Word on the breakdown of the royal marriages is starting to spread throughout Storybrooke and the forest. And Snow discovers she's not anything like as popular as she thought?
The Nolan Farm
It was just after ten in the morning, and David was currently in a lower field, penning around thirty sheep, separating them from the pregnant ewes. He'd already been up five hours, having desperately tried to sleep. But even after the best part of a bottle of scotch, he'd only managed two hours before he decided he needed to make himself busy, trying to keep his mind off his problems.
"HEY GRANDPA!" Someone yelled, heading down the field towards him.
"Henry? Hello, my boy! I wasn't expecting you back so soon? How was the Harvard induction?"
"Brilliant. It was just a couple of days spent getting to meet the tutors, where we're going to be staying, campus rules, that sort of stuff? It's really cool! I drove back early this morning, and popped into Granny's for breakfast." Henry couldn't help noticing the moment he mentioned the café, his grandfather's smile dimmed. "I met Vi there. I was going to go over to mum's straight after that, but then I heard something odd; so I thought I'd come here first? So, Grandma and Ruby? Is it true?"
David shook his head, resigned. He was going to have to face this sooner or later.
"I had a horrible feeling everyone would get to find out pretty quick. What've you heard?"
"I only have it from Vi, but apparently Ruby was telling everyone she's living with grandma now? Said they'd got back together after a long gap? Like she'd always been the real love of her life and they'd both moved in together into your old loft. I couldn't believe it at first, but Doc, who'd been listening, told me it's all true. Apparently, Granny Lucas chucked them out the diner, and told them never to come back. What's going on, grandpa?"
David shuttered the pen, shooing the rest of the sheep away. "Your guess is as good as mine. I really can't explain it. I'd no idea till yesterday, when I came back here. I never even knew there was anything between them, until I…" He seemed to wince at the memory. "Well let's just say I found out the worst possible way?"
"Ouch!" Henry guessed what must've happened. "I still can't believe it. I mean, you two splitting up? That's-" he could see the pained look on his face. "Sorry gramps. How's Neal taking it? Have you told him yet?"
"Tonight. I need to do it soon, especially now news is leaking out? As for Emma, I haven't seen her yet. I'm not due back at the Sheriff's Office till Friday, but I guess I'll have to tell her sooner."
"Yeah, about that? Have you heard about my mums? It's one of the reasons I came over here, first. I thought it best if I found out what's been going on around here, before I left to see them"
"Emma and Regina? What about them?"
"Vi's been talking to the some of Kill's crew last night, when she was serving in the Rabbit Hole. Seems something weird's been happening between them, too."
"They're not fighting again, surely? I thought they were great friends these days? They spend enough time together, after all."
"No, not fighting, quite the opposite! Look, why don't I help you finish off here, and we both go back inside and talk?"
~oOo~
Over the next half hour, Henry told him about everything he'd been told by Violet. About how Doc, after listening into a drunken conversation between Billy Thompson and another sailor, had told her about the argument on board the Jolly Roger; about Emma strangling Killian, almost killing him in front of his own daughter. About how, according to Alan-a-Dale, Regina had thrown Robin and Roland out of Mifflin Street, because she was now in love with Emma, who was moving in with her. And the huge argument in the diner.
"I haven't been home or spoken to either of them yet, because I figured something really weird's going on? You and gran were destined to be forever! You kissed her awake from a sleeping curse. You created mum, with all that true-love magic inside her? The split heart? Hell, something's wrong, grandpa! And I figured something else. You remember when Cora came here, disguising herself as Regina and nearly killing Archie? Then, when the split Evil Queen came back and disguised herself as mum? I reckon it might be something like that."
"You're suggesting the woman I saw yesterday wasn't my Snow?" Now he said it, it did kind of make sense. "Well she certainly seemed…different."
"Exactly! I'm not saying I'm sure but it sounds like they're not in control of their own minds?"
"I can well believe that," said a new voice from someone who'd just entered the room.
"Dorothy?" Henry was about to get up and hug her, but guessed by the way she looked, she was still too raw. "Grandpa told me you were staying here. Sorry about everything that's happened, what with-"
But Dorothy wasn't really listening, interrupting him instead. "She didn't sound like Ruby to me, either. There was no warmth in her eyes? No compassion? She was just so damn…hard. So you think it wasn't really her telling me she's left me? You think someone's controlling her?"
"It's possible. I spoke to Billy Thompson. He told me about Emma, and said it didn't seem like mum either. She reminded him of when she was the Dark One? I told grandpa earlier that she even tried to strangle Killian on the deck of the Jolly, right in front of Hope! That's not something Emma would ever do, is it? You've got four women, all in brilliant marriages, suddenly up and leaving their partners, on virtually on the same day, for other women, even though three of them are straight? Sounds like someone's been cursed, or something."
David felt a small glimmer of hope. "If you're right Henry, we need serious help from someone with strong magic, who knows about this sort of thing."
"Well if Merlin's not around, there's only one I can think of."
Granny's Diner – later that afternoon
"GET OUT!" The old wolf snarled angrily at the woman who'd just walked in. "YOU'RE BARRED, SNOW WHITE!"
"Look granny, I know you're angry, but-"
"I'm not angry, I'm ruddy furious! How dare you come in here, after what you've done? I told you yesterday, you're banned, the pair of you. Now go!"
The schoolteacher looked at her like she was trying to calm a confused, angry child.
"Eugenia. I'm sorry, but you're being ridiculous. I know you don't want to see us right now, but come on? I only came in to collect Ruby's clothes? I'll just go up and-"
"You'll do no such thing!" Granny went right up into her face, nostrils flaring. "You'll leave my premises right now! I'll have her rooms cleared today, but only after I've checked with Dorothy. Then and only then, I'll have them dropped off, wherever. But Dorothy decides, not you! You remember Dorothy, don't you? Ruby's wife? The girl who's been betrayed and her marriage destroyed. All because of you."
Snow shrugged, rolling her eyes. "Okay fine, have it your own way. Just have someone call me first, to let me know when they're coming?" Then she spotted Grumpy, who'd been sitting watching the altercation from the side of the counter, while eating. "Leroy, when she's done, could you pick up Ruby's things from here? Just have them dropped off at my old place. The loft?"
The wizened old dwarf, halfway through his sandwich, looked up at her, shaking his head. "Not interested, sister. I'll be doing nothing for you from now on. Not anymore. Not after what you've done to that girl. And to Charming? To your boy? Nope, you can fetch and carry your own things from now on. I'm done with you."
Two of the dwarves sitting next to him nodded, and, looking around the room, she could only see hostile faces. Clearly word had got out, and she wasn't wanted.
"I see. So it's like that is it? You may have forgotten something, Leroy. How many times have I helped save your worthless arse over the years? How many times have I put my life on the line for you? I'm your queen, and I think you owe me a modicum of respect!"
"You were, and did. But then I saw how you acted in here yesterday? I saw how you two treated Dot! You're no queen of mine anymore, whatever you think."
She folded her arms indignantly. "Fine! If that's how you want to play it? I'll remember this the next time you come screaming through that door in a blind panic, because you think something's attacking us! Who was it the other day? The Black Fairy? Let's see how you cope doing things for yourselves, for a change?"
"We'll survive," Granny had already walked over to the front door, opening it for her. "Without marriage wreckers like you! Time for you to go. Now get out and don't come back!"
The Sherwood Arms
Killian and Robin sat in the corner of the main bar in Robin's woodland pub, in the little hamlet they'd created in the forest, now nicknamed Sherwood by the locals.
"So she threw out all your things too?"
"I found everything in the barn this morning, after a ten-word text? Everything Roland and I had. She first told me she'd give us time for Roland to choose and pick some things up first. I guess she changed her mind."
"Seems unduly harsh. How did Roland take it?"
"Badly! He's gone quiet on me. He can't believe the woman he adored could be so horrible. And frankly, nor can I! Two days ago, she loved my boy."
"Yeah, I saw her in the park with him three days ago, when I was on shift. I'd assumed she was as smitten with him, as she was you. That must've hurt."
"Well, I guess at least she didn't attack me, like Emma did you? You know Killian, I've gone over and over things in my head time and time again, but I can't for the life of me can't figure out what's changed? I mean, this thing with Emma? Did you have any idea?"
"Not a clue. But I know that the woman who strangled me in front of our own daughter wasn't the same woman I married. The last time I saw that look, she was a Dark One. I knew she and the queen were closer these days, but I never for one moment imagined it'd become more."
"People change, I guess." Robin shrugged, draining the last of his pint. "So what are you going to do next?"
"Hope's my biggest concern. She's not sure why she hasn't seen anything of her mother these last few days. Emma doesn't even seem interested. So I've collected her things from the house and put them on the Jolly. But until I speak to her, I'm not sure. Her last text this morning only said 'Await my instructions', rather ominously. And that she'd moved into Mifflin Street."
"Into Roland's cleared bedroom, no doubt! Hence our rather brutal eviction. But at least I have this place, thanks to Merlin. We'll survive. Have you spoken to Henry?"
"An hour ago. He hasn't seen either of them yet, but he's upset, to put it mildly. Apparently, something similar's happened between Snow and Charming. I gather Snow's also had some sort of dalliance with the wolf, and left David and the boy."
"Those two as well? I don't believe it. There's is one of the strongest marriages ever!"
"Not anymore, it seems. Henry thinks dirty work's afoot? He and Charming are going to call in on the Crocodile to see what can be done. I said be careful, as for all he knew, the Dark One could be behind all this."
"Doesn't sound like Gold's sort of thing," Robin waved a hand to Gilbert at the bar, ordering another pint. "But you could be on to something. Four women, all in good marriages, suddenly up sticks and leave? And for other women? Could that be a clue?"
The Gold Mansion
When he rang his grandfather asking to see him urgently, Rumple told him to come to his home, rather than the pawnshop.
Over the last three years, Henry had become much closer to the man everyone else knew as the feared Dark One. His last remaining link to his lost son, Rumpelstiltskin had also come to cherish the changing relationship, and saw in the young man more of Baelfire's character traits, nature and looks, by the month. Apart from Belle and Gideon, Henry was the only one who seemed to value him for himself, not for someone to go to, when they needed something.
"Come on in, Henry. I've made tea, so perhaps we-" That's when Rumple spotted David behind him, his smile temporarily leaving him. "Ah. I see you haven't come alone? Mr. Nolan, rarely a pleasure."
"Mr. Gold," David wasn't a fan of Henry's other grandfather either. "Thanks for seeing us at short notice. Henry rang because we have a big problem. We're hoping you can help?"
~oOo~
Several minutes later, all were sat around the table, mugs in front of them, Rumple saying nothing, waiting for one of them to begin. As he watched the other grandfather fidget uncomfortably, Henry finally broke the silence.
"Grandpa, when I said it was serious, I wasn't kidding. We have a problem. With Grandma Snow."
"Pray continue." His large brown eyes studied them like bugs in a jar.
"It's about her true-love marriage to grandpa? Something's happened."
"I assume by that you mean the queen's sudden infatuation with the she-wolf?"
"Erm, yeah." Henry should have guessed he already knew. He knew everything that happened in the town. "Though it's a bit more than an infatuation. She's moved out. They're living together."
"So I understand..." His attention turned to Charming. "And I expect you're wondering whether this is something real, or whether the pair of them are under some sort of outside influence?"
David's eyes widened. How the hell does he always know? Does he use mirrors, like the Evil Queen used, to spy on them? "Are they? Being influenced?"
"Gramps, you once said true love was the strongest magic of all. So if grandma and grandpa had so much of it that he could break a sleeping curse, and give Emma her Saviour magic, how come something like this can happen? With Ruby? That must mean Snow's being controlled, right?"
"I've been pondering the same thing, my boy. It's possible to control someone without others knowing if you have their heart; something your older mother has long experience of! Remember Sheriff Graham Humbert? Charming, you'll recall you once believed you were married to the former Princess Abigail, but felt nothing for her? That sort of curse can't create real love. It's one of the reasons you were drawn back to Snow White."
"So you're saying Regina could be behind this? Makes sense, seeing as she's the only one, apart from you, who has a history of ripping hearts out."
"No, I'm not saying that! Because it wouldn't account for the Queen's own bizarre behaviour. The outlaw was, and remains, her own true love and soulmate, yet she appears to have just abandoned him to be with the Saviour. I assume you're aware?" The Author nodded, looking glum. "Pixie dust doesn't lie."
"So what're you saying? I can't imagine someone else managing to take out and control four hearts? If it's not a curse, it must be some other form of magic, surely?"
"Possibly. That's why I've been looking into this. If it's indeed a spell, then it's one with which I'm unfamiliar. And I'm familiar with most!"
"So what do we do?"
"Establish whether the Saviour, and the others, are under an influence, magical or otherwise. Go home and bring back something that's been in direct contact with her body very recently. A hairbrush perhaps? I can then run tests to see what I can detect. Sheriff, you could do the same with your wife's? It's either that, or a blood sample."
"And if you find something, you can remove it right?"
"One thing at a time, Henry. One thing at a time."
Later that evening…
Earlier, after meeting Rumple, Henry had called in on Emma's large Nantucket-style town house on 10th Street. With no one there, he had no problem finding and taking a hairbrush he knew she often used, from her bathroom. But on the way out, he also spotted the large dream catcher mounted on the wall in the dining room. Could that reveal anything more of the last few days? He took it with him just in case, dropping it, and the hairbrush, off at his grandfather's mansion before returning to the farm.
Although he'd been back in Storybrooke two days, staying the evenings at the farm, he avoided the mansion, and his mothers. He didn't even call them, preferring instead to wait till he had more information. But what had surprised him was that Emma and Regina knew he'd returned on Friday, yet made no attempt to contact him either, to find out where he was?
Perhaps they were just annoyed because he hadn't called one of them yet?
The Blanchard Loft
As she lay fully reclined on the sofa, her back resting against Ruby's front, they watched the credits roll on the TV. Snow had never felt happier.
To her, the last three days had been nothing short of an epiphany. A wake up call to who she truly was, and what she wanted. Namely, the woman whose arms were currently wrapped around her, having just watched a film together.
Snow and Ruby had been close for many years. Ever since the time her lover had discovered her werewolf within, after accidentally slaughtering a poor, unfortunate boy in the forest. Already on the run herself, she'd helped her escape from the hunters desperate for revenge. A kindness returned when Ruby had prevented her own killing at the hands of her mother. The young she-wolf had even been the first to find her almost-fatally wounded husband, after he'd fought off the royal guards and put baby Emma into that enchanted tree to save her. The same husband who'd treated her so shabbily at the farm this week, threating her at the point of a gun.
"What was that vow David made you take when he threatened to shoot you? 'Lican', or something? What did he do to you?"
"Lycaon." Ruby lowered her head, turning Snow's to peck her lips. "He's our wolf god. Used to be the king of Arcadia. After a quarrel, Zeus turned him into a wolf. Werewolves worship Lycaon and swearing on his name is a solemn blood vow. If you knowingly break a blood vow, you might as well kill yourself. And if you don't and any other wolves find out, they're honour-bound to kill the one who broke a sacred vow."
"Kill yourself? But that's ridiculous!"
"Not to a werewolf, or a wolf. Once they find out, and they always do eventually, if I break the vow, I'm dead. It's considered the worst thing. Even Granny herself would be obliged to kill me."
"I don't believe this! So, what do we have to do to make them stop?"
"Only your husband can release me from it. The only way to survive is by not breaking it in the first place? I vowed I'd stay away from the farm, from him, and all your family. So I will."
"You're saying we can't have Neal over to stay here?"
"He can come to be with you, but if he does, I have to leave till he's gone unless Charming specifically allows me to be there. Sorry, babe." She saw the worried look on her lover. "Are you having second thoughts? About us?"
"NO!" The crop-haired brunette rolled on top of her, resting between her thighs, face to face. "Absolutely not! I'm yours Ruby, forever. I meant what I said."
"And what about Neal?"
"I told him about us yesterday, in the school playground. I thought it best to just come straight out with it. He didn't say a lot, then he started crying, silly boy. Then he said we wanted to be with his father. So that's that. He'll probably come round, given time. But I'm not giving up on you. If my own son doesn't like it, that's too bad! Same goes for Emma."
"Have you spoken to her?"
"Not yet. I tried phoning yesterday, but she seems to have it switched off, and nobody's seen her since Monday. After all that nonsense at the diner, I went over to the Sheriff's Office, but they hadn't seen her either. I'll speak to her sometime, but it's not important. Frankly, the only thing that's important to me right now is you!" She lowered her lips onto the she-wolf's, giving her a slow, earnest kiss, before lifting her head back up. "And if they don't like it, they can just-"
But a large banging on the front door interrupted her.
"Visitors? At ten at night? You stay, I'll go get rid of them."
~oOo~
Ruby opened the door, to find Marco, the village carpenter, standing outside.
"Good evening Ruby. I'm sorry to come round so late, but I was asked by Granny to drop a few things off here? They're on the back of the truck. I'm not as young as I was, and a couple of things are a bit bulky?" He looked awkward, almost embarrassed. "She also said to tell you they'd cleared your flat."
"Sure, I'll help." Ruby looked over at the vehicle. It looked like there were eight to ten boxes and two suitcases on board. He held out an envelope. "Dorothy was there, briefly. She asked me to give you this…in person." He handed her a small envelope. As she tore it open, Snow came beside her. She looked inside to find her wife's wedding and engagement rings, sliding them out onto her open palm.
Snow instantly picked them up, looking closer. "At least she's accepted the inevitable?" Snow studied the engagement ring closer. "I can do much better than this, though!" She handed them back, Ruby returning them to the envelope. "When you're ready, of course."
Ruby smiled, pecking her on her lips, right in front of the old carpenter. "I don't want them," she offered the envelope back. "Marco, tell her she can sell them, and keep the money."
He noticed she'd already taken off her own wedding ring. As had Snow. "I'd rather not, if you don't mind, Mrs. Lucas? I really don't want to get involved. Just help me unload the truck?"
"Marco," she stepped in front of him. "Call me Ruby? You always have in the past. Are they still talking about us in town? You can be honest."
"Yes." Clearly uncomfortable, Marco kept looking down, not meeting her eyes. "You could say that."
Snow shook her head. "Don't tell me, we're still seen as the villains? The marriage wreckers?"
He didn't answer until eventually, "It's really none of my business, Mrs. Nolan."
"It's Snow Blanchard now. I'm getting a divorce as soon as I can. You know Marco, people fall in love with others, and their marriages split up, all the time? It doesn't make us bad." But he still wouldn't look up at her. "Or is it the gay thing? Because we're two women? Is that it?"
"As I said, Miss Blanchard, it's none of my business. So could you help me with the heaviest boxes, and I'll leave?"
The Gold Mansion
"So there's nothing there, grandpa? No sign of any magic, or a curse?"
"Not from the hair on the brushes you and Charming dropped off earlier. Recent magic would have shown up quickly based on the spell I used, but there was nothing to show that either the Saviour or her mother are under any existing curses or spells."
"Well four women can't just change like that, can they? Does it mean someone's controlling their hearts, somehow?"
"Removing all four hearts, two from women with powerful magic, and controlling them? Unlikely. No, the only thing of I can think of is a potion of some form. But I've never heard of a potion having this effect. But to detect anything I'd need to take very recent blood samples from all four of them. However, if it were indeed such a potion, the effects would tend to be permanent. Like the one Regina took to make herself barren.
"So that's it? There's nothing we can do? I have to sit back and watch my parents' and grandparents' marriages destroy themselves, before my eyes?"
"I'm afraid so," That's when Rumple spotted the dream catcher Henry had brought over from Emma's house. "Although, it's possible that using this, I may be able to access the Saviour's memories? That may at least give us a clue."
~oOo~