attention wherever she would pass, the entire chatter stopping. She didn't even have to open the door as one of the men opened it for her, bowing his head in respect, before moving out of her way. Still looking at the young face of the man who was obviously uncomfortable with her scrutiny, Emma noticed that the center hall had grown quiet with the sound of the heavy door moving. Nodding to the boy, she strolled in, her decisive steps bringing her to the four men standing at the dais, Li Cheng standing slightly aside from the Merry Men, dressed in what apparently seemed to be the uniform of the Imperial Guard, the gold trim well meshing with the black treated leather, his helmet in his hand at his hip. In the time she had been gone he had obviously washed and found some nourishment, as he didn't seem like he had been captive for long, his sharp features telling her that he was ready.

"Your Grace," he spoke, inclining his head as he felt her eyes pass over his face in inspection.

"I see that you have found your men, Commander," she replied, ignoring his address, as she turned around to look over the rest of the people in the room. "How many?"

"Two hundred, your Grace, all battle ready," the man said proudly, before lowering himself onto his knee, his hand going to his heart, his head bowed in supplication, every other man of the Guard following his example, moving as one. "By the rules of our ancestors, our lives are yours, your Grace, to command them as you see fit, until such debt is repaid. Our oath is sworn and our loyalty yours." The commander spoke clearly, his voice ringing out in the great hall as he remained bowed before her, waiting for her orders.

Stopping herself from shaking her head, Emma wanted to groan for having forgotten how dutiful the Empire men and women were, but instead she placed her hand onto Cheng's chin, raising his head to meet his eyes. "As is the way, I accept your oath and your lives," she proclaimed releasing him, following the protocol of his people, enjoying his surprised blink as she added a blessing to his honor bound service. "Now, rise, commander Cheng, and prepare your men for setting out." Not even waiting to see him rush to the others, his orders heard clearly in the silence of the room, Emma stepped to the outlaws, her eyes finding those of the Prince of Thieves. "What have you found?" she asked, not waiting for them to greet her, interested to learn if this castle had something more to offer. She had noticed that the bodies of the soldiers were cleared out, probably stored somewhere in the bowels of the fortress.

"Nothing much," Robin replied, looking at the woman before him, unsettled with the distance she had seemed to put between them, not knowing if it was a comment on his behavior or something else. "Some food, weapons, pallets… A surprising number of horses, though." He added, as he saw her nod.

"Horses?"

"Hmm," he confirmed, and watched her glance toward him in inquiry. "There are outside pens by the forest, the latest counts are going around dozen scores."

"You are telling me that these people had more than two hundred heads stuck in this small valley?" Emma asked incredulously, not because she did not believe him, but that she had missed to notice such number of animals around the castle on her approach, and later from the tower.

"Yeah, I mean, they were bit away from the walls, up to the east," Robin said, shrugging his shoulder. The woman in front of him shook her head, grumbling under breath and waved off the topic. "What do you want with us, Savior?" he asked slowly after a moment, not sure how his question would be received. He had not sworn his allegiance to her, nor did she demand it of him, but for the moment, he was satisfied to follow her, but he did mind not knowing the next step.

"What I want?" she murmured with a mirthless chuckle before motioning for him and the others to follow her outside, as she started talking. "What I need from you is to help me end this war, any way that you can. Can I count on you for that?"

"Of course, Savior," the Thief spoke immediately, the other two agreeing with him.

"Well, then, I need to talk to the commander and see what is actually happening in this Godforsaken country," the blonde commented before she stepped out of the castle, whistling shrilly the second she had cleared the gate. "Get saddled up and pack up some rations," she left them with instructions as she stepped toward the rapidly closing horse, the hooves thundering over the stone covered yard. Within seconds, she was up on Shadow, guiding her toward the majority of the roaming Guards, having seen Li Cheng organizing his troop there.

"When they said the Savior was White Princess, this is not what I pictured," John spoke softly, his eyes glued to the black clad blonde, ridding off on the darkest horse he had ever seen, her hair fluttering behind her. "Something more in the line of dresses and magic…"

"That is the Evil Queen you are thinking of," Robin said with ease, patting his friend's shoulder. "I remember the time when Snow White's face was on every post throughout the Realms, and knowing all the stories floating around her, I am not all that surprised that this is her daughter." He had heard the whispers of her return from the year before, and her meeting with the Queen of Hearts, and he had heard the legends spreading about the blonde fighting the army of heartless corpses, after just learning who she had been. Something more than a year had passed since then, by his calculation, and the woman he had met those days before seemed like having lived through centuries of battles and hardships, not only a year… With a light shake of his head, he moved them along to find their ride and saddle up, as the Savior had told them to do.

"Li," the blonde addressed the soldier in front of her as he directed the last few of his men to form up, dismounting beside him. "Walk with me," she spoke after his acknowledging incline of his head. "What do you know of your people's side in this war?" she asked, as she grabbed the reins and guided them toward the front part of the courtyard.

"Emperor was against it, but then he suddenly had fallen ill, the executive power over the Realm falling to the High Council, and they decided to join Midas in his conquest," the officer jumped into the story without any hesitation, knowing that she would need as much as he could give her. "However, it soon became clear that the real power of the council lied with five men, one of them was the general now dead. Advisor Kim is now at the Imperial City, holding the reigns there, along with general Xia, using their power to keep the non-combatants under control, while the armies are put in place. The other two are somewhere coordinating the supply lines and other things, one of them embedded in Midas's main camp."

"I need numbers, Commander," Emma prompted the man, knowing that he would have at least the approximation she wanted.

"I am not familiar with the current state, but as of ten days ago, the main part of our forces for deployment was stationed at the border, counting sixteen thousand footmen and four thousands of cavalry. Apart from that, there are three supply regiments, two thousand souls each, and the five hundred at Midas's camp." He further explained the general position of the checkpoints of the chain, showing the Savior a map with crudely etched locations. The man then contemplated something. "The rest of the army is policing the Empire because of the people so close to the revolt. Our Emperor was a beloved man."

Emma recognized the signs of mourning in the man's face, telling her that the soldier before her had been more than simply acquainted with the ruler, and with a light touch she reached for his shoulder, her silent condolences accepted with a simple glance. "And the Guard?" Emma asked after a moment of quietude.

"This is all that is left," Cheng whispered heavily as he watched over his men. "If I hadn't been sent onto a secret scouting mission we would have perished with the others, slaughtered as the traitors of the Empire." He glanced toward the Savior and saw her hard look. The woman greatly unnerved him, because he could not even begin to guess what is on her mind, and he had prided himself in being a good reader of people. He knew, deep inside himself, that the blonde was someone to be respected and, yes, feared, not only because of the immense power she had but for her cold calculated look she would often direct at the men around her.

"Let's make sure you can rebuild it, then," the Savior said softly moving away from him, clearly having made a decision about her next move. "You are going to help me destroy the supply chain, to ease the pressure of the village," Emma spoke clearly, outlining her plan for the man, telling him to take his men toward the most fortified checkpoint, explaining him that she would meet him in one day's time there, but to also avoid getting caught in the escarpment of the Forbidden Fortress as he didn't have much time to lose. "Watch out for the trolls and ogres, as they are no doubt roaming around," she added with a smirk, remembering the first words the officer had spoken to her. Then, she took his left forearm and conjured a gold band, intricately meshing with his gauntlet, the front side of it having an inlaid design of a swan, similar to those she had already bestowed on the wolf, accepting it as her own symbol, or a calling card.

"Cygnus, your Grace?" the commander inquired softly as he traced the design when the woman released his hand.

"Swan, as my name," she explained shortly. "If you get in any trouble, whisper it over the sign and I'll know." She had made it to function similarly to the radios of her world, activated by a specific code, thinking it the most suitable for the occasion. Even though she had not seen any trace of deception in the honorable man before her, she didn't feel right just letting him go without ways to communicate with him. "If I need to talk to you, it will burn. Again, whisper my name over it."

"Yes, your Grace," the man said, with understanding, his right fist tapping his chest in salute.

"Any chance of convincing you to drop the address?" Emma asked with a raised eyebrow, the barely there smirk showing the good nature of the question.

"No, your Grace," the officer replied with a smirk of his own, before he placed his helmet onto his head. "By your leave," he added before ordering his men to move out, understanding that her segue was the dismissal enough.

Emma jumped back onto her horse and watched the two hundred men ride out of the Forbidden Fortress, before she turned to the three still waiting on her. With a simple hand gesture she motioned for them to join her, as she looked toward the palace. She couldn't just leave it there unattended as it had proved itself quite useful for the enemy, right under her nose. So, with a snap decision she instigated the wards over the place, barring entrance to all but her, enchanting the spell with her particular brand of magic, convinced that it would keep even the most persistent people out. "Can you contact your people, Robin, or you must go to them?" she asked as soon as she finished with weaving the spell, turning toward the Prince of Thieves.

"They were to retreat to Sherwood and hide, until Tuck got word otherwise, I came to them, or they decided I was dead." Robin spoke, shifting in his seat, unused to the saddle. The two others did not fare any better, Emma noticed with an interested blink. For some reason, she had been under a belief that all people of Enchanted Forest were more or less natural with horses, her ignorance and stereotyping shown in its light.

"Alright then, I'll inform Busy to relay the message," she spoke with a nod, reaching for a piece of paper, ignoring the way all three pairs of eyes focused on her in bewilderment at the mention of the dwarf, using her magic to compose a brief missive to the dwarves, including a greeting for her young friend, sending it off immediately, making it disappear in a swirl of colors. "But, first, I need to have meeting with some people. Would you join me?" It wasn't a question, the men knew it, as they followed her down the road, not daring to voice their thoughts on her seeming omniscience, while they rode on in the direction of the shore and the Charming Palace.

---

"What is it?" Phillip spoke as he strode onto the watch post, joining Mulan, surprised to see her out of her armor, a thick fur lined cloak covering her frame, as her hand rested on her sword at her hip. He had been informed by a harried soldier that the warrior had asked for his presence on the wall, and knowing that his friend would not ask for his time unless it was of utmost importance, he had rushed to meet her, not realizing that she was not alone. But, then, he should have known better, he remarked to himself, as the particular Wolf could hardly be found more than several feet away from his dear friend, their friendship, and as Aurora claimed, something more, flourishing even under the constant pressure of the siege and impending attack.

"Ships," Ruby replied, her eyes stuck to the horizon over the sea. "It seems the pirates have joined in for the party," she added with a hard scowl, her enhanced vision giving her the view of the whole fleet before them. "Black Beard is leading them." Turning toward the Royal, she leaned against the wall, having recognized the flag on the front ship.

"We cannot fight both on the land and sea," Phillip spoke helplessly as he took the spyglass from Mulan, needing to see the fleet for himself. "Damn it," he whispered as he took in the numbers of the sails before him. As he hit his fist over the stone railing in mute rage, he noticed his friend's calm face beside him. "What?" he snapped at her, but instantly his eyes widened in apology, and he was glad to see his friend ignore his outburst.

"We do not need to fight at sea," Mulan remarked softly, a wonder tingeing her tone, as she took back her spyglass pointing toward the high seas and at the thunderstorm that was building over it. The appearance of the storm clouds seemed so sudden, and yet, Mulan was not surprised, for she had faith something like that would have happened eventually. Especially after what had happened that morning.

It was a light tingle that passed through her arm that drew her attention to her sword, the habit of resting her hand on her hilt so ingrained into her that she hadn't even noticed she had been fingering her weapon, before she heard a soft curse escape her companion. With a confounded look, her eyes met the deep blue she had grown to cherish deeply in the days that had passed, noticing the same confusion in them. "Magic," Ruby whispered softly, her skin visibly bristling at something that had obviously passed through the castle, as she lifted her head cocking it to a side, stopping with her previous action. "Emma," the wolf murmured with realization, wrenching open the door to her quarters and striding out quickly, knowing that the warrior would follow her immediately. With rushed steps, they reached Rumplestiltskin's quarters and without any hesitation the wolf barged in, sniffing the air around her. "Where is she?" she asked the startled couple, not even looking at them as she turned around the room, feeling the familiar scent fill her nostrils. It was relief that had filled her heart as soon as she felt the recognizable notes of the Savior's smell, but too soon it was followed with consternation. Where was she?

"Already left," Rumplestiltskin replied softly, bringing the attention to himself. "But, she did say she would return shortly," he added tiredly.

"It was her that used that magic, wasn't it? What was that about?" Ruby asked, dropping beside Belle, throwing a light greeting smile at the woman beside her as she leaned back into the sofa.

"A warding spell," came the answer but it wasn't from the old man, nor from the librarian, but from the warrior who still stood awkwardly by the door, having closed them after coming in. The way she kept glancing down to her hilt gave the answer how she actually knew about it. "But, I haven't felt it this way before, it's different," she added softly, her dark eyes rising up and meeting the former imp in a questioning gaze. Having an enchanted sword offered one a great deal of insight about the feel and layout of magic in the world around them, and Mulan was nothing if not persistent to learn everything that could be used for an advantage, especially as she did not have the magic herself.

"Her magic is different," Rumplestiltskin answered gravely. "And, I believe there was a reason she left it so glaringly obvious, and that it wasn't solely for our benefit," he added, his keen eyes knowing that the warrior would understand his implication.

"She announced herself," Mulan whispered with a nod.

"Are you sure it was really Emma?" suddenly Ruby asked, her voice tinged with doubt as she glanced toward her friend, frowning at the glazed look Belle had at the mention of the Savior's name. The sight of the kind woman crying squeezed Ruby's heart uncomfortably, but before she could even offer a soothing touch, the librarian rose to her feet and stepped away, her hands going to her face, wiping out the traces of her momentary lapse of control.

"It's Emma," Belle proclaimed with strong assuredness in her tone, as she smiled encouragingly at Ruby and Mulan, only then noticing the state of her friend. The warrior was out of uniform, a sight so rare for the Empire woman that the bookworm blinked in surprise, taking in the leather brigandine covering her friend's torso quite flatteringly, at that. "She was just giving us a heads up," she added as she walked toward the balcony leaning on the ledge as her eyes surveyed the view of both the shore and woods before her. "Tell them," she spoke with a whisper to her True Love, a gentle order clear in her tone, for she knew this burden was not only his to carry.

With clipped words, Rumplestiltskin explained about the witch and the additional enemies, his eyes peeled to the stoic woman standing still before him. The news of her kin being on the opposite side had made her blanch for a second, until the calm and collected mask covered her features, as she listened on. She did feel relieved when the former Dark One remarked that Emma mentioned the Empire was not coming just yet, intimately familiar with the power and skill of its soldiers, as she still considered herself one of them.

It was only later that she allowed herself a heavy sigh to escape her lips, as she leaned against the wall of the topmost watching post, searching the high seas for the expected pirate fleet. Warm hands circled her upper arm as a body leaned into her side, offering a silent comfort she didn't even know she needed. Shifting her head slightly, she smiled gently at the woman leaning into her, her lips grazing the closest cheek in appreciation.

"What is on your mind?" Ruby asked softly as she nuzzled into the warmth, aware that she had only a short window of time to get it out of the warrior, seeing that they were alone for the moment, as the next pass of the guard would occur in half an hour.

"Hmm," Mulan just murmured as she breathed in Ruby's scent, not even knowing her own thoughts, as they were swirling in her mind, too loud for her to even try to understand them. And, the shifter understood. The woman in front of her knew that there were no words for the moment.

Ruby moved slightly, turning so her back would lean against the parapet, as she pulled the warrior toward herself, her gloved hands circling the slim waist under the cloak, gently massaging the stiff muscles she found there. Mulan had left her hands resting on the stone fence, her attempt to resist the woman in front of her feeble and halfhearted at best, as she lowered her head slightly, just enough to bring her lips within reachable distance from the Wolf, a slight quirk playing at the corner of them as she looked into the gentle eyes, glimmering with so much emotion that it almost left her breathless. The connection between them was new, fresh, unexplored, but still it felt like she had spent years sharing her life with the shifter before her, obtaining the ease she felt with her. Never before would she so blatantly accept consolation, especially not in the open, but with Ruby she felt safe and encouraged to do just so. And, oddly, it did not make her feel weak at all.

"I have this feeling inside of me," the warrior started softly, after a while, the soothing touch of the woman in front of her doing wonders in helping her organize her mind. "Like something strange is about to happen, inevitable and yet…" Mulan shook her head at the ridiculousness she felt as she tried to explain to Ruby the peculiar feeling she had. But, it was Ruby that helped her once more.

"Unexpected?"

"Yes," the warrior sighed in relief as the woman in her arms understood her. "I know Savior is going to surprise us once more and quite soon. I can feel it." The conviction in her voice was hard to miss.

"So, you are not worried?" Ruby asked kindly, as she watched the dark eyes skim her face.

"I am, but not about today. The Empire, Ruby, it's…" Shaking her head she closed her eyes. Soft hands reached for her cheeks and a light kiss grazed her forehead. It was acceptance, recognition of the stories that were held in the past, the undoubted history Mulan had before joining with Phillip. It was the understanding of the daunting realization that to survive and defend what she loved, Mulan would have to stand against the very Realm she had sworn her loyalty to, and to the woman guided by duty and honor that was an ultimate test. She looked into the deep orbs watching her with admiration and was it love? And, suddenly her fear and pessimism didn't seem just as strong, not while she had this beautiful and brave woman by her side, to remind her that it wasn't just for the side of the Good that she was fighting, but for so much more, so much personal goals. "How is it that you know me so?" Mulan asked in wonder before she sank into the welcoming arms, accepting the soothing peck over her lips, her own hands gliding up Ruby's back and into her lush hair that fluttered gently in the wind.

"Does it really matter?" Red murmured, not moving away from the kiss, using the last seconds she had alone with the woman to the very best, before she moved slightly away, allowing her partner to assume more 'professional' outlook in front of the guards that were coming. "I know how it to stand against your own family and kin is. I know confusion and pain it brings." Ruby murmured softly, knowing that only the warrior's keen hearing would catch her words, as she looked out to the sea, standing beside the woman. She thought back to Anita, before shaking her head, getting rid of the images going through her mind.

Mulan nodded, as she had heard the story, told in the early hours of morning, when they had been suffering from restlessness caused by stress. Finding comfort in each other, they spent most of their time together, more often than not sharing their histories, feeling free to do so perhaps for the first time in their lives. She didn't need to say anything more as she placed her hand over Ruby's on the wall, squeezing it gently, conveying everything she wanted to say through the simple touch.

"They are here," Ruby spoke softly after a while, pointing toward something in the distance.

The Prince looked out to the sea, his frown at the darkened clouds evident, as she leaned onto the wall. So entranced by the view and the rising wind sweeping over the water he missed the company that had joined them consisting of the former imp, Liam, and Belle, closely followed by Princess Aurora. As the sudden gust of freezing wet air slammed into the side of the tower, they all shuddered from the change in temperature, further flinching from the rolling thunder sounding off the high seas, as lightning tore through the dark skies. "I've never seen the storm build so fast in nature," Phillip commented over the roar of the wind, turning slightly as he felt a gentle touch of his wife on his forearm.

"That is because this storm is not natural," Rumplestiltskin offered as he strolled to the wall, his gaze pinned toward the ships with interest, his worn features easing somewhat as he realized what was happening, the grim countenance he had been sporting for days turning into a surprised blink.

"You are telling me, that is created by magic? The Savior has such power?"

It was eerie hearing Rumplestiltskin laugh with joyous glee, his eyes twinkling in the poor light of the stormy day, as the Sun was covered by the heavy clouds. "The power Savior wields is unimaginable," he commented looking at the prince, his sharp voice heard over the gale, portraying that he had spoken with experience, before he turned back to the sea. "But, no, this time it is not she who commands the weather. But, rather the allies she has managed to get us." He pointed to the waves surrounding the ships and with the bolts of lightning connecting with the foamy and wild waters, shapes could be seen in the surfs, swirling around the hulls.

"Mermaids," Belle whispered in awe as she watched the rough sea, her amazed voice almost drowned in the freezing rain that started falling. "But, Rumple, they are dangerous creatures," she said to the man beside her, grabbing his arm.

"So is Emma," he spoke to her earnestly, patting her hand with his, his gentle smile soothing her as he watched the pirate ships try to fight off the attack from the mer-people in vain, getting capsized and sank by the never ending waves and pushes from the sea dwelling creatures, inevitably drowning in the restless sea, and where a frightening fleet of scrounged ships that had caused terror at the high seas had stood at the beginning now only stormy waves existed, the waters tinged with dark indescribable colors, and the foam of the surf gleaming in the darkness. Ruby could have sworn she had heard the screams of the sailors lost to the deep waters and the monsters of the sea farers' tales, but she chose to ignore it, watching the destruction happening before her very eyes.

A soft squeeze on the Wolf's shoulder brought her attention to the one battalion of people camping out farther up the shore, and following Mulan's hand, she saw the surprise of the soldiers looking helplessly at the horizon, as the sea refused to release its victims. "They are frightened," the warrior whispered into her chilled ear, her soft breath making her shudder in the cold rain. Mulan's voice was calm, factual, but the shifter knew the woman beside her enough to realize that even the stalwart warrior was unsettled by the view.

"They should be. We all should." Then, she took Mulan's hand and guided her inside, away from the horrific show and the freezing rain, nodding to Rumplestiltskin in understanding as he motioned toward the War room and moved his lips, silently enunciating Emma's name. Yes, they would need a meeting, and soon, but first she needed to change out of the drenched clothes and to do something that would erase the vicious battle she had just witnessed. And, perhaps the woman she was holding on to would be willing to help…

Immediately after, others followed inside, Phillip telling the soldier coming to him to alert the other members of the War council that they would convene in one hour. Without a word, they all went their separate ways, their thoughts burdened by the destruction they had seen, as it was still incomprehensible to them to see such a number of ships gone, obliterated in a blink of an eye.

---

"Are we just going to ride by the siege and into the caste?" John complained incredulously as he looked over to the Savior in front of them, his tone directed at his leader riding right beside him, somewhat irritated that she hadn't slowed down the tempo for past two hours they had been at it, and his bottom was in serious danger of falling off. Robin clucked his tongue at him, glancing toward the blonde, not knowing what she would do if she heard his dissent, and honestly that woman scared him.

"We have time yet," he murmured to his second in command. "With this speed we'll need a day's ride at least to reach the place," he said trying to ease John's nerves, but hoping that they would try something as crazy as riding through the entire Midas's army to get to the castle.

"Well, actually," Emma spoke, as she pulled the reins of her horse, turning it slightly to a side, her eyes meeting the men behind her, the sharp tone of her voice making it clear that they weren't quiet enough. "We are not riding there at all," she said as she patted the neck of the black steed beneath her. Scowling at the large man barely hanging on to the saddle, she blinked slowly, considering her options. She did not need them with her, especially not the man who had done nothing but snidely comment her every move since the day she had come upon them, the new revelation of her status only making him voice the words behind her back and not to her face. And, after two hours of his incessant grumbling she was more than sick of it. But, leaving him behind was not an option, especially not in the wilderness teeming with dangers – she wasn't that cruel.

Allowing her magic to rise, she looked toward Robin, her eyes pinning him down in place and she knew that he was expecting reprimand for his man's behavior, his shoulders awkwardly hunched as he sat on his horse. "What are your orders, Robert of Locksley, for the rest of your men?" she asked him, her voice carrying the edge of authority, making him flinch, and she couldn't but not feel glad at the slight flush covering the blonde man's ears.

"To stay put until otherwise told," Robin spoke, not quite clear what the Savior intended to do. He glanced toward John, suddenly afraid for his life as the blonde woman was looking intently at his second in command.

"Did you understand your leader, or you need a written order for your elders in the camp?" came the Savior's snide comment, cold and haughty as she guided her horse toward the man, her eyes looking over him in contempt. "Now is not the time to be silent, speak!" she added, leaning over her saddle, bringing her face to him, making John get paler with each inch of space lost between. With a mutter, he nodded, a weak yes escaping his lips, as his dark eyes sharply darted to his leader and back to the cold green before him. "I trust you can deliver a simple message, yes?" Emma spoke and waved her hand over him, making him disappear into the thin air, the sudden displacement making others exclaim in surprise. "Oh, he is fine," she said exasperatedly before turning to Nasir. "Would you like to join him?" This time her voice was much kinder, portraying that she was offering him a way home earnestly, not as a threat. The assassin only shook his head, cocking his head to a side, the amusement her gesture caused him evident in his dark eyes that just made Emma smirk at him.

"Oy! Where the hell did you send him?" Robin sputtered, forcing his horse between Nasir and the Savior, his indignation overriding his senses.

"He is with the rest of your people, where he is infinitely much more useful, I assume." It was the scathing tone that she used to speak the last words that brought Robin to his senses and he fell silent, understanding that she had actually done him, and John, a favor. This way, his people would have a real, tangible proof that he was alive, someone to reassure Roland, and also John would be much more happier with his friends than on this journey as his actions of the past hours proved beyond any doubt. "Now, if you don't mind?"

"Forgive me, Savior," Robin murmured, clearly not used to saying the words.

"Here is the thing, I am going to sneak us in the Palace, and I would appreciate cooperation from you. But, if you are unwilling, or unable, I can send you to your people. The choice is yours. But, if you stay, you need to understand that I am in charge."

"I understand."

"Good, then." Emma dismounted and gestured to others to do the same. "Hold the reins tight, this can be frightening for them, and we do not need them running rampant." After she saw them follow her instructions, she wove the displacement spell, guiding them into the royal stables of the castle, remembering its layout from her last visit to the place, knowing it would be somewhat desolate and hidden from view, and perfect for her to appear at. No doubt by the moment they reach the Palace, the pirates would be long discovered and hopefully dealt with, but in any event, she had time for an impromptu council session, and for many reasons she wanted Robin there, to meet the other figures of this war effort. She did not worry about the usage of magic, feeling completely restored in the two hours she had taken to recuperate from sealing the Fortress, pacing herself with the expenditure, as she couldn't afford burning out too soon with reckless usage. As the spell took hold, she smiled, actually looking forward to the meet.

She found herself in the stables, Robin and Nasir standing beside her. With a quick look around, she found empty stalls and motioned to the others to take care of the horses before she turned to take the saddle off Shadow when she heard soft footfalls on the hay covered stone floor and a startled gasp from behind her.

"Emma?" a voice of a child trembled with hope and tears, the blonde instantly recognizing the boy. Turning toward him, she lowered herself to one knee and opened her arms, knowing that the affectionate child her family had picked up in Neverland missed her greatly. "Eli – Elias said you were gone…" the sweet boy spoke through his trembling lips as he stepped toward her, still not believing his wide eyes.

"I am here, Bobby," she whispered gently and it was her voice that made the boy jump into her arms. After their adventure in the Pits, Emma had made a point to visit with the boy, enjoying his cheery smile, and aside from Elias, he was the only one of the Neverland children that would approach her, others uninterested.

"I knew it," Emma heard and looked up to see Elias running toward them, also joining them in the hug, his usual restraint forgotten at the sight of the blonde. "I knew you'd come back!" The deceptively strong small arms of the boy went around her neck, and it was then that Emma realized that the dream she had had before had troubled even more than she had guessed. Having the boy, unharmed and alive, in her arms, eased some of the nervous currant she had been under the past several days.

"Elias," the blonde whispered softly, her gloved hand reaching for his tousled hair as she smiled at him warmly, completely ignoring the two men behind her. She was more than aware that those two had not seen her that affectionate with anyone in the time she had spent with them, even Nasir who had seen her with Roland. "Still watching after the horses?" she asked softly after rising to her feet, keeping her hand on Elias's shoulder and Bobby's back as she guided them toward Shadow.

"They think we are best to be occupied," Elias answered smartly as he saw the horse Emma brought him to. "She is beautiful," he whispered in awe as he reached forward, offering his hand to the black mare in greeting.

"Smart, too. One of the Camelot's." Those words did not make only Elias gasp in surprise, but the adults tagging along, as well. Well, Emma supposed, having a horse out of a legend would do that… "Can you take care of her while I am here?"

"Yes, yes, sure," the boy murmured, his hands already passing over the silken hair of the horse's flank. "I can find you a better saddle, too," Elias added, glancing toward the Savior in askance, obviously noticing the ordinary craftsmanship of the gear. Receiving approving nod from the blonde, he and Bobby started filling the buckets with water and feed.

"Help them, and stay out of trouble," Emma spoke to the men, gesturing to Nasir to help with taking the saddle and the tack of the tall horse. "I will come and get you when I need you," she added to Robin, her underlying order to stay put clear, as she took off most of her weapons and burdens, leaving only her dagger at the belt and sword at the back, leaving the others beside her saddle bags Nasir had already taken down. He did understand that, for he was not familiar with the castle and roaming the halls would only get him lost. With a nod, he joined the boys, leaving the Savior, Emma, to her business.

The woman shook her head and pulled her hood over her head, using a shortcut to the kitchens, as she was in need of sustenance, having not eaten properly in what amounted to days, and all the best information was to be gathered in the bustling areas of the castle. She had no doubt that the master cook would be willing to indulge her, so with a smile she sneaked off to the heated halls of the cook's domain.

"Out of the way, you lug," someone addressed her as she crossed the threshold into the working area where she saw familiar faces preparing lunch. Stepping aside to let a young man carrying a sack of what seemed to be potatoes, she chuckled at the boy, knowing that if he had known who he had addressed as such, he would've fainted on the spot. "Lunch is not for another hour at least," the man grumbled as he walked off to a working bench, preparing to peel.

"What are you on about, Harold?" the familiar voice groused from the side of the room, where William stood, cutting up the freshly skinned meat, his hands diligently moving.

"The lad here just stands in the way," the potato man spoke pointing at Emma with his knife behind his back, not even deeming her important enough to look over to her.

"What lad?" William asked, looking up and then when he saw the person standing in the corner by the entrance he wiped his hands of his apron. "Yes?" he asked, scowling at the interruption but he knew better than to snipe at one of the dark knights. But, then, he did not think one of them would wander in way before lunch, not without a specific need.

Emma only lifted her head, allowing the man to fully see her face and watched his expression turn from scowl to complete bewilderment and then poorly hidden elation and joy. "Gods be blessed, your Highness!" he whispered, walking toward Emma, almost skipping to her. She shook her head as she glanced around and nodded off to a nook to a side, telling him that she would sit there. He clasped his hands and bowed lightly, rushing toward his station, quickly ordering others to pick up his part of the work, while he gathered some things around. In the matter of minutes, the small table where Emma was sitting was overflowing with fresh bread, a bowl of venison broth and grilled vegetables, as the cook joined her, positioned in such way to hide her from the rest of the room. "You look terrible, your Highness," William whispered, a tinge of worry evident in his voice as his eyes passed over her somewhat gaunt face. "When was the last time you ate?"

"It hasn't been a priority, William," Emma replied slowly, taking his offerings with a pleased smile. "And, it's not like I have the Royal larders at my disposal."

"I hear we have you to thank for that," the cook spoke carefully, throwing his glance around, pleased to see that all the others were too busy to listen in, his hand cautiously landing on her forearm before he snatched it up, aware that it had been a breach of protocol. But, the blonde's smile put him at ease, as he relaxed into his seat.

"What else have you heard?" She had been right, the servants usually knew much more than anyone gave them credit, and she was about to hear all the relevant gossips and opinions. "Fill me in," she commanded gently, as she ate, immensely enjoying the meal.

And, William did fill her in. She learned that in twenty minutes from then a War council would start, to discuss the strange storm right at the shores of the castle that apparently took out an unknown fleet right before their walls. He told her about the high tensions running in the castle as the people were terrified with the army at their door and no way out. It did not make it easier that they housed a bunch of werewolves, as the people were still very wary of the supernaturals and magic. After telling her the main points, William gave her the details on her friends and the children, knowing that she would want to know that they were alright for the time being. Emma was informed that the entire East wing was sealed off in anticipation of the arrival of the White family, and that apparently she had her own quarters there. So, as she ate, she soaked in all the tidbits that she could find useful for later, infinitely pleased that Ariel had come true for her.

"You are not staying, are you?" the old man spoke softly as she pushed out the bowl away from her. He looked at her knowingly, his eyes showing sadness at the prospect of her going away into the unknown once more.

"My work is out there, William." She replied to him gently, knowing that the man for his all hard glares and stickling to the protocol was fond of her, and she could not but share that feeling. Patting his shoulder, she rose from the nook and sighed, pleasantly full for the first time in a long while. With a tight smile she nodded to him and slipped out of the bustling kitchens, as if she was never there. And, if there were no dirty dishes beside him, William would sincerely doubt that she had ever been there.

Walking in the stables, she found the men entertaining the two boys with the tales of adventures Robin had with his men before the curse, chuckling at the awed sighs coaxed from the children. Stepping into the light, she drew attention to herself. "Sorry, boys, we need to go to the War room," she announced and Elias nodded in understanding. After light departing hugs, Emma guided the men to the meeting place, using her knowledge of the castle to bring them up unnoticed, wanting to surprise the people in War room, quite aware that it would be considered dramatic and highly unnecessary. Seeing the guard standing in front of the heavy wooden doors, she smiled, taking off her hood, enjoying the surprised gasps of the two men. "Am I late?" she asked with a teasing edge to her voice as she looked into the familiar faces of the soldiers, placing her hand onto the shoulder of the soldier standing to the left, recognizing him from the gate duty in the Safe Haven. "Are all in there, Gareth?" Emma spoke gently, allowing him to gather his wits before a large smile covered his face as he nodded. "Am I allowed in?" she whispered to him, as he made no indication to move, prompting him into action.

"Yes, Savior! Of course," he spoke quickly, opening the door for her, blushing at her smile directed at his floundering. She motioned for the two men with her to enter first as she hang back just a bit longer.

"Do you think it would be possible for the people to somehow learn that the Savior is here?" she asked the soldiers, listening to the rumble coming out of the room. "Perhaps, not right away, but during the changeover for the lunch?"

"Of course, Savior," Gareth spoke, his dutiful manner restored. "Anything in particular?" He asked looking at the woman he had thought dead.

"Just that I have found friends and that we are working from the outside to end this," Emma replied as she turned to go in.

"Savior?" Gareth whispered before she passed him. "I am glad you are here," he added, staring straight ahead. In response, she only patted his shoulder and as she went in, the door closed, letting all the eyes in the room focus on her.

With nonchalance she took off her gloves, tucking them at her belt and shrugging off her cloak, she walked over to the round table, ignoring the soft spoken questions directed at her, picking a seat for herself, summoning two more chairs for her companions. As she sat down, she smiled at her godmother, the gentle gesture enough to make the shifter jump into her arms. "Gods be damned, Emma," Ruby murmured into her shoulder, "I missed you," hugging the life out of her. "You look like hell," she added as she moved slightly away, the worried deep blue eyes passing over her face.

"I've been told," Emma replied, patting the wolf's shoulder, before she leaned back slightly and nodded to the stoic warrior seated beside her godmother, noticing the scrutiny in her eyes as well. "I am fine," she spoke clearly, her words not meant to her friends only but to all gathered there.

"As promised, Sheriff Swan," Rumplestiltskin spoke loudly, bringing attention to himself, "the Council." She did not miss his pleased look as he considered her, noticing that she did already look somewhat better than that morning. Then, he turned toward the guests and frowned, recognizing the blonde man immediately. "And, I see you've brought friends."

"Be nice, Rumple," Emma spoke as she gestured to them to sit down. "Robin Hood and Nasir of Agrabah, everyone." She didn't even bother to introduce the others to the Merry Men, knowing that Robin knew most of them by reputation if not by face and it would only take the precious time of the meeting. "So, now that this is out of the way, how do you like your new keep?" she asked looking at Aurora and Phillip, her eyes gentling as she watched the Princess smile at her in gratitude.

"We are forever in your debt, Savior," Aurora spoke regally as her eyes connected to the tired ones across of her. "Yet another instance of you saving our lives," she said, smirking as she noticed Emma scoff softly at the play of words. "But, it could not have been easy securing the alliance with the Merfolk," Aurora went on, not willing to waste time on small talk, quite aware of the pressing issues.

"It is a personal favor, but no doubt there would be Realm wide stipulations. However, I will make sure they are fair to both sides."

"Of course, Sheriff. We will abide by your ruling." Aurora replied gracefully, her proclamation followed agreeing nod from her True Love, telling Emma that the only remaining Royals, apart from Midas, in the Enchanted Forest would agree upon the deal she would strike with the notorious sea dwellers.

"And, this talk of the Empire, is it true?" Phillip asked, leaning forward.

"Yes," Emma replied shortly, turning her head to Mulan, knowing that the next part of her news would be hard on the woman. "Emperor is dead, and now the crux of power lies with the corrupt council led by Advisor Kim." She ignored the hardening of the woman's features and the mumbled oath that only she and Ruby heard, the sharp words making the shifter raise her eyebrows in astonishment. "However, we have managed to secure what was left of the Imperial Guard to our side, led by Commander Li Chen." The impact her words made was instantaneous. Mulan knew the man in question and was quite pleased to hear of his survival. And, honestly, that was the only recommendation the Savior needed for the man. With some hesitation she went into explanation about what she had found at the Forbidden Fortress, not drawing any attention to Aurora's startled gasp and Phillip's darkening face at the mention of the place, further delving into the news about the Imperial Guard, her eyes apologetic for bringing such terrible news to her friend.

"What does that mean in practical sense for us, Savior?" the lieutenant of the Black Knights, Damian, spoke respectfully after the silence elapsed for more than a minute.

"They are not ready to ride out in full force just yet, and that gives us a little bit of time," the Savior said as she rose from her place, spreading the large treated leather map over the table, using her magic to fashion small figurines portraying known positions at the current theater of war, knowing that the military minds at the table would appreciate the visuals. "So far, they only have three regiments deep within our territories, acting as a supply chain for the army here," she explained the positions of the entrenched battalions, telling them about her idea to decimate them with the Imperial Guard at her side, lightening the pressure from the Castle itself, and eventually attacking the army from the West, pinching it against the walls of the keep. "Hammer and anvil, if you will," she remarked, seeing the nods follow her suggestion. Then she let the people around discuss the various tactics and plans, as she watched the map, considering all the numbers she was holding in her head. The numbers of dead, of enemies, of victims… Her dreams weighted heavily on her, especially as she paid some attention to the ideas some of them offered. Emma heard Nasir talk with Mulan about fighting the small regiments of the supply chains, portraying her fighting skills with awe, completely oblivious to the fact that it had been Mulan who had taught her how to wield her sword in such way. The mention of so many kills darkened her face.

"But, you are not going to do it that simply, are you?" Belle inquired, noticing the shadow passing over Emma's eyes as she looked over the map. The blonde looked up into the gentle pale eyes filled with cautious inquiry and realized that Rumplestiltskin had filled his chosen in on the green witch, which meant that Belle was fully aware what kind of sorcery Emma was against, which in turn made her understand the choice laid before the Savior.

"Not, if I can help it." She leaned onto her fists, her hair falling down over her shoulders. "I am pretty sure, most of the people involved in this are not volunteering, and that makes them innocent." The heaviness she felt over that choice was felt around the room, evident in the silence that followed her words. No one wanted to be responsible for the deaths of many innocents, despite belonging to the proclaimed 'good' side, and Emma knew that they had left that decision to her because it was easier for them to excuse it as a necessity, if the 'all-mighty' Savior said so… It was the selfish desire to be absolved of guilt and responsibility, one that Emma herself felt but had no reprieve from, so she could not blame the others for doing so. However, she could not tamper down the resentment she felt for them, leaving such decision in her hands, letting her to pay the price all by herself, regardless of the choice she would make. The hopeful glances thrown her way from the two Royals, three soldiers, the chief of the wolves and her companions from the Sherwood prickled over her skin, irritation sparking in her, and the need to lash out, to destroy their hope, to stump all over their belief in her rose within her. However she fought against it, recognizing that nothing good would come out of it, gnashing her teeth in her attempt to control herself. But, it wasn't until she heard Robin's offhanded comment whispered to Nasir that she snapped.

"Why not kill them all right away, as they are sure to fight to the death?" he murmured to his friend, crossing his hands on his chest as he leaned back into his seat, his eyes darting over the map. "Why waste time on saving someone who cannot be saved?"

She moved before anyone could even react to his comment, snatching him out of his chair and slamming him into the wall at the far side of the room, her magic flowing out of her, rampant and fueled by the building anger, bleeding into her eyes, her skin, making her appear glowing with terrifying gleam, her pale skin seaming even paler, contrasting sharply with her dark clothes. With the golden tresses fluttering behind her in the non-existent magical breeze, she was both beautiful beyond measure and petrifying, making the blood of the people present freeze with the cold fear streaming through them. This woman, this force, was nothing like the kind Sheriff of Storybrooke or the valiant Savior of the Safe Haven. This was another entity entirely, mighty and awe-inspiring, reminding Belle of the stories of mercurial Gods from the mythologies she had read in the town library. An angel of vengeance, dispensing the divine justice upon the Earth, merciless but righteous…

When Nasir moved to help his friend, he was welcomed by a blade upon his neck, the woman warrior beside him giving him a warning look not to interfere, while others stood by, too startled to move, and yet unwilling to step in, as they all had heard the comment and judged it foolish, leaving the Sheriff to deal with it as she saw fit.

"Who gave you the right to decide the lives of others?" the Savior spoke coldly, her hand holding the taller man high in the air, pressed against the wall, as she watched him struggle to breathe. "Who gave you the right to decide who is not worth saving?" she growled at him, bringing him down so she could lean into his face, all the menace shown in her pale blue eyes glinting with power, as the air crackled around her, pressing, shifting around her. "Are you that conceited that you would willingly command thousands to die just because they are of inconvenience to you?"

"Emma," Belle tried to interfere, not because she thought the blonde was wrong but because she didn't think the Sheriff would want this on her conscience. "Emma, he doesn't know," she implored as she moved away from the table, slowly walking toward the woman, gently encouraged by Rumple's light squeeze on her upper arm as she passed his seat.

Still holding on to his neck, the Savior brought Robin down to his knees, easing the pressure somewhat, allowing him to gulp in some air, as she turned to look at the kind woman who by some twist of fate was her in-law, watching her approach with interest, waiting for the librarian to continue, listening to the calming tones of her friend. "Doesn't know what?" she asked, cold anger still evident in her tone, but not directed at the approaching girl.

"He doesn't know the suffering you have endured for choices you had to make and that have been made for you," Belle answered, already knowing what would reach Emma, having thought about this in the moments she had been worried about her friend. "He cannot know the burden you wear on your shoulders, none of them can." And, it was the truth, no one, not even Rumplestiltskin could know what it was like to be the Savior, to be the answer to everything, to be a mortal with the duties of Gods. "They do not know the pain you have been through, and the sacrifices you have given for them." Speaking clearly, she was no longer trying to convince Emma to stop, as the Savior had been focused on her, relaxing her grip on the Thief. She was trying to make others understand that Emma was not a god given answer to their every problem, she wasn't their absolution, despite her title, and the change in Emma's eyes, the barely there warmth that peaked through the magic showed her that her friend recognized that.

"No, they don't," Emma agreed, blinking slowly as she allowed her magic to recede slowly. However she still had Robin in her captivity, and focusing back on him, she brought him to his feet. Seeing the change in his countenance, the blind fear giving way to his remorse and admiration, she scoffed at him coldly, repulsed by his quick change of heart and apparent acceptance of her will. "I do not need your sympathy or your admiration. All I need is your compliance and your fighting skills. And, if I cannot have that, then you go back to whatever hole you were crawling in, left to fend for yourself. Do I make myself clear?" There was no mistake in the ultimatum she had posed to him, and Robin knew that he had crossed the line that day, one that he might never manage to recover from, and recognizing that his one moment of flippancy had cost him plenty, he gave the only answer possible.

"Yes, Savior."

"Good." Stepping away from him, she stalked out of the room, effectively ending the meeting, wrenching the door open with the remnants of her magic, ignoring the calls after her as she directed herself to the east corridor.

"Hello, stranger," Belle spoke as she reached for his neck.

"Thank you for saving me," Robin spoke as he turned to Belle checking him for permanent injuries. "Again," he added with a smirk as he had recognized the woman that had helped him out of the cells of the Dark Castle.

"I didn't do it for you," Belle spoke softly, satisfied that apart from the bruised throat, the thief before her had not suffered much. "I am glad she didn't kill you," she said at the startled look in his eyes, "because I know your death would have weighed heavily on her conscience the minute she calmed down." Patting his shoulder, she shook her head in disappointment as she looked over him. "For one who would dare to steal from Rumplestiltskin for his love, I had higher hopes, especially in understanding her, as no price is too great if a life could be saved." The kind librarian then turned around, as her eyes connected with Rumplestiltskin in a silent conversation, she gestured to her shifter friend, knowing that the last thing Emma needed now was to be left alone, and as Ruby and she were the closest friends the Savior had at the moment, Belle made the decision for both of them, as Ruby wholeheartedly agreed, jumping to her with her preternatural speed, leaving the others in the frenzy of the aftermath, the two visitors left under uncomfortable scrutiny of the remaining people.

"Why do you follow her obediently so?" Nasir asked the warrior woman beside him, a mix of awe and fear in his voice heard by Mulan, making her scowl at him as she nodded in acceptance when the shifter threw her an explaining look before leaving. Then, she turned toward the assassin and looked at him hard, sheathing her sword with force, making it ring out over the sounds of murmurs, stopping all conversation.

"It is not obedience," the warrior spoke sharply, purposefully letting her voice be heard by all of them, specifically the thief that still stood by the wall, rubbing his throat. "I do not follow her blindly, nor would she want me to. The reason I do it is respect. Respect she has earned time and time again by making choices I admire her for. By not doing things the easier way, but the right one, by doing everything in her power to bring peace to all… I follow her because I know, without any doubt that she would do her best. There isn't a person here she hasn't saved at her own expense, when she could have just walked away, saying that it wasn't her business – and with every right as she had no interest in this world." Then, she stepped toward the Royals, accepting Aurora's gentle touch on her forearm and Phillip's approving look.

"She is slipping," the shifter commented sadly as she followed the scent left by the Savior, deeply concerned about her goddaughter and friend. Her only answer was a deep sigh leaving the petite woman's lips as they rushed toward the quarters they had set aside for the Charming family, not even surprised that Emma had somehow found the room her things had been stored at.

Carefully, the Wolf opened the door of the Crown Heir quarters, slowly peaking in to see if it was safe to enter. Her eyes glided over the dark room, her enhanced vision able to pick up a figure standing in front of the wall beside the shutters leading to the terrace, bracing itself with hands against the surface, with head bowed down and back turned to the door. Entering the room, Ruby walked to Emma, noticing the shaking shoulders and hitching breath the instant she was close to her. "Oh, Em," the girl whispered as she drew herself behind the Savior, only inches of space between them.

"I'm fine," the blonde tried to say, but her cracking voice stopped her, as she flexed her shoulders, bringing her body closer to the wall. A scratch of a match was heard behind them and the sizzling whoosh of a wick on fire, followed by a point of light illuminating them, throwing their shadows onto the stone wall, made Emma flinch, pressing herself harder away from the light. "I don't need…" she spoke, but Ruby placed her hands onto the shaking shoulders, familiar with the effects of the adrenalin crash.

"What you need is couple hours of sleep," the Wolf spoke calmly, but insistently, pulling her goddaughter away from the corner and toward the now illuminated sitting room, appreciating Belle's quick work with lanterns and candles, the soft dancing light strong enough for their needs and yet not intrusive and sharp on eyes. "Ems, you need rest." Ruby knew that Emma would fight her on the subject, so preemptively she started speaking, pushing the girl onto the sofa there, kneeling before her. "I know you think you don't have the time, but if you don't take the time and go nuts, we all are going to die, regardless of what you want. So, you need a break."

"She is right, you know?" Belle added softly, taking her seat beside them. "You can't keep running on pure adrenalin and magic."

"When was the last time you slept?" Ruby pressed, her hands on Emma's thighs, looking up into the deeply bruised eyes, the contrast gotten even stronger in the last several minutes.

"I don't remember," Emma whispered, shaking her head. "When I sleep you are all dead," she added absently as she slumped back into the sofa, giving up the fight, making both women beside her frown in bewilderment.

"I don't understand," the shifter looked at her friend in question.

"I think she means her dreams," Belle spoke sadly, gently pulling the despondent blonde into more comfortable position against her shoulder.

"Nightmares," the Savior murmured with some irritation for them talking as if she wasn't there. "Whenever I sleep, I see people I killed, I see you tortured and destroyed. I see…" Suddenly, Emma struggled to get up, her countenance changing. "No, I need to get back, I need to find Chen and…"

"Emma, you told us that you need to go to him in the morning," Ruby gently stopped the blonde from rising out of her position, using her strength to restrain her friend. "Come on, let's get you in bed, and like the last time, I'll watch over you, keep the dreams away."

"I'm not a baby," Emma complained, but without fire in her voice, sagging with exhaustion.

"No, you are not. Just our friend who is very, very tired." Ruby took the blonde's hands and pulled her up to her feet, guiding her to the bedroom, as Belle scurried in front of them to light several more candles. With tenderness, Ruby and Belle managed to disrobe her, making no comment at the presence of the chainmail and the hidden weapons. Leaving her only in the undershirt, Ruby guided Emma into the downy bed, settling beside her as she covered the blonde with the warm comforter. "Sleep," the shifter encouraged softly, seeing that the soft bed was destroying what was left of Emma's fight with her tiredness. "We'll watch over, you are safe." And, it was only then that the Savior surrendered to the pull of unconsciousness, her features still portraying stress she was under.

Belle sat on the other side of the bed, her knees curled in front of her as she pushed away the blonde locks from the pale face, before she looked up into the worried eyes of the werewolf on the other side. The shifter was leaning against the headboard, turned toward her goddaughter, her intent as a protector clear, as her keen eyes watched over the blonde's features, ready to intervene the second Emma showed any sign of distress. "She's lost weight," Ruby commented in a soft whisper, sensing the eyes on her. "I don't think she can go on like this for much longer."

"I know," Belle murmured in agreement as she shifted into more comfortable position, still keeping Emma in between them. "But, with rest and warm food, maybe we can give her more time."

"To do what?" The shifter asked in anguish, purposefully keeping her voice low, her attention drawn to a whimper escaping the blonde. Immediately, the girl placed her soothing hand onto Emma's shoulder, gently rubbing calming circles into her back. "She may be the most powerful creature to ever walk these lands, but not even she can stand alone against twenty thousand soldiers," Ruby spoke after a moment, pleased that her intervention worked.

"She is not alone." It wasn't Belle that spoke but the warrior woman standing in the doorway of the bedroom, mindful of the quiet atmosphere inside. With light steps Mulan walked over to Ruby's side and placing her hand on the woman's shoulder in rarely shown affection, she looked over the curled body of the Savior, the blonde woman looking nothing like the commanding and larger than life person she usually appeared as.

Belle noticed the greeting smile Ruby directed at the warrior, the presence of it making her own lips twist in one, as she rose from the bed, pressing down the front of her dress. "I need to speak with Rumple," she quickly invented a reason for leaving them, speaking of it before either one of the women could ask her where she was going. "I'll bring back some lunch later, if you want?" she asked as she turned to leave, knowing that giving those two the time alone was the right thing to do. And, she indeed needed to speak with Rumplestiltskin. Just before she left, she glanced back and smiled at the scene. Mulan had sat beside Ruby, holding her hand in hers, as they looked over the sleeping hero, huddled in a hushed conversation.

The minute she left the quarters, a hand circled around her elbow, and another woman followed her in step, letting her direct them to their next destination. "How is she?" Aurora asked after several moments as they ventured into the familiar rooms, meeting their loved ones inside, Rumplestiltskin already offering Phillip a cup of watered wine.

"Sleeping," the librarian spoke as she closed the door behind her, her eyes going to her True Love. "I think her nightmares are getting much worse," she told him, accepting a chalice for herself, before she took her seat. "And, there isn't much we can do for her."

"You are doing what is needed, darling Belle. She needs to rest and put away her mantle for a while, and in a few hours she will be recharged and ready to go on." Rumple sat beside his beloved, taking her free hand into his. "She is a strong one, dearie."

"She has already stopped one attack on us, perhaps even more," Phillip spoke as he pulled Aurora into his arms, letting her head fall onto his shoulder. "The Empire's army will not reach us before ten days of hard march at least, and with the elimination of the chains, I do not think we have much to fear from Midas's army. Especially, not in this weather." He gestured to the window, where the light of day was obscured with heavy snow fall, the earlier rain having tapered off. "I think that gives us a bit of leeway."

"I agree," Rumple nodded at the prince, before he sipped his drink. "But, it wouldn't do to grow complacent now. We still don't know what the Wicked Witch exactly wants." He could assume it had something to do with Regina, but what, and in what way, he didn't know.

"So, what can we do to help Emma?" Aurora asked earnestly.

"Nothing we aren't already doing," the old man murmured softly looking at the Royals across from him. "We can only wait for the moment she needs us and follow her directions. Until then, we do our best to stay safe and survive." His words were followed by a heavy silence as others contemplated the future.

Two hours later, Belle ushered in two kitchen aids carrying food into the quarters Emma currently resided in, motioning for them to keep quiet as she opened the door to the sleeping chamber. As soon as she walked in, Mulan moved to help out, her deadly skill perfectly used in setting down the overflowing platters without sound, her eyes widening at the amount of the food on them. Due to their situation, the kitchen had been under strict orders to use prescribed portions for the people of the castle, to prevent overindulging on the supplies, but it would seem that in this instant that order was countermanded, or more likely, outright ignored, as she knew who exactly the man in charge of the food was. As she glanced toward the bookworm in inquiry, Belle only smiled in explanation.

"She looks better already," the librarian spoke as she stepped to the bed. Ruby nodded in response, her hand on Emma's back, in constant motion.

"I think her magic is making her better," the Wolf commented, as she too had noticed the lessening bruises and fresher skin on the Savior's face. Accepting the plate with nibbles from the warrior, the shifter ate slowly, as others made themselves comfortable on the large bed, content to continue their vigil in silence, letting the hours pass.

It was late afternoon when they moved, alerted by the soft murmur coming from the wakening blonde. "Hey, Ems," Ruby spoke gently from her place, letting her friend open her eyes slowly. "Hey there," she whispered with a smile, as Emma groaned quietly in response, before she turned to her back. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." The sleep roughened voice of their friend eased their worries. "Did you all stay with me?" Emma asked in wonder as she saw all three of them around her, pulling herself up in the seated position, keeping the comforter around her body as she leaned against the pillows Ruby helped her place against the headboard.

"We did promise to keep you safe," Belle said with some humor, giving Emma a cup of water.

"Guys, really," Emma started, somewhat uncomfortable with such show of care, but a gentle squeeze from the werewolf at her side silenced her further words, so she drank the water and later, ate the food given to her without complaint, involving her friends in mindless chat, enjoying the light conversation for the first time in a long while. It was only when Ruby suggested a warm bath that others moved, willing to give her privacy.

"Belle," Emma asked after the woman as others left, Ruby taking upon herself to fill the large copper tub in the bathing chamber adjacent to the bedroom, and Mulan off to bring the saddlebags from the stables. When the petite woman waited for her, the blonde pushed herself out of the bed, ignoring her state of undress and reached for Belle's hand. "The diary. I am going to need it back."

"Of course, Emma. I'll go get it." Seeing the Savior nod in relief, Belle approached closer to the blonde, squeezing her hand in support. "You found a way to send it over?" the intelligent woman asked, smiling at the inquiring eyebrow lifted her way. "Well, as you were dealing with mermaids, I just thought…"

"Yes," Emma confirmed softly, interrupting the smart librarian. "They need a warning, and I am going to give them one."

"Do you trust the messenger?"

Emma snorted as she sat back down onto the bed. "Not particularly, but I trust her desire to find her own happiness. And, once upon a time she was Snow's friend." Belle nodded with a light chuckle, considering the situation very lucky for the blonde – finding the one mermaid who had been a friend of her mother's… But, again as she turned to leave, a soft call of her name stopped her, and this time she recognized the expression on Emma's face. "I… Thank you. For…" she tried to say but a gentle hand on her cheek stopped her, bringing her face up to meet tender light blue eyes, the compassion in them evident despite the poor light in the room.

"You are welcome," the girl said softly, as she forced Emma's eyes to stay connected with hers. "But, I don't think you were going to seriously harm him, despite your anger," Belle spoke with assurance and honesty.

"I'm not so sure," Emma replied warily, looking away.

"I am, and as you know I am a good judge of character," the kind woman pushed through Emma's insecure response, her pointed tone making the blonde smile in acceptance. "Now, I'll leave you to your bath, while I get the diary. Oh, a point of style? Now that you have announced yourself as alive, perhaps you should wear something more… dashing?"

"I am not taking my father's armor," Emma replied firmly, shaking her head. "It's heavy and cumbersome, and I already have protection."

"No, I was thinking more in line of wearing clothes of better quality," the woman said, gesturing toward the wardrobe where she knew that Emma's things from the village had been stored, including many pieces from Regina's castle. At Emma's raised eyebrows, Belle chuckled. "You are the Charming Heir, and the Savior, and the Sheriff, and perhaps a carrier of quite a few more titles. You should look the part. It would make the people you meet on the way more receptive." It was the way of this world, as people had been conditioned to respond to royalty in such ways.

"Freaking snobs," the blonde woman muttered as she walked toward the wardrobe, but before she opened it she noticed the weapon situated against it. It was the sword Regina had given her, along with the beautiful scabbard the Queen had magicked for her, the silver details gleaming in the candle light, and the leather twine belt had been wrapped around it, the tipped edges of it matching the craftsmanship perfectly. The Savior picked it up reverently, her hand going over the familiar hilt in tender caress, the sword evoking so many memories of those two days she had spent with her True Love, making her smile, lost in the past. Seeing the faraway expression on her friend's face, Belle left quietly, not willing to disturb Emma out of her pleasant moment, rushing off to get the notebook she had been entrusted with.

After a long and relaxing bath, Emma dressed into robes Ruby had left for her, not yet willing to put on her clothes, and walked to the study desk situated in the sitting portion of her quarters, noticing that Mulan had already brought the rest of her things there. With a careless wave of her hand, she lit the remaining lanterns in the room, before she summoned her new diary out of the bag, opening it at the last written page, the quill and inkwell ready for her on the desk. This entry, she knew, was the whole point of sending the diaries across the borders of the worlds, and she could not but be nervous about what she was about to put down in words for her True Love to learn. So, with a heavy heart, she called upon her courage and took the quill, penning down the lines with care, continuing the tale from the last place she had stopped, leaving nothing out, every event explained and followed with her reasoning. She hesitated over introducing the Witch by her name, the quill leaving a large blot on the paper for being still for too long, but then, Emma blinked and continued on, her hand shaking slightly as she wrote down her encounter with the green enemy. Finishing up, she left the ink to dry while she walked toward her bed, thinking about what to wear.

She anticipated being outside in the cold for most of the time, and she needed to dress accordingly, so with consideration, she took one of her thick turtlenecks, putting it on over her tank top, spending only seconds on remarking how lean and muscled she looked, her body seemingly carved out of hard stone. The fitted pants she chose were made of pliant black leather, the lining made of the softest wool and silk she had ever felt, making them warm and stylish at the same time. Then, she set aside the chainmail, the leather tunic she was to wear over it and the fur fitted velvet cloak that completed the combination.

"There, you look better already," a voice made her roll her eyes as she glanced toward the intruder, not surprised at all to find the shifter leaning against the door to the bedroom, the keen eyes going over her frame in scrutiny. "No, really," Ruby continued at Emma's scoff. "You look sleek and dangerous. Sexy."

"Careful, Rubes, I am taken," Emma spoke in joke as she passed by her friend, checking her lightly with her shoulder on the way, chuckling as she strolled over to the couch, knowing that with Ruby's presence others would come soon enough, as she had expressed her wish to leave before the night's end.

"As am I, but it doesn't mean I cannot tell you how hot you actually look," Ruby replied teasingly before stopping in alarm, realizing what she had actually said to her goddaughter. "I mean…"

"Yeah, about that," Emma said, smirking at her friend, letting the uncomfortable silence build, enjoying the light blush on the woman's cheeks, before she decided to have mercy on the girl. "I am happy for you," she added earnestly, her eyes shining with happiness she felt for the shifter, as she had needed only seconds in Mulan's presence to realize their connection and the depth of their relationship. "For both of you, actually."

"It's a strange thing," Ruby spoke after a while, her blush gone as she sat down beside the blonde Sheriff, their position reminiscent of so many times they had chatted in Storybrooke before the curse breaking. "We bonded over your death," the shifter spoke uncomfortably, looking away from the other woman. "She was… Everything that I needed then, and after, it just… She plays with my wolf." Emma smiled at the apparent adoration in Ruby's voice, not missing the awed look in the deep blue eyes. "She sees me, not Red, or even Ruby, or whatever, but me. And, in turn, she lets me see her for who she really is." Ruby turned to Emma, her blush returning at the smug smirk directed her way. "But, you already know this."

The blonde only shrugged non-committally, calling out for others to enter when a knock sounded at the chamber door. As she expected, it was the rest of the small council formed at the village, the two royals, Rumple with his beautiful True Love and Mulan, followed by two people carrying platters with food. At Emma's inquiring look, Mulan shrugged. "Master William's compliments," she only said, but it was explanation enough. Her comment about larders might have had something to do with it. The evening was spent in easy conversation, everyone abstaining from heavy topics as if it had been agreed upon, focusing mostly on the humorous day to day interactions in the castle, providing a much needed tension relief for most of them, not just Emma. She even offered Ruby to write a letter to Granny, which the girl took gratefully, using the supplies already strewn on Emma's desk, still participating in the conversation. The keen green eyes connected with the dark ones, her offer the same, but the old man smiled gratefully and shook his head, and Emma understood. The former imp wasn't much for words anyways.

During diner they ate in her quarters, the blonde learned that Phillip had placed the two men that had come with her in the guest quarters, informing them of someone getting them when the Savior was ready to move. The young royal also mentioned to her about dealing with the people suspected of treason, all of them sequestered in the dungeons of the keep, under guard. The presence of Wolves helped out, Emma concluded, as their keen senses could sniff out the traitors under Mulan's careful directions. She also learned more of the commander she was about to meet from Mulan, the warrior telling her of her time serving under him. One piece of information did surprise her though. "Emperor was his maternal grand uncle," Mulan spoke softly while others were engaged in deliberation of something else. "The closest thing to a father he had. His death must have been hard on him." Shortly after that, all but Rumple and Belle retired, urged on by the Savior as she had seen their drooping expressions, the two of them deciding to see the blonde off, despite the lateness of the hour it would occur at.

Two hours before dawn, she stood in the stables, saddling up Shadow with the new light saddle Elias had provided, much more suited for a warrior than the one she had been using previously. Beside her, Belle was petting the magnificent animal, thoroughly in awe of the rare breed, while Rumplestiltskin stood aside, leaning onto his cane and watching his darling whisper gently to the horse. As the heavy thuds of footfalls announced people coming, Emma left the stall and stood by her teacher, her arms crossed over her chest. She had decided to leave most of her things behind, as she could pop up to pick them up if she needed, and apart from her weapons, and small satchel filled with what she deemed as necessary, there wasn't much she needed. "Two days," she said to Rumplestiltskin, answering his unasked question about her return. "The wards should stop her mirror magic and keep you safe from the barrage." At that moment, Robin and Nasir walked in, led by the lieutenant of the black knights. "We're leaving shortly," she told them before calling Damian to her side. "I hear you have been instrumental in organizing the defense of the keep," Emma said to the man, her appreciation clear in her voice as she waved away his bow. As he respectfully waited for her to continue on, she took in his outlook. When she had sent word that she wanted her companions brought down to the stables, she hadn't expected him personally to deliver them, knowing that the man was one of the key people in the military structure of the castle. But, as she had seen him lead the two men, his face portraying obvious displeasure toward the thieves, Emma had realized that he had done so out of respect for her. Respect that had nothing to do with her titles, or origins, but with who she was to their mistress. "Thank you."

The knight only inclined his head in acknowledgement, otherwise unmoving under her look. But, then he shifted, squaring his shoulders. "If I may, Savior?" he asked in gruff whisper. Emma nodded graciously at him, as she glanced toward others, deeming them too busy with horses to listen in. "When I learned of your Highness's demise at Wolf's Col, I thought the world was lost. Not because the village did not stand the chance against the much stronger army, but because the minute our Queen was to learn of your death, all our lives would be forfeit." He sighed before continuing on, uninterrupted. "We all would give our lives for her, gladly, if she demanded it of us, but we did not want to witness her pain." He then glanced toward her with a barely there smirk on his lips. "But, then we came here, and soon after the Wolves came, bearing your mark, Savior, and I felt relief." Damian placed his hand onto his heart, the gauntlet covering his fist creating a clear sound as it met the metal of his breastplate. "I do not wish to be the bearer of bad news, Savior. Not to my mistress." Even though his voice was respectful and quiet, Emma recognized an edge of order in it, making her smile at the soldier who had the audacity to demand of her to be careful. Oh, she liked him, very much, and her grip on his elbow along with her wink told as such.

"I'll do my best," she responded grinning, sending him away to get some sleep. Then she turned to the others. "You ready?" she asked the men and receiving their nods, she took the reins from Belle, accepting the gentle hug that followed from the woman, and a silent squeeze of her shoulder from the tired old man, before she started her magic, taking them away to the forest where the Imperial Guard was waiting on them, the last thing she did before disappearing was to smile and wink in reassurance at the two, the typical careless gesture of the Storybrooke Sheriff bringing a watery chuckle from Belle.

Having already ascertained the position of the commander via her magical senses, Emma allowed her power to bring them right in the middle of the camp, careful not to land on anyone, the sudden appearance causing a slight commotion among the soldiers. But, as soon as people recognized her, the crowd eased and parted for them, one of the men pointing toward the tent they had erected for their commanding officer. She noticed that the men with her were more than happy to escape the bitter cold of the open night air, their breaths visible in the sporadic lights of torches, so when they ducked the flaps of the tent, both Robin and Nasir went directly to the bustling fire at the center. It was then that she appreciated her 'new' clothes, as she did not feel particularly chilled and she did not use magic to warm herself, walking directly to the man hunched over the desk, pouring over the detailed map of the area.

"Your Grace," Cheng greeted her, his eyes only leaving the parchment for a moment to acknowledge her, before going back down. He pointed toward the depiction of the valley, the sharp coal tracks showing the palisade built in the middle of it. "My scouts tell me that there is convoy ready to leave the fort at the first light," he spoke before he launched into a detailed report of his findings, as he pointed toward the corresponding points on the map.

Quickly, they devised a plan for attack, Emma deciding to sneak in and to deal with the commanding officers first, with hope that in the absence of them, Cheng would be able to step in and acquire the obedience of the remaining troops, if the men still subscribed to the laws and customs they had been brought up with. That was the hope, as she was much unwilling to erase two thousand soldiers out of existence.

Using the cover of the dark, cloudy night, the Savior brought one quarter of the Guard with her into the makeshift keep by magic, along with Robin and Nasir, and as they all had been briefed on the goals beforehand, the men slinked off to their tasks, their steps silent and almost unnoticeable in the shadows. The four of them stepped toward the most prominent tent, guided by the banners that flapped on the sharp wind, expecting to find the chief of the keep and one of his captains, still asleep as it was still dead of night. With quick twang of the bow, Robin dealt with the two guards posted in front, downing them without a pip, guiding the rest of them inside, as he looked around to see if anyone was suspicious of the events going on, assuming the position of one of the guards. It was Nasir and Cheng that jumped onto the two men resting on the crude pallets, overpowering them quite easily, and bringing them in front of Emma, pressing them down onto their knees, as they still struggled against their hold.

"You know who I am?" Emma addressed the older man, assuming he was the one in charge, as she turned the knob on the lantern above her head, making the room in the tent brighter. With only the defiant narrowing of his eyes, the blonde concluded that yes, he did know who she was. "Surrender, and I will spare you and your men."

"Never, you undeserving bitch!" the man spoke before Cheng cuffed him across his face in punishment. Emma only looked up at her ally and minutely shifted her head to the right, before she focused back onto the kneeling man, now sporting a split lip, and she let her magic speak to her, as she had a hunch about the man, especially after meeting his strangely empty eyes. And, as her suspicion was confirmed, she sighed, bringing her glove covered hand to her neck, not knowing what to do next.

"Your Grace?" the commander questioned as he saw her somewhat odd behavior. He truly expected her to repeat the offer or do something that would change the prisoner's mind, but the blonde just stood there, watching him with a frown on her face, deliberating something.

She could not let him go, for his heart was in the hands of the witch, or one of her minions. And, placing him under arrest until further notice left too many variables for her and others to deal with, along with the fact of the living commanding officer would complicate matters with assuming control of the keep. Yet, executing the man for falling prey to someone else seemed like a wrong thing to do. It was the least complicated solution, but her heart was not in it. "He is without his heart," the blonde spoke at last, her words directed at the man holding the prisoner down. Cheng frowned as he understood the implication, and with a quick and resolute action, he snapped the man's neck, letting his body fall forward onto the ground.

"We cannot afford liabilities," the commander spoke calmly, aware of the flash of anger Emma directed at him, not flinching under the hard glare, as he was absolutely sure in his actions. "Not with so many against us." He watched her breathe through her nose, the nostrils flaring as she ground her teeth, the green eyes pinning him down in anger and indignation, before she nodded briskly, letting it go. Then, she turned toward the other prisoner, cocking her head to side.

"Seems you are promoted," she spoke coldly to the captain, her hand sweeping over the dead body. "What do you say on my conditions?" the Savior asked as he looked up at her in terror, not even bothering to move out of Nasir's firm grip. Unlike the other prisoner, he had all his body parts with him, and Emma hoped that he would turn out to be a better bet than the previous one, as she did not want a repeat. She did understand Li's decisive action, in fact, she would probably have done the same after some more heavy deliberation on the topic, but she didn't like it. She didn't like it at all. But, it had been done, and in small petty way she was glad that she hadn't been the one to do it.

"I surrender," the man yelped instantly, looking at her with his wide eyes. "I surrender," he repeated, as his eyes darted toward his fallen master. "Please, I don't want to die."

"What is your name, Captain?"

"Yao," the prisoner spoke with a mutter, but as he glanced toward the Commander standing beside Emma, and seeing his narrowed eyes, he hastily added the honorific he had heard the man use. "Yao, your Grace."

With a hard and long look, Emma nodded, accepting his answer before she gestured to the assassin to let the man up. "Betray me and you will wish for death," she warned him, and watched as he gulped at the promise in her voice.

"He knows that his life is worthless now, your Grace," Li spoke, leaning onto the support pillar, right beside the blonde, as he watched the captain try to compose himself. "Even if he manages to evade you long enough to reach the enemy, he, and any man with him not carrying the executive orders from his chief would be executed for treason and dereliction of duty." Then Cheng smirked coldly at the prisoner. "Of course, that would be after a long chat with general Xia's men," he added, his tone more than clearly implying what that particular talk would entail – and Emma had heard snippets of stories of interrogation techniques and tortures that the Empire had at their disposal. "That is, if he manages to slip out of your grasp…"

Nasir scoffed sharply at the commander's comment, joining in the talk. "You haven't seen her fight. Even without magic, she is… devastating." He then continued to tell what seemed to be his favorite tale of the woman, the defeat of the convoy on the first day they had met, going into intricate detail about it. The blonde would've scowled at the story if she hadn't seen the captain grow paler at each new tidbit of it, visibly flinching when Nasir would exclaim, too involved in his telling, and she decided to use his fear to spur him on into action, for time waited for no one and she had places to be.

"I think it is time for you to announce the change of leadership, Captain Yao, don't you?" she said, addressing the man, ending the conversation between the two men beside her. The captain nodded and adjusting his uniform he scurried forward, leaving the tent. The others followed him in step, Robin joining them outside, as Nasir filled him in.

With a smirk, the blonde watched as the prisoner walked to the main guard post at the center of the keep and entering inside, he kicked the chair under the soldier sleeping at his post, startling him awake. Smothering the chuckle that bubbled up at the reaction of the man who was so rudely woken, she listened to Yao order for the assembly alarm, her eyes skimming over the still peaceful camp. So far, they did not have any trouble, the Imperial Guard she had taken with herself obviously having done what she had ordered them – incapacitate the roaming guards without raising the alarm. Noticing two of Cheng's men not far away from there, she drew their attention with a simple hand gesture, calling them to her. As one of them jogged up to her, bowing his head as soon as he reached her, she went on with the second part of the plan she and Cheng had created.

"Everyone in their places?" Emma asked just in case, as she hadn't been used to things going so smoothly, but the man nodded in affirmative. "Open the gates, and summon them in," she told to the man, sending him off, before turning toward others. Yao was waiting for her signal to sound the alarm, too afraid to move without her explicit permission. Not a minute passed as two flaming arrows flew into the sky and the gates opened, the sounds of the heavy wood creaking too loud in the quiet predawn morning. It was then that she nodded, knowing that the men would be too disorganized to pay too much attention, as it wasn't the gong used for attacks or other similar situations, but the trumpet the soldiers used to wake the camp at the first light, as nothing was out of ordinary.

She stood in the center and watched as the soldiers woke, leaving their tents, going about their business and stopping in their steps as they noticed that it was still too dark, but then they would shrug it off as a quirk order of their master, moving on. It wasn't until the sound of hundred and fifty horses pounding over the frozen ground of the valley, rapidly approaching the wide open gates of the keep became too loud to be ignored in the hubbub of the camp. Only then people started noticing the black and gold armors of the Imperial Guard lining the palisades, each man with his bow notched and pointed toward the men inside. Logically, Emma knew that now the situation was very precarious, and one wrong move could turn it into a blood bath, but she hoped that the practiced eyes of the soldiers, still confused from the early start of the day would see no point in fighting. Every member of the Imperial Guard was superior to ordinary soldiers, their skills and experience surpassing them beyond compare, and having them in far better position, up on the walls, against the men who still hadn't put their armors on properly or grabbed most of their weapons – interrupted in the middle of the morning ablutions – the odds were clearly in their favor. However, she did not let her hope blind her, her magic ready for any spark that would escalate the tense situation, as it would take one hothead for it all to devolve into a mess.

Hours later, she walked into the command tent and sat down, taking the cup of water Robin offered her, as she took off her cloak, leaving it on the bench beside her. When one of the lower ranked soldiers moved to take it and hang it up, she only placed her hand over it, her wish clear, before she shook her head, making the man scurry away to his previous post.

"I didn't think it would be this easy," the Prince of Thieves spoke softly, sitting across of the table, leaning onto his elbows as he watched Emma drink. He was mindful of his tone, but he was honestly surprised by the smoothness of the events of that morning. "If you continue this way, you will have the entire force of the Empire behind you when you confront Midas."

"Don't let this fool you, Robin," the blonde spoke slowly as she pushed away the cup. "The only reason this was easy, as you say, was pure luck. And, it is bound to run out, at some point, so I would rather not count on it." But, she did agree with the man, it had been easy. Captain Yao called the assembly, explaining that the Savior herself had spared their lives in exchange for their peaceful surrender. There had been displeased grumbles in the crowd, mostly because they had been trained to fight to the death, not yielding to their enemies, but the discontent had been quickly quelled when Cheng stepped up to the platform, announcing himself as a faithful follower of the Savior. And, apparently all she needed to win those two thousand men to her side was the respect of the beloved Emperor's honored grandnephew. So, right after Li's impassioned speech on fighting for the right and true honor of Empire, the soldiers, all as one, knelt and started reciting the pledge of loyalty. It had been surreal for Emma to hear so many voices speaking as one, believing in the words they spoke, as she hadn't been able to catch even a tingle of dishonesty from the men before her. In appreciation for their gesture, she had changed their armors, the red accents turning black, but she hadn't given them the gold ones, for it would be a dishonor to the Imperial Guard. Therefore, she had settled on metallic silver-white, giving them some flair, with one more detail. Each newly sworn soldier had a depiction of swan on his left side of the armor, right above their heart, the silver mark very distinctive on the field of black.

After the pledge, she had spent hours with the top echelon of the keep, learning the news, the plans and all the while she had been under constant vigilance, her magic ready to be unleashed at the moment's notice. It had been a truly grueling experience, arguing with the stubborn military men over the best approach in attacking the remaining two groups of supporting deployments, monitoring for any trace of betrayal or any kind of deceitfulness, and keeping the power pulled in herself, tense and wired. But, it had been finally over now, and she could allow the magic to taper off into nothingness, as well as enjoy the silence of the tent, pleased that she didn't have to listen to the annoyingly nasal voices of the officers in the camp, as she had left Cheng to deal with them, the pounding headache enough of the excuse to leave him there.

"They are yours, now," Robin spoke gently, breaking the silence that had fallen over them, eyeing the new uniforms, his words meaning much more than what they seemed. He had learned the real name of the Savior while they had been at the palace, and he knew why the swan was such pervasive motif around the blonde. However, he noticed that nothing of Emma's bore the symbol, at least nothing that he could see, and it struck him as strange. People of power usually adorned their things with their signature marks, a proof of ownership or something. However, he had learned that the blonde before him never had wanted to be the Savior, accepting it only in dire need. She hadn't placed the swan picture on her for it was a symbol of her burden, he had been made to understand, something she needed no reminder of. He had seen the resigned tightening around her eyes that would appear each time someone would address her as Grace, or Savior, and it was that more than anything that clued him in on his wrongdoing at the council meeting. As Belle had said, he hadn't known the price she was still paying for being the Savior. "As am I," he added solemnly with a bow, before rising from his seat and leaving her alone with her thoughts, hoping it was but a first step in making it up to her for his thoughtlessness.

"Robin," she called after him as he approached the entrance. He stopped in his step, glancing back, waiting for her next words, his blue eyes gentling as he saw a brief shadow of discomfort pass over her face. "I may have overreacted…" she started slowly, and he blinked as he realized that she was trying to apologize to him.

"You had every right," he spoke immediately as he returned to the table, only this time he crouched beside the blonde woman. "I was in the wrong."

"It doesn't make what I did to you right," she said softly as she gestured to his still bruised neck. "I can heal it for you," she offered timidly but he shook his head, taking her hand into his, pulling it away from his collar. Robin did not react as she removed it out of his hold, her discomfort at unsolicited touch clear in her eyes, but he continued on, as if nothing happened.

"I needed the lesson," the blond thief spoke. "And I proudly bear the proof of it." She sighed at his flippant response. "Do you need anything else?" he asked after a moment.

"They are going to need guides through the Enchanted Forest," the Savior spoke softly, her hand lazily going around, as she looked down at him. "You know the land better than anyone here, I presume?"

"Then, I will stay with them," Robin accepted what seemed to be his assignment, but Emma only smiled at him and shook her head.

"No, I'll take you to your men and your son. Then, you will all move to meet Cheng." She rose slowly and gesturing him to follow her, Emma walked out of the tent, throwing her cloak back onto her shoulders, squinting against the light of day, as she had spent hours in the dimmed tents. "Your boy has been without a father for too long, and I cannot keep you away from him in good conscience. Not, when there is better way to get what I want." Throwing him a pleased smirk, she called the commander to her side, before returning her focus to Robin. "First, I need to see someone, but then, I will send you and Nasir to Merry Men."

"Your Grace?" Cheng spoke as he fell in step with them.

"You can deal with the next entrenchment all by yourself, Commander?" Emma asked earnestly, looking into his sharply defined face.

"Yes, your Grace. With the added numbers, it should be of no problem." The commander replied honestly, not even bothering to imbue his words with arrogance of his position, as he knew that the blonde leader beside him would much more appreciate his candor. "Will I still be able to contact you in event of unforeseen circumstances?" he asked after she considered his reply.

"Yes, whenever you activate it, I will be able to sense it," Emma spoke reassuringly, patting the man's shoulder, deeply surprised and honored by his voluntary show of trust. "I will be leaving shortly, with these two," she motioned to Robin beside her. "As soon as you deal with the rest of the supply chain, if nothing is changed in the meantime, set course to Sherwood and meet up with Robin's men there." Emma included the thief in the conversation, "You will take them toward the Palace, but mind that you will have thousands of people in need of traversing the forests. Don't get too close, we need the maneuvering space." With several more instructions for both of them, Emma walked to her horse, pleased to see that Nasir was already there, with the two horses he and Robin had picked for themselves prepared to go.

Placing her hand on the black forehead in front of her, she scratched her horse in affection, smiling as the warm poof of air flew into her face. "Good luck," she offered to the commander as he inclined his head toward her in goodbyes, before she engaged her magic once more, making her and the two companions, along with their horses, wink out of existence.

It was the strong scent of salty sea air and the deafening sound of surf that clued Robin in where they had appeared, still disoriented by such mode of travel. Clutching the saddle of his horse, he leaned into its side, fighting the nausea as he breathed deeply, as he felt the ground beneath him shift, and his feet sinking into the wet sand of the beach. It seemed that each new time his tolerance for it was getting worse, actually. And, by the sounds of it, Nasir didn't have it better. He looked up and saw the Savior shake her head at them, unperturbed by the jump, as she patted Shadow on her neck, whispering something to the horse and chuckling at the neighing response she had gotten. She took a small leather bag of the saddle and with a look, directed them to stay where they were, placing the strap of the bag over her shoulder, as she turned away and started walking toward the water line, her boots and cloak leaving trail behind her in the waterlogged sand.

As she strolled toward the foamy water, the overpowering hush of the waves and wind eased her mind, the headache she had been battling for most of the morning, actually dulling, as she could not hear her own thoughts. Nothing but the rhythmic roar of the surf, so alike the sound of breathing. So, she followed it, using water as her meditation focus, each time the water would lap at her boots, she would expand her chest, taking in all the sharp air she could, and force it out as the water would retreat, repeating the process over and over again, until the pain behind her temples was gone. However, regardless of how she seemed to be wasting time, she didn't, for she was waiting. She knew that the minute her body, and her magic, touched the water, Ariel would know she was there, and Emma had a feeling that this meeting she could not rush, or force. So, she waited, her eyes closed, as she was facing the water, feeling the curious looks of the men digging into her back.

She didn't know how much time had actually passed when the air changed. She blinked slowly, her eyes skimming over the water, before finding their target in the shallows, the red hair surrounded by the white of the foam. "You came," Ariel spoke, looking at the Savior, her tone showing her surprise, as the girl had surely expected some kind of betrayal from the sorceress.

"It is not often that I make promises, Ariel, but when I do, I do my best to keep them," Emma sighed with insistence, knowing that the creature would hear her over the waves. "Did you have any casualties?" the blonde asked, as she stepped further into the water, using her magic to keep herself dry and at the water level, the bible imagery passing through her head for a split of the second, before she disregarded it completely. As she slowly walked toward the mermaid, she pulled her magic into her hand, silently working on her part of the deal, waiting for the girl to decide whether she was going to answer her question.

"Some injuries, but nothing fatal," the red head replied, watching the Sheriff's approach curiously, not moving from her place, recognizing the worry for what it was – bewildered by its presence in a human. "Nothing we cannot handle. Humans, though; none of them was left alive. My kin were pleased to finally get their hands on the men of Black Beard's crew – they had a score to settle."

Emma had no doubt to what that particular score was. "I offer my services, should you need them," she only said, not commenting on the vicious gleam that followed Ariel's statement, knowing that it was there only to provoke her into an expected reaction – the one she really did not feel inclined to indulge in, especially not over the death of a monstrous pirate such as Black Beard.

"We prefer not to deal with the outsiders," the girl spoke firmly, the directive clear – Emma was not to meddle, but there was the underlying gratitude as well, and the Savior recognized it, as well. It was the tone of a person who had been given hope after a long while spent in desperate darkness.

"Very well," the blonde said simply, an intricate, yet elegant bracelet appearing in her gloved right hand, made of silver threads, wrought into several slim chains making a beautiful mesh with a design made of aquamarine stones. Reaching the fiery woman, Emma crouched and extended her left hand in invitation. "Give me your hand," she spoke gently as she watched the girl eye the bracelet and the offered hand warily. The Sheriff did not make another move, understanding the fear that was currently holding the girl immobile, her heart tingling uncomfortably at the heartbreaking hope shining out of the unbelieving sea blue eyes, but overshadowed with fear and expectancy of yet another betrayal. Slowly, the girl extended her right arm, the pale limb landing cautiously in Emma's palm, and the blonde could feel Ariel tremble under her touch. In a moment she fastened the bracelet over the girl's wrist, smiling as the light metal wrapped around the soft skin, forming a brace of sorts, the pattern of the blue stones forming a very familiar shape on the front side of the forearm. Smiling at her masterpiece, Emma grasped Ariel's fingers into a gentle hold, pulling the girl up, her move followed by her gentle encouragement. "Come, take a walk with me," the Savior said as she watched the mermaid glance down in surprise, seeing the legs under her for the first time after a long while. With a firm, but gentle and reassuring grip on the girl's arm, Emma guided her toward the shore slowly, mindful of the freshness of the experience for the woman beside her.

"You really did it," came the amazed response from the mermaid as she stepped onto the sand, her bare feet wriggling in the sand as she made her first step without Emma's supportive hold. "Now, I can finally find him," she added with a smile, already turning back to the water, her goal clear. But, a hand on her elbow stopped her and she froze. Turning her head to the Savior, the woman frowned, the sea blue eyes sharpened, glaring at the sorceress. "Are you reneging?" a hiss left the woman, as she waited the trap to be sprung, angry for daring to believe that her hopes would finally come true.

"No," Emma replied calmly, her hand still on the woman's elbow. She noticed that the woman was shivering now, out of the protective magic of her kind and out of the water, her skin rapidly turning blue under the harsh air of the winter. So, she took off her cloak and covered the girl, her hands squeezing the trembling shoulders in front of her, sending out the pulses of warming magic. "But, there are things you need to know first, about Storybrooke. And, I need another favor of you." Before the girl could scowl at her, Emma lowered her head, as she connected their eyes. "It will not delay you, nor prevent you from reaching Eric, I promise." Seeing the earnestness in the Savior's eyes, the mermaid nodded in acquiescence, her hands gripping the lapels of the dark cloak, silently marveling at the chivalry of the woman before her. "You do not need to take off the bracelet to change shapes, as it will cater to your wishes. You only need to want one form over the other and it will accommodate. But, if you do take it off, the fin will return immediately." Emma motioned for them to continue walking, as she delved further into the explanations Ariel would need, knowing that the light exercise would keep them both warm and calm enough. "However, I have charmed it so only you, and I, can unbind it, so no one can steal it from you." The relieved smile that followed her words made the tension worthwhile. "There is one more thing. The town you are going to is under a strong protection spell, and I had to place a specific enchantment on it to allow you within the borders, but I am not sure how it will react with the spell, so be careful. Most likely, it would feel like a disturbance in the barrier, calling forth the protectors to investigate. If you tell them I sent you, and show them the symbol, they will believe you." The blonde gestured toward the gems, taking notice how the red head traced the pattern with her fingers gently, realizing the connection between her name and it.

"What is it that you need me to do?" Ariel asked after a while, as she made sure that she understood everything the Savior had told her, sensing that there was something the blonde was not telling – something very important.

Emma seemed to hesitate as she looked over the girl, but a hand reached out, landing on the leather covering the blonde's right wrist. "You need me to take a message to your True Love, perhaps?" Ariel added with understanding, as she watched the Savior swallow. In the minutes she had spent listening to the woman explain the situation, so the girl would be safe, Ariel realized that the Savior was truly one of the good ones, much like Snow had been in the past.

"Something like that," the blonde finally spoke, fiddling with the strap of her bag. "I need you to take this to Snow," Emma said, placing the bag into the waiting hands, her fingers flexing over the sturdy leather, reluctant to release her precious cargo to the other woman, and yet needing to do just so," and to tell her to give it to Henry's mother. She will know." The strange avoidance in the Savior's answer sparkled the mermaid's interest, but she chose not to inquire about it, respecting the woman's privacy.

"Now, I give you my promise that I will do so, Savior." Ariel could sense all the manner of protective enchantments over the bag, probably keeping it safe from the elements and other magic, as she placed the strap over her shoulder, removing the cloak in the process. "When this is all over, what can I expect for my kind?" the woman asked at the last minute, her desire to leave to find Eric overshadowed by her fear for her kin. She couldn't just abandon her people, especially at these turbulent times.

"There will be a peace treaty. The hunt of your folk will be outlawed and punishable to the highest extent." The Savior proclaimed, already having thought about the issue, her assured tone reassuring the girl about the fate of her people. "But, your kind will have to follow the rules as well," the Sheriff added sternly, not blind to the acts of vengeance the mermen had enacted in the past.

"As long as they are fair," the red head spoke, looking into the green eyes, knowing that the woman before her would do her best to manage it so. "Good bye, Savior," the woman said gently, giving back the black cover.

"Wait," came the sharp order from the Sheriff, as the blonde followed her to the water. "There is peace in Storybrooke now, after the curse is broken. I cannot have you interfere with that."

"What do you mean?" Ariel asked, cocking her head at the woman.

"Do not mess with the peace and let Snow deal with everything, regardless of who you see in the town," the Savior ordered, her tone showing not only authority but also absolute certainty that if Ariel was to disrupt the status quo, hell would follow, the sharp edge of the until then gentle voice making the girl shiver.

"I promise," Ariel said timidly, as she turned toward the woman, touching the intricate chains of her bracelet, using the motion to ground her. "I promise I will not meddle." Seeing Emma nod and relax, the mermaid stepped into the water, walking into the surf before she wished for her fin to return, gasping at the instant and seamless transition. Wasting no time, the red head disappeared into the depths of the Endless Sea, eager to meet her destiny.

"Well, that's it," Emma murmured into the wind as she watched the other woman leave. A warning had been sent and Regina wouldn't be walking into the war torn county unaware and unprepared, and Emma hoped it would be enough to keep the love of her life, and the rest of her family, safe. Fixing the cloak onto her shoulders, the blonde pushed her hair out of her face, letting the curls fall over the black velvet of the cape, as she directed herself to the men patiently waiting for her several hundred meters away.

"Now, let's talk about you going home," the woman spoke when she neared them, rubbing her hands together.