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.

35. Chapter 29

Finally, the new chapter is here. I tried to make it flow better, but...

Hope you enjoy!

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Chapter 29.

"Okay," Regina said with a sharp nod as she looked around the place where she stood, reconciling the edge of the cliff covered in fresh snow with the memory of grassy outcropping Gorlois had provided. "Open it," she spoke to Emma, gesturing toward the ledge.

"I know we are doing this now to use the time while Morgan is still recuperating, but are you sure?" Emma asked as she let her magic rise up and connect with the enchanted markers under the thick white cover. "I kinda just want to sleep for several hours."

"You know time isn't on our side, Emma," the brunette murmured as she stepped closer to her lover, her glove covered hand reaching for Emma's forearm in search of connection. "Inside, after the ward, nothing is stopping you from creating a pallet and grabbing a short nap."

Emma rolled her eyes, chuckling. "You just want me for my unique magic," she said over her shoulder, walking over to where the first hidden step to Gorlois's secret entrance was. With the stones already triggered, all that was left was for Emma to step down the obscure path and unlock the door.

"Well," Regina drawled as she watched her True Love disappear over the cliff. "Not just the magic. It's a shame to waste such physique…"

"Har-de-har," the blonde replied before a sound of stones grinding was heard, signaling that Emma had opened the entrance. "See if I let you see it again any time soon," Savior spoke, her eyes following the former Evil Queen's descent down the summoned steps.

"Oh, beloved," Regina smirked, coming inches within Emma's face. "Do you really think you'd be able to follow through with it before yielding to my advances?" she asked before landing a short but passionate kiss on Emma's lips.

Lifting her arms to pull the woman closer into her embrace, her hands pressing into the sorceress's back, Emma returned the kiss, this one lasting longer than the first. At the tightness in her chest, she leaned slightly away, moaning in pleasure as her lover bit her lower lip in retribution. "Honestly, no; but I'd do my best."

Adding a short peck to the lips in front of her, Regina sighed and looked into the glimmering green eyes watching her with undisguised love and mirth. "My beloved," she murmured with affection, her gloved fingers lightly caressing the blonde's slightly blushing cheek, her mood suddenly turning somber. "I do love you so, beloved."

The Sheriff wasn't deaf to the veneration and love packed into that simple word of affection. Nor was she blind to what it truly meant to Regina to be able to call her as such. Beloved - the term so old and formal that very few people use it, and almost no one who had lived in Her world for any measure of time. In the Enchanted Forest, 'beloved' was reserved for the Royal spouses, and only for those who were truly loved. To hear a queen address someone as such is to know who is her most dear, and to know her weakness. And, hearing Regina call her that - the daughter of the dreaded Queen of Hearts and the Dark One, who had been taught from an early age that love is weakness… it was beyond humbling.

The White Knight felt her heart grow in her chest, filled with enormous love for the woman in her arms. A tear slid out of her eye as she sighed in return. "My Heart," she said, but not in English. No, with the overwhelming amount of affection filling her and stirring her power, she had used the language of magic, its words so much more capable of conveying the emotions behind them. "Mo Chridhe," she repeated as she lowered her forehead onto Regina's. "You are," she spoke to the stunned sorceress, their shared breath giving her words more weight. "You are my Heart, Regina."

Blinking out the tears out of her eyes, Regina slowly pressed her nose along Emma's and let out a shuddering sigh. "Say it again," she urged softly, her fingers curling into the loose locks of the blonde hair.

"Mo Chridhe," Emma said earnestly, the power of the words even stronger. Feeling the woman in her arms tremble, she pulled her tighter against her front and repeated the words that were causing the reaction. "Tha mi an seo, Mo Chridhe," she said, using Elvish to speak the words so meaningful to both of them - I am here. Hearing them, Regina closed her eyes and just held onto her True Love, leaning her head on Emma's shoulder, working hard on regaining her composure. The Savior remained still and quiet, letting the sorceress calm down at her own pace. She didn't dare speak, lest more of Elvish pass her lips, and both she and Regina needed time to get used to the tremendous impact the language had on both their magic and emotional state. Instead, she held Regina and looked around, mentally going through what they needed to look up in the large book repository and in Gorlois's office.

A minute later, Regina turned her head and nuzzled into the blonde's neck, humming softly as she felt the arms around her tighten in response. Pressing her lips against the warm and soft skin behind Emma's jaw, she gently untangled herself from her lover and stepped away, walking toward the still open hidden entrance. "You climbed this whole way up?" she gasped in awe as she took in the great view of the valley below, able to see familiar landscapes through the thin layer of mist. "It's so high!"

"Just a bit higher than the ravine at the Wolf's Col," Emma spoke with indifference walking down the passage toward the study, as she took off her black cloak and along with the bag that had been hanging off her shoulder she placed it on the table closest to her, before she pulled out a stool from underneath and sat on it. At Regina's questioning look she only shrugged and willed the magic to slide the door back in place.

The brunette shook her head at her lover and then, slipping the thick coat and her gloves off, she let her eyes explore the room she was in. "It looks the same as in my memory," she noted idly as she picked a half finished trinket off the working table.

"Don't think many people knew about this place, even among the Tintagel," the Savior said, letting Regina explore the ancient study.

The older woman hummed in agreement, letting the comfortable silence stretch between them as she looked over the familiar yet never seen space, before she turned to face her lover. "Show me the prophecies you found," she spoke firmly, ready to start with the huge workload they had agreed on before entering the Temple.

"So, straight to business," Emma murmured to her chin before she walked to the secret passage and opened it for the two of them, their things tossed over her arm. She didn't bother to provide Regina with the commentary about the space around them, considering she had the memories of the men who had built this place, so she only led Regina to the Repository, setting their things down on the familiar lone table at one end of the enormous hall. "A moment," she murmured as the brunette reached for the chair, disappearing between the rows of shelves as she went to the small section she had been lucky to stumble upon. Picking up the grey tome she walked back, already commanding her magic to institute a Temple-wide time ward with many perimeter protections and alarms. "I set it for twelve hours," she informed Regina softly before giving her the book. "Page before last."

"Can you hold it for that long?" Regina asked with concern as she placed the book down, looking over the blonde's face, noting rigidness in Emma's neck and shoulders, all the relaxation of hours before gone. Not only that, Emma's eyes showed tiredness. "You okay?"

Emma offered a half nod before she took her cloak off the desk and rolled it up into a bundle before placing it down beside the closest shelf and lowering herself on it, she leaned back, her eyes returning to her True Love. "Not really thrilled to be back here," she murmured, just loud enough for Regina to hear her. Then, she sighed, answering Regina's previous question. "I can hold it, but being two days continuously under it, it's going to leave some energy damage."

"Emma, you didn't have to do it all at once."

"It is easier to do it one time, rather than several," Emma said, shifting in her seat. "Don't worry about me." She offered the brunette a tired smile.

"Emma," Regina sighed, ready to do something more for her lover but the blonde raised her hand.

"You're wasting time," the Savior spoke tersely, gesturing at the book.

Having considered her lover for a few long moments, Regina exhaled and deciding to let it go for the time being, she sat down and opened the unremarkable tome, finding the penultimate page with ease. It took her a second or two to be able to fully comprehend the magical script, but after awhile she didn't even notice the ease she was reading the text with, her attention focused on the specific wording of the prophecy involving her son. Under the crystal lights, she read the mystic words and they terrified her. She didn't want this future for her boy, especially if he would be as powerful as this particular prognostication claimed, her fear showing as her hands clenched the gray leather covers while her eyes traced the elvish words, completely ignoring the poorly done translation.

Feeling her lover's gaze on her face, Regina glanced up, meeting the blonde's eyes, her own filled with terror. "This is…" she started speaking, but she had no words to continue, her mouth trembling as she was breathing heavily.

Drawn by her state, Emma rose to her feet, coming closer. "We must tell him," she said, her voice clear and insistent as she leaned against the table with her fists. Her heart ached for her lover and she knew what fears were now flowing through her, but this couldn't be avoided.

"No!" Regina snapped back, closing the book with force. "He can't know!" The harsh whisper of her demand carrying the slight edge of panic in it.

Emma looked at her incredulously, before she scowled. "Are you kidding me?" she bit through her teeth as she turned away from the table, seething at the other woman's reaction. With the sudden burst of unstable but strong emotions, she used a calming breath to lock down her magic in an instant, fearing what it would do if left unchecked, before she addressed the brunette behind her. "This whole thing started with keeping Henry safe, and now you just want to ignore this?" Her voice rose toward the end, the last two words almost a shout.

"He is too young, Emma!" The brunette got up and walked around the table, reaching for the Savior. "You know what this kind of power does to a person," she pleaded with the blonde, holding onto the woman's forearm, beseeching the Sheriff to turn and look at her. "This could ruin lives."

"Exactly," Emma said sharply as she pivoted on her heel to grab her True Love by her upper arms. "It would be disastrous!" she added firmly, but before Regina could relax with the Savior's seeming complacency, she continued. "So he needs to be taught, trained! Prepared for this."

"Emma," the brunette shook her head. "If he knows about it, he will use it. And…" She bit her lip, stopping herself from adding anything else. But Emma knew her, knew her mind and she knew what the words that would have followed were: He'd turn dark.

Bringing the older woman closer to her, Emma leaned her head against Regina's, changing her strategy. "Our son is a strong willed and stubborn rebel who sometimes thinks he knows the best," she said softly. "And, he is becoming a teenager, on top of all else," she added with a slight smirk, her words pulling a small, but wet chuckle out of the brunette. "He will learn about his powers one way or the other. The secrets in our family have a way of surfacing when they can deal the most damage."

"He hates them," Regina added quietly, the blonde's reasonable tone reminding her of the whole curse debacle.

"Do you really want him to learn about this after a terrible accident caused by an emotional upheaval? When he could cause unimaginable hurt just because he was in one of his brooding moods?"

"But, he is still too young," the sorceress said, but now her words reeked of desperation.

"I know," Emma agreed. "And, we will help him carry this burden." Enveloping the brunette in her hold, the younger woman sighed, thinking about their children and their future. The future they would have beyond this world, and in the World without Magic.

Despite the fact that Emma's arms around her provided much needed comfort, Regina knew that they had come into the Temple for a reason, and standing there and worrying about a distant future was not really productive, so after a last squeeze around the blonde's middle, the sorceress lifted her head and gently broke the hug. "We'll deal with this when the time comes," she murmured softly as she peered into the fierce green eyes focused on her face. "But, first," she smiled gently at her beloved before she made one step back. "We need to figure out what ceremony Morgan was planning for the wedding," Regina spoke clearly, looking over the books on the nearest shelf. "And, you need a new sword," she tossed over her shoulder, glancing at the blonde. "Then, to research my dear sister and what she might have in mind. And, your new quest, as well..." she continued, pointing out the subjects they would have to focus on.

The Savior leaned her behind on the table and watched the brunette formulate the plan of attack on the various topics they had come to investigate. She couldn't help her lips twitching into a barely there grin at the way the sorceress had systematically outlined their work, but it wasn't just the way Regina had dived into it, but rather the mannerisms of the woman - before her stood the Mayor of Storybrooke, the business woman ready to conquer the next town council meeting. A woman who rarely had a chance to manifest among the royalty and wilderness of Enchanted Forest.

Having noted the general direction Regina had pointed for the first task on their long list, Emma came to her feet and decided to get on with it, and as she had remembered something, she spoke to her lover while heading to the shelves holding the relevant books and scrolls. "I wouldn't worry about the sword, Madam Mayor. The blacksmith offered to make one, with magical assistance."

"Assistance?" Regina prompted, as she followed the blonde into the depth of Repository.

"He needs magical aid to properly work with the metals," Emma explained and stopped by the shelf she wanted, taking out several books and carefully passing them into the brunette's arms. "In his words, it would be worthy of the White Knight," she said as she moved to another shelf. "And, while on that subject, I had an idea," Emma said slowly, more of her attention focused on the various book tomes depicting magical ceremonies.

"Yes?" Regina prompted, leaning with her shoulder against the shelf, having used a brief pulse of her magic to send the books away to the table.

"Guardian forbade me from giving the black halberk to anyone else, stating that I was the only one who could truly redeem the crimes of nature that Rumple committed in creating it, and to have anyone else wear it would be a sacrilege of the unwilling sacrifices done in its making." The blonde turned to look at the older woman watching her with curiosity clearly portrayed in her eyes. "Not even Henry is allowed to wear it."

Regina nodded slowly as she understood Emma's point. "It makes sense. But, what does that have to do with the sword?"

"The halberk is made of unwilling sacrifice," Emma said as she mirrored Regina's posture. "I want the blade to be forged with gifts of the Kinds, but with…"

"With the willingly given tokens," Regina finished for her beloved, smiling at the idea. "Something powerful, created by cooperation between the Kinds would be a good symbol for you, Sheriff. Or should I say Keeper of the Balance?"

Rolling her eyes, Emma sniffed in disdain and turned away, leaving, the two volumes in her hands the last of the books she deemed necessary for the research on marriage ceremonies. Regina followed her quietly, watching her lover with barely hidden concern, but instead of voicing her thoughts, she kept her silence, and once they reached the desk, she picked up a book and settled down to find the most probable ceremony Morgan had had in mind for them, and the one the two of them would prefer, while still fulfilling the requirements of the magical inheritance and acceptance.

After a while, as they made a list of possible rituals, Regina looked over at the blonde, her intense gaze drawing Emma's eyes to hers.

"Hmm?" the Sheriff hummed as she closed the tome in her hands, putting it away.

"You know that since you already have full control of the wards, this whole thing is unnecessary," Regina started quietly, looking at the other woman for reaction. "I did spring it up on you, and if there are still some misgivings about this..."

The Savior sighed and shook her head as she chuckled softly, before she reached for Regina's hand, holding it in both of hers. "Did it come at a crazy time?" she asked rhetorically, and squeezed the hand in her possession. "But, answer me this, Regina. When did something happen in our relationship that hasn't been at some insane and overly busy time for us?" When Regina tilted her head in consideration, Emma pressed on. "I want you to be my wife, and more, I want to be yours. Yes, with the True Love between us, the recognition of our bond is beyond reproach, but I want this additional step." She leaned closer to the brunette and kissed Regina's palm. "I was gonna ask you after all this mess with the operation Gate and such, when things settled down a bit, but..."

"But, we'll be doing this without our friends and family," Regina pointed out in a whisper.

"I was always going to push for eloping. I have no patience for all the pomp and circumstance of it, especially if Snow is what I imagine her to be about weddings. And, I don't think you are in a mood for it, either, considering your first one." Emma pulled the brunette into one armed hug, peering closely into the dark eyes. "If you are ready and want to marry me, then I am truly for doing the ceremony here."

"I am ready," Regina spoke slowly but with conviction, her eyes alight with happiness and Emma could see ideas and thoughts whirl around at incredible speeds in her lover's mind. "I'll take care of everything, the dresses, or maybe your new clothes… And, rings…"

"Don't go overboard with the rings, Chridhe," Emma cautioned, unconsciously using the elvish for the affection filled nickname. "I still am expected to be fully capable of using a sword with both hands."

"I haven't forgotten," the sorceress spoke with mirth in her voice, before she pressed her lips against Emma's in a short but sweet kiss. "That's what I get when I fall in love with the local hero," she added in her trademark droll tone. "But, that is for later," she said regretfully, moving out Emma's half-embrace and rose to her feet, fingering the hard paper they had used to make the lists of marriage ceremonies. "As we're done with this," she motioned to the books littering the desk, her magic covering them with purple mist and spiriting them away, "we should focus on the next topic."

"Which is Zelena," Emma said carefully, remaining seated.

"My sister." The woman turned away from the table and made a few strides before pivoting on her heel and continuing to pace, ignoring the scaping sound of her lover's chair. "I have yet to learn how to deal with that little tidbit."

"As with everything, Regina," Emma said as she approached the still pacing brunette, stepping into her path and catching her by her shoulders. "One thing at the time."

Regina scoffed and shrugged Emma's arms away. "You know more about her than I do!" she snipped as she stepped around the blonde and resumed her pacing, her hands clenched into tight fists by her sides.

"That is no longer true as I have shared everything with you," Emma retorted calmly, not letting Regina's barbed tongue inflict any wounds. Regina had every right to feel slighted and to vent her frustration with the errant sibling, and Emma was more than willing to let her. And, maybe, along the way they would get somewhere with it, even if it was some wild conjecture about the Green witch's whereabouts.

The brunette returned to Emma's side and sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Not necessary, my love," the Sheriff said gently. Then, she reached for Regina's hand and led her to the table. "We've spoken some of it before," she spoke as she held a chair for Regina to sit in.

"Yes, we have, Emma, and the only thing we have come to is that she hates me." Regina contended heavily. "For being the one Mother kept," she added with scorn.

"She is envious," the blonde replied.

"But, Cora was an actual heartless monster!" the brunette screamed out in frustration. "She wasn't some saint that could have won a mother of the year award," Regina maintained in lower tone, her voice carrying some sass and she was ready to argue any point Emma was to raise, but the indulgent look in those piercing green eyes quelled her response.

"Regina," the Savior brought her hand to her lover's cheek. "An abandoned child, love, it will always wish for their parents, no matter how awful or terrible they seem," she spoke insightfully, her calm words sparkling understanding in Regina.

Nuzzling her beloved's palm, the brunette closed her eyes and nodded. "It's not my fault Cora got rid of her and kept me," Regina had to add.

Emma chuckled at the retort before she spoke a reply of her own. "We know Zelena isn't much for reason and sanity at the moment. And, as the true object of her feelings is not available, she is focused on you."

"Then, she would be in a place important for me…" the older woman murmured as she leaned against the Sheriff, smiling gratefully when the strong arm wound around her middle, her mind going through a list of places in the Enchanted Forest she had some attachment for, but nothing obvious came to her. "I know we, or rather I, have to find her, but honestly, I am more interested in what she's been doing."

"Okay," Emma agreed. "So how do we go about it?"

"We look up everything even remotely related to her behavior - spells, rituals, events - everything. We are in the Repository of the most of magical knowledge of Enchanted Forest."

"What do we know?" the blonde pensively quirried as she took another piece of paper to jot their ideas down. "There is that thing with Henry's and Snow's blood."

"Walsh worked at the hospital, he could have easily found out that Snow was pregnant again. And, considering the power her firstborn has, it could have been related. As for Henry, well, there are a lot of reasons for wanting Henry's blood." Regina considered her own words and turned to look at Emma. "She can use it for scrying, and if she knows where Henry is, it's a good bet she could think we aren't too far away."

"Can it be blocked?" Emma asked with worry.

"I don't know. It doesn't work for the Infinite Forest, but we can't just stick him here." At Emma's challenging look she shook her head and patted the blonde's shoulder. "We'll get back to that. I am curious about the night root situation. Courage as an ingredient… Abstract symbols for ingredients suggest advanced and highly powerful spells - that should narrow things considerably."

---

A long time later, the two of them were sitting at the desk, various books stacked between them while the ones they had already gone through were placed haphazardly on the outer sides of the desk. Emma sighed and straightened up, rolling her neck before closing the volume she had just finished reading and placed it on a heap by her side. "Nothing there," she murmured tiredly as she reached for another one from the pile. "But, I learned how to use the blood of my family to prevent them from ever leaving the prescribed area," she said quietly. "That's not even mentioning the number of rituals and spells involving babies or their parts," she added, not able to hide her feelings on the subject.

"Black magic is called that for a reason," Regina commented absently, the hand not busy holding the brunette's head up landing on Emma's thigh, rubbing it gently several times before returning to turn the page. She understood Emma's disgust with the knowledge they had been parsing through. Some of these caused even her hardened sensibilities to rebel in revulsion. "You can take a break, Emma," she spoke with a gentle encouragement in her voice, looking up at her beloved and letting a small smile show on her face. "It's okay."

"Yeah," the Savior grumbled and for a moment Regina thought the blonde would refuse on principle, but only moments later the warrior pushed the book in front of her away and rose from the chair, stretching out. Then, she picked up the tomes they had finished with and walked slowly away, leaving the sorceress to her research.

An hour later, a warm tingle of the Savior's magic pulled Regina's attention away from the pages she was inspecting, as the slight buzzing signified that Emma was very close by, and had been for several minutes, but the blonde still had not joined her at the desk. She raised her head and saw her beloved, only a few yards away, walking up and down the closest aisle, her face scrunched in concentration as she muttered something under her breath. Loath to interrupt her, Regina watched her for a bit before returning to her own work. However, when the blonde's pacing brought her closer to the other woman, Regina could hear some of the words her lover was mumbling.

A brain... A heart… A home... Regina repeated what she had heard in her mind, the words themselves confusing out of the context, but said together, they sparked a vague recognition of something Gorlois had transferred during her schooling.

"What did you just say?" Regina spoke up loud enough to stop Emma from her restless pacing.

The Sheriff turned around to look at the seated woman. "It's, it's just something I remembered from the Wizard of Oz." When Regina said nothing but only narrowed her eyes and raised her eyebrow expectantly, Emma exhaled and walked over to her True Love, using the short moments to gather her thoughts. Instead of sitting down, she leaned her behind on the desk. "At the last bit of the movie when Dorothy and the rest meet the wizard… Well, there is a diploma for Scarecrow - the brain; the medal for Lion - the courage; the clock for Tinman - the heart; and a way home for Dorothy. A brain, courage, a heart, a home…" Not able to say why that seemed important right now, except for the fact that they needed to deal with the Wicked Witch of the West, Emma shrugged her shoulders.

The brunette considered Emma's explanation and at the end of it, she remembered why it was so familiar. "That's it!" She jumped off the chair and grabbed Emma's head, pulling it a bit down as she connected their lips in an enthusiastic and passion-filled kiss. "Gods, I love you!" she mumbled the second their lips separated and then, leaving Emma dazed by the sudden attack, she stormed off to yet another section of the library.

Only a short minute later, the sorceress returned to the desk, a large silver encrusted tome in her hands, the elaborate filigree work encasing the surface of the covers and spine of the book, kept closed by a strong, magic fueled clasp. Gently lowering it on the cleared portion of the desk, Regina moved to a side and invited Emma closer, placing her hand between the blonde's shoulder blades.

There, amidst the intricate details in the silverwork, stood an artistically woven elvish glyph, its stylized form forcing Emma to take a few moments more before being able to comprehend it.

"Time?"

Feeling Savior's gaze on her face, Regina nodded, before she found the spring green eyes. "It bothered me, why now? Cora is dead, and what's the point?" She sighed when Emma's arms enveloped her and sank deeper into the comforting hold. "If it was merely vengeance against me, she would not be so slow, so deliberate, so tactical. She had Henry in her clutches, she had you… It is all a ruse…" Then, she tilted her head and amended her words. "Well, no. She wants to make me suffer, and she wants to rule Enchanted Forest, but it is also a distraction."

"For what?" Emma asked softly, pulling the woman in her arms closer.

"You've watched innumerous movies, TV shows and read many books. How do you change the main character after the story is almost done?" Regina held the other woman's eyes, and watched as the Sheriff considered her words.

Emma's brows furrowed and she glanced at the book, noting the glyph, before looking back into the chocolate orbs she so dearly loved. "You change the story," she muttered slowly. "You recast and start over again." Her eyes widened. "You go back."

"While I was with Gorlois, he mentioned that there was a class of extremely dark Magic that involves Time meddling." Regina pressed her lips against the coarse tunic covering Emma's shoulder before she disentangled from her beloved's arms. "When you started speaking of the movie, it reminded me of some examples Gorlois'd shared."

"I thought you couldn't break the Laws of Magic," Emma said in surprise, as she collapsed onto the nearest chair and leaned back, when the full implication of their supposition hit her.

"You can't," Regina replied firmly and sat down on the other chair, having pulled it closer to Emma moments earlier.

"Then, how?"

"Not to go deep into the temporal mechanics," the brunette spoke calmly, smiling with tenderness when Emma chuckled at the reference, "but, changing the past is easy." The sorceress reached for Emma's hand closest to her, taking it into her own, idly playing with the pale, limp fingers. "However, getting the result you want is extremely difficult, and it gets exponentially worse the further you go back. The risk of destroying everything is too great, and the thing about Time is - what is meant to happen, will happen, no matter how much you change in the weave of the Past. Not to mention that every spell that involves real Time Travel requires ritual murder to power it."

"Ritual murder?" Emma repeated, blanching in horror. That explained why it was one of the darkest branches of Magic. To enact a spell powered by ritual murder, one must have a prepared unwilling sacrifice and kill it slowly, letting the pain and terror of the victim fuel the spell. Determination to stop Zelena flooded the Savior and she clenched her jaw. "How do we stop her?"

"By knowing which spell she's going to use," Regina answered simply, nodding at the book and gently squeezing the hand in her hold. "But, I can't open it. Only the Master of Tintagel could."

The blonde regarded her True Love for a moment and closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, flexing her shoulders before she forcefully relaxed her every muscle and when she deemed herself calm enough, she placed her free hand onto the silver rune and whispered sharply an order to unlock in elvish, pushing her magic into the metal. After a few tense seconds the clasp complied and snapped open, the loud click of it providing relief to the two women. At the sound of the clasp releasing, Emma slid her palm in a slow glide to the edge of the silverwork and catching a corner of the cover with her fore and middle fingers, she opened the book. For a long second, her hand hovered over the first page, hesitating, but the blonde pulled it slightly back and turned the book toward the other woman, letting her have the first go of perusing through the dangerous text.

As Regina drew herself closer to the mystical tome, her fingers carefully going over the pages of magically treated paper, Emma watched her beloved read, her thoughts returning to what the former Evil Queen had said only moments before. The Master of Tintagel. The warding stones and now the restricted book had recognized her as such. Would that mean that Morgan would be able to see it, as well? And, if she saw it before the marriage, would that change the things for her and Regina and their plans? Would the discovery lead to animosity or would the former queen of Camelot accept the new situation without much fuss?

"Luckily, there aren't many of these that use Courage," Regina's voice interrupted her rumination after a long while, having gone through the book several times, inspecting each ritual and spell carefully. "And, there is only one that I believe Zelena would use," the brunette added in a seething growl before she thrusted the book toward Emma.

The Savior looked down, and there, on the left side was an elaborate diagram showing the placement of elements and ingredients of the ritual, while on the right one were more comprehensive instructions along with various notations and directions to further explanations of the ingredients. It took Emma a moment to fully understand how dark actually the spell was, and how it completely perverted the elemental representations of Light magic Rumple and Guardian had taught her about - Love, Wisdom, Courage and Innocence… And, then, something else caught her eyes. "Oh, God," she murmured in dread. "Nine?" The ritual demanded nine living victims to fuel this immensely powerful spell, and if Emma was reading the annotations written in magical glyphs correctly, the Realm's Walker could be used as one of them to better the odds of the ritual's success.

"And, Henry could be one of them," Regina voiced the conclusion grimly, her jaw clenched.

"He's safe," Emma spoke up immediately. "The castle is secure. Zelena can't breach it, not for a while and not so soon after the battle." Staring at the damning words, she brought her finger to the list of the ingredients, knowing that some of them the green sorceress had already gathered from the Dark Vault. "Who do you think others will be?"

Regina hissed at the blunt question and glared at the blonde before she slumped back into her chair and rubbed her forehead with the fingers of her left hand. "Four of them could be completely random," she said in exasperation. "But, there aren't many who fit the criteria for the symbol of Wisdom. And, even the symbol for Love is not found on every corner…"

"A resilient heart?" Emma voiced, reading from the book. "Wait, there is a definition," the blonde mumbled as she turned the pages to find the corresponding text. "A resilient heart keeps going, still beating with affection, transcending grief and pain, overcoming bad times of misery, sorrow and torment, and becoming stronger with each adversity. A resilient heart loves deeply and passionately despite the scars and hurt of loss and hate."

"It's me," Regina sighed after she listened to Emma's translation. "She wants to punish me, of course it's me."

"Yes," Emma agreed before she tilted her head and looked over at her lover. "But, from everything I know of Zelena," she flicked her fingers in a gesture depicting magic, "she would rather have you as her captive audience." At Regina's frown, Emma continued. "She wants to gloat, to lord her victory over you. She wants you to suffer, Regina, and you can't do that if you are dead before the very end. She needs you to witness it for her triumph to be complete. To break you."

"So, someone else."

"Someone we know," Emma postulated, her mind quickly sorting through the people they know. "Someone who is considered a monster due to her abilities. Someone who had lost her first love to her own deeds, along with the whole village."

"Red." Regina realized who the Sheriff had in mind.

"Red," Emma confirmed. "And, if we follow the theory that the choice of the victims is to cause you most pain, then symbols of Wisdom and Innocence are Rumple and Snow."

"Lovely," Regina replied sarcastically. "The good thing is that the ritual can be done only during the night of the full moon and that she has to have all elements for at least a week before starting it."

After spending several more hours researching the intricacies of the ritual, transcribing it in its entirety along with every notation and added elaborations and explanations, the two women uniformly decided to take a break away from the darkness of the ritual, each sorceress using the time to find something else to occupy their minds, splitting up to follow up their own interests.

Disappearing into Gorlois's study, Emma familiarized herself with the requirements for the renewal of the Fairies, having found additional instructions in a small chest in the study, along with several pouches of unground and ground fairy dust, a vellum map of whole of Agrabah and a small black velvet pouch holding the scarab. She took great pains to copy the carefully inscribed words, loath to take such an important document out of the Temple, but she couldn't do the same to the map and the scarab, so she took them and stashed them with extreme care in her bag, along with two other pouches of fairy dust, one filled with a fine dust while the other contained unground stones of various sizes. Satisfied that she had done all she needed in the Temple, Emma left her things in the study and went deeper into the Temple to find her lover who had gone to read about jewelry and magical means of creating it.

As the Savior reached the brunette who was no longer reading but just idly scribbling something onto the loose sheet of paper, the two women decided that their visit to the Temple had served its purpose and that they could break the time ward and go to the House of Healing for rest.

---

Regina's eyes snapped open, the afterimages of her vicious dreams still plaguing her vision. With her heart pounding and her lungs working harder to dispel the edge of panic coloring her seconds of wakefulness, the brunette slightly raised her shoulders and turned to her side, leaning on her elbow, while her other arm traced the empty space on the bed next to her.

It was quiet in the chamber she and Emma had claimed for the duration of their stay in the House of Healing. Almost peaceful. It was not surprising since it was only scant hours until dawn. And, it was dark, the only source of light in the room was the almost extinguished glow of dying fire in the large fireplace. However, despite the seeming calm, Regina could sense the disturbance in the tranquility of the night. As her heart slowed its rapid beats and her breath eased, she looked over at the woman standing in front of the curtain-bare window, gazing out into the blizzard that was raging outside. The brunette only then realized that it was cold in the room, freezing even and despite the tense posture of her naked body, Emma gave no sign that the frigid air bothered her, not even when several snowflakes fell on her bare skin and melted.

The Savior stared at the storm of flurries preventing her to see farther into the valley, but because of who she was she didn't need eyes to see what had disturbed her sleep. She could quite easily guess what it was that had pulled her away from the warm slumbering embrace of her lover and had drawn her to the window.

"Emma?" came the soft and affectionate utterance from behind her, and the blonde turned, letting the heavy drapes fall in place, covering the window. She looked at the woman lying in bed and she took in the rumpled tresses soaked in sweat and haunted eyes. With a simple thought, she summoned more firewood and put it in place to easily catch fire.

"Come back to bed," Regina whispered gently and opened the covers, watching as the soft light radiating from the dying embers grew stronger at Emma's intervention with her magic. The orange blaze made the Savior's skin glissen, especially where the melted flakes had left the water lines sliding down Emma's chest. Seeing the clearly defined lines of the Sheriff's well developed frame and her naked and unabashed magnificence reignited the burn she had merely doused only two hours prior.

The blonde hummed in acknowledgement of Regina's summons and walked over to the table, her eyes catching the brunette's barely there nod. She poured a cup of water, drinking it in a few large gulps before she refiled the cup and brought it to the other woman, sliding in right next to her.

Carelessly discarding the empty cup after taking her drink, Regina leaned over her lover, gently caressing the Knight's breastbone. She noticed that her beloved was warm to the touch, as if she had been under the heavy down duvet the whole time, and not standing in front of the open window in below freezing temperatures. "Bad dreams?" the brunette murmured as she searched the Savior's eyes for visible signs of what was keeping her beloved awake.

Emma brought her hand up and tenderly pushed Regina's dark tresses away from her face, rubbing gently the skin on the woman's temple with her thumb. "Not really," she replied softly as she pulled Regina's body closer, so the other woman was almost completely on top of her. "I hadn't noticed it after we left the cave, and the Temple had the magical protections of its own, so it hid it from me, but I can feel the others without any effort. Any time before, I would need to enter a special magical trance and focus to find them and feel them." The Savior spoke quietly as she wound her arms around her lover.

"The other kinds?" Regina asked in a whisper, gently placing her palm on Emma's cheek and sliding her leg between Emma's, gratified to hear the soft hiss the blonde issued when her thigh pressed down.

"The herd of unicorns is close by, in holding pattern. The Yaoguai have used their time here wisely and multiplied to decent numbers, and if I am not truly mistaken, I think there are a couple of young dragons flying low over the valley in this storm."

"That's good, isn't it? That Guardian isn't the last, anymore." The brunette pressed her lips against Emma's in a short but sweet peck before she lifted her head to look back into the Savior's eyes.

"Yeah," the woman murmured against Regina's neck before adding apologetically, "sorry for waking you," kissing the neck higher.

The former Evil Queen half snorted half sighed softly at the feel of Emma's hot breath over her neck. "You didn't, actually," she replied after a hitching exhale escaped her lips when the blonde nibbled on the sensitive skin just behind her jaw bone. "That dubious honor belongs to my mother and the King, unfortunately," she continued after Emma hummed in askance. When the blonde pulled slightly away to look into her eyes in concern, her hand winding into Regina's hair while the other one slid down her back in a comforting motion before splaying fingers pressed into the small of her back, the protective gesture bringing a warm smile to the sorceress's face. Regina kissed the woman on the lips, pausing over the lower one to bite it. "I'm alright, beloved," she whispered against them before she shifted her head upwards and gazed into the shining eyes of the Savior. "The time we spent in the Temple brought up some memories best left in the Past."

Emma chuckled at the woman's unintended pun. "What a pair we are…" she said lightly before she flipped them over, carefully making sure not to fully pin the other woman down, for she knew that nightmares about the King always inspired a certain vulnerability in Regina. "Well, since neither of us is in a hurry to sleep, perhaps we could do something else until the morning." She smirked at the Mayor, letting out a soft laugh when the older woman bent her leg over Emma's thigh and wound her arms around the blonde's neck, pulling her down into a consuming kiss.

---

It was a soft press of moist lips against her cheek that woke her and before the body leaning over her could move away, she reached out and grabbed the nearest arm, pulling Emma into a deeper good morning kiss. "You're leaving?"

Emma nodded and brought Regina's hand to her lips. "I'll find Percival and tell him to be ready before I go to the valley."

"It hasn't stopped snowing, has it?" Regina sat up, glancing at the still covered window, before her eyes returned to the fully dressed Savior, ready to brave the blizzard. "You'll be safe?"

"Don't worry," the blonde replied, pressing Regina's hand against her cheek. "I've learned a trick or two to keep the cold away. And Shadow will make sure I don't stray." At the confident assurance, the brunette sighed in relief, before realizing something else. Something Emma had known as well. "Dress in easy removable layers," the Sheriff advised and with another kiss, she professed her love and left, offering no goodbyes.

Following Emma's good advice, the Mayor chose her clothes for the day and with a quick bite to eat, she left the room, ready for the day.

She opened the large door at the entrance of the House of Healing and shuddered at the strong and cold wind that greeted her. Not only that, the mere seconds she was out of the protection of the building left her covered in white icy powder, the sharp pin pricks assaulting her face before she managed to pull a scarf over it. Shaking her head at the ridiculousness of what she had planned to do, she straightened her spine and pulled her heavy cloak tighter around herself, determined to come down the steps without an accident. Managing to reach the bottom without much difficulty, she directed herself toward what she supposed was the path to the Temple and the practice circle Emma had spent time training with the knight of Camelot.

"Your Majesty," she heard someone shouting from somewhere, but due to the loud roar of the wind she couldn't quite determine who it was or where it was coming from. She stopped and turned around, peering into the overwhelming whiteness surrounding her, hoping to at least see a silhouette of the person calling her, if they were indeed calling for her. Suddenly, her shoulder was grabbed by a strong arm and before she could even think to shrug it off, the person holding onto her spoke again. "Your Majesty, are you alright?" She looked toward the man, able only to see his eyes as every other inch of him was bundled in fur and wool, and nodded sharply.

"The Savior told Sir Percival of your plans for today," the man shouted, guiding Regina toward something with his sure grip, in a direction the former Evil Queen was sure that was away from the practice field. "Weather being what it is, he decided to use the Hall instead of the circle," he added, pointing toward the communal hall Emma had told her about. "I was supposed to inform you and take you there," the man added in a lower tone, hanging his head at his apparent failure.

"It's fine," the brunette spoke loudly, grateful that she wouldn't have to spend her exercise time out in the open. When the man brought her to the large building, she looked into what was visible of the face of her guide. "You're Dai, aren't you?"

"Yes, your Majesty," the man said and then he stomped his feet right beside the door to the Hall to get rid of the excess snow, before he opened the door for the brunette, inviting her inside.

"Oh, your Majesty, you're here," Percival greeted her, rising from his seat and walking quickly to her to help her with her cloak. "I thought the change of venue would be best, especially after Geilgeis explained what you had in mind," he said quietly as he placed the cloak over the chair by the lit fireplace closest to them. Jumping right into it, he led Regina to the middle of the room, motioning to Dai to stay out of the reach. "Emma did say you had some training previously, so let's see what we are working with." Regina understood his point and agreed immediately, pleased to note that the Hall boasted with many burning fires, keeping the air inside comfortably warm. She took off the outer layer she had worn under the cloak and loosened her tunic to give her a wider range of motion, while Percival simply stood by and waited patiently. "Whenever you are ready, your Majesty," he said when he saw the brunette step up to the middle of the improvised practice area.

"Please," Regina raised her hand imploringly. "There is no need for that. Regina is fine."

He nodded in acceptance. "As you wish, Regina," he said, smiling as it reminded him of the first time he had met her.

After a few attacks that the knight easily deflected, the brunette hissed in frustration and tossed a hit with her right fist, catching the dark skinned man on his cheekbone. However, as his body moved with the momentum of the hit, he caught her arm and pulled her off balance, bringing them both down, before he jumped to his feet and out of her reach. As he stood there, looking down at her, noting her bubbling temper, he chuckled and rubbed his face, his mouth widening into a delighted grin, which only served to infuriate her further, until she heard him speak.

"Geilgeis did say you have a good right. A wicked hook, she called it, I believe." Then he came closer to her, crouching and offering her a hand to get up. "But, you leave yourself too vulnerable afterwards," he added as he helped her up. "We'll work on that."

Regina dusted off her tunic, remembering the moment Emma had alluded to. She had been so pissed off with the blonde and with Graham defying her, even though she had his heart, she had snapped and attacked the woman who had dared to challenge her. Even though Emma had retaliated immediately, drawing the first actual blood between them, she had been satisfied with that one moment of power and strength. "What else did Emma say?"

"Only that despite having her memories, you are not the scrappy brawler she had been before becoming the Savior," Percival replied and gestured to the woman to come closer. "But, your foundation is good and I'll show you how to make the most of it."

Then, he guided through several attacks and defence moves, working on her speed and motion rather than strength. After twenty minutes, the brunette had to take off her tunic, leaving her in a light shirt and the corset she had chosen for the day. Using her magic only to dry herself and manage her hair, she followed the instructions to the letter, ignoring the burn of muscles not used to such work out. Some time later, the knight suggested they had a break for a meal and to give the woman a chance to rest and recover.

"I can escort you back to your chambers, your Majesty, if that is your wish," Dai spoke quietly as he bowed slightly, waiting for her answer.

Regina considered him and the knight for a moment before she made her decision. "I would prefer to stay, if that is alright," she said, watching the men for their reaction. She would, of course, respect their wishes if they wanted her gone, but, honestly the idea of going out into the blizzard and facing the empty room she shared with her True Love, only to return later wasn't at all appealing.

"You are more than welcome to stay, Regina," Percy offered with an easy smile, inviting her to sit with them, and share their meal.

Drinking a lukewarm tea the knight had offered her, Regina leaned back and enjoyed the easy conversation that was flowing between the two men and her. It was strange for her to be around someone who wasn't her extended family, or someone who wasn't afraid of her, or at least in awe of her, and Percival's easy going manner did wonders for her mood. He showed proper respect, but he never allowed it to curtail his innate charm and friendliness, drawing Regina into conversations about topics she had honestly not considered in ages, and Dai's unobtrusive presence was only interrupted by his insightful observations and witty remarks. She could see why Emma liked them.

Later, after the friendly break, the two men put Regina through her paces, showing her the practical applications of everything they had shown her before by forcing her to use the moves on the two of them in order to escape their firm holds.

---

Well tucked into her black fur cloak, Emma dismounted and looked up at the snow and ice covered tall crag. "You sure this is the only way up?" the Savior asked Shadow, leaning toward the steed to prevent the wind from carrying away her words. The Gallant snickered and pressed her muzzle to Emma's shoulder, pushing her toward the rock. "All right, all right," she complied and looked over the stone she would have to climb over. "Good thing I don't really need the cloak right now…" She unclasped the heavy protection and tossed it over the mare, letting her friend at least share some warmth while she was waiting. "You'll be here, right?" Another snicker met her and not willing to delay anymore, Emma turned to the rock. Tying the strap of her bag tighter around her, and fixing the leather gloves she had on her hands, she reached for the first small outcropping and pulled herself up. "What is it with this world and climbing?" she wondered out loud, before she searched for another hand hold further up the crag. "I should've stayed in bed," she grumbled under her breath, remembering the sinfully beautiful woman she had left in the aforementioned bed that morning, having driven her to exhaustion with her loving ministrations.

But, she knew that they really didn't have the time to lay about when they had so much to do before leaving Brocéliande, and that even if she had stayed, Regina still would have been leaving to meet with Percy. She herself had searched for the knight and finding him already awake and ready for the day, she had told him her and Regina's plans for the woman's training. Only then, having already made a short stop by Gwen's quarters, had Emma left the Marble Hall and the village of Dragon's Bluff.

Luckily for her, the climb was short and not long after reaching a four feet wide ledge, she found the entrance into the cave system she had been looking for.

Immediately after ducking into the dark passage, she noticed the warm air circulating through the cave, mixing with the freezing air from the outside. She followed the flow of it and within minutes she came upon the very beings she had come to visit.

Bright one, you've come, Emma heard a gentle voice in her mind as she looked upon dozens of Yaoguai frollicking about in a large cavern, while one of them approached her slowly, its incandescent blaze destroying all evidence of snow on Emma's clothes. Not willing to test her clothings against the fiery touch of the beasts, the Savior quickly disrobed, leaving her garments by the entrance but still far enough away so they would not catch on fire should one of Yaoguai pass by. Dressed only in a short shift, the blonde walked slowly toward the one who had addressed her and lowered herself to her knees, sitting down on her haunches and ignoring the small pricks and hurts from the rough surface of the stony floor.

"May I?" she asked, lifting her hand up toward the Yaoguai, watching the dazzling play of red and orange flames dancing over its scales.

The animal came closer and after a moment spent looking at the blonde with its gold red eyes, it carefully ambled over and leaned its flank against Emma's palm in acceptance, its magic accepting and welcoming Emma's touch with ease. We remember, Protector, what you have done for us, the creature spoke with its mind. We remember and we revere.

Letting her hand pass over the hot scales, rubbing them tenderly with her fingers, Emma offered a somber smile. "I do not need nor want your reverence. I only did what was right, and for that…" The Savior shook her head and sighed, dropping the conversation completely. She wasn't about to get into an argument with a member of the species she had single handedly saved from extinction, no matter what her motivations at the time had been. "But, I do have some questions and a boon to ask of you," she whispered slowly, her hand slowly going to the creature's shoulders and neck.

If we can give, you shall have it.

Her eyes wide, she stared at the Yaoguai in front of her before she lowered her head, bowing to the noble creature, immensely humbled by the unconditional acceptance they offered. Just like that, without bargain or deception. If they had answers, they would give them. If they could provide what she needed, they would, no caveats or conditions. And, yet, most people she had met would at least demand to know the reason why they should help her and how it would benefit them. Here, these creatures, considered demons and pests by many, were more charitable and nobler than humans.

"You honor me," she whispered, unaware that she had spoken in elvish until she heard the words in the air around her. At the sound of the magical language, others turned their attention to the Savior and Yaoguai in front of her. Moments later, the blonde was besieged by several flaming balls, yipping excitedly around her, and when she heard a tinkling laugh echo in her mind, she was further amazed.

As you see, Bright one, we remember. Our gratitude and love for your kindness is undying.

Unable to resist, Emma picked one of the pups, bringing it closer to her face and laughed when its small paws reached out for her nose. "Aren't you cute?" she murmured softly, her gentle voice drawing other pups to clamber over her knees and to fight over the space in her lap. "Hey there," she spoke to a rambunctious one climbing over others to get to her chest, catching her gently in her free hand. Then, playing with the Yaoguai pups, she explained what she wanted to do in a soft, soothing voice, the adorableness of the young creatures breaking her reticence to talk. As her concentration was directed at the puppies and the representative who had come to her in the first place, she didn't notice others of the Kind surrounding her and listening to her designs and questions.

Watch the young access their magic, Protector, a new, more powerful, voice was heard in Emma's mind, the sudden appearance of it snapping Emma out of the narrow focus and she flinched, but managed to control herself not to hurt the young in her arms. Watch how they connect with the world around them. It's part of them, as your magic is part of you. As our Fire is part of you. There is nothing to learn, Bright one, only to explore, only to use.

Emma turned her head and looked at the creature that had addressed her, watching as it stepped slowly closer. It was large, half a size larger than the rest of them, its radiating scales glowing in the color of molten gold edged with translucent blues, emitting almost unbearable heat that seared the rocky floor of the cavern. When the creature reached the still kneeling Savior, it made a soft, grumbling, noise, sending the young away, along with others that had gathered around them, and started circling the now profusely sweating blonde.

For you it has been only weeks, but for me it was generations upon generations of my kind. Yaoguai spoke and looked into Emma's face, her gold-red eyes familiar to the blonde. It is only fitting that what you ask for comes from me. After all, it is my magic that courses through you, Protector.

"You?" Emma gasped in surprise. "From the mountain keep…" she whispered in understanding.

The moment I knew you were who you are, I knew what my fate was. No young came from me, and none shall ever. The voice spoke gently to Emma's mind, while the creature brought itself within inches of Emma's face. I will be the one who meets you at the Origin Point. And, I will give you what you ask for.

Tears filled the Savior's eyes as she realized what the creature had shared. "I'm sorry." Yaoguai licked one of the tears, its tongue sizzling over Emma's cheek, but instead of leaving her skin seared, its touch was tender and painless, the magic of the creature entwining with her own for a brief moment.

We all have our duty and we all have our parts to play.

The blonde shook her head, licking her lips before her teeth sank into her upper one, the tight pressure of her jaw bruising the sensitive skin. Then she closed her eyes and hanged her head, offering a short commiserating nod. "I wish…" She bit the inside of her mouth, stopping herself from uttering pointless words that would only demean the noble being in front of her. Instead, she brought her face to Yaoguai's and leaned her forehead against it, ignoring the sizzling heat the creature was exuding. She lifted her arms and enveloped its thick neck in a gentle but tight hug before she, guided by the animal's magic, found a loose scale in the middle of the back and gently peeled it away. Quickly, she rose to her feet and rushed to her things, digging out a small glass container out of the bag and gently transferred the still burning platelet into it, preserving the magic of the incredible gift she had been given.

Yaoguai turned to leave, before it stopped and looked back at her. Our light burns within you, Protector. Do not be afraid to use it. With those words echoing in Emma's mind, the creature trod away, leaving behind scorch marks in the stone.

With nothing else to do, Emma dressed and retraced her steps outside, preparing herself for the sharp change in temperature.

---

Percival grabbed Regina from behind, wrapping his hand around her throat, while he used his arm to pin Regina's to her body. "The most important thing is to not panic," he said into her ear as he tightened his hold. "Breathe," he urged as he noted Regina's too shallow breaths and a rampaging pulse under his fingers on her neck. "If you panic, you'll pass out," he lectured, easing his grasp a bit, but still holding her captive. "Think, what do you have?" he then urged her to consider her situation.

"My legs are free," Regina murmured, wriggling against his arms.

"And?"

"I can lean my head back."

"Good," he nodded from behind her. "Fight me off," he ordered, reapplying his grip on her neck and middle. And, suddenly, the former Evil Queen snapped into action, using her heel to slam down on Percy's foot before she kicked him with the back of her head. But, instead of releasing her, the knight just stumbled a step backwards, still holding on tightly.

"What now?" he said gruffly.

The brunette huffed in frustration before an idea appeared in her mind. She leaned against Percy and pushed her feet up into the air, twisting her hips to a side at the same time. Then, as her legs were falling, she used the small amount of wiggle room she had achieved by the maneuver and dug her elbow in the knight's middle, aiming for his kidney, letting the shock of her landing transfer through her body, adding a bit of power to her kick. While he reacted to her hit, she twisted away from him and flipped him over to the ground.

"Oh, wow," she heard Dai gasp from behind her and as she turned to look at him, he quickly raised his hands in surrender.

Smirking at the man, she looked back at the man still prone on the floor. "Are you alright?" she asked him, only then seeing the blood smeared over his face. She lowered herself into a crouch and looked into his slightly dazed eyes. "Percy?" she whispered, motioning her arm toward Dai to bring a rag and water to them.

"A minute," he mumbled, lifting his hand to wave her concern away. "That was good," he added after a short while, bringing himself into a seated position, his hand going to his nose, feeling around for the damage. "The last part was unexpected. Who taught you that?" He gratefully accepted the wet rag, pressing it under his nose, still looking at the brunette.

"Emma," Regina answered shortly, not really willing to go into the discussion of memories, as they were neither hers nor good. "Did I break it?" she asked, gesturing toward his nose.

"Ah, it's nothing Gwen or Keith can't fix in a moment," the knight shrugged it away and rose to his feet. "Let's try this again," he added, watching as Regina's mouth opened in incredulity. "Come on, before the lunch crowd comes in."

With Dai's help, Percival led Regina through a few more scenarios, and pleased with her progress, he decided to put a hold on things. Just as he waved his companion off and called for a stop, the large door to the Hall opened and a group of people trudged inside, covered in snow, bringing with them a rapid drop of temperature in the Hall. Feeling the cold, Regina rushed to her discarded clothes and quickly put them on, using a small burst of her magic to dry out her shirt.

"Ah, ye lad, enough a that now," one of the newcomers said, addressing the knight. "If I don't get the fires going, my head it'll be." The man was tall and muscular, his face hidden behind a large dark beard and bushy eyebrows, sprinkled with white.

The last knight of the Round Table chuckled, "And, where you'd be without that rock you call head, aye?" As the man punched him in the shoulder in jest, Percy turned toward Regina. "Regina, I would like you to meet Colm, our Hall keeper. Colm, this is her Majesty, Regina."

The large man offered his hand as he bent slightly in the waist. "Pleasure to meet ye, yer Majesty. If you be wanting anything, just ask old Colm." He then looked over at the door and saw another group of people enter. "I better go, this weather calls for mulled mead." He nodded to the two of them before he went away.

As Regina watched him weave through the stacked tables and duck behind the door leading into the kitchens, she leaned toward Percival. "What does he do?"

"The Hall is his domain - he takes care of the overall things to do with food, drinks, firewood. He keeps tabs on the cellars and larders, he keeps the cooks in line and makes sure everyone has everything they need to keep the Hall warm and provide for food and drinks. He's not alone, and has helpers, but he is the master." He then glanced at Regina. "May I invite you to join us for lunch?"

Regina smiled and almost accepted, but before she could, a tendril of sweat soaked hair fell over her forehead, reminding her that she was a sweaty and dusty mess. Not in the mood to sit and eat among the people of the village in such disarray, she prevaricated. "I would love to, but I am not dressed for company."

The knight nodded in understanding. "Then, may I escort you back to the House?"

Regina accepted, and donning her cloak and scarf, she, along with the knight, left the warmth of the Hall. On the way to the House of Healing, the brunette noticed people rushing out and about, despite the still raging snow storm. "Is it safe to be outside?"

"It's safer now, rather than after nightfall. Chores must be done and life doesn't stop because of the bad weather." He then pointed toward the two men hammering something into the ground a few dozen steps away. "They are putting up the lines to help orientation. Ordinarily, we do it after the first staying snow, which usually happens later in the year, but this time it surprised us, the lines weren't ready and some of the posts had rotten away." As they reached the Marble Hall, he offered his hand to Regina to help her up the steps. "The invitation still stands, your Majesty," he said, opening the large door. At her acknowledging nod, he inclined his head and turned back, leaving the woman in the safety of the House of Healing.

---

It wasn't hard to walk down to the valley, despite the sight-robbing blizzard and dangerously violent wind. As Emma traipsed over the fresh snow, digging a three foot deep trench with her movements for Shadow to follow behind her, she noted that her magic did help with things, a lot. Then, she snorted at her own thoughts. Of course, magic makes things easier, that is the lure of it, but in this instance, Emma wasn't using it overtly. If she really wanted, she could easily make a path for her and her friend with one focused and magically infused thought, and if she really tried, she could even stop the storm. No, what she truly meant was that her magic, on its own, was keeping her safe from icy daggers of frigid air, and keeping her strong and energetic, even after hours of trudging through the waist deep snow. Even her sometimes clumsy legs were surefooted, not tripping over hidden roots and rocks.

A soft nicker called from behind her, stopping her in tracks, and Emma glanced back at her friend. "Really?" she asked, looking to the left, trying to see a bit further than the blizzard allowed. "I thought they would seek the shelter of the dale," she spoke, hesitation clear in her voice. Shadow neighed and tapped her front left hoof before she pushed into the high snow in a new course. "Alright, I am coming," Emma shouted after the Gallant threw a dark look at the Savior behind her. She hurried and after confirming the direction with the mare one more time, she continued on, grumbling lightly under her breath, making Shadow snicker in return from behind her. "Oh, shut up."

Shortly after the change in their direction, Emma and Shadow reached a small copse of trees, and there, the very creature Emma wanted to meet waited for her among the trees. With his silver white coloring the Unicorn Stallion was visible only when standing in front of the dark bark of the bare trees, and as he followed their progress, he moved, drawing the Sheriff's attention. That he was alone, Emma didn't doubt, and it also explained why Shadow insisted on taking this way. The rest of the herd were safe in the vale, just like her magic had been telling her. With a soft chuckle, she approached the stallion and knelt in front of him. She did not speak because she knew he could feel her intentions well enough.

The Leader of the Unicorn herd ambled over, regal and noble despite the slow approach, and inclined his head to the Savior, his long horn touching the crown of Emma's head. A moment passed where nothing happened and then, a large burst of Magic enveloped both the blonde and the stallion, isolating them from the storm and Shadow. It was both similar to the Dragon's surface meld, and also very different. No thoughts or words passed between them, only feelings, strong feelings of anger, sorrow, fear, joy, trust… followed by a small notion how to use them to call upon the gifts she had received from the Unicorn. Overwhelmed by the immense Love and Forgiveness that filled her up with the Stallion's urging, Emma felt tears stream down her face, the warm trails of water instantly turning to white powdery marks on her cheeks. She couldn't speak, she couldn't move, even breathing proved to be a challenge as her heart pounded in her chest. Her own magic was subdued under the onslaught of the Unicorn brand of power. Only when the Stallion moved his horn away, breaking the connection between them, Emma could breathe easier as the feelings subsided, leaving the Savior dazed. Then, the Leader turned his head and used his horn to rend a deep gash into his flank, his soft neigh urging Emma to move quickly and collect the blood before the wound closed and healed.

"This is why you called me?" Emma murmured as she kept the flask against the still oozing cut. "You knew I'd need instructions and blood?" She asked as she rubbed her other hand over the Stallion's neck.

You needed our aid, and you have our friendship.The Stallion leaned toward Emma and nuzzled her cheek before he slowly turned to leave. He paused for a second, a quiet snicker passing between him and Shadow, and suddenly, he was gone.

"Now what?" Emma asked her companion, making sure that her flask was properly corked and safe in her bag, protected from breaking.

Now you come to me, little one. Emma heard the maternal voice of Guardian echo in her mind.

Emma rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Perfect," she mumbled as she closed her eyes, trying to orient herself towards the caves, for she assumed Guardian would be close to eggs and the rest of the dragons.

"Do you have any suggestions?" she asked her black friend, not really expecting an answer, but when Shadow nodded, Emma raised her eyebrows, pausing her motions. "You do?" Following the mare's gestures, the Sheriff came closer and mounted up, settling on the Gallant's unsaddled back while her fingers twined with the loose strands of Shadow's black mane. "I am ready," she murmured, prepared for the sudden jolt of the Gallant's speed, quite aware of the steed's sense of humor.

The Camelot-bred took them on a longer path, easier to traverse on horse, but with the steed's speeds, it didn't matter. Nevertheless, Emma remained vigilant, ready to send her magic flying should her friend need any help to get through the drifts of snow. Although the storm had not abated, neither Shadow nor her rider showed to be bothered by it, travelling with ease to the cave systems the Elder dragon was at.

Some time later, when the mare entered the protected circle of the valley, Emma slid down Shadow's side and with a gentle pat on the Gallant's shoulder, she walked away going toward the main meeting cavern Regina had told her about.

But, before she could enter the large cavern, a small but suggestive pulse of dragon magic guided her to a small tunnel leading deeper into the ground, a tunnel she recognized. It was the same tunnel that was leading to the room she and Regina had used, but instead of turning to where the door was, the magic led her further in. Before she could even voice the question on her mind, another door opened and there was Guardian, perched on a small ledge marred by many grooves, no doubt left by claws of Dragons of old who had used this space. As the dragon watched her enter, her tail flicking restlessly over the rough stone covering the ledge, Emma looked around this strange room. It was a meeting place of sorts, with hewn rocks instead of stools and a large block of sanded granite serving as a table. Apart from the entrance Emma had used, there was another, a much larger, one obviously made for someone of Dragon's persuasion.

This is Rionnag's work room, the dragon said through the connection of the meld. There should be something you can use.

"Why didn't you tell me, the last time I was here?" Emma spoke quietly, picking a closest rock to sit on, careful with her things. "Why all the secrecy?"

There is a time and place for everything, Sheriff. The dragon lowered her head toward the Savior and huffed lightly. And, right after you left the care of your mate was not the right time.

Emma shook her head with a scoff and leaned against the table, her gloved hands rubbing against the surface of the granite. "My magic is clearer now," she spoke softly, looking into the golden eyes of her mentor. "It has grown," she added pointedly.

"Yes," Guardian spoke aloud, her deep voice vibrating off the stone walls. "And you can feel that I am not the Last anymore." The beast of the skies stretched her neck and brought her large head closer to Emma, her tongue flicking in a familiar gesture of touching Emma's forehead. "I have you to thank for that. You brought hope into the world." At the blonde's demure wave, Guardian chuckled and changed the topic.

She spoke of Emma's magic, how it would grow as the Savior understood what was guiding such power. She spoke of elements and how they connected to each Kind, reminding Emma of things Rumplestiltskin had taught her before. She whispered of the might of Rionnag's order and the downfall of Fairies under Blue's command. Finally, the dragon shared the story of the hatchling of a first dragon in forty seven years not counting the cursed time. She spoke of staggering the time the eggs spent in the Sanctuary, so not all dragons would be born at the same time.

By the time of the Origin Point, thanks to the Sanctuary, there will be a few adult dragons around, Guardian spoke to Emma's mind, her body reclining on the ledge, while her eyes focused on the Savior. The knowledge of the Kind will be passed on, the noble beast added softly, melancholy seeping into her voice.

Emma rose from her seat and walked over to Guardian's head and having climbed onto the raised ground, she placed her palm on the dragon's ridged forehead while bringing her own forehead to rest against the softer scales right beside the golden eye which closed in trust. "It will live on not only in dragons, my dear friend," the Savior whispered, the harsh tones of her voice betraying the heavy emotional toll the topic had extolled from the blonde. After a long while spent in silence that only deepened their bond, Emma stepped back and wiping her eyes, she inhaled deeply to settle herself. "Can I meet some of them?"

"They know you, little one," the dragon spoke kindly as she lifted her great bulk and carefully turned around, her movements measured and slow as she led Emma through the large tunnel. "They know you as their friend, as their kin, as their Protector," she said softly as the tunnel widened into a huge hall, lit by many fires. "They know you as their Savior." Then, Guardian stepped to a side, letting the blonde pass by her, finally able to see properly into the cavern. At the sight welcoming Emma, she gasped, bringing her hands to her chest and mouth. The Sheriff expected several new dragons, but what she found were many more than a simple few. From what she could see, there were six of them flying around, while at least a dozen more moved around the sandy grounds. The bland colors of the hall were broken by the amazing shades of various hides on displays, bronze, gold and reddish brown dominating, but there were blues and greens in the mix as well.

The old dragon watched Emma as she stood there, frozen, gazing upon the new generation with awe, the Sheriff's magic rising under the strong emotional response, and instead of cautioning Emma, Guardian let it seep out of the Savior, as the Blessing she had given the unusual woman would stop any dangerous reaction with their magic.

Soon after, they were noticed and an excited chitter rose in the cave, the youngs greeting their elder, while one of them was brave enough to approach them, flying over to them and landing clumsily by Emma's side. The young beast was about a year old, judging by what Emma knew of dragon sizes, curious and brave, its scales glimmering crimson in the light, but as it came closer, Emma saw that it was actually dark copper. "Hello, you," the blonde uttered softly as she stood motionless, not willing to startle the youngling.

She is the oldest, Guardian spoke mentally. She is too young to communicate properly, but she will be able to, soon.

What's her name, if she has one, Emma asked the same way, watching the beautiful creature sniff her and look over her, the curious bronze-like eyes taking in every feature.

You may call her Maden.

Emma sighed, a soft smile lighting up her face. How fitting, she added gently. She would be the New Dawn of her kind, signifying the rebirth of the race.

Guardian chuckled and with a short grumble sent the youngling away. "There is one more thing you need to do," she spoke lowly, taking the Savior back to the room Emma had met her in. After a short conversation on the way to the meeting place, Guardian agreed to provide blood and one of her horned scales for the weapon, even allowing Emma to extract them herself. With the gruesome deed done, the dragon retreated into the cavern, leaving Emma alone to search the room for whatever the fairies had left behind.

---

Enclosed within her own bathroom, Regina took off her clothes and using her magic to light a few oil bowls, she picked up a pail and filled it with lukewarm water. Dropping a small towel in it, she took a bar of soap from the shelf, and proceeded with her ablutions. She didn't run a full bath because she had a feeling that Percival was not done with her for the day, and wasting time and water did not appeal to her. So, after she cleaned up, she dressed in fresh clothes from the dresser and went to the Communal Hall for lunch. Luckily, Keith was just about to leave the House of Healing when she reached the main floor so he offered to escort her to the Hall. With the light conversation about his duties in the House of healing, the two of them reached their destination without much delay, as the storm finally ended, the wind and ice abating, leaving behind only snow that was still falling heavily.

It was strange for Regina to eat surrounded by the boisterous inhabitants of the hamlet, and as she couldn't quite participate in their talks about the village and their readiness for winter and the possibility of leaving, she kept her mouth quiet and observed the people around her. Then, suddenly, the Hall started emptying out, the only people remaining were Percy, Dai and her, along with several of the women who were busy gathering the dishes to bring them to the kitchens for wash.

"There is a lot to do if we are to be ready to leave when you are," Dai murmured to the former Evil Queen, picking up the cutlery and plates from their table. "Now that the storm has stopped, the others have work."

"Emma mentioned, but I didn't think…" Regina started in a whisper, when a light touch of a hand on her shoulder stopped her from voicing her thoughts. She looked up to see Percival, his face tight and his lips pursed as he was looking toward the door. "We've been here long enough."

The rest of the afternoon, the two men taught Regina how to escape various types of restraints and restrained positions, locked rooms and even tight, enclosed spaces. Along, they worked on Regina's hand to hand, teaching her tricks with sudden attacks by knives, and quite quickly, the afternoon passed.

"Is Geilgeis returning for the night?" Percy asked softly as he gave Regina a wooden bowl filled with vegetable broth, taking a seat next to her, at the table closest to the walls and the raised podium. He shifted slightly away as Dai reached them, bringing pitchers of mead and ale with cups, helping him set them down on the table.

"She should, but I don't know," Regina replied quietly, taking a spoon to her mouth. "She, too, has a lot on her plate." She ate fast, as the day's workout had left her famished, and she knew that soon a roasted mutton was to be brought out. "When you said you wanted to leave this place, were you speaking for the whole village?" she asked quietly, choosing a moment when Dai left to bring over more cups and drinks, and with the din in the Hall rising, her voice was just loud enough for the knight to hear her and no one else.

The dark skinned man turned his head and looked into her eyes for a long while, searching for something in them, and when the other man returned, Percy rose to his feet and waved to a few people to come and sit at their table. People joining them were properly introduced to Regina before they took seats, creating a slightly conspiratorial atmosphere in their corner of the Hall. "Her Majesty here wants to know our plans," the knight spoke in a low voice, accepting a cup of ale from Dai. When he received nods from the others, he turned back to Regina. "Well, first," he spoke after taking a sip. "There are some who want to stay and are prepared to be left behind." He gestured with his free hand at the man who had introduced himself as Hallam, the carpenter. "They found peace here and they are loath to give it up for the strife and desolation of the rest of the Forest."

"Aye, Mistress," the carpenter agreed. "Me and my wife lost our boys at Camlann," he said, Regina catching Dai showing her three fingers, before she focused back on the old man, "and our daughter has never truly recovered." He drank his mead and continued. "It's a simple life, your Majesty, and if we could leave for a time or two to visit some of the others, we'd rather stay here."

"The Queen'll most likely go to Avalon and a few will join her, but the rest want to stay in Enchanted Forest and accept you as their Monarch." Percy added quietly, while others nodded in agreement.

Regina sighed, her fingers tracing the rough surface of the table next to her empty bowl. "If you really want to go, or stay, I will not stop you, but you are not obliged to be under my banners," she said, looking into the faces of men sitting around her. "There are others that would love to receive you," she added softly.

"Your Majesty," one of the men rumbled, his deep voice making everything around him vibrate even though he was whispering. The smith, Regina thought, unless she was mistaken. "We're aware of who you were. And who you are. We also know who you are going to be." He leaned toward her. "We were of Camelot, but now we're of Tintagel. You are the next in line, Evil Queen or not." He then chuckled. "And, I think you and that lass of yours are going to do just fine as our rulers."

Regina decided that, if she couldn't dissuade them from joining her, she could warn them of the war her sister had been waging against her, so she did, telling the men of the dangers awaiting them outside of Brocéliande. Slowly, the talk veered off into telling stories of hers and Emma's adventures, tales of the children waiting for her at the castle, others pitching in with stories of their own exploits, all the while mead and ale flowed and hot, succulent roast consumed.

Their joyous revelry was only briefly tempered by the appearance of the shifter by the table. "Is this a private party or can I join?" Aileen asked tiredly, thanking them when two men rose from the table and brought over another bench, so all could be seated comfortably.

"Is Morgan awake?" Regina wanted to know, offering the other woman a cup filled with mead, while one of the men asked one of the servers for more food to be brought over.

"She was," the Wolf said quietly. "For a short while, anyway, and went back to sleep." She glanced at the brunette and smiled. "She was so worried about the magical backlash killing you, but no one could even presume that you'd be completely fine and she so exhausted." Nibbling on the still steaming meat placed in front of her, she added gently, "she asked about you the first thing."

"She misjudged," Regina said coldly, her eyes pinning the Wolf in her seat. "A lot of things, actually, and there are consequences for that."

Aileen frowned. "Did you do something?"

The brunette scoffed and looked away, pouring herself a cup of mead. "I didn't do anything." Taking a small sip, she looked at the shifter over the rim of her cup and smirked. "Let's just say she played with forces she never understood and now she is paying for it. And, that Emma isn't happy that she lied about it, goes without saying." As she spoke the words, she heard surprised gasps from people around her. That Emma was a sooth-diviner was a known fact, more or less, and that she had been angry with the resident queen was also a known fact, but now Regina had put it in context.

"But, if you didn't do anything, how are you so hale?"

"Not everyone has a Savior for their True Love," Regina answered simply, shrugging her shoulders, letting Aileen reach her own conclusions.

The shifter nodded once and drank from her cup. Morgan's deals with Regina were Morgan's business, and Aileen didn't want any part of it, especially if her friend was making mistakes, as both Emma and Regina firmly believed. Letting it go, she poured herself another cup and felt herself be drawn into a conversation about Wolves and Regina's plans for the future for the pack. After the topic of the queen of Camelot was closed, the brunette seemed to relax and even throw in some teasing remarks, contributing to the merriment of the group. That the pitchers of mead and ale were constantly replenished seemed only to help the jovial mood.

---

It was the beautiful sound of Regina's delighted laughter that Emma heard first when she opened the door to the Hall and slipped inside, having blocked her magic from being detected, her arrival unnoticed, and as she walked slowly over to the table where her beloved was, Emma saw who was there with her. Pleased to see her lover so unrestrained and wholesomely accepted by the group, Emma leaned against the fur covered wooden wall and watched her fondly.

"Stop making eyes at her, and join her," the young healer whispered, nudging into her side with an elbow, having come to the Hall just moments after the Savior. "Don't let all the preparation be for nothing," Gwen added, repeating the move with her elbow, her tone turning cautious. "And, it will be if she continues drinking. Colm's mead is quite strong, despite how easy it goes down."

It was still very early in the morning when Emma knocked on Gwen's door, and surprised to find the young healer awake, she quickly explained what she needed from the girl. After the young woman gave her the special containers for the magical items Emma was going to get, she turned around and wrote a small note to herself, mumbling ingredients under her breath. "It will be ready by the evening, Geilgeis," Gwen said with a light smirk, that turned into a wide smile at Emma's disgruntled look. "I'll even mix up something special for the bath," she added with a soft laugh, sending the Savior away. And, as promised that evening, everything was ready, so when Emma found her finishing up her daily chores in her small working room, she showed the blonde what she had prepared. "First, the bath, then the milk," she instructed as she explained the usage of her blends.

Emma chuckled and pushed away from the wall, approaching the table from behind her True Love. Her appearance was quickly noticed by the men of the group, who immediately shouted for her to join them in eating and drinking. She bent down and kissed her lover's flushed cheek. "Hello, my heart," she whispered into Regina's ear, smirking when the brunette's neck showed goosebumps, before she sank down on the bench beside her. "Did you miss me?" she asked in a jest as she reached for a cup Percy was offering her.

"Immensely, my dear," Regina murmured, leaning gently onto Emma's strong frame.

The Savior chuckled at her beloved's lazy greeting and pulled her into a loose embrace while she ate and reacquainted herself with the people around her. Soon after, as her hunger was assuaged and people sufficiently conversed with so they would not think her rude, Emma rose and bid good night to everyone, pulling Regina gently to her feet and dressing both of them in their cloaks, she carefully guided her lover outside.

"Did you have fun today?" Emma asked as she led the former Evil Queen over the freshly fallen snow toward the Marble Hall.

"They want me to be their queen," the brunette replied, seemingly not answering the question. "They know who I am, and still… Even Percival." The dark eyes were glistening with tears as she looked into Emma's face. "They want me." A short but heartfelt burst of laughter escaped her chest as she turned away. "Yeah, I had fun," she finally replied. "I don't remember when was the last time it was so freeing to be around other people, people who aren't you."

"As you said," Emma spoke quietly, gathering Regina's hands into her own. "They know who you are." She leaned in and kissed the brunette on the lips before she lifted her head a bit and focused onto the swirling caramel eyes. "Not the Evil Queen," she whispered, her warm breath washing over Regina's face. "Not that she isn't a part of you, my love, but that is not who you are anymore," she added with a saucy wink, before she grew serious once more. "They see someone worthy of Tintagel legacy, and they are right."

"I only have it because of you," Regina replied sullenly, her face dropping down as her eyes closed.

Emma shook her head and brought her hand to the brunette's chin, tilting her head up. "I may have the power that started it, but you have the history, the knowledge and the wisdom to use it. You are the Heir, I am just the consort." Before Regina could refute it, she pressed her lips against Regina's and kissed her deeply. "I am not what they want without you. I am not capable of being the True Love's Born without you. Don't you understand by now? Without you, there is no me, and without you there is no Tintagel."

"Oh, Emma," Regina gasped, jumping into Emma's arms, embracing her tightly as she tried to compose herself, but instead of shushing her or even trying to comfort her, Emma lifted her up, taking her into a bridal carry and went on to the House of Healing, using small tendrils of magic to open and close the main door of the Marble Hall. She didn't put her down until they entered their room and reached the bathroom, using magic to lock the doors behind her. As she stepped into the bathroom with the brunette in her arms, the bowls of oil lit up and the taps opened, the sizzling hot water spewing out, filling the sunken pool quite fast. Settling Regina down gently, Emma picked up a small satchel made of gause and tossed it into the pool, the soothing scents wifting off the surface of the water.

As the bath was ready, Emma turned to Regina and gently unclasped the cloak, taking it off and tossing it over the small desk situated by the door, reaching for the velvet jacket Regina was wearing next. When the brunette's hand halted her progress, she looked into the uncertain brown eyes and offered a soft smile. "Let me take care of you, my heart," she whispered, not moving her hands until Regina released her. The sorceress blinked slowly at Emma's loving gaze and nodded, letting her hands fall, surprised when the Sheriff knelt down and nimbly did away the laces on her boots. Slowly, and with care, the Savior removed each of Regina's clothes, further gentling her touch when the brunette would hiss in pain due to her strained muscles, and when the sorceress was nude, Emma guided her to the pool, helping her inside, before she took everything off from her person and slid into the pool herself.

"What is this mixture?" Regina wondered quietly before she sighed, enjoying the incredible warmth of the water and the healing effects of whatever was in it. She felt the blonde thread water behind her before strong arms enveloped her from behind, pulling her into the strong and naked body of the Savior. She hummed in pleasure, letting her head fall back on Emma's shoulder while her hands went lazily through the opaque water, enjoying the sense of peace that engulfed her as she rested her eyes, safe in Emma's arms.

"Something Gwen cooked up for the muscle aches," the Savior whispered into Regina's ear, leading the brunette toward the edge of the pool on the deeper end, placing the woman's elbows onto the warm stone before she reached for a sponge and a scented bar of soap. With the necessary things in her hands, she gently removed Regina's hair from her neck and kissed a spot below the brunette's hairline, before she placed the soft surface of the sponge on it and started rubbing it softly, her ministrations causing Regina to hum and sigh as her head was leaning on her forearms.

"You know what I miss?" Regina muttered with her cheek resting on her bent arm, while the Sheriff was scrubbing the other one paying attention to every crease, her voice low and slightly slurred. When the blonde quietly hummed in response, squeezing Regina's forearm in return, the brunette spoke again. "Music. This situation calls for a gentle, soothing ambient music." She heard Emma's soft grunt from beside her, and turning just a bit to see her beloved's face, she continued. "Showers, too. The hot, pounding stream of water just washing away your day… And, God, what I wouldn't give for a cup of coffee…"

Emma chuckled into her chin as she lowered Regina's arm back into the water, reminded of her own resentful tirade that had gone through her mind when she had been climbing the cliffs by the Temple. "You grew up here," she noted lightly, as she gently touched Regina's shoulder, coaxing her to turn around, and bringing the sponge to the woman's clavicle, she continued to wash the brunette.

"I know," Regina conceded with a deep sigh. "I didn't even realize how Storybrooke has spoiled me with its modern amenities." She then looked into her lover's face, raising her palm and touching the blonde's cheek in a tender caress, a soft look passing between them, and in Emma's eyes she could almost read the words - it isn't so bad here. "I know you had times when even the modern world couldn't provide enough for your comfort, and I don't mean to make light of it," she explained further, that is until Emma's fingers covered her lips, stopping her from adding more.

"I miss those things, too, Regina, and more," Emma admitted quietly as her fingers traced the brunette's upper lip, dwelling a bit longer over the scar. "No apologies," she reminded the queen of the words spoken so long before. Gently holding Regina's head by the chin, Emma angled herself over deliberately and kissed her, her tongue teasingly passing over the brunette's upper lip, before she tilted her head upwards and looked into the woman's hazy eyes. "Just relax," she breathed out, and kissed her again. Then, using her magic as an added limb, she reached for the plug, pulling it out, having decided that the mixture Gwen had provided had done its work, and now, the Sheriff could continue with bathing her lover. As the murky waters swirled away, the blonde summoned the scented soap Regina preferred to her hand and, opening the spigots for the fresh hot water, she gently guided Regina to place her head under the carefully adjusted stream, wetting the dark tresses. Using soft, circling strokes, she lathered up the black locks before she rubbed the scalp with the caressing fingers. After she was done with the hair, she washed the rest of Regina, making sure to get everywhere.

When she finished, Emma tried to move toward the edge of the pool, but Regina stopped her with a gentle hold over her biceps, taking the soap and the sponge out of her hands. "It's your turn," she said quietly, already working on lathering up the sponge.

"This is for you," Emma returned gallantly, but she didn't even try to evade Regina's soapy hands.

"So is this, Emma," Regina brought the sponge to the blonde's shoulder. "You had an eventful day, too. I can feel it, despite the fact that you are blocking your magic from me." With those admonishing but kind words, she went on to scrub the scent of sweat and mustiness from her beloved's skin, paying extra attention to Emma's long hair. "I take it, you have everything you need for the sword," she surmised, lathering the blonde's scalp.

Emma hummed in lieu of nodding since Regina's fingers were still in the yellow tresses, not really in a mood to speak about her visits to her friends, nor about what she had experienced with her magic. The next day, perhaps, definitely when they enter the meld, but not that evening.

"So tomorrow is another busy day," Regina murmured as she watched the blonde rinse out her hair.

"So the usual."

Regina quietly chuckled at Emma's pithy tone. "What else did you have in mind for the evening?" she asked, bringing her arms around Emma's neck and waiting for the response, she kissed the blonde on her chin, right below the corner of her mouth.

"I asked Gwen to make a special body milk for you," Emma murmured, chasing the woman's lips. "A massage, in front of the fire."

"A massage?" Regina queried, looking at her beloved with wide eyes. At Emma's nod, she cooed affectionately at the woman in her arms. "How romantic." Then, she kissed the Sheriff and breathed another question into Emma's mouth, her voice becoming lower and huskier, with a titillating edge. "Just a massage?"

"For starters," Emma answered, shifting her head to a side and catching the soft part of Regina's ear in a teasing bite. "Only that, if you don't behave until the milk soaks in," she added as she stared into Regina's darkening eyes, her own flashing in challenge.

"Well, then, Savior," Regina spoke with a dark tone imbuing the title, her arms falling away from Emma's body as she made one step back. "I surrender to you," she continued, her voice carrying a dangerous but suggestive edge. She raised her arms to the height of her chest and lowered her head, her posture mockingly submissive,

The blonde Savior did not comment on Regina's words or actions, but she quickly climbed out of the pool and helped the brunette exit before she toweled them both dry, wrapping the other woman in the largest towel she could find.

When Regina walked into their room, she gasped in surprise, noticing for the first time the elaborate setup in front of the already lit and magically protected fireplace. There, on the floor beside the roaring fire, thick furs were arranged, creating a bedding of sorts, soft enough to spend some time on it, without feeling the hardness of the stones, all of them covered with a quite large but several times folded sheet of densely woven cotton, no doubt to protect the furs. Beside the bedding, on the other side from the fire, there was a bowl of still steaming water with a large glass container shut with a cork dipped into it, obviously to keep the off-white liquid inside still warm. That she hadn't noticed all of these preparations on their way to the bathroom only spoke how she had been distracted by Emma's playful antics, and alcohol she had imbibed in the Hall. "How do you want me?" coyly she asked, unwinding the towel from her body and spreading it over the cotton covered furs.

Not able to fully stop herself, Emma snorted in amusement before she lowered herself on her knees beside the furs and the bowl. "On your belly," she spoke purposefully evenly, not even looking at the brunette, but checking if the milk was the right temperature, taking it out of the water. She could practically feel Regina's smirk as the woman walked around her and graciously came down on her knees and hands before she positioned her body in a sprawl with her head resting near the edge of the fur bedding, while her feet were completely on the cotton sheet and towel.

Emma brought her knees closer to Regina's legs, and with a soft, barely there touch she caressed the calf that was only millimeters away from her thigh. Then, she gently wrapped her hands around it, lifting it and placing it carefully on her lap, making sure not to twist or awkwardly bend the knee. With the leg in her lap, she uncorked the bottle, the sharp scents of peppermint and chamomile spreading through the heated air, along with other pleasant smells of honey and milk, and pouring a bit of it into her cupped hand, Emma tenderly spread it over the brunette's foot, covering every inch of it before she started rubbing the liquid in, her strong fingers gradually digging in deeper and deeper, her thumbs pressing down into the arch of the foot, releasing all the tension gathered there. Following the tendons and muscles, the blonde slowly worked the milk into the calf before she gently lowered Regina's foot down and took the other one into her lap, repeating the action.

It was a bit meditative, the Savior remarked to herself within the silence of her mind, while her hands rubbed the lower part of the tan thigh, careful not to put too much pressure on the back of the knee. The repetitive motions of her palms and fingers brought a special kind of stillness into her mind, where she was aware of everything that was related to Regina's body - the sudden inhales of breath, the soft gasps and moans of pleasure, the subtle flexing of the muscles under her hands, the warmth of the skin that grew comfortably warmer under her ministration, the pulsating grip Regina had on the edge of the bedding, the barely detectable scent of arousal over the smell of the milk… But, her thoughts didn't focus on one thing at the time, but, rather, they encompassed it all. Also, touching the brunette's olive skin did wonders for her stress levels.

With the heat from the fire that had been spelled with a certain charm so no sparks could fly out and potentially injure one of them, Emma had no worry that the naked woman spread in front of her would get cold, so she didn't rush, working the muscles in order, giving them full attention, as she slowly climbed up Regina's body, keeping her touch, for the lack of better word, professional, paying no heed to the disappointed sighs coming from the brunette. Additionally, as she reached the small of Regina's back, she started using one more thing in her arsenal. Getting in touch with her magic, she increased the warmth of her palms, making them noticeably hotter than the woman's sensitive skin, but not so scorching that she would make Regina uncomfortable.

"Ooh, I like that," the former Evil Queen murmured after hissing in pleasure at the unexpected but welcome surprise, as the hands pressed against the lower oblique muscles and glutes, right where the back met the buttocks.

Emma softly hummed in response and brought herself to a new position, now astride the brunette's legs, needing the proper placement for added pressure and mobility and less straining work for her own back. With her strong arms and nimble fingers, she started working on warming up the woman's knotted muscles, knowing that her beloved had not been able to properly relax and recover from the highly intensive undertaking that was the Gorlois-made mindscape, and that didn't take into account the fact of many stressful events prior to arriving to the House of Healing in search of her. If not for the constantly running magic that circulated throughout her body, healing stiffened muscles and tendons along the way, Regina would not be able to move, let alone traipse through Enchanted Forest.

With light, barely there contact, Emma guided her hands over the pristine olive skin in long, continuous motion from the butt up to the neck and back down, gradually pressing her palms down into a firmer touch, not skipping out on arms. Only after the movement started creating a drag, Emma reached out for the bottle of the milk and poured some into her hand, before letting it drip over the small of Regina's back, using her other one to smear the liquid evenly over the surface, slowly working the milk into the whole back with gentle flowing strokes. When the skin was slippery enough, the blonde returned to the small of the back, using a slightly firmer pressure and putting her whole body into it, and while she was easing back, she shook her arms and hands to make vibrations, gently rocking the hips from side to side. Then, choosing a side, she carefully used the fingers of one hand to guide the pressure, while the whole palm of the other followed with a more evenly distributed weight, going from the side of the spine outwards, making sure not to put any force in her touch when she went over the bone structure of the hip. Each path she repeated several times before going to the other side and doing the same, slowly working her way up, making more repetitions on places where she could feel the bunched up muscles, relaxing them in a steady pace, not rushing nor using more power in her hands than she really needed, not responding at all at the pleasure-filled moans coming from the brunette.

As she went up her lover's back, she paid special attention to the muscles around shoulder blades, moving Regina's arm to reach them easily, as she dug her fingers into the soft tissue. When she was done with the blades, she went on to the space slightly higher, at the root of the neck, working the tightness out, digging in her knuckles and thumbs, before she moved onto the shoulders.

After doing all she could from her position at Regina's back, she rose and shifted quietly over the brunette's head, gently urging the woman to move a bit forward and rest her forehead on the blonde's thighs, knees slightly apart cradling Regina's chin. Having wiped her hands on the towel she had brought with her, she gathered the dark brown locks and moved them away from the neck, scratching the sensitive back of the head gently. Then, she leaned a bit forward and getting the milk, she poured some of it over the woman's upper back and placed her still very warm hands on the tight muscles of the shoulders, using the whole palms to spread the liquid and using gliding motions, she slightly firmed the pressure, pressing down her thumbs along the upper spine and following the muscles and tendons of the shoulders and neck, she continued the treatment of the now pliant body. After she was done and waited for a few minutes so the liquid would dry, she bent herself down and whispered softly into Regina's ear to turn around. She helped the woman settle on her back before she went back to the brunette's feet, starting the whole process of massage from the beginning, only this time she worked on the top side of the body parts. Even though she pressed deeply into the muscles of her lover's body, she made sure not to keep her hands longer than strictly necessary in sensitive areas around the pelvis and chest, working only to ease up the strain of the brunette's adventures so far.

When she was done with the body and neck, Emma rose up from her position and walked over to the table where a small vial and a cream bottle were placed inconspicuously by a small towel. Picking them up, she brought them over to Regina before she washed her hands in the now lukewarm water in the bowl. With gentle hands, she lifted brunette's head back into her lap, careful not to pull on her long and loose hair. As the woman opened her darkened eyes to gaze up at her, Emma smiled softly and lightly pressed the tip of Regina's nose causing the brunette's eyes to cross before she glared mockingly up at the Savior.

Opening the cream container and taking a bit of it on her fingers, Emma spread the buttery substance over Regina's face, rubbing it in in gentle circular motions that turned into a caressing massage when the cream was thoroughly applied.

"What is that?" Regina murmured, keeping her eyes closed as Emma was tracing the soft skin under them.

"Something to keep you moisturized, even in this cold," the blonde replied in a whisper. Then, having done with the face, she moved just a bit away, sliding Regina's head down her lap for just an inch, and gathering the black locks, Emma opened the vial, letting a strong scent of almonds and herbs fill the air. "This will help, too," she added softly as she applied the oil, rubbing it tenderly into Regina's scalp before she let it spread out to the tresses, helped by her careful hands.

Wrapping the hair into the towel, Emma secured it with a twist and a small bit of magic, and then, she rose to her feet, gathering the empty bottle and the containers, setting them on the table, before she poured two cups of water and brought one of them to the still reclining woman by the fire, while she drank the other one.

Regina turned to a side, using her elbow to prop herself up and after sipping the fresh cool water, she looked up at her beloved walking through their quarters, with not a stitch of clothing on her. Something had happened to the blonde while she had been in the valley, it had been obvious the moment she paid attention to her lover's eyes, and the minute she could feel the blonde's magic on her skin. The power Emma possessed had changed and matured, yet again, creating a strange buzzing effect in it whenever her own magic reached out for Emma's. She knew from her time with Gorlois that the Savior would have some pretty nifty tricks up her sleeves with the Blessings, but the application of it in hot hands had surprised her. It also explained why Emma hadn't been cold the night before. However, watching the younger woman now, Regina could see that her beloved was more at ease and her magic more settled. So she wiped away her soft smile and swallowed the rest of the water, deciding to resume her previous plans of bringing this alluring woman to her arms and enticing her into something new in their bed.

"Have I behaved, as you commanded?" she spoke up, her voice husky and filled with sultry undertone, causing the blonde to look at her over her shoulder, the wisps of her loosely bound hair barely hiding the flash of desire in those greens. It was like looking at the caged lion or tiger. The powerful and majestic force hidden behind Emma's steely control over her actions, with only the eyes showing her true feelings and thoughts. Regina lifted her arm into the air, the summons clear in the gesture, and she watched with unbridled thirst for the Savior's athletic form as the woman unabashedly turned toward her and made those few steps with slow but assured grace before lowering herself to the furs beside Regina, coming down on her back and resting her head on the bended elbow beneath it.

Emma looked up at the brunette's molten chocolate orbs, not moving her eyes away when Regina placed her arm over the blonde's middle, her thumb tracing the raised edge of the ribcage. "Well enough, I suppose," the Sheriff murmured softly, her mouth spreading into a teasing smirk, that quickly turned into a high pitched chuckle when the brunette pinched her side in retaliation.

"Enough for a reward, do you think?" Regina continued as Emma took the offending hand and brought it to her lips, keeping it in one of her own. When the blonde hummed with her eyebrow raised, the sorceress leaned down, bringing her face barely an inch away from Emma's and sharing the air, she whispered, "A reward that both of us should enjoy immensely."

"What's on your mind?" Emma asked, her eyes darting down to the brunette's inviting lips, but before she could lift her head and steal a kiss, the sorceress shifted and brought her mouth to Emma's ear, whispering hotly about what she wanted, and with each new word, brought over by Regina's moist and warm breath spilling over the sensitive skin of her ear and neck, Emma could feel her ardour rising. "And, you want me to…?" she questioned in a half strangled whisper.

"Well, it is a reward for me, after all," the brunette answered, pleased with Emma's reaction to her suggestion. "Will you do it?"

The Sheriff didn't even have to think about it and she breathed out an emphatic Yes, before she pulled Regina down into her arms, initiating a full body contact, and kissed the woman, her arms going around the brunette's back, one hand landing between the shoulder blades, while the other ended up squarely on Regina's butt, squeezing it with her strong fingers. When Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's neck and shoulders, her fingers dispelling the knot Emma had used to keep her lustrous tresses out of her face, Emma flipped them over, pressing her thigh firmly between Regina's legs, causing the brunette to moan sharply at the sudden but much desired contact, her fingers digging into Emma's skin.

Even though the slick substance spreading over her quad was proof enough that her beloved was more than ready, Emma didn't rush, slowly moving her leg up and down as she brought her hand to Regina's puffed lower lips, gliding over them in a tender and slow motion, flicking the peeking nub every time she would press up her thigh, working the woman further up. Then, using her thigh, she spread Regina's legs wider and brought her fingers to her entrance, circling it gently, wetting her digits before she inserted one in while her thumb continued to tease the engorging clit, the one quickly followed by two after several thrusts. While she used her hand to prepare her beloved for the main event of the evening, she turned her thoughts inwards, sinking into the impressive knowledge of magic Regina had collected over the years, searching for the one piece of it her lover had described. Finding it, along with several brunette's memories of how she had used that spell, Emma focused and enacted it, guiding it with both hers and Regina's preferences.

What she did was a magical equivalent of putting on a strap on, but for many reasons, the spell Emma chose was much more complicated than simply adding a magically affixed dildo, or changing her own body parts for that of a man. No, she used this particular spell, first because she didn't want to be a man or have a fully functioning cock, and second, dildos lacked certain sensitivity she was after, so what the spell actually did was changing the size, shape and length of her own clitoris, making it hard and gentle to touch, but still covered in all of the nerve endings that promised incredible pleasure. And, with this particular spell, the effects last until she cancels it, so no premature flaccidness due to her own peak shorting out her magic.

"You ready?" Emma murmured as she used magic to thoroughly lubricate herself, the tingling sensation searing through her spine.

Regina nodded, pulling the blonde tighter against her. "Slowly," she replied breathlessly, moving her arms to Emma's lower back.

The younger woman guided herself to Regina's opening, only pressing lightly against the fluttering muscle, and then she moved her hips, sinking into the warmth of her beloved in steady increments, letting the woman get used to the intrusion bit by bit before she bottomed out. "God, this is intense," she hissed as she shifted slightly to ease her movement, leaning on her left elbow, her arm right under Regina's armpit, while her hand gently clasped the woman's neck.

"Look at me," the sorceress husked out after a deep, gratifying moan escaped her when the blonde moved. When the dark eyes of the Savior found hers in the blazing light of fire, she trembled under the onslaught of such a deep connection they shared. "You can move," she added after a short while passed, and Emma gently lifted her hips, taking almost the whole length of the clit out before slowly sinking in fully, not once looking away from her lover, the pleasure filled sounds emanating from both of them, and soon enough, Regina's hand pressed against Emma's bottom, guiding the blonde into a faster and harder rhythm that took them to completion several times in a row. After taking a short breather to drink water and rest for a bit, Regina rose to her knees and turned around, giving Emma a come hither look over her shoulder. "Take me," she ordered sharply before she lowered herself on all fours, presenting quite an inviting picture for the blonde. Emma complied immediately, after once more applying the lubrication, and sank into Regina's depths in one steady thrust, holding the brunette's hips firmly in place. Luckily, after the first time Regina had shreaked in ecstasy, Emma had used her brewing magic to soundproof their quarters, but, this time she had doubts the charms would hold as the woman wildly screamed and swore at her, pushing her into a punishing pace as they raced toward what seemed to be the strongest orgasm of their lives. As they neared the peak, the blonde pulled Regina's upper body up to rest against her own, her arm winding around her middle and still keeping her in place, while the other reached for the sorceress's nub and rubbed it mercilessly.

Regina came first, passing out mid-scream and collapsing back on the blonde, and Emma followed seconds after, grunting as a clear liquid burst from her entrance, soaking the both of them. As soon as she gathered her wits, Emma carefully lowered them down on the furs, staying inside as the brunette's muscles still had a strong hold on her, pulsating erratically. Placing them on the side, the Sheriff used her hands to caress and rub thoroughly flushed skin, soothing Regina's body while the woman was oblivious of the world around her.

The Savior knew the second when the sorceress regained consciousness. The brunette's magic swirled as the woman practically oozed the rapture, and kissing Regina's neck, Emma hummed in greeting, almost preening under the fondling tendrils of the reddish purple power. "Yes, yes," Regina croaked before she cleared her throat in amusement. "You fucked me into oblivion, you should be proud," she added, patting Emma's butt lightly, but when the blonde snapped her hips into hers in retaliation, she hissed out, expecting uncomfortable tenderness. However, the movement sparked another fluttering of her inner muscles and she gasped as another, much, much weaker orgasm passed through her. "Oh." When the blonde chuckled into her neck, she just rolled her eyes and twisted her arm so she could bring Emma's lips to her own. "Thank you," she murmured into the blonde's swollen lips.

"My pleasure," the Savior impishly replied, smirking at her lover. After the healing submission in the caves down in the valley, they rarely could keep their hands away from each other, only the duty and tiredness stopping them from spending all their time in bed and on other suitable surfaces. She had never before been so in love with someone, to find them so irresistible, and being with Regina in such carnal and pleasurable ways did not only bring them immeasurable satisfaction, but it brought them closer in such intimate ways that even the mind sharing hadn't been able to. "I love you, Mo Chridhe," she sighed softly as she slowly pulled out, silencing Regina's groan with a deep kiss and dispelled the enchantment as it had done its job, and honestly, the Sheriff was not sure she would be able to go again, not that night at least. Then, she wrapped her arms tightly around her lover and magicked them to bed, not willing to sleep on drenched sheets beside roaring fire. As the brunette settled on her shoulder for the night, Emma kissed her forehead and fell asleep.

---

Three soft knocks rapping against the solid oak wood door of their quarters, breaking the silence of the morning, roused Emma from her deep slumber, and as she turned her head towards the sound, the blonde became aware of hot lips pressing gently on the underside of her jaw, before a low, raspy voice wished her a good morning. The Savior quietly hummed in response as her arms tightened around the woman she had held the whole time she had been sleeping.

At the younger woman's lazy reply, Regina softly chuckled before she kissed again the pale skin of her lover and relaxed back into her previous position, snuggling into Emma's embrace. After a long minute of comfortable silence they spent enjoying the rate moment of casual intimacy, Regina brought her hand to Emma's chest and started lightly caressing the woman's breastbone, her fingers absently tracing the soft flesh that rose to swells, keeping close to the center of the chest.

In turn, Emma kissed the brunette's forehead and pulled her closer against her with one arm, bending the other behind her head to support it.

"I don't want to get up," Regina spoke in whisper, her breath dancing over Emma's collarbone.

"Then, don't," Emma replied quietly, her palm gliding up and down Regina's back. "We could stay here."

Regina wistfully smiled at the tempting offer before she minutely shook her head. "But, there is so much to do," she countered regretfully.

Emma agreed with a deep sigh, before she spoke. "There is always much to do." She looked down at the brunette, tilting the woman's head up. "But, we can't forget about us, either." Turning to her side and grabbing the idly wandering hand on her chest, she peered into the dark eyes. "We need this moment, Regina, to just be with each other. You taught me that." Ending the barely started discussion, she gently pushed the brunette onto her back and hovering over her, she kissed her, deeply. Holding her beloved tightly against her, she did nothing further to alight their passion, using the time simply to kiss her lover, enjoying the exchange between them immensely. It wasn't an fervent make out with a goal of sexual completion, it was slow, emotion filled exploration that took their breath away, and with each new kiss, with each new 'playful' bite of lip, each new tongue connection the two women felt immeasurably closer and more in love than ever.

As their breaths mingled, so did their magic, tendrils of it teasingly touching and gliding over each other, playful and intimate as their kisses.

Some time later, driven apart by their rumbling insides , the two women disentangled from each other and left the bed. While Regina ducked away to the bathroom and the room beyond, Emma summoned a light robe from the wardrobe and wrapped it around her naked body and loosely tied it up before she opened the door to their quarters, assuming correctly that the knocks that had woken her earlier had been of someone dropping by with their breakfast. The blonde found a tray of food on the floor by the entrance to the room and she picked it up and brought it inside, kicking the door closed, her hands carefully carrying the tray to the table. Sitting down in one of the chairs she reached for one of the plates on the tray and grabbed a strip of dried meat, tossing it into her mouth, rolling her eyes when she found the brunette leaning against the bathroom door and smirking in her direction.

"I'm hungry," she mumbled over the half chewed meat, already picking another morsel to eat.

Regina smiled at the blonde, slightly shaking her head at her behavior before she pushed away from the door and walked to her beloved. Using Emma's distraction with the food, she sat down on the blonde's thighs, placing one arm around the woman's neck while she picked a bite of cheese with the other, giggling softly at the surprised grunt the blonde gave out when the brunette ended up in her lap. When the green eyes glared at her, she smiled again and kissed the nearest cheek while her fingers idly caressed Emma's neck, her smile widening as the blonde's arm wound against her middle, holding her close and steadying her. Then, she reached out for another piece of cheese and offered it to the Sheriff, pressing it gently against Emma's lips, yelping in delight when the blonde snapped it up in a too fast a move, her lips wrapping around Regina's fingers before releasing them.

They ate in silence, sharing the food and occasionally kissing between the bites, playfully teasing each other with tasty morsels until all of it was gone. Then, they remained seated, just enjoying the rare indulgence of closeness, looking into each other's eyes, their hands caressing the soft skin underneath gentle fingers.

"I've been thinking," Regina murmured as she peered into the spring green eyes of her lover, her voice taking on a serious tone as she held Emma's shoulder. Her beloved blinked slowly, waiting for her to go on, the affectionate gaze turning more focused, and the brunette noted the odd calm the woman portrayed, where the Savior of old would have been a barely restrained ball of nervous energy. With a soft sigh, she continued, deciding not to start with the changes Emma had gone through, but with the thought that had been on her mind since the blonde had told her about the sword. "I think that with your training with Guardian and mine with Gorlois, we can make a selective link, not sinking too deep into each other's minds." When the Sheriff frowned, she hurried to explain. "There are many things I want to share with you, but the whole knowledge I received from Gorlois could overwhelm you. And, I am sure, some things you learned you were supposed to keep to yourself."

"Okay," Emma spoke slowly, her frown deepening. "There's no rush," she added softly, looking back into the dark eyes, her lips twisting into a barely there crooked smirk filled with affection.

"It can help you in the forge," Regina said immediately after. "And, Morgan has woken, it will be only a matter of time when we are summoned to her side." The brunette sighed with a weary look on her face. "We both should have all the important information when she calls for us, and even Guardian mentioned we should do it as soon as possible." Her fingers traced the edges of the soft smile on Emma's cheek, loath to see the ease on the Savior's face go under the seriousness of their business.

"Alright," Emma nodded. "Now?"

"Now," Regina agreed and immediately, she felt the blonde's magic's gentle but still invisible tendril reach out for her, carrying along with it the emotions and thoughts Emma was currently having. The heady and powerful presence of it called Regina's own magic, and the brunette allowed it to come and entwine with the Savior's force. Guided by her previous experiences of melds with Emma, Regina expected it to begin at once, suddenly dropping into a shared mindscape, but, this time, it did not come as it had before. Not so quickly, and not so overwhelmingly displacing. First, the brunette felt incredibly loving warmth and the sense of safety she strongly associated with her beloved's mind suffuse her entire being all the while she was still looking into Emma's twinkling eyes. After a long moment of this, she noticed a shadowy presence in her mind, much like Guardian had once communicated with her, and with that presence, came the memories, soft trinkle of them filling Regina's consciousness so gently and un-intrusively, while Emma used most of her own memories to supply the new information to her True Love. The former Evil Queen was aware enough that some parts were blocked away from her access, but she didn't pry, knowing that some secrets needed to be kept.

When the memories from Emma stopped, Regina focused and with a great deliberation she chose the parts of Gorlois' teachings to share. As there were no secrets to keep away from the Savior, the true Master of Tintagel's legacy, Regina only worried about Emma's ability to cope with the large quantity of knowledge she was about to receive. So, she concentrated mostly on what Emma would need in the nearer future, among those were most of what Gorlois had taught her about the Kinds, about the various types of magics and their applications, along with the knowledge of the warding stones of Brocéliande. In time, Regina decided, she would share the rest of it with her lover, but not just yet.

As soon as the older woman ceased the memory transfer, Emma closed her eyes and tilted her head back, keeping their magics entwined for a while longer, thus letting Regina feel the amusement and intrigue fill the bond between them. "Interesting," the blonde murmured softly, before she peered at Regina beneath her barely lifted lids. "Seems no one but idiots trusts Mother Superior."

Not able to stop herself, and not even trying to, the brunette chuckled at the droll comment, wholeheartedly agreeing with it. "She won't like your plans for Nova," Regina said with a soft trace of caution in her voice as she gazed upon the frowning face of her beloved, having gained enough knowledge about Emma's impending trip to Agrabah to know what the Savior had in mind for the young and friendly Fairy.

"She can piss off," Emma replied in a harsh whisper, her eyes snapping open in irritation, before the emotion filtered away from the green orbs and the blonde relaxed and looked at her lover. "You were right," she added softly, a smirk quite obvious in her voice, the previous outburst already forgotten. "This," the woman said, breaking gently the connection between them, "gave me an idea for the sword." Offering an affectionate smile at the woman in her lap, she glanced toward the mantle, where the remains of her broken blade rested, her look signifying an end to their short interlude.

"So, we should get dressed," Regina conceded with a resigned sigh, knowing that their morning was over and that Emma would be incredibly busy for the next several days. Moving to rise from her seat on Emma's thighs, she yelped in surprise when the strong arms pulled her back into the hard body of her beloved and guided her lips to the blonde's for a brief but passionate kiss.

---

Emma looked up into the sky, searching for the weak Sun, hiding behind the grey clouds that promised another bout of snowfall in the days to come, and finding it still angled toward the East, a fist away from the zenith, she nodded sharply to herself, pleased to see that it was not too late in the day to go about her business. With a soft hum, she walked down the steps of the Marble Hall and went to the lonesome hut of the smith, carrying her bag and the sword over the cloak she had wrapped herself in, her black clad figure highly noticeable in the whiteness of the snow covered hamlet. When she came upon the door of the building, she pushed it right in, not bothering with knocking, or even pounding on it, for the sharp clangs of the smith's hammer were too loud for anything short of a cannon to be heard over it. As she went in, she closed the door behind her with haste, to stop the cold from rushing in and the heat of the forge leaving, and as she stepped away from the door, she waved in acknowledgement to the man at the anvil, the freezing breeze drawing his attention away from the tool he was fixing. He stood there, a large hammer in his hand, naked from the waist up and drenched from the heat, his hair loose and damp, splayed over his scarred shoulders, his dark eyes finding hers easily in the gloom of the forge.

"Ah, Geilgeis," he greeted, his voice booming over the space, and he placed down the hammer from his hand and stepped away from the anvil. "Down," he added, pointing toward the trapdoor, gesturing to Emma that he would join her in a short while before he walked to the opposite end of the room. The blonde complied with the short direction and climbed down the ladder to the cellar, very careful not to jostle the bag she had with her. When her boots touched the hard packed earth of the ground, she walked over to the table and, gently, placed the bag on it, making sure not to damage the containers she had for the elements of the Kinds she had collected. As soon as the precious cargo was safe, Emma took off her cloak, and immediately after, her tunic as well, remaining only in a shirt Regina had set aside for her that morning, and light pants tucked into her boots. Confident that the heat sinking down from the fires above would be enough to keep her warm, and if not, her own magic would keep the cold away, the blonde folded her tunic and cloak, keeping them out of the way.

"Sit," Roan spoke as he joined her in the room, now dressed in a simple cotton sleeveless shirt covering his body, and with his hair gathered in a tail on his neck, his look making Emma suppress a smile threatening to appear on her face when she looked at him. His shirt was stretched over his body but sticking in places to his wet body, and his hair seemed drenched, heavy drops oozing away from his tail and further leaving trails on the shirt, and Roan looked as if he had poured a whole pail of water over himself before putting the shirt on and tying his hair off. After a moment of consideration, Emma slowly blinked in realization - he had done just that, he had tossed the water over his body, quickly washing away the sweat before coming down into the cellar.

Before she took him upon his offer, she reached for her sword and holding it by its scabbard, she gave it to the smith, hilt first, feeling a small prick of loss when it left her hands.

"Good quality steel," the large man murmured quietly as he inspected the weapon and its sheath. Drawing it out, his eyes looked upon the remains of the blade. "Worn, though," he remarked, noticing many marks upon the edges, glancing toward the Savior. "Put to use. A fine sword, indeed. Fit for an excellent warrior." He then placed the blade back into the scabbard and judged its size and guessed its weight, taking into the account the missing piece. "Same style and size, yeah?" he asked as he looked back at the Savior, placing the sword onto the table between them.

"More or less," Emma replied and noted the interest in the man's eyes as he leaned forward to listen, gesturing to her to explain. "It will be the same size, but I need it to be a bit more elaborate," the blonde started talking, her hands going to the bag in front of her and opening it gently, she pulled out a rough sketch of the sword she had made in the Temple the day before and showed it to the smith. "First, the sword will be made with the gifts from my friends," Emma said before she delved into further explanations into the intricacies of the sword she had planned for the two of them to make, pleased to see the man following her words with ease and even offering a few suggestions himself.

"Right, then," the blacksmith spoke after a half an hour long discussion about the new blade. "I'll need help with the extra details," he added slowly, considering all the information the blonde had given him and looking down at the sketch that showed many alterations after their conversation, he tapped his chin with his finger, leaning back on his chair. "I can gather the people we will need, and we can start after lunch." He then looked over her, his eyes following the outlines of her arms, and added, "You look strong enough, you could do some of the work, too." When Emma nodded at his suggestion, he hummed in acknowledgement. "But," he suddenly cautioned. "The work, it'll take longer, Geilgeis. Seven, even eight days with only small breaks, maybe longer. Even with the others helping."

At his estimation, Emma felt her shoulders slump. They had planned to leave Brocéliande in time to meet with the children on Christmas Day, but with this… She bit the inside of her lower lip, considering something dangerous, before she made the decision. "I have a solution for that," she spoke up, and then told Roan about her ability with the time wards, describing the way they worked.

"That could work," the man murmured, nodding his head, before he rubbed his chin. "That would work," he then said a bit louder. "And, while the metal is curing or resting, I could finish with the works for the village." He then told the Savior to give him a couple of hours to gather the men and to eat before meeting him back at the forge, and Emma left him, shaking her head in amusement at his excitement for the hard work in front of them.

---

After the lazy morning she had shared with her beloved, Regina wasn't in the mood to remain alone in the room still bearing evidence of their previous activities, so she quickly dressed and went by Morgan's quarters, finding the young apprentice, Briana, at the door. Spending a moment in the conversation with the young healer, the brunette learned that the Queen was still recovering from the ordeal at the Temple and was too weak to leave her bed for any length of time, preventing her from assuming her regular duties. She also learned that the only people allowed in the chambers were the healers, Aileen and the last remaining Knight of the Round Table, and that all others who needed to see the Queen had to wait for her to get better. Pleased by the fact that Morgan's infirmity was giving both her and Emma more time before finally having the dreaded conversation and perhaps confrontation with the older Queen, Regina sent her best wishes and departed, offering the young girl a gentle smile as she left. Following a short deliberation, the woman directed herself to the Communal Hall, expecting to find at least one of the villagers familiar to her, hoping that she could join them for a bit.

It was odd, she remarked within her own mind, that she was looking for someone to spend her time with. Not only that, she had rather really enjoyed the evening before, in the presence of so many people who had honestly humbled her by their acceptance. Earlier in her life, she had abhorred spending time around people who had not been the Heartless or the Guard, or her Daddy. The fear and loathing of her servants and subjects had been too irritating for her to endure without her retaliation. Even with her so-called friends, like Maleficent and Jefferson, she had been reticent and ill at ease, able to tolerate them in small increments of time. The only exception had been Henry, her father, but even he would sometimes grate on her nerves, prompting her cruel response and punishments, or long bouts of avoidance. Her son had been the first person whose presence she not only tolerated but craved and adored, and his scorn had hurt her much more than he had known. Later, it had been Emma who had brought her desire for companionship to life, and with her, Regina slowly learned to accept others in her life, for the first time ever having real friends and family around to support her. She was surprised to find that she actually missed them. She missed her children, of course, but she found herself thinking about Neal, and Snow, of all people, and all others who had become her friends over the duration of this crazy adventure.

"Oh, hey," a soft timbre of the familiar voice broke her rumination and Regina looked up to see the she-wolf holding the door open for her. "Would you like to join us?" the shifter asked quietly as she motioned toward the table in the middle of the Hall, where Percival and three of his men were accompanied by Gwen and Keith.

"Sure," the brunette easily agreed and allowed herself to be led to the table, greeting the people there individually, having remembered their names from earlier, delighted to find them welcoming. Feeling herself easily integrated in their conversations, Regina relaxed.

She was still with the group, sharing a light meal and a funny story about Emma's bumbling adventures as the Sheriff of Storybrooke, quite easily changing the modern details into something more understandable to her audiences, when she felt the familiar stirring of her magic. Not stopping with the story, she looked over at the entrance and moments later, the subject of her story walked in, finding her eyes instantly. As the blonde warrior approached the table, Regina slowly wound down her story, causing many of her listeners to chuckle or outright guffaw, their boisterous laughter drawing attention from the surrounding tables. The sorceress had been watching her True Love and she had seen the exact moment when the Savior had realized that the story had been about her, the green eyes rolling in mocked annoyance, pinning the brunette with a glare, to which Regina only smirked in smug satisfaction, wiggling her eyebrows at the woman.

When Emma reached her, she placed her hand on Regina's shoulder, her touch gentle and warm, before the hand moved slightly and fingers started playing with the wisps of loose hair covering the neck, in an affectionate manner that Regina guessed Emma wasn't even aware of. "Enjoying yourselves?" the Sheriff asked pointedly as she looked over at the men still chuckling, her words dousing the obvious merriment Regina's tale had left behind, but the blonde did not let the group devolve into tense silence. "Well," she started before she grinned widely, her eyes catching the dark ones of her beloved. "I was an idiot, then," she added self-deprecatingly, her words making her lover snort as Regina lifted her arm and placed it around Emma's back to the woman's opposite hip.

"Was?" Regina questioned lightly, but her tone showed no malice, smiling at her beloved in affection, her question further answered by Aileen's and Gwen's pointed rejoinders about insane ideas.

"I guess, that's open to discussion," Emma conceded graciously, before she leaned down and brought her face to Regina's ear. "I need to talk to you," she added in a barely heard whisper, before she pressed a kiss to the woman's temple.

Humming in acknowledgement, Regina took her cup of tea and rose to her feet in a graceful move, excusing the pair of them for a moment before she guided Emma to an empty corner of the Hall, the farthest away from the fires that kept the space pleasantly warm. "What did you do?" she asked the moment they were assured of privacy, careful to keep her voice low. Seeing Emma frown and open her mouth with no words coming out, she quickly added, "I know you, beloved." Lifting her free hand to Emma's cheek, she caressed the raised edge of the blonde's cheekbone, her thumb gently touching the edge of her mouth. "And, you look just like Henry does when he knows I won't like something he has to tell me."

Emma shook her head with a wistful smile before she rolled her eyes. "Figures," she murmured ruefully as she brought Regina's hand down into a gentle hold of both of hers. "The sword will take a lot more time than anticipated," she said without preamble, going straight to the point.

Proving that she did know Emma, Regina understood the blonde's actions immediately. "You plan to use the wards," she said, her voice even.

Emma nodded and quickly launched into a plan she had worked out on the way over from the forge, detailing the schedule she had in mind.

"I won't ask if you can hold it that long, but I am concerned about the repercussions," the brunette spoke quietly, clenching the hand that was underneath her palm. The wards themselves weren't the problem, Regina knew because of the memories of that morning that Emma was quite powerful and could hold them for much longer without much of a drain on her core. The problem was using additional magic inside the ward, along with providing the stabilizing effect to all the ingredients Emma planned to use in making the sword. Keeping track of that many branches of actively used magic would prove to be exhausting, at the very least, and Regina wasn't keen on having her beloved suffer another bout of overcharge.

"The Unicorn did his thing," Emma mentioned quietly, her words providing enough explanation to soothe some of Regina's worry. "The magic won't harm me, it'll just be tiring." Then, Emma ducked her head, leaning closed to her True Love, peering into her concerned eyes. "I just didn't want to do anything before telling you first, and I thought that the thing Morgan had made for your ritual might even help-"

"No," Regina interjected sharply, before she simply turned her head and waved the young woman healer over, having caught her eyes quite easily after her loud outburst. "The concoction she made was specifically tailored for the magic conducted by the stones. I don't know how it would react with the way you intend to use it." Right at that time, Gwen came to them with a slight hesitation in her step. "Gwen," Regina greeted the girl with a welcoming smile intended to ease her discomfort. "My dear Sheriff needs you to make her a variation of endurance potion," she said gently before she drank the rest of her tea. "She will be using inordinate amounts of magic along with prolonged physical exertion," she added in explanation, squeezing Emma's hand in reassurance. "And, if you have any suggestions, we're listening."

The apprentice healer first looked at the Savior, considering her for a long moment, before she shortly nodded to the regal brunette speaking to her. "It's the thing with Roan, isn't it?" she asked the Sheriff quietly, not really needing the answer, her mind already going through possible remedies for exhaustion. "I don't know how to prevent the overcharge," she said firstly, but when the blonde murmured that it wouldn't be a problem, she continued on. "Then a stronger variant of the potion along with plenty of food and water, and the mix I made you for muscle strain should come in handy." Then, the young woman excused herself to go and prepare the things Emma would need, picking up Keith along the way to help her.

"Can I visit?" the brunette asked quietly after they were left alone, her eyes still on the young healer now leaving the Hall.

Emma frowned at the uncertainty of Regina's words, though the tone voicing them was even, and lifting her hand to the older woman's chin, she brought them closer to each other. "Of course," she said emphatically, holding Regina's dark eyes in her gaze. "I always want you by my side, Chridhe, no matter what I do," she said firmly, but quietly, not willing others to hear her use of elvish. "Okay?"

"Okay," Regina murmured softly, all traces of her insecurity demolished by the use of the term.

Glad to have settled that, Emma guided the two of them back to the table, ready to eat among her new friends and to spend a bit more time with her beloved before setting out to forge her new sword.

---

Not long after the lunch, after a short stop to her quarters, Emma returned to the smithy and found Roan waiting for her, along with several other people, gathered around one of the working tables, a bit away from the roaring fire of the forge. "Geilgeis," the blacksmith greeted her with excitement, clapping his hands, before he introduced his helpers to her. "I explained something of the time extension you want, and they don't mind," he continued, his words followed by both verbal and non-verbal agreements from the people beside him.

Nodding, Emma then spoke about the schedule she had planned for, smiling when Roan stopped her from giving the others big chunks of time for rest. "I've stuffed several pallets in the cellar, lass," he said gruffly. "They can rest inside the wards just as well." He then mentioned that one of the healers had brought over enough food for a week for ten people, showing her the large stack of goods lining one of the walls of the cellar. Emma chuckled with understanding; it had surely taken the young man, Keith by all accounts, several trips to bring it all to the forge. "There's a flask or two for you, Geilgeis," he added, pointing toward the rack beside the door.

And, with a short bit of organisation, they started. Roan gave the task of creating the scabbard, the pommel and materials for the handle to his people, explaining to each what to use and what motifs to work into the artwork. But, before they could split to begin their tasks, Emma used a small bit of the fairy dust to infuse the metal the men would work with, smirking softly at the lightshow of colors her actions created.

"Come here, lass," Roan called Emma to his side as they left the others to work. When the Savior joined him, he opened a small trunk and brought out several nuggets of the metal, each one the size of the smith's large hand. He then started explaining every part of the process of forging the metal, going into incredible detail, especially with the magical part of it, making sure that Emma would be alright basically on her own, as he would need to work on the crossguard and the assistant he had assigned her knew nothing of the process as it had been a closely guarded secret.

Guided by Roan's instructions, the memories from Gorlois and her own study of the art, she took the nuggets, gasping in startled surprise when she lifted the much heavier lumps than their sizes had suggested, and placed them in a small melting pot the smith had used the last time he had worked with the ore and set to smelt it, preparing the additional ingredients she had planned to add to the blade. Having already prepared the additives for the crossguard to add when Roan was in the middle of turning the iron ore into steel ingots, she was ready to begin. With a short shout of warning, she instituted the ward, using the one where one hour on the outside equaled six on the inside despite the fact that it was progressively harder to maintain, and got to work.

With the help of one of the men, Thane, she smelt the ore, following the steps Roan had outlined for her and keeping tight control over her magic, gradually adding the mixture she had prepared from the gifts of the Kinds and her own blood. When it was done, the two of them set out to remove the slag from the metal, heating it directly in the furnace and then beating it on the anvil, hours passing in hard and loud work. With the metal ready, Emma left it to cool down, as she used the time to rest a bit and to stretch out her muscles and spine. Sharing a light meal with the villager next to her, she watched the others work on their own projects.

One of the men, an old but still spry soldier by the name of Wyndam, sat in the corner by himself and worked on creating hoops from a very thin steel wire in order to make the curbed chain that would be part of the handle, a large heap of them on the floor beside him telling that he was almost done by this part of his task. What was left was to string them in a line, seal them and twist them to make the curbed chain that was by the smith's calculation 18 feet in length.

On the opposite side of the large room, sat Aiken, the middle aged man who made wood and skin his trade, helping the village tailor and cobbler out when they needed it, or working as a woodcarver in the meantime. He was currently busy preparing two planks of treated oak for the sheat, while the handle made of finest oakwood was soaking in a special solution to prevent igniting the wood in a small jar beside him. By his side were several large pieces of black colored leather he would use later for the scabbard and for the bracers they would make at the end.

Only two steps away from Aiken were two men working on gems Emma had given them to polish, having already done preparing the silver for the artisan work on the scabbard and crossguard and having already finished with the basic shape of pommel, making it the almost pear shaped scent stopper (a term she had learned from Roan when he had drawn the sketch of it for her). The two men, brothers named Marden and Nyle, had been apprentices with a Camelot jeweler before they had been drafted for the king's army, joining Morgan and her cohort after the battle at Camlann, and Emma knew that they relished the opportunity to work their craft once more, the need for it scarce during their exile in Brocéliande.

And that left Pell, a young man barely out of his teens, who had been Roan's apprentice and helper for the whole length of their stay at the Dragon's Bluff. The boy was tall and developed, but his scarred face and hands drew too many looks for him to be comfortable among the people, choosing the sanctuary in the isolation of the forge. He didn't speak, most of his communication conveyed by simple gestures, and the first time Emma had seen him on her walk through the village she had thought the boy had been deaf, but he had easily followed Roan's directions even when the man had been whispering them out of the young man's direct line of sight. Now, she watched him monitor the smelting process, as Roan had stepped away to drink water.

With their short respite finished, Thane and the Savior returned to their ore, this time working on thinning and folding the metal, making sure to douse the ore in a curious mixture of clay, ash and water, before brushing it away. Emma repeated the process several times, the blade not needing too much of the folding due to the amazing properties of the magically cured ore, and when she was finished, she left the metal to slowly cool submerged in the solution she had made from the remaining gifts, quietly chanting a long spell that would bind the desired properties to the metal. Then, having checked the progress of the others, she slipped away to the cellar to grab a few hours of a shut-eye, having already spent more than three outside hours working on the blade.

And, so, the work continued with occasional pauses for meals, ablutions and naps, the men and Emma working diligently on their tasks, even helping Roan finish up with the backlog if they had time in between forging and annealing the materials.

---

After Emma left for the blacksmith's cottage, Regina resumed her exercise with Percy, working on her speed and agility and perfecting the moves he had already shown her. She didn't mind the exertion as it kept her busy, from both worrying about her lover and losing her mind while waiting on others to be ready to move. When Percival and Dai would beg off for a rest, she would join Gwen, with the young woman's permission, helping the healer prepare her stores for travel, along with helping her mix various poultices and liquids useful to have on hand, especially considering the fact that they would be leaving in a few days.

"You don't do well with waiting, do you?" the young healer murmured after Regina sighed in frustration for the fourth time in a short period of time she had spent with the girl.

Surprised by the quietly spoken comment, the brunette scoffed in reply. "No, can't say that I do, dear," she said gently, pleased that the healer felt free enough to speak up, despite her reputation both as the Evil Queen and the future ruler of Tintagel. "Even though it seems I've spent most of my life waiting for something…" she murmured to herself before offering a self-deprecating smile to the young woman, not willing to engage into more of her self-pitying behavior while Emma was busy with making swords and Morgan was recuperating. "Emma told me that you don't want to stay here," she changed the subject, pulling the topic out of the memory her beloved had given her that morning.

"I would like to be part of your court, your Majesty," Gwen replied with a small curtsy, before she returned to the shelf she was organizing. It astonished her that the Savior had already spoken on her behalf to the Queen and the Heir, honestly having thought that her earnest plea had been forgotten amidst the commotion of Morgan's infirmity and the preparations. But, from what she had seen of the blonde, the woman was fair and honest, wanting to help and reward assistance, so perhaps she shouldn't have been so surprised with Regina's question.

"What does that mean, exactly?" the Queen asked slowly. "And, please, Regina is fine."

"Part of your entourage, Regina," the healer replied, coming closer to the brunette and sat across from her, her fingers idly playing with the fraying edge of her garb's sleeve. "Your personal healer, if you will…"

"You are aware, of course, that my True Love has the gift of the Unicorns?" Regina remarked gently. "And, that after all this business with the Wicked Witch of the West, the Sheriff and I will be going home, to the town the Dark Curse had created in the World without magic?"

Gwen nodded, her earnest gesture showing her biological years. "But, you do have a court, don't you? Guards and servants who will remain in the Enchanted Forest?"

"So, you'd stay with them?"

"Yes."

Regina leaned back and took in the girl as she looked her over. There were not many people in her court, as Gwen had called it, but what was there, it consisted of good people. And, she trusted her newly minted Captain to watch over any and all of her subjects, which Gwen might need as she would be away from the protecting sphere of Morgan's influence and out of Brocéliande's small village. "Yes," she proclaimed with finality. "You can be part of my court," she spoke gracefully, stifling a smile that promised to appear at the young woman's barely concealed glee at her words.

Staying with Gwen until the late hours of the evening, Regina finally retired for the night, planning to go to Roan's hut in the morning, to catch Emma during one of the breaks the woman had told her about. Sighing heavily at the empty bed, she wrapped herself into the covers and holding Emma's pillow to her face, she fell asleep within minutes, despite her concern that she would not be able to close her eyes even for a minute.

After a spot of light breakfast, the brunette hurriedly dressed and rushed over to the smith's hut, arriving just in time to see one of the men opening the door and leaving, using the opportunity now that the ward was down. And, there, by the heated furnace of the forge stood the Savior, dressed only in light linen leggings and leather vest, drenched in sweat, with her hair tied high on her head. She stood beside Roan, talking to him in low tones as she rolled a slab of metal in her hands, her muscles dancing on naked and glistening arms.

Regina had seen Emma as a warrior, but this side of her, despite all the memories she had gained through their transfers was unfamiliar to her, simply because the blonde had not been interested in mirrors while creating what she had needed. The strange look of deep concentration and attentive interest was odd to see in the spring green eyes, but somehow it suited the Sheriff. Not only that, she looked very enticing.

"You can come in, you know," the blonde addressed her before she turned around and smiled at her, stepping away from the furnace and closer to the door. Knowing well that after what amounted to four days of sweat and smoke was sticking to her skin, the younger woman didn't come too close, nor did she attempt to hug her lover, but Regina ignored all that and wrapped her arms around the Sheriff, kissing her firmly on the mouth, pretending not to hear the ribald comments from the men remaining in the hut. "Well, good morning to you too," Emma spoke after she regained her senses, guiding her beloved outside for a bit of fresh air.

"You are turning into quite a craftswoman," the brunette noted, her gloved hands wrapped around Emma's biceps, trying not to leer at the woman's body. "First the arch stones, now the sword…" She looked up into twinkling eyes. "Is this something that interests you? Working with your hands?" Regina asked, curious to see what Emma's response would be. The blonde hadn't had many hobbies in Storybrooke, apart from getting into mischief with their son, and here in the Enchanted Forest all her free time had been directed toward research and preparation for the next step or task ahead of her, doing everything out of necessity rather than enjoyment. But, if this was something the woman liked doing, the Mayor would do her best to set her up with a space and equipment, despite the fact that stone carving and metal forging weren't really a Storybrooke trade.

"It's interesting," Emma murmured, absently tucking a lock of loose dark hair behind Regina's ear. "But, I don't know if I want to do it just to do it…"

Right then, Roan came to the door and called out for the Savior, needing her to consult on something or the other. With a light kiss to Regina's cheek, Emma excused herself, welcoming Regina to come in and explore if she wanted, an offer that the brunette accepted immediately, not because she was too interested to see the half finished parts of what would later be the Savior's weapon, but because she had heard the only two men that passed for precious metal-smiths and jewelers in these parts of the world were inside, and she was in need of their assistance.

So, with their generous help and suggestions, along with Emma's tongue in cheek donation of the precious stones and metals, Regina walked out of the forge with a clear idea what she wanted and how to make the wedding rings for the two of them, secretly hoping to be crafty enough to make an engagement ring for Emma, as well, planning to formally ask her the night before their organized nuptials.

---

Two days later, or what amounted to twelve days thanks to the extensive use of the time wards, the work was done. After carefully shaping the blade, and tempering and quenching it with extreme attentiveness, Emma had slowly etched the crest she had chosen for the sword to bear on the ricasso part of the blade, making sure to follow the general outline the hilt would leave on the blade, so the crest would be perfectly visible and uninterrupted by the artwork on the hilt. Then, Thane had taken over other finishing work on the blade like polishing and sharpening it, making the perfectly formed metal gleam under the weak light of the forge, even the curved spaces of the gullet receiving the treatment. By the time Thane had been done, the parts that would form into complete hilt had been finished, the amazing engraving and silver gilding drawing eyes to the crossguard and pommel, and the scabbard had been completed, made to fit the sword perfectly, the crest on the locket lining up with the crest on the blade. Then, when all the artwork had been done, Roan and Pell had assembled the sword while Emma had used her blood guided magic to bind all the magical elements together, making the sword not only unique but incredibly powerful.

"Well, then, Geilgeis," Roan spoke somberly as he looked down on a remaining sheet of black leather, where the finished weapon was laid out. "Why don't you try your masterpiece?"

And, indeed the sword was the amazing blend of artwork and functionality. With Regina by her side gasping in awe when the weapon was uncovered, Emma couldn't help but agree with her beloved's silent praise. Even though she had been there for every part being made, the final outcome had amazed her. The silverwork on the scabbard contrasting perfectly with the black leather underneath, making the swirls of silver clearly depict a styled representation of the forest with the Kinds hiding in it, along with random motifs of swans and apples. There on the chape, a gold inlaid swan with a crown was artistically represented, while on the locket, a black inlaid interrupted square with an gold filled etch of an apple tree with a crowned swan in its canopy.

"You combined our crests," Regina let out in a tearful gasp, moved beyond expression by Emma's action. It wasn't only the black interrupted square of the Evil Queen, but the apple tree as her personal mark, formed by her father's gentle hand. The swan was rather obvious, but what surprised her was the small ringlet on the swan's head, when Emma had been very reluctant to acknowledge her Royal status.

"It seemed appropriate," Emma replied quietly, pulling her lover into her side, continuing to examine her new sword.

Where the scabbard ended and the hilt of the sword begun, central part of the crossguard was shaped as geometrical diamond, a precious stone in each of the corners, the corner toward the blade inlaid with a circularly cut ruby, the one next in a clockwise turn was filled with a similarly cut diamond, the corner directed toward the handle was inlaid by a teardrop sapphire, while the remaining one was filled by an circularly cut emerald. At the center of the four corner shape was the simplified elvish glyph for the True Love Born gilded with gold. From the diamond in the middle sprouted the guards, perpendicular to the handle, beautifully chiseled and gilded, the artwork blending perfectly with the scabbard. Under the crossguard a simple spacer was installed, a gold inlay of a dragon serving as the maker's mark, as all smiths of Camelot had used this particular symbol. On the other side of the spacer was a short string of gold inlay of elvish glyphs that Emma had made herself, but they could not be seen as the sword was laying on that side.

The space between the spacer and the pommel was filled with an oakwood handle covered in black leather, then wrapped in polished and treated steel curbed chain, held in place by magic infused silver wire. The last part of the sword was the scent stopper, the pommel made in an almost pear shape, with gilded silverwork and engraving following the motifs on the other parts of the sword and scabbard. And, to complete the ensemble, a black leather baldric studded with silver and with silver buckles was attached to the scabbard.

Emma reached for the sword and gently picked it up, drawing it out of its sheath, her move reacting to the magic of the blade, and the bluish white surface of the metal shone with cold brilliance, causing others to gasp in surprise. "Watch this," the blonde murmured to her beloved and placed the sword in front of her face, blade up, and pushed a bit of her magic into the sword, and suddenly, white flames spread over the blade, the paleness of the fire drawing eyes to the gold elvish glyphs on the spacer.

"Hope's flame?" Regina read the words in English, not willing to test what the elvish name would do to the magic of the sword.

"Too many people have referred to me as their hope," Emma murmured, ending the flow of magic and lowering the blade, careful not to hurt anyone around with it. Then, repeating the words from earlier, she shrugged her shoulders. "Seemed appropriate." Slowly, she reached for the blade with her hand and offered the sword to Regina. When the brunette grasped the hilt, the metal started glowing again, startling the sorceress into removing her hand, her hasty move followed by Emma's soft chuckle, before the blonde gestured the smith to take it into his hands.

When Roan took the sword, it didn't react, the bluish white metal remaining unchanged, but still remarkable.

"It is bound to me, to my family," Emma explained as she received the weapon back and put it back into its scabbard, a soft click of the locket loud in the ensuing silence. "Anyone of my blood would be able to make it shine, but only those with light magic would be able to draw out the flames."

"But, I-" Regina started softly, before Emma interrupted her with a piercing look.

"You are my True Love, Regina. You are my family." The Savior's firm and clear statement brought moisture to Regina's eyes as she simply sank into the waiting hold of her beloved, leaning her forehead against the blonde's neck. "Is tu mo Chridhe," Emma whispered softly, the tingling feel of the woman's breath over the sensitive skin of Regina's ear and neck surpassed by the buzzing pulses of their magic reacting to the words.

After a minute, Roan softly cleared his throat, loath to interrupt the two women, but also he wanted to get on with it and finally get some rest, the work he had done for the previous two weeks quite exhausting. At Emma's questioning look, he motioned toward Pell and the boy brought out two bracers and placed them on the black leather where the sword had been. "Thanks to you, lass, and the magic you did, they turned out better than I expected." Taking one of the artifacts, he motioned for Emma's arm. "The metal is flexible enough to allow you to put them on and tighten them with leather ties," he said as he slipped the brace over Emma's left forearm, the bluish white metal lined with black leather on the inside with strong, twined leather rope serving as a tie. As he tied it tighter, as one would do with shoe string, Emma noticed that the previously two inch wide space was brought to less than a half an inch, protecting the forearm completely. The piece of metal was simple, without much adornment, the only added detail was the gold inlay of a stylized sketch of a dragon in flight, a startlingly different design from the sword. "They are so light, I feared they would break under the powerful swing of a sword or an axe, but," Roan then pointed toward the anvil where the large shards of an heavy war axe still littered the space, "as you can see, my fears were for naught." He inclined his head towards the brunette, and Emma released her beloved out of the embrace as the large man then placed the other on Emma's other arm, expertly tying the string. "There you are, as promised. Bracers and a sword fit for the Savior, Geilgeis."

The blonde patted the blacksmith's shoulder before she looked down onto the other bracer, noticing the same dragon design on it. "These are truly the masterpieces, master Roan. I don't know how to thank you."

"You helped, lass. A lot." He then looked around the hut with keen eyes. "And, with your help, everything is ready for the leave taking on my side," he added solemnly, gesturing toward other finished products they had done during their time in the wards. "No thanks needed," he spoke with a light smile before he inclined his head toward the women. "Your Majesty, Geilgeis," he said with unbridled respect and receiving soft smiles and nods in return, he along with other men left the hut for a well deserved rest.

---

When they entered their quarters, Emma quietly shut the door before she turned around and leaned back against the hard wood, tilting her head slightly upwards and closing her eyes, as a deep and weary sigh passed her open mouth, She felt gentle hands fiddle with the baldric around her hips, removing the weight of her new sword with it. Then, the nimble fingers untied the leather twines on the bracers, slipping the new accessory off, the careful touch driving Emma to open her eyes and look at the brunette standing in front of her, only inches away, the melted chocolate eyes glinting in the candlelight with concern. "I am okay," the Savior spoke slowly and quietly, putting a barely there smile to reassure her True Love. "Just need a moment."

Regina clicked her tongue in disapproval before she pulled the blonde away from the door and led her to the bathroom, and instead of preparing the sunken pool for their much needed soak, she went to the tub already set and filled with steaming water, held under the purplish haze of preservation spell. With a playful wiggle of her fingers, the brunette disrobed them both and guided Emma into the tub, following immediately after and settling in behind her, pulling the tired blonde into a relaxed hold in the hot bathing water and wrapping her arms around the woman's middle, and with another wiggle of her fingers she guided her magic to bring up their hair into high buns, keeping the tendrils away from the water. "Close your eyes," Regina whispered softly into Emma's ear. "The heat will keep, and the salts will help the pain," she explained in a quiet hush before she kissed the blonde's salty temple and splayed her palms over the knight's well defined belly. Feeling her beloved relax into the hold and lean her head fully onto her shoulder, she hummed in encouragement. "Rest for a bit," Regina murmured, smiling when Emma's gentle hand squeezed her slightly raised knee in response, as she settled into the brunette's body, her long pale legs straightened out to the edges of the magically enlarged tub.

Several minutes later, the blonde slightly shifted, turning her head toward Regina's neck, leaning her temple to the other woman's jaw, and placing her arm over Regina's she started gently caressing the submerged limb, feeling her mouth pull into a lazy smile at the brunette's soft and languorous hum. "Do you think I should wear a dress for the bonding ritual?" Emma asked quietly, her eyes on their fingers entwining under the murky bath water.

Surprised by the sudden broaching of the topic, the older woman's brows furrowed before she considered Emma's question. Perhaps the impending meeting with the resident queen brought up the subject and Emma was never one to have a quiet and empty mind for long. "Would you like to be in a dress?" she asked, instead of answering the blonde's question. She had seen her beloved in many forms of attire both through the memories and experience, and even though she knew that the blonde would be beautiful and breathtaking in whatever she would choose to wear, she never got the feeling that dresses were something the Savior was truly and completely at ease with, and it certainly didn't go with her tomboyish nature and less than materialistic past. But, if she wanted a dress, then she would have the most amazing dress magic and limited materials in Brocéliande could provide.

The Savior was quiet for a minute, before she clasped Regina's palm, her shoulders flexing minutely. "I don't know," she murmured. "I don't think I would feel comfortable in one, not after months of pants and leggings, and certainly not here."

Expecting such an answer, the brunette had a solution ready, kissing the younger woman's temple. "Then," she started slowly as she spoke into Emma's ear. "Why don't you just come in your 'knightly' whites, and wear a dress for the wedding celebrations we will have with our family." Bringing their hands to her lips, she kissed Emma's palm, her gentle acceptance calming Emma's slightly nervous state. "It will give you time to get used to dresses again, and it will definitely help with Snow's grumblings on proper princess etiquette," Regina added with a slight bite to her last words.

"That works," the Sheriff mumbled as she settled back into Regina's embrace. "What are you going to wear?" she then asked, a curious tone in her voice.

"You'll see," Regina answered simply, and when the blonde turned a bit around to look up at her she raised her eyebrows. "It's a surprise." The Savior playfully huffed and returned to her previous position, wrapping the brunette's arms around her. In fact, she had already visited Selwyn, the local tailor and made arrangements with him for the dress she had in mind for her nuptials. As this was her second wedding, and she was the royal with rule over several domains, especially after Morgan's impending abdication, she wasn't obligated to wear white. Nor would she want to, as it really didn't suit her. And, as Emma had agreed to wear the leather ensemble Selwyn had finished for her, it would be too much for her to be in white, too. No, she had another color in mind, one that she liked, and that represented Tintagel as well.

But, that was for later. Now, they were enjoying the hot and healing waters in anticipation of official summons to the queen's quarters, where the last stage of their visit to Brocéliande would commence. They would arrange a time for a wedding bond after which Regina would be officially named as the Tintagel Heir and Morgan's successor, and with that done, they would be free to leave, and just in time to greet their children on Christmas Day morning. And, Regina silently decided, she would find a moment at the meeting in the queen's room to somehow impart Gorlois's last message, having a feeling that it would give her leverage over Morgan to convince her to use the rites Emma and her had found in the Temple.

"Do you feel better now?" the brunette quietly asked as she gently tilted Emma's head to the side, so she could see the woman's eyes. She had known from the moment she had seen the blonde at the forge that the long, arduous hours of loud and hard work and keeping the wards in place, along with additional workings of magic had exacted a heavy toll on her beloved. Perhaps not a physical one, as Emma's body had been conditioned for extreme labor, but a mental one for sure. The constant noise of hammers, files and fires couldn't have been easy to endure, particularly for someone who had keen ears of a hunter. Even though Emma had claimed that she had been fine, Regina had noticed the creased forehead, the drawn eyes and barely visible flinches that spoke of a raging headache for the blonde.

"I was fine to begin with," the Savior spoke, just as Regina had expected. "But, I'll never pass on spending more time with you, especially, naked and wet," the blonde added, tossing in a lewd grin at the end, as she wiggled her eyebrows in jest.

"Emma," came the chuckling but chiding response, as Regina shook her head before leaning in and kissing the blonde's cheek.

"What? It's true."

The sorceress only smiled and kissed the younger woman on the lips, before she looked into the refreshed spring green eyes of her beloved, glad to notice that all the signs of the earlier ailment were gone without a trace. "I love you," she spoke in a somber whisper, as she grasped Emma's head with her hand, her thumb gently caressing the bone of the cheek while her other fingers held the back of the blonde's neck and head. "And, I worry."

"I know," Emma murmured softly, carefully turning her body to look easier at her True Love, tenderly wrapping her arms over Regina's shoulders, the still present warmth of the water soothing the goosebumps the move caused on the brunette's neck. "I know you do, and you were right, I had a headache, but you don't have to worry about me, Regina."

"It seems," the brunette spoke quietly as she held her beloved to her with her arm, while the other one was still on the blonde's cheek, "the events around you are determined to prove you wrong."

"Yeah," Emma agreed with a rueful grin, thinking back on every life and death situation she had experienced since the day Henry had brought her to Storybrooke. "Sorry?"

"It's par for the course," Regina said with a wistful smile. "Our son obviously inherited that from you, what with all the adventures he had managed to lead us into…" She then looked at the blonde and frowned. "I sure hope Kyle won't follow in your footsteps." Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she shook her head as she realized what she had said. "I don't," she started but before she could fully form an apology, Emma placed a finger on her lips.

"It's okay, Chridhe," Emma murmured gently. "I know we were both lost babies in a new world, but he will be loved and protected, and with Henry as his older brother and us as his mothers, he won't have a chance of serious mischief." She kissed the brunette quickly and smiled. "You'll see."

Regina would've said more, but before she could a timid rap on the door to their quarters was heard and the two women looked at each other with determination. The summons finally came.

---

Escorted by one of the younger healers, the two women entered a small, cluttered study, and found the Mistress of the house waiting for them at the small table by the lit fireplace. Morgan still looked tired, but as Regina could see, the woman had been on her feet and now she was reclining in a small, low back chair, immaculately robed in the same white dress with gold embroidering she had been wearing the first time the brunette had met her.

Dismissing the escort with a simple hand gesture, the monarch then offered the two empty seats to the women. "Please, join me," she said quietly, her hands going to a clay teapot, preparing the drinks for her guests. "We have much to discuss."

Sharing a look with Emma, Regina sat down right across from the other queen, while the Savior stepped toward the fireplace and leaned against the mantle with her elbows and back, and crossed her legs at the ankle, her affected relaxed position belied by the watchful eyes surveying both the queens and the room. The move had been deliberate, effectively forcing the dark skinned sorceress to split her attention between the two. As the brunette settled in the oddly comfortable chair, she tugged lightly on the outer seam of her dark pants, straightening the line with ease before she placed her hands into her lap and looked at the former Camelot queen with a neutral expression, her innate grace obvious in her posture.

Morgan chuckled quietly at their maneuvering, but she didn't comment on it, aware that the women weren't exactly happy with her. Instead, she poured tea and offered it to the women, pleased that both of them had accepted, Emma even reaching for it, rather than to make her bend uncomfortably over or even rise from the chair in effort to serve the Sheriff. "First, let me begin by saying that I was wrong to lead you to the ritual without completely being honest from the beginning. In my mind, it was the only way for both of us to get what we wanted, and needed, but it still doesn't excuse the subterfuge. For this, I offer my unreserved apology."

Regina graciously nodded, sipping her tea, but she didn't speak, and Emma didn't even bother reacting to Morgan's words, looking into the cup where the dark tea was.

"I was informed that you intend to leave in the next few days?" Morgan asked after several long minutes spent in a terse silence.

"Two days from tomorrow," Regina replied in agreement.

"And the rites will be completed before you leave?"

"Of course," the brunette said, placing the empty cup on the table. "However, Emma and I want a specific bonding rite to be performed. It complies with all the requirements you have placed forward for my beloved's integration into the Tintagel line." She procured a single sheet of paper with the particular ceremony depicted in minute detail and slid it over the surface of the table to the other queen, her tone brooking no dissent.

Morgan looked down at the paper, surprised. "It wasn't the one I had in mind," she murmured quietly as she looked it over, but as Regina had said, it did cover most salient points for the Savior. "However, it'll do. And, the Inheritance will be performed right after?" When the other two women nodded in confirmation, Morgan hummed. She didn't mind the change, nor did she mind the quick exit the women planned after the rituals. They were needed in the outside world, Morgan knew, and they had people waiting for them. She had been saddened by the news Percival had brought, that he and some of the others intended to join them, her prized pupil among them, but she had expected that to happen the minute Guardian had brought the ailing Savior into the House of Healing. However, despite the sorrow she felt at the impending loss of the last of the knights, a man she had grown to consider a family, she had given him her blessing. "Tomorrow night, then?" the elder sorceress spoke quietly as she looked over at the brunette, before turning to look at the Savior. When she saw Emma's frown, she hurried to explain. "To start with the rites, as they are supposed to be finished before dawn." As the Sheriff nodded in understanding, Morgan turned to Regina. "There is a small grove of apple trees not far from the Temple. I think it would be a perfect place for the ceremony. And, there is one of the rune stones, so the Inheritance can be conducted in the same place."

"It's winter, the trees are bare," Emma murmured before Regina could answer.

"They need not be," Morgan replied with an indulging smile, before she turned toward the brunette. "Your father took several saplings of trees from there once. It was for his orchard, he said."

At the mention of her father, Regina inhaled sharply, bringing Emma to her side within a second, but when the blonde placed her hand on the woman's shoulder, Regina patted Emma's hand before she looked up, smiling, her eyes alight with happiness. "My father's tree, Emma," she whispered in awe. "My tree."

Seeing her lover's reaction at Morgan's words, the Savior nodded sharply. "Then, it is decided," she spoke for the two of them. "The ceremony will be in the grove." She then looked down at the brunette, her palm gently cupping the radiant face of her True Love. "Tomorrow night," she murmured, letting excitement finally bleed through her concerned expression.

Hearing the Savior agree, Morgan then turned the conversation toward the small details, asking the two women many questions in order to make the nuptials as perfect as it was possible in such a short time and away from their families. During the discourse, she noticed that the daughter of her dear friend had started to fidget, as if she wanted to say something, but was hesitant. Not only that the reluctance wasn't like the famed Evil Queen, who had been if anything too direct and overly decisive, but it also wasn't anything like the woman she had seen healing the Savior, confident and assertive. "Is there something on your mind?" the sorceress asked gently at the first lull in their conversation.

Pursing her lips, Regina nodded sharply. "As a matter of fact." Not willing to begin a long and quite complicated explanation, she just quickly grabbed the queen's hand and helped by Emma's encouraging presence, she initiated the complete mind meld with the Camelot royalty, her actions activating the memory Gorlois had prepared for such an occasion.

Immediately, she noticed the scape that surrounded them, the shining marble of the House of Healing almost blinding under the glare of summer Sun, and there, at the top of the steps stood Gorlois, dressed in his long red velvet vest decorated with copper, his hairless dark skin glistening in the sunrays, contrasting with the red shine of his copper armbands. He stared down, and only then Regina noticed that he wasn't glaring at her but at the woman she had brought into the mind scape. The woman who was currently speechless and terrified at the sight of the creator of her line, the man who had been dead for millennia, holding on to Regina's hand as if it had been the only thing to keep her upright.

"Morgana Riamh Gràsta, the last daughter of the Tintagel line on these shores," the man addressed the sorceress in a booming timbre, his eyes flashing in anger, as he took one step down for the each word he spoke, until he finally came to her, standing in front of her, forcing her to look uncomfortably up as he was a head taller than her. "Do you even know the shame you have brought on my name, Morgana Le Fey?" he sneered, spitting out the name Camelot had given her, and then proceeded to take to task for hiding away and wasting time, at the same time initiating a memory transfer in order to explain how his presence was at all possible. But, after a blistering rebuke, his face gentled, and he reached for her face, holding it tenderly between his large palms. "I know the follies of a broken heart, my daughter," he said quietly, his amber eyes peering into the weeping desolate ones. "I know the madness it brings, and I forgive you." He then kissed Morgan's forehead before looking once more into her eyes, his thumbs wiping the still streaming tears. "Give her the titles, my child," he whispered in a soothing tone. "Give Regina the burdens of Tintagel and go to Avalon. Leave the sorrow and pain of this world behind." Gorlois then smiled gently. "Your family awaits you. Go to them and be at peace." With another kiss upon Morgan's brow, he whispered the soft words of absolution in the language of magic against her forehead and released her, stepping away and for the first time glancing toward Regina, he nodded before he dissolved into nothingness.

The effect of his last words over the elder sorceress was quite visible, as the previously inconsolable woman was now standing straight with a dazed look on her face, tears gliding down the darkened cheeks, and Regina didn't want to intrude on the moment, so she quietly broke the connection between them, and with a soft look warning Emma not to speak, the two of them left the former queen of Camelot to her own thoughts, retiring to their own quarters for the night.